Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, cassette.

Background/Info: Two years after the successful “Be A Light”-EP Zwaremachine strikes back with new songs. It also is the first work released by Brutal Resonance, which we all know as online magazine devoted to EBM, dark-electro, industrial and related styles. ‘Match FoX’ brings us five new tracks plus an extra remix on the digital edit.

Content: I was already convinced after the previous “Be A Light”-work, but Zwaremachine moves a step further at this new work. The songs are all driven by solid EBM bass lines while carried by pumping kicks and great sound arrangements. The vocals are rough, expressing anger and rage, which is totally fitting with this kind of production. Zwaremachine remains devoted to early EBM productions, but with this extra and empowering, contemporary touch on top. The songs sometimes make me think to a hybrid between early Frontline Assembly and the rage of early Combichrist. Notice by the way the digital edit is featuring an “Alternative Mix” of the title song;

+ + + : All songs are carried by impressive EBM-like bass lines. They inject a phenomenal power into the work, which is joined by heavy, pumping beats and detailed sound arrangements. Zwaremachine doesn’t only create enraged music, but the production is also sophisticated and totally accomplished. The title track is an absolute masterpiece, but “What We Are” is even better. I also have to mention “Resist” and “New Design” featuring the same ingredients and dense sound layers. Zwaremachine is much more than only power, it also is a project with a meticulous approach. 

– – – : I think the only single aspect of the work that could be improved – although it’s not exactly a point, is the vocals’ production. I think the way of singing is maybe a little less too linear.

Conclusion: “Ripping At The Fabric” is a brilliant sonic exposure from an artist the dark-electro community can better keep an eye on!

Best songs: “What We Are”, “Ripping At The Fabric”, “Resist”, “New Design”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.zwaremachine.band / www.facebook.com/zwaremachine

Label: https://brutalresonance.com / www.facebook.com/brutalresonance