Kontrast – Imperium – Tyrannis (Digital/Vinyl Album – Danse Macabre)
The German band Kontrast has been active for over 20 years, but this new album took around six years to arrive. “Imperium Tyrannis” is the first part of a two-part concept, with a follow-up planned for next year. This release explores a dystopian vision of a dictatorship that transforms people into dance machines.
The theme serves as a strong driving force for Kontrast’s sound, which remains rooted in EBM and Electro-Wave. This first installment, in particular, stands out thanks to its well-crafted compositions and sonic elements reminiscent of And One. Menacing basslines run through several tracks, adding a cool, dark edge. The vocal production is compelling and is often enriched by female vocals. Unfortunately, the final tracks feel uninspired, which is a letdown after such a strong beginning.
Outside of Germany, Kontrast remains relatively under the radar, despite the band’s considerable potential. While I wouldn’t call this their best work, it certainly features some strong and memorable songs. (Rating:7½).
Watch the clip “Tanzmaschinen”:
About Kontrast
Kontrast formed in Germany in 1992, when Dirk Heinrich, Roberto Lindner and Tobias Messias founded the project under the name ISECS; Falko Heinbokel joined in 1995. An early demo of “Einheitsschritt” (“Drei Schritte vor und drei zurück”) appeared in 1994 and grew into an independent-scene anthem by 1996. The band adopted the name Kontrast in 1999, debuting under it that May in support of Clan of Xymox.
Kontrast’s first album, “Programm”, followed in 2002 on the UpSolution label; Danse Macabre Records reissued it as a 20th-anniversary “Programm: Deluxe Edition” in 2022, which reached number two on the Deutsche Alternative Charts and was reviewed by Side-Line. A second album, “Industrie<>Romantik”, appeared in 2004. Kontrast signed to Danse Macabre Records for 2008’s “Vision und Tradition”, which reached the top 10 of the Deutsche Alternative Charts and number one on the German Electronic Web Charts; its single “Durchbruch” also topped the German Electronic Web Charts.
Katrin Möller, performing as Nebelgeist, appeared as a guest vocalist on Kontrast releases before joining full-time. The band’s fourth album, “Balance” (2014), reached number three on the Deutsche Alternative Charts; its single “John Maynard”, a musical setting of Theodor Fontane’s ballad of the same name, reached the top five. A fifth album, “Unaufhaltsam”, followed in 2019 at number four on the Deutsche Alternative Charts. The current line-up is Roberto Lindner (vocals, lyrics), Dirk Heinrich (synthesizers, composition), Falko (synthesizers, mixing) and Nebelgeist (vocals).
Kontrast opened its sixth album as a two-part project in June 2025 with “Tyrannis”, reviewed here. The second half, “Proteus”, is set to complete the full “Imperium” release on July 17, 2026, through Danse Macabre Records, combining both halves on CD for the first time alongside two separate vinyl editions.
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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.
