Pride and Fall- Of Lust And Desire

CD title: "Of Lust And Desire"

Label: Dependent/Metropolis

Released: August 13th, 2013

Genre: EBM

After an absence of over 4 years from the scene and over 5 years since their last album, it's been a long time since Pride and Fall last graced us with their presence.First news of their return was with new track "Reborn" appearing on the "Dependence 2012" compilation cd that served to wet the appetites of the band's fans. And finally album number four was released, and it was going to be curious how it fared after such an absence in a scene that had changed a fair bit since their last outing.

Listening to the album, it's quickly obvious that it's a natural progression from "In My Time Of Dying", with a more mature and focused sound, and with clear emphasis and time being spent on the songwriting to get it how they wanted.

Opening with "Sculptor of Lust and Desire", a haunting string arrangements builds up, before Sigve Monsen's emotive (almost pleading at times) vocals kick in. Following this is the 1st dancefloor-friendly track, "Hollow", which flows nicely from the opener, building into a track that is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with a catchy chorus, and also introduces some harsh vocals for the first time on the album. A slow number comes next in the form of "Passionate Pain", reminding me of previous songs like "The Violence In Me" from the 2nd album, with a nice open sound and an assured vocal delivery. "Turn the Lights On" also became a quick favorite as it was released as a free download a couple of weeks before the album hit the shelves, and it's already been filling dancefloors as soon as DJ's got their hands on it. Very good beats, and a mix of harsh and "clean" vocals sung in a dark, almost creepy manner, which fits perfectly with the lyrics themselves.

The album slows down a little for an instrumental track that takes your mind along for the ride, then "The Comforter" brings it back around again, a moody number that also uplifts the listener. Released almost a year before the album, "Reborn" is already a familiar track, and it's appearance here has moments reminiscent of the previous album, probably more than any other song. "A river runs through it" slows everything down again with a haunting piano part, some gorgeous vocals, and before you know it it's all over far too quickly, leaving you wanting more. "Fear Your Love" distracts from that feeling though, with it's pace and synths building into a fine song.

Album closer, appropriately called "Epilogue", slows down again while also managing to maintain a good pace. At 2:18 when he starts repeating the refrain "I will hold the light for you", you believe him sincerely, an emotional high point that fits nicely with the emotions at the start of the whole album.

In summation, not only have they delivered their best album to date, but it feels like they've never been away, just preparing to show us all how dark and moody electro should be done.

Take a listen to a track here: "Turn the Lights On"