Numb Albums (7)
'Hard Times: Obsolete Edition'
Release Date 12/30/2004
Tracks 19
Label Reapalife Multimedia
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'Language of Silence'
Release Date 11/24/1998
Tracks 10
Label Metropolis
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What The Critics Say
After Numb released Blood Merdian, there appeared to be few directions this act could grow besides evolving into power electronics and noise. With Language of Silence, Numb have proved that sometimes the best way forward is not to push through, but instead to cut back. The main difference between the two releases is that Language of Silence is a much tighter, refined collection. Synth sounds have been sharpened without losing any of their viciousness, while melodies have matured, forming a new blend that allows the complexities to show through in a way they have not in previous Numb releases. Where Blood Meridian was largely aggression, Language of Silence proceeds with a more quietly sinister quality, obvious in the delicately tortured feel of tracks such as "Deviation." "No Remorse" shows that restraint and using fewer, fuller sounds can be a binding way to build and release tension. Suspense and its release is a theme for Language of Silence, as tracks flow well into each other, and elements take their time in building up to a paced crescendo of falling bass and broken dance beats (as they do in "Closer"). This effect is heightened by the build up by tracks that flirt with orchestral elements ("Illuminated Rounds," "Defiler"). On the whole, this release balances well between high energy, more reflective moments, and on rarer occasions, pure breakdown and noise. Each of the tracks on Language of Silence stand well on their own, but every track has its place in achieving a larger feeling. This places it in a slightly different category from some of the releases by Numb's contemporaries such as Suicide Commando. Language of Silence is not 60 minutes of hard electro aggression, but instead something that has a rather different goal -- and achieves it. ~ Theo Kavadias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With its periodic stabs of metallic guitars, Numb's 1987 self-titled debut album is strongly reminiscent of two other bands who share their hometown, Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Numb has provided industrial fans with many hard-edged tracks, but Blood Meridian sports a harsher electronic sound than anything they have done before. The sounds may be reminiscent of other hard electro acts, such as Front Line Assembly or Suicide Commando, but the sounds are noisier and the distortion has been increased to provide an energetic fusion of aggressive electronica and dynamic melody. It is this blend that sets Blood Meridian from other trademark harsh electro bands such as Wumpscut or later Leather Strip. Blood Meridian is relentless, but does not stagnate. "Blind" and "No Time" keep the dance beat moving over electro melodies that have claws, where the title track sets a contrast with distant feedbacks over a paced and measured tempo. For the most part, tracks are driven, to a point that makes Blood Meridian impossible for passive listening, a testament to its intensity. Listeners seeking smooth EBM should look elsewhere; while this album at times sports these elements, it is not that kind of release. What it is, however, is one of the most aggressively powerful electro releases from that year, with enough complexity to keep fans coming back for more. ~ Theo Kavadias, All Music Guide
'Death on the Installment Plan'
Release Date 7/19/1993
Tracks 12
Label Reconstriction
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