(Projekt Records, www.projekt.com )

The New York based Projekt Records label compiled this sampler CD exclusively for the „Hot Topic“ record shops all over the USA as a special low price compilation to present the Gothic-side of the label. This is a great idea and of course a very fine sampler with fantastic music. Even if there are no unreleased tracks, this CD has to be seen as a promotional release for people, who do not know Projekt Records or Gothic music at all.

As the title says, the album features the more Gothic than Ethereal oriented bands of the label, including two of the greatest bands these days, AUDRA and MORS SYPHILITICA. There albums are definetly a must, they are sooooooo wonderful! But also most of the other featured bands are fine, like VOLTAIRE, who offer some kind of Gothic-Folk, which is not too dark, or THIS ASCENSION, a band, which I love for about ten years and which plays some kind of rocky 4AD sound of the mid 80s with fantastic female vocals. ATTRITION are around for about 20 years now and present one of their club hits, „A Girl Called Harmony“. What can I say to Projekt´s very own BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL or LYCIA? They are uncomparable institutions of the Gothic movement for many years. „Projekt: Gothic“ further features tracks by MIRA, THANATOS, RAJNA, LOVESPIRALS, UNTO ASHES and finally the great HUMAN DRAMA. All these bands give the listener a view on their very own interpretation of Gothic music, which doesn´t have to be dark and doomy, but also is atmospheric and beautiful very often. Don´t wait to order this album, if you want to get an idea, what Projekt Records is all about. Together with the „The Arbitrary Width Of Shadows“ compilation, this is the best chance to sink into the beautiful world of one of the greatest labels for years. By the way: „Projekt: Gothic“ should be seen as part 8 of the „Beneath The Icy Flow“ sampler series. (A.P.)