Theatre of Tragedy
Remixed
Double-LP. White Vinyl. 2019.

Remixes? What was I thinking? €11.99 for a double LP pressed in white vinyl is certainly a compelling argument. The fact that I like Theatre of Tragedy in all their different styles is another. And yet, anyone who, like me, detests remixes shouldn't buy this. As a fan who has to own all their albums, well... While writing this review, I forced myself to listen to the whole album several times. And actually, it's slowly starting to groove its way into my brain, and I find myself tapping my feet. Nevertheless, remixes aren't really my thing, though my opinion is now considerably less radical. And we prog heads are tolerant, aren't we? AREN'T WE?

In 2019, AFM Records released the old remixes plus four new remixes as a limited edition vinyl in clear-red and white. Incidentally, Theatre of Tragedy (founded in 1993) had already disbanded in 2010. The gatefold, remixed, white version presented here is the one I like more and more (but you don't like remixes, do you?).

The remixes span the band's entire career, which ranges from gothic metal and dark rock to ambient, industrial, and dark wave. Two-part vocal harmonies became a defining characteristic, with the period featuring Liv Kristine being the most influential for me. Every album, except "Theatre of Tragedy," is represented by at least two remixes; "Aegis" only has one. Unfortunately, these remixes aren't truly new, making this a mere compilation.

Which, for this scene, is quite something. Das Ich, Funker Vogt, Zeromancer, Ambrosius, and others. And what stands out? For me, there are four highlights, always where Liv Kristine's angelic voice meets techno structures. Did I mention that I hate remixes? So: Das Ich with "And when he Falleth" and "Black as the Devil Painteth." VNV Nation with "Machine" and Funker Vogt with "Motion"—those are my highlights. Anyone who doesn't warm to these remixes might be inspired to put on one of the original tracks. Like, for example, "Assembly“ or the Debut „Theatre of Tragedy„.

This album made me change my radically opinion about remixes. I'm not going to become a huge fan now, but as a prog head we should definitely be open to other genres. Because that's what prog is all about. Theatre of Tragedy may not be perceived as prog, but I'm a huge fan.

Theatr eof Tragedy, “Remixed”, Gatefold, 2 x LP, limited, remastered, white vinyl. Sits cleanly on the turntable and sounds clean too.

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)

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

TheProgThief
©22.04.2024
Mk 2