Before you start this review, beware. If you think a band should always consist of guitar, bass, drums and a vocalist you can stop reading now and find something useful to do with your time.

Good. Still here? Yes, Atomsmasher is not for those faint at heart nor do they suit the word `conservative`. Experimental in almost every possible way, Atomsmasher consists of James Plotkin who should be known to you for his amazing albums as well as his band Namanax and his work with Mick Harris; then there`s DJ Speedranch, who has already been in the spotlights this year for his wicked Venetian Snares vs Speedranch album, and rounding up the line-up is drummer Dave Witte (Discordance Axis, Burnt By The Sun). A killer line-up, but are they able to create an album that is worthy of their names?

Atomsmasher`s selftitled album is, quite bluntly put, a noisy slab of sheer insanity. For those familiar with the Venetian Snares vs Speedranch thingie, this is basically the same but with the drum&bass ripped out and metal riffing and drumming put in its place. Distorted and mutated hyperfast drumming serve as the background for lazy guitars and weird samples. During the 11-song, ..-minute wildride carrying titles like "Phantom Smasher", "Very Much Want Head Return" and "Pokemon Gangbang" you might recognize elements from, for instance, Merzbow (and the general power electronics scene), Discordance Axis (and the entire grind-noisecore scene) and even some punk aspects (rhythmically).

The most obvious influence however, and in my opinion the best comparison for this work, would be John Zorn. Atomsmasher is an electronic version of Naked City in every aspect - well, ok, without Yamatzuka`s crazy vocals, but still...

My only complaint, how minor it may be, is that even though the album is supposed to be chaotic, it lacks a little too much coherency. Some of the crazy parts last too short, while other less-interesting parts last too long, making the entire ride a little bit unbalanced. Then again, if you listen to this kind of music anyway you probably won`t care too much about that: you`ll be pleased to notice Atomsmasher is the best way to scare neighbours, parents or unwanted visitors out of your house instantly!

I once read a book. It was described as "In your face, down your trousers and up your arse like a shit-eating rabbit on speed". Believe me, it fully applies to Atomsmasher - regardless of what your mummy and daddy might say.