Klangstabil – Chronik (Digital/CD Album – Ant-Zen / MHz)
Founded in 1994 by Maurizio Blanco and Boris May, this German duo initially focused on Experimental music. Over time, their style gradually evolved into a distinctive form of dark Electro-Pop. This release serves as a retrospective compilation, featuring tracks originally released between 2004 and 2013.
From the outset, the listener is transported back in time. There’s a clear connection to ’80s Electro and Wave-Pop, which they reinterpret with icy sonic textures and an Experimental spirit that still echoes their early years. Throughout the album, the duo isn’t afraid to push boundaries—occasionally venturing into unconventional vocal styles, including moments that border on Rap-like delivery. A compelling contrast runs through their work: dreamy, floating soundscapes are set against raw, intense vocal performances. The result is a kind of unpolished yet Ethereal-Pop, difficult to categorize and truly one of a kind.
This is a fascinating retrospective that highlights the visionary character of a band that has consistently followed its own artistic path. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “Schattentanz”:
About Klangstabil
Klangstabil was founded in 1994 by Maurizio Blanco and Boris May. The German duo built its early work around sound research and experimental collage before its style evolved into a form of dark electro-pop across three decades of releases on Ant-Zen and its Megahertz Records imprint.
“Chronik” compiles material the duo released between 2004 and 2013, including “You May Start”, “Push Yourself”, “Schattentanz” and a disco remix of “Pay With Friendship” by Sonic Area. Klangstabil returned to live performance in 2026 after seven years away from the stage, a return the duo discussed in a recent interview with Side-Line.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
