Phoenix, Mr. Hyde, Grinch, and Rezwok make up Cassandra Project, and put on a live show that will floor you.

First off, my sincerest apologies to the band for having to wait so long for this, my review of four guys that put on a show that blew my mind last Thursday night.

Cassandra Project is most certainly not typical Alienated.org faire, but for those of you who are tired of the happy-go-lucky, pop-rock, pussy-whipped world of the likes of N'Sync and Britney Spears, this is the band for you. (Disclaimer: These bands also are NOT typical alienated.org faire, so don't even think it).

Four guys, synthetic drums, ripping guitar melodies, intensely gruff vocals and one bad-ass mofacka of a keyboardist make up Cassandra Project, a heavy-industrial group that likes to take Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode (earlier albums; think Music for the Masses) and a few other choice melodic sounds and put one hell of a heavy twist on them. Now normally, a heavy industrial sound such as theirs grows tiresome very quickly, due to the repetitive nature of the sounds. Not true with this group, which had a new twist in their tune every 5 minutes or so, easily keeping even this ritalin junkie riveted for the entire show.

The band is comprised of:
Phoenix - lead guitar
Mr. Hyde - guitar/bass backing vocals
Rezwok - lead vocals/drums/programming
Grinch - keys.

Phoenix, lead guitarist for the band, was a definite necessity to maintain the constantly changing feel the guys did so well. I'd have to say my only gripe here is that there weren't more solos played, as the brief hint of one i got towards the end of the set showed much promise, only to be cut off after just a few bars.

Mr Hyde on bass guitar was a rock, keeping the set together with a solid rhythm that was very obviously the root of this group's ability to feed off each other and manage to stay together while doing it. Oh, and an interesting face mask put a dark twist on the live set. Kudos.

Rezwok, lead vox for the group, claimed technical malfunction with the electric drums, but as I have never been a fan of electronic drums, in my mind it was just as good, and the rhythm suffered very little, if at all, due to the mishap. Also, just as i was thinking up a polite way to ask what on earth he was screaming up there, Rezwok cut loose with a melodic vocal bit that completely blew me away. Hats off to you for keeping them guessing.

Finally, Grinch on keys. Reznor's got nothing on this guy, so all you mainstream goons proclaiming a trent wannabe can kiss the tip of that cigarette that never seemed to leave his mouth. Oh yes, Grinch is a mean one, with a style and sound that brought the group together with unparalleled clarity and focus. After only a modicum of a particular style, Grinch's intense sound would switch to a completely different genre with a flawless transition. Utterly amazing.

All in all, hats off to a group that will keep you guessing, and in a time of one bass line and melody supporting at least 50 different groups and songs, this is a refreshing change of pace. Be sure to hit this link and check out their song "This Machine," but if you get the chance, you should DEFINITELY go and see them live. Thanks for a great show guys.-tonality