Armageddon Dildos- Untergrund

Artist: Armageddon Dildos

CD Title: "Untergrund"

Label: Alfa-Matrix

Genre: EBM

Website: https://www.armageddondildos.de/

Reviewer: Stephen Fearon

Date: 01-18-11

Formed in the late 1980's in Kassell, Germany, Armageddon Dildos have long straddled the industrial scene, developing a solid fanbase in mainstream Europe and providing solid beats and catchy tunes with their particular brand of industrial dance and EBM.

With "Untergrund" it appears that Armageddon Dildos are making a real effort to appeal to a new generation of fans, with a "hook" laden collection of dance floor orientated anthems that show a real talent for writing "pop" songs without losing industrial credibility.

And "hook" is definitely the operative word, as the bare-fist fighter on the cover, and the boxing commentary thrown in on opening track "Furios" clearly point to a band that is coming out swinging.

But do not mistake this album for just another angry, distorted EBM record; this is far removed from that side of the genre.

There is a generally upbeat and positive flow through the album, and the synths are bright and punchy, avoiding the now default notion of heavy distortion almost altogether, instead concentrating on developing a bouncy feel to every track, in lieu of blasting through the speakers.

The inclusion of guitars will no doubt offend the EBM purists, but it adds dynamism and variety, providing some interesting contrasts with the quirky nature of some of the synth sounds on show, which range from spectrum filling, effervescent pads to wall shaking bass rumbles.

Armageddon Dildos bring a positive vibe and fun approach to the Industrial party, and are reminiscent of the more recent efforts of Eisenfunk and Rotersand though the lack of a heavy edge may mean that the more hardcore Industrial and EBM fans find them perhaps lacking in bite.

It is the lack of an extreme edge that may lead to them being overlooked by the fans of the harder styles of EBM and Industrial for less creative but more intense musical journeys.

All in all, "Untergrund" is a strong album, with plenty of fun tracks that will do well in the clubs and house parties of the Industrial scene, but perhaps without supplanting the Hocico's and Combichrists of this world.

7/10 - Suggested Test Tracks - "House of Pain" or "Bodyworker"

Buy Music by Armageddon Dildos here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Armageddon-Dildos/e/B000APKNT8/ref=ntt_art_dp_pel_1