Although Minethorn labels itself as an industrial metal band, I reckon it would better be described as a black metal band with some prominent death metal influences and maybe some industrial twists. This British band is a side-project of guitarist Brooke Johnson and Junk Hive Noir is their debut album.

Junk Hive Noir has a very raw edge, although the production is pretty clean. It’s always good to hear a band maintaining their rough attitude, but yet put a lot of effort in the quality of the release. When listening to the album, I recognize that Minethorn gently shifts from a sinister kind of black metal, via a more doom like sound during 'Consumer' towards a more and more death metal orientated 'Volvox'.

The album is surprisingly varied, yet I don’t seem to get into the flow. It might just be because of the death metal aggressiveness, because overall Junk Hive Noir has some nice aspects with the addition of the synthesizer. I guess if you like the combination of Red Harvest and Kraftwerk, this is the album for you and you should definitely check it out.