Die Kur - From Dark (Renaissance of Evil)
NMTCG
Industrial
17 songs ()
Release year: 2006
Reviewed by Cody

Perhaps the most prominent style of underground aggressive music where chances are taken, and the least appreciated, is the art of Industrial music. Taking healthy portions out of the electronica cookbook interlaced with heavy metal riffs, Industrial is often the ostricized outcast of these two worlds. Much like grind was before their heyday with no specific legion of fans willing to claim support for such unequivical children of the heavy, Industrial has strived to maintain its own legion of fans comprised of those, much like their music, of outcasts of even other equally despised genres. Despite its tough placement in the underground, many Industrial artists have risen to gain quite a bit of notoriety such as Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Rammstein, and Ministry. The limits of Industrial music are boundless, and while I am not the largest purveyor of all things Industrial, I feel I have been exposed to enough to know how what creates a worth while project, and what is absolute shit. Die Kur, with their 2006 release From Dark (Renaissance of Evil) is truly an identifiable example of why Industrial has limitless creativity.

Bringing together countless sound samples to construct a full album that span the gammut of aggression and moodiness, Die Kur have undoubtedly provided the world with a sound of their own that seems to combine the stylings of Nine Inch Nails and KMFDM, which are two of the most creative entities in all of Industrial music. Perhaps the thing I enjoyed most about From Dark is the lack of expectation for what is coming next. We, the listeners, are woven between harsh nihilistic guitar tones, acoustic rythyms, and an accoutrement of samples that leave the listener constantly guessing. However, while limitless creativity leaves infinite masterworks to be discovered, putting together the right combination of sounds is essential in creating something that stands out. The disadvantage of Die Kur's inspiration associated with ultimate creative liberty, is piecing together their music to truly inflict the most impact on their listener's emotions (which, of course, is the true heart of a musical juggernaut), and on From Dark it seems that these pieces were there to be placed together in harmony, but rather a rich mess ensues with less inspiration than I had hoped. Several songs in their introductions, as well as moments throughout the album, are positive representations of what this outfift is capable of putting together, for example, the track Sensation of Pain is perhaps one of the most simple songs on this album, but it is the most effective with its satisfying atmosphere that brings something to the forefront that is somehow lacking throughout most of this experience. Above all else though, I find that the vocalist is kind of grating and takes away from the music. I am pretty sure, that despite not being familiar with Die Kur, that these vocals are probably a big drawing point for this act for some reason, and if this true, then more power to them, but I find that the vocals severely detract from any musical visions and mood that could have otherwise taken priority.

Overall, I think, as I have mentioned previously, that the capability is there for Die Kur to create something that might gain them some positive exposure outside of their niche, which can only help their career. I also think that this particular album will probably culminate positive reinforcement from the Industrial world, as this just seems like something hardcore fans would eat up; metal purists and casual Industrial fans be wary though, as this is way more avant garde their your traditional Ministry album. Nonetheless, any fans of moody, atmospheric aggression should give this group a shot.

Killing Songs :
Sensation of Pain
Cody quoted 40 / 100
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