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It is the year 1997, the musical scene lacks innovation. Dancefloor
and lame canned hits receive the continuous support of radio and
music television. Honest rock music—no way! Fans of the music scene
and critics already foretell the downfall of the musical culture and
a call for the return to the ‘golden 80s’ increases. Those were
times in which the best pop hits of all times were composed. This
call was answered – but definitely not as would be expected: The
metal band ATROCITY broke all taboos with WERK 80. The mega hits of
the eighties were reproduced in a unique new way with screaming
guitars and sonorous arrangements.
The fans responded enthusiastically to the album and the music of
the eighties enjoyed an unexpected renaissance! In 2008, ATROCITY
bring back the eighties once again, heavier than ever before!
Exactly one decade ago, hits such as "Shout", "The Great
Commandment", and "Mussolini" once again conquered the club scene,
as ATROCITY released their unique and hard rockin' Werk 80 album. At
the rejoice of many of their fans, ATROCITY have now recorded part
two of their highly acclaimed work. Werk 80 II comprises further
mega hits of the eighties in typical ATROCITY style and with the
help of a sonorous symphony orchestra and choir. It begins with the
melodic hymn-like online Single ‘Smalltown Boy’, which also
comprises the very opulent track ‘Relax’, while taking no prisoners.
The fans waited a long time for their favorite hits of the eighties
to make it on yet another album. Frontman Alex Krull states: ‘We
thought it is a good idea after ten years to record an album like
this, to play compositions from others in our typical band style. In
those days as we recorded the first WERK 80, fans, DJ’s and people
from wherever in the music business were coming up wish lists to
record an album in the same way. Even many bands and musicians came
to us asking for a follow up to this uncommon roject due to its
success. But we didn’t want to do it in those days. It was clear to
us that if we want to do something like this again, we needed to
have a break in between and also we had to receive new and fresh
musical input. One idea was to boost the classical parts on the
album and to substitute the electronic elements with them, which was
a lot of work but well worth the effort! WERK’ 80 II is dynamic,
vital, and rocks like hell!’ If you ask the band about their musical
diversity, which can be heard on WERK 80 II, the singer and producer
states: “We see ourselves as artists finalizing our own musical
ideas in miscellaneous ways without limits, but with infinite
creativity. A good artist has to play different roles, as does a
successful script writer or director, who must be able to produce a
drama or an action-packed thriller. I see a similarity between them
and us as metal musicians who dare to look beyond one’s own nose. We
do things that other bands wouldn’t dare to do. But we love musical
challenges, even if some people will never understand the philosophy
behind the band. We could give a fuck, because we have our own
vision of how the band should sound. Artistic diversity is
enrichment and certainly not a flaw. Great examples are the
classical and even soundtrack composers, who are able to produce new
impressive works with a given concept that can be very diverted in
an emotional and atmospheric level.”ATROCITY chooses to travel down
their own path once again with WERK 80 II and to produce absorbing
arrangements of well-known songs. The opener “People are People”
says it all.
 The
working relationship with guest vocalist Liv Kristine makes songs
such as “The Sun Always Shines On TV” a feast for the ears. "Don't
You Forget about Me", "Here Comes The Rain Again" or "Hey Little
Girl" are performed with an intensity never heard before. These are
no mere covers, but rather a celebration! The atmospheric “Fade to
Grey” is surrounded by a grooving steamroller combined with the
voice of French artist Jensara Swann. “Such a Shame” takes great
advantage of the powerful choir, whereas “Keine Heimat” gets a
refreshing and contemporary make-over, while remaining loyal to very
actual political messages with the help of harsh guitar sounds and
flying double bass. With “Forever Young”, the listener experiences a
great cinematic feel, as band, choir, and orchestra perform this
evergreen. A travel through time with a major goose bump factor,
indeed! In short, WERK 80 II should be a part of every CD
collection and should not be missing at any party! As if it were not
enough, the cover artwork of the first WERK 80 album and the singles
“Shout” and “Tainted Love” were absolute eye-catchers. WERK 80 II I
dons an even more special characteristic: The cover model is none
other than fetish icon and pin-up star Dita von Teese. Nothing could
be more adequate for the choice of the artwork, as it provides
erotic aesthetic at the highest level!
Other Napalm Records Releases:
“Cold Black Days” Enhanced CD-Single
“Atlantis” CD
“Werk 80” (Re-release + Bonus Material)
“Hallucinations” (Re-release + Bonus Material)
“Blut” (Re-release)
“Willenskraft” (Re-release)
“Die Liebe feat. Das Ich” (Re-release)
“Calling the Rain feat. Yasmin” (Re-release + Bonus Material) |
