TraKKtor - Halo Of Lies

It's here. One of my most anticipated albums of the year following Spring's single 'Blitzkrieg Galaxy' and 2011's full-length 'Force Majeure'. The burning question for me is whether or not this Swedish trio can use their Black Metal influenced EBM sounds to create a bigger hit than 'Veil of Thorns'.

"Welcome to Sin City" serves as an intro track and may generate confusion with the Genitorturers album and intro of the same name. It's a foreboding track, hinting at the harrowing times that this album dictates. Great instrumental.

Segueing straight into the first 'proper' track "End of Days", we're taught about the concept of TraKKtor's latest opus immediately - as morbid as it is, the track is catchy and genius. It has a melodic, Futurepop-esque synth intro, which then turns into the main melody - held a little longer than needed for dramatic effect, before the sample and full instrumentation truly opens the release. Like classic EBM, the bridge between chorus and verse is truly enthusing, with great programming. Not bad for a track about exploding stars and burning planets.

Straight into the already familiar single "Blitzkrieg Galaxy" (which had the best artwork of the year), and the suckerpunch combo really stands tall - if there's a trace of happiness to this release, it's been absorbed by the apocalyptic contrition on here. Like I said on the original review, it's a strong track with a siren-like wail, and an aggressive vocal - I previously mentioned a Black Metal influence that serves the band well - Robert even has a Toroidh shirt on in the booklet (+1 point).

"Halo of Lies" is a little more traditional, and easier to digest for those purist EBM fans - lyrically, it documents debauchery and despair. My first criticism is here - and I don't know where the issue is, but the vocals are very low in the mix, even with me turning on the vocal booster and reducing the bass, I can barely make them out - results may vary, and I hope the issue is my end, because this release is potentially epic.

"TraKKtor" (Interesting title) starts off with a string section, turning into a chaotic maelstrom - the lyrics are slightly tongue-in-cheek, but the track has many unique sounds tapered into it that will make it memorable.

"Spitting On Your Grave" is as close to Black Metal as the guys have come - it still sounds EBM with an intro that's really, really great, but lyrics such as "Auf Wiedersehen, Just Shut up and Bleed" provide a great counter-argument to some of the stuff that we're more prone to hearing these days.

The shortest track on here "Orbital Strike" starts with a Martial drum section, and percussion that makes it sound like an Arditi track. It's also the only instrumental on the release, excluding the intro. Nice listen, and one for fans of Allerseelen, Triarii, etc.

"Mekkanized Soul" leans towards the Trance influence of the group, with an intro that'd make a dancefloor spill their shit within seconds. Probably my favourite track on here.

"Hollow Spirits" previously appeared on the Music to Cure Cancer vol 2 boxset, and is slower than the rest of the crowd on here.

With "Drag Me To Hell" and "Dawn of War", the group close the original album with a strong, influential sound.

The remix disc covers everything from Synthpop to Old School EBM artists, and appearances by O.R.E, Zargg (Spektralized), Stahlnebel & Black Selket and Roughhausen show the rare array of influences that TraKKtor operate under.

26 great tracks, 1 affordable digipak. Again guys, you've put out a belter.
This is the pinnacle of your career so far, and despite the odd moment of seeming a little 'silly', you know your EBM. Nov 27 2012