Genre/Influences: Rock-goth, dark-wave.

Background/Info: Walter Glatz, Alexander Steiner and Eva Böhler are Mills ano 2010. “Verletzt” is their second full length album, which has been released after the excellent dark-wave minded “Monochrome” released in 2018.

Content: The main change on the new work is the vocals, which are now sung in German. Sound-wise the band remains faithful to their 80s inspiration although the global production became a bit more rock-minded. This work sounds also more varied than its predecessor. It takes off a rather minimal-electro style, but you also immediately notice the guitar. That leads us towards rock-goth passages filled with melancholia. Some songs are pretty dreamy and even emotive while other cuts reveal harder guitar playing.

+ + + : The guitar remains an essential aspect of the Mills sound. Just as the previous album, the songs create an elevating sensation. There also is a dark and emotional element running through the songs. I especially recommend listening to “Mein Weites Land”, which is a captivating piece in the genre.

– – – : The album brings a nice selection of songs, but I’m missing real highlight. That’s definitely the main change with the previous album.

Conclusion: Mills tried to evolve in their inspiration and compositions, but this new work rather feels as a debut while “Monochrome” definitely had more to offer.

Best songs: “Mein Weites Land”, “Engel”, “Nie”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.millsmusic.at / www.facebook.com/millssound

Label: www.echozone.de / www.facebook.com/EchozoneMusic