Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.  

Background/Info: French duo Michael Roussel – Frederic Lecieux are already active for numerous years, but didn’t release new stuff on a regular basis. This album features a selection of new songs, remastered old cuts and remixes.

Content: The French project is devoted to retro-EBM and that’s an influence you’ll instantly recognize. The dark style and unpolished production has something pretty 90s like. Some elements in the production are vaguely evoking giant bands such as Front 242 and FLA. The album also reveals 2 instrumental songs revealing a more elaborated approach. Remixes have been made by Signal Aout 42, Destillat, Blut Reaktor and Shane Aungst.

+ + + : If you like vintage EBM and you’ve a preference for the 90s style, Psychosomatik will definitely give you an adrenaline boost. The influences are quite familiar, but the band tries to create an own approach with an extra dark touch on top. “Bullfighter” is a familiar song from the band and still remains one of their best exponents. The spooky, distorted vocals inject an extra dark touch. There’s also something to say about both instrumental edits “State Of Oppression” and “GroundZero”. Among the remixes I’ve to mention the great contributions from Signal Aout 42 and Destillat.

– – – : The rough and unpolished mixing and production sounds a bit amateuristic, but is an essential aspect to get back to this retro-style.

Conclusion: Psychosomatik brings some good-old memories alive, the album mainly appealing for all those who are into rough and unpolished EBM.

Best songs: “Bullfighter”, “State Of Oppression”, “No Time To Lose – Signal Aout 42 Remix”, “Bullfighter – Destillat Remix”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Psychosomatik-official-110573057735813