BlutEngel - Fountain Of Destiny

Cover songs are fairly common place in the world of Industrial and often done so very well, take Solar Fake or of course,  Apoptygma Berzerk to name just a couple who consistently do justice to older tracks. Blutengel now throw down their own answer to the challenge of covering songs well with 'Fountain of Destiny' which provides ten cover tracks finished off by two new Blutengel tracks.

So just a short review from me today for a change as this is a mainly covers album but it is still most certainly worth writing about! Blutengel dedicate again themselves to the eighties and dress in “Fountain of Destiny” ten iconic songs from probably the most musically formative decade in their own garb. In doing so, they manage the incredible balancing act of respectfully retaining the original essence of the pieces on the one hand and putting their own stamp on each track on the other. Perhaps this works so well because his songs…“still sound a bit retro today”, explains mastermind Chris Pohl; And so the two new Blutengel songs fit in perfectly: The instrumental “Journey to the Edge of the World” is simply great, while “Unsere Zeit” gives the hope that is so urgently needed right now, without sounding pathetic. The cover songs were of course handpicked by Chris and Ulrike Goldmann and are those tracks…“That seemed to me from today’s point of view not of this world”, explains Chris with that certain sparkle in his eyes that you only get when listening to eighties music. Whether it’s the emotional “Forever Young”, the already in the original wonderfully wacky “Dr. Mabuse” or the dystopian “Down in the Park” – there’s heart and soul in each of the cover versions. In combination with the professional skills and a natural feel for the right sound “Fountain of Destiny” offers a high delight for the ears.

BlutEngel - Erlösung - The Victory Of Light

German Gothic duo Blutengel, comprised of vocalists Chris Pohl and Ulrike Goldmann, have had quite a busy 2021. Not only did they release a collection of ‘80s covers but now they have also launched their latest studio album, Erlösung – The Victory Of Light. This 14-track collection is filled with exactly what fans have come to expect from the vampiric duo, namely hypnotic English and German lyrics that speak of trusting one’s self over the trappings of traditional religion, sexy club tracks, and mournful ballads. Standouts from this new album have to include “Deine Dämonen” which translates to “Your Demons”, a deeply emotive yet pained ballad showcasing Pohl’s rich voice. Equally, another beautifully thematic ballad is “Hand In Hand”. Simply put, it’s just stunning. The title track “The Victory of Light”, and the album’s first single, features both German and English lyrics. Goldmann takes lead on the track “Wie Sand”, a catchy and danceable track that perfectly showcases Goldmann’s vocal prowess. “Darkness Awaits Us” is a well-honed duet for both Pohl and Goldmann, as usually Blutengel songs tend to focus on one vocalist. The haunting and digitally-driven music video for the track is a great companion. Erlösung – The Victory Of Light, is a must have for Blutengel fans or anyone fond of dark electronic dance tracks. In physical form, this release is a double disc for nearly two hours of listening joy.