February 2026 Featured Release - The Sphere Edition
So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.
This month's feature release for The Sphere, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is the 2005 4th album by Swedish industrial metal project PAIN, Dancing With the Dead. PAIN is one of the more underrated industrial metal artists around, and they should be taked about and listened to more. Dancing With the Dead shall be worth it for any fan of industrial metal and the talented Peter Tägtgren.
https://metal.academy/releases/3325
I can't say I loved this, but at the same time I did find a level of tolerance for it to listen through the full album. It sounds a little too mainstream for me, a lot lighter than I was expecting in fact. It is interesting to see a different dimension to Peter's musical output but I cannot say it intrigued me enough to revisit at any point. It does start to sound the same across the latter tracks to my ears. Thanks for sharing though Andi.
No problem, Vinny. Thanks for your feedback.
No problem, Vinny. Thanks for your feedback.
No worries, I am aware that the Sphere, Revolution and even the Infinite and Gateway clans can get as little lonely on feature release feedback so I am trying to make an effort to check out the features in those clans more.
I've done my review, here's its summary:
Sometimes the best albums are the ones that literally almost didn't happen. Peter Tägtgren was at a pub when his heart stopped and he collapsed. Just when it seemed like it was all over for him, two minutes later, his heart continued beating. That's a clear reminder that life is fragile and at any given moment, you would be gone from this world with one last dance. Dancing With the Dead! We're grateful Peter Tägtgren is still around to show his talents displayed in writing, instrumentation, and vocals. Dancing With the Dead is one of the best albums from his Pain project, maybe one of the best in any of his projects. All of the tracks here range from decently to highly enjoyable, with this usual blend of riffs, electronics, and even some background symphonics. However, there are a few songs towards the end that are kind of bothersome, but they don't affect the album's perfect rating. I've never had a 5-star album come so close to 4.5 stars, like a 95.1 percentage rating. Nothing has changed the status of Dancing With the Dead as another stellar part of Pain's discography. Enjoy this dance!
5/5
Recommended tracks: "Same Old Song", "Nothing", "Not Afraid to Die", "Dancing With the Dead", "Bye/Die", "The Third Wave", "Trapped"
For fans of: Lindemann, Samael, Celldweller