The mastermind behind this project -obviously- is NeroArgento, who is probably best known for his work with industrial rock band The Silverblack or for his modelling career. With 'One Against All' he tries his hand at "hip" electronic music, including nineties techno to dubstep and turns it into songs. The result is something that sounds both industrial and mainstream. Yet, above all, this one is full of surprises.
When I have to look for references, acts like The Prodigy, Pendulum, Die Antwoord, Deadmau5, Nitzer Ebb, VNV Nation and Covenant come to mind, along with a bunch of eurodance projects here and there. Yet, there is room for guitars in some songs and the whole thing comes with pretty catchy choruses, highlighting in 'Liar' and 'Don't Touch Me When I'm Drunk'. Title track 'Songs Against All' is a weird hip-hop meets dubstep like tune but nonetheless a pretty decent piece of music.
Halfway through the album, the surprise-effect wears off and this album finally gets the chance to grow on the listener. Who that listener should be? Hell, I don't know. Maybe I'm afraid that this album will be too mainstream for the industrial electro scene and too bizarre for regular dance music fans. Then again, most of these songs are fun. Skinny Puppy meets Combichrist in 'On Your Own', which will get many people on the dance floor.
In all, this is quite a daring album but I guess strangers things have entered the mainstream of the music industry. so yes, I think this one can break a few grounds and get the act on many stages all over Europe and beyond. Personally, I definitely want to see this live, partially because I want to look at the faces of the people in the audience. I'm curious if they would be as surprised as I am...
​Serge