Progression...
skaerkrow | Columbus, Ohio United States | 01/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since last we checked in with the Azoic (Where Broken Angels Lie) one band member moved to Arizona and another left the group entirely. With no small bit of effort lead singer Kristy Venrick and keyboardist Steve Laskarides decided to engage in the difficult task of continuing work on their music despite the long distance between them. The new material the band put together for this, their third release is somewhat different from previous efforts. A very deliberate foray has been made into the realm of EBM (in the vein of such bands as Funker Vogt and :wumpscut: ) which changes the tempo and overall tone of their sound. Gone are the shifting sonic voids and cold synths so prevalent in "the divine suffering" and (to a lesser extent) "Where Broken Angels Lie." Instead one finds "forward..." to be rich in very danceable hooks and pulsing beats. Kristy's vocal work has also changed a bit, and while her ethereal verses are missed she still retains the rich emotion and sensual appeal in her voice. On "forward..." she also carries the nearly the entire vocal load herself, with Steve taking over only on the Matrix-esque "Evolution" track. Despite these changes in sound the end result retains the identity of the band very well; never does one get the feeling the lead singer has simply changed groups. With 7 original tracks and 4 quality remixes the CD has a lot to offer. Anyone who enjoyed the Azoic's prior work will likely be glad just to get their hands on more work by this innovative group, and fans of EBM, electronica, Darkwave and Goth would do well to pick it up. In a genre that at times grows stale with scraping male vocals and over-distorted noise it's definitely a step "forward" to hear more beat driven EBM with such a talented female lead."
This is no paradise, but you'll be mystified
Hung Cheuk Man | Hong Kong | 02/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was jumping into Azoic's homepage by chance and listened to a few of their clippings over the internet and was haunted by Kristine's dark and luring vocal immediately. I bought it over the net immediately. Claiming their music as Fallen Poetics, you can find beautiful and thought-provoking lyrics along with dance floor beat. You are assumed in "Lost", as if you were waving your body in a dark disco...all alone though."I know the healing is painful and the heartache unbearable,but don't dismiss me so quickly until you see inside of me" ~ LostLovers' words....Azoic talks about love in "Lost", about God in "Redemption", about war-crime in "Crave into You", about relationship in "Harsh Reality", about rage in "Evolution", about sex in "Not Justified"... The words are written in a poetic, shadowed, intense feeling way. "I cannot separate the past from what could last. Or what might always be." ~ Harsh Reality"And it's coming inside of me, oh my hands are tied.
My soul is being cleansed now, but I am not justified." ~ Not Justified An interesting combination with the high discotheque electronic dance beat, Kristine's vocal keeps your body wave all night. I highly recommend the album. Looking for more from Azoic..."
Electronic at its best
baldenodur | Québec City, Québec Canada | 01/12/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you've heard The Azoic's previous albums, this one may come as a partial surprise. They have moved from a slower, darker sound to a more dance floor-oriented sound - and it's a complete success in my opinion. Some tracks are truly outstanding, such as Progression and Redemption. A great value."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1