Customer Reviews

Maniacal

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bill and Rhys team up on Maniacal (and upcoming Civilization - Jan 20th) for "the last" FLA record (only time will tell). Rhys has commented on the conjureone.com forums that this new round of material is among their most inspired work together. He also commented that "Maniacal" moves FLA forward from the "Hard Wired" era, but without as much layering. Indeed from the song's haunting opening and oddly looping choir samples, we get a darker and more gothic taste than last 3 FLA works, and with the straightforward, rigid bass/snare beat structure comparisons to Hard Wired are warranted.

The music is relatively simple and straightforward as well, for example, there are no chord changes that include the baselines along with it, such as on Poem, Chimera, and Epitaph. The only real chord change at all is a simple 3-step progression in the chorus, which does not divert away from Leeb's vocal range and allows him to track nicely with the melody. The lyrics and vocal delivery are among the best Leeb has done is a while, putting some rage in his voice, which has been largely absent as of late. Rhys's programming abilities have never been exceptional, so don't expect anything groundbreaking here - the programming is clean and functional, and occasionally has some impressive tricks and effects added, but remains very simple compared to previous works. Gone is the ultra-slick programming of Epitaph or even spots of Implode, which showcased wild and complicated percussion patterns and greatly superior sound synthesis mostly thanks to former partner, Chris Peterson. However, this does not change the fact that we have very catchy tunes here, with a mish-mash of different elements competing for the highlights. This effect does leave me with the impression that the tracks are a bit unfocused, but probably more interesting at the same time. Ultimately, with the tracks being a bit less complex than other recent FLA material and with a more deliberate attempt at some "catchiness" (BANG!) we get something darker and more fun. Can't wait for more!

The new single "Maniacal" is really good but doesnt have a stong enough hook for me. Technically its amazing as to be expected from these guys. Reminds me of old school FLA(Gashed Senses and Crossfire)but with todays technology and a hint of Delerium thrown in for good measure.The reason I gave this five stars & the real reason for buying this cd-single is for the b-side "Anti", this track is absolutely incredible, its a spacey industrial mood piece with disembodied voices and other noises floating thru the mix and it runs about 8 minutes long. If you have a great stereo system or high end headphones(even if you dont just turn up the volume)prepared to be amazed. I feel this is one of the best things FLA has ever done & I pray that the new album "Civilisation" is more like this b-side than the actual single, if so this could easily be one of their best albums, maybe even better than Tactical Neural Implant. Only time will tell.

I'm reserving the right to speak at great lengths about this upcoming Front Line Assembly record until I've heard it in its entirety. However, judging from this single I can only guess that fans of Hard Wired and Millennium will most surely be thrilled. Rhys Fulber is back in the fold and it's REAL obvious. Fans of the Chris Peterson stuff may be a bit put off as the 2 tracks displayed here represent a less innovative side of Front Line. From what I can tell Leeb has his foot planted firmly in the nearest discothèque with a yearning to hit the concert stage. - C. Curry

It been a long time since front line assembly has released any new material and this new release was well worth the wait. Maniacal sounds like the old FLA with some new twists to this song. The intro and outro to the song is great. The song anti is excellent and a great instrumental. Can't wait for their new album especially since this single is really good.

This is my first ecpierence with FLA and i am quite impressed. i heard some samples on here and decided that fit my interests but i didnt wanna blow money on a album incase i didnt like it so i spent the 5 bucks on this single, and just so happens to be their newest release. all 3 tracks are excellent but i think the bside (anti) is the best on here. i plan on getting the album that this single is trying to promote. as for going back in time and getting their older cds... we'll see how their new album sounds

Having listened to FLA for the last 10 years, this is definitely a much different FLA than I'm used to. Yes, it's by the Fulber/Leeb combo, but no, it's not like their original albums. It does share some similarities (the harsh vocals and the type of distortions used), but the rules have been broken with this album -- some of the typical seeming FLA buildups in this album break off into another rythem instead of enhancing the original rythem. Very interesting indeed.

I recommend for full enjoyment you try to locate the best set of headphones or stereo you can -- listening to this on my car stereo, it felt weak and like a few things were missing (Mach 460 audio), and I was disappointed. I went home, used a nice pair of high end headphones, and "oh, that's what I was missing".. Otherwise you might not notice a few subtle techno-nuances.

For all of those FLA fans out there this is indeed the messiah of what's to come. I have been a huge fan of both Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber ever since I first heard Terra Firma (though Rhys wasn't part of Delerium then, but Conjure One is what I really mean when it comes to him). Out of all the songs that have ever heard by these two, Anti is by far the best. In fact, it is one of the greatest songs I have ever listened to. It is just amazing; I can only tell you to buy the single to fully understand what I mean. And as for Maniacal itself, well it puts KMFDM's WWIII to shame. This one song beats that entire album. From the prodigies of industrial this is what I have been waiting for. All of those attempts with numerous side projects finally assimilate into one to form the best of the genre!

No doubt about it, "Maniacal" is a great, catchy song worthy of its own single. But "Anti" is one of the best FLA songs -- or one of the best electronic songs, period -- ever. It doesn't just steal the show, it sells its own tickets, opens its own concession stand, and prints its own fliers. And for $2.97, the tickets are cheap. Get it. If you already have Civilization (and you should), then skip the original "Maniacal" and just get the remix and "Anti" for $2. That's a deal worth taking.

When I received this ep, I thought, "What! Three songs only? What's the point?" but with two remixes of "Maniacal" at 7:23 seconds and 7:42 for the "repercussion mix" and "Anti" at 7:57, these three songs blew me away. This is a must have for any FLA fan, DJ or anyone trying to find a new Industrial dance mix. FLA have been around since '86 and this little beauty made me want to listen to everything they've ever done! Not bad for an ep, eh?

www.richardvancamp.org

Rhys & Bill are back together once again. Many fans were left slightly broken hearted when Rhys decided to leave.

FLA just wasn't the same for some when Rhys left.

Now, many of us cannot be more overjoyed at the pair's renewed partnership for these new songs and a new album. Long overdue and aptly timed on the heels of Delerium's continued success and Conjure One's birth, Rhys' solo venture.

All three tracks have faint traces of the traditional Rhys & Bill musical stylings. Rhys harmonic,lush synths and perfect bass hits with Bill's direction on sampling and vocals.

I cannot speak for anybody else but Maniacal had an essence of Millenium all over it. However, it was new, the FLA cog has been re-invented. Rather than a heavy, dark composition. This song was light and sweet with malice. A ploy of ominous aggression. I like the passive-aggressive nature of this song. It's sort of psychotic.

The remix is just as good.

Anti, I am sorry to say, it steals the show from Maniacal. This b-side is a amazing.

While not a fast tempo melody, this song changes up its instruments and beat structure. I enjoyed the chorus break down with the collection of angelic female voices set against a piercing synth that felt like beams of joy spiraling around my ears. In the background there are cascades of a deeper sensual synth and a furious loop of machinery grinding itself into a graceful industry.

All 3 songs are over 7 minutes in length. A great addition to any FLA fan's collection or for the those just discovering FLA.

I can't wait to see what the new album will bring from these legends of Industrial.