After the downright disappointing last album Civilization (2004) as peak in a series of meaning- and Fulber-less FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY releases the “original line-up” give it a second try. Added by new entrant Jeremy Inkel the legendary duo Leeb/Fulber finally wants to tie in with old success on Artificial Soldier. Praised as one of the best FLA outputs in the last decade the new album raises hope. And surprise, surprise... after several runs Artificial Soldier gets stuck in your ears. Especially the first five songs of this 10 tracker (incl. two hidden tracks) can be described as reminiscence of the good old days. Harsh and pounding EBM beats with the classic Leeb-singing spread this peerless and bleak FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY atmosphere. While Low Life and Between The Rubble are just great, Descention comes up with a croon but very effective refrain you cannot help but singing along…
The fifth track Buried Alive appears as the bridging to modern trends, where hectically fast computer drums take over. Following songs approximately balance between popular sound elements and classic roots, whereas Dopamine is one track standing out from the modern area. Harsh, but danceable. Future Fail again strongly reminds me of old Trauma releases and points out, which huge and influencing impact FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY had in the past.
On Artificial Soldier you won’t find any downer and a third of them might hit the charts. Here you feel and hear that the duo Leeb/Fulber was really creative working. Or said in other words: it seems, now Leeb and Fulber really got together and be on good terms. Artificial Soldier leaves a good impression although I sense out that they still work restraining. There is more possible! Without any shy the let us know their opinion lyrical-wise and forcefully criticize the (American) society.