While Trent Reznor's sexually charged, pin-up image helped advance Nine Inch Nails, and Al Jourgensen's vision changed Ministry from new-wave deviants into heavy-metal monsters, Front Line Assembly's Bill Leeb has remained completely monogamous to the post-apocalyptic electronics, mechanized rhythms and dramatic vocal exorcisms that have always epitomized dance-oriented industrial music. This dedication to form has kept FLA away from the kind of mainstream success achieved by many of its mid-'80s cohorts. Still, Implode is an intense, edgy journey through a sinister, electronically manipulated maelstrom of demonic sound. Haunting melodies clash with chaotic soundscapes, gravelly vocals combat chunky guitar riffs, and breakbeats do battle with sub-bass lines. While it's obvious that FLA recognizes the advancements made by other genres of electronic music, the band continues to assimilate outside influences without straying from its chosen path.
