Amazon.com

With influences spanning from 1980's dark techno to the rapid-fire breakbeat manipulation of the late 1990s, FLA-leader Bill Leeb and his latest partner Chris Peterson execute creative and meticulous noise with energetic precision. The album is a coherent whole, yet extreme sonic and stylistic diversity abounds: every track flows strangely and seamlessly from one intriguing section to another. A kind of industrial hip hop mutates into lush keyboard saturation in "Autoerotic" and "Comatose";icy techno alternates with synthetic orchestras in "Columbian Necktie." "Evil Playground" is almost two different songs, ominous atmospherics giving rise to an unstoppable rhythm & noise groove. Vocal styles are equally diverse as Leeb's robotic snarl in "Sado-Masochist" and whispered growl in "Life=Leben" effectively contrast with his clean melodic singing of each song's chorus. --Mark McCleerey ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Noise Unit style and unexpected change
Is this FLA? That's what I thought when I fisrt listened to this cd when it was the last FLA album. Of course I had not listened then to Noise Unit, and so I was very surprised with this cd.
When you give it more listenings you discover the real FLA trademark, it's just that, the same they did with 'Millenium' when they incorporated metal guitars into their sound and maintaining their special style, they did with 'Flavour...' by incorporating more techno elements, removing the guitars, including more danceable rhythms.
I think 'Flavour of the Weak' is not one of the best FLA cds, but it was a good change, a necessary turn of direction after some magnificent albums which followed a more similar style and nedded, I think, a change.

Now the songs:

Corruption (9.5/10): the album begins with an instrumental song, which is quite surprising. It's an amazing song reminding me of Noise Unit's 'Drill' material but without the guitars; climatic, danceable, no vocals nor voice samples. Excellent.

Sado-Masochist (8/10): after the 1st surprise comes the 2nd: how will the new songs with lyrics be? the verses and lines are shorter, the voice sounds less agressive but whispering, except for the chorus in which Leeb sings with his almost natural voice. Good but not perfect.

AutoErotic (8/10): another new example of FLA new sound; like a Hard Wired song but more danceable, more upbeat, less rocky, less disquieting. Strange way of singing, some say like a sort of strange rap song; well, it's a strange song but decent.

Colombian Necktie (8.5/10): the single. Good electronic intro, whispering vocals, excellent chorus with robotical distortion, good techno elements, less film samples than in Hard Wired, no guitars at all.

Evil Playground (8/10): another instrumental. Begins with a children choir sample, i think sampled from a Recoil song, or if not it sounds similar. The song is divided into 2 parts: the 1st, a Delerium-esque piece of relaxing electro-landscapes with some beat, sth like 'Semantic Spaces' material. The 2nd is more NoiseUnitesque, danceable and more upbeat. It gets a bit repetitive for me, though.

Comatose (8.5/10): one of the best here, it's more typical FLA but renovated with the new techno influences. Very good and catchy chorus, anticipating a bit the 'Implode' material.

Life=Leben (8.5/10): a percussive intro, somewhat militaristic, then a very danceable song with silly lyrics but catchy vocals. Good and interesting, even though the easy rhymes.

Predator (8.5/10): strange almost instrumental song; less upbeat, strangely melodic, weirds sounds, vocals almost imperceptible and scarce. At first I didn't like this one, but it grew on me with the time.

To sum up, I think 'Flavour of the Weak' is a good album even though not one of the best by FLA. The change is as spectacular as the 'Millenium' was, and I think it drinks a bit from the other side-project Noise Unit( maybe because of the contact with Haujobb, maybe not). Weaker than 'Hard Wired' and 'Implode', i think it's a decent bridge between those 2 wonderful albums.

More apocolyptic, state-hating propoganda from Canada.
Front Line Assembly has been banging away at the industrial drum for some time now, and with minimal recognition from the masses. I doubt this stellar release will garner the Canadian outfit any further attention for their contribution to the genre, not to mention their longevity. "Flavour" is an excellent record, though. Dense with overt influences from the "electronica" explosion, Bill Leeb along with new partner Chris Peterson replacing Rhys Fulber, demonstrate why FLA has continued to serve platter after platter of high-strength industrial delicacy. Their ability to incorporate such noticeable techniques and still retain the core FLA structure is a trait to be admired. More important, it is better than any Chemical Bros./Crystal Method record you can buy. FLA has always managed to produce well-structured noise, samples and dancefloor beats in their songs, and the armageddon feel to the music is natural, not like the forced broodiness of such! novices as Gravity Kills, Stabbing Westward, or even Marylin Manson. The instrumental "Corruption" starts off the disc and immediately lets the listener know what kind of stew they're in for. Classic lazy synth build-up leads to an overwhelmingly dancy beat, accompanied by etheral keyboards that don't bludgeon with melodrama. FLA aren't innovators, but they know what they're good at: expert piracy. Relax, and enjoy a seasoned band that can make electronic music sound fresh, even as they rip off the mainstream.

Up to date and superb!
This Frontline Assembly record is different from what they did before. The band lost Rhys Fulber as a full-time member, but Bill Leeb and Chris Peterson proved that their creativity is top-form. This record's sound is best described as apocalyptic dark techno. The band's dancefloor friendliness has increased, while the guitars are almost gone. The vocals are sparse and less aggressive than on their previous records. This is FLA's reply to an outburst of powerful electronica bands like The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, The Future Sound of London, and others. Samples from these bands are abound on the album, and those who have this and the mentioned bands' CDs will be surprised with how well the original pieces of music are incorporated into FLA's complex song structures.

"Flavour of the Weak" really shines in sampling. "Corruption" borrows drum loops from Underworld's "Pearl's Girl" and ChemBros' "Get up on it Like This". "Sado-Masochist" uses a lot from ChemBros' "Setting Sun", while "Comatose" has parts of at least 3 songs by The Prodigy in it. These are just a few mentioned examples, there are much more in this album.

What's really great about FLA, and this album serves as a perfect example, is that their songs never produce the impression of getting nowhere. The compositions are long, well written and they actually progress and develop the theme, so the listener is always involved.

My favorite track here is "Evil Playground" with "Corruption", "Sado-Masochist" and "Colombian Necktie" not far behind. There's also a hidden 3-minute composition on the CD which is after a long pause in the end of track #8. Contrary to the rest of the album, it is a harsh chaotic industrial instrumental.

With this record Frontline Assembly proved that no matter the line-up changes, in the year 1997 they were still a force on the industrial/EBM scene, and they had lots of ideas to express with their music. Highly recommended!

Absolute freakin' brilliant!
This is by far my favorite FLA disc, with 2nd place going to "Tactical Neural Implant". I'll admit, it takes a good number of listens before the songs begin to grab hold of you. Once they do, however, it's hard to get them out of your head.

The songs:
Corruption - (9/10) a fast-paced instrumental with fantastic breakbeats and synth lines.

Sado-Masochist - (9/10) mid-tempo vocal song with some interesting (almost annoying) sounds in the intro. The chorus brings this song to a whole new level.

Autoerotic - (10/10) a slower song and my second favorite on the disc. A very creepy feeling song. Some really cool orchestra hits and a funky, memorable chorus.

Colombian Necktie - (10/10) my favorite on this disc. It takes a while to get warmed up, but once it does - watch out! Awesome layered effects in the intro and great bassline. The chorus is excellent. The buildup and entry to the final chorus is the coolest part of ANY song I've EVER heard!

Evil Playground - (8.5/10) "evil" is right. This song sounds evil, especially the children in the intro. Decent instumental that starts to get a bit repetitive near the end.

Comatose - (9.5/10) Someone mentioned this sounds like something off "Implode". I agree. Nice catchy chorus with a very techno feel.

Life=Leben - (9/10) This one took me the longest to appreciate, but is very worthy of merit. Percussive, marching band-like intro. Has a sort of uncomfortable feel throughout, but again, the chorus is quite catchy.

Predator - (8/10) This is probably the hardest song to describe. It's slower, slightly sparse, and very weird. Few vocals, even fewer of which are sung. Hard to appreciate at first, but it grows on you.

I'm not entirely sure why I love this disc so much. It may not be regarded as one of FLAs best, but it's received the most spin time in my CD-player (and I have them all). This CD has not left my car CD-player in well over a year!

a nice fuzzy warm spot they should never have left
FLAvour is a fun album all around. It lacks the punch of Hard Wired and the aggression of Millenium. But what it lacks it makes up for in the technical, melodic synth lines that have always been Leeb's forte since SP. My girlfriend borrowed my copy 4 months ago and won't give it back, if that tells you anything about the worthiness of this album. I think one word sums it up: Dark.
In short, you will be publicly executed if you do not buy this album NOW. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An exceptional gothic act
I highly recommend anyone who likes gothic/darkwave music , and never had the chance to listen to DOD , to go and buy this CD. It contains some of their best songs , collected from previous albums....I didn't know what I was missing until I discovered this great German band! Their music touches you in a way you don't wanna stop playing the CD on and on ...again and again.. And the best thing about DOD , is that you can't compare them to any band you know...a completely original and unique work.

Gloomy, Sweet, and Dancable
This is a great retrospective of the songs from DoD founder Adrian Hates, covering all albums from "Cholymelon" to "Bird Without Wings." The music is a layered world of keyboard textures, drum machines, swirling atmosherics, sharp squeeling yet heavenly guitars, and deep gloomy vocals. All in all, music able to pierce the flesh and extract blood, and able to pierce the heart and elicit tears. From the almost Goth/Industrial "False Affection, False Creation" to the heartbreaking ballad "But the Wind Was Stronger," the music never really has a low point...if long drawn out songs bore you or annoy you, then maybe thats the low point. An easy, simple description?? Well, the sound is almost like old Switchblade Symphony("Serpentine Gallery") with male vocals. A good buy for people interested in an introduction to this German Gothic/Darkwave act.

Unique (in a good way)
This collection of songs from DoD's past albums is an interesting mix of darkness and despair. The album is elctronic in nature, leaning perhaps a little into the industrial side on some tracks. There are a couple of soft ballads as well, but most of the songs on this album are rather driven. There are a few noticably fantastic tracks that will jump out and bite you on the first listen, but after a number of spins, the rest of the album blends together nicely. It's a good listen from beginning to end that, and I hate comparisions, is similar to...well...nothing really, but if you like German-influenced Goth with sharp and cold electronics swirled in...this is for you. Great for those in-between days when those Projeckt bands are too low and Rosetta is just too damn peppy...*wink* 4 Stars. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pleasant surprise!
I bought this album after hearing "Crazy Girls" on the Ladytron back to mine compo Softcore Jukebox. When I buy a CD for one song I am almost always burned, but Tubed actually delivers.

There are some really good songs on this album. What's nice is that instead of hammering at technical prowess or "sounding cool", Codec & Flexor have started with what on the surface are some pretty catchy pop tunes, and have added a layer of complexity and sound that go beyond the standard fare.

The standout tracks for me are "Robot Funk", "Candy Cancer", "Crazy Girls", and "Time Has Changed". The other tracks on the album are pretty solid as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The industrial-dance remix glut continues with Re-Wind, a two-disc set of reworked material from Front Line Assembly's FLAvour of the Weak. FLA themselves are behind the boards on disc 1, providing somewhat harder-edged versions of the drum & bass-tinged original tracks (including an unreleased song, "Aftermath"). Disc 2 is left to the kindness of strangers, and it's by far a more interesting and varied listen. All squelchy keyboards and roiling, bouncy beats, Front 242's mix of "Comatose" wouldn't be out of place on a trance album. Collide add ethereal female vocals to "Predator," transforming the song into something mesmerizingly beautiful and closer in spirit to the FLA side project Delerium. Kalte Farben take the militaristic "Life = Leben" and turn it into an exercise in staccato funk. And Fini Tribe seemingly invent the genre of industrial trip-hop with their take on "Auto-Erotic." The artists on Re-Wind have discovered the secret to making a successful remix album: don't just retread--re-create. --Steve Landau ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Only for fans
When Bill Leeb and Co. realized what they had done in FLAvour of the Weak, they decided to try and erase that grease spot from their musical career. And Re-wind (or should I say Makedup FLAvour) is the result. The production is much better - it doesn't sound like a semi-amateur electronica cd like FLAvour did - and some "reconstructions" on cd 1 are quite good (namely "Aftermath", "Colombian Necktie", "Comatose"). Unfortunatly, the fact that the songs are among some of the worst ever made by FLA shows even through the tons of nice effects and danceable rythms. CD 2 is interesting, with it's 7 remixes by 7 different artists, which makes the styles change a lot from one track to another. The horrendous first remix by Front 242 (another band in a bad moment?) may cause a bad first impression, but those who manage to get past that one alive, will probably end up enjoying the cd.

To sum it up: better than FLAvour of the Weak, but it still wears out after a couple of wee(a)ks of intense listening. I'd give it 2.5, but since i can't do that, 3 it is.

Resonable effort.
If you've heard Flavour of the Week, you might have been a little disappointed like me, but then the amazing Implode comes along to save the day. Re-Wind is a release in-between these two albums, and re-mixes some Flavour of the Week tracks (FLA's on disc 1 and other artists on disc 2). Many of the re-mixes give rise to very different sounding songs.

At the end of the day, this is far more dance orientated and reminds me of Caustic Grip and Tactical Neural Implant mixed with Flavour, but with hardly any singing - almost in Noise Unit, Drill territory. After Implode, it's rather uninteresting and I have to say I prefer Flavour. This sounds like a serious of B-Side mixes which although are more FLA than Flavour, are not as well mixed and varied.

An okay buy, but stick to Implode for a great listen...

The Real FLA Stands Up
I've was worried about FLA. As a fan since the early 90s, I've watched them grow and develop. And I've stumbled across their MANY side projects, enjoying most. But with FLAVour of the Weak, it appeard FLA was suffering from being strung out TOO much among their side projects. When I buy FLA, I WANT FLA, not Delerium or Synanaesthesia or Noise Unit.

I was hesitant to buy RE-Wind, but I'm a fan. And I'm glad I bought it - as true FLA fans will be. The remixes FLA provides on the first disk are more FLA than the originals. Mind you, it's more the FLA from Tactical Neural Implant rather than the more recent Millenium and Hard Wired. A step back, perhaps, but at least it's back to good old FLA. Much more dancey and club friendly, but that's what makes it so great. The music is catchy and draws you in deeper and deeper. That's the beauty of true FLA. The more you listen, the deeper you get.

The second CD, well, it's remixes. As is the norm, if you like the group who does the remix, you'll probably like the remix.

The main reason to buy it, however, is to have some real FLA to listen to. If you were disappointed with FLAVour, don't pass up RE-Wind. It'll restore your faith, and get you thrashing around the room again. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good Songs but There are Better Ways to Hear APB
This is a solid collection of early Apop songs but why do this to yourself? Just buy '7' due to its start-to-finish excellence - this is a better intro to APB. Then get the more current 'Welcome to Earth' with at least 5 great songs. If you like those then you can venture deeper in the past and pick up 'Soli Deo Gloria'; you'll find that it is better as an album than this collection. Then go ahead and get the most current disc 'Harmonizer'.

In short, good stuff but don't start here. Only for completists IMO (yes, I have it).

The Apopcalyptic Manifesto
I am a big fan of Apoptygma Berzerk. They are one of my personal favorite bands of all time (next to VNV Nation and KMFDM). I haven't been into the band for too long, maybe like a year or two. "Welcome to Earth" was my first Apop album. When I picked up "Welcome to Earth", I had mistaken Apocalyptica for Apoptygma Berzerk. What a happy mistake. I loved what I heard on "Welcome to Earth". The fusion of industrial beats with the sweet melodies of trance music was nothing that I heard of. Over time, I picked up "Harmonizer" and "7". I also started listening to fellow Metropolis mates VNV Nation, Icon of Coil, and Project Pitchfork. Next to VNV Nation, Apoptygma Berzerk is my favorite band on Metropolis records. I recently came upon "Apopcalyptic Manifesto" on one of my excursions to my favorite record store. I came upon a large stash of cds by Clan of Xymox, Project Pitchfork, Convenant, and Apop's "Apopcalyptic Manifesto". I automatically grabbed the Apop cd without hesitation as well as cds by Clan of Xymox, Convenant, and Project Pitchfork. Although "Apopcalyptic Manifesto" is a compilation, most of the songs on this cd is new to me. In comparison to the other Apop cds I own, the music I heard on "Apopcalyptic Manifesto" is slightly more aggressive and experimental. I especially loved the instrumental "The Approach of Death". "All Tomorrows Parties" is perhaps my personal favorite song (w/vocals) on the cd. I enjoyed both versions of "Ashes to Ashes" a great deal. I can't pick which version I like more. Like my other Apop cds, I loved "Apopcalyptic Manifesto". I can't get enough of Apoptygma Berzerk.

Let the music do the talking
Dazed and confused I was, when, after a visit to a friend, I found my self with a pack of borrowed cd's, and among them were couple of A.B. albums. Don't expect to describe in which situation I was, after listening to Apoptygma's manifestos,but it was like a melancholic elektrocusion, pain, agony, dark colors, emotions, and more, it was an experience to remember, the sounds of the new (how I can put this?) elektro-goth era but far more than this, far more than I can write in a text. Get it, get it while you can, if you are into the sound I described before, get this album. Trip out with this gothic elektro/dark masterpiece, let your mind loose and crawl into it's soundscape, and give your senses a touch of magik, then the Apoptygma realm may open it's gates for you. but hurry, it won't last for an eternity... Question is, will you then be a Berzerker? Ohh yes, you will... ...YOU WILL!

A decent collection of APB's earlier works
Apoptygma Berzerk's music is a mix of quality fast-paced EBM/industrial, and white noise experimental technoid stuff that doesn't satisfy me at all. The Apocalyptic Manifesto is basically a compilation album including some of APB's best songs, remixes, and a few previously unreleased tracks as well. There are some great tracks on here, including Deep Red (one of my favorite songs of all time), Burning Heretic, Electronic Warfare, and a couple others. There's also a few nonsense tracks on here that are kind of crappy, but the good ones overshadow them. It may take some time to grow on you if you haven't been listening to APB since the beginning, but overall The Apocalyptic Manifesto is a solid buy.

The best electronic music
Apoptygma is, and has been for a while, the best elctronic music out there! This CD continues their trend! ... Read more

Album Details

Now Available at a Lower Price. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent Front 242 ReMixes from the Best 242 Album
Seriosly though the KMFDM remix is very good, and so are all the others. If you love Off then you will love this.

A nice remix album
This album is worth picking up for the "Der Verfluchte Angel" remix of "Modern Angel" alone. I believe 99 Kowalski was the singer of the opera track which was used in the original song, but I may be wrong. There's a great little break in the song that has a NIN feel to it. The other tracks are marginal, and I would probably recommend the "Mut@ge Mix@ge" album over this one for remixes.

A handful of excellent tracks mixed in with some lame ones
This CD contains a few very excellent original tracks that have the same feel as songs from "OFF" but there are also some very experimental tracks such as a heavy industrial-rock anthem "Born to Breathe" and an operatic orchestral interlude. Unfortunately, you have to wade through a couple of lame remix attempts from other artists including what is possibly the worst KMFDM track i've ever heard. This is a must-have for 242 fanatics. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is an ideal KMFDM album for both the fan and the uninitiated alike. Led by mastermind Sasha Konietzko, the band's defining elements are on full display: staccato machine rhythms, languidly angry lead vocals, choruses of female backing vocals and lyrics full of vague calls to action. "Money" and "Sex on the Flag" are trademark KMFDM techno-metal with good guitar riffs, while "Help Us/Save Us ..." and "Bargeld" are imaginatively programmed and rigidly soulful. The adventurous "Spiritual House" and satirical "We Must Awaken" add diversity to the album's overall feel. Also included are alternate versions of some songs (including "I Will Pray," a version of the band's classic "Godlike"). --Mark McCleerey ... Read more

Reviews (16)

This is the best KMFDM CD in existence
I've only gotten into KMFDM recently (about 6 weeks ago) but after hearing their Excessive Force mix of Megalomaniac off MDFMK I began madly buying any KMFDM CD I could lay my hands on. I now have Don't Blow Your Top, UAIOE, MONEY, ANGST, Naive Hell To Go, NIHIL, XTORT, $#@!^, JJJ (the Giorgio Remixes), and MDFMK, and I must say that MONEY is by far my favorite of all the CDs. I love every song on this CD and the only time it's left my CD player in the last 3 weeks was for an occasional play of ANGST. Definitely recommended, although it's not as heavy as other KMFDM CDs that I've heard ($#@!^ and XTORT, for example).

Classic Album
This is one of KMFDM's best albums, next to Naive and Angst. Money finds the band having a lot of fun while making a point, namely on the song "Money," with dancy beats, metal-slick guitars (but not the fast death metal types found on NIHIL or ATTAK), and Sascha rapping about "selling drugs on the street/cause that's what pays/I make a coupla hundred/in just one day." The band had really honed its synth/electronic capabilities at this point, which is also evident on their previous album Naive. Songs like "Vogue" and the classic club fave "Sex on the Flag" rely heavily on synth-driven structures, pulling from both Techno and House-dance influences. And the wonderful "Help Us, Save Us, Take Us Away," which takes a slide guitar over a slow funky beat, makes industrial blues a reality. The other songs are good as well, but some of the remixes are a little much. Also, "I Will Pray" and "Under Satan" are decent remixes or revamps of "Godlike" and "Die Now, Live Later" from Naive.

On Money, the band did what it still does very well: Taking current styles and blending them into the KMFDM sound. This would be their last real dance-friendly album, as Angst would lead the charge for the more aggressive sounds we know today. Not that this is a bad thing (or that you still can't dance to it). Fans of Naive or UAIOE will definitely get a kick out of Money. But if you're a fan of the heavy sounds of NIHIL, Angst or XTORT, you might want to approach this release with caution.

Under Satan
KMFDM is definitely of my favorite bands of all time. I had the immense pleasure of seeing the band live as well as meeting them in person over the past summer. I was first exposed to KMFDM while in college a few years ago and heard "Juke Joint Jezebel" at a house party (of all places). My first KMFDM album was their compilation "Retro". I absolutely loved what I heard, especially songs like "Money" and "Vogue" so I was curious to hear what "Money" sounded like". I really dug the catchy lyrics to "Money". The chorus is just so much fun to sing along to. Granted that I prefer "Nihil", "Symbols", and "Attak" over this album, I still have a soft spot for this album. KMFDM manages to make some of the heaviest music I have ever heard yet they don't take themselves so seriously, especially with songs like "Under Satan" and "Bargeld". The production is [bad] which is why I didn't give this album "5 stars". "Vogue" is an example of how the music suffers under the muddled production by Sasha. My favorite song on the album? I think that honor would have to go to the third track "Help Us/Save Us/Take Us Away", a slow, dirgey industrial track. Despite the flawed production, "Money" is certainly one of my favorite KMFDM albums and overall, industrial album.

KMFDM's best [3.5 stars]
I don't know what it is about this CD, probably the lack of guitars and pure electronics. Most of their albums sound to muddy with a lot of guitar and useless computer bleeps. For the most part, this is KMFDM's least noisy album. It goes real light on the guitar, and the electronics aren't as abrasive as Nihil, Adios, or MDFMK. Much easier and better on your ears and brain than the average KMFDM album.

Even KMFDM has a bad day
I own almost every KMFDM and post-KMFDM album and this has always stood out sharply as the worst of the lot.

Why? Well, it hardly has any new songs on it. There are multiple versions of the same songs on it, and re-hash of some old stuff on an already small number of 10 tracks. The re-make of "Godlike" ("I Will Pray") is not even close to as good as the incredible original (found on the original Naive, and now on Agogo).

"Money" and "Vogue" SAVE this album from being a total throwaway, as both are among KMFDM's better tracks. Download those two and save your money. ... Read more

Album Details

ELECTRONIC. TRS-80 are a Chicago-based trio who mix up live drums & samples to create a sound collage that explores its boundaries of today's electronic underground. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Good...Very Good
Anyone into trip-industrial-electric type music will love this CD.A great band out of Chicago that a good friend turned me onto.Have opened for Siouxsie and Sisters of Mercy among others.Take a listen, you won't be disappointed.

diggin' it
kinda cool. didn't know what i was getting into. but after giving it a good once though....then another....and i'm on it again, it's hittin'. it has a bit of everything. a little more trip hoppy than i'm used to, but good use of the synth held me and still is holding me. and as i'm writting this review there is a possiblity i may have graded this disc a little lower than i could have. we're now looking at a 4.5 to a possible 5.

if you like autechre, boards of canada, or gimmik you may quite possibly be down with trs-80.

nice grooves.

diggin' it
kinda cool. didn't know what i was getting into. but after giving it a good once though....then another....and i'm on it again, it's hittin'. it has a bit of everything. a little more trip hoppy than i'm used to, but good use of the synth held me and still is holding me. and as i'm writting this review there is a possiblity i may have graded this disc a little lower than i could have. we're now looking at a 4.5 to a possible 5.

if you like autechre, boards of canada, or gimmik you may quite possibly be down with trs-80.

nice grooves.

TRS-80 forever, baby!
Hey, Kent! I'm writing this review, letting you know that I love your music and the band and I can't wait to get another cd!Youguys rock!To the public- this band is a great form of electronica, industrial techno and is so far, one of the best techno artists that I have found. to KR- I'm working hard at getting you guys known, but you wouldn't believe how many people do know about you up here!I'm selling one of these cd's today and I'll send the $$ to you.I hope you read this! Once again-YOU GUYS ROCK!

Darn Good Album
This albums is really good, I do enjoy it. I picked this up on a fluke and ending up really liking the whole thing. It is truly weird album and defies logical placement on the music scale. It is that same Aphex Twin Mu-ziq vein in my opinion though sorta... ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Stick with the album version unless you're a completist
"Kathy's Song" is in its best form on "Welcome to Earth." As is nearly ALWAYS the case with remixes, these alternate cuts don't improve upon the original. (Nine Inch Nails, anyone?) So, the album version (track 2) sounds even better than usual. Kathy programmed a great tune, and Stephen Groth's singing is Abba-smooth.

All the same, it's good to have choices. VNV Nation's mix speeds up the tempo and adds some urgency to the song. Ferry Corsten's remix also has good hustle, and a nice beatless interlude for the "Come lie next to me" part. The "C64" version sounds like a late-80s Casio plugged into a 4-track recorder.

"Kathy's Song" is a deserving EBM hit, and this single is a logical buy for collectors. I'm just not so huge into the "oonce-oonce" treatment so prevalent in dance music right now.

Annoying and derivative
Too bad they pushed this thing out to fill some "void" in their schedule- and too bad so many DJ's annoy the crowd with its insipid sample and ho-hum song architecture. Apop has written some great songs for the dancefloor- this one (and all its remixes) is just a dead carp on the beach, stinking up the joint. Pass on it, unless you've heard it and still somehow like it a week later!

Apop's HIT IT RIGHT ON!!
The song itself is cool and different. Enter Ferry Corsten! Takes this song and turns it into a GREAT Trance Anthem! I use some version of it scattered throughout my nightly sets. Let me add the other mixes are good too. Track 1 is a shortened version of the right mix, for those DJ's who fear letting the "drop" into their set. Track 5 is my track of choice. Nice, typical trance, has the energy drop a few minutes in, and thenm rises to a new level. Excellent! The other tracks are more typical Apop style from what I gather, good alternative style. Anyway it DEFINITELY gets my thumbs up!

There's a few good remixes here
Kathy's Song wasn't one of my favorite songs on Welcome To Earth, but a couple of the remixes on this single are actually an improvement over the original. The VNV Nation remix is a slow and haunting version, while a couple of others are faster club remixes of the original. Overall, it's a rather solid single.

Precisely what a single should be
An excellent collection of mixes. Each one offers a unique variation on the original, with outstanding turnout by VNV Nation, Beborn Beton, and Apoptygma Berzerk. For those fond of the original song, this is bliss. Truly great. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Foray into pure metal
This album is TEHC's first full album plunging purely into metal. Very hard and grinding, this album falls more into the traditional black metal genre as opposed to the Industrial that TEHC has been previously known for. While many songs are skillfully crafted such as Bishop's Folly, it seems as if TEHC had an ax to grind with being called Industrial. (And as noted by things I've read.) However, as a metal album in itself, is very solid.

I personally don't believe this album matches up to what TEHC could have produced, and I think Electronomicon comes out the stronger of the two of TEHC's more metal albums. I believe they learned from Witness the Millenium. Even so, a very good black metal album.

Buy Burn Baby Burn Instead!
This is the worst EHC release! The recording is grainy and unbalanced. Gone, is the ironic lyrics and the sense of humor that make EHC stand out from the rest of the "Evil" bands. Save your money or buy Burn Baby Burn!

No more Mr. Nice Satanist.
"Witness.." was a far cry from what I was expecting of EHC's latest release.That said, it was still pretty good but suffers from poor production due to the shoddy conditions of Venom's personal recording studio.Even Rev. Thorne complained of the archaic equipment which, as I understand it, is one of many mounting problems whichhas led to the current rift between EHC and Venom.What that means to the listener is that it is hard to find an acceptable listening balance on this CD.I usually turn the treble down a little so that the bass is just slightly higher.This will cut downa little bit on the tinny quality.

On the upside, it is a more raw direction which may please those with a predilection more towards the oldschool days of black metal.It is however completely lacking any sense of irony that most fans of the EHC have come to expect from them.This is the most serious I've ever know them to be, even more so than the darkly malevolent "Kiss the Goat" release.

On the whole, "Witness the Millenium" is not a bad effort, especially for a CD whose slated release was postponed almost a full year.To fully appreciate where they're going with this new sound my advice would be to start at the beginning with "Burn,Baby,Burn" and work your way up.

I think it's their best
I've not been a fan of EHC for long, but I like this one the best. It's very modern, cutting edge, that not too many are doing. Agree with them or not, it is utterly fascinating from the masters of Satanic rock. It's a bit cartoonish at times, and even funny. My favorite is One Dark Horse. Deny Christ lunatic and liar- that's awesome.

A refreshing change
This album shows that the EHC is still hard at work trying to think of new ways to get their message across, I keep seeing review after review of people saying "why dont they go back to their old sound?" I will tell you why: the EHC were and are an experimental band, they have always deviated from the musical norm to express their feelings and beliefs,back in the '93 when Burn,Baby,Burn! came out there werent many bands making music like that, today they are a dime a dozen, we move to Kiss the Goat, again a dime a dozen these days, Calling Dr.Luv was the first step in showing that they had grown bored with the "industrial" genre and were beginning to explore different avenues of music. With Witness the Millenium they have come full circle to B.B.B in that they are once again doing what not many people are doing these days, making dark metal with a hint of the electro-industrial roots they started from. Best track: One Dark Horse. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

the most complex sounds i've ever heard
i didn't know you could wear out a cd until i bought this. but it's true. there are layers of sound that are no longer audible on the copy that i bought almost three years ago. some of the most brilliant work i've ever heard. they don't miss a beat on this one. buy it. take it home. sit in your room all alone. turn out the lights and just listen. it will take you to another place.

Showcasing sound & not the songs...
F.L.A. could come out with an amazing live cd if they would have showcased many of the bands signature songs here instead of a hybrid mix of some of the more obscure songs and rational off of the newest releases (Melinium and Hard Wired) Sadly shutting out some of the best work from the band. One of my biggest gripes was the huge electro club hit THE BLADE was sadly left behind and did not appear on the cd or in the bands live showcase though its almost always a staple of the live performances. This cd does have some wonderful moments though showing through great walls of sounds and textures that does show the bands ability to be able to play live but it often comes out in bieng more ambient and almost on the lines of a Meat Beat Manifesto release then F.L.A. The highlights are by far hearing an almost 12 minute version of a very intense Millennium and actually hearing them shred on Mindphaser makes the cd alone worth buying but I would only recomend this after you get to hear some of the studio work, In particular the Implode,Hard Wired or Mellinium releases.I wouldnt say its a bad cd but it doesnt showcase the bands songs as much as the sound...

A great live cd!
This is a great live CD from a great industrial band. Most of the songs are from Hard Wired and Millenium and a few early classics are thrown in. A must buy for every FLA fans! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Thank you Sascha!
Hey, could this cd be any cooler? What a great pairing, Giorgio Moroder mixing KMFDM!

Blah
Personally I don't care for "Juke-Joint Jezebel", I just bought this disc hoping to get something improved or different. Improved maybe, different yes. I enjoyed the Poly-matrix and Metropolis mixes, the rest, however, were quite dull. "Kraut" was nothing special either- the original version (from the album Nihil) is better. Oh well, It's worth it.

Good, but not great.
This is definitely worth buying if you are a KMFDM fan. It has the original version (radio edit) and then some strange mixes. The Metropolis Mix and the Paradox mix are a lot heavier than the original mix, while the Poly Matrix edits make you wanna get up and dance! Which is pretty cool, because most KMFDM songs don't do that for me. Kraut, the B side, is silly but good. However, the remixes just aren't as exciting as some of their other remix work (Brute, for instance). So I wouldn't give this 5 stars, though it is really good. Buy it!

Good, if you like repitition
The mixes on this CD are quite similar to the original track. The original is even on the CD. The single from the Mortal Kombat Soundtrack is on it along with two tracks that are exactly the same except for length. The high point of this CD is the track Kraut. It is very close to the song Disobedience, but is still good. KMFDM fans must own, dance enthusiasts will enjoy, ANGST lovers won't really enjoy ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Brilliant
Not a bad song on here. Full of replay value. This is probably the best EP by KMFDM. Very good stuff. Don't hesitate.

RAYMOND STRIKES AGAIN!
I picked this up because of my huge fandom (is that a word?) of Raymond Watts (aka Pig). This EP, because it's not really a full album, has a comical value for me, due mostly to the sampling of the reverand john hagey on "rape robbery and violence", and also due to big t on "f me hoghunter". Along with the comic value, however, there is also some really good music coming out of this EP. For the price, you couldn't possibly go wrong. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Healthy Addition to Your KMFDM Catalog
Now that I have obtained all of KMFDM's full-length albums, I'm now working towards owning the vast number of singles. VIRUS is the third one I bought, mainly for the original version of "More & Faster".

"Virus"--I've nearly worn out my copy of the NAIVE: HELL TO GO album (a great record!) so I'd been accostumed to the dub-mix version of this song. The original, found on this single, may even be better! It's definately harder and heavier--the beats are even stronger and the guitars are more distorted. The vocals are different and the whole feel of the song is less "funk and soul" and more "industrial". A great track.

"More & Faster"--As will "Virus", I'm used to listening to the remix of "M&F" from UAIOE (while it's a great song, it's just too damn short!), so I was excited about hearing this original version. As good as it is, I'll have to stick with the remix. This version is certainly longer--it contains two more verses--but the beat is more chaotic and the chorus doesn't blow you away. Other listeners consider this to be the better version, but I disagree.

"Don't Blow Your Top"--This is the same version found on the album of the same name. Being that as it may, it is still a great song. Side note: listen to the Frank Zappa songs "I'm the Slime" and "Dirty Love" and you'll hear a remarkable resemblence to "DBYT"!

"High & Geil"--While it can't be found on any album, I don't think you should jump through hoops to hear this rare track. It's essentially a VERY slowed-down version of "More & Faster" with a strong similarity to songs from PIG.

So...two great songs, one nastalgic remix, and one skipper. Not bad, certainly for the KMFDM fanatic. An added bonus--in addition to the VIRUS art by BRUTE!, you also get the art for DBYT and M&F. I was pleasantly surprised.

No title just want to say my piece
I'm going to disagree with the first guy. This Single has rare tracks that you can't find anywhere else. The Virus track is the original song and so is the More & Faster track. Buy this CD if you want to be like me.

Probably won't know you out
Well, as most people know, either you love KMFDM or you hate them. Also, most fans know that you probably have to be a big fan to admire their older work. Virus is a good single, considering its age and that there are three other songs and not just one hundred million versions of the title track.

The other songs aren't all that great, but Virus is such a great track, I think it's worth it. Like I said, it is a very primitive piece of KMFDM's work, but it's a keeper for collectors.

If you're just getting in to KMFDM, try Angst, NIHIL or the self titled album first. Most fans work their way backwards. ... Read more

Album Description

The companion EP to sistermachinegun: 6.0 ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sister Machine Gun: Decades in the Making
Sister Machine Gun's coodinator/frontman Chris Randall's prolific nature shows within the depths of the albums he manufactures and the metamorphic hands these release all seem to be imprinted by. Sure they all bear a semblance to one another because of Randall's signature vocals, but the band's ability to shed genres as he continues forward in the realm of electronic discovery is quite unique. This attributes to some of the unique auras that are hard to pinpoint with classifications and that sometimes change within even a few tracks of one another. This is clearly evident within this portion of the evolution of the band when compared somewhat with the 6.0 release that came before it and definitely when looked at with the 6.6 release that is now out. Strangely, its just as prevalent there as it is when someone goes back and takes a look at the wonders they've produced in the past. Its actually quite an amazing thing when one listens from beginning to the current resting place Sister Machine Gun is at, too, because the cycle and the things to come will have to be great.

In the midst of all the albums, there are the EPs that clearly have earned their own place beneath the spotlights of much deserved acclaim. This is because they are more than the simplistic releases that contain remix after remix, giving you just as many original tracks as they muster in the revised department. Take this, Sister Machine Gun:6.5 The Desert Companion, and putting it into the limelight of examples shows someone just that. Besides the remix of "loser (california fuzzbox mix)," a song that is a sociopolitical rap rant that is perhaps one of Randall's finest accomplishments, all the other songs are new works. These stay fairly true to the feel of 6.0 in most places, with some being only musical inceptions (Desert), others professing what youth and loving it might do to one in the most entertainingly funny of fashions (End of Me), while others are questions posed in an electronic rap/industrial methodology (What About Me), and the rest range in taste sensations that make the experience one that is quite worthy of any listener's attention.

I've noticed that the newest release, 6.6, has been heralded as a 7th album here, but this isn't including other albums such as the Transient 5.2 release that many fans unfortunately missed and that should track it down if they haven't been privy to it. In fact, this album and all the other Sister Machine Gun albums are well worth the time and loving adoration that should be professed to good works at least weekly, making them highly worth the propaganda I'm now spreading. Suffer not the injustices of second-guessing and purchase them all!

a great follow up to 6.0 !!!!
I have to agree with the other reviewer.This cd is great from start to finish! If you listen to the music closely it almost sounds like this could've been the companion to Burn, ( which is obviously a good thing )It does of course sound like the companion to 6.0, it captures the kick-a$$ mood of that album perfectly and expands it!And at the same time gives you a small taste of S.M.G's past albums and present style. This is a must for sister machine gun fans, Stand out tracks : "Bang Bang" "What about me" and "Loser (remix)".

also for S.M.G fans, look out for sister machine gun's 7th album this September , "6.6"

--
SMG has been my favorite band for many years because of the variety of sounds and the fact they are all good. This album is good start to finish. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A great look at Industrial
It's suprising to see K-Tel still in exhistence, and even more surprising to see an Industrial Compilation from them.. What's even more surprising is the fact that it's a great compilation. It covers almost the entire span including the rawer stuff from the early 80's (Einsturzende, Chrome, Throbbing Gristle) all the way up to the later 21st Century stuff (Apoptygma) Anyone who has been interested in Industrial has eventually gone out and looked for every band on this list. Here's an Industrial comp that represents the music and not a particular label. I would definitely recommend this to the younger tribe just starting out, or the older tribe looking for a quick nastalgia fix.

Industrial: 101
In the booklet of this compilation, it clearly states that "this album is not a best of..., nor a collection. No such thing could ever be captured on one album." That statement is pretty much and lives up too it. This album is mainly a pre-history look back on the industrial genre. But this album does have some good tracks by some bands that we might know (that's if you know your industrial) such bands like KMFDM, Leather Strip, Ministry and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. The other bands on this album i have never heard of before, and they don't sound that bad. But 3 tracks on here just don't cut it like "Firebomb" By Chrome (1996) is just really lame, "United" By Throbbing Gristle (1990) is another lame one and "Vanadium-I Ching" By Einsturzende Neubaten (1991) is just AWFUL!. This CD is cool for any Goth or Industrial heads alive. You be the judge. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Featuring older material
As the album title indicates this collection features material right from when the band first started out. Throughout it you can trace their development in sound, though the material itself only covers a brief moment of time in Front 242's career, from 1981 to 1985.

It is very much a good buy. Fans of Front 242 should get this as it features material from various early albums and EP's by the group, which some may have missed.

Sounding much more basic than their later works, the songs on here are early dance songs and electro tracks. It shows the group honing their sound and working on sounds. For those that are not as into their later hard dance works such as 'Up Evil' or 'Off' then this maybe a better bet.

The best songs on here are 'U-Men', the instrumental 'Kampfbereit', the almost hip-hop-ish, breakbeat 'Take One', 'Lovely Day' and the swooping 'Don't Crash'.

Excellent compilation!
If one is in the mood to listen to the best Front 242 songs and one does not want to carry around more then one cd. Well, then one should buy this cd in question, i.e., Back Catalogue
~ Front 242 . On this one cd , Front 242 has managed to squeeze in some of the best ebm songs and music ever made. Many people have tried to copy their formula. Highly Recommended.

I'll always return to my first love!
This is a great complilation album. I personally prefer Front 242's early work to the later, dance-oriented stuff. The only tracks I don't care for are the 2 live ones at the end.

This album has completely withstood the test of time. I've had it for almost 10 years now, and I had the original vinyl records before that. Groups like Prodigy or Chemical Brothers I'll like for a few years, and then grow sick of them and toss them, always returning to this amazing album and my other favorite Front 242 record, Offical Version. The more I listen, the more I love it, and the more there is to hear.

Headhunter and Welcome to Paradise are cool dance tunes, but they are a little forced, and pop-ish in comparison.

electronic music pioneers
it's amazing AMAZON carry such an excellent record.Captures early landscapes of electronika that takes me back to the early computers ,KRAFTWERK and the very early 80's. It's not so much a dance compilation as it is the essence of the true/original alternative- INDUSTRIAL or whatever u wanna call this genre. It's incredible how this REAL musicians/composers made music like this with rudimentary-antique instrumentation.They were the pioners in sampling sounds besides a deep subliminal message and good- sticky lyrics. ATT. AnibalW-02-27-00

Backcatalogue is a great compilation of old Front 242 songs.
If you are a fan of Front 242. Then it's best to get this compilation cd. I own it and I think it's great. If you buy this cd, you will not be disappointed. There are some great songs like "Controversy between," "No shuffle," "Don't crash," and "Take one." I have been a fan of Front 242 ever since I heard the song "Headhunter". Taken from the album, Front by Front. That also is a great buy. I also attended the Reboot concert in 1998. It was the best concert I have ever been to. All I have to say is. If you like Front 242, then add this to your collection. ... Read more

Album Description

Originally released as a limited edition, signed and numbered EP, the Transient 5.2 EP has been re-released as a standard edition.This EP is the companion to Sister Machine Gun's 1999 release, Revolution. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Generations of Change
When Chris Randall feels the need, Sister Machine Gun learns to change faces and becomes something new and, further, something exciting. Sometimes this can be as simplistic as changing a few denotations within the words and other times it can be something larger, like redesigning the structure of the album in its entirety. It has always been like this since the first album and the second album were put together, too, just as it has been evident in the last albums that have been done with the 6.5 Desert Companion and 6.6 Machine releases. Within the morphos, many things have been attempted with much success, such as the junction of funk and jazz, rock and industrial, electronic and technotronic, the use of rap and the madness of certain motions, and all with much success. Here, within the confines of Transient 5.2, the ratio of success to failure is no different.

Within these off releases, called EPs by most individuals, it must be taken into account that Sister Machine Gun is a band that graces the world of these normally-remix releases by giving its audience at least a handful of new tracks to play with and one or two older tracks to ingest with a reworked expression. Well, in this 5.2 portion of their legacy, they did exactly that, feeding the listener songs expressed through some of the most electronically grounded releases with strange effects in it (I recall hearing the Atari game Tempest in song 4, for instance), avoiding the chaotic plateaus of the wondrous 6.6 but still attracting attention through song after song. Four of these, the most electro in nature, are over seven minutes in length and the fifth new track, Dead Generation, has more of an edge to it that some of the other do within his proclamations of "belonging to the Dead Generation Now." Perhaps this was the most surprising thing of all, too, because I had expect quite a bit, but nothing that spanned over so many minutes like this did.

Although this wasn't originally designed for an addition to rEvoultion but was later released as one, it is still worth of picking up and is something that stands on its own. In fact, its rather annoying that the two are coupled together like they are anyhow, because neither shares the same soul that pulses through each of their veins. So, if you are looking for Sister Machine Gun album but have hesitated, fear not and acquire!

i belong to the dead generation
This Ep is friggin sweet,this just might be smg's most "electronic" album ever, great lengthy songs that really point out S.M.G's artistic growth and capabilities as one of the better, well respected industrial rock bands around. With chris randall preaching his tempered fury over some crazy/dancy tracks, u cant go wrong with this one. You have speaker crushing bass, great guitar riffs, bizarre sound fx,deep lyrics everything you need.(good cd to practice your kung-fu too) As good as this ep is,for listeners who just recently started getting into S.M.G this might not be the best place to start for you, take my word for it, if you wanna understand their style completely, go pick up their first album "Sins of the Flesh" and work your way up from there. ... Read more