Fektion Fekler- Immersed Heroics

Artist: Fektion Fekler
CD Title: Immersed Heroics - Limited Edition, Vol. One
Label: Synthcere Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 4/30/06

Clearly geared towards long-time fans of the band, Fektion Fekler's latest release is a collection of their earliest demos and rarities, limited to 100 copies worldwide. Is it worth it for more casual listeners? In a word, no. There's definitely promise here, but unless you're already a diehard Fektion Fekler aficionado, you'd be better off picking up one of their actual albums instead of this historical document. The music itself is certainly intriguing enough, running the gamut from the female-fronted darkwave ballad "Addicts Lullaby" to the piano-laced electro instrumental "Nailed Down," and the early Skinny Puppy influences on "Before The First" and "Vertical Smile" are an amusing look into the past. The production value, however, is low enough to turn off newcomers. "Another Black Bridge" is particularly uneven, which is a shame, because its blend of minimal, almost primitive synthesizers and aggressive monotone vocals would be quite appealing if not for the glitches in the recording. "Will It Be" is likewise marred by shoddy production. Still, if you already own and enjoy the rest of Fektion Fekler's catalog, you'll likely enjoy this look into their early history, and for curiosity's sake alone it's an interesting listen.

Visit the band at www.fektionfekler.net.