Tension Control – Freiheit (Digital/CD Album – Tension Control)
Hamburg, Germany-based Michael Schrader remains very active with his EBM project Tension Control. “Freiheit”, released at the end of 2025, is already his fifth full-length album.
The 13 tracks deliver Tension Control’s familiar recipe: old-school EBM that once again evokes memories of legendary bands such as DAF, Die Krupps, and others. Compared to previous releases, however, “Freiheit” sounds somewhat calmer and more minimalist. Some of the songs could have benefited from more elaborate arrangements. It is therefore no coincidence that the tracks with an extra touch-such as the phenomenal closing track-stand out as highlights. Schrader continues to sing primarily in his native language, but this time he also performs a few songs in English.
In my opinion, Tension Control remains a fantastic EBM project; however, “Freiheit” is not quite my favorite album in the discography. (Rating:7).
Listen to “Der Rhythmussmann”:
About Tension Control
Tension Control is the EBM project of Hamburg musician Michael Schrader, launched in 2016. The debut album “Im Rhythmus Der Maschinen” appeared on Brandsatz Records in 2017, followed by “Fortschritt Durch Technik” in 2019. Schrader builds his tracks around old-school EBM sequences and analog sound generators, and has performed live in support of DAF. “Freiheit”, released at the end of 2025, is his fifth full-length under the name.
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.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
