Album Review: Chains by Death In Ecstasy
Released back in 2013, Chains by Death In Ecstasy is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It's raw, gritty, and unapologetically industrial—a true testament to Russia's underground electronic scene. The album falls firmly into the EBM, Electro, and Industrial genres, with Black Minds Production giving it the right push into the world. And let’s not forget Nuclearstar’s artwork and design concept, which perfectly mirrors the cold, mechanical vibe of the music.
The opening track, "Chains (Instrumental)," sets the tone immediately. It’s dark, pulsating, and feels like being trapped in a dystopian factory where every beat drills into your skull. There’s no escape, but honestly, you don’t want one. This version strips away any vocals, letting the synths and percussion take center stage. You can almost picture black-clad figures moving in sync under strobe lights. If you’re into instrumentals that build tension without overselling it, this one sticks with you.
Then there’s "Электронапряжение" (or "Electrotension," if we’re translating). Holy crap, does this track hit hard. It’s got this relentless energy that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The mix of distorted kicks and razor-sharp melodies creates this electrifying contrast—it’s chaotic yet controlled. Every time I hear it, I think about futuristic battlefields or maybe some cyberpunk chase scene. It’s just… cool as hell. Like, you could play this at peak hour in a club, and people would lose their minds.
Of course, you’ve gotta give props to the remix too—"Chains (Cutoff_sky And Project E.V.A. Club Mix)." It takes the original track and gives it a fresh spin, adding layers of depth while keeping its core intact. Remixes can sometimes feel like cash grabs, but this one actually brings something new to the table. Props to Cutoff_sky and Project E.V.A. for not phoning it in.
What makes Chains stand out isn’t just its sound—it’s how cohesive the whole thing feels. Even though each track has its own personality, they all tie together like pieces of a puzzle. Maybe it’s the icy Russian influence seeping through, or maybe it’s just Death In Ecstasy knowing exactly what they’re doing. Either way, it works.
Here’s the kicker, though—this album came out nearly a decade ago, but it still sounds fresh today. Like, you could drop these tracks into a modern playlist, and no one would bat an eye. That’s rare for electronic music, especially from smaller labels like Black Minds Production. So yeah, hats off to them—and to Nuclearstar for making sure the visuals match the vibes.
In the end, Chains reminds me of why I fell in love with industrial music in the first place. It’s heavy, it’s intense, and it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. Oh, and fun fact? Listening to this album feels kind of like eating spicy food. At first, it burns, but once you get used to it, you realize you kinda need more. Go figure.
