by Martin Walters
This CD compiles two limited-edition albums of the U.K. power electronic group -- Twice Is Not Enough and Never Forget Death -- originally released in 1991 and 1992, respectively. Whitehouse represents a logical progression in a line of '80s industrial and noise music which began with Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. While those groups curbed their noise into the form of dance and electro as the '80s ensued, Whitehouse became increasingly challenging in pushing the limits of noise punishment depraved of lyrical content. To those who believe that the noise scene manifested in the Japanese underground with Merzbow and C.C.C.C., think again; what Whitehouse achieves in one ritual makes most industrial and black metal music sound delicate by comparison.