In Satisfaction, New Jersey DJ/producer Mark Wise delivers a robust dose of dance-floor euphoria fused with heavy metal thunder. Wise, who first cut his teeth on the turntables during college parties, brings a rhythmic intensity informed by his background in percussion, his rock music roots, and the techno-industrial greats who came before him. Dropping on all platforms November 14th via Teoria Perfekta, Satisfaction doesn’t just ask listeners to engage; it dares them to survive.
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The EP’s titular track, “Satisfaction,” is a high-octane reimagining of Benny Benassi’s iconic hit, and Wise knows precisely how to harness its driving beat to build a visceral, almost physical listening experience. Wisely retaining the hypnotic pulse of the original, Wise layers in buzzsaw guitar riffs, rolling bass lines, and vocal roars that oscillate between electrifying and downright jarring. The result is a hard-hitting, sweaty track that practically dares you to hold still. With each second, the song escalates as if it’s gathering a force of nature—one designed to incite wild movement and pure, unrestrained energy. For the uninitiated, it might feel overwhelming, but for those who know Wise’s brand of “fun aggression,” it’s a welcome catharsis.
The second track, “Dark Angels,” is where Satisfaction finds its heaviest, darkest vibe, and it’s undeniably the EP’s standout. Collaborating with Danicide from the industrial outfit Noisecide, Wise crafts a dance-industrial hybrid that pays homage to the grinding intensity of KMFDM and the wild fury of Motorhead. Danicide’s voice, raw and unfiltered, roars through the track, providing an emotional counterweight to Wise’s driving percussion and relentless beats. The song’s chorus, with its eerie yet fierce melodies, may have you headbanging one moment and lost in an entrancing groove the next. “Dark Angels” is a fitting anthem for those who crave the darker edge of electronic music without abandoning the pulse-pounding demands of the dance floor.
The overall EP clocks in as a thrilling experience for both techno enthusiasts and metal fans, although some listeners might find the relentless pace somewhat fatiguing. While Satisfaction stands out for its aggression and unapologetic intensity, its two tracks would have benefited from a slight touch of moderation. A moment of reprieve, even a minor tempo shift, could have added a layer of intrigue and given listeners a chance to fully appreciate the complex layers Wise has woven into his sound.
Nonetheless, it’s clear that Wise has achieved exactly what he set out to do. Each beat, riff, and scream is meticulously calibrated to keep you moving, evoking what Wise himself calls a “fun kind of aggressive.” The EP is a wild ride from start to finish, showcasing Wise’s commitment to blending metal and techno into something fiercely original. Satisfaction doesn’t just satisfy—it hits hard and leaves a lasting impact, a testament to Wise’s unorthodox musical vision and his devotion to pushing genre boundaries.
If this EP is any indication, Wise is poised to keep DJ booths—and dance floors—buzzing for a long time to come.
Garth Thomas