With their latest release, Armageddon, Stromkern has continued to explore a path unknown to others. From the pulsing beats and elaborate programming of "Re-align" and "Perfect Sunrise" to the more intricate and melodic ... more »sounds of "Armageddon" and "Melt," Stromkern has the abilities to garner a heavy response at both the club and radio levels.« less
With their latest release, Armageddon, Stromkern has continued to explore a path unknown to others. From the pulsing beats and elaborate programming of "Re-align" and "Perfect Sunrise" to the more intricate and melodic sounds of "Armageddon" and "Melt," Stromkern has the abilities to garner a heavy response at both the club and radio levels.
CD Reviews
Everyone in Germany's doing it, so why can't we?
Tiara Agresta | Chicago, IL | 03/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album spent weeks in the Top 20 alongside Radiohead. The world would be a better place if the US could catch up with Germany musically and see the merit in this band the way the Germans do.This is leaps and bounds over the past Stromkern releases -- and I loved those as well. I listen to it constantly, and while Wolfsheim and VNV can bore me quickly with the monotonous vocals and sound-alike songs, Stromkern's Ned Kirby actually has some variety in his inflection, tone and style. It's incredible. This is easily one of my top 5 darkwave/EBM picks of the year. Get the limited edition while you can!"
Stromkern is not your typical band...
Kevin Remans | 04/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really love this CD.I used to listen to old "industrial" music many years ago, back when Wax Trax was the king of interesting music. The top selling bands at this time were Skinny Puppy, KMFDM, Ministry and Front 242...Somewhere along the timeline, everybody started using their samplers to sample guitars instead of different obscure sounds and from 92-97 Guitar orientated sampler music reigned supreme. The focus was no longer on the melodies or the drumbeats, the focus was basically on how your chunka chunka guitar riffs sounded. I lost interest pretty fast in that, and started listening to hiphop and techno music instead...
The focus then turned back to the beats and basslines, with a newly incorporated techno theme. This was interesting for awhile, but then once again it became a bit dull.
Stromkern seems to take all of these aspects of music and puts them together into an agreeable whole. The Armageddon CD has "catchy" songs you can hum along to, and wonderful lyrics. Ned also has strong lyrical message without being preachy or "in your face."With this CD, Stromkern will surely gain the attention of the North America audience. It may take some time but I think Stromkern are upcoming "stars" in this scene.
Definitely worth checking out!"
Nightriders in the Western Sky strike gold again
psychotron | Appleton, Wisconsin | 02/01/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Stromkern is, without a doubt, a rising star in the American industrial genre. Blending heavy industrial beats with an almost hip-hop singing style and adding a haunting piano in several tracks, Stromkern creates a sound that is quite unique, and a nice change of pace from many of the techno and trance aspects that many newer industrial bands are incorporating into their sound. Armageddon is without a doubt the most attention-grabbing album from Stromkern yet. The first song immediatly grabs your attention and leads you into the rest of the album, changing style and mood multiple times during the first disc, thereby displaying the talent, versatility, and originality that Stromkern pocesses. The second disc is a nice showcase of not only a great song from Stromkern, but many of the bands they have worked with over the years.
If you're a fan of Stromkern and haven't heard this album yet, it's deffinently worth picking up. If you're new to Stromkern, then this double disc album is a great place to start. You won't be dissapointed."
This CD is dope!
J. S. Gotcher | Madison, WI | 02/01/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like K0rn and Dokken then you'll hate this!But if you like electro techno industrial stuff, you should check this disc out.I'm not too good at reviewing music. I'd like to say that it's a musical journey into your subconsious, but I'd probably be wrong. At any rate, I've seen them play three times and own this CD.As a friend of mine once said "(...) even if people like some of the more electronic (...) played on the radio they'd like [this]""
The Reason Why American Electro Is Still Alive...
M. Fanale | Wisconsin | 01/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...well, more or less:)Seriously, Stromkern's sound has been developed and refined over the last few albums to a beatcentric, hip-hop tinged electro monster that displays no signs of slowing down. I've been playing about 4 or 5 tracks off this(plus the incredible remix disc which came out in the first pressing) in the clubs I DJ at since it came out, and have watched EVERY club I've seen playlists from on the web do just the same. In short, this is a kickass album, blending styles and rhythms flawlessly, with emotive and passionate lyrics. And may I say [WOW] is it good to hear a band not pump out the same 4/4 [junk] for an entire album, yet remain highly dancable, and actually be able to PLAY LIVE! Seriously, I can't recommend it enough. Get this album NOW!"