In the mid 1990’s America was hit by the first wave of the nu-metal revolution, with bands such as Korn and Deftones forcing their way into the mainstream. The second wave followed soon after, spawning several more or less successful groups wanting to forever change the face of heavy music. While some succeeded, most were eventually sentenced to oblivion. From all those bands who prevailed, My Ruin led by charismatic Tairrie B., is probably the most uncompromising one. Opposite to weak songwriting, unimaginative riffs and jolly sing-a-long choruses, this group delivered genuine heaviness and brutality, backed by a powerful message which would generate real untamed emotions. These exclusive re-releases of My Ruin’s first two albums will take you on a an unforgettable journey through the dark and twisted corners of the human soul…
“Speak and Destroy”
The LP was released in 1999, immediately gaining world-wide attention, with most success noted in the United Kingdom. Showcasing a truly significant style, “Speak and Destroy” delivered a powerful combination of modern heavy metal with a variety of vocals, from spoken word and rapping to violent, merciless screaming. The album’s industrial edge helped the overall sound balance between hardcore riffing and psychedelic melodies. But the thing that made “Speak and Destroy” such a remarkable release was the lyrical content. Tairrie focused on the darkest and most painful aspects of her life, producing some of the most personal and thought-provoking lyrics in the history of heavy music. “Horrible Pain (Within My Heart)” reveals the duality of human nature, describing a demonic figure that’s both frightening and fascinating. “Absolution” is a testimony of pain and suffering caused by the loved one, ending with a violent promise of revenge. “Cosmetic” criticizes the sacrifice of inner beauty in the name of shallow appearance. “Blasphemous Girl” is a brutally honest self-analysis accompanied by chugging guitar sounds comparable to early Soungarden or Hole. “Terror”, a frightening monologue, reveals Tairrie’s strength as a woman and in the following lines gives away the source of the group’s name: “Because nobody is going to ruin me, if I have to I will ruin myself.. And it will be My Ruin”. The lyrics incorporate various references to the Bible (especially to the Book of Revelations), questioning the importance of religion and existence of God, but also focusing on more earthly matters, such as sex or sexism vs. feminism. One of the most surprising tracks on the album is the cover version of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” – for many fans superior not only to the original, but also to Marilyn Manson’s interpretation.
“A Pray Under Pressure Of Violent Anguish”
Released on September 18th, 2000, the album was best described by Tairrie herself during an interview for Barcode webzine in 2001: “With A Prayer Under Pressure we give you the antithesis to the rap-rock Limp Bizkit generation of desensitized, copycat, transparent bands being shoved down America's throat”. Co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Danzig), the LP included fourteen tracks of material which out-weighed My Ruin’s debut offering in every way. The band introduced an immensely heavier sound, lowering the guitar tone and decreasing the amount of spoken/recited vocals in favor of full-on, gut-wrenching screaming. At the same time the music gained a lot of diversity, thanks to Mick’s stoner-influenced style of playing. Lyrically, Tairrie ventured further into the dark side, broadening her horizons with careful studies of social issues. “Sanctuary” stands out as a reality check for “true” believers, exposing the frailty of their faith. “Letter To The Editor” deals with dishonesty among members of the music press. “Beauty Fiend” and “Stick It To Me” both criticize the shallow Hollywood style of life, which ultimately leads to self-destruction. The album also features a guest performance by Jessicka of Jack Off Jill on “Miss Anne Thrope”, as well as two brilliant cover versions of “Do You Love Me” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and “My War” by Black Flag.
Metal Mind Productions will re-release both albums on 2nd November in a new digipak edition, each limited to 1000 copies. Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on a golden disc.
My Ruin
“Speak and Destroy” (remastered)
Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1355 DG
Barcode: 5907785035836
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 1000 numerated copies)
Genre: hard rock
Release date: 02.11.2009
Tracklist:
1. Prologue
2. Terror
3. Preacher
4. Tainted Love (Remix)
5. Blasphemous Girl
6. Close Your Eyes
7. Absolution
8. Horrible Pain (Within My Heart)
9. Fever
10. Sick With It
11. My Beautiful Flower
12. Diavolina
13. June 10th
14. Masochrist
15. Cosmetic
16. Sycophant
17. Epilogue
My Ruin
“A Pray Under Pressure Of Violent Anguish” (remastered)
Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1354 DG
Barcode: 5907785035829
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 1000 numerated copies)
Genre: hard rock
Release date: 02.11.2009
Tracklist:
1. Morning Prayer
2. Beauty Fiend
3. Stick It To Me
4. Heartsick
5. Rockstar
6. Sanctuary
7. Miss Ann Thrope
8. Hemorrhage
9. Letter To The editor
10. Let It Rain
11. Post Noise Revolution
12. Do You Love Me
13. Evening Prayer
14. Untitled Hidden Track
Metal Mind Productions - Promo Dept.
POLAND