Fiction 8 – The Bleak Disease (CD Album – Fiction 8)

Genre/Influences: Electro-wave, gothic. Background/Info: Texan formation Fiction 8 was mainly active during the 90s. The band driven by Michael Smith released some work on labels such as Discordia, Matrix Cube/Trinity, Nilaihah Records and Erisian Records. Both last albums were self-released. Content: I think I might say there are two parts running through this album. The first part is more electro-like, which is explained by the band as a go back to the roots, and a second part, which is more driven by guitar. Some songs have something dark and dreamy-like so it’s not a coincidence the sphere supporting this album is one of the most noticeable elements. Michael Smith’s unique timbre of voice remains another major aspect of the production while a few female backings inject a touch of grace. + + + : I never have been a huge admirer of Fiction 8, but I have  to admit the band has  kind of very personal sound DNA. That comes already through on the new work, which also appears to be a fully accomplished production made of styled songs. I can’t say to have a preference for the more electro-like cuts or the gothic-inspired ones. Both parts reveal several cool cuts. This is maybe one of the best works by Fiction 8! – – – : This album is maybe missing a hit, but that’s maybe the story of this band, which never really broke through. Conclusion: I’ve been positively surprised by “The Bleak Disease”, which is a personal- and even intimate work. Best songs: “We’ve Come To Destroy You”, “Change”, “Less Than Human”. Rate: (7½). Artist: www.fiction8.com / www.facebook.com/Fiction-8-135761239862  

About Fiction 8

Fiction 8 is the project of Michael Smith, active since the 1990s and releasing on labels including Discordia, Matrix Tube/Trinity, Nilaihah Records and Erisian Records. The debut album “Chaotica” arrived in 2000; after a seven-year silence, Smith self-released the comeback album “Dark Star Disarray” in 2015 with a lineup including Mardi ‘Paisli’ Jones, Heather Valey and David Devoe. “The Bleak Disease” followed as a new self-released album, discussed by Smith in a Click Interview with Side-Line around its release.

Smith later paired with Kimberly Kornmeier, of the project Bow Ever Down, to form The Bleak Assembly, a fully remote collaboration with Kornmeier recording from Kurdistan and Smith from Denver, Colorado. Both artists had previously recorded for Nilaihah Records in their respective projects before the duo formed in 2022; The Bleak Assembly released the album “Until The World Stops Hurting” in 2024.