Review:

		8/10
		Artist: Cryo Title: Hidden Aggression Format: CD Label: Progress Productions Genre: EBM, Electronic Release date: February 24, 2010

Four years after the release of the debut album “Cryogenic”, Swedish one-man army of Martin Rudefelt returns with his next assault “Hidden Aggression”. In between, the mini-CD “Mixes Emotions” was released in 2007 with a more club-orientated path with hits like “My Wall” and “Freedom”. “Hidden Aggression” features 11 new tracks of modern EBM.

The album starts with the prelude “Waves Of Sin” and I think this opening track sets the tone for the album pretty well with its dense atmosphere, robotic voice and dark electronics. A perfect opener for all forthcoming live shows. It’s followed by the track “I Tune In” and you don’t even notice the track change which makes a feeling that it’s the same track. With pounding beats and the rhythmic approach it’s a strong track. With “Weitergehen” the beat count is increased to and reveals a pretty catchy song with fast-paced electronics and a distinct bassline, but isn’t as heavy and dark. Even though the title is in german – which means ‘keep moving’ – the lyrics is all english except that word. Next track “Substance” is though a much darker track and with a slightly decreased BPM compared to previous song, though it’s still a track ment to appear on the clubs and will for sure work very well. I was very amazed by the tracks “Counting Down Again” and “I Die Every Day”. The first has mainly female vocals with Martin joining in on the chorus. Strong lyrics and very emotional but yet with heavy beats and an amazing atmopshere. “I Die Every Day” must be the heaviest and darkest piece of work I’ve heard from Cryo. Mixing modern EBM with industrial together with hypnotic soundscapes it sounds outstanding.

“Hidden Aggression” draws much attention to the modern EBM style with a hint to the old school, mixed with heavy industrial. Some songs shows off a much more atmospheric feeling with amazing soundscapes to create an album with great variation. This is by far his best work to date.

Tracklist:

01. Prelude – Waves Of Sin
02. I Tune In
03. Weitergehen
04. Substance
05. Hit Me Once
06. Counting Down Again
07. Guantanamo Bay
08. Contract Killer
09. I Die Every Day
10. Forgotten
11. Rewind (Hidden Track)