Filter's 1995 hit "Hey Man, Nice Shot" was a timely combination of grunge heat and industrial ice, raw emotion riding a steel pulse of digital rhythm. The breakout moment on Filter's otherwise unremarkable debut album, Short Bus, "Shot" raised a ruckus when it was widely - and, according to Filter, incorrectly - interpreted as a sardonic tribute to Kurt Cobain. But no matter what it was about, the single was significant as much for its sonics as for its disturbing imagery. Filter singer-guitarist Richard Patrick understands that the initial groundbreaking beauty of industrial rock, at least as tattooed into the underground consciousness by Ministry's and the NIN, was how it enthusiastically embraced ugliness.

As an alumnus of Reznor's touring band Patrick can't escape their influence. But whereas Ministry's Al Jourgensen does everything he can to mangle his natural voice, Patrick is clearly enamored with the soul-baring wail of Cobain. Patrick is the most expressive and daring of the new industrial rockers, the most willing to expose the vulnerability that lurks behind the jackboots and black leather trench coat. Unfortunately, Patrick tends to focus on the downward side of his spiral, and his lyrics never stray far from the self-pity motel. Most of the songs are psychic razor blades dissecting failed love affairs, with the singer starting off the album on a booze-and-pills bender and ending it on his knees, begging for a second chance. Once Patrick gets over what's-her-name, though, there's no telling where he might go.