Atrocity - Werk 80 II

September 8, 2008

Reviewer: Peter

If you are tired of 80’s covers, then this album I will be reviewing in this segment is probably going to make things worse. Atrocity, the German metal band that previously released Werk 80, an album full of 80’s covers, is at it again.  This time, with Werk 80 II, there are some new songs from the 80’s that get the Atrocity treatment.  As with most covers, this one is full of hits and misses.

First, the hits of Werk 80 II : Songs such as “People are People” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV” are the highlights on the album, with the latter featuring a well done duet between vocalist Alexander Krull and guest vocalist Liv Kristine Espanaes-Krull.  The orchestration on all the songs is very good, giving a different perspective into what the band is capable of doing.  Now, here are the misses of the album.  The band would have benefited without the cover of “Relax”, which sounds a bit mechanical and just plain forced at times.  The screaming vocals on “Hey Little Girl” try a little too hard as well. Musically, it offers its own interpretation of the songs rather than just try to copy the originals note for note, at least for the ones that most people know about.  There are a few obscure 80’s songs covered, like “Such a Shame” and “Fade to Grey”, that are open to interpretation.

Overall, like most albums that have only cover songs, Werk 80 II has its moments.  Atrocity does an admirable job of covering the songs, but some songs are better left alone.  Those who don’t want any more 80’s cover songs would be best advised to stay away from this album.  If you’re even a bit curious, then it may be worth your time, if only for a few songs.  Don’t be surprised though if there are some complaints from friends while listening to this.  At some point though, the band may want to try to work on their own material in order to develop an identity for themselves instead of going to the covers well one time too often.

Release Date: February 29, 2008
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  People are People
2.  Smalltown Boy
3.  Relax
4.  Don’t You Forget About Me
5.  The Sun Always Shines on TV
6.  Hey Little Girl
7.  Fade to Grey
8.  Such a Shame
9.  Keine Heimat
10.  Here Comes the Rain Again
11.  Forever Young
12.  Feels Like Heaven

Total playing time: 46:19

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