Enigma

Le Roi Est Mort Vive Le Roi

Enigma's third chapter captivating as the last two.

Review Score:

(8/10)
The interesting thing about Enigma is that between their 3 albums, no 2 are different and yet they're the same. Frontman Michael Cretu has written another otherworldly album, but its differences between the others weakens it some. MCMXC a.D. gave us dance grooves, chants, and seductive French lyrics. How can we forget the "Prends-moi, je suis a toi" ("Take me, I'm yours") of "Mea Culpa"? Cross of Changes took that one, and added another element, more lyrics, harder drum loops, and more wisdom. Le Roi Est Mort.. changed its sound dramatically. It's still obviously Enigma, but it has hushed drum loops, a futuristic, aquatic sound, and noticable more lyrics. What weakens the album is it's lack of depth that the first two had. Songs like "Why..?" have been done before and add little to the album. Its two instrumental songs are breathtaking ("Shadows In Silence" and "Almost Full Moon"). "Morphing Thru Time" stands out as one of the best songs on the album, as does "The Roundabout", "Beyond The Invisible", and "TNT For The Brain". The album's intro, "Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi" is the perfect way to begin. I love the chorus and the way the female voice comes in. Definitely one of the best albums out there, but I still miss the sensuality and mystery of the first two.

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