"Dark Awakening IV" CD
Various Artists
COP International Records
This series has done a fine job of creating a regular outlet for the
discovery of new and established artists in the realm of gothic and
industrial dancefloor songs. Volume four is no exception, actually causing
this "industrial dj" to spend an equal amount of time listening to the
"gothic" cd and the "electro" disc. The first cd, the "electro" side starts
off with a sure fire dancefloor hit as Spine of God does its rendition of
Depeche Mode's "Stripped." This is followed by another heavy hitter as Mr.
LaPlegua's Combichrist gives us "God Wrapped in Plastic." We cannot over
look some of the other well known artitsts on this compilation who
definitely contribute to a good electro-industrial side...Grendel's "Pax
Psychosis" hits hard as do tracks by Psyclon_Nine and Rotersand. Also,
S.I.T.D. lends a hand by remixing a song by Sleepwalk called "Hackerstate."
Other stand-outs new to the scene include the Apop influenced November
Process, Vox Celesta (who contribute a song and a remix of the Cycloon
track) and Agonoize.
Next comes the "gothic" disc which definitely had some surprises for
me...the electro fan. Many of the artists contributing to this side have
composed excellent pieces that actually remind me of earlier days when the
goth/punk/industrial scenes seemed a little more mingled with fewer
boundaries constricting each genre. Antiworld's track titled "Devil's Rain"
certainly brings the strength of its live shows to your home stereo with a
touch of the old "punk ethos," a plus for any good goth artist. Frank the
Baptist, from California, also shows us how the deathrock underground is
still strong. Unafraid of wearing their influences on their collective
sleeve, The Mist of Avalon also have a strong showing with "This Time."
Other stand-out tracks are included by Necromantik Sunshine, Beautiful
Deadly Children, Astrovamps, Faith and the Muse and Hatesex. The greatest
strength of the "gothic" disc is its diversity.
In all this collection brings the listener 33 tracks by as many artists, put
together by long time German dj and promoter, Dirk Neveling. For more info
check out The COP International website.
