"Dawn Of The Dead (Single Mix)" is described by the band's myspace page as being a 'secret club hit'. I'm not quite sure how you can have a 'club hit' which no-one knows about. What I can tell you is that this song is an example of excellent dark alternative rock. Subtle electronics complement echo-laden guitars while singer Damien Grey declaims portentously. I'm reminded of Love Like Blood's classic album An Irony Of Fate. "Heroes In The Dark (Version 2009)" has Mission-like guitars mixed with the 'ghostly monk' keyboard pre-set favoured by bands like All Living Fear and Nosferatu. It's the latter band, circa the Rise album, that this song sounds similar to. "Brotherhood Of Sleep (Remix)" is more of the same, but it remains an exciting listen nevertheless. The soaring synth is a highlight. Electronics burble to the benefit of the song.

"Dawn Of The Dead (Aftermath)" sees the song stretched, and the electronics turned up. There's a hypnotic bass, which I hadn't appreciated in the Single Mix. This sort of song is perfect to drift away to, perhaps on a long train journey through a mysterious land. "Watching Demons (Version 2009)" is moody magnificence. "Zeit Und Traum (Orchestral Version)" gets the full orchestral treatment, as the name suggests. I've not heard the original, so I can't compare versions, but this take works well. There's something about the German language that works well with an orchestra. "Pitch Black" is a previously unreleased song. It's ambient electronica; with the guitars present, but lower in the mix than usual. A whole album of this sort of material might pale, but the change of pace is welcome here. "Dawn Of The Dead (Dead Bodys Dancing)" takes the song further in the direction of the dance floor. The music reminds me of Swarf or Manuskript on occasions. "Dawn Of The Dead (Album Version)" brings the EP to a close. It reminds us how far we've come, by returning to the band's traditional gothic rock sound.

Few bands survive the remix treatment intact, Arts of Erebus are the exception that proves the rule. While I prefer the 'gothic rock' interpretations of the songs, there is no denying the power of the dance floor versions. There is something about the strong identity of the band, or the cleverness of the remixes, which enhances rather than dilutes the band's sound. Arts Of Erebus offer little that is truly innovative but sometimes we need to seek refuge in the familiar. The bands that trademarked this sound are no longer around so its great there's another generation to keep the sound alive.