Chris Vrenna is a God. That’s not an understatement. The man just is. If you look to the resurgence of industrial in the mid-90’s, Vrenna was smack dab in the middle of it. Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, you name it, the man was there. Towards the end of that period, tweaker was birthed. It was this quirky, electronic project that spawned two well received albums with an ever evolving cast of contributors with, you guessed it, Vrenna smack dab in the center. Think of tweaker as Vrenna’s version of Martin Atkins’ Pigface.
Luckily, a new generation of industrial and electronic fans are about to be blessed as Vrenna has resurrected tweaker with Call The Time Eternity, their third album and first in over eight years. It’s still the dark disturbing little monster it used to be but better and more focused. “Ponygrinder” refreshes listeners memories as to what Vrenna and co. are capable of but it’s not until “Nothing At All” begins with vocals from Jack Off Jill’s Jessicka Addams that the album really takes shape.
From there, Call The Time Eternity continues on a path of perfect sonic bliss. “A Bit Longer Than Usual” is this sinister instrumental that is just as potent as anything that has vocals here. “Areas Of The Brain” is easily something that could’ve fit on The Downward Spiral while “Grounded” (With vocals from kaRIN) is this mystical slab of electro-organic beauty. “This Is Ridiculous” speeds up the tempo with solid Vrenna beats and leads into a cover of Phil Collins “I Don’t Care Anymore” which really sees Vrenna let loose. This one in particular is even moodier than the original and destined to show up in a trailer in the near future. Guaranteed.
As a whole, Call The Time Eternity could not be anymore perfect. It was a long wait but totally worth it. Welcome back, tweaker. Call The Time Eternity is out on October 23rd through Metropolis Records. Listen to samples and pre-order here.
Grade: A