Front 242 – USA 91 / Live In The USA (Album – Alfa Matrix)

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital, 2 Vinyls.

Background/Info: The “Tyranny For <You>”-tour from 1991 moved from Europe to the USA. This album is another collector’s item for the Belgian EBM formation. And just as for “91 / Live In EU” the album features fourteen songs recorded at different places during the North American tour of the band. The work is again available as a limited vinyl edition.

Content: The tracklist is somewhat different than on the European album. Songs like “Don’t Crash” and “Never Stop” were played while there’s no longer a trace of “No Shuffle”. They played less tracks from the new album and chose for a greater melting pot of their biggest hits. The album is driven by energy and testosterone; it smells like the sweat of EBM concerts and will incite you to shout the chorus of “Headhunter”.

+ + + : This recording appears to be a better representation of what Front 242 live stands for. A visionary formation, which created impressive live shows. The songs were driven by energy, but more than this there was a true symbiosis between the band and their fans. I got the chance to see Front 242 during this legendary tour and I can assure you it was simply unforgettable. This album brings this feeling better alive than the European edit. It starts with a great intro “D.S.M. / Moldavia” and never stopped increasing in power. Especially the last part of the album especially hits hard.

– – – : I have one personal regret, which is that back in 1991 they didn’t get back to their debut album “Geography”; not one single song from this album was played live.

Conclusion: Covid-19 has seriously affected all artistic activities and it’s now a long time ago Front 242 has ever played live. But thanks to this album the “Tyranny For <You>”-tour is still alive thirty years later…

Best songs: “Im Rhythmus Bleiben”, “Don’t Crash”, “Headhunter”, “Never Stop”, “Tragedy For You”, “Welcome To Paradise”, “Rhythm Of Time”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Front.242

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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