Searing vocals, crafted lyrics, bombastic drums and a moody atmosphere blend into the complex elixir of Sens debut album, Ascetic. Dark and aggressive with tender undertones, Ascetic gushes with ambiance, textures, and imagery. SEN whips up extraordinary sounds blending the industrial with the organic. Better experienced than heard, SEN uses varied instrumentation; synths and samples compete with overdriven guitars and hard, fast drumbeats. Jason Mackenroths drumming explodes on Ascetic. His blood is infused with an energy honed during the course of four worldwide Rollins Band tours and seven Rollins Band CDs. Mackenroth also toured with Grammy-winning producer Daniel Lanois as the drummer for his 2003 U.S. and European Shine tour. Behind the album is a team of talent with Producer John Kuker (Mudvayne, Girls Against Boys, Drunk Horse) and mix engineer Jacques Wait (Minneapolis Music Academy Producer of the Year" 2004) Cates' intimate lyrics breathe in and out of the music, whispering his influences. He brilliantly draws the listener in with his passionate lyrics applying not only to himself but to everyone who has ever loved or felt a desire to rebel. The vocals brought to this album are first class. His voice is haunting and beautifully reminiscent of Dave Gahan, Robert Smith, and the Lizard King himself, Jim Morrison. Ascetic is somehow able to combine the delicate texture of Elliott Smith with the boldness and aggression of Nine Inch Nails. Grounded with strong rock roots, the album appeals to both alternative rock and industrial fans. "SEN is searching and struggling with things that are broken and beautiful. Floating through a stylized world. It's always been like a private movie projector with scenes running through my mind. Sometimes floating or lingering. Sometimes chaotically spinning into darkness, anxiety, and obsessions." - m.cates