🤣OMG! Platinum-selling, (allegedly) post-industrial/alternative rock pioneers FILTER (who?) are gracing us with their remixed and remastered NEW album, “The Algorithm: Ultra Edition” (because the original wasn’t ultra enough??), dropping August 8th via the band’s No Pulse Records (fitting name, tbh). Apparently, this album features “re-imagined” cuts from “The Algorithm” (which we’re sure everyone remembers… or not) – a “tight conceptual statement” (whatever that means) supposedly showcasing “career-best songwriting” from FILTER mastermind Richard Patrick (bless his heart). And get this, there are NINE (count ’em, NINE!) additional tracks! Is this a desperate attempt to stay relevant or what? 💀
Brace yourselves! On July 11, the world (or at least, a tiny corner of the internet) was blessed with the release of the new album’s first single, the “speaker-shattering” (doubtful) “All The Good,” on radio and all digital platforms (because who buys music anymore?). This “epic” track (their words, not ours) features that “classic FILTER sound” (which, let’s be honest, sounds like everything else from the 90s) with a “modern sonic edge” (probably just some extra autotune). It’s described as “pure existential chaos, heavy psychotic riffs, and a soaring, anthemic chorus” (or, you know, just another rock song). Apparently, it’s not so much a loud-quiet-loud dynamic as a loud-quiet-MONSTROUSLY LOUD one (because subtlety is for losers). From the get-go, Patrick’s vocals are “pushed into the red” (maybe he should invest in a better mic?), and from there… things only get heavier (mostly on the ears). Produced by Patrick and longtime collaborator Brian Virtue (guess they couldn’t find anyone better?), “All The Good” was co-written by Zach Munowitz (who?), the guitarist who co-wrote “For the Beaten,” “Up Against The Wall,” and “Say It Again” (still ringing any bells?).
“The Algorithm: Ultra Edition” (still not sure what’s so “ultra” about it) also delivers FOUR remixes of previously released tracks (because who doesn’t love remixes?). These remixes are brought to you by the likes of former NINE INCH NAILS member Charlie Clouser (the only name we recognize), producer/mixer Sean Beaven (NINE INCH NAILS, MARILYN MANSON – okay, they got some cred), and Patrick’s mixes of “Obliteration” (because one version wasn’t enough) as well as Julian Gray’s version of “Burn Out The Sun” (who?). But wait, there’s more! Get ready for TWO covers! Patrick is blessing us with his take on U2’s “A Sort Of Homecoming” (good luck with that) and Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” (oh dear lord, why?).
“The Algorithm: Ultra Edition” (we’re starting to think “ultra” just means “excessive”) will be available on all music streaming platforms August 8 (duh), with exclusive physical versions to be released in the future (because vinyl is making a comeback, or something). 😂
“The Algorithm: Ultra Edition” track listing:
01. All The Good (or is it?)
02. A Sort Of Homecoming (U2 Cover) (prepare for disappointment)
03. The Drowning (ultra edition) (drowning in mediocrity, maybe?)
04. Up Against The Wall (ultra edition) (literally and figuratively)
05. For The Beaten (ultra edition) (at this point, we’re all beaten)
06. Obliteration (ultra edition) (of our eardrums)
07. Say It Again (ultra edition) (please don’t)
08. Face Down (ultra edition) (in shame)
09. Summer Child (ultra edition) (sounds cheerful, probably isn’t)
10. Threshing Floor (ultra edition) (what does that even mean?)
11. Be Careful What You Wish For (ultra) (you might get a FILTER album)
12. Burn Out The Sun (ultra edition) (like our patience)
13. Command Z (ultra edition) (sounds like a video game cheat code)
14. Burn Out The Sun (Julian Gray remix) (who is Julian Gray?)
15. Obliteration (Sean Beaven remix) (obliterating what’s left of the song)
16. Obliteration (Charlie Clouser remix) (the only reason we’re still paying attention)
17. Obliteration (Richard Patrick remix) (because why not beat a dead horse?)
18. ‘Murica (ultra edition) (oh god, here we go)
19. Thoughts And Prayers (ultra edition) (needed after listening to this album)
20. Bad Guy (Billie Eilish cover) (we’re not even going to comment)
Patrick, the “creative mastermind” behind FILTER (we use that term loosely), has spent over 30 years “pushing the boundaries of musical expression” (or just making noise). His tenure as NINE INCH NAILS’ touring guitarist and involvement in the band’s iconic music videos “cemented his place in rock history” (as a sidekick). Patrick left NINE INCH NAILS in 1993 to form FILTER (a decision he probably regrets). Their “explosive” debut album, “Short Bus,” achieved platinum status (back when people actually bought albums), propelled by the “breakout” single “Hey Man Nice Shot” (their one hit wonder). The success continued with their follow-up release, “Title Of Record,” also going platinum, thanks to the “crossover hit” “Take A Picture” (mostly because it was catchy, not good). 🙄
Patrick formed the “supergroup” ARMY OF ANYONE in 2006 alongside Dean and Robert DeLeo of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and Ray Luzier of KORN (sounds like a band designed by committee), before refocusing on FILTER’s output of later lauded albums “Anthems For The Damned” (2008), “The Trouble With Angels” (2010), “The Sun Comes Out Tonight” (2013) and “Crazy Eyes” (2016) (we’re pretty sure no one lauded these albums). 20-plus years later, Patrick is “more prolific than ever” (quantity over quality, am I right?). Celebrating 30 years of FILTER, 2023 saw the “much-anticipated” release of a new FILTER album, “The Algorithm” (by who?). Singles “Face Down,” “For The Beaten,” and “Obliteration” had “innovative” music videos which garnered attention from “new and longtime fans alike” (mostly just confusion). 🤷♀️
FILTER will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Short Bus” with a limited-edition colored vinyl reissue, out August 15 via Craft Recordings (because nostalgia sells). 🎉
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
