Hubbry Logo
CandyassCandyassMain
Open search
Candyass
Community hub
Candyass
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Candyass
Candyass
from Wikipedia

Candyass
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 18, 1998
StudioDonner Pass Cabin, Truckee, California
N.R.G. Studios, North Hollywood, California
Josh's Garage, Hollywood, California
Westlake Audio, West Hollywood, California
Genre
Length48:10
Label
Producer
Orgy chronology
Candyass
(1998)
Vapor Transmission
(2000)
Singles from Candyass
  1. "Stitches"
    Released: April 30, 1998
  2. "Blue Monday"
    Released: December 14, 1998

Candyass is the debut studio album by American rock band Orgy, released on August 18, 1998 by Warner Bros, Reprise and Elementree.[1][2] One of the more influential rock albums of the late 1990s, it combines the riffs, hooks and songwriting of the genre with electronic music. While grouped in with nu metal, as lead singer Jay Gordon had produced Coal Chamber's self-titled debut album a year prior, and Korn frontman Jonathan Davis is a guest vocalist on "Revival", the band has described their music as "death pop".[3]

Production

[edit]

The album was named after a drag queen the band has met with Alexis Arquette.[4][5] The album makes heavy use of the Korg Triton.[4]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Orgy (Jay Gordon, Amir Derakh, Bobby Hewitt, and Ryan Shuck), except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Social Enemies"Orgy, Josh Abraham, Troy Van Leeuwen4:04
2."Stitches" 3:19
3."Dissention"Orgy, Paige Haley3:31
4."Platinum" 3:43
5."Fetisha" 4:02
6."Fiend" 4:29
7."Blue Monday" (New Order cover)Bernard Sumner, Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris4:28
8."Gender" 4:28
9."All the Same"Orgy, Haley4:06
10."Pantomime"Orgy, Haley4:29
11."Revival"Orgy, Jonathan Davis4:11
12."Dizzy" 3:21
Total length:48:10

Personnel

[edit]
Orgy
Additional
  • Chad Fridirici – engineering, mixing on "Gender", pro-tool editing
  • Josh Abraham – production, additional engineering, programming, additional synthesizers
  • Dave Ogilvie – mixing
  • David Kahne – mixing on "Stiches", "Fetisha"
  • Jay Baumgardner – mixing on "Pantomime"
  • Tom Baker – mastering
  • Brian Virtue – assistant engineer
  • Cope Till – assistant engineer
  • Doug Trantow – assistant engineer
  • Anthony Valcic – programming
  • Jonathan Davis – additional vocals on "Revival"
  • Elijah Blue Allman – additional vocals on "Revival", additional synthesizers
  • Troy Van Leeuwen – additional guitars on "Social Enemies" and "Dissention"
  • Steve Gerdes – art direction, design
  • Joseph Cultice – photography

Critical reception and legacy

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[6]
Robert Christgau(dud)[7]
Pitchfork5.9/10[8]

Critical reception of Candyass has been mixed-to-positive. Some praised the album as a refreshing take on nu metal, but others felt it was unoriginal, if well-written and having some of the better songs in the genre. Their following two albums, Vapor Transmission (2000) and Punk Statik Paranoia (2004), were not as well-received, and the band disbanded in 2005. Most reviews of the band's discography have been removed due to copyright issues.

The Baltimore Sun wrote: "Whether through the ominous crunch of 'Social Enemies' or the frenzied thrum of 'Fiend', Orgy knows how to use its artfully distorted sound to stunning effect, evoking a world of anomie and unease with each verse and chorus."[9]

In 2021, the staff of Revolver included the album in their list of the "20 Essential Nu-Metal Albums".[10]

Sales

[edit]

Candyass is the most successful Orgy album, and peaked at No. 32 on the US Billboard 200. Many critics attribute the success of the album to its second single, "Blue Monday", a cover of New Order's song of the same name. While now perceived as one-hit wonders by many, the lead single, "Stitches", was also successful on rock and alternative charts. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on July 22, 1999, and certified Gold by Music Canada.

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[14] Gold 50,000^
United States (RIAA)[15] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Candyass is the debut studio album by American band , released on August 18, 1998, by and the Elementree Records imprint. The album, produced by and the band itself, blends with elements of , , and , featuring a mix of original tracks and a notable cover of New Order's "Blue Monday." Orgy, formed in 1997 in , , was the first act signed to Korn frontman Jonathan Davis's Elementree label, which contributed to the album's promotion within the nu-metal and industrial scenes. Candyass achieved commercial success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard 200 chart and topping the Heatseekers Albums chart, driven by singles like "Stitches" and the "Blue Monday" cover, which reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified platinum by the RIAA on July 22, 1999, for shipments of one million copies in the United States, and in . The tracklist includes:
  • "Social Enemies" (4:05)
  • "Stitches" (3:18)
  • "Dissention" (3:31)
  • "" (3:42)
  • "Fetisha" (4:02)
  • "Fiend" (4:29)
  • "Blue Monday" (4:26)
  • "" (4:27)
  • "All the Same" (4:05)
  • "" (4:28)
  • "Revival" (4:09)
  • "Dizzy" (3:21)
Notable guest contributions include additional guitar by on tracks 1 and 3, and backing vocals by on track 11. The album's release marked Orgy's breakthrough, aligning with the late-1990s rise of industrial and nu-metal genres, though it later received mixed reviews for its stylistic influences from bands like Ministry and .

Background

Band formation

Orgy was formed in 1997 in , , by vocalist Jay Gordon, guitarists and , bassist Paige Haley, and drummer Bobby Hewitt. The members had previously been involved in various local music projects, with Gordon and Shuck sharing a history in earlier bands that connected them to the broader nu-metal and industrial scenes. This lineup solidified the band's core sound, blending aggressive guitar work with electronic elements. The group's early influences stemmed from industrial rock pioneers like and Ministry, whose raw energy and synthetic textures shaped Orgy's aggressive yet melodic approach, alongside electronic influences from acts such as New Order, evident in their affinity for synth-driven rhythms. These inspirations helped define their "death pop" aesthetic, distinguishing them within the late-1990s landscape. Prior to gaining wider attention, Orgy issued independent demo tapes in 1997, featuring early tracks like "Stitches," "Fiend," "Fetisha," and "Denied," which showcased their fusion of industrial grit and pop hooks. They honed their material through local performances in clubs during the mid-to-late , building a following amid the vibrant club circuit that included venues frequented by emerging nu-metal and industrial acts. Interest from record labels grew after these demos circulated, culminating in Orgy signing with Elementree Records—a subsidiary of launched by —in late , marking their entry into major-label support and paving the way for album production.

Album development

The songwriting process for Orgy's debut Candyass began in late , shortly after the band's formation that year by vocalist Jay Gordon in . Drawing from the burgeoning nu-metal scene—particularly through their subsequent signing to Elementree Records—the group sought to innovate within the genre by fusing aggressive rock guitars with electronic synths and industrial elements. This approach was driven by a desire to craft what they termed "death pop," a self-described style that combined dark, pop-infused melodies with heavier, metallic aggression to distinguish themselves from contemporaries. A pivotal creative decision during development was the inclusion of a cover of New Order's 1983 new wave track "Blue Monday," selected by Gordon to bridge 1980s aesthetics with 1990s nu-metal intensity. The band experimented with reinterpreting the song through distorted guitars and electronic beats, aiming to appeal to both fans and the emerging electronic-rock crossover audience. This choice not only highlighted their genre-blending ambitions but also became a cornerstone of the album's identity. Guitarist and synth specialist played a crucial role in this fusion, employing guitar synths to seamlessly integrate organic rock tones with synthetic layers, often making the sources indistinguishable in early compositions. Pre-production involved collaborative demos where band dynamics emphasized experimentation without label pressure, allowing the group to refine their sound. Gordon handled primary lyrical duties, drawing from personal and observational themes, while bassist Paige Haley co-wrote several tracks, contributing to the rhythmic foundation. Derakh and guitarist focused on arranging the guitar-synth interplay, and Bobby Hewitt added percussive elements that grounded the electronic experimentation in rock drive. This collective input fostered a cohesive yet innovative vibe, setting the stage for the album's polished execution.

Recording and production

Production team

The production of Candyass was led by and the band as primary producers, with Abraham also contributing programming, additional engineering, and synthesizers to shape the album's sound. handled mixing for the majority of tracks (1–7, 9, 11, and 12), bringing his expertise from electronic and industrial projects to enhance the album's layered textures and electronic elements. Specific mixing on other tracks was managed by for "Stitches" and "Fetisha," Chad Fridirici for "Gender," and for "Pantomime." A notable guest contribution came from Korn frontman , who provided additional vocals on the track "Revival," adding a raw edge to the song's chorus. Programming duties were shared among Anthony Valcic, Jay Gordon, and , supporting the album's framework. Mastering was completed by at Future Disc Systems in Hollywood, , ensuring a polished final product. Oversight for the project involved Warner Bros. Records, , and Elementree Records (Korn's imprint), which collectively managed distribution and label support for the debut release. The production team selected recording locations such as Donner Pass Cabin in , and N.R.G. Studios in North Hollywood to facilitate the creative process.

Recording process

The recording of Candyass commenced in early 1998 and extended over several months, culminating in its release on August 18, 1998. Initial tracking sessions took place at the Donner Pass Cabin in , a remote ski chalet near selected to provide isolation from distractions and foster creative focus. The bulk of the album's main sessions occurred at N.R.G. Studios in North Hollywood, California, with additional overdubs handled at Josh’s Garage in Hollywood, California, and final mixing completed at Westlake Audio in . Technical efforts emphasized methods, including the use of a costly 2-inch tape machine transported to the snowy location, though this led to logistical hurdles such as equipment damage from snow exposure that necessitated on-site repairs. The band employed a mobile hard-disk recording setup to capture foundational patterns, often derived from Jay Gordon's rhythmic ideas, before incrementally layering elements. Guitarist contributed heavily processed tones via vintage synth-equipped guitars like the GR-700 and modeling amps from Marshall, , Line 6, and Yamaha, while industrial synths were integrated to overlay dense electronic textures atop aggressive guitar riffs. Experiments with programming and digital chopping of guitar parts allowed for innovative blending of rock and electronic components, though sessions faced difficulties in achieving equilibrium between these contrasting sonic layers amid the band's relative inexperience.

Musical style and themes

Genre and sound

Candyass is classified as nu-metal incorporating and electronic elements, a fusion the band described as "death pop." This style draws from the aggressive edge of late-1990s while integrating synth-driven textures reminiscent of industrial acts like Ministry and . The album's sound centers on heavy, distorted guitar riffs from and , layered with synthesizers and programming handled primarily by Derakh and drummer Bobby Hewitt. Bassist Paige Haley's low-end grooves reinforce the rhythmic drive, while Jay Gordon's vocals shift between raw aggression and soaring melodies, enhancing the dynamic tension across tracks. Structurally, Candyass comprises 12 tracks running a total of 48 minutes and 10 seconds, mixing original material with a reimagined cover of New Order's "Blue Monday," which exemplifies the band's blend of retro new wave hooks and modern industrial aggression. Key production techniques include fuzzed-out guitar tones, layered electronic distortions, and propulsive rhythms that foster a consistently dark, mechanical atmosphere, often blurring the lines between organic instrumentation and synthesized effects.

Lyrics and influences

The lyrics of Candyass predominantly explore themes of alienation, emotional turmoil in relationships, and explorations of sexuality, often drawing from personal and societal observations. Frontman Jay Gordon has described the songwriting as rooted in "relationship drama," reflecting the complexities of love affairs that blend thrill with peril. For instance, "Stitches" uses the metaphor of sewing wounds to depict emotional dependency and the scars left by a toxic romance, where lines like "Tying yourself to me, stitch up my emptiness" convey a sense of desperate attachment amid pain. Sexuality emerges as a key motif, particularly in tracks that delve into fetishism and identity. "Fetisha," with its provocative imagery of "dayglow" aesthetics, drag, and mistreatment in pursuit of pleasure—"Mistreat another piece of you, pleasing you was the only thing that I was good at"—examines the darker, performative aspects of desire and objectification. Gordon's lyrics here evoke a sense of ironic detachment, portraying sexual exploration as both alluring and destructive. These themes align loosely with the album's industrial rock edges, amplifying the sense of urban unease without delving into production specifics. The lyrical content draws from a mix of 1980s synth-pop influences, such as New Order's "Blue Monday" cover, which infuses the album with nostalgic electronic vibes reinterpreted through a grittier lens, and industrial rock pioneers like Ministry and . Gordon has cited these alongside acts like and for shaping the band's approach to blending haunting atmospheres with confrontational energy. Personal experiences from the band's roots, including observations of societal pressures and interpersonal conflicts, further inform the writing, as seen in Gordon's reflections on drawing from real-life drama to craft vulnerable yet aggressive narratives. His vocal delivery enhances this duality, shifting between brooding introspection and raw intensity to underscore the emotional vulnerability beneath the themes.

Release and promotion

Marketing and release

Candyass was released on August 18, 1998, through Elementree Records, , and Warner Bros. Records. The album's rollout benefited from strong label support, as was the first act signed to Korn frontman Jonathan Davis's Elementree imprint, leveraging connections within the burgeoning nu-metal scene to secure distribution and visibility. Marketing efforts positioned the band as an innovative nu-metal outfit blending with electronic and elements, often described as "death pop." Pre-release promotion included radio airplay for the "Stitches," released in 1998, which helped generate buzz ahead of the full launch. The packaging featured artwork and design by Steve Gerdes, incorporating stylized visuals that reflected the album's edgy, provocative themes tied to its title. This strategic backing and targeted promotion propelled Candyass to peaked at number one on the Heatseekers Albums chart.

Singles and videos

"Stitches" served as the from Candyass, initially released in spring 1998 through Elementree . The track gained significant traction upon its re-release in 1999, peaking at number 18 on the chart and contributing to the album's radio airplay success. The music video, directed by , depicts the band as part of an interactive museum exhibit, blending surreal visuals with behind-the-scenes glimpses of equipment to evoke a meta-commentary on media production. Single formats included CD releases and promotional vinyl, often featuring B-sides such as remixes like the Green Velvet Mix and additional tracks like "Dissention." The second single, "Blue Monday," a cover of New Order's 1983 hit, was released on December 14, 1998. Infused with elements, it achieved commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 56 on the Hot 100, while dominating dance radio formats. Directed by , the video portrays the band performing amid a massive mechanical generator, intercut with dystopian cityscapes and futuristic imagery of women in silver attire, emphasizing themes of alienation and . Available in CD maxi-single and promotional formats, it included B-sides with remixes by artists like Club 69, enhancing its club and alternative airplay impact. These singles were instrumental in the album's promotional strategy, driving visibility through rotation and stations.

Touring

Following the release of Candyass on August 18, 1998, embarked on initial club tours across the to build momentum and attract audiences before gaining broader major label promotion through Korn's Elementree imprint. These early performances, primarily in smaller venues in and other cities, allowed the band to refine their sound and generate grassroots interest amid the rising nu-metal wave. In late 1998, secured opening slots on the inaugural , headlined by Korn alongside acts like , , , and , performing at major arenas such as the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans on October 18. The tour exposed them to larger crowds and solidified their place in the nu-metal circuit. By 1999, they headlined their own Candyass Tour, including festival appearances and shared bills with bands like , such as at Mancow's Lazer Luau II on July 31 in . They also returned as openers on the that year, with dates including on October 8. Orgy's setlists during these tours heavily featured Candyass tracks, with staples like "Stitches" and their cover of New Order's "Blue Monday" anchoring performances, often closing shows to capitalize on the singles' radio buzz. Stage setups incorporated energetic electronic elements, including synthesizers, industrial lighting, and high-energy visuals to complement their synth-driven sound, creating an immersive atmosphere that blended rock aggression with electronic flair. Fan reception was generally enthusiastic, with audiences drawn to Orgy's distinctive "death pop" style amid the tour's high-profile lineups, though the band encountered challenges in the competitive nu-metal scene, including rivalries and comparisons to heavier acts like Korn and that occasionally overshadowed their more melodic approach. Reviews noted their ability to win over skeptical crowds through dynamic live energy, contributing to a growing dedicated following despite the era's intense inter-band dynamics.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in 1998, Candyass received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who often noted its blend of and nu-metal elements amid the rising popularity of the latter genre. awarded the album 3 out of 5 stars, praising its innovative fusion of nu-metal aggression with industrial textures, describing it as a "sleek, stylish update" that captured the era's electronic-metal crossover appeal. The review highlighted the album's production as polished yet raw, positioning as a fresh voice in the late-1990s alternative scene. Pitchfork gave Candyass a 5.9 out of 10, critiquing its unoriginal incorporation of industrial elements reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails, while acknowledging the solid execution of its derivative formula. Overall, initial coverage reflected the polarized late-1990s music press, where Orgy's glam-inflected approach divided listeners between those seeing innovation and those viewing it as formulaic.

Modern perspective

In the 2010s, retrospective reviews positioned Candyass as a quintessential artifact of late-1990s nu-metal and industrial rock, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with aggressive synths and guitars that captured the era's electronic experimentation. A 2016 analysis praised its "consistently dark, ominous atmosphere" achieved through fuzzed-out guitars and synthesizer layers, crediting the production as "really solid for ‘98" while noting its role in bridging industrial influences like Nine Inch Nails with nu-metal's commercial peak. However, the same review critiqued Jay Gordon's vocals for lacking variety and relying on "repetitious lyrics," elements that some later observers view as symptomatic of the album's dated stylistic choices amid evolving rock production standards. The album's fusion of riffs and electronic elements has been credited with influencing subsequent electronic-rock hybrids, particularly in how it popularized synth-driven aggression within . Orgy's sound, often described as "death pop," prefigured bands incorporating EDM and industrial textures into rock frameworks, earning the group recognition as a forward-thinking act in alt-rock's dynamic landscape. A 2023 retrospective described it as a "solidly produced, well-written, competently executed debut" that introduced to a wider audience. Renewed interest in the 21st century has been amplified by streaming platforms, where Orgy maintains nearly 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of November 2025, driven largely by Candyass tracks like "Blue Monday." This digital accessibility has sustained its cult appeal, contrasting criticisms of its era-specific production with the timeless draw of standout covers and originals that still resonate in playlists blending ‘90s nostalgia with modern electronica. The album saw further revival with 2024 remastered vinyl reissues and a co-headlining U.S. tour with Cold celebrating its 25th anniversary. Band members, particularly frontman Jay Gordon, have reflected on Candyass as the pinnacle of Orgy's career, marking their breakthrough amid the late-‘90s rock explosion. In a 2024 interview, Gordon described the album as a "time capsule" of personal and cultural significance, recounting its recording in a remote Lake Tahoe studio on a high-end 2-inch tape machine despite logistical challenges like snow damage, which contributed to its raw, unpolished energy. He emphasized its enduring role in defining the band's identity, with hits like "Blue Monday"—a New Order cover that topped MTV's TRL—and "Stitches" symbolizing their pop culture peak, even as the group navigates reunions and reissues. A 2016 reflection echoed this, highlighting the debut's "explosive success" in introducing Orgy to global audiences through unexpected viral moments like the Blue Monday video.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Candyass achieved moderate commercial success upon its release, peaking at No. 32 on the US in September 1998. The album also reached No. 1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, highlighting its appeal to emerging artists. In 1999, it ranked No. 97 on the year-end chart, reflecting sustained performance throughout the year. Internationally, the album saw minor chart entries, peaking at No. 10 on the Rock & Metal Albums . The album's singles performed on rock-oriented charts in the . "Stitches" peaked at No. 18 on the , while the cover of "Blue Monday" reached No. 4 on the same .
Chart (1998–1999)Peak
position
32
Heatseekers Albums ()1
Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)10
(Year-End)97

Sales and certifications

Candyass achieved notable commercial success shortly after its release, with worldwide sales surpassing 1 million copies by the end of 1999, primarily driven by strong performance in North America and establishing it as Orgy's best-selling album to date. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album Platinum on July 22, 1999, recognizing shipments of 1,000,000 units. This milestone reflected robust demand fueled by the album's hit single "Blue Monday" and extensive touring, including the 1998 Family Values Tour alongside Korn. Music Canada awarded the album Gold certification in 1999 for sales of 50,000 units, further underscoring its appeal in the Canadian market. The revenue generated from Candyass's sales significantly bolstered Orgy's career trajectory, influencing ' decision to greenlight and promote their sophomore effort, Vapor Transmission, in 2000 despite emerging challenges like Napster's impact on the industry. This financial success solidified the band's position within the scene and Elementree Records' roster.

Track listing and credits

Track listing

All tracks are written by the members of (Amir , Jay Gordon, Bobby Hewitt, and ), except where noted.
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)
1Social Enemies4:06Derakh, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck, Abraham, Van Leeuwen
2Stitches3:19, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
3Dissention3:32, Gordon, Haley, Hewitt, Shuck
43:43, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
5Fetisha4:02, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
6Fiend4:29, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
7Blue Monday4:26Gilbert, Hook, Morris, Sumner
84:27, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
9All the Same4:06, Gordon, Haley, Hewitt, Shuck
104:29, Gordon, Haley, Hewitt, Shuck
11Revival4:10, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck, Davis
12Dizzy3:22, Gordon, Hewitt, Shuck
Total length: 48:10.

Orgy

  • Jay Gordon – lead vocals, programming
  • – guitar, programming
  • – guitar, backing vocals
  • Paige Haley – bass
  • Bobby Hewitt – drums

Additional musicians

  • – additional vocals ("Revival")
  • – additional guitar (tracks 1, 3)
  • Elijah Blue – additional vocals ("Revival")
  • Dieter – additional drums ("Fiend")

Production

Technical staff

  • Ryan Williams – engineer, mixing
  • Chad Fridirici editing, assistant engineer
  • Brian Virtue – assistant engineer
  • Doug Trantow – assistant engineer
  • – additional engineering
  • – additional engineering

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.