De_Tot_Cor - Gothic Light

This is the first full album from DE_TOT_COR. It includes collaborations with Kari Berg (ex-Ashbury Heights), Fredrik Croona (Project Rotten), Sister_, DJ Zynthexia and Jenny P. (Luzid) on vocals. An album of 12 tracks plus 4 remixes by TrümmerFrau, Studio-X, End:theDJ and Revolution State.

The album begins as I would expect with some stomping 'industrial dance', with the track "In Love and Death", but then this suddenly sounds like a Wurlitzer Theatre Organ pumping out industrial tunes, usually played by a guy in a suit and bow tie. At least it finishes how it started. 'Madchenliebe (in der Disko)', is a great new version of the club hit, a classic for me. 'Distant lights' continues the industrial dance sound, an ok track is made better by Kari Berg's vocals. However, I think all of these tracks will go down well on the dance-floor, even with the 'Wurly' sound.

'Offne deine Augen', featuring the vocals of Jenny P., to quote my colleague Nick Quarm, "she has a gorgeous voice, and the vocals on this are extremely beautiful and calm". I can't argue with that in anyway. Another classic industrial dance track with a twist.

Another dance track is 'The Battle', featuring DJ Zynthexia, I like the beat and synths on this one, and this is very much like what I expected to hear. The next track 'Brokendown' maybe fits with 'Gothic Light' theme, sounds nice but that is about all I could say. 'Rise' featuring 'Sister_ ' recovers things, it makes you want to dance once again, which I think Jordi does best.

'Sieg Sieg' is again a stomping dance tune, but we have now gone up a notch in my estimation, we are now on full power. This I will want to listen to a lot. 'Gotique' take us back to the 'Gothic Light' once more but is also a good dance track, with a trance element. It works very well.

'World of Lies' starts well, with a good dance beat. It continues in the same manner with good vocals from Fredrik Croona. Give this one a second chance if you need too, and make sure it's loud. With the 'Last Embrace' we still can't sit still, another firm favorite for the dance floor. The track 'unplugged', I suppose has its merits, but to my mind the album would be better off without it.

'The battle' (TrümmerFrau remix), makes a mediocre track out of a good original. This is followed by the 'Distant Lights, Drum 'n' Bass Remix, by Studio-X. I have never had a problem with Drum 'n' Bass, but hope I never have to hear this again.The 'END:theDJ Remix' of the same track I can also do without. I will just repeat myself with the final 'Revolution State Remix' of 'The Battle'.

Conclusion:
This has very much been a story of love (dance tracks) and hate (the remixes). I will admit to some disappointment also after hearing earlier work, but there was also much joy. I very much like the stomping dance-floor tunes, they are excellent and well produced. For these tracks and also the low price it sells for I would recommend it. The album claims to be industrial alternative music mixed with trance, and where this happens it's terrific. The claim of being well-structured I would take issue with at times, but it is well produced. Apr 18 2012