Ok so it's like if a French Pink Floyd and 9 Inch Nails had a baby? But also the baby kind of sucks.
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.
Ok so it's like if a French Pink Floyd and 9 Inch Nails had a baby? But also the baby kind of sucks.
I wanna get off the boat Mr Wonka
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.
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.
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
What is THIS? Creepy, atmospheric orchestration under a growling baritone frontman, en francais? Count me in.
if tom waits were to have been born french and scored a high paced low budget slasher
Trés Reznor
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.)
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.
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
Gritty, Dark, and Circus/Cabaret. I fucking love the vocal delivery, grooves, and backing noise.
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.
Even though I couldn't understand the lyrics I still understood the music. Great stuff.
Interesting album. Some great sounds and very experimental. Liked the mix of French and English and the different styles put together.
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.
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
Really cool French industrial. People here have no taste, this album is great. It sounds like Rammstein or Ministry.
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.
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.
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.
**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.
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.
This album is kinda awesome, but at the same time, I'm good listening to it only once.
- "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
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
okay industrial rock. I probably won't listen again.
Not great, but not offensive. Some great theatrical moments in the early going. Not something I'd return to.
Not my thing. Impressive for 1989 tho.
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.
"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.
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.
Fucking shit
idk yet
I Listened To This A Month Ago. Gimme Something New please
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
A terrifyingly off-kilter French vampire boardwalk amusement park. A perfect soundtrack for a remake of The Lost Boys.
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.
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!!
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
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".
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.
great
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
This is what I'm doing the list for. Nice to hear to some new ideas. Will I listen to again: 100%
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
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.
Good albom. Different to normal and french
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).
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
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.
Great French rock/metal.
Hated the vocals a lot but this album disturbed/even scared me to earn very respectable 4 stars
After the eight minutes of La fille de la mort I understand a connection between industrial and post-punk which I missed before. If this album came out today but with more traditional rock backing I would be as interested as I am in hindsight. The strings are just traditional enough for me to grip as the band dives into more obviously industrial territory. Some of the samples come across as anti-The-Mood, but it's relentlessly intriguing. A grower because of that confusion, perhaps, but great on first listen. There is truly little new in music.
Really great stuff. Super ahead of its time.
Solidly enjoyable album, caught maybe 33% of the french words haha
well, THAT was fun...late-80s french industrial? yes please! easy comparisons: nitzer ebb & front 242. overall just a lot of fun.
Enjoyed it more than expected, although it's eerie soundscape was off-putting.
decent fun, french industrial growling
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
Allez la Suisse! Hopp Schwiiz! Whatever the Italian version of Go Switzerland is! The Young Gods, the third great Genevan export - just behind Calvinism and money laundering. If we're going Swiss though, can we get some Celtic Frost as well please oh lords of the list?
Bit hard, but nice
quite good yet put me in a really sour mood
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.
Who'd a thunk a French language metal album would bethis good? Rating 4 so I take a moment to listen again
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.
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.
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.
Jako kul i jako zanimljiv album. Osjecala sam se ko da slusam neki mjuzikl. Vjerojatno moulin rouge zbog kabareta.
Stylistically it feels like two albums competing with each other but its still a very enjoyable album
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!
Not something I expect to listen to again but glad to have had the opportunity
This is some wild French avant garde, industrial, symphonic music. A wild and crazy ride. I must return to this album.
Bonkers! I respect what is happening here. Will probably not be in my regular rotation but it was refreshingly different for a change.
This is not an album that I would have chosen to listen to if not for this list. I enjoy industrial music, and the symphonic aspects mixed with the growled French made for a very ominous and engaging sound. Occasionally the guitar tone came off more hair metal than anything, but I found that more humorous than anything.
Wow its been a while since I've had a truly interesting album come through. The Young Gods with their dark industrial sound symphony like arrangements and the deep guttural voice of their lead singer was like a match made in heaven. Would love to see them live! Best: Crier Les Chiens Worst: Pas Mal
French metal? Sign me up.
Holy shit!
Yes please! Strange and interesting, creepy, varied, driving, excellent use of orchestration. Still sounds unique and modern. Another one of those vocalists whose voices I can't get enough of.
This is currently number 9 lowest scoring album on the whole site. What's the matter, people, is Swiss industrial cabaret really so far out there? 😒 I dug it. Enjoyed the more straight forward industrial tracks most, but the cabaret was still entertaining. Fave tracks - "Longue Route" and "Pas Mal" could almost be Ministry tracks, so yeah, them 🤘
Oh wow, this starts very subtly and then jumps into wonderfully angsty fun. Just the kind of mood I was in today. I love the duality of La fille de la mort, and my fave track would be Crier les chiens.
HL: "La fille de la mort", "Rue des tempêtes", "Charlotte", "Longue route", A few albums I've heard this year feature some kind of unexpected genre fusion, but I was still taken aback by this metal/chanson française hybrid, L'eau rouge. It's like someone took all the more avant-garde elements (in a rock album) that appeal to me, such as theatre, tape loops, a horror movie atmosphere, and uh, weird strings (that's not a real category, but think Radiohead's "Burn the Witch" or Muse's "Unsustainable"). Not music for everyday listening, and Franz Treichler's voice isn't my favourite, but it's pretty low in the mix, & my French isn't good enough to absorb most of the lyrics anyway. And I did recognize the title from the lowest-rated albums, went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. makes me want to revisit the Killing Joke album February 22, 2023
Ongulés ! Les ongulés arrivent ! This is like a French 'Swordfishtrombones' era Tom Waits, but even more demonic and genuinely terrifying. Not something to listen to with a baby, but very striking and perfectly achieves it's artistic vision. An industrial masterpiece. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Rue des Tempêtes Date listened: 05/03/23
This was one of those albums that are too strange to ignore and, simultaneously, too much strange to enjoy fully. I like how the 1001 list helps me get out of my "comfort zone" so strongly that I end the experience with nothing to say about what I have listened to. This album does not deserve to lie on the worst albums list of the Global stats (it is still there on the day I'm listening to it). Maybe I'll change my mind before confirming my rate, but it is a 4-star album in its weird way to surprise me.
Had a bit of a similar sound to Coil, but French. Most of the first track had me not really looking forward to the rest. Happily, it improved. One of those albums that just wouldn’t be great on headphones
Weird prot-proggy french music
Ahahahahahah this is fucking mental, I love it. There's no way I would ever have listened to this were it not for this project. I had a young god's t-shirt when I was a kid, used for decorating and whatnot, I have no idea where it came from or who they were. Gets less mental as it goes on and reverts to more standard industrial rock, which isn't a bad thing but I would kind of liked an album as crazy as the first few tracks the whole way through. Ah! Les Enfants! We are back in crazytown, good times. This is fabulous.
Le thom waits
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
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!
Like French Rammenstein
This album was a trip. From calm, beautiful tones to an absolute barrage of noise.
Wild French rock, pretty good stuff there. 4 stars.
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