Kontrast

Kontrast is a German electronic music group active since 1992. The project is renamed from ISECS and is centred on Dirk Heinrich and Roberto Lindner, who begin the work in 1992, with Falko handling sounds and mixing and Lexi on production joining later in the group’s development.

Style and background

The group works across electropop, darkwave, synthpop, EBM, industrial and gothic contexts. It builds a reputation in the dark music scene through a blend of danceable electronic material, black humour and more emotional songs. The act’s live presentation is part of its identity, alongside Roberto’s role as lead singer.

Early releases and notable tracks

Under the name ISECS, the group records «Einheitsschritt - 3 Schritte vor und 3 zurück» in 1996, a track that becomes a standard in dark DJ sets. Later releases include «Tod ... find' ich gut!» in 1998, «Freiheit?» in 1999, «Versprochen?» in 2003, «Der Formulator» in 2002, «Nr. 1 in der Hölle» in 2004 and «Eisberg» in 2004. «Freiheit?» is recorded with guest singer Ivi from Spiritual Cramp, while «Versprochen?» features guest singer Nebelgeist.

Albums, label activity and releases

Kontrast releases the album Industrie<>Romantik, and the compositions for the next album are written at the end of 2005 in a holiday village on the North Sea before being worked on in several studios by Dirk, Roberto, Falko and Lexi. Vision und Tradition is set for release on the German label Danse Macabre.

Live work and online presence

The group tours regularly in Germany and has more than 50 performances, including support slots for Funker Vogt, Clan Of Xymox, Joachim Witt, die Untoten, The Crüxshadows and Kirlian Camera. It also runs a web presence that includes monthly free full-length downloads from its archive, a weblog, an online music magazine, a consumer-focused section and a newsletter sent to hundreds of fans.