Cynical Existence - A Familiar Kind Of Pain

At this point, I have to question how many more projects Mr. Croona feels the need to be a part of. This is perhaps the 9th side-project I am aware of, and it's all been heard before, to be quite honest.

...Except in this case. Cynical Existence is the first of Fredrik's ideas that has had no help from anyone else, and it is the first time he has actually written music. As someone with a great deal of respect for his vocals and lyrics, I do wonder how his musical expertise is - let's find out.

"Always and Forever" reminds me of older Dark Electro (circa 2004), and has hallmarks of Terracorpse meets 'Wumpscut: - the synth is quite simplistic, but designed from the roots, with no pre-sets. It compliments Fredrik's unmistakable voice, and acts as a catalyst for one thing; and one thing only - dance.

'Dead Eyes (See No Future)' is stranger, and has a metallic, harsher melody that acts as the main structure throughout the song. I'd be lying if I said this was the best, most constructed music that the scene has to offer, but for someone with no experience, it's very well structured, and proves that Fredrik has knowledge of tempos, rhythms, beats and harmonies.

If pressed to put my finger on a pivotal moment, I'd nominate 'I'm Broken' - borrowing the voice of PreEmptive Strike 0.1 to add more of an established name to the release.

From a production level, you can't really ask for more on this release - it's mastered by Stahlblack, the art is done by the ever popular Pixelbreed, and the cover is... not spineless, that's for sure.

This release is quite unorthodox in many ways - it's eight tracks fall just short of half an hour, Fredrik's unmistakable vocals act as fiddler to a backdrop that sounds all too familiar, yet has something which I can't put a finger on. Maybe it's the frequent, quieter child-like interludes and bridges, or maybe it's the brand - everyone has a different opinion on Fredrik since his famous departure from Menschdefekt, and Project Rotten are growing bigger by the year, but the truth is, with a myriad of projects, a short-lived label, and various other contributions to the scene, he's an important character.

Finally, (and with another element of brand Croona), this has been released on Engraved Ritual, which exclusively only releases bands with a Latin influence. Apparently Jason couldn't resist signing up one of the scenes most popular names.

This release is very strictly limited, and if I recall correctly, is down to about 14 CDs left.

To reiterate, there's really nothing original here, but it's done well, and it's bound to silence doubters of Fredrik Croona, as it proves he is able to write music, as well as perform it. It won't go down as the best album ever, but it's actually very enjoyable. The strictly limited nature of this CD, coupled with the popularity of the artist will sell this out by the release date (1st April), and it's one for all serious collectors. Mar 12 2012