DIE TANZSMUSIK
10. VOMITO NEGRO
FIREBALL
TRITON RECORDS/2002
At first I was absolutely disgusted with this particular album. Vomito Negro
is not exactly new to the industrial scene so my question was “ why would a
seasoned act put out such a low quality album?” Well, the answer is simply,
they wanted to. Fireball has a very unique sound, which will more than
likely play havoc on any musician’s ears. Detuned synths, dreary lyrics and
a whole lot of distorted rhythmic noise bring together what overtime becomes
an incredibly catchy album. Fireball has eleven powerful tracks including
the dance floor smash “Nuclear Garbige” and four entirely different mixes of
what I consider the soul of this release “Gaia”. Vomito Negro's newest
effort is stripped down raw industrial at its finest.
9. DISMANTLED
(self titled)
METROPOLIS REORDS/2002
When this cd found its way into my hands I was nearly on the brink of giving
it to someone else. At first glance I thought, “ cheap looking cover, one
word song titles, typical Photoshop artwork, hmmm. I don’t think I’ll keep
it”. But, I decide to at least give it a listen on the way to my various
destinations of the day.
To hell with the way it looked! This cd knocked my socks off!
Dismantled is the debut release of U.S. native Gary Zon. Perfectly distorted
vocals, heavy drums, dark synths and shear attitude are found in every
track. This is not for the light hearted. This is a true representation of
aggressive machine music. Highly detailed sampling mixed with dramatic bass
lines and harsh melodies ring throughout this entire opus. I highly
recommend Dismantled for fans of Wumpscut, Velvet Acid Christ and Frontline
Assembly.
8. FUNKERVOGT
DATE OF EXPIRATION / SINGLE
SPV RECORDS / 2002
What can you possibly have to say negative about Funkervogt ? The latest
single titled “Date of Expiration” taken from the upcoming full - length
album “survivor” is with out a doubt a Funkervogt classic in the making.
This maxi single features three extremely club friendly remixes of the title
track and two bonus songs that will appear on the full release.
Heart stopping drums, smooth running synth lines and tradition ” Funker”
style vocals (brash, aggressive, German, angst) are combined with a hard
pumping EBM melodies that have proven to send a dance floor into a frenzy. I
highly anticipate the release of “Survivor”. If the full-length album is
anything like the new single, then it will be a triumph for the industrial
scene.
7. ICON OF COIL
THE SOUL IS IN THE SOFTWARE
METROPOLIS RECORDS / 2002
“Icon of who? Never heard of them” was the over all response I would receive
when I would so much as mention this ensemble from Norway. Now that the trio
has embarked on a nation headlining tour and as a support act for VNV
Nation, IOC has established a tremendous fan base and has been accepted into
the industrial ranks as leaders of the genre. “ Icon of who? Oh yeah, the
singer is so cute!”
All joking aside IOC’s latest (and only second if you are keeping track)
release is absolutely astounding. While “ Serenity Is the Devil” ( IOC’s
first release) had a trendy synth pop sound, “ The Soul is in the Software
“ is a hard driven powerhouse of pure industrial. This album doesn't rely
on the synths to push the music; rather it more so follows the lead of the
bass, making the keyboards a minimal aspect in the writing. This also allows
for the intelligently written vocals to shine, as opposed to drowning them
in the melody. A must have for industrial enthusiasts.
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6. DUBOK
TECHNICOLOR
TINMAN RECORDS / 2002
For their newest release on the Tinman label, Dubok a taken an amazing turn
for the better. Even though the Ohio trio’s debut cd “Immersed” quickly
fell of the face of the earth, I have a strong feeling that “Technicolor”
will leave much more of a lasting impression.
The opening sequence to what I would otherwise consider a fantastic album is
unfortunately quite typical. That is to say the first song starts of at
crawl only to gradually build, and build until it finally drops off leaving
you wanting the next track to start. Like I said, typical. With that out of
the way the rest Technicolor is a roaring roller coaster of sound enhanced
by fluid keyboards and searing vocals. Some of the songs on this cd have a
very classic IDM (intelligent dance music) sound that reminds me of the
earlier works of “Underworld”. Technicolor comes with a double disc
featuring remixes by various monster of the genre including “Crocodile Shop,
Cesium: 137, and Headscan”.
5. NEUROTICFISH
LES CHANSONS NEUROTIQUES
STRANGE WAYS/ DANCING FERRET/ 2002
Electronic body music is dead according to Neuroticfish front man Sascha
Klien. I find it funny that he would use that sample (which appears on the
no instruments L.P.) again for his second and absolutely terrific EBM
release.
After the success of the No Instruments album (and tour) Neuroticfish
returns with a thirteen track ensemble of drama infused, beat driven, dance
floor friendly tunes all nicely placed in a sharp looking package. From
beginning to finish Les Chansons Neurotiques never lets loose of the
powerful rhythms and deeply emotional vocals that has inspired many
throughout the synth-pop world. The over all production quality of this
album is a hundred times better than its former, not mention the obvious
improvement in song writing and timing. As a bonus feature this cd also
comes with a Neuroticfish screensaver, plus an additional remix of the
infamous club anthem” Velocity” that is not featured on the original single.
I would definitely recommend the release for fans of the growing future-pop
generation.
4. CLAIRE VOYANT
LOVE IS BLIND
METROPOLIS RECORDS / 2002
For a change of pace I will now delve into a completely different style of
dark music. Claire Voyant is probably one of the most unheard of acts in the
gothic (and I do mean gothic) scene, but that doesn't’t necessarily make
them unworthy of credit for their tremendous musical accomplishments.
For their fourth release on the metropolis label we see the truly
magnificent song writing talents of members Chris Ross and Ben Fargen mixed
with the angelic voice of Victoria Lloyd at its fullest measure. Love is
Blind merges beautiful tales of light with dreamy ballads of sorrow, and
leaves one breathless in its wake. One of the most impressive aspects of
this album is its flawless mix between electronic and organic instruments.
Such awe-inspiring elements combined have created a lush soundscape that is
both pleasing to the ear as it is to the soul. For those with interest I
would suggest checking out Claire Voyant’s earlier work (Claire Voyant, Time
and the Maiden, Time Again, and Victoria’s side project featuring Daniel
Myer HMB).
3. IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
MISTRUST THE ANGELS
MINUSWELT RECORDS / 2002
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case you can. Mistrust
the Angels is not only as incredible as its cover art, but it is also one
the most creative industrial release of all time.
They also so say good things come in due time. I can agree to that statement
when it comes to In Strict Confidence. After their longtime industrial
career the trio has finally produced an album with of unmeasured quality.
Strong electro beats meeting aggressive male vocals countered by soothing
female lyre are the stimulus for what I would consider one of the years best
macabre release. As an additional bonus the important version contains an
interesting hidden track (track 0), which is some to experience in its self.
2. IMPERATIVE REACTION
RUINED
METROPLOSIS RECORDS/2002
It’s not everyday that a dark dance artist puts out an album that plays
all over the board. What I mean to say is the latest incarnation of the
American based act Imperative Reaction has a little of everything. Take a
bit of industrial, synthpop, metal, techno, and ambient, throw them onto a
disc, and you would end up with is an outstanding electro release.
With catchy melodies, seamless sequencing and a frenzy of electronic sound
“Ruined” turns out to be not only dance floor friendly, but appealing to
fans of the many styles of industrial music. Some the more intriguing songs
on the album are the dance floor hit “Fault” and the soon to be classics
“Diminished Me” and “Never Tomorrow”. I would wholeheartedly recommend this
cd for fans of ‘Pygmy Children” and others leaders of the late 90’s
industrial scene.
1. COVENANT
CALL THE SHIPS TO PORT
KA2 RECORDS / 2002
Well, it has been nearly four years sense the international acclaimed future
pop Heroes “Covenant” has issued any new material (and yet they still dance?).
Now, while on the verge of unleashing their upcoming album “Northern Light”,
the Swedish electro masters has unveiled the first (of many to come) single
“Call the Ships to Port”.
This massive new maxi single not only has the potential to be play out
across the globe, but it also feature a tremendous array a remixes the make
it useable in any scenario.
“Call The Ships To Port” is classic “Covenant” in their true form. Moving
rhythms, stunning synthlines, building choruses and deep passionate lyrics
bring together what is destined to be a sure fire world wide hit. Some of
the artist feature on the cd / vinyl release included “Thomas P. Heckmann,
Christian Morgenstern and Oliver Klitzing”. This is definitely the best
industrial release of the last three months.