Thought Industry ~ USA ~ Michigan

Songs for Insects (1992)

Recently I mentioned that Coroner could very well be my favorite metal band of all time. Songs for Insects is in the running for my all-time favorite metal album. I've referred to this album often in these pages, usually when complimenting a band on their inventiveness, drawing comparisons back to Songs for Insects. Kalamazoo's Thought Industry seemingly came out of nowhere, and rewrote the book on the possibilities of thrash and progressive metal. It proved to be too much for the general public, however, and the album more or less disappeared into the ether. Even today, it's not much more than a cult favorite, but with only a very small, but loyal, audience. Their second album was much heavier, though not near as creative in my mind (though it rates higher in metal forums). I removed it from the collection, but still have the CD here, so maybe I'll try one more time. After that, they switched gears entirely and became an alt-rock band. And not a very good one at that, though I probably wouldn't know what a good alternative rock band sounds like anyway.

Though it appears the last time I heard the album was when I bought it upon release, that's only because I have no documented listens since 2004. But I heard this album a lot throughout the 90s. It was one of my adrenaline go-to's, and certain tracks I'd hear over and over. But it's true, it really has been over 20 years since I last heard it in full. So I'm curious if it holds court as a top level metal album, or if it's lost its lustre. Let's dive in.

The album actually starts off like a more traditional thrash album, albeit with technical complexities. A little bit like Wrathchild America. The crunchy guitar tone is perfect and I really appreciate the vocal style. He doesn't shriek or growl, but rather he sings. What a concept. It's the title track where things get weird. I mean really weird. You can pretty much tell if Songs for Insects is going to be for you right here. The music is all over the place and rapidly changes tempos. It's about as progressive as it can possibly get, including traditional prog rock. Imagine Gabriel-era Genesis mixing it up with Watchtower. Get your mind around that one for a minute. The vocals are at once soft and harmonious, and at others they're processed like a beast. But nothing like death metal, more like a 70s type effect. And the lyrics draw inspiration from the cover. Daliesque indeed. You probably should hit pause here and take a few breaths. It's an overwhelming track.

You could parse one track a day, and pull something different each time from it. For any other band, every one of these songs would be the highlight of the album. Here they get lost in the mix and it's a lot for the brain to distill. It's only because I know the album so well, I can anticipate where the music is heading, and recall the peak moments. And there are so many peak moments. Track 5 provides the necessary acoustic break in the action, though no less progressive. 6) is the perfect energetic setup for...

7) 'The Chalice Vermillion'. As if the title track wasn't enough, Thought Industry had one more incredible composition in their suitcase. It's just as insane, but with even more ideas per second. It's crisply executed too. I could make an argument that this is also one of the greatest metal songs ever made. What on earth was going through the minds of this group when they composed these numbers? They defy all sorts of convention. Tales from Topographic Melting Clocks I'd submit. Hi King Crimson, meet Death Angel. Surreal as it gets.

After that roller coaster ride, we still have three tracks and 23 minutes to go. And it's not like they eased off the gas. 8)-10) are just as progressive, in some cases pure prog rock versus metal. These three would have made an excellent EP, released separately. It's easier to digest that way.

You'll notice that every review of this album is very different from each other. Everyone has their filters, and this album manages to obliterate those in ways none of us truly understand. But what it should tell you, my dear reader, is that you will be in for a unique experience. And it will be all your own.

One other thing - this should be the last album in your listening session. Nothing else will sound the same. Tomorrow is another day, and all will be back to normal.

Ownership: 1992 Metal Blade (CD). Booklet with small print lyrics, recording details, and a band photo.

Also have Mods Carve the Pig.

1992 (acquired); 12/8/25 (review)