Nightly Disease

This album was very eagerly anticipated in Norway, and, of course, in Germany, where a large amount of record buyers went crazy for Madrugada after hearing their debut album and mesmerizing concerts. The most reasonable thing to do would, of course, be to continue with the relatively safe sound of debut Industrial Silence. Madrugada, however, chose quite differently; they returned with this ultra-bleak record. And for the better of it: This is a much better and more consistent album than their debut. For starters, yes, it may well be depression caught on tape, but it sounds real and convincing, unlike much of the material on their debut. The lyrics are more poetic, the songs are much more diverse, and the production is wonderfully dirty, giving the record a rather dangerous aura. It seems as if Madrugada has taken elements of the best bits from their past -- for example, the beautifully dark "A Deadend Mind" -- and combined them with a new rawness and energy found in "Nightly Disease Part Two," an intense, high-tempo song echoing depression. Like some of the best records ever made, it is not particularly accessible, but once you get into it, it is sure to make a lasting impression. ~ Anders Kaasen