Search - Apoptygma Berzerk :: APBL 2000

It's like a different band altogether!

Nails in My Head | 06/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have an admission to make: I hate live albums.

Okay, that may be unfair, but in my mind, live albums, while possessing great energy, always had flawed production, annoying crowd sounds, and sloppy timing. The vocals never sound as good as something out of a studio, and the album never gives me anything new. I own and love the originals of all the songs.

But this... this was different. The production, first of all, is absolutely fantastic! It's as if they recorded each instrument seperately, but in truth, they're all palying at once. The tracks are just so distinct. It just blows my mind.

Not only that, but there are instruments in the first place! Live, Apop adds two guitars to the mix, making all of the music intensely heavy. It's more of an industrial rock outfit, and a good one at that. Add in Gier's wonderful backup singing, and the songs are almost without fail on par or better than the album counterparts. The Soli Deo Gloria cuts are infinitely improved.

And, of course, the energy is brilliant. Gone is the cold, digital feel of the studio albums, replaced by a human zeal and warmth.

Probably the only good live album on the market."