Front 242 - Tyranny (For You)

Front 242's music moves the body and the intellect with equal efficacy, and this album is definitive of that sound. Musician/programmers Patrick Codenys and Daniel Bressanutti brilliantly hold forth with multi-dimensional layers of percussion, noise, keyboards and spoken-word fragments. Gliding over and slashing through this thoughtfully aggressive din are lead singer Jean-Luc DeMeyer's low, ominous vocals. He deploys his trademark rumble with dangerous accuracy on the moody "Untold", with matter-of-fact despair on "Tragedy For You." "Rhythm Of Time" is an electro masterpiece, invigorating and foreboding. Backing singer Richard 23 is given the spoltlight on "Moldavia," with Codenys and Bressanutti adding colorful mutilation to his confident wail. Also of note are the chimerical instrumental pieces, in particular "Neurobashing" and the "hidden" track "HardRock." --Mark McCleerey Amazon.com

Seminal piece of Industrial History

I bought this album on a rainy day at a small record store in Seattle, Washington. I was there to visit a woman I was seeing, and it was my first time in the city. I had heard some songs from Front 242, but never a full album. After hearing this I must say that I was missing out. There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said, but I want to add that this album was ahead of its time, and is one of my favorite records to this day. August 3, 2007

Connection to the past (and glorious it was...)

Industrial has come a long, long way in terms of modernizing. You'd hardly think that "moldavia" by front 242 and "Chrome" by VNV nation are connected by anything. However, there was true creativity and honest feeling in the late 80s/early 90s industrial scene, and this cd exemplefies that spirit (if containing a few faults).

Characteristic of the new wave era is an interesting drum pattern that is apparent in pop music especially. We all know the sound, but its hard to describe- kind of like hitting a shallow box, but with a nice rhythm. For me, that drum pattern is the musical personification of the 80s. Early industrial took this drum pattern and used it for a more sinister style of music than, say, ABC. "Tyranny (for you)" utilizes this drum pattern with some interesting samples, sparse melodies and a continuous and often changing pattern, which is where the genius truly lies. The vocals are muffled and lack the crips, clear production of current industrial. This occasionally muddy production is the only drawback of this otherwise great album.

Front 242 had very different tools than the modern industrial artist, and the drum patterns of the day are interestingly connected to 80s pop (unlike the vastly different areas of industrial and dance pop of today). That said, the lyrics have all the anger and passion of today's bands, giving the album its dark feel. All in all, a catchy and enjoyable tunnel to the past of this genre (though a tunnel not meant for everyone. Try it, you may like it). February 27, 2006

Will make you dance out of your clothes

I can honestly say that this is one of those albums that I would require if I were to be stuck on a space station for a year.
I will never get tired of it.

Do yourself a favor: buy this cd. January 26, 2006

Industrial classic

Great music with a lasting impact. A big hand for Front 242! Few musicians could afford to play such a variety of sounds and noises with so splendid effect. This is vintage recording, which aims at the audiance by far bigger than "industrial" fans. A must have. September 30, 2005

Pretty interesting Front album

This was probably my second Front 242 album, after "Front by Front". And actually it was only like a year ago that I had bought that one. This one stands out as well. While not actually perfect it is way above average. Some tracks do admittedly either drag a bit or stuff like that, but the good outweighs the bad (not that bad) in many ways.

I have to say that my favorite song on the record is "Tragedy for You". That synth line is just hypnotic, and the vocals are rather unique. It never gets old, no matter how many times I repeat it. The album also starts out great with "Sacrifice", which will satisfy most EBM fans. So will this record. I also really enjoy "Trigger 2 (Anatomy of a Shot)". It is quite a good record.

So, even after going on to a major label, Front 242 are very much themselves. I think it is a great buy if you like industrial and EBM. It's one of my favorite styles of music so I'm glad to have them. And if you only heard "Pulse" and don't think you like them, you may want to try this album instead. September 21, 2005

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