Angels
& Agony
Angels & Agony effectively prove
that The Netherlands have more to
offer than tulips, excellent cheese,
wooden shoes, foldable bikes and
nerve-wracking Metal bands with
ultrasonic female vocalists, but
that the country also has a vivid
Electro scene. With an irresistible
mix of fat beats, atmospheric sounds,
catchy melodies and deep lyrics,
they easily conquer heart, head
and body ... and are the perfect
contrast to those bands that keep
recycling one successful concept
until oblivion come.
Formed
in 1995 by singer, keyboard wizard
and musical mastermind Reinier Kahle,
and soon joined by Erik Wierenga
(programming, keys and guitars)
and Marco van Belle (live synths,
management and backing vocals),
the band quickly won the hearts
of an ever-growing fan base. A unique
sound that combines Eighties-style
Synth Pop, Electro Dark Wave and
modern club influences not only
won the masses but also prominent
supporters. Henceforth, their first
maxi-CD "Unity" was recorded
under the watchful eye of Axel Ermes
(Girls Under Glass) and VNV-Nation-mastermind
Ronan Harris who has been a friend
of the band for years produced their
debut album "Eternity."
Both productions easily catapulted
Angels & Agony into a prominent
position within the Electro scene.
On the next album "Avatar",
the group consequently played out
all its strengths, creating an album
that by many is still considered
a milestone of the genre.
The
friendly Dutch band then took a
three year hiatus before returning
with their personal masterpiece
"Unison." The album conveys
the trademark Angels & Agony
feeling from the first moment, but
the tracks sound still more perfect
and to the point, combining Synth-
and Future- Pop with the power of
EBM and some Dance-influences without
becoming repetitive or bland. Add
to that an emotional deepness that
few other bands in the genre can
match... Angels & Agony build
their music on spiritual values
and real emotions. Thus, if you
want Electro to be more than militaristic
marching band music and four to
the floor stomping beats, this band
is for you! You can bet that the
future still holds a lot in store
for Angels & Agony.
