by Keith Farley Despite the occasional references to previous Lustmord material, Vs. Metal Beast is easily the most distinctive album of Brian Williams' career. Recorded in June 1997 for broadcast over Orange County's KUCI-FM, the album presents Williams in collaboration with Shad T. Scott (aka Metal Beast), label-head of Isophlux Records. While several tracks retain the spacious noise for which Williams is known, many of them, such as "Open Towers Emerge" and "Heart of a Dog," display fusions of dark ambience with the rhythmic chaos of Isophlux acts like Scott himself and Lexaunculpt. The balance between old-guard ambient and new-style techno makes for a great listen. Though long-time Lustmord fans may have trouble getting into it, Lustmord Vs. Metal Beast is a solid collaboration.