The Fifth Column

Whew!:
Seething from the blackened underbelly of the electro-industrial-rock world cums the two most prominent acts on the independent Crack Nation label, Acumen Nation and Dj? Acucrack. These groups are tightly interwoven (and incestuous) by sharing the same recording label, similar project monikers as well being manned by that dastardly duo J. Novak and J. Duffy. DJ? Acucrack is the wallop-packing techno-electronica project that stylistically lies somewhere between the digital mayhem of Atari Teenage Riot and the disco groove of The Crystal Method. Without suffering a dreadful predictability, our heros Novak and Duffy disgorge a gamut of synthetic music from their most private regions that entertains, excites and even annoys. It should come as no surprise to fans of Acumen Nation (once known only as Acumen) that this stuff is exciting, really exciting, but the `Nation is where the real power is. The 5ifth Column is their first release in 5 years and they've been busy. They've done their homework and have crafted some incredible numbers. This A.C. release is a pile-driving fusion of ear-splitting guitar grinding, convulsing synths, and power-bomb drumming. Sonically it's simply abusive but amidst all this is a near British-like pop sensibility that lends itself splendidly to some grand hooks and melodies within their musical cacophony. The downside? The cover art reminds me of a crappy album I once had as a child. By: Christopher Curry

The best from the best:
In my opinion, the best album from acumen. Knowing this, parasite, margasuck, bastard... are probably the best songs i've ever heard. If you like ANY album from acumen and still don't have this album... what are you waiting for? And if you don't like acumen, get it anyway! A powerful album, and a must-have for everyone !!

Their best performance!:
Acumen Nation brings to the table their best performance. The 5ifth Column is unequivocably their most talented and artistic album yet. Along the same lines as guitar-driven industrial acts like Pitchshifter, Gravity Kills, and NIN, Acumen Nation combines riveting guitar riffs with heavy beats, pulsating synth/techno rhythms and incredible melodic vocals on top. The vocals are very present, unlike other acts which bury them or distort them to the point where you can't understand the lyrics. And unlike some other acts, where lyrics are secondary, Acumen brings excellent compositions with lyrics that will leave you contemplating and wanting more. Dynamic arrangements throughout, their songs are not the straight beat with guitar and vocals on top packaged-deal. The band seeems to thrive on variety, and it shows. All their songs are very different, but still have the Acumen cohesiveness that is hard to describe. Superb from start to finish. An album that will go down in my history page as one of the best industrial acts of the time...right up there with industrial pioneers like Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, and Ministry.

Not much of an improvement:
If you really like Acumen for Territory=Universe and Transmissions From Eville, then you might be slightly disappointed with this release. The songs on this album dont have the same organic crunch they used to have on songs like Queener and Gun Lover. This album seems to adopt a heavier techno theme which is okay sometimes but it makes this album way less varied then even More Human Heart, and thats a good record. The song titles and lyrics got cheesier too(Margasuck?). Bottom line: This album is pretty bland and not essential...skip this and their lastest one Lord of The Cynics b/c it is even worse. Hopefully their next one Anticore will be good but who knows. If you want good Acumen stick to Territory and Transmissions. Also get Iron Lung Corp cds b/c they are an Acumen/Clay People side project and they kick ass. Have fun.

Good, good, and good...:
I believe this album has no fillers. One of the best albums I've ordered from Underground Inc. Great melodic industrial rock. This is what makes their sound catchy. You won't get tired of hearing this cd on repeat! Most of the people here already said the best points about them, so what more is there to say? My first Acumen Nation cd, which hopefully there will be another.