Venus Ex Machina's 'Jericho' Blends Industrial Sound with Processed Vocals
Venus Ex Machina's new track 'Jericho' is an industrial piece that foregrounds vocals twisted to resemble Gregorian chant. The song explores themes of insomnia and lost love, with a foreboding atmosphere. It is her first solo release since 2022, continuing her dark ambient and post-industrial style.
Venus Ex Machina, an Edinburgh-born artist based in London, has built her catalog primarily on instrumental compositions rooted in dark ambient and post-industrial techno. Her storytelling emerges through abrasive textures rather than conventional narrative, painting bleak, post-apocalyptic imagery where the human voice functions as one more sonic element. "Jericho" marks a notable departure by pushing vocals to the forefront, though they are heavily altered to resemble a mechanized interpretation of Gregorian chant.
The track, released on the AD 93 label, represents her first solo output in four years. Lyrically, it addresses an insomniac haunted by a failed relationship, with the final verse delivering a warning about siege and descent before dissolving into an extended wail—suggesting the futility of seeking rest as dawn approaches.
This release could resonate with listeners drawn to experimental electronic music who appreciate vocal manipulation and atmospheric dread. It may also appeal to those processing grief or sleeplessness, offering a sonic mirror for such states. As her first solo work in years, it could re-establish her presence in the post-industrial scene, potentially influencing peers exploring similar fusions of sacred vocal traditions with mechanized production.