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Mark Wise’s new EP, Satisfaction, isn’t for the faint of heart. Bringing an unapologetic fury to the electronic dance scene, this New Jersey DJ and producer slams down a blend of hard-hitting techno, metal-inspired guitars, and bombastic industrial beats that practically grab you by the throat. Known for fusing genres that typically keep their distance, Wise has managed to capture an essence of pure, chaotic energy, dialing up aggression without losing the infectious grooves that make his work impossible to ignore.
Wise’s background as a percussionist shines here—Satisfaction pulses with a rhythm that feels as visceral as it is danceable. He grew up a lover of rock music, but discovered over time that he could intertwine the relentless power of heavy metal with the hypnotic drive of techno. And boy, does he prove that these worlds were meant to collide. The EP’s title track, “Satisfaction,” is perhaps Wise’s strongest testament to this realization. It takes Benny Benassi’s iconic anthem and transforms it into something altogether meaner and darker, while still paying homage to its dance roots.
In “Satisfaction,” Wise’s muscled-up beat and relentless energy push the listener to the edge. The track launches straight into a vortex of bass and hammering drums, complemented by growling guitars that roar through the mix. It’s a mosh pit in a nightclub, a collision of genres that brings out the best of both worlds without ever compromising on power. Yet for all its intensity, the track feels like it could have benefited from a touch more nuance. Wise’s relentless assault might be thrilling, but it can border on overwhelming, leaving the listener craving a brief breath amid the onslaught.
Then comes “Dark Angels,” an original track that goes even heavier. Teaming up with Danicide of Noisecide, Wise leans deeper into the industrial, channeling the kind of raw energy seen in pioneers like KMFDM. “Dark Angels” lures us in with a creeping intro before unleashing a barrage of screams and guitar riffs, filling the space with an almost eerie energy. Danicide’s guttural vocals and ominous, grinding riffs are a welcome shift from the adrenaline spike of “Satisfaction,” offering a darker and more sinister vibe that feels both haunting and addictive. But where “Satisfaction” felt like a full-on rave, “Dark Angels” feels more like a descent into something darker—one that leaves a lasting mark.
Wise calls Satisfaction “absolutely fucking mental,” and he’s not wrong. It’s a daring mix of genres that feels like it’s blazing its own path. And though the EP might not be for everyone, its fearless fusion of metal, techno, and industrial is bound to find a passionate following. What Wise delivers here isn’t merely aggressive for aggression’s sake; it’s a finely tuned chaos meant to unleash its full power on the dance floor.
Is Satisfaction perfect? Maybe not. At times, the EP could use a few more shifts in dynamics to give listeners a moment of reprieve, especially for those looking for layers amid the bombast. But for fans of industrial dance and metal, Wise’s work here is a thrilling ride—one that will have fans eagerly waiting to see where his next collision course takes them.
Jennifer Munoz
