August Reviews



In Strict Confidence - Cryogenx
 Metropolis - 14 trk CD
This release is a combination of the original Zoth release with a CDS. It does contain an exclusive track "Beautiful Pain" which was not available on either. Very Project Pitchfork-like in vocal style. Fully electronic is sound. A band which will in time be big.




Swamp Terrorist - Five in Japan
Metropolis - 13 trk Live CD
Swamp Terrorist Live!! Wow. Good sound quality and a nice taste for those of us who never had the chance to experience them live. As heavy and pulsing as Swamp Terrorist are, they do it live just the same.




Mentallo & the Fixer - Burnt Beyond Recognition
Metroplois - 13 trk CD
This CD by this outstanding band is more geard to sound and quality. I do not detect this one being a "dancefloor" oriented CD. Mnay new ideas have come out in this new CD in regards to sound. More atmospheric at times.




Necrofix - Necrofix
Metroplois - 14 + 1 hidden trk CD
Loud and Crashy like. Nothing fast in tempo, more of a "mood" sound. Distorted vocals or it seems like it a t times, layered with electonic samples and guitars. An angry but subdued sound in vocals to it.




Out Out - Finched
Metropolis - 12 trk CD
This domestic re-release takes you on an experimental kinda trip. This CD brings up an errie kind of surrounding sound to it. With the vocals of that sound like a small demon and keyboard sounds, it reminds me of a kinda horror CD. Spooky, I'd say.




Switchblade Symphony - Bread and Jam for Frances
Cleopatra - 15 trk CD
Switchblade focuses on their vocal talents. This CD is moreminimal then the last one. Vocals are more upfront, with the music kept to a minimum. You will not here the aggressive hard sounds such as in their past. It is more mellow, less industrial, more gothic (for lack of terms). But the vocals are outstanding and it is unmistakenably Switchblade Symphony.




Various - Got Moose
Re-constriction - 15 trk sampler
This Cd is the second sampler put out by Re-constriction. It demonstrates the fine insides of this label's body. It feature many exclusives which are not released. Very notable is a new Collide track doing a cover of "on of a Preacher Son" A definate must for rivetheads!




Soil & Eclipse - Necromancy
Cop International - 6 trk CD
Electro dance with stunning male etheral vocals. Most evident and unique element is the vocals which flow through one as that of and opera. Geared more to Goth dance it makes a good change from most others.




Hansel and Gretyl - Transmissions from Uranus
Energy Records - 16 trk CD
Pschotic Screaming vocals which does not run out. Very full of energy and driving forces. Getting close to the border of trashy sounding but not. Lyrically entertaining and humourous.




Heavy Water Factory - Author of Pain
Energy Records - 18 trk CD
A pure sounding crisp EBM CD. Definately a good one to listen to loud. Great samples and vocals behind layered electronics. Some tracks get very mellow and ghostly like.




Kittens For Christian - Building A Socialist Work Ethic
Dirtbox - 16 trk CD
This Cd is vocally Chaotic. Lyrically it sounds like a madman rambling, mumbling or babbling. It is not a condemming statement, but moreso an apparent character of this CD. Theer is no song powerful enough to knock you on the dancefloor. It is more a mood Cd to move your mind.




Sister Machine Gun - Metropolis
Wax Trax/TVT - 12 trk CD
Rock and Rolling!! This is not an industrial "Darkfloor" Cd. But it is a damn fine one! At times Chris Randell sounds like Matt Johnson from The The. Heavy sound, Grabs you ands shakes you.




Society Burning - T*CTIQ
Reconstriction - 10 trk CD
Society Burning's new full length. Guitar mixed with electronics. Not bad, not amazing. Some really good sounds. I wasn't very impressed. Vocals are not to my taste.




Anything Box - Conscious
Jarrett Records - 5 trk CDS
The band from the 80's is back with new electronic sounds. Cheesy poppy electro pop. Kinda sounds like the Beatles with 90's instruments. Definately not "Darkfloor Music" but good clean fun.




Mesh - Fragile
Jarett Records - 3 trk CDS
Semi aggressive music. The "rythmus mix" is pretty good. Short ep with quite a bit to offer. Can be played on the dance floor. Harder sounding ep from this band.



Mesh - You Didn't Want Me
Jarett Records - 4 trk CDS
A more poppy fun happy music sounding CDS. Very much in the lines of Depeche Mode, Beloved, Camoflage, Joy Electric 80's music. Pretty enjoyable. Nothing agressive or heavy. More prominanmt to a taste of what Mesh is. The remix of "Fraigile" is a bit heavier and less ballad like more dance oriented.




Switchblade Symphony - Drool
Cleopatra - 3 trk CDS
Honestly this one was a dissappointment for me. Although a big fan, I was not impressed. This includes another remix of Clown (Transmutator vs. Razed in Black mix). It is the best song on this ep. The vinyl is limited on white vinyl.




Dive - Snakedressed
Cop Int'l - 10 trk CD
Slow heavy distorted frequencies arranged with the rough coarse vocals of Dirk Ivens. Some songs just drag. Not the best product by Dive. Dark and sickly sounding which will appeal to many. New freuqencies being experimented under the large distortions that Dive usually have. Fans will probably find a liking to it. Though I find the sounds interesting and unique, overall it is a little monotonous and loses my attention within time.




Covenant - Dreams of a Cryotank
21st Circuitry - 12 trk CD
The first full length CD now available through a domestic label. Heavy EBM music, memorable to Front 242. Dark melodies with heavy electronic percussions. Dancefloor friendly and easy to follow. Definately one of the bands to start to get into. Also incluse a 25 minute ambient track. Contains "Painamplifier" which is not on the original import.




Covenant - Sequencer
21st Circuitry - 12 trk CD
Domestic release of this one too, but the bonus is, is that it includes the "Stalker ep" very good buy and deal. EBM dance music, great sampled sounds incorporated into the music. Definately not a dissapointment.






Back