underneath distels third full length release lies a thorough personal re-evaluation of truth, unveiling and being. wapens is the dutch word for weapons and also translates to family crests or coats of arms. however, a third sense, more specifically related to the kindred word wapenen, is explored in the title tracks lyrics which propose a state of being wherein the self becomes an existential monolith - becomes focally reinforced in the sense that its presence refers first and foremost to only its own individual being instead of the networks of meaning that we tend to define ourselves by. distels intention while working on this album was to achieve a more direct, massive and monolithic sound than before: to channel most energy through an insistent impulse within the rhythmic and melodic movement - from stomping stabs to legato motion - and make every other embellishment secondary. this initial thought is the core of the music on this album and an overall synthesised modern classical mode is the guideline for new tracks. another aim is to show more colour, truth and openness - and this openness is obviously echoed in the sound of the album itself. thematically wapens includes many references to end times, apocalyptic visions, embodiment and authenticity towards death. while its predecessors presented the muffled sounds from within, now the pandoras box has been opened for all to gaze upon its vast spectrum of horrors. the self-applied tag ultra / angst pop could now be redefined from the original industrial-based minimal electronics into a unique contemporary strain of high energy synth-pop-noir, or dark energy. a quite evocative mixture of excellent subliminal rhythm machine programming, predominant purging keyboard lines and swirling spectral vocals result in twisted dark wave pieces with a catchy approach carrying an overwhelming, coercive energy. digipak packaging.
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