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L'Eau Rouge

The Young Gods

1989

L'Eau Rouge
Album Summary

L'eau rouge (French for The Red Water) is the second album by industrial band The Young Gods, released in September 1989 by Play It Again Sam Records. It is usually referred to as their masterpiece and was included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die in 2005.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.33

Votes

12440

Genres

  • Rock

Reviews

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Oct 20 2021
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2

Ok so it's like if a French Pink Floyd and 9 Inch Nails had a baby? But also the baby kind of sucks.

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Dec 02 2021
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2

I wanna get off the boat Mr Wonka

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Sep 12 2022
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4

Someone on here stated this album was like a mix between French Pink Floyd and Nine Inch Nails, then rated this album a 2, as if that was a bad thing. I thought that it was great.

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May 21 2021
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1

Angry French with his angry buddies pounding on their synthesizers. If I ever become crazy and lock someone in my basement, this will be on the playlist. From that moment on; they will know my pain.

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Oct 26 2020
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2

You never know if you truly like something until you try it, and now I can say with confidence that French industrial rock songs about period blood are not for me. Best track: Les enfants

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Jan 22 2021
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4

What is THIS? Creepy, atmospheric orchestration under a growling baritone frontman, en francais? Count me in.

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Nov 26 2021
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1

if tom waits were to have been born french and scored a high paced low budget slasher

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Jul 22 2021
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5

i'm summoning ALL the patience my body has to offer, i WILL listen to this in its entirety. well it payed off around 4 minutes into the first song so that's great haha this is much more my thing. second song is going to be a banger can tell from the start. i love this so much lol this is so exciting. the title track is great too ugh. i got curious about the lyrics but i'm having trouble finding translations :( i'm used to listening to music in languages that i don't understand but lyrics are normally more easily available D: found rough translations for a couple of songs so that's better than nothing. vocals aside, the last two tracks sound way more like my idea of music from the 80s lol they're pretty different from the rest of the album. well i'm done, i enjoyed this a lot and i saved pretty much all songs so i'll probably just come back to the album.

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Jan 11 2023
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5

Creepy, atmospheric, macabre, and definitely pretty unhinged at times. Really matched a piss-poor mental state at the very beginning of the year, on a horrible gloomy January day. I've gotta say I quite liked this. Feels like a French-language Rammstein in parts. Honestly I wish Halloween was coming up soon because this would be a perfect soundtrack for it, and I feel like this would be an experience to see live. Favourite: La fille de la mort

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Aug 13 2021
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3

Pretty sure this is what Ministry would sound like if they were French and Al consumed more Brie than heroin. In other words, I enjoyed it. (But kinda missed the heroin.)

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Dec 02 2021
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5

Gritty, Dark, and Circus/Cabaret. I fucking love the vocal delivery, grooves, and backing noise.

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Jun 16 2023
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5

Really cool French industrial. People here have no taste, this album is great. It sounds like Rammstein or Ministry.

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Mar 06 2024
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5

I think this might confirm that I have the worst taste in music (at least in liking what other folks like). I absolutely loved this. The instrumentation is incredible and the production is so good. I have a feeling that not speaking French is a bonus because I suspect the lyrics are pretty dumb but prog rock Nine Inch Nails in French was not something I expected to love so thoroughly.

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Jan 23 2022
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5

Even though I couldn't understand the lyrics I still understood the music. Great stuff.

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May 09 2021
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1

Ok, so there's noise rock and punk and black metal and industrial, and then there's this. This album was actively painful to listen to. This is p harsh, but the only reason it will be memorable will be from the scars left from listening to it.

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May 23 2023
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5

When I saw this, I groaned, French, average rating of 2.3...is this another Serge Gainsburg. I was wrong, I loved this, French industrial metal...ie French Rammstien, sign me up

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Jun 19 2023
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5

Had not been listening to this album for many years but still like it just as much. The way the songs are built up. The sound. It is alll great. Industrial music that does not sound ugly.

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Feb 25 2021
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4

Interesting album. Some great sounds and very experimental. Liked the mix of French and English and the different styles put together.

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Jul 25 2024
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4

**Album Review: L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods** --- **Introduction** Released in 1989, "L'Eau Rouge" is the second album by the Swiss industrial band The Young Gods. Known for their pioneering use of samples and a distinctive sound that blends elements of industrial rock, electronic music, and classical influences, The Young Gods crafted an album that has been influential in the industrial and alternative music scenes. This review delves into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of "L'Eau Rouge," providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** The lyrics on "L'Eau Rouge" are predominantly in French, adding a layer of mystique and exoticism for non-French-speaking audiences. The themes explored are dark, introspective, and often surreal, with poetic imagery that complements the album's sonic landscape. Songs like "Charlotte" and "Les Enfants" tackle themes of innocence lost and existential dread. "Charlotte," for instance, is a haunting narrative of love and obsession, with lines like "Charlotte, je t'aime à mourir" ("Charlotte, I love you to death"), capturing the intensity and destructiveness of infatuation. "Les Enfants" reflects on the purity and corruption of youth, using stark contrasts to emphasize the loss of innocence. While the lyrics are compelling and rich in imagery, their effectiveness can be somewhat limited for listeners who do not understand French. However, the emotive delivery by vocalist Franz Treichler ensures that the emotional weight is still conveyed. **Music** Musically, "L'Eau Rouge" is a groundbreaking work that defies easy categorization. The Young Gods utilize sampling technology to create dense, textured soundscapes that incorporate elements of rock, industrial, and classical music. The opening track, "La Fille de la Mort," sets the tone with its aggressive guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and dramatic orchestral samples. This blend of raw energy and refined orchestration is a hallmark of the album, showcasing the band's innovative approach to composition. Tracks like "Rue des Tempêtes" and "L'Eau Rouge" highlight the band's ability to merge heavy industrial sounds with melodic elements. "Rue des Tempêtes" features a driving beat and abrasive guitar samples, juxtaposed with atmospheric synths and haunting vocals. The title track, "L'Eau Rouge," is a masterclass in dynamics, building from a quiet, eerie intro to a powerful, cathartic climax. The instrumental "Pas Mal" provides a moment of respite, with its minimalist piano and ambient textures, demonstrating the band's versatility and willingness to explore different sonic territories. **Production** The production on "L'Eau Rouge" is both a strength and a weakness. Produced by Roli Mosimann, the album's sound is characterized by its clarity and precision, allowing the intricate layers of samples and instrumentation to be fully appreciated. The meticulous attention to detail in the mixing and mastering process results in a rich, immersive listening experience. However, some critics argue that the production can feel a bit too polished at times, potentially diluting the raw energy that is a key aspect of industrial music. While this polished sound can make the album more accessible to a broader audience, it may alienate purists who prefer a grittier, more abrasive aesthetic. **Themes** "L'Eau Rouge" delves into a variety of themes, many of which revolve around existentialism, the human condition, and the interplay between innocence and corruption. The album's exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Existentialism is a recurring motif, with songs like "Charlotte" and "Les Enfants" contemplating the nature of existence and the inevitability of suffering. The title track, "L'Eau Rouge," can be interpreted as a metaphor for life's inherent chaos and unpredictability, with its shifting dynamics and unsettling atmosphere. The interplay between innocence and corruption is vividly depicted in "Les Enfants," where the purity of childhood is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of adult life. This theme is further explored in "Longue Route," which speaks to the journey of life and the trials and tribulations one faces along the way. **Influence** "L'Eau Rouge" has had a significant impact on the industrial and alternative music scenes. The Young Gods' innovative use of sampling technology paved the way for other bands to explore new sonic possibilities, influencing acts like Nine Inch Nails and Ministry. The album's blend of rock and electronic elements also helped to bridge the gap between these genres, contributing to the development of the industrial rock genre. The band's willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds has inspired a generation of musicians to push the boundaries of their own music. The emotional depth and complexity of "L'Eau Rouge" have also resonated with listeners, making it a touchstone for those seeking music that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally impactful. **Pros and Cons** *Pros:* 1. **Innovative Use of Sampling:** The Young Gods' pioneering approach to sampling creates rich, textured soundscapes that are both unique and compelling. 2. **Emotive and Poetic Lyrics:** The lyrics, though primarily in French, are rich in imagery and emotion, adding depth to the music. 3. **Diverse Musical Influences:** The album seamlessly blends elements of rock, industrial, and classical music, showcasing the band's versatility. 4. **High Production Quality:** The meticulous production ensures that the intricate layers of sound are fully appreciated, creating an immersive listening experience. 5. **Thematic Depth:** The exploration of existential and philosophical themes adds intellectual weight to the album. *Cons:* 1. **Language Barrier:** For non-French-speaking listeners, the lyrics' full impact may be lost, potentially limiting their emotional connection to the songs. 2. **Polished Production:** Some fans of industrial music may find the production too polished, lacking the raw, abrasive edge that characterizes the genre. 3. **Niche Appeal:** The album's experimental nature and dark themes may not appeal to mainstream audiences, limiting its commercial success. 4. **Dense Soundscapes:** The intricate layers of samples and instrumentation, while impressive, can sometimes feel overwhelming or cluttered, potentially alienating some listeners. 5. **Emotional Intensity:** The dark and introspective nature of the album may be too intense for some listeners, making it less accessible for casual listening. **Conclusion** "L'Eau Rouge" by The Young Gods is a landmark album that has left an indelible mark on the industrial and alternative music scenes. Its innovative use of sampling, emotive lyrics, and diverse musical influences make it a compelling and thought-provoking work. While its polished production and experimental nature may limit its appeal to a broader audience, its thematic depth and intellectual rigor ensure that it remains a significant and influential album. The Young Gods have crafted a sonic journey that is both challenging and rewarding, inviting listeners to explore the darker recesses of the human condition. "L'Eau Rouge" stands as a testament to the band's creativity and vision, cementing their place in the pantheon of industrial music pioneers.

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Aug 15 2021
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3

This was a fascinating industrial/cabaret album, I adore the atmosphere! Some of the songs were a little repetitive for my taste, but I liked most of them.

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Jun 17 2024
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5

Industrial that I love because it is not just a single approach, references are pulled from older cabaret music and expressionist art. I have seen them live back in the early 90's and they were fabulous. The Kurt Wiel album is also very good.

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Jan 02 2023
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5

Älskar plattan och älskar dessa schweizare. Ägde maxisinglarna från skivan. Fick mig att köpa "plays Kurt Weill" också fast den var ju inte lika bra.

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Feb 07 2022
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4

This record reminded me of when former football commentator Gerald Sinstadt and I took a cricket bat to a bag of kittens. What a day. We went back to mine for a Happy Meal and then both licked out my mum. Gerald commentated throughout. Well... when he didn't have his mouth full of course. My word she had an ungodly amount of anal warts.

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Oct 29 2023
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3

This album is kinda awesome, but at the same time, I'm good listening to it only once.

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Oct 29 2020
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1

- "wtf" - me after the first song - "W T F ?" - me after songs 2-14 - this album sounded like a weird combination of bad French rock and a Disney film soundtrack - needless to say, it just did not do it for me

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Jun 09 2024
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4

Been meaning to listen to these for 40 years. I wish I hadn't waited. I would have loved them even more in my teens.

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Jun 05 2024
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4

Before Rammstein there was The Young Gods! This album influenced many of the industrial bands you know by name and other than the rosters of their label PIAS (Play It Again Sam),Wax Trax! Records, Nettwerk Records, and 4AD, not many bands quite sounded like THE YOUNG GODS' L'EAU ROUGE. If their vocals had been performed in English, they probably would have been even more influential. Favorite tracks: "Rue des tempetes", "L'eau Rouge", "Ville notre", and "L'amourir".

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May 28 2021
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3

On réalise rapidement lors de l'écoute que la grammaire française et la bonne prononciation des mots de la vie courante n'est pas la priorité de ce groupe suisse.

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Aug 01 2021
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3

Is this brave? Or stupid? Can’t decide. It’s like the weirdest pub band I can imagine! French industrial synth rock? Who the fuck knew! I’ll come back to it a few times before deciding for sure but at the moment it’s a solid 3. Some will adore this, many will loathe it!

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Apr 04 2024
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3

L'eau rouge (French for The Red Water) is the second album by industrial band The Young Gods. It's considered their masterpiece and received many accolades. The music is dark/gothic industrial rock with symphonic elements. Many audio tracks were used giving the feeling that an orchestra was backing the band and the production was awesome at keeping everything in check. This unique album combined many things from multiple genres to create an amazing experience for the listener. From the first track, you will be absorbed into another realm of bleak vaudeville that refuses to let you go until the final note of the last song. Such an interesting album like this deserves to be listened to.

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Apr 30 2021
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3

Bizarre. I found this simultaneously repugnant and entrancing. Flitting from some sort of mad euro-thrash metal to the avant-garde (at times very much like Tom Waits - except in french, which really doesn't help). I must have played the whole album 4 or 5 times so far but I'm still no nearer to understanding what's going on. I don't even know if I like it or not. It just sits there, demanding to be played (again) and that way madness lies. I'm quite disturbed, both by it and how it makes me feel. I'm going to try never to play it again and to forget I ever heard it.

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Jul 14 2021
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2

Not great, but not offensive. Some great theatrical moments in the early going. Not something I'd return to.

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Dec 05 2023
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2

It’s always an exciting day in this household when one of the lowest rated albums on the site gets recommended. I’ll wonder to myself, “Is it truly bad (Kid Rock’s “Devil Without a Cause”) or is just outside of the comfort zone of the users of this site (Lightning Bolt’s “Wonderful Rainbow)?” Half of this kind of sounds like Nine Inch Nails circa Broken, the other half like a Tom Waits score for Cirque Du Soleil, all sung in French. If those things appeal to you…enjoy the madness. It ain’t for me man, but I’ve heard worse albums on this list.

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Jul 14 2021
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2

Constipated Frenchman trying to beat his best time.

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Aug 01 2021
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2

Not my thing. Impressive for 1989 tho.

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Jun 09 2021
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2

okay industrial rock. I probably won't listen again.

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Mar 24 2024
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2

"L'Eau Rouge" by The Young Gods is a puzzling blend of industrial rock and experimentalism that ultimately falls short of its potential. Released in 1989, the album's heavy use of distorted guitars and electronic textures creates a dense and abrasive sonic landscape that may appeal to some listeners but feels overly chaotic and disjointed to others. While tracks like "Skinflowers" and "L'Eau Rouge" showcase moments of intensity and innovation, much of the album feels repetitive and lacking in direction. The band's attempts to fuse genres often result in muddy arrangements that fail to leave a lasting impression. Overall, "L'Eau Rouge" is a challenging listen that may only appeal to fans of avant-garde industrial music.

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Jul 14 2021
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1

Parts of this reminded of the boat tunnel scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It got weird, dark, a little creepy, and altogether unpleasant.

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Nov 14 2024
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1

I don’t mind it being French. I do mind it being shit.

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Jul 29 2022
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5

I Listened To This A Month Ago. Gimme Something New please

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Sep 28 2023
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5

Hm, per the description they're an industrial band? Okay. That would be wonderful, but the beginning of this first track is not very industrial. When i think Industrial I think KMFDM, NIN, Ministry etc. I do love French music though so even if it's not that kind of Industrial I can still dig it. I love that I can understand some of these lyrics. Thanks Duo Lingo. Their Spotify bio says they were pioneers of Industrial Punk so I'm still holding out for something amazing. Oh snap, nearing the end of this track and it's beginning to show promise. lol. Okay this did become exactly what I wanted it to become. I gotta say this is pretty fucking great. We've all heard industrial German bands like KMFDM, and Ramstein, and you'd expect that from German. But French!? French is the love language. So to hear these dark, growly French lyrics is a new experience for me. Refreshing! Super diggin this. I hear some Nitzerebb influences in here as well as Skinny Puppy. This album quickly climbed to 5 stars!!

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Sep 16 2023
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5

A terrifyingly off-kilter French vampire boardwalk amusement park. A perfect soundtrack for a remake of The Lost Boys.

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Sep 20 2024
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5

Really taking you somewhere. Scary. 80’s Scary movie chase scene (Rue des tempêtes.) Charlotte is folksy. Grissley voice. Jumps between vibes in first 5 tracks. Les enfants has some gutteral vocals that could be in Dune. There is toil and grind and the triumph of the masses in there too Fav Track: La fille de la mort, Charlotte Least Fav Track: Lounge route Ratings: Personal /5 Critical /5

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Oct 30 2024
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5

I thoroughly enjoyed this album! Great tunes, and I loved the lead singers voice.

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Sep 16 2023
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5

Hmm, do I like this? It gets real metal in places, sometimes reminded me of what Laibach in French would sound like, and there were even a few times I thought of Tom Waits, and then back to the metal. I may not play this at parties, but I enjoyed listening to something quite distinctive today. Thank you.

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Oct 02 2024
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5

Bold, unique, I’ve never heard anything like it. Wow.

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Mar 22 2023
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5

tupakkaa vetänä ranskis... jaha heti kun vähän kiinnostavampaa niin 2.31 ratinki. oikeesti aika vitun hyvä album, industriaalia..ei edes paljoa, ei ole koneiden tärinää ja vasaroiden kalinaa tarpeeksi.. INDUSTRIAL on genren nimi .. ja tylsimmätkin thrash metal peruspoppi sektiot on parempia kun kyseisen genren mainstream bändit. toivottavasti muitakin epäenglanti kieliä kun espanja/ranska/saksa on täällä piileskelemässä jossain heh... monet biisit liian lyhyitä, voisi olla enemmän kuin eka biisi... kuuntelin 2 kertaa suoaraan.. la fille de la mort

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Sep 06 2024
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5

Warum hat mich dieses Album so fasziniert? War es die französische Sprache? Oft war es ganz schön schräg und schrill. Dann hörte man drehorgelartige Musik und wilde Orchestrierungen. Dann klingt die Stimme wie Tom Waits, der dann auch Death Metal singen oder krächzen kann. Das alles war so spannend, atemberaubend. Ich kann nicht anders: das war die aufregendste Musik seit langem für mich.

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Jun 26 2024
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5

Well crafted industrial music is hard to come by. I guess I should have looked in Switzerland. This was a genuine treat and exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to find. I can understand why it’s a little out there for some folks, but it worked for me

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Oct 23 2024
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5

Listening to this has me saying sacré bleu like Blacque Jacque Shellacque. And sometimes I'll throw in an omelette au fromage for emphasis. A little industrial goes a long way for me but this is enjoyable with just enough quirk.

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Jun 03 2024
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5

This is what I'm doing the list for. Nice to hear to some new ideas. Will I listen to again: 100%

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Apr 28 2024
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5

5/5. An atmosphere of futuristic wasteland is the best way I can describe it, like a broken down ice cream truck stuck in the middle of a forever sandstorm. Dark industrial sounds with rough and heavy vocals with great rock style samples throughout. I want to explore this world they have created but would know I have no way of surviving in it. Just awesome stuff, no flaws. Best Song: La fille de la mort, L'eau rouge, Longue Route

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Feb 12 2024
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5

A brute force mash up of industrial, rock and electronic with a dark cabaret feel. The singer sounds like an angry Tom Waits at times. The songs walk a tightrope between accessibility and utter chaos. Not knowing what the lyrics are may actually work in its favor, as the voice becomes just another instrument. Initially intrigued, I find myself liking this a lot.

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Oct 28 2024
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5

Gotta love how it takes about halfway through the first song before this album tells you just how industrial it's going to be. This album fucking ROCKS! Sounds like a parody, but is played so straight it still sounds menacing. Love the mix of the strings and horns with the super industrial sound, and that absolutely GUTTERAL voice is the cherry on top. I'll throw this one in the "never would have found on my own" 5 star collection

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Jan 05 2024
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5

One of the best albums I listened to in the last years. Different style but similar listener satisfaction compared to Monika Roscher's "Witchy Activities And The Maple Death" and Bloodywood's "Rakshak".

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Dec 14 2023
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5

Wonderfully insane French rambling nonsense - I loved it! Hundreds of different styles and feelings, all with a cheeky nod to silliness. Great fun, and a great album

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Oct 23 2023
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4

Another industrial album that’s made it to the lowest rated on this site, I’m starting to notice a pattern. I dig it though. Nice grooves and a bit of a wacky atmosphere

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Jun 06 2021
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4

I kind of love everything about this. It's sort of cute how dark it's trying to be. It reminds me a lot of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, and I mean that in the best way possible. Love Les Enfants

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Jun 26 2022
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4

Stylistically it feels like two albums competing with each other but its still a very enjoyable album

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Jan 21 2021
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4

Really unique electronic/industrial/orchestral music from Switzerland that avoids sounding dated. I didn't hate the vocals. Glad to have the opportunity to listen to it. I might only come back for tracks 1 (La fille de la mort) and 9 (L'Amourir).

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Oct 20 2023
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4

I didn't know I could dig French rock n roll. Hell yeah.

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Jan 03 2022
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4

Kurt Weill, Swans and Einstürzende Neubauten walk into a bar... Seriously though, any band that influences Bowie rates high for me. Wasn't that familiar with this album and only ever got into T.V. Sky, the follow up to this which is in English. Not an album that I will have on high rotation due to its brutal sounds but this rates high for me

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Nov 10 2023
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4

I get why this site doesnt like it, cuz its very industrial, but personally I really enjoyed it.

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Oct 23 2023
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4

Int så brazy som ja vänta mig med allt skit det får på denna sida... groovy

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May 14 2021
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4

I have the album that came out on ipecac, but that recorded many years later. Zero similarities, lol. This is weird drunk bar music, thrash industrial, modern classical??? This is amazing.

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May 26 2022
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4

Jako kul i jako zanimljiv album. Osjecala sam se ko da slusam neki mjuzikl. Vjerojatno moulin rouge zbog kabareta.

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Dec 17 2021
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4

decent fun, french industrial growling

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Sep 20 2023
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4

"L'eau rouge" is the second album by Swiss industrial rock band the Young Gods. Industrial rock, dark cabaret and symphonic metal are the listed genres. I like those descriptions. The Young Gods bandmembers are Cesare Pizzi (keyboards), Use Hiestand (drums) and Franz Triechler (vocals). This album is considered their masterpiece. Interestingly, the band decides to open with a waltz in "La fille de la mort" ("The Daughter of Death"). Didn't see that coming and not the last one. There's a droning organ and synth strings. Lead singer Franz Treichler is screaming. The song changes near the end and goes chaotic with the keyboards; they do that a lot throughout the album. "L'eau rouge" ("The Red Water") is dark with a hypnotic drumbeat. Franz with a creepy voice. The song speeds up and again goes chaotic, this time a guitar added. The drums are all over the place. The second side opens with "Longue route" ("Long Route"). Alright, this is more like it. A thrash metal guitar. Pounding/thumping drums. Random gunshot sounds. More metal guitar. Rumbling drums and a slashing guitar welcome us to "Les enfants" ("The Children"). Weird and dramatic synth sounds. The guitar and synth echo each other. I don't what he's doing or saying but it doesn't sound good. This was fairly intense. I like intense. I'm a fan of late 80's/90's industrial music and bands like Ministry and NIN and this fits that. They add a little variety with the waltzes, thrash metal guitar and drumbeats. Recommended for metal/industrial music fans.

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May 16 2022
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4

Interesting moody French industrial record. Loved it - so moody it actually spooked me out while listening on a night time drive. Kind of a gem like Suicide’s debut.

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Jul 31 2022
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4

A touch of Nine Inch Nails, a touch of Tom Waits, a touch of Slayer, except Swiss. It's a very likeable mix! I'm definitely coming back to this!

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Dec 10 2021
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4

Enjoyed it more than expected, although it's eerie soundscape was off-putting.

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Sep 25 2023
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4

Weird but listenable, might give it another go with some more space and time.

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Sep 19 2023
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4

Those vocals are eerie as fuck, but it REALLY works with the instrumentals? Perfect for the start of autumn. Depending on what kind of autumn you wanna have.

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Sep 16 2023
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4

This was interesting. Kind of a French electronics-heavy metal by way of Tom Waits. I’m not in love with it and suspect additional listens wouldn’t change that, but it sure was interesting to listen to.

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Dec 08 2021
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4

well, THAT was fun...late-80s french industrial? yes please! easy comparisons: nitzer ebb & front 242. overall just a lot of fun.

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Aug 07 2023
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4

This album may have been influential for the time (to be honest, I don’t really know), but it’s just fine nowadays. L’Eau Rouge is an industrial rock album, with some twists. Most importantly, its use of orchestral instruments. There are a few points (I think like 3 songs) where the Young Gods bring in an orchestra and these songs are the best on the album. The first track in particular is neat for starting as this nice and soothing orchestra piece before becoming abrasive and harsh. The vocals become more guttural and the song just works. It’s probably why the first track is my favorite track. The other tracks using strings are neat, but it’s the first track that does it. I should also note there’s this metal sounding song that uses the orchestra and it’s pretty cool, albeit it’s only one song near the beginning. Other than that, it’s just industrial rock. I will give it credit, some of the production choices are really interesting, like the use of sampling (something you don’t see everyday when listening to rock music) and the manipulation of those samples (sometimes they are made quieter then louder and then quieter and also the reversal and un-reversal of said samples) which add some flavor to this album. Other than that, this album does really just peak in the first song. It’s something I truly hate when the first song is so good and then the rest of the album is good but nowhere near as good as the first song. I kind of wish the album was just the use of orchestra and sampling as I think that’d be neat. As it stands, it’s an interesting industrial rock album that could have been more. 7/10.

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Sep 16 2023
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4

This was very intriguing for my ears...at least to a point, then my ears started to get weary.

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Aug 31 2023
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4

Album #12 Full disclosure - I do not speak or understand French so I cannot make an opinion on lyrical content. Where has this album been? This sounds like the French analogue of Pretty Hate Machine-era Nine Inch Nails. A little more minimalist though, but it works. I really enjoy this style of music (industrial), with short samples being looped, heavy guitar work and driving drumwork. I also like the circus-sounding samples in some of the songs. I feel like I should be listening to this while reading some Sandman comic books. A firm 4* from me.

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Jul 14 2023
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4

Never have I heard a French person so angry. Softer instrumental moments like the opening to the first song and the entirety of “Charlotte” sound like Tom Waits if he learned French, while the rest of the tracklist is closer to Captain Beefheart but going completely industrial. This shits cool

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Jul 15 2021
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4

Good albom. Different to normal and french

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May 31 2023
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4

This album was a trip. From calm, beautiful tones to an absolute barrage of noise.

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May 26 2023
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4

Never even remotely heard of this one before! But the Wikipedia genre tags of industrial rock, dark cabaret, and symphonic metal certainly caught my attention. The first track is a slow burn that had me feeling like I'd been duped for a few minutes, but once the album gets going it goes. Bowie, The Edge, and Mike Patton all cite The Young Gods and their sample-based approach to music as an inspiration. After listening, and reminding myself a few times that this was released in 1989, I can see why - this is super cool stuff. I'm not well-versed in the history of industrial music to know what else was going on around this time, but it certainly sounds to me like this was probably ahead of its time. Some parts definitely sound aged by now, but a lot of it stands up pretty well. Will definitely be revisiting this one!

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May 26 2023
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4

It's an odd coincidence that I was just watching a documentary about the history of industrial music the other day and get treated to an industrial album today. This album has a lot of the elements that would be featured in the industrial music of the 90s. It develops a little bit slowly, which is fine, but I'm more used to industrial in the mold of NIN or Ministry. Overall, it's a really cool album that serves as a nice transition from the early industrial stuff that was pretty hard to listen to and the really popular industrial stuff from the 90s and 00s. 4/5

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Apr 28 2022
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4

Never listened to this industrial group for some reason. It's a good record! Love the lo-fi experimental sound, which has a kind of collage feel applied to grizzly rock sounds. The best tracks are menacingly dark. Sometimes the deep growled vocals verge on making it a caricature of edgy cool macho music (or like a homage to early Swans). The track "Charlotte" has a kind of gothic cabaret feel, which I did not enjoy at all. But overall, 4*. It's like Swans meets Faust or something. Glad I heard it.

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Aug 11 2022
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4

Not something I expect to listen to again but glad to have had the opportunity

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Mar 23 2022
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4

Strange one this as it is tagged as industrial music I was expecting more of an "Einstürzende Neubauten" feel, but this is something different. Heavy reliance on sampling/tape loops I can see credit in it's ingenuity and creativity, but..... I realise I am not an aficionado of Swiss Post Punk Industrial music. "Criers Les Cheins" "Charlotte" "Envoye'" (Live Zurich21/12/89) are the most appealing tracks I think but not one on my list of greatest albums I am afraid. Perhaps the Live experience is better than the record? Wouldn't be the first time would it.

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Dec 06 2023
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4

I feel something a bit odd, but I think that's what they were going for? maybe?

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Jul 04 2023
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4

Wild French rock, pretty good stuff there. 4 stars.

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Mar 24 2022
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4

Who'd a thunk a French language metal album would bethis good? Rating 4 so I take a moment to listen again

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Apr 03 2022
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4

From the cover, which is pretty good, I expect something noisy. Never heard of the band. And diving in we've got ... French? OK reading about them, Swiss Industrial. Alrighty, I'm game. Starts out surprisingly dainty and one could even say a bit Swiss. Gets louder and weirder and kind of industrial. This guy has a great growl. I like the strings and other things going on. Really good pacing and transitions in places. Ultimately a bit wearing. Liked Rue des tempetes and Longue route was the most, um, accessible? and gave me what felt like solid ground to decide I like them pretty well. 3.5 stars. Rounding up for innovation.

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Sep 10 2021
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4

Hated the vocals a lot but this album disturbed/even scared me to earn very respectable 4 stars

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