IN STRICT CONFODENCE - Collapse [US release]
Songs: 11 Time:  54:45
It didn’t take too long for Metropolis to pick up on this CD and get it released in the US.  An added bonus comes with the US release in the this version contains 4 tracks that are not on the import, Inside (album version), Prisoner, Hero (D.J. Edit), and Sad But True, but unfortunately it does not contain Become an Angel (Broken Wings Mix) or Falling Down (Tearing Thorns Mix.)  Collapse begins with an intro instrumental, Die Sieben Siegel.  Minimal on the vocals, but heavy on the programming, Die Sieben Siegel is a melodic piece that acts as a perfect introduction to this MCD.  Hero is a brand new track with a crushing beat, catchy electronic sequences and addicting vocals.  Overall, this isn’t a hard track, but rather a lighter composition that delivers on quality as well as character.  Collapse remains mild in nature by not letting the galloping beat get the best of the track.  Again, the lyrics are contagious and beckon to be sung along with.  The Depeche Mode cover, Stripped, has to be the highlight of this CD.  Spanning over 9 minutes in length, Stripped goes from being an all out noise fest in the beginning to becoming much tamer as the vocals kick in.  The vocal delivery comes off as a harsher version of synth-pop, while the beat retains its strength, twisting this track into a realm all its own.  Inside (Inside Out Mix) takes the original, omits the bell-like sequences, and transforms it into a more beat dominated track.  Compared to the original, this mix has a denser feel to it.  Prisoner is a track that seems to be burdened by the fact that is screams for an increase in tempo, yet it never happens.  Every time I listen to it I keep thinking, "OK..here it is…this is where it’s really going to kick in.." but it never happens until the track is nearly over.  When it does, it sounds great, but it’s all too short.  Sad But True is a cover of the Metallica tune off of their Black album.  Not being familiar with the original, I can only say that ISC’s version is a hard edged electro piece with shouted vocals and a tumultuous beat.  As a follow-up to Cryogenix, Collapse is not at all bad. ISC definitely has a sound they can call their own even when they are covering other people’s material.
  
METROPOLIS RECORDS                 In Strict Confidence is:
P.O. Box 54307                                        Dennis Ostermann / Jorg Schelte
Philadelphia, PA 19105
e-mail: metropol@voicenet.com
METROPOLIS homepage:
 http://www.voicenet.com/~metropol