Mortal

Description

The self-titled, fourth studio album by the American industrial band Mortal was released on 5 Minute Walk Records/Xhan Records in 1996, distributed by Diamante Distribution. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Mark Rodriguez with Rodriguez and band members Jerome Fontamillas and Jyro Xhan (Jeff Lavilla) producing.

The Mortal men have worn a lot of hats in their relatively brief (about five years) recording history. Although this is only the fourth full-length release from the proto-industrial/pop band, it has also done a couple of turns around the dance floor as techno-entity Jyradelix; in addition, various members also contributed to projects such as Mindbenders and Raving Loonatics. So, while it’s hard to buy the PR description of this as a “return to the classic Mortal sound,” this disc displays the best job Jyro and Jerome (along with long-time collaborator Mark Rodriguez) have done in balancing their divergent influences. Mortal taps into various sources, ranging from aggressive near-metal to industrial-edged hard rock to Beatle-esque pop. The tensile strength of the group’s music meshes perfectly with provocative lyrics like “Perfect, still and in constant motion,” “There’s so much promise in such a little sin/ I want to be wholly holy,” “If there’s a way leading straight to You/ I’d be the first man to take it and run” and “I’ve touched the wings of empty bliss/ I’ve tasted poison in her kiss.” Since the trio is now calling itself Fold Zandura and shifting its musical focus ever-so-slightly again, this may indeed be the final hurrah from Mortal. If so, it’s a hearty shout. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1996]

CD tracklist:

01. Mission – 5:35
02. Kingflux – 3:08
03. Overmind – 4:15
04. Anything – 4:34
05. Scalawag – 4:13
06. Mighty Force – 5:15
07. Fray Lagoon – 3:42
08. Rail, Road – 4:10
09. Run (Atmostrange) – 4:21
10. Streamrunner – 5:40

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by 5 Minute Walk Records.