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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funker Vogt: Still Standing Tall, January 12, 2003
Funker Vogt's newest release into the world of EBM music, Survivor, is a bit of a change for them in some ways while still being stapled with quite a few undercurrents they are known for. In many ways it reflects the transformations their music underwent after the release of Machine Zeit and its subsuquent EPs, becoming more machine-oriented and drifting into a technotronic ensemble of sounds, but it harbors something that is a bit more brooding and gloomy within it that the last releases lacked. Added to this change are also rifts in the normal array of messages that, while still focused primarily on war and the bloody aspects of this portion of the human condition, seems a bit on the darker side. In a strange sense this aspect opened up a more primitive side within a more refined approach to their works, one that took me a few tries to grow accustomed to as the lyrical crown that the songs so aptly wear sank into my mind. Still, after about the fourth excursion into this brave new world, I was instantly addicted to the wonders that were provided after their lengthy hiatus.Another oddity I noted within this new release was the abundant use of melody within their songs; a stark contrast to the cries of angst when they first shouted their angry tempo into the musical breech. This gave many of the songs a beautiful composition to interact with the gruff exterior presented within the vocal aspects of the song, adding a contrast that worked and providing something akin to ballads in a few instances. For those that haunt the hallways of Metropolis, this should be something likable. For those looking for something new to listen to or something that expresses the harsh realities of humanity and their struggles against one another, Funker Vogt's antiwar machine might be a venue that you can find enjoyable. There are many places where you can find this out, including some available snippets here and some on Metropolis as well.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It is different than their past, still great though., November 6, 2002
Survivor is Funker Vogt's first full length release in two years and it was about time. Over the last couple of years we had only heard remixes and other limited releases from the band, and all the fans always wanted more.Survivor really is a different sound for Funker Vogt, although they intended to stay to their original roots, hence the cd name Survivor. The sound is definately different, it is closest to Maschine Zeit but still is a different sound and far from Execution Tracks. This is their first release where they actually use electric guitars and I really like how they use them, note: they're used in "Compulsions" and "Red Queen". In the past they have always been known for songs about war particularily, although they still do this, they also have songs that are more emotion based as well. Funker Vogt really is my favorite band, but this is their first release where I actually enjoy listening to every song on the cd. I particularily enjoy "History", "Compulsions", and "Faster Life". "Date of Expiration" is also very good but we heard this song, or a version of it, on the Date of Expiration single release so it wasn't anything new. Overall, I would have to say that this is their best release yet. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another electro masterpiece by Funkervogt, October 22, 2002
Funkervogt's new album, Survivor, continues their legacy as one of the best electronic industrial bands ever to hit the scene. While some of the later songs in the album seem to lack the inspiration that was present in Maschine Zeit and Execution Tracks, it still packs plenty of high energy soon-to-be club hits. Hightlights include This World, History, Final Thrill, and a couple of tracks with excellent use of electric guitar like Fallen Man and Red Queen. Now some fans have become disappointed in Funkervogt's decision to water down the distortion in their vocals. I, too was skeptical at first...but now I kind of like being able to hear the lyrics (at least it's a deviation from the staticy vocals heard on their first album, Thanks For Nothing). If you listened to the new tracks on the T double disc set, you have a good idea of how the lyrics sound here. Most songs on Suvivor stick with the theme of war and politics, but there are a few that harken back to their older albums with themes of their personal life, ect. With many industrial/ebm bands now diluting into synthpop, it's great to see a band like Funkervogt sticking to their roots and still putting out aggressive material. Whether you are a long-time fan or an electronic industrial newbie, Survivor is a great album to add to your collection.
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