AKALOTZ

EN

Akalotz has been active since 2007, but the band truly gained momentum when Nico Klenner joined Thorsten Haury, and they released their debut album "Shift To Evil" (2014, Electro Arc). Their sound is clearly influenced by EBM, which continued on their 2017 follow-up "Confront," released by Electro Aggression Records. Seven years later, Akalotz re-emerges under Scanner (Dark Dimensions label group) with a new sound, self-described as dark body music, in their album "Angry Body Machine."

"Angry Body Machine" retains an EBM backbone while incorporating structures, arrangements, and sounds reminiscent of the 90s German dark electro wave. This style blends gothic influences with robust electro, appealing more to dark electro than pure EBM enthusiasts. The label dark body music aptly describes this release, which also features elements reminiscent of the Canadian school, evident in tracks like "Savage" and the powerful "Mind Control." The title track showcases muscular, somewhat monotone Teutonic electro, slowing the tempo for a bombastic sound. "Active" exemplifies this addictive, repetitive electro, while "Contra" features poppy arrangements.

Akalotz delivers a coherent sound that will resonate with (dark) electro/EBM fans. The album offers thirteen tracks, totaling nearly 50 minutes of electro, ranging from Front 242-like current electro/EBM in "Count To Crash" to atmospheric, yet menacing pieces like "Enemy Minds" and the entrancing "Off Beat." This release captures the spirit of the golden days of electro—threatening, dark, and danceable, yet varied and well-crafted. Electro enthusiasts, what are you waiting for? Although there is no supporting clip for the release, you can explore it via the Bandcamp jukebox.

Kurt INGELS
27/08/2024

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NL

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Kurt INGELS
27/08/2024

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