Plasmodivm - The Post Modern Prometheus

The Spanish project Plasmodivm has been active for a number of years. A solo project for one Sandro Veras, he released his debut 'Paradise Under Fire' in 2008 but completely flew below my radar until showcased on the latest edition of the Endzeit Bunkertracks series. 2011 brings us his sophomore effort 'The Post Modern Prometheus' and is my introduction to Plasmodivm in album format.

The initial thing I noticed about this disc was the length. With full-length albums getting shorter and shorter, it's rare to see a 72 minute album emerge in this scene. It's even rarer to see an album of this length that hasn't been padded out with remixes. Listening to albums of this length can be trying if your listening habits resemble a kid with ADD... Even if that's the case, I think Plasmodivm are captivating enough to hold your attention. One of the strengths of this album is the order of the tracks. Instead of tacking the best tracks together at the beginning of the album like most bands, Sandro scattered the highlights around. As a result, strong cuts like "A New Beginning" can be found towards the end of this album.

Stylistically 'The Post Modern Prometheus' fits into the harder end of melodic EBM alongside names like [:SITD:] & Solitary Experiments. Elements from harsher styles can also be found, best showcased on "Instinto Homicida" which resembles a mellower Hocico. The album moves along at a slow to mid pace, a few harder tracks are included which should work nicely on a dancefloor. The voice varies between clean and harsh and has some pretty cool effects. Lyrically, Sandro jumps between English and Spanish language.

Without a doubt, my highlight from this disc is "Dead Inside", an atmospheric piece that contains some thick creepy ambience. Other highlights include the late-90's-Wumpscut-esque "Voice"and the insanely catchy opener "I Have Killed A Man". "Unbreakable Will" contains some epic strings and could easily be an [:SITD:] b-side.

My biggest issue with this album, if you haven't guessed already, is that Plasmodivm draw upon their influences too much. There are moments where they appear to be developing their own style but too many tracks leave me saying "this sounds like xxx" and "that sounds like yyy". Despite this, 'The Post Modern Prometheus' is a finely executed album and one I'd go back to. Apr 08 2011