CD Review: Deathcamp Project - Painthings

Written by Eva Brem Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:04

Artist: Deathcamp Project
Title: Painthings
Genre: Dark Wave/ Death Rock
Release Date: 11th November 2011
Label: Alchera Visions

Album Review

DEATHCAMP PROJECT are hardly freshmen in the alternative music scene. The band was formed 2001 in Poland by Void (vocal, guitar, lyrics) and Betrayal (electronica, bass, programming). The duo conquered the Polish gothic scene pretty much straight away and gained recognition abroad soon afterwards. During the last eleven years they have marked their presence in many European countries including the UK and Germany, greeted enthusiastically by fans. They speak openly about their inspirations and bands that have influenced them such as CHRISTIAN DEATH, CLAN OF XYMOX, SISTERS OF MERCY, THE CURE, JOY DIVISION and FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM. It’s no secret and all of them have left their mark on ‘Painthings’.

‘Painthings’ is an album not to be missed. Packed with catchy yet sophisticated enough melodies and with gothic aura pouring out from every tune it will not disappoint fanciers of death rock and decent old school dark wave. DEATHCAMP PROJECT have managed to turn most songs into hits without making them sound cheesy or stilted. They have cleverly escaped pretentiousness without losing power and punch. A good example of this is my favourite track on this album entitled ‘Through the Fire’. It’s so catchy it hurts and the compelling cold wave-ish rhythm corresponds well with Void’s decadent and strong vocal. In my humble opinion this track is ingenious. All the elements work together flawlessly - a convincing vocal line with intelligent and dark lyrics (a rarity these days) supported by cleverly put together melodic lines. The track is only 3:30 long and to sum it up – this is what I call an ultimate alternative chart topper.

Void’s vocal is undoubtedly one of the pillars of DEATHCAMP PROJECT. It’s versatile, fresh and possesses the much sought after aura of decadence. It’s also flexible enough to reflect a vast array of emotions what is vital for any band in this genre. Yes, Void’s singing manner resembles that of Rozz Williams and Ronny Moorings but there is nothing shameful in emulating the best. This is by no means a rip off (and I’d tell you if it was because I despise copycats!). Not many people know that Poland had quite a vibrant cold wave/post-punk scene in the 80’s. Many talents got wasted hidden behind the iron curtain - Manaam, Siekiera and Madame to mention just three bands out of many more. There is something of them that I discover in DEATHCAMP PROJECT’s music – the same combination of desperation, anxiety, darkness and energy. I am quite positive this is Sturm und Drang translated into music. The track I’ve mentioned previously ‘Through the Fire’ together with ‘Kłamać’ are the best examples of it on ‘Painthings’.

To call DEATHCAMP PROJECT a flagship of today’s Polish gothic would be equally true and overly simplifying. It’s more like a dark horse still waiting for its day of glory (in my opinion just a matter of time). Undoubtedly they are the ultimate Polish export gothic band. With their striving for constant musical development and consistent stage image it is quite surprising DEATHCAMP PROJECT have been overlooked by the most influential labels. There is one thing that distinguishes their music from the array of other gothic bands – DEATHCAMP PROJECT’s music literally bursts with energy. If music can express the true Nietzschean will to live and to improve then this is it. DEATHCAMP PROJECT have been working extremely hard for the past eleven years to carve out their own path. So I’ll say it again – ‘Painthings’ is not to be missed. You will be pleasantly surprised. It’s absolutely brilliant.


Tracklist

01. Predestination - 5:26
02. Too Late - 4:05
03. Cold The Same - 4:04
04. No Cure - 3:23
05. about:blank - 4:50
06. Betrayed - 4:52
07. Through The Fire - 3:30
08. Painthings - 5:49
09. Scars Remain - 4:12
10. Kłamać - 3:51


Line-up

Void – Vocals, lyrics, guitar
Betrayal – Electronica, bass, programming


Website

www.deathcampproject.bandcamp.com / www.dethcampproject.com / www.myspace.com/deathcampproject


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 9
Sound: 8
Total: 8.5 / 10


Buy the album here!