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With Covenant's and VNV Nation's latest albums the musical path, on which both bands have been threading, was divided into two. Covenant chose the more techno-ish direction while VNV Nation took the more pompous one. Assemblage 23 is following the same main path, not far behind. Tom Shear, aka Assemblage 23, has been making music since the late 80's. Going from techno/dance to industrial, it was first when discovering the EBM-pop genre and combining his earlier styles, Shear found his way to a record contract and a wider audience. The debut album "Contempt" contains strong choruses blended with harsh, yet dance-friendly, rhythms together with varied vocals and effects. Often Covenant has cast their shadow over Assemblage 23's music, but instead of plagiarising his influences, Shear nurses them. While enjoying "Contempt" I curiously wonder what direction Assemblage 23 will choose next - VNV Nation's, Covenant's or one more of his own... I hold my breath in excitement and wait. SUSSI PETTERSSON |
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