First emerging onto the music scene in the mid-’90s, Filter is a key player in translating Industrial Rock in the mainstream Rock world. Yes, of course, there is Nine Inch Nails (the band Filter’s mastermind Richard Patrick actually began with) and big names like Stabbing Westward (who broke big in ’98 with “Save Yourself”), but Filter is in a unique category. Why? Because they managed to crossover into mainstream Rock radio and tap into a fanbase much broader and expansive. You could argue that their first big break with ’95’s “Hey Man Nice Shot” was still a niche to a certain audience, but you cannot deny that the release of “Take a Picture” in ’99 was something much more appealing to not only Industrial or Hard Rock fans, but also Alternative, and even Pop fans. A sellout moment? Not at all, but it was one that proved that industrial-influenced music can break into the mainstream – this followed with other tracks off 1999’s Title of Record including “Welcome to the Fold” and “The Best Things.”
A feather that Filter can wear proudly in their cap, respectfully they have dipped and dived all over the spectrum of Alternative Hard Rock and harsher Industrial Rock in the decades to follow; just look at albums like 2002’s The Amalgamut (an overlooked gem) and 2016’s Crazy Eyes in contrast. You also have to consider the dedication and fortitude of Patrick in the last three decades. This is a man who took the leap of faith by leaving the comfort zone of being a guitarist in Nine Inch Nails, on a quest to mold his own musical vision, all while battling his own demons at various moments along the way. Still going strong and inspired to create something worthwhile, Patrick returns with Filter in 2023 with the new album The Algorithm.
The eighth overall Filter studio record, and first in seven long years, there were also many bumps in the road to get to the point. The story goes that Patrick actually began working on material back in 2018, and there was even a point where former Filter member Brian Liesegang joined in for collaboration. Unfortunately, there were various complications that resulted in the project being halted; although two songs emerged in 2020 which were “Murica” and “Thoughts and Prayers.” In addition, the original project was initially entitled Rebus, then rebranded They’ve Got Us Right Where They Want Us, at Each Other’s Throats, before being shelved completely. So, to be clear The Algorithm is sort of a completely separate entity, does not include any of the previously released singles from 2020, but still has components that went into the original sessions from a few years back.
This background laid out, The Algorithm’s release was preceded by the single “For the Beaten” in October of 2022, giving you a glimpse of what you might expect. A solid track, it possesses an energy that is pretty even throughout The Algorithm as a whole. Then the very catchy single “Face Down” was put out in May before the very retro Filter-sounding “Obliteration” in July. With these three singles making their way around the globe, The Algorithm finally dropped on August 25th through Golden Robot Records. While there seems to be a lot to process leading up to the record, when the dust clears, you have another solid entry into Filter’s discography.
Combining the best elements of Filter’s past, you get the harsh tones mixed in nicely with the lighter ones and it feels like a record that could fit in right next to 1995’s Short Bus or 1999’s Title of Record. Well-composed and executed, the highlights are robust and plentiful. In fact, the opener “The Drowning” could be one of the best Filter tracks ever recorded. Thereafter other bold moments include “Up Against the Wall,” “Say It Again,” very dark “Be Careful What You Wish For,” and “Burn Out the Sun” which earliest be seen as another mainstream hit for Filter.
All in all, The Algorithm is what Filter fans have waited for. Clearly created with care, the intent is fresh yet harks back to Filter’s best moments. Do not let AI decide what you listen to next, scramble ‘the algorithm,’ and take some initiative to buy this record! One of the best surprises of 2023, Cryptic Rock gives The Algorithm 5 out of 5 stars.
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