Assemblage 23 – Defiance

Deciding to not sit on his laurels Tom Shear (AKA Assemblage 23) hit the ground running by writing & recording his third studio album 'Defiance' in the space of a year since the release of 2001's remix album 'Addendum'. Picking up where he'd left off this record sees Shear making good use of his new sound by creating a bunch of dark & foreboding songs based upon the melancholy moments of his mind.
Once again a single was released prior to the album. 'Document' is now seen as one of the landmark tracks from A23's back catalogue, and for good reason! It's insultingly catchy and it's lyrics easy to sing along to, making it one that the alternative press couldn't help but to praise. Although it was the sole single from 'Defiance' many others could have easily been given the same treatment. 'Drive' is exactly what it says on the tin - an EBM drivetime tune with wonderous synthetic melodies fronting an almost breakbeat rhythm that is perfect for those trips through the city at night. Another highlight is the penultimate track 'Maps Of Reality' which is something of a cult classic that is also noted for being remade & parodied by nerdy Industrial outfitters The Gothsicles.
It's the two softer tracks on the album however where Assemblage 23 shines. The first - 'Cocoon' - Has a brilliantly wholesome melody only sured by Shear's amazing lyrics on introversion, and the second being the record's closer 'Lullaby' - a song that comes across as more of a goodbye than a goodnight, with it's heavy breathing laying groundwork as a backdrop to the piano fueled ballad that is equal parts beautiful as it is sad.
In surmission 'Defiance' is top tier Assemblage 23. Although only boasting 10 tracks it makes up for it by being quite a journey through the many emotions of it's creator, all with a backdrop of alternative electronic musings guiding the way.

Amazing EBM from legendary producer Tom Shear. Melancholic and heavy as usual but thats what makes us love this isnt it? Cocoon is a personal favorite - a song about addiction and the constant struggle to flee from a reality that you dont want to be a part of. I feel like Tom really understands this as do I as I've struggled with this myself. Hope this album gives many souls consolation because I know that it has given mine

Tom Shear does it again! Only this time the tracks become more emotional and melodic. Tom proves that he is master of the synthesizer and mixing console. I hearing "Document" at my local club and pestered the DJ asking what this was. The next day I had this CD on order at the local record shop. This one did not leave my player for months! This is a great place to start if you are a beginner to A23. Lot of great pop, dance and even slow ballads (cocoon, lullaby) that proves that Tom is a master! 5/5