DAS ICH ANTICHRIST ALBUM MASSACRE RELEASE: MAY 27, 2002 REVIEW: JUNE 4, 2002

Das Ich's energetic "Destillat" is actually played almost every time I go clubbing. And this, one of the best EBM songs of all times in my honest opinion, always makes me long for new twisted Das Ich hits. I was indeed very pleased with Das Ich wizard Bruno Kramm's solo album "Coeur" from last year. But it has certainly been too long since we last heard from Das Ich.
"Antichrist" is their 13th release and the first on Massacre Records. This magic piece of music is not likely to disappoint anyone. On the other hand, this album can open some doors for a band still far from real stardom.
Das Ich deliver nine state of the art compositions in their truly unique fashion. The album is ended with the 17 minute piece "Der Achte Tag", simply the opposite of pop.
Das Ich draw from centuries of classic music and let the sounds from conventional instruments meet the technology of today. The result is nothing less of stunning. I can't help but wonder why so many electronic music artists are stuck with just machine sounds, imitating their idols to death.
Stefan Ackermann's voice deliver the poetic lyrics in German in the usual impressive manner. On the mentioned "Couer" Kramm showed us he could sing and sing well. His voice can be heard here as well, even if it's ever so briefly.
The well-crafted and multi-layered music is threatening, dark, weird and extreme. But at the same time we are actually talking about real song structures, dance patterns and a morbid groove. The end result is also some über-cool kind of hi-tech pop. It's previously unheard of, at least in this world.

MIKAEL KAHRLE