TraKKtor - Force Majeure

"Force Majeure" literally translated as "Greater Force" is an absolute textbook example of an EBM album title. Good start for Sweden's TraKKtor.
This hotly anticipated debut album comes hot on the hells of the well-received "Veil of Thorns", and despite the somewhat mirthful band name, the 3 men behind this project are nothing but determined.

"Opening" an album with an intro entitled "Pandora's Box" is a very clever idea. It made me smile. It's a minute long, and has moments reminiscent of that classic sample, from (I believe) Hellraiser. It's layered with some simple and effective Electronics, then blends nicely into "Soothsayer", without a split second in between (I love when CDs do that - it can't be recreated as well on mp3).

"Soothsayer" is acutely excellent! The lyrics and samples carry over the uneasy feeling that's hinted at in the Intro, and the music doesn't take long to prove to the fanbase that "Veil of Thorns" isn't a one-off.

Listing their influences as "Technology" , "Politics" and "War History" , one might be forgiven for thinking that the band isn't anything special or original.
The fact they also have a passion for "Black" Metal does pique my interest - how often do you see Dimmu Borgir and Jean-Michel Jarre on an "Influences" list together?

"Veil of Thorns" rightly makes its return as a track on the album, and is almost overshadowed by the two tracks that cushion it on either side :
"Final Fusion", and "Reaper".

There's seldom moments on this release that bore me, and tracks like "Extinction" and "The Surge" re-enforce my belief that Industrial and EBM is making a come back - IF you know where to look.

Finally, the 8 minute "Thirteenth Order" impresses me greatly, as well as the track "Dancing With The Devil", which incidentally is remixed by one of my favourite acts of 2011, "Anamadim".

Welding all of these elements together, into a stunning looking Digipak, and equally impressive CD and lyrics book make "Force Majeure" a debut album that you can't really afford to miss.

Imagine FLA and Skinny Puppy with a nod to 2011, and you're halfway there. Jun 16 2011