Just when you thought industrial metal had died, VENTANA arrives and proves to keep the times going. Featuring St1tch and Danny Bones of Mushroomhead, their part in the band is evident, and does help evolve this new breed that is VENTANA. Remember back in the day when Mushroomhead was good (XX era)? That was 7th grade for me, and the band was untouchable back then in many aspects. Those who have continued to follow Mushroomhead may have learned that they’ve never surpassed their past work (when they had J Mann). And those who remember the better Mushroomhead days should be able to find a place for VENTANA, and their Trustkill/Filthy Hands release, American Survival Guide Vol. 1. I look at this release as a fresh start.
 
Many rich industrial pieces make American Survival Guide Vol. 1 an interesting listen like “The Dying Sound”, and its eerie adventure. One moment VENTANA is taking some deep industrial sounds with hypnotic vocals, the next minute, aggression strikes. VENTANA also has some more straight forward attacks like the album opener, “Watch Us Burn”. The old Mushroomhead influence becomes evident, and really gets the adrenaline pumping. They have really mastered the song structure, and now they are doing it VENTANA style. What I love about VENTANA is that they keep you hooked for what’s to come… Another heavy hitter, “The Sad History Of The World”, shows VENTANA’s awareness to this fucked up world. The shocking synthesizers really add depth to the song, and the old Mushroomhead sound once kicks in. “Face To Face” is where I see VENTANA at their strongest. They give that perfect balance between industrialism and brutal offerings, building up the song with such power. Vocalist Scott Beck is at the top of his game with both lyrics and delivery. His eeriness yet sincere attack when muttering the words “I want to meet your god face to face” really envelopes the listener, and like the rest of the themes on American Survival Guide Vol. 1, they are sticking it to the man and all the fucked up things happening in this world, hence the album title.

Just with this much potential and experience in the field, I know the band can do better. When they get things brutal, VENTANA is excellent! But sometimes the album lags a tad where the verses could have added more punch to them. But to even the odd, American Survival Guide Vol. 1 is definitely an album to check out. I’m sure VENTANA’s musical direction will continue to expand, because they have the creativity to do so.