Stabbing Westward

Stabbing Westward have always had a mix of industrial overtones and crashing power chords at their disposal, but their self-titled fourth album focuses on their melodic side. Opting for less electronic coloring this time out, they lean in a modern-rock direction that's balanced against their signature dark, haunting style; here, songs that start off heavy and gloomy swell into catchy choruses. The hypnotic "So Far Away" has a psychedelic edge while "Perfect" serves up acoustic guitars and layered harmonies. "I Remember" and "Happy," while lyrically reflective, ultimately come across as airy, upbeat rockers. The compelling, downright disturbing closer, "Television," takes an ambient route. But elements of their earlier sound remain in the likes of "Wasted," "High," and "The Only Thing." Ultimately, Stabbing Westward is the kind of album that strikes a neat balance between keeping old fans happy while drawing in new partisans. --Gail Flug