Acumen Nation is another band in the long list of new signings to Crash Music, they seem to be snatching any and everybody up these days! When it comes to A.N., I'd say the label is justified in signing them. Although I don't know much about Industrial music, Anticore is a fifteen track slab of ear trickery with some candy thrown in for good measure. Of course it's not my brand, but I'm not totally opposed to listening to it and I'm surprised. I never go for music of this nature but A.N. uses just the right amount of technique through hardcore/breakbeats and relentless guitar riffs, often using minor chords to make it all the more strange and unusual. I'm also taken by the technical abilities of the musicians in this band, I normally dismiss anything with programming and what not, because it's computer animated, but given all the breakdowns and start/stops in this cd, I have to tip my hat to the intelligence used in creating such an extravagant piece.

In comparison to bands I've previously heard or listened to on more than one occasion, I think it safe to say that A.N. will suit up well with fans of Orgy, Static-X and maybe the closet Dope Fan. Highlights off the disc are "Tools In The Bloodshed", "Jesus Loves You", "Message From The Grave" and "The Blind Pig". Acumen Nation's Anticore isn't for your average Metal fan. In order to enjoy and understand what we have here, you must have a distinct and diverse taste.