The year 1980 was a grand year. Not that I was personally there, but considering that the Stuttgart hardcore band "Chaos Z" was founded that year (which disbanded in 1983), one has every reason to assume that the initial claim might hold validity. The double CD package includes two wonderfully shaped discs that contain the entire works of this band, as well as the disc "45 Years Without Parole." The whole thing is sprinkled with a small booklet that documents the history of the Stuttgart band. Thus, this complete package should be very suitable for fans and those who want to become fans.
The cover itself is already quite impressive and reveals everything one needs to know about the content. Black-red color scheme with a black-and-white guy holding a gun to his head, seemingly about to pull the trigger. Words like "anger" and "despair" probably best express the feelings one thinks of when taking a closer look at the front. At first glance, it becomes clear what to expect.
But what can a 3-year punk band from a soot-covered city offer that only produces noise? I say: A goddamn lot!
The two discs are divided into the "old" and "new" Chaos Z tracks. The first record is more of a collection of pieces produced during the early days, which can be heard well in the quality when the songs blast from the speakers. Similar riffs, much more aggressive mood, and fast, fast, fast! No time for any compromises! The drums are pounded, the guitars and basses are tortured, while an angry voice reflects the moods and thoughts.
Despite many songs sounding relatively similar, there are also some real gems among them. The song "Isolation," for example, impresses with its sudden loss of speed and creates an atmosphere where one feels more in a state of suspension, drifting in the vast eternal space. One actually feels somewhat isolated and can suddenly empathize deeply, while the melancholic voice repeats the words "Isolation." For those who prefer something a bit faster, songs like "Abmarsch," "Zukunft," or "Krieg" are more suitable, which have strong political and social-critical tendencies. The first disc is likely to split the fanbase into a few camps, as not everyone may enjoy this type of punk rock. However, one must also consider that the three Chaos Z members were children of their time and were only equipped with what was possible back then. While this may not guarantee that one will like the music, one might be a bit more lenient when judging the quality.
But there is still another record (otherwise it wouldn't be a double CD) that one should delve into:
The second disc includes all the tracks from the CD "45 Years Without Parole," which differs significantly from the first CD "Dark Streets."
Not only in terms of sound but also lyrically, it operates at a damn high level, further emphasized by a greater vocal variation from the singer. The mood feels much more depressive and melancholic, even if it gets a bit harder with "Violence" or "Modern Cripples." However, songs like "In Danger," "45 Years Without Parole," or "Paranoia" speak volumes, giving the band their extremely melancholic touch. Almost tortured and weary of life, the lyrical outpourings of the band pass by - but not without leaving a mark! Here, the first hints of the successor band "Fliehende Stürme" can definitely be recognized, which may now reunite the previously divided "Chaos Z" camps.
Loneliness, madness, and the constant feeling that life can only vomit at your feet: These are fundamental moods and statements that can be derived from the band. And if one truly immerses oneself in this music (with the right mood), one might even adopt these thoughts for oneself. So, for those who empathize with the music and let themselves be carried away, this silver disc will definitely provide a small boat to helplessly drift on the seemingly endless sea of uncontrollable emotions (and even have fun doing it!).
But there is also something to complain about:
Why the hell is there a copy protection on this disc? I personally am someone who likes to copy music to the PC to then listen to it through the respective speakers. No chance: The drive struggles and can do what it wants. Neither of the two CDs can be read, let alone copied to the hard drive. This can be extremely annoying.
The only solution to this problem would be to buy the two discs (to avoid legal consequences) and then secure them on the home computer through various downloads to be able to listen to them through the speakers.
What else is there to say?
For the writer of these lines, this double disc (independent of the copy protection, as that does not define the music) represents one of the most important achievements of the punk and hardcore movement. This band has profoundly shaped the scene and will likely continue to do so in the future, just like the people who listen to their music. So, for those who appreciate lyrics that are truly good, telling something about anger, frustration, and despair, this band/CD will surely be a find. Just be mindful of your feelings while listening. Depending on the person, the mood can be influenced by the music - and not insignificantly!
So, even though the copy protection is annoying, I give it a full score!
