Atrocity - Werk 80 II |
Published March 01 2008
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People Are People (Depeche Mode Cover)* |
| Genre | Gothic/Industrial Metal |
Alexander Krull
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 12 |
Thorsten Bauer
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 46 Min. |
Mathias Röderer
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Guitar
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| Label | Napalm Records |
Chris Lukhaup
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Bass
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| Release | 29 Feb. 2008 |
Martin Schmidt
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Drums
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| Country | Germany |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | Leaves' Eyes, Northern Kings, Godess Of Desire | ||
I've always appreciated Atrocity, to be blunt; I enjoy
their experimental flair. After reading a great review for Todessehnsucht
in Metal Maniacs, I purchased this title just to hear their Death cover
of Archangel. Shortly thereafter, I treated myself to Hallucinations
for my birthday, along with Immolation's Dawn Of Possession.
Coincidentally, I went to Milwaukee Metalfest in '98 to see Angra, Zandelle,
Rotting Christ, & Cradle Of Filth, not expecting to witness Atrocity
perform after Immolation. I had lost track of them over the years. When
Alex Krull announced his new wife Liv Kristine and they performed The
Great Commandment, I immediately tuned in. I have always enjoyed the
music of Camouflage, and I am a dedicated fan of early Theatre Of Tragedy.
I was dead tired, struggling to focus, restless from lack of sleep,
as our drunken metal sister had willingly given Mortician our hotel
room, leaving us out in the streets. When they began playing 80's covers,
most death metal heads made their exodus; but I was instantly entranced.
For the next year I eagerly sought out as much Atrocity as I could afford.
Back then, I dished out $25 just for Werk 80. It was so worth it, as
it was very original. Only the amazing ABBA Tribute by several power
metal bands, or Pat Boone's - In A Metal Mood - could compare. I've
always been a fan of the 80's music, no matter how it was classified.
I've been ensconced in all things metal for three decades, but most
music of the Reagan era ruled.
Werk 80 embodied the balance of metal and Euro-pop. When I heard about
plans for a sequel, years ago, I was so psyched. I envisioned covers
of truly great bands like Big Country, Erasure, Thompson Twins, New
Order, Modern English, The Vapours, R.E.M., etc. I imagined Atrocity's
stance on measures like Steeltown, Ditch Witch, Hold Me Now, The Perfect
Kiss, Life in The Gladhouse, News At 10, Radio Free Europe, etc. All
those songs deserve the metal treatment. It's like those Atari &
Nintendo games, they just carry an infectious element.
I was really longing for deathlike renditions of the new wave; more
Camouflage, less Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Unfortunately, too much
time has passed, and the overall effort is supererogatory, and in vain.
In just the last year glam godz Poison infected us with covers of The
Cars & The Romantics. The fading empire of the promised Queensrÿche
took cover under the blood red sky of U2, and called the Police; meanwhile
Tesla twice decided to keep it Real To Reel.
Although, Children Of Bodom & Graveworm have created some great
80's effigies, the whole schtick is now becoming sickened by the scheme.
That said, Firewind's version of the Flashdance track - Maniac on their
new album - The Premonition - is stellar. Werk 80 II is an enjoyable
listen, but not essential. The song themselves have character and personality;
but many could easily be misconstrued as Atrocity originals, given their
penchant for panache.
People Are People, indeed, but Atrocity covering Depeche Mode is like
Paul Di'Anno covering Maiden or Primal Fear & Cage covering Judas
Priest. Moonspell & In Flames do personal justice to the depressed
mods better. Smalltown Boy is better with the use of choirs, but who
is familiar with Bronski Beat? Relax is a ruse, as it provides a brutal
and abrasive element to an otherwise very effeminate suggestion. Just
imagine what the wild boys could do with Wham..."Wake me up before
I go, go!". Don't You Forget About Me is truly not simple minded,
and is very well done, making for a great single: but I prefer the more
evocative version by Life Of Agony.
Loving wife Liv lends her warming touch to The Sun Always Shines On
TV, and French femme fatale' Jensara Swann narrates in her sultry, seductive
tone for Fade To Grey. Here Comes The Rain Again is definitely the best
song with such earnest emotion, and heartfelt orchestrations. Only Marilyn
Manson can besmirch such an amazing duo of dynamic talent as The Eurythimics.
Overall, it is such a shame, as this is a noble effort, just a little
too much, too late; especially given the loss of longstanding members
Chris Lukhaup & Martin Schmidt. It will be interesting to hear Alla
Fedynitch & Nicholas Howard Barker rage hard in a live environment,
given their early efforts. Would not it be excellent if Leaves' Eyes
were to shout out some selections when they tour, too?
I'm very excited about the Napalm remasters for most Atrocity releases.
You may choose to spend your money on Blut or Gemini, instead. I'm anticipating
the extras on the first Werk 80. If you are searching for a more enjoyable
take on the 80's, check out Northern Kings. They metalize Lionel Ritchie,
Peter Gabriel, & Cutting Crew. With Thriller celebrating it's 25th
Anniversary, here's hoping some truly talented metal acts band together
and do an off the wall, but befitting tribute to pop icon: Michael Jackson.
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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7 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
6,5 |
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Summary
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6,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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