Time really flies by and the first quarter of 2010 is already behind us, but what has it broughts us in a music perspective? As I see it, christmas have appeared more or less every week this year in the electronic music scene. 2009 was a great year, indeed, but the first three months of 2010 have been amazing. I’m really stunned by the quality of many albums. Not only great albums have been released, but also two of the biggest bands from the 80′s and 90′s made their comeback in these first months. I’m talking of Nitzer Ebb and X-Marks The Pedwalk. Below is a list of my own highlights during these past three months. Note that this is only my own thoughts and words.

Blume – Rise From Grey
This is without a doubt the most amazing and surprising release during these months. With amazing melodies the music really infects your body with only fresh and good thoughs and feelings.
Read my review.

X-Marks The Pedwalk – Inner Zone Journey
2010 saw the comeback of one of the biggest acts during the 90′s. X-Marks The Pedwalk with mastermind Sevren Ni-Arb returned to the scene with new material after more then 13 years. “Inner Zone Journey” is for sure an album that you should check out.
Read my review.

In Strict Confidence – La Parade Monstrueuse
Dennis Ostermann and his crew worked on the album for about three years and the amazing result is their new album “La Parade Monstrueuse”. Once again, with eye-dropping artwork this album is delivered with a modern sound that results in their strongest work to date.
Read my review.

De/Vision – Popgefahr
Released on their own label, Steffen and Thomas delivers a very mature album and a sound that is more electronic then their previous albums. With ten albums in their back they have refined their sound to what it is today.
Read my review.

XP8 – Drop The Mask
The album offers much variety both musicwise and with vocals and this amazing release from XP8 is easily their best release to date. Heavy beats and infectious soundscapes it is a must-have for all who likes great danceable music.
Read my review.

Unter Null – Moving On
Said to be the final release in the vein of Industrial or EBM, Erica Dunham striked with her second studio album with Unter Null. Even though her debut album was great this is even stronger with great production and variation in all tracks.
Read my review.

Diorama – Cubed
Two years after their latest effort, Diorama is back with “Cubed”. The album offers great lyrics in all tracks and a sound that would for sure appeal to everyone. The album grows with every playthrough.
Read my review.

mind.in.a.box – R.E.T.R.O.
After they had finished up the trilogy of “Lost Alone”, Mind.In.A.Box returns to its roots with their new album “R.E.T.R.O.”. The mixing of old classic Commodore 64 tunes with their own unique sound is amazing. This brings me back to the golden age of the 80s to re-live some of the unforgetable and nostalgic moments experienced from that time even though I played it most during the early 90′s.
Read my review.

Absurd Minds – Serve Or Suffer
Early March saw the long-awaited return of Absurd Minds who released their new album. The band celebrates 10 years this year and the new album is a great way to celebrate it with. The album is modern and includes alot of great melodies.
Read my review.

We also got several amazing EP’s and singles and a couple of those that I think needs to be mentioned is the new EP from Detroid “Silent World”, the debut release of X-Divide, the danceable “Dancing In The Dark” from the rising band State Of The Union or the great “L’Assassin” single from Rome. You can read my review of all releases by just clicking on the links.

However, this first quarter also brought us – or at least from my point of view – some really disappointing albums. The new album “Implements Of Hell” from Suicide Commando or like the debut album from CeDigest “Walking In The Flesh”.

Let’s see – but most important, listen – to what the next quarter has to offer. Already now I’m really looking forward to the new albums from Edge Of Dawn, Soman (that has been delayed numerous times) and Code 64 (most likely it won’t be released during the second quarter). But also the new EP from The Azoic and the albums from Necro Facility and Mesmer’s Eyes. Stay tuned!