Vanvard- Liv I Vardens Slutskede

Artist: Vanvard
CD Title: Liv I Vardens Slutskede
Label: Deathpropaganda Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 10-15-06

The latest side project from Severe Illusion's Ulf Lundblad and Fredrik Djurfeldt, Vanvard is a continuation of the pair's exploration of primitive EBM music. Vanvard takes things farther than ever before, however, stripping the music down to a minimalist assemblage of tortured vocals and metallic sampled rhythms. While such selections as "Hans Eget Fel" at least manage to offer enough of a straightforward beat to dance to, Lundblad and Djurfeldt make few attempts at accessibility. Rendering things even more difficult for casual listeners, the vocals are performed in Swedish, leaving the lyrics impenetrable even to those fans who can discern individual words through the mess of feedback and distortion. Whether or not you understand Swedish, however, there's no mistaking this for friendly dance music. Ranging from tinny analog clicks and snaps on "Bankar Och Slar" to damaged computers crying out in pain on "Jag Tror Pa Vad Andra Sager," the visceral impact of Vanvard's compositions is excruciatingly painful and unrelentingly antagonistic. You won't be singing along with this one, but for fans of minimalist and experimental fare, Lundblad and Djurfeldt offer a refreshing antidote to the overly melodic pop music so prevalent in today's EBM scene.

For more information about this release, please visit Deathpropaganda Records at www.deathpropaganda.com.