An electronic military march is the introduction to the fourth studio ablum of Electronic-Metal group Treibhaus. They began gaining notice 6 years ago with the release of their first album, Unsterblich, which was quickly followed up by Feinbild in 2006 and Alarmstufe Rot in 2008, all released on front man Curt Doernberg’s own label, Neeve Records. They didn’t stop there, putting out Live in Hannover less than a year later and for a band who releases most of their albums so closely together it’s a strange thing for the quality of the sounds and lyrics to actually go up with every effort, and with Treibhaus that was the case and a promising sign for the future.

Feedback has been good, with reviews of their work from online magazines and zines usually hovering around the 8/10 mark (save for their first album which received a 6.5) and to me that is a mark that is well deserved. The vocals have not changed much from their first effort, Unsterblich, with front man Doernberg’s menacing voice leading the charging guitars, thundering bass and pulsing electronic beats that have been ever present in Treibhaus’ music since their conception. The only question I’ve ever had is: when will the mixing come to fruition? Unsterblich was more of an experiment, raw and untamed. Feinbild was more professional, polished but very electronic in its tones. Alarmstufe Rot was more of a harmony between guitar and electronic beats and for the last 2 years I’ve wondered where this experiment would take their music, and with the arrival of Alphatier on the bands new label Dance Macabre that question has been answered.

Alphatier to me, is the definitive mix of electronic beats and metal guitars as far as Treibhaus is concerned. This is something that has been in the works for a long time and now, with the introduction of a larger label behind them in Danse Macbre the band is finally realizing it’s true potential. The music (as usual all written by Doernberg) is excellent and the beats memorable. From the opening rain washed electronic military beat that is Einführung to the end and Helden von Gestern there is hardly a pause in the tempo save for the one slower, more electronic song on the album: Scheiss Auf Dich, which has an almost poetic elegance to its sound. If you are already a fan of Treibhaus then there is no question you should be picking this one up, and if not, then give it a chance if you like hard, German Electronic-Metal, mixed to near perfection.

Treibhaus have a motto: “If you love Treibhaus, give it your friends – If you hate it, give to your enemies!”

In this case, I wouldn’t give it to my enemies, they would probably love it far too much.

Final rating: 9/10