About.com Rating



This is one of the most unusual CDs I've listened to this year. The German band Disillusion combines a wide variety of genres and influences into an intriguing package. The band's sound has changed significantly since their last release, with a lot more industrial influences in the vein of groups like Nine Inch Nails or Ministry.

The vocals are the most unusual part of Gloria. A great portion of them are spoken word vocals that are heavily processed and accented.


There are also singing baritone vocals and some female vocals sprinkled in as well. Soundtrack like choral vocals are also used, which add even more atmosphere to the sound.

Disllusion's music is incredibly diverse. You'll hear everything from straight ahead metal to jazz to progressive to electronica. Metal guitar riffs slice through atmospheric keyboards while industrial sounds swirl around the songs that are topped with the unusual vocals I mentioned earlier. The arrangements are very dense and complex and it's a cliche, but this truly is one of those CDs that requires multiple listens to figure out everything that's going on.

There are a few negative aspects to the CD. The dark, gothic instrumental sections tend to drag on way too long, and fans of the band's earlier CDs may be shocked with the different styles on this release. The vocals are also an acquired taste, and some may not like their highly processed style.