Spetsnaz - Degenerate Ones

Spetsnaz made ha powerful hit by their debut album 'Grand Design' and have after that been a huge name in Sweden as well around the globe. After the release we have also been able to enjoy the CDM 'Perfect Body' and here's the last taste before the band release their second full length album, 'Degenerate Ones' is here.

Three new tracks from the band are presented on this record together with two remixes from Grendel and Werkoluks. First out is of course "Degenerate Ones" that have the Spetsnaz feeling into the bone. We are talking about dance floor, boot stomping and spilled out beer. Further more this track feel a little bit more evolved that the things we got to hear on 'Grand Design', a little bit wither soundscape could be the reason.

After that it's time for "Left Behind" and here we really recognize the feeling from the earlier releases with the brutality, monotony and with a pressure that easily would a burst a zeppelin like a balloon from McDonalds in the hands of a child with uncut nails.

Stefan and Pontus surprise me a little bit though with the third song "Hate", it's still about Old-School loops, but instead of the usual raw voice from Pontus that we are used to, he... actually... sings... I now this might sound frightening to you, but it's no use to call Ghostbusters, it actually sounds really great and I'm very curious if they are going to evolve this further in their next album.

My harsh EBM favourites Grendel gladly gives us a remix of the old classic (guess it is nowadays) "To The Core" in a version named "909tervention Remix". It's amazing to hear the special sounds from both of the bands in the same track and it's a real fun alternative to the original.

Last out is a remix of "Degenerate Ones" by Werkoluks. I've tried to find some information about whom and what's behind the band Werkoluks, but without any result. The song has some more techno inspired feeling and will surely be used to steam up the dance floors out there.

I have no doubt that the next album also is going to be a hit and therefore Spetsnaz will truly secure their position within the harder electronic genre.

This review was written 2005 and initially published on Neurozine.com Jan 01 2005