Kontrast release their new album “Imperium” on 17 July 2026 through Danse Macabre Records. The German electro and EBM band’s sixth studio album arrives as a 20-track CD carrying the complete work, or as two separate vinyl records, “Tyrannis” and “Proteus”, each holding half the tracklist.

“Tyrannis”, the first half of “Imperium”, has been out digitally and on vinyl since June 2025. Side-Line reviewed the release, rating it 7½ out of 10 and describing a sound “rooted in EBM and Electro-Wave” with “menacing basslines” and vocal production “often enriched by female vocals.”

Danse Macabre Records credits the singles “Tanzmaschinen” and “D3R DIKTATOR”, both featured on “Imperium”, with topping the Deutsche Alternative Charts, with “D3R DIKTATOR” also reaching number one on the German Electronic Web Charts around the same period.

Kontrast’s ‘Imperium’ splits ‘Tyrannis’ and ‘Proteus’ across two vinyl records

“Proteus”, the second half of “Imperium”, completes the two-part work for the 17 July 2026 release. On CD, the 20 tracks from “Tyrannis” and “Proteus” appear together for the first time; on vinyl, the two halves remain separate records, sold as a set through Danse Macabre Records.

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 the “Imperium” project in June 2025 with “Tyrannis”, the album’s first half, which reached number one on the Deutsche Alternative Charts. “Imperium”, combining “Tyrannis” with the new “Proteus” half, arrives complete on 17 July 2026 through Danse Macabre Records.

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Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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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.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

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Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Wave-Pop.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: This album is a re-edition which comes to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Kontrast’s debut album “Programm” which was originally released by UpScene. The original songs of the album have been featured on the first disc while the second disc is a bonus one.The German formation would release four more albums.

Content: “Programm” is an eclectic piece of music which is clearly inspired by good-old Electro/Wave-Pop but still experimenting with other elements like EBM, Industrial sound treatments and a more atmospheric side as well.

The bonus disc brings alternative edits; some have been released formerly and others later on. But you’ll also discover extra songs like remixes -two have been made by Massiv In Mensch.

+ + + : This is an opportunity to (re)discover a great production featuring cool songs which even 20 years later are still dancefloor killers. But Kontrast also stands for a deeply artistic side which is coming through sound arrangements and delicate melody lines. Some lyrical parts are still hilarious but also a bit prophetic when listening to “Einheitsschritt” which became a hit. The second disc is quite interesting as well revealing darker versions like the “Freiheit”-edit together with Nebelgeist which sounds like pure :Wumpscut:. The original edit of “Freiheit” remains a beautiful song as well.

– – – : Kontrast got some recognition in Germany but remained a rather unknown name outside. That’s truly a pity when you’ll hear this great piece of music.

Conclusion: “Programm” hasn’t lost its original magic and remains a great and diversified piece of Electro/Wave-Pop.

Best songs: “Einheitsschritt”, “Freiheit”, “It’s More Fun To Kontrast”, “Todeskünstler” + “Freiheit – Duett”, “Einheitsschritt – Original Isecs Version”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/kontrasteinheitsschritt   

Label: https://dansemacabre.de /  www.facebook.com/dansemacabrerec

About Kontrast

Kontrast is a German electro-pop and wave-pop formation whose members have included Dirk Heinrich, Falko “H”, Frank “Lexi” Lange, Holger “Verfolger” Heinrich, Katrin Möller and Roberto “Lorenz” Lindner. The band debuted in 2002 with the album “Programm” on UpScene, followed by “Industrie<>Romantik” (2004) and “Vision und Tradition” (2008), among further releases. Danse Macabre Records marked the twentieth anniversary of “Programm” with the “Programm: Deluxe Edition 2022” reissue, pairing the original album with a bonus disc of alternative edits and remixes, including two by Massiv In Mensch.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, body-pop, experimental.

Background/Info: Massiv In Mensch has already been active since 1993; but the German electro formation disappeared a bit from the radar during the past few years. This new opus stands for a ‘symbolic’  new beginning and the first album they ever released on Swedish label Katyusha Records.

Content: Massiv In Mensch moved a bit towards ‘classical’ electro-pop with a typical German flavor on top. The band has used to familiarize us with trance-driven electro-techno music, but now comes closer to the ‘nintendo’-pop of Welle: Erdball. I guess it’s not really a coincidence if ‘Honey’ (from Welle: Erdball) contributed to one of the songs.

Massiv In Mensch accomplished their work with several ‘guests’ while the second album reveals a festival of remixes by new label mates Trakktor and other artists such as Stefan Poiss (Mind.In.A.Box, Thyx), Kontrast, Ginger Snap5, Tritoxin and a few more less familiar names.

+ + + : This is probably one of the most versatile productions by Massiv In Mensch. I like their move towards a more ‘classical’ electro-pop sound, which is however strongly inspired by a typical German sound, which will appeal to lovers of Kraftwerk, Welle: Erdball and co. The work features great sound treatments accentuated by cool bleeping sequences and a few alluring choruses. I like most of these songs and especially the ones featuring male- and female vocals. Other cool cuts are the ones with great narrating voices (like the opening track).

The second disc is much more than simply an extra disc with remixes. There’s a cool diversity running through the songs and especially the song “Hamburg” appears to be a great source of inspiration for remixes. But my favorite track of the album is the “Altlast-Maschinen-Boss-Mix” of “Aggressive Leader” by Mirco Osterthun… who’s an ex member of the band.

– – – : I get the impression that Massiv In Mensch deliberately moved from their trance-techno music to get back to pure electro-pop. I didn’t have anything against their previous work and even believe it also made their originality. That’s a bit what I’m missing on “Am Port Der Guten Hoffnung”.

Conclusion: Not sure if “Am Port Der Guten Hoffnung” is announcing a new era for Massiv In Mensch, but it clearly sounds as something different and a kind of rupture with the past.

Best songs: “Hamburg”, “Türkis Ist Das Neue Schwarz”, “Port der guten Hoffnung”, “Le-Rav II” + “November – Tritoxin Remake”, “Aggressive Leader – Altlast-Maschinen-Boss-Mix”, “Telespiel Am Timmendorfer Strand – Bonus Track”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.massivinmensch.de / www.facebook.com/massivinmensch

Label: www.katyusha.se / www.facebook.com/katyusharecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com