ACTUS - A Way To The Empire Of Strength And Order Download

A.C.T.U.S. want us to believe they spend their time at dark rituals, worshipping forces beyond our ken. And maybe they do. If they have sold their collective souls, then they got a good deal - the music they play is rich, distinctive and doesn't fool itself into thinking it's anything other than a modern Classical, Jazz and Electro Beat crossover. The moods on this album vary from soft, passive stretches which are almost too easy for New Age to rich themes, full of life, to harsh, whiplash percussion over voices crying their lyrics to the very firmament, to genuinely scary passages. Eclectic in mood and varied in approach, A.C.T.U.S. fascinate, chill, thrill and entertain.

It's strange, after reviewing something which has a very much take it or leave it feel, to have one's faith in this scene reaffirmed with such a colourful, theme heavy album. Comparisons aren't easy - nearest one I can think of would probably be SLAVA TRUDU, although there are degrees of ATARAXIA, SPK circa "Zamia Lehmanni", a more tame LAIBACH, and even degrees of early TEST DEPT to this, although this sounds very different to all of these. Easy on the ears without being crass, whatever message they have is hidden within a very enjoyable and dramatic music.

Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.