Theatre of Tragedy
„Assembly“
Electro, Synth, Industrial Rock. 

• CD, Digipack
• Remaster, Reissue
• 2020
• AFM Records
• AFM 738-9
• used

Here I am reviewing the limited digipack released by AFM Records in 2020, which also includes a booklet.
In 2002, the Norwegian band's changed musical style on their album "Musique" continued with "Assembly". After Gothic metal, the following dark rock, now synth rock with industrial and pop influences. After "Musique" was not well received by critics or fans, the reviews of "Assembly" were more positive. But this album also fell short of expectations. However, I like every style of Theatre of Tragedy and especially the range of Liv Kristine's voice on "Musique" and "Assembly". I already reviewed the band's debut album from 1995. here.

Of course, the band does not only consist of Liv Kristine, but she is the figurehead, particularly with her siren-like voice. The fact that her voice is capable of even more was particularly evident on "Musique" and "Assembly". Her versatile voice in particular contrasts strongly with the industrial, synthetic basis of both albums. The second voice of Raymond István Rohonyi is also beautiful here. Frank Claussen and Vegard K. Thorsen on guitar, Lorentz Aspen on keyboards and Hein Frode Hansen on drums.

I'll skip straight to track number 6. A cover of a Kim Wilde cover of a Supremes song. I can't make heads or tails of it, and I don't even want to know what they were thinking. The highlights are track 11, "Liquid Man." Besides synths, we also find alternative metal here. Yes, the song is also poppy; it definitely lives and breathes vocals. Liv's lascivious enticement, the ethereal opening, in contrast to Raymond's vocals, the nuances. If that's pop, I have no objection. Track 1, "Automatic Lover," structured as an electronic beat—repeating synthesizer figure—vocals—guitar/metal elements—repeated electronic structure—might seem monotonous to some, but to me it's almost magically hypnotic. A highlight and a strong opening. Nothing siren-like, nothing ethereal. Instead, almost coldly erotic, demanding. A cool club track. Track 2, "Universal Race," is almost childlike in its vocals, but also tough in its individual style. An allegory for intersex sex, expressed through space travel. Powerful. All the songs, except for the nonsensical "You Keep Me Hanging On," have their own strengths. "Let You Down" and "Envision" are further good tracks. I particularly like the contrast. I don't find the cool, synthetic foundation sterile, but rather the ideal environment for Liv Kristine's versatile voice.

In 2003, Theatre of Tragedy split up with Liv Kristine. After that, there were two more studio albums with a new singer, which represented a return to form, before Theatre of Tragedy was finally buried in 2011 with the live album “Last Curtain Fall”.

Conclusion. Gothic metal, then dark rock, then synth-rock. Each of the band's phases has its own significance and has produced outstanding albums. With "Assembly" and "Musique," I'm probably alone in my opinion. If you like good vocals, synth-rock mixed with alternative metal and industrial, then this is the album for you. I understand why other listeners have had, and continue to have, difficulties with it. Those who appreciate Theatre of Tragedy primarily for the heavy guitars, the dark atmosphere, and the interplay between growls and female vocals (Beauty and the Beast) will struggle with the band's more electronic direction. For me, this album works because its techno-influenced character contrasts beautifully with Liv Kristine's voice. I call it "Beauty and the Technical World."

Theatre of Tragedy 1995
Velvet Darkness They Fear 1996
A Rose for the Dead (EP) 1997
Aegis 1998
Musique 2000
Assembly 2002
Storm 2006
Forever is the World 2009
Remixed 2019 (only Remixes)

Listend to with:

• Yamaha S-303 CD Player
• Vincent KHV-200 Hybrid Tube Class A Preamp
• Shiit Vidar 2F Class A/B Poweramp
• Buchardt S-400 Mk II Limited Edition Speaker
• Beyerdynamic 1770 Headphones

The photos are all from my CD. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©24.08.2024