As any fan of modern metal is aware, the evolution of heavy/extreme music has led to the creation of so many genres and sub-genres that describing a band's sound can be a very difficult task. In their own words, Norway's RED HARVEST play 'Apocalyptic Industrial Paranoia Metal', a twisted blend of heavy metal styles that incorporates elements of electronica, noise, and industrial. The resulting tracks on new album Internal Punishment Programs aren’t revolutionary, but will appeal to those who like heavy music with a futuristic, mechanical edge.

Internal Punishment Programs is the follow-up to 2002’s Sick Transit Gloria Mundi, an album that was well received by fans and the music press alike. The latest effort was recorded in Fredrik Nordstrom’s Studio Fredman and the resulting clean, powerful production, (done by the band themselves!) is very appropriate for the industrially-tinged metal that RED HARVEST play. Even when there is a lot going on, none of the instruments get lost in the mix and Ofu Kahn’s vocals sound great, drifting between haunting semi-whispers, distorted screams and macabre black metal growls.

In mixing a number of styles, RED HARVEST do well to produce a sound that is ultimately greater than the sum of it’s parts. Some tracks are almost pure guitar-driven heavy metal, for example opener Anatomy Of The Unknown, which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Susperia or Hypocrisy album. Other tracks blur the lines a little more. Mekanizm and Wormz both feature repetitious, industrial riffing in the tradition of Ministry, (albeit heavier) and things slow down to doom-metal pace for the title track and the excellent 8-minute epic Symbol Of Decay.

Unique on the album are Abstract Morality Junction and 4-4-1-8, two electronic tracks produced by Lrz who handles the band’s synth and programming duties. The former track features 80’s style synth drums overlayed with keyboards and some sinister vocals that seem to refer to Stephen King’s „IT“, („We all float down here...“). It sounds very different to the rest of the material on the album and is a track that you’re likely to love or loathe. 4-4-1-8 is a bleak, slow, futuristic instrumental that conjures images of a dark industrial future, (think of the „Aliens“ movies) and fits well with the mood of the album.

With Internal Punishment Programs, RED HARVEST have delivered a bleak, foreboding album that mixes the heavier sides of metal and industrial to create a brooding bastard child. This album won’t appeal to everyone, but fans of bands like Rammstein, Fear Factory or Ministry looking for something a bit darker and heavier might find what they’re looking for, and those who like their metal with an industrial edge should also definitely check out Internal Punishment Programs. If you’re already a RED HARVEST fan, you probably don’t need me to tell you to buy this one – you certainly won’t be disappointed.