Review: Garten Der Asche - 'Nemesis'

GARTEN DER ASCHE

'Nemesis'
SELF-RELEASED

Six years in music can be a very long time. Especially for a non-European / American band trying to establish itself in the industrial scene. Sometimes though, the wait is worthwhile. And this seems to be the case with 'Nemesis', the new EP from Pretorian duo Garten Der Asche.

This is the now intercontinental duo's first output since their 2006 début 'Born From The Ashes' and despite the distances involved (surely shortened by broadband connections) they sound more focussed than ever. The title track 'Nemesis' is a strong blend of hard dance beats, sinister synthesizer melodies and distorted black metal vocals that evokes the likes of Psyclon Nine, Wumpscut, and Mentallo & The Fixer. It is a formula that is continued with great effect across the remaining tracks, 'Patriot Act!' and 'Remember', giving the band three potential floor-fillers.

The EP also includes remixes of the title track by Acylum, System:FX, Dj Transporter, and Acretongue who each give the song a significant, but always dance-friendly overhaul. Though it would have been nice if one of the other tracks was given the remix treatment, if only for variety's sake.

For a band that has been in limbo for over half-a-decade, 'Nemesis' is a very strong release, despite the geographical distances. The EP is well written, well performed and well produced aside from the vocals occasionally disappearing into the mix. As such it is sure to make a lot of people sit up and take notice. Garten Der Asche would do well to capitalise on this sooner rather than later.

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