Catastrophe Ballet - Monologues Of The Past And The Future

Catastrophe Ballet was founded in 1989 by Eric Burton (vox) in a small town called Bitburg (you may still know the Ramones song "Bonzo goes to Bitburg"). Eric was interested in writing music with sounds and messages beyond the happy side of pop. A big influence on him and the few who started with him were bands like Killing Joke, The Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus, The Cure and Fields Of The Nephilim. After the first appearances in 1990, Catastrophe Ballet had already earned a considerable reputation. The first two demo tapes sold very well and the first tour of Germany was a complete success. In 1991, Catastrophe Ballet recorded their first album "Monologues Of The Past And The Future" on their own label, Floor Rec. The 1000 copies that were pressed were only available at concerts and sold out within a very short time.

Monologues Of The Past And The Future stands as a raw, compelling snapshot of early 1990s German darkwave, bridging the gap between aggressive deathrock and atmospheric gothic rock. Released during a transitional era for the subculture, the EP benefits immensely from its conceptually split structure. The "Past Side" delivers a nostalgic, high-energy assault of driving basslines, chorused guitars, and dramatic baritone vocals reminiscent of The Sisters of Mercy. This is best exemplified by the standout track "Shadow Reich," which quickly became a fixture in European underground clubs. The "Future Side" intentionally pivots toward a colder, more experimental horizon, layering brooding synthesizers and dark poetic themes in tracks like "Der Taucher (Father Death, Mother Life)." This structural contrast effectively showcases a young band masterfully balancing their traditional roots with a forward-thinking sonic evolution.

Despite its initial scarcity due to a limited run of 1,000 handmade vinyl pressings, the EP has earned a revered status among gothic music collectors as a hidden gem of the era. Listeners and underground retrospectives frequently praise the record for its unpolished authenticity, noting that it captures Catastrophe Ballet at their most genuinely gothic. While the band would later transition into highly polished, electronic synth-goth on subsequent albums like Transition, this debut remains celebrated for its gritty, organic energy. It is an essential piece of German dark alternative history, offering a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric listening experience that encapsulates the very essence of the 1990s darkwave movement.

Presented here is a rip of the debut vinyl from Catastrophe Ballet in MP3 @ 320kbps

Catastrophe Ballet; Monologues Of The Past And The Future

A1.  Shadow Reich

A2.  Somnambulists

A3.  Trust Myself

B1.  Der Taucher (Father Death, Mother Life)

B2.  Black Fire