Genre/Influences: Gothic, cold-wave.

Background/Info: “Decade” is a truly appropriate title to celebrate ten years of the Belgian gothic/cold-wave formation Der Klinke. This work brings a nice selection of original songs, remixes and even a few new cuts.

Content: Sixteen songs have been selected! Remixes have been made by their old town-mate Jan Dewulf under the monikers of John Wolf and Mildreda while Serge Feys did a remix as well. “Decade” is a cool selection of typically cold-wave tracks with guitar playing reminding me of The Sisters Of Mercy and electronic arrangements plus leads adding a nice little extra to the work. Some cuts at the end of the work are more electro-driven, but the most significant ones remain the guitar focused songs.

+ + + : Der Klinke is a band that has made an interesting progression and their last studio album “The Unexpected” (2017) sounded as a real consecration. I have to admit this selection of songs, remixes and one of the new songs (cf. “Curtains”) will show you the potential of this Belgian gothic formation. The songs reveal great guitar parts and accomplished electronic arrangements. The “Original Version” of “The Doll” remains one of the band’s biggest songs in history, but I also have to mention “Our Dance In Darkness” and “Someone Who Smiles”. The album is available as a great, artistic digipak and features 16 (!) songs!

– – – : Some of the most electronic driven cuts aren’t exactly my favorite ones! The guitar  playing  is too essential to this band!

Conclusion: If you never have heard of Der Klinke before, this album is more than simply an introduction! You’re going to like this formation, which has made a noticeable evolution throughout the years.

Best songs: “The Doll – Original First Version”, “Our Dance In Darkness”, “Someone Who Smiles”, “Curtains”, “My Frozen Heart”, “We Are Here – Mildreda Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.derklinke.be / www.facebook.com/DER.KLINKE

Label: www.wool–e–discs.be / www.facebook.com/woolediscs