THE AZOIC ILLUMINATE ALBUM NILAIHAH (USA), INFACTED (EUROPE) RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2004 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 12, 2004

There are many ways to try to redefine the futurepop description. Rarely have I heard and read about so many ways to approach this particular club laden genre as when I first learned about American duo the Azoic. "Powerful club pop", "trance industrial" or simply "dance friendly EBM" are all angles on the band's up beat electro frenzy.
In my ears it is futurepop, and most of the time a pretty solid version too. They don't bring anything new to the scene, but manage to rub off some of their burning enthusiasm on me, which is more than you can say about some of the big names. The single "Conflict" tells The Azoic story pretty convincingly, although a full album like "Illuminate" is a touch much bombastic beats even for me.
The one track that sticks out, "Obsession" (Animotion cover), has the ultra cool Frank Spinath (Seabound) on guest vocals, lending a nice contrast to Kristy Venrick's passionate power singing. Essential for fans of Assemblage 23 and early Icon of Coil.

NIKLAS FORSBERG