Worldbeat Titans Enigma Return to Form With ‘Rebel Angel’

Brett Callwood

It’s been 26 years since German electronica group Enigma released the debut MCMXC a.D. album and shocked a world getting used to the idea of acid house music, rave culture and techno. Here, we had a German producer, Michael Cretu, creating the most ambient and chilled out electronic noises as a background for Gregorian chant. The “Sadeness (Part I)” single was a No. 1 smash hit across Europe, and a Billboard No. 5 here in the states.

From 1993 to 2008, group released six albums, and then they went away for eight years until this week, the group finally unleashing its eighth full-length record. “The Fall of a Rebel Angel“ is a concept album dreamed up by Cretu and lyricist Michael Kunze, telling the story of a journey leading to a new life. That is probably overt and apparent to the duo, but there’s not a clear story for listeners in these 12 tracks, if you haven’t been told about it.

No matter. What we do have is an album far superior to 2008’s “Seven Lives Many Faces,” which suffered from an overuse of a new-age vibe resulting in something you might hear at a chain yoga joint. Here, the concept is apparently a loose one and Cretu, plus a host of featured personnel, have focused on the songs, if songs is the right word. Enigma is at its best when, regardless of whispered vocals or those Gregorian chants, it creates soundscapes that could be used for a film score. Such is the case here.

The inclusion of a track called “Sadeness (Part II),” a continuation of the theme of that first hit single, is both exciting and a little disheartening. Yes, the churchy organ noises and return of the chants generate some nostalgia-fueled joy. But it also feels a little desperate. Will lightning strike twice?

It’s great to have Enigma back after the hiatus. This new one is hardly flawless. But it is fascinating, musically challenging, compelling and exciting. Those words haven’t been leveled at Enigma since the debut.

“The Fall of a Rebel Angel” is available on Apple Music Nov. 11.