Vehement Caress is a long-standing Boston-based purveyor of pummeling power electronics and droning death industrial. He creates noises that are rich, heavy, and powerful using a plethora of electronics and his own deranged, cathartic vocalizations. Despite a deep catalog of releases over the past decade, the recently released eight-song Frailty is his first full-length foray.

The cassette, which is the 20th release by the excellent Divergent Series, is lush and occasionally surprisingly melodic, while sacrificing none of the punishing relentlessness which has characterized Vehement Caress’ live shows and earlier releases. Some tracks actually show considerable restraint, letting synth drones and lumbering rhythmic noises slowly build in intensity and occasionally (un)settle into stark, inhospitable plateaus.

The messages Frailty imparts are appropriately bitter and misanthropic, extolling and even encouraging the inevitable collapse of modern civilization. It’s a soundtrack for the breakdown of society, and a damn convincing one at that.

Frailty is available immediately as a digital album and limited edition cassette from Divergent Series. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Vehement Caress live on October 9th at Deep Thoughts with Babelfishh, Of the Earth and Sun and fellow Divergent Series artist FRKSE.