| Artist |
| Various |
| Title |
| Capture & Tension |
| Format/Cat |
| CD |
| Label |
| Rupal Records |
| Style |
| Dark Electro Industrial |
| Date of review |
| 6th November 2008 |
| Reviewer |
| Carl Jenkinson |
| Rating |
| 9/10 |
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Rupal Records are an enterprising German label who have put together a small but exciting roster of artists, building up a worthwhile discography in the process, all without the fanfares that so many of their compatriot labels have enjoyed (in the UK, at least). This compilation brings together four of their artists, Davantage, who some of you should already know through their releases on Black Rain, Wyndardtage, Acuylum & Animassacre, all of whom prove their worth & make themselves essential to EBM listeners with a selection of original material & some remixes. From listening to this it seems as if the head honchos at Rupal look for bands that have an expansive, lushly-produced sound that adds to the innate power of the acts' various styles, all powerful but exploring different avenues of electro/industrial music, be it the danceable styles of Wynardtage, whose 'single mix' of 'Peace Of Mind' in particular could well prove as popular at Cyberdog as Slimelight, such is its trance-like leanings (the female vox help in this regard) or the hardcore, verging on powernoise offerings from Animassacre who have seemingly perfected the balance between infectious & harsh with some more memorably dynamic tracks to get your teeth into. As probably the best-known band here, Davantage kick proceedings off in a reasonably lightweight manner with 'Capture & Tension' (they must be the blue-eyes boys to get the album named after their track!!) proving a pleasant opener although it's 'Translate My Heart' that really hits the spot as some fine melodic work adds to the storming chorus, in contrast to the offbeat remixes from Rupalheads & Dismantled. For me, though, it's Acuylum that could yet become a big name in the electro scene with five tracks that mix evocative, even melancolic melodics with expansive & powerful rhythms in a veritable tour de force of power & feeling that really captures the heart & mind. This is a band whose appeal moves well past the dancefloor & whose music is emotive, moving, powerful & magnificent in its execution, in particular 'Alone' which is little short of a masterpiece of beauty & destructive power while 'Beton Kopf' (which features Sonic Violence Experience) is an utter stormer that will blow your brains out with a heartbreakingly sad ending that provides such an unexpected contrast. In comparison, the ultra-harsh 'Breaking The Chains' feels more one-dimensional & a bit less appealing to these ears although fans of Noisex & the like should find it to their liking while The Rupalheads return to collaborate with the band on the closing 'E-Prisoners' which mixes the band's trademark sound with more up-tempo, danceable rhythms, bringing to an end an excellent compilation. This album proves that there's more to electro than the established names & that these acts have plenty to offer so do yourselves a favour & check out what Rupal has to offer, a goldmine of excellent music awaits those who do!
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