RUN LEVEL ZERO WALK THE PSYCHO(PATH) ALBUM MEMENTO MATERIA RELEASE: MARCH 29, 2004 REVIEW: APRIL 15, 2004

OK. I admit it. This, second, album from Swedish EBM/Industrial hope Run Level Zero – now only consisting of Hans Åkerman – really causes me trouble. Not only is it better than it’s predecessor – not a problem in itself – but at the same time it doesn’t deserve a higher grade than a seven – the same grade I gave the debut.
How can I possibly begin to explain this to you?
Well, these are the facts: "Symbol of Submission", the debut by Run Level Zero, doesn’t sound as good in my ears as it did three years ago. I may have graded it too high back then.
My mistake.
But: "Walk the Psycho(path) – actually produced by Kristian Pettersson (known for producing bands like Cat Rapes Dog, Elegant Machinery and S.P.O.C.K) isn’t the kick ass industrial EBM record Mr Åkerman probably hoped he had made, either. Admitted, it has it’s share of fine moments. The majestic FLA-echoing "Human Equation" is one and the almost breathtaking, beat-laden "Headless" is another – but overall, it lacks a certain something. It’s definitely calmer than its predecessor and – as I said – better in a more mature way. Åkerman has really put a lot of time into creating nice electronic soundscapes, with a couple of cool samples and a lot of beats. But more often than not, "Walk..." becomes, well, a tad bit boring. The ideas aren’t all new – we have heard Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy before – and where a debut is a nice place to show where one has one’s references, the follow-up should be more about finding one’s own path.
And although Åkerman has created an album that is well worth to listen to, with a bunch of good songs and a couple of real knock outs, one does feel that he has more to give than this. When he finds his own way, we can expect great things.

KALLE MALMSTEDT