The embodiment of dark, elemental industrial, Pi Greco and Magnadyne of Digitalis Purpurea have fused together several modern variations to produce a potent, synthesized shockwave.

            Even in the realm of Turin, Italy, where loyal fans are forever devoted to their local favorites, it is difficult for a band to find a suitable record label. In light of this, many musicians tour more than ever before, in addition to recording demos and EP’s with the hope of rattling the scene a bit.

            Digitalis Purpurea’s latest release, 19 Celebrations in 19 Mutilations, although similar in lyrical content to fellow artists T3chn0ph0b1a and others, holds tricks up its industrial sleeve with this same moving-and-shaking intent.

            The disc begins with much convention; not much can be expressed about the first track in the originality department. Its abrasive force is overpowering and leaves much to be desired.

             “Crittodream” and “Exile Monarch,” follow, complementary in the respect that the latter is a substantial improvement upon the former. Fortunately, this segment of the album thoroughly replenishes the initial void and affords necessary strength to the album.

            While “Crittodream” eclipses all the fundamental components of industrial music, including excessive background machinery and distorted guitars, the mixing could have certainly been clarified. Despite the fact that distinguishable vocals and a more pulsing beat would perfect it, the track becomes a promising prelude to the subsequent one.

            “Exile Monarch,” a significant amelioration upon its predecessor, employs metallic themes to form its niche in the album; the synths and drum programming also agree superbly with the track’s style. The lyrics boldly attack authority in conjunction with the music, one of the least violent but most effective outlets of today.

            With the fourth number drawing to a close, the listener is utterly blindsided by the following song’s intensity and relentless excitement.

            Said track becomes the indisputable gem of 19 Celebrations…An entire expression comprised of synthesizer bliss, “Misanthropic Hysteria” is a novel idea, providing refreshing variety considering Digitalis Purpurea’s creations aren’t primarily instrumental.

            This ingenious composition clearly exhibits industrial at its prime; it’s inherently creative to the point that it shatters any previously established standard for the genre. The brilliant phantasm concludes to make way for the final track, “Elena and Maria.”

            Giovanni Pascoli’s “Digitale Purpurea,” named for the notoriously poisonous purple foxglove, is a treasured Italian poem portraying a tale of love and loss. Adopting the title as the band’s moniker and the concept for a song released prior to 19 Celebrations…, “Elena & Maria” returns to the latest disc for an encore. Considering this, the sixth track becomes a savory memento from a past release, but still lies in the shadow of “Misanthropic Hysteria.”

            Part I of “Elena & Maria” depicts a lonely, heartsick female’s despair and desire to murder the source of the love she no longer shares. Her bitter lament carries this trilogy of tragedy into its second movement.

            A brief instrumental interlude, this middle phase serves as its namesake: an “accessory to a crime.”

            The third and final installment of “Elena & Maria” is most profound; its delicate synthesizer accompaniment becomes a touching accent as a solitary heartbeat reluctantly marches towards its looming mortality.

            Although an EP’s time constraints seem to keep it from developing to its maximum creative potential, 19 Celebrations… most assuredly helps to solidify Digitalis Purpurea’s international fanbase. The disc’s original elements, while still adhering to the outline of its genre, stimulate Turin’s industrial affinity and offer an identity-defining addition to the band’s repertoire. 7/10