After parting ways with TVT Records and remaining unsigned for a short period of time, Gravity Kills have now returned with a new label in the form of Sanctuary and this, their new album, "Superstarved". Not too far off from their previous works though, this effort is still easily describable as an amalgamation of the likes of NIN, Filter and older Stabbing Westward, all packaged in a driving, commercially oriented brand of pulsing modern electro metal.

With angst ridden screams that can at times resemble NIN mastermind Trent Reznor, the bands vocal approach is spiked with aggression as abrasive words lead the charge and give way to introspective melodies and catchy hooks. Guitar wise, the effort is expectedly distorted and disjointed, heavily utilizing a start and stop timing which compliments the bands pulsing electronic undercarriage. Antagonistic and yet easily digested, the crunchy riffs and industrial tinged harmonies on display here, sound fitting and add greatly to the bands energy. Meanwhile, gritty bass lines cement the mix, stitching the tracks together with their determined plods and thick winding slides, while punchy percussion and throbbing electronic noise give the material a jagged, yet hungry electronic edge.

Overall this offering is well executed and manages to firmly hold the listeners attention through its wealth of slick progressions and nearly nonstop thrusts. Guided by sharp riffs and winding bass lines, the band continually punch forward as organic percussion melds with programmed beats and atmospheric noises to construct a hook laden display of pounding modern electronic based metal. That said however, little surprise is offered up as a result, making a fair share of the album quite predictable more often than not. The songs tend to be arranged in such a fiercely straight ahead fashion that even though the band show their influences by throwing in a cover of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus", it is sadly not enough to really surprise the listener or inject any startling diversity into the effort. This isn't to say that the material is poorly written though, as the tracks are finely constructed and definitely possess a distinct commercial flair. Instead, perhaps what hinders this album the most is its lack of experimental textures and song structures that many of their peers have been able to pull off so well. With this being the case, "Superstarved" feels like an album that although is a bit lacking on depth, still accomplishes its task of laying down a wealth of sleekly crafted, albeit somewhat uninspiring electro tinged modern metal. Perhaps a great album for fans new to the genre as it throws little curves, but long time listeners of the style will likely want more expansive risk than what is offered up here.