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The Crüxshadows
Fortress in Flames

Dancing Ferret Discs

Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2006
By: Ilker Yucel
Editor

What can be said about The Crüxshadows that hasn't already been said? They are one of the most endearing bands in the darkwave scene today, thanks in no large part to their stylized blend of classical gothic melodies and cold modern electronics. Hot on the heels of Ethernaut, Fortress in Flames offers three new songs and several remixes from some of their cohorts in the scene such as Clan of Xymox, Iris, and Ego Likeness. At first listen, one might mistake this for any other CXS release. The band's style is in full swing, from Rogue's dark vocals and gravity-defying hair, to Rachel McDonnell's haunting violin and synth work, to the latest trend of having backup vocalist, live dancer, choreographer, photographer, and road manager Jessica Lackey as the cover model (a la Ethernaut and the Tears single). However, what this disc offers is not only remixes but also an introduction to new guitarist George Bikos (replacing the now departed Stacy Campbell). Bikos fills the position well, although his playing seems geared more towards creating sound textures, as his style is more subdued compared to Campbell's slightly more upfront styling. Unfortunately, this is where the disc's distinctions end.

Of the three new tracks, the opening song "Dragonfly" most effectively introduces the listener to CXS' world. Wrought with trademark EBM beats and synths, McDonnell's violin takes center stage in this song, even going so far as to conclude the song with an almost Celtic, atmospheric mélange. Sadly, it all goes downhill from here. The Subway to Sally Mix of "Winterborn" begins similarly with an acoustic instrumental that leads into the electro beats and synth choir that dominates the rest of the mix. The Razed in Black Remix of "Cassandra" does well to integrate CXS' sound with Razed's more techno dance floor style, making it almost a new song unto itself. The Deconstructed Redux of "Flames" lives up to its name, replacing the original's heavy layering, for a minimalist, classical arrangement. Trevor Brown's Remix of "Untrue" features a new vocal by Rogue, and gradually builds up from an atmospheric intro into what is sure to be yet another dance floor hit. Notable is the difference between the two mixes of "Love & Hatred," one by Neuroactive and one by Alice2. Both retain their own flavor without sounding like mere remixes or rehashes of the same song.

While not a bad release, Fortress in Flames does not provide any real surprises. Those accustomed to CXS' sound may find interest in the reinterpretations of older songs, while the newer songs do not help the criticism that the band has settled into a musical niche that they seem either unwilling or unable to shed. Perhaps par for the course, Fortress in Flames seems meant only for CXS fans.