While this album was originally released in Europe in 1999, for many
readers and listeners this is the first time hearing this album.
However, even if you happen to have or have heard the original, this
album features three extra tracks that did not appear on the original
that might make it worth picking up for the die-hard fan. But the main
reason for this release is to bring the excellent music contained
therein to the N. American audience, and the music on this album is
definitely worth having.
The first question I ask when I hear about a new album from this group
is "what music style do they use on this album?" because it varies so
much from one to another. Almost as a break from the grinding harshness
of Firewalker which was the previous release to this album, the band
really uses a mellow tone and goes back to their gothic and dark wave
roots. "Roses of Death" kicks off the album with a myriad of subtle
electronics setting a very somber mood that quickly gives way to the
powerful, mid-tempo percussion and grinding guitars that is really such
an integral part of their sound. The emotional element runs deep
throughout this album as portrayed in this opening track that sets the
tone and overall mood of the entire album. Gothic ballads are pieces
that have long been favorites of mine and as the album winds on through
an emotional roller coaster there are plenty of these ballads to please
fans. Pieces like "Protean Dream" really express this overall feeling
and put the female vocals of Jenny Kahler in the forefront which is
something that appeared a little more often in their earlier years, but
never quite so prominent as on this release. With tracks like "Love Is"
and "It's You", it's easy to tell the theme of these tracks and that
these help to form the moody and somber elements of this album.
While the overall mood remains somber throughout the album, there are
several tracks that pick up the intensity and on a few of them even pick
up the pace to a dance-friendly beat. It's not just the dance beat that
sets these tracks apart as favorites, but the overall moving and melodic
nature that I really enjoy. "Is This the Place" is the first of these
that really stands out in my mind with a nice harmony between Volker and
Jenny's vocals along with a great beat and a perfect blend of the
stand-out guitars and electronics that easily identify this group.
"Wings" is another favorite with a great moving beat and soaring vocals
that form such a sweet tapestry and foundation to this album. As the
album starts to wind down (and the finale on the original album),
"Desire Lasts Forever" is an incredible piece that I've been enjoying
since the appearance on the Frozen EP. The somber moods are punctuated
by the grinding guitars and incredible climax that's reached through
vocoded vocals along with deep piano, synth and angelic vocal accents.
At this point we're left with the three bonus tracks on the album. The
first of these is actually by the side-project Trauma and is a cover of
the legendary electronic artists Kraftwerk's track "Radioaktivitat".
This rendition takes the spatialization to new levels with a myriad of
electronics to form a cross between sci-fi ambient and dark wave.
Carrying on in the somber moods of the album we're left with two
untitled tracks, the first in something of a gothic ballad fashion and
the last and finale to the album delving back into a subtle ambient mood
that leaves the listener floating through the ether. With that another
great work is finished and we're left with another masterpiece and for
many of us I'm sure will get many hours of play for years to come. - Jacob L. Bogedahl,
Gothic Paradise
The press release for this album said that Girls Under Glass has gone
back to their darkwave roots on this album, and that's
true. This is definitely a much more gothic sounding album then their
previous more electronic 'Minddiver'. While there are
slight electronic elements to be found on this album, it's definitely
the guitar, bass and drums that make up the majority of
the music here. The male vocals are deep, clear and emotional singing in
a gothic rock style. And there's female vocals featured on almost every
track as well giving the songs an even more gothic rock sound. There's a
good mix of heavy rock songs and slow
darkwave songs. But fans of 'Minddiver' might be a little disappointed
by the more rock direction the band has taken this
time out. This is definitely NOT an electronic album. This is a rock
album with slight electronic programming in the mix.
I like this album, but being more of a fan of electronic music, I like
their previous album more. But I can't deny that this
album offers very quality music showing off the talents of the band
members. Fans of their earlier more gothic sound should
really like what this album has to offer. But if 'Minddiver' was more
your thing, you might want to pass on this since it lacks
the electronic edge of that album. - Darklight, Wrapped in wire
Fundamental reality of the german gothic scene of the eighties/nineties
that of Girls Under Glass. The led band by Zaphor (Volker
Zacharias), indeed, got distinguished for an elegant and refined style
in elaborating the industrial electronic music, gothic rock and synth
wave in a not standard context. The re-release of "Equilibrium" by Van
Richter Records, seven years after the previous release, is a precious
confirmation of the poetry heart of he german guys, especially thanks to
an aesthetic intimate pop-oriented approach (in particular in the
Depeche Mode-like "Is This The Place" or in the remix of "Wings" of Das
Isch), often embraced in ethereal ambient refinements and dark doom
phrasings, just shortly troubled by the bright EBM vibration of "Future
Assault" (with Eric Burton of Catastrophe Ballet as guest voice) and the
glacial electronic of the former of the two untitled ghost tracks. The
cover of Kraftwerk added in the end ("Radioaktivitat" is a work of
Trauma actually, one of the many side projects of Girls Under Glass,
insisting in adopting the minimal charm of the most alienating synths.
The female vocals o fthe clever Jenny Kahler (in the little known
Obsidian) make the atmospheres of romantic ballads like "Protean Dream"
worthy being compared with the work of The Gathering and mates, without
seeming as mere imitations. The tribal percussions of "Desire Lasts Forever" (in the appeared version in the e.p. "Frozen" soaked into
liquid streams with metal chromes, and the synthetic hammerings of "New
World Order" grant the satisfaction of all the fans of the gothic word
of middle European matrix, as well as of all the holy lodge of the
lovers of the eighties, for what can be considered a vital injection for
a band celebrating twenty years of career. - Flavio Ignelzi, Silent Scream zine
The first time I heard Girls Under Glass
was back in 2001 when I did a write up on the "Frozen" EP, which
did absolutely nothing for me. I can't
remember what I had to say about that release. But, it wasn't kind.
After going through this release, I'm still
not impressed, still not a fan...not even a casual listener. Although,
this time, my opinion isn't as harsh as it
was before because there's actually some substance to be found
on this recording. I am a bit confused
though. I was doing a little online reading and, if I'm not mistaken,
this release came out before the "Frozen"
EP. "Frozen" was 2001 and "Equilibrium" was released in 1999
and, the site I was lookin' at featured a
different album cover. Either somebody messed up and put the
wrong information out there or this is a
re-release. I'm not really sure and, to be honest with you, I did a
limited search because I'm really not all
that interested in spending too much time on this band. Anyway, I
am aware of the fact that Girls Under Glass
is one of the biggest gothic/electronic/darkwave bands on the
planet. It doesn't mean I have to like 'em
though. Although, I'm not gonna down 'em simply because they're
not a style of music that I happen to enjoy
and, as I said above, my opinion on this release isn't as harsh
as the last time and I say that because I
actually found a song or two on here that was actually worth
listening to. I made it through the opening
track, "Roses Of Death," without wanting to hit the fast forward
button. It was kind of a slow moving song
and it wasn't really that bad. The second track, "Is This The
Place," was probably the tune I liked the
most. This is the kind of song that I can get into. I heard it once
and it stuck with me after that. I actually
went back to this one a few times in order to let it sink in a little
more. They kind of picked up the pace with
"New World Order," which is a good thing. If the music is slow
for too long, I tend to get bored with it.
This tune had a bit of energy and it held my attention. "Protean
Dream" had a chick singer and a little bit
of acoustic flavor before the heavy stuff kicked in. A little
variety...good stuff. "Desire Lasts
Forever" was on the "Frozen" EP and I could've done without that tune.
All in all, I would have to say that this is a
much better release than "Frozen" and, if I had to listen to a Girls
Under Glass album, it would probably be
this one. But, the thing is, since this really isn't my style of music,
the few times I went through this disc was
more than enough for me. I doubt I'll ever spend this much time
with the album again. However, if you're
into Bauhaus or Nine Inch Nails, this might float your boat and,
yes, those comparisons came from the press
material. I figured I would name drop to give you some idea
of what you're getting into with this
release and now that my work here is done, it's time for me to move on to another album. - Paul Autry, Ballbuster Hard Hard Music Magazine
I've always had a bit of a weakness for girls under glass, so I was
eager to review their new album, equilibrium. However, the first time
I played it, my initial impression was one of disappointment. I thought
the girls had gone horribly awry with the excessive use of female
vocals, and a bit more German sentimentality than I'm comfortable with.
I gave it another shot, then another, then another, and I found that
each subsequent spin on the disc player has made me like this album
more. The fact is that I love the Germans for their sentimentality, and
this is true German-ness on every level. There is sorrow, love, loss,
death, sentimentality and poetry in spades. Track 1, the Roses of Death
is a fine example, and one of my favorites on equilibrium. With the
deep, poignant vocals of Zaphor (Volker Zacharias) and lyrics like, "the
more you love, the more you suffer, you understand no love is forever,
this is a love song, an ode to our love, I want to be chained by our
sweet blood," you just can't go wrong in this genre. New World Order,
(track 3) with its dance-electro beat, grinding bass-lines and ethereal
choirs sampled in the background could certainly find a happy home on
the dance floor. Protean Dreams (Track 4) was one of the songs that I
especially didn't like at first, though I now find it soaring, plunging,
and passionate in a way that evokes visuals of a wind-tossed woman
pacing the sea cliffs in torment and frustration, screaming out her
challenge to dreams, gods, nature, lost lovers, and the void. Girls
under glass have always appealed to my eighties sensibilities, and my
love of old-school wave. The song Wings (Track 5) is the embodiment of
what makes me love girls under glass, wave, and the eighties. It's
catchy, uplifting, sweet, and just plain happy. Continuing on the
uplifting path, the sixth track, Love Is is just so German and hopeful.
It's full of faith and optimism, and in these days of jaded
dissatisfaction, it's always pleasant to find a gleam of hope in the
black scene.
Marching forward to the most aggressive and industrial track of the
album, Assault the Future (Track 7) is a driving, thrusting assault on
the rhythm receptors that makes me, for one, want to haul ass to the
dancefloor. Desire Lasts Forever (Track 9) is another of my favorite
tracks, and it complements the Kraftwerk Radioaktivitat (Track 10) cover
very well. Again, very German. Holy voices soar above the
electronically distorted vocals, and crushing bass-lines provide a
forceful stage for the deep, philosophical, sentimental lyrics.
Apparently, the Radioacktivitat cover was recorded by girls under
glass's sideproject Trauma. Regardless of its source, this is an
honorable and praiseworthy version of the song, and a fine tribute to a
great band.
Equilibrium also contains a pair of ambient bonus tracks that are well
worth listening to. They provide good mood music for a mellow gathering
on the homefront, or a night of lonely self-reflection and philosophy,
German-style. I have to admit I would love to hear more from this band
in their native tongue, but the English lyrics are meaningful, the music
is strong and varied in its approach, and overall, equilibrium is a
pleasure to hear and feel. The girls don't limit themselves to any one
style or formula, and the result is diverse and satisfying with appeal
to lovers of darkwave, elektro, and industrial music'in other words,
people who love the German Schwarzescene. (That's the umbrella term for
black-wearing lovers of the dark arts and music in Germany, for those of
you not in the know.) - Dharmageddon, Groove or Die Magazine
Equilibrium is the U.S. issue of Girls Under Glass' 1999 album of the same
title, out on the Van Richter Records label. The album includes the original
9 tracks, plus a cover of Kraftwerk's "Radioaktivitat" by the Girls Under
Glass side-project Trauma, as well as two additional hidden tracks.
The first track, "Roses of Death", sets the tempo for the album - slow,
melodic and definitely falling somewhere between goth-rock and goth-metal.
The mixture of male and female vocals on this album is quite a change from
the previous album, Firewalker, a very hard-edged industrial inspired album.
The interplay of guitar/bass/drums and electronics is well done, with the
electronics not overpowering, but complimenting the rest of the sound, such
as the song "New World Order". "Wings" and Future Assault" are some of the
catchier songs, and "Desire Lasts Forever" has a unique, electronic vocal
style that is refreshing.
Equilibrium is a much mellower album than earlier works. The songs are well
crafted, diverse, and stand the test of time, having been produced nearly
seven years ago. This album would be a welcome addition to anyone who enjoys
goth-rock/darkwave music with a bit of a metal edge to it. - legion, this is corrosion
GIRLS UNDER GLASS is surely a familiar name to those interested in the
more electro inspired goth scene. They have been active since mid 80s
and the album "Equilibrium" was originally released in 1999 and was then
a step back into the more goth/dark wave ?ish sound from the previous
album "Firewalker, which was considerably more aggressive.
Seven years later this re-release of the excellent album "Equilibrium"
is then released and strengthen with a cover on KRAFTWERK's song
"Radioaktivitat" together with two nameless songs that has a
considerable more electronic approach to them than the rest of the
album. This is as I already mentioned the album where GIRLS UNDER GLASS
took a step back into the more atmospherically charged dark wave
direction and the harmonious and beautiful atmosphere is something of a
main thread throughout the album. The only real exception amongst the
songs that were included in the original release is "Future Assult" with
has a considerably faster and somewhat aggressive approach to it. On
"Equilibrium" the band also took the help of vocalist Jenny Kahler, who
in majority of the songs get to play a quite role in the vocals. The
mixture of her beautiful voice and Zaphor's, with the somewhat gothic
feel to his vocals, works perfectly and brings out the harmonic
atmosphere even stronger. It's especially "Is This The Place" that I
have fallen for and the song is in my mind the brightest shining jewel
on the album, though "Love Is" and "New World Order" doesn't lie far
behind. "Equilibrium" is simply a really strong album where every
individual song contributes with its own fair share. Furthermore, to get
the track list increased with an additional three songs is always nice.
If you like GIRLS UNDER GLASS or dark wave in general, you shouldn't
miss out on "Equilibrium", since this one of the better albums that the
band has released, which in a way looses some of its significance since
GIRLS UNDER GLASS has always managed to present a really strong material
on their albums. - Jan Erik Nyman, Metal Only Zine
Girls under Glass is one of the most important bands of the
electro-industrial-gothic szene. They have left their footprints by
influencing and inspiring a lot of other bands as well as by creating a
lot of hits. The band was founded in 1986, and they have
been around since then. Well, a long period, with lots of changes, but
their cult status has never changed and Equilibrium shows
why: Gothic, electro-industrial sounds, dark wave and heavier parts are
very well mixed and balanced. Equilibrium is an intense,
diversified and emotional piece of music. It is a re-release with two
hidden tracks and a very interesting cover version of
Kraftwerk's song Radioaktivitat (this cover version was done by Trauma,
a side project of GUG). The beginning of the first track
"Roses of death" reminds me a little bit of Raison d'etre and I
definetly love the whole song. Vocalist Volker Zacharias does a very
good job, supported by female vocalist Jenny Kahler who sings soft and
very playfully. Especially on "protean dreams" Jenny
Kahler shows that she is a talented gothic vocalist. No wanna-be
operatic style, no girlish voice but a remarkable voice that fits
very well to the music. This release is never boring, the songs are
complex and vary from balladesque (love is) to heavier (future
assault, that has in my opinion a few glimpses of Rammstein). Therefore,
instead of reviewing every single song, I just write my
personal stand out tracks: Roses of death, new world order, protean
dream, love is, future assault and the cover song
Radioaktivitat. This release really got me. Even if you are not into
this genre you should give it a try and listen to it. - Blake, Tartarean Desire Zine
GIRLS UNDER GLASS has long been known as a key factor in the
industrial-rock world. Releasing tracks since the mid 1980's, Girls
Under Glass also has a large amount of experience. However, when many
groups would have long ago reverted to formulaic track assembly,
Equilibrium is a re-release that is diverse and exemplifies this
knowledge. One of its core beneficial attributes is its added charm
through sound variation, although, through the variation, some amount of
inconsistency in quality is present. The atmosphere permeating this
collection of tracks is a wild one; the guitar and drums display
feelings ranging from laid-back to raging, but the core element that
makes songs so untamed is the scarcity of electronic elements. Use of
synthesizers can be so subtle that, unless actively sought, can go
totally unnoticed. With the exception of the last five tracks, the
songs make full use of physical media. Where synthesizers are, they are
constructed to match the theme and style of the other instruments. For
example, in "New World Order", Girls Under Glass presents strong guitar
work in front of a chilling synthesizer background. In "Wings", the
several guitars almost completely mask the periodic pads, which are so
gingerly introduced. Combining these two aspects, electronic and
non-electronic, thickens the sound and adds to the album's integrity.
Other aspects of the songs can't be ignored either. The tempo varies
between songs, as is demonstrated in the consecutive slow "Protean
Dream" and much quicker "Wings". Alternating between many affects, the
songs display a wide selection of emotions, and, to assist, many unique
sounds are employed. "Is This The Place" begins with bells, and leads
into a winding synthesizer. "It's You" features cut-up vocals that give
the song an unearthly edge. And, to top it all off, the tracks
routinely take into consideration worthwhile tenets of good mixing and
other production. One notable aspect is the use of vocals. Many of the
songs feature one vocalist. These vocals are generally powerful and
emotive, and quite versatile. It should go without saying that "It's
You" would not be nearly as good as it is had anyone else sung the
vocals. The same would probably be true about many others as well.
However, as in many of these tracks, the male vocals are paired with
female vocals, with varying results. Mixed vocals, especially some of
those on this album, are an acquired taste. When the sung parts are
separate, or harmonizing, they turn out wonderfully. When they are
simultaneously singing the same thing, the outcome is something that
many groups do not feature, most likely for its odd sound. This sort of
vocals appears in "Protean Dream", "Love Is", and "Roses Of Death",
whereas "Is This The Place" features the harmonic style. Also, some
tracks, such as "Hidden Track I", have vocoded and heavily modified
vocals that are a severe disparity from the others on the album. All of
the vocals are well made, but the differences in style make enjoyment
more of a gamble.This album is not without its hitches. These range in
style, from simple gaudy sample application to unnecessary repetition.
In "Desire Lasts Forever", a badly recorded bongo sample loops, with
noticeable divisions. The ambient noise drops out, there is a brief
pause, the cycle repeats frequently, and the song starts with this
sample soloing. "Radioaktivitat" starts with an expansive and unreal
atmosphere, but goes nowhere for the entire song. Such can be said
about "Hidden Track I" as well, but it has a minimalist approach that
reduces its appeal even more. Transgressions such as these don't
necessarily affect much, but they do make the album seem generally more
thrown-together. While the extensive use of guitar may not go intrigue
those more rooted in the electronic realm, the tracks are constructed
and thought out enough to appeal to most others. With its great
variety, and some excellent songs such as "Wings" and "It's You",
Equilibrium is quite solid. - Rendaw Baxter, Subculture Magazine
Attivi ormai da 20 anni, i tedeschi GUG sono uno dei nomi punta del
panorama gothic non solo per longevita, ma anche e soprattuto per la
qualita dei loro album. Sbagliarono un disco nel '97, ossia quel
"Firewalker" che tentava di fare il verso ai KMFDM, ma gia dal successivo
lavoro si rimisero in carreggiata, inanellando un trittico inappuntabile
comprendente "Zyklus" (2005), "Mind Diver" (2001) ed "Equilibrium" (1999).
E proprio quest'unltimo, che diede il via alla rinascita artistica del
trio dopo il flop di cui sopra, viene oggi ristampato dalla californiana
VR con l'aggiunta di una bonus - track (un'onirica e spaziale versione di
"Radioaktivitat" dei Kraftwerk, firmata pero dai side-project Trauma) e
due tracce nascoste. Una buona occasione per riscoprire quello che senza
dubbio e uno dei lavori migliori della band di Volker Zacharias,
contenente 9 brani superiativi che vanno dall'incipit solenne e raffinato
di "Roses of Death" fino agli scorci new age desertici della ruvida
"Desire Lasts Forever", passando per autentiche hit come "Is this the
Place?", "New World Order", "Wings", e la triste "Love Is", senza scordare
episodi eccezionali come "Protean Dreams" (dove la bravissima Jenny
Kahler, ospite alla voce, si esalta e da i brividi), la tagliente e
cyber-goth "Assault The Future" e la stupenda, intensissima "It's You".
Detto della cover di cui sopra, restano le due tracce nascoste: la prima
si muove suadente e lasciva tra suoni elettronici che evocano atmosfere
apocalittiche, mentre la seconda evidenzia sonorita piu darkeggianti e
sognanti, ed entrambe paiono provenire da qualche archivio del
summenzionato side-project Trauma. La sezione bonus non sara granche, ma
"Equilibrium" resta un disco da avere, e fare un pensierino a questa
ristampa non fara male a chi ancora non lo possiede - Roberto Alessandro Filippozzi,
Rock Hard Magazine
De Europese editie van het "Equilibrium" album
verscheen reeds in 1999, nu ligt de Amerikaanse
release voor op het kleine, maar daarom niet minder
interessante, Van Richter Records. Uiteraard is deze
release in eerste instantie voor de Amerikaanse markt
bestemd die nog volop kennis maakt met dit Duitse
fenomeen. Voordien verschenen bij van Richer Records
reeds de gebannen Madonna cover "Frozen" en de
compilatie "Nightmares" Zowat één tiende van het
volledige Girls Under Glass oeuvre zeg maar.
"Equilibrium" werd in 1999 bij ons onthaald als een
teruggreep naar de wortels van Girls Under Glass en
deze wortels liggen in de melancholische wave rock.
Hun singel "Never Go" blijf ik op heden trouwens nog
altijd hun beste nummer vinden. "Equilibrium" laat ook
duidelijk invloeden uit het goth metal genre toe.
Opener "Roses of death" bijvoorbeeld klinkt als een
premature Within Temptation. En ook "Desire Last
Forever" of "Wings" zijn evenwichtsoefeningen, vandaar
de albumtitel (?), tussen een ingetogen metal geluid
en weemoediger gitaarwerk. In "Future Assault" komt de
elektronica op het voorplan, terwijl "New World Order"
aansluiting vindt bij de rock wave die Girls Under
Glass in hun thuisland een op heden onverwoestbare
reputatie bezorgde als één van de grondleggers van het
genre. Maar uiteindelijk zijn dit ook de nummers die
je op de Europese versie van "Equilibrium" terug
vindt. Voor ons, Europese consumenten, moeten vooral
de extra’s motiveren tot een aankoop. Die extra's zijn
de ingetogen doch niet onaardige cover van de
Kraftwerk klassieker "Radio Activity" hier,
"Radioaktivität" en twee titelloze nummers die best
kunnen concurreren met het reguliere muziekvoer op
"Equilibrium" Beide extra nummers hebben een meer
uitgesproken elektronisch karakter en gedragen zich
als een soort gedreven ballades. "Equilibrium" in
Amerikaanse versie voegt al bij al niet echt iets
onmisbaars toe aan de Europese versie, of ik zou één
van die zeldzame Girls Under Glass die hards moeten
zijn. Niet slecht, maar om echt goed te zijn net iets
te melig, een evenwicht is dan ook niet makkelijk te
vinden, al slaat de balans ook nooit over naar prul of
superspul. - [KI], Dark Entires Muziek Magazine
Originally released in 1999 in Europe, Equilibrium is a new GUG for many
reasons. First of all it contains three brand new tracks that can not be
found in the original release and secondly due to light promotion
people are not aware with it at all. Van Richter
records grab the opportunity and releases a very strong and musically
worth listening album that deserves your attention.
Taking under consideration the music profile of Equilibrium, it
reminded me of The Cure's Bloodflower for one reason. Its roots takes us
back in time where dark wave dominated the world, so considering our age
if one is not aware that this has already been released it can be easily
confused and think that the band is running back to resurrect sounds
that are dead to the world, like The Cure did with Blood flowers. Like
in all GIRLS UNDER GLASS releases what I admire most is the abilities
and possibilities to combine all kind of emotions into their music.
Their songs and above all their lyrics like the one found in the first
track Roses of Death proves why GUG is one of the top gothic bands of
the scene. Moving to the next tracks we will hear mixes from dark wave
to electronic and back to electric guitars and gothic rock, a
pandemonium of music styles all filled up with deep gothic male vocals
accompanied with emotional female ones giving us a macabre romantism
that can be hardly found in up to date releases. The more you love, the
more you suffer, you understand no love is forever, this is a love song,
an ode to our love, I want to be chained by our sweet blood. Strictly Gothic music for romantic people. - John Gedeon "Vassago", The Enochian Apocalypse e-zine
German industrial/darkwave grouches Girls Under Glass take a trip in the
wayback machine for this surprisingly airy throwback to the 1980's.
Apart from the icy electronica of their Kraftwerk cover
("Radioactivitat" most of "Equilibirum" sounds like the Psychedelic
Furs' long lost disco album. With maybe a few spooky Oingo-Boingo tracks
slipped in. And possibly an Evanesence remix or two, when the female vox
kick in. It's all very easy on the ears, but a sharp departure from the
typical Girls Under Glass sound. Fans of dark, danceable 80's rock and
contemporary goth metal will flip their asymmetrical wigs over this, but
the rivetheads among us will just shudder. And then go outside and kill
a puppy.- Ken, Sleazegrinder
Germany's Girls Under Glass combine almost every known genre in the
history of music. Carefully, they create smooth transitions between
Gregorian-like chants to heavy guitar riffs, all the while maintaining a
hypnotic ambiance.
Girls Under Glass are very gothic and romantic without being too
melancholy or too metal. It's definitely music that creates an ambiance
and sounds like a soundtrack for a vampire movie; a disc to play around
with and discover how cleverly one can concoct a musical m'lange. - Christine Hughes, Concussion Magazine
Lovers of darkwave music may find solace in this third American release
by these German veterans (they've been around Europe since the 1980s).
Although progression seems to be out of the cards for this disc, keep in
mind this album was made seven years ago, before it found its way to
this side of the pond. The dark, melodramatic vocals are typical of any
goth influenced work; the music accompanying, unfortunately, can grow
far more tedious. Some exceptions to the boring are "Future Assault," a
more powerful, heavier, and sinister side of GUG; and "Desire Lasts
Forever," a resourceful track of echoing vocals, bongo sounds and sharp
guitar riffs that stands as worthy b-side material. As a bonus, the
group also include a cover version of Kraftwerk's "Radioaktivitat" by
the GUG side project Trauma. If you miss the '80s sounds of goth rock,
this is a good place to rekindle your love. Buyer beware though, for
when taken into analysis under the dark music spectrum, Equilibrium is
the lightest shade of grey possible. - Mike Adair, Exclaim Magazine
GuG carry a perception that they're an industrial band
but break out of that mold with this album. It's less
industrial, more goth rock. But don't think 'Sisters
of Murphy'. It's more similar to L'Ame Immortelle and
features some supporting female vox from Jenny Kahler
and Sandra Hammer.
This domestically re-releases a 1999 CD originally on
a small label by the guy from Lacrimosa, remastered
with new art, and adds 3 unlisted tracks from the long
out-of-print GuG sideband Trauma album Fractal (orig
on Machinery label), including a Kraftwerk cover and
the long version of 'Desire Lasts Forever', previously
issued in short form on the 'Frozen' ep.
It combines traditional rock instruments and EBM tools
and sounds but is neither a 'rock' album or a purely
'industrial' CD. If you're the type who likes yer peas
and carrots seperate, this ain't for you. If you like
them mixed, then you may eat this and like it. - Tsanger Banger, Temple of Horror Webzine
The first time I came across Girls Under Glass was back in 1997. In some Dutch mailorder catalogue, which was focusing on metal mainly, was a short review in the Gothic category of GUG's album "Firewalker". It basically said that it was very good music, but one shouldn't be ashamed of not having heard of this band before, as they are quite unknown. I should find that catalogue and reread the review just for melancholic pleasures. Now, a decade later, a reissue of their 1999 album "Equilibrium" falls into my hands. First released on Hall Of Sermon, as well as their only release on this label. Hall Of Sermon is founded and managed by Tilo Wolff in 1991. You know, of Lacrimosa fame. Reissued three years after the original date, in 2002, this is the third GUG release on the American label Van Richter Records, with some bonus tracks as well. Earlier albums were "Nightmares" and "Frozen", and in 2006 the album "Frozen" was released.
Girls Under Glass have quite a history. Started out in 1986 by Thomas Lücke, Hauke Harms and Zaphor (Volker Zacharias), the band has seen a few changes in line up. In 1990 Thomas left the band, and Zaphor took over the vocals. On this release, the credits mention the basic three members; Zaphor on vocals and guitars, Axel Ermes on guitars and bass, and Hauke on electronics. But if one listens to the album, it's overly apparent that there are guest vocalists. Jenny Kahler on tracks 1-4, 8 and 9; Sandra Hammer on tracks 5 and 6 and Eric Burton (of Catastrophe Ballet) on track 7.
The combination of Zaphor and the female vocals result in a really romantic feel. While the lyrics are overly cheesy at times ('I am your rain / I am your dust / You are my pain / You are my trust'), they loose all cheesyness when heard being sung. Somehow, these vocalists have a power to change it for the best. The lyrics are focused on "I" and "you" figures, with sungs about love, trust, confusion. This is very romantic gothic rock indeed.
The tenth song is a cover of (and tribute to?) Kraftwerk. The lyrics are not printed in the booklet. Could also be because there was no more room. But the lyrics are printed rather sloppy really. There are a few typing errors, as well as structural errors. At worst, the lyrics simply are not what is being sung. It really doesn't compare with GUG's very entertaining music. From the ballad-like "Protean Dreams" to the highly energetic and danceable "Future Assault", the music is easy to digest and sticks in your mind. I'd say that the music with Girls Under Glass, on this album at least, is more important than the lyrics.
Packagewise, the art is simple but quite effective. The frontcover shows the GUG logo over a picture of what seems to be a hurricane from above, while the CD is printed with an indecipherable picture in blue/turquoise. The booklet is simple; just one sheet of paper, with on the inside the credits and lyrics.
Musically, there's little that can be done to make this better. The booklet however certainly can, and should, get more attention. This is not a release you buy for the complete thing, but for the music only. Because of that, I fear for Girls Under Glass that there are other albums that'll be sold better. Simply because a lot of releases just look better. Too bad, because the music is worth it. ChAwech, Heathen Harvest E Zine
Gothic music hasn't died yet. Girls Under Glass brings us seminal music on the shoulders of those who know how to create art. Equilibrium is of one of the albums whos structure and influences much of the alternative music that we hear today. Equilibrium is not only a classic gothic and darkwave crossover release but a must have, brought to light in 1999 and re vamped and remastered by Van Richter Records The album is a defiant piece of work that cant be ignored. If its not in your goth library today , then you haven't heard superb goth music. Equilibrium includes two unreleased bonus tracks plus a standout Kraftwerk cover of "Radioaktivitat". Vin K-otic of Normality, Real Industrial Radio
Back to GIRLS UNDER GLASS page