:SITD: CODED MESSAGE:12 ALBUM ACCESSION, METROPOLIS RELEASE: APRIL 11, 2005 REVIEW: JUNE 2, 2005

:SITD:, or Shadows in the Dark, released a, should we say, less than satisfying debut album a year or so ago. In native Germany, however, critics were beside themselves and hailed it as classic EBM renewed. It was harsh, beat driven and without any surprises. The monotone, grammatically impaired vocalist made it all the more painful to listen to.
"Coded Message:12" is the same, but substantially better. The songs have been modified just enough to scrape the futurepop barrier, like the mighty "Brand of Cain", but the album will probably still appeal more to the body kids. Improved vocals, more precise song writing and a more polished surface. Still, this is no revolution. Competent for the most part, but lacking edge. Not even the decision to include the doomsday vocals of Adrian Hates (Diary of Dreams, head of the Accession label) in the opening and closing themes can save :SITD: from getting more than a "pass" from me.

NIKLAS FORSBERG