seven

This time around Steffen Schuhrke and Dennis Ostermann of In Strict Confidence fame emerge into more danceable trance-driven structures with heavier emphasis on synthetic sound progressions than their last excellent release "incubation time."

Vocals remain much in consistence with their last release with exception of Fabricio Viscardi's (Aghast View) contribution on tracks 4 & 8.

We enter this release with the very floor driven beats and elaborate string progressions of the aggressive "war." "Follow Me" continues on with the very enticing trance-beat rhythms and very melodic step progressions and loops that are complimented nicely by the ever-intimidating vocals of Dennis Ostermann. The third track, "Light Me Up", presents a very nice electro-dance sound that relies on some very complex and beautifully layered string orchestrations.

Fabricio takes on angst-driven madness on the fourth driven less favorable track "drugfall." Track eight, "Absent", seems to have much the same feel; programming is strong, but the vocals make it fall apart. I like Fabricio better on his own material, Aghast View & Biopsy, it just doesn't sound right on this reease.

On "Galaxy Constellation" we explore more atmospheric and hypnotic side of Controlled Fusion. It is using beautiful looped string harmonies, ever-changing frequencies loops, subtle sample manips, and enticing string progressions including piano, simply brilliant! A nice rest for what to come further on this release.

Track six takes on their own version of Bronski Beat's quirky "Hit that Perfect Beat." Not really my thing here, kinda funny though. Track seven, "My Vision", progresses on with a very fast -paced ebm structures contrasted by some unique cutting vocal processing by Dennis. Track nine, "Psychological Way", takes on progressions similar to that of their previous material, pushing those harmonious and enduring electro-dance elements that made "Incubation Time" so strong; yet another nice instrumental track.

"Steel Town" ends this wonderful release with a very spacey trance/ebm-driven track that will surely be nice for some floor action. This one more is yet again isolated from the traditional Controlled Fusion sound and makes a nice closing statement to this strong release from Bloodline.