Wertstahl – Faceless Opponent (Digital/CD Album – Battlecommand.org)
The German project Wertstahl has been active for over 20 years, releasing numerous works despite line-up changes over time. Nevertheless, the group has remained intact, unveiling its latest album at the end of 2024.
Drawing clear inspiration from the 80s and 90s, the album kicks off with a bold and unexpected nod to Front 242’s iconic “Headhunter”. The way they incorporate the original chorus lyrics in their own composition is daring—but it works.
Wertstahl is known for delivering powerful tracks driven by bombastic drum sections and pure, danceable EBM, evoking the genre’s golden era. The rough, unpolished vocal production perfectly complements the music’s raw energy.
Packed with solid tracks, this album is sure to resonate with EBM devotees. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “Checkmate”:
https://battlecommand.bandcamp.com/track/checkmate
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.