Darkness On Demand – Digital Outcast (Album – Alfa Matrix)
Genre/Influences: EBM.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Four years after their last album (cf. “Detoxination”) Darkness On Demand (ex-Dance Or Die) are back on track unleashing their third full length album which also is the first one released by the Belgian label Alfa Matrix. The German formation released a few singles and EP as appetizers to this album which is meant as a reconnection with nature and reality, ‘to escape from that digital world dominated by artificial social medias and credit card consumption’.
Content: Nothing has really changed in the global sound approach and production of the new work. This is DOD at its best; mixing more evasive, slower, tracks together with harder, dancefloor-driven cuts. The tracks are definitely EBM driven but with this typical dark, powerful, and elaborated approach which became that typical for the band.
+ + + : Darkness On Demand didn’t reinvent themselves but simply remind us of the essence and genius of their work; hardly comparable to any other formation and driven now by power and then by beauty… but most of the time it’s just both aspects together. I however prefer the ‘harder’ cuts of the album like “Last Attack”, “Ban Of Truth”, “Reactor 4” and “Lord Of The Harvest”. The powerful and sophisticated Electro is totally matching with the powerful and charismatic vocals of Gary Wagner. There also is a perfect balance between power and catchy, melodic, and carrying choruses. On top you’ll notice subtle sound arrangements.
– – – : I regret the album is not featuring a few more up-tempo cuts but the good news is there’s also a great EP with extra, powerful, songs.
Conclusion: Darkness On Demand already strikes back with style and energy. It’s fascinating to see how this band thirty five years after the set up of Dance Or Die still remains a true reference in the Electronic underground scene.
Best songs: “Ban Of Truth”, “Reactor 4”, “Lord Of The Harvest”, “Last Attack”, “Stagnation”.
Rate: 8.
Artist: www.darknessondemand.com / www.facebook.com/darknessondemand
Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix
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