APOPTYGMA BERZERK- BLACK EP VOL. 2

Artist: Apoptygma Berzerk

CD Title:  Black EP Vol. 2

Label: Metropolis

Genre: synthpop

I only recently started writing for the awesome E -Zine Grave Concerns. I tend to review more current material or even pre-releases, but I decided that I would review some records that I did not get to previously review that I felt that even though they are a bit older, had that timeless classic appeal. So, sit back and enjoy some records that you might have missed or that deserve to be revisited.

Welcome back to the 80's! I for one am incredibly happy that Apoptygma Berzerk are back and in top retro form. As previously mentioned, this is an older release from 2011. However, I am very excited to say that the Black EP Vol. 2 is one killer power house of an album. This is the long awaited and anticipated Vol 2 of the successful Black EP released in 2006. Though the Black EP ( Vol. 1) was good, it seems that the Black EP Vol. 2 was well worth the five year wait.

It starts off with a fierce, one two punch, with the high octane club track "Asleep or Awake". What makes it even better, is the awesome remix treatment by Norway's Spektralized. Apoptygma Berzerk has a unique formula and sound that just seems to get better and better with age. Whether they are topping the International club charts with their fabulous trance tracks like "Kathy's Song (Come Lie Next To Me) (from 2000)" or appeasing their darker industrial and goth fans, one thing that remains clear, is that Apoptygma Berzerk is indeed a powerful force to be reckoned with.  As I mentioned earlier, the Black EP Vol. 2 is like a trip in the way back machine to their more electronic and synthpop roots. If you are a fan of the mid 80's to early 90's synthpop and industrial EBM sound, you should really enjoy this album. Strong new wave-esque vocals, catchy hooks and remixes by such notable artists like Client, Rottersand and Essence of Mind adorn this epic EP like a piece of fine jewelry.The Black EP Vol. 2 takes the listener in many exciting and diverse directions.  The track Apollo takes the band into a more contemporary electro house styled direction, while "Asleep or Awake"- [Spektralized Remix], "Eclipse" [OK Minus Remix], and "Shadow" [People Theatre Remix] gives you a swift kick in the arse with their undeniable gotta get up and dance appeal.

One of the highlights of this awesome EP is the haunting, almost true to form, cover of the Joy Division classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart". I actually got chills at the similarities to the original. Though in many of Apoptygma Berzerk's productions they put the "pop" in synthpop, there is still more than enough darkness to satisfy the hungriest of ghouls. The mixes and musical genres on the Black EP Vol. 2 run the gamut from 80's synthpop, to more contemporary styles of EBM, electro, trance and rock. There really is something for everybody. So whether you want to rock out or dance your asses off, Apoptygma Berzerk has got your back!

Check out some samples of the Black EP Vol. 2

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DON'T FORGET TO BUY VOL 1, FOR THE FULL APB BLACK EP EXPERIENCE!