The new album from these French masters of dark synth wave features some interesting guest vocalists, with Kristoffer Rygg from Ulver being the first to step up to the mic on the opening track "Apocalyspe Now," which finds him crooning about a war to end all wars, which is the kind of theme I look for in music. "Lunacy" takes you on the kind of 80s-themed space roller coaster you expect from these guys. The grooves on their instrumentals always help carry the songs. The dynamic shift it takes into heavier intentions also helps keep my attention; the arrangements this time around have really been fine-tuned.
It flows really well into "Venus," which features Tristan from Author & Punisher. His voice works really well with what they are doing here. "Gass Staircase" almost feels more like an Author & Punisher song than the previous one, as it packs more of an industrial punch. "Hangover Square" is more atmospheric, whereas the beat from "The Art of War" is more in your face. Although the vibes begin to run together a little by the time we reach "12th House," it does pack more of a HEALTH-like punch.
Greta Link offers her voice to " Lady Moon," giving it the melody needed to add more depth to the synth and beats. "Swimming Poll" is pretty much just an interlude. "Mors Ultima Ratio" takes off, racing down a neon cyber highway. Niege from Alccest appears on the title track to close out the album. It sounds cool, but it's more about cool sounds than having the groove of a song as it basks in epic atmosphere.I will give this album a 9.5. and see how it grows on me, the choice of vocialists certainly elevates over most projects like this.
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