Various - Echozone Compilation 2: Plasmatic Mutations

Artist: Various
Title: Echozone Compilation 2: Plasmatic Mutations
Genre: Electro / Gothic / Industrial
Release Date: 27th August 2010
Label: Echozone



Album Review

This is one of the complications coming from Echozone, which contains many unreleased tracks from the bands on their label, but also other groups on the Gothic / Industrial / Electro scene, and was released particularly for the M’ERA LUNA festival. Although I’ve never been a great fan of compilations, I begin to change my mind here. It consists of ‘Plasmatic’ (CD1) which has a more industrial orientated selection. ‘Mutations’ (CD2) is where you will find electronic domain, the influence of DEPECHE MODE and CAMOUFLAGE is echoing in many of the songs presented there. It’s a classy passing from one “room” to another and in both I thoroughly enjoy myself. The songs altogether create a great whole to prevent impatient listener from flicking forwards and backwards.

The strengths of ‘Plasmatic’ are that it differs in sound, it’s an energetic and diverse mix - there’s Black Metal, neo-folk and even punk influences that enliven this CD in a cohesive way. Songs that stand out to me are REMEMBER TWILIGHT ‘Künstler der Dekadenz’ - the combination of neo folk and punk comes out remarkably well. LEICHENWETTER’s ‘Romanze zur Nacht’ combines Goth elements with melodic metal and although my knowledge of German is slim, it gives a sense of great story-telling gift. GOLDEN APES - this German Goth-Rock band not only offers great sound and mood, captivating music I found this song lyrically interesting also. DESCENDANTS OF CAIN’s ‘Between You And Oblivion’ I’d quote for the chorus itself, epic and memorable.

‘Mutation’ can easily transport me to Goth clubs, the mellow mood is paced and builds atmosphere from the first song with great acumen. The highlights for me are ANDREAS GROSS with ‘Black String Girl’ which has an atmosphere of nostalgic ’80 Goth songs. NONMUSIC’s ‘Dr-ill’ - I am not surprised that the KILLERS picked them as a support band; their sound fits to theirs but is less mainstream; the song reminds of SHE WANTS REVENGE. Finally, there is THE VIRGIN SOIL with ‘On The Quiet’ with its piano and superbly woven male and female vocals is one of the best songs here, its New Wave sound mixed with piano, cabaret and sexy sassiness, a touch of humour also add to its appeal. Don’t let NICK CAVE hear this, he might want to lay his hands on it!

The compilation altogether has a lot to offer and lends itself to be revisited for many great tracks and gems that are found here and definitely worth setting one’s money aside for it and considering they’re not overpriced so well worth getting, if Echozone was a British label, it would be at least the double.


Tracklist

CD 1: Plasmatic
01. Mystigma – Quicksand – 4.38
02. Remember Twilight – Künstler der Dekadenz – 3.49
03. Tunes of Dawn – Little Darkness – 5.38
04. Reactive Black – Thoughts – 4.02
05. Traumtaenzerl – Für die Nacht (Video Edit) – 5.03
06. The Mist Of Avalon – Tell Me – 3.51
07. Denight – Human Reflections – 5.13
08. Leichenwetter – Romanze zur Nacht – 4.39
09. Golden Apes – Ferryman – 4.37
10. Herzparasit – Giftschlange – 3.49
11. Whispers In The Shadow – If uriel falls – 3.25
12. Akanoid – No Matter (Live) – 3.26
13. In Viro – Gehorche! Fühle! Glaube! – 3.37
14. Lolita Complex – Lausbub – 4.36
15. DIE! – Prügelknabe – 2.50
16. Spiritual Maze – Maybe – 5.20
17. Descendants Of Cain – Between You And Oblivion – 4.00
18. Eigennsin – Eiskatt – 4.06
19. Mob Research – Wambulance – 3.07

CD 2: Mutations
01. Lost Area – Memoria – 4.58
02. Downstairs Left – Dusty Dead Moon – 5.16
03. Zeritas – Ich soll dir sagen – 5.02
04. Moon.74 – Strange Convention – 5.01
05. Andreas Gross – Black String Girl – 4.02
06. NONmusic – Dr-ill – 3.22
07. Avoid-A-Void – Nothing – 4.03
08. The Dark Unspoken – Painful Heaven – 4.50
09. Division Kent – She’s Going Places – 3.35
10. Deadlock5 – Lust – 5.05
11. Stian Shiver – No Sound In The Air – 3.28
12. Sprengmaul – Sprengmaul (Abrissversion) – 4.32
13. Conscience – Perception – 4.18
14. Minus Heart – Don’t Feed The Cats – 4.07
15. No Comment – Silver Skulls – 3.55
16. Nachtzehrer – Ghost Light – 6.35
17. The Virgin Soil – On The Quiet – 4.02
18. White Pulp – Malediction – 3.15


Website

http://www.bob-media.com/cms_echo/


Cover Picture




Rating

CD 1 – Plasmatic
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Total: 8 / 10

CD2 – Mutations
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Total: 7.5/10


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