If there is one thing I can't resist, it is strong hooks and melodies, and unique vocals. And Axxis never, ever disappoint when it comes to all these aspects. Their new EP Virus Of A Modern Time is no exception. With every album they keep reaching new heights, and this is Axxis at their very best, even though the songs actually originate from the collaboration heavy metal opera "Prometheus Brain Project." All the way back in 2005-6 Bernhard Weiß (vocals) and Harry Oellers (keyboard) wrote the musical arrangements for Walter Weyers' project, but perhaps the only sign that this is not quite a typical Axxis album is the unusual insertion of German lyrics midway through the songs. I find that I really like it, as it gives the album a unique "flavour," while not detracting at all from the poignant texts. I feel that the music is even more intense then usual, perhaps not least due to the strong message of warning which runs through the entire EP. Some 14 years ago the themes of the play eerily foreshadowed what's happening in the world today - a prophecy about the possiblity of man destroying himself in the act of turning the world in a global village and playing god. Realising this, the band interrupted work on their new studio album to release the scarily relevant songs digitally, in response to the current world situation.
The EP opens with Babylon, which is a bona fide Axxis tune, full of killer guitars and powerful drums. If I have to pick out the most typically Axxis-like song from the album, I would definitely choose this one. The message of the track takes us back to the Biblical city of Babylon, which was destroyed because humans decided to build a tower and make a name for themselves in defiance of God. In the light of the globalisation of the modern time, it suggests that history might just be repeating itself, the mankind getting conceited enough to think we can play gods.
Boats of Hope starts with haunting female vocals, but quickly morphs into another heavy piece. The lyrics offer a scarily accurate prediction of the current nationalist tendencies all over Europe and the UK.
What stands out the most for me in Last Eagle is the heavy drums and Bernhard's soaring vocals. I don't know if the title is meant to be a reference to the ongoing extinction of animals on the planet, but it certainly took my thoughts in that direction.
The playful guitar riff intro of Mother Money gives way to more heavy drums and guitars, together with sarcastically Messiah-like lyrics which proclaim, "I'm Mother Money, (...) I am your God" in a criticism of the selfishness of an increasingly money-orientated society.
My personal favourite is the title track, Virus Of A Modern Time. There are two versions of it, the album and video one. I lean towards the video version, because of the strings in the more elaborate, sci-fi film-like intro and the wistful coda. Both versions have a spooky "The X-Files"-kind of synth hook which I particularly like. The lyrics are unsettlingly apt for the current situation as the metaphorical sickness can all too easily be translated into the literal disease affecting the entire world.
War Games closes the album with a suitably bombastic melody. It starts off with the sounds of helicopters and gunshots, which immediately sets the mood for the heavily anti-war lyrics. A gentle piano melody quietly weaves underneath the heavy guitars and drums of the chorus, the sound of hope amongst the madness.
The album in its entirety asks the question, "Have we, humans, really become so conceited as to think that we can play god?" And even more aptly, "Are we actually the virus infecting the planet?"
The answer it offers is, "The vision will come true, we are the one for sure, the virus of a modern time." I don't know how I feel about that, but it certainly rings too true.
You can visit the band's website, www.axxis.de, for more information and merchandise.
