Bearing more than a passing resemblance to similar Industrial Metallers Rammstein, Deathstars are the latest export to come out from Sweden, and whilst they don't hit every button they are a refreshing change to the norm. In a country famed for its Gothenburg scene and little else besides Death, death and perhaps a bit more death, seeing a Swedish act who incorporate a variety of different sounds and influences into it's sound is more than welcome.
Comprising of members from such bands as Dissection and Swordmaster, both known for their more extreme and underground sound, you would expect something similar from Deathstars. All expectations are trumped however in the opening minutes of 'Tongues' which mixes rhythmic synth-strings sections, small amounts of operatic female background vocals and of course the strange mixture of booming vocals and Marilyn Manson-styled croaks which is characteristic of all the songs found on 'Termination Bliss'. Mixing crunching guitar riffs reminiscent of bands such as Rammstein and an industrial style, which makes one think of the EBM/Darkwave genres are mixed to good effect on album highlights such as 'Blitzkrieg' and the title track 'Termination Bliss'.
There are only two complaints that can only be launched at the album on the whole, and weak ones at that. There is a lack of variety in 'Termination Bliss', and once you've heard one track, you've really heard all of them. However this doesn't once translate into the album being repetitive or dull, something the quality song writing and glossy production stops from ever occurring to the listener. The other complaint might be a somewhat trite one, but coming in at roughly 45 minutes long, 'Termination Bliss' simply feels a bit too short. Having an extra handful of tracks on the album, or even simply extending the highlights of the record, would be a more than welcome addition to the album. Perhaps I am too spoilt by the high occurrence of hour-long albums in recent times, but 'Termination Bliss' simply feels too short.
'Termination Bliss' was a real surprise to me. Coming from a perspective where my only real brush with any more industrial-metal styled bands is the more commercialised sound of bands like Rammstein, 'Termination Bliss' and its glossy, slick and catchy sound was a treat to listen to. Even if it isn't your style, and I am not promising that all the songs on offer here will be, this album certainly is worth even a cursory look into.
Standout Tracks: Blitzkrieg, Tongues, Termination Bliss.
