Kreuzversuch - Supernova, Darkness After Light

An interesting concept, from this upcoming act. Supernova, of course, refers to the brightest and most beautiful of all Stellar Explosions. A term both terrifying, but awe-driven and wondrous. Exactly the kind of thing you'd expect Rupal Records to take an interest in.

I'm immediately disappointed to learn that this release is Digital only. I still champion the use and production of CDs, and I will still be doing so in 10 years.
However, mp3s do have their benefits, and I'm happy to have a copy of this beautiful album art.

Anyone who's heard the Orkus Compilation 57 will recognise "Reanimation" -
the first track on this 14 piece opus. Still dividing me after several listens, this is a track with Electro-industrial beats but Synthpop inspired vocal work. The chorus is enjoyable, but the verses do little to appease the appetite. The Guitar at the end always impresses me, however.
Not the track I would have picked as an opener, but undoubtedly a track that people will remember - it was more fitting as a compilation offering.

Kreuzversuch stood out to me for one reason only, and that was the Guitar work. There's a LOT of Guitars on this release, and they are heavier than you'd expect. The riffs that chug through "Away from this world" are well written and almost Metal-like, but they're met with clean vocals from Manuela Kastner. This clash hasn't grown on me at this (Fourth) listen, and I still feel that they contrast too much, but the riff work does carry elegance, and propels the melody of the track. I'm genuinelly unsure with Kreuzversuch - I either "quite like" or "really like" this project.

Throughout my listening of albums, I always flag two or three tracks - usually because I consider them excellent, or terrible. This album has just one flagged track - the eponymous "Supernova" - but that's for the Intro, mostly.

Headache permitted, I need to give a final verdict to this album. First of all, Manuela and Christian (Kümpel) have created a really well thought out concept for any album - let alone a debut. The cover is beautiful, and the title and themes work excellently for me.

Musically, Kreuzversuch passes the test as well. The vocals are beautiful, the Cephalgy remix of "Reanimation" will appeal, and they've dodged the Bullet by not sounding like a clone of anyone. The Guitars are beautiful, and at times it's like one long swirling solo of Finesse and Grace.

What lets me down is the lack of stand out songs, the fact that it hasn't fully clicked with me after Four listens, and the fact that almost every track is laden with the Guitar, which although is excellent, it tends to overplay everything else on the record, and at times leaves me not really sure what's going on.

Is it worth your money if you like clever artists, and good musicianship? Yes.
If you like an album to grow on you immediately, it might be worth checking out the various compilation tracks that Kreuzversuch have put out first. Jun 22 2011