With artists such as
Apoptygma Berzerk and
VNV Nation paving the way for a techno/industrial hybrid, several more acts have been able to refine the style.
Din Fiv leans toward the industrial side of the formula, trading in clean vocals for monstrous, distorted growls. "Through the Looking Glass" and "Conspiracy" are wonderful results, with ponderous lyrics and sampling. But if it weren't for the coasting strings in the background of every track, Escape to Reality may have wound up as an average entry in industrial dance. Instead, it functions as a cold yet soothing texture that brings a full sound to
Din Fiv's second release. Further proof lies in "Escape," a sublime instrumental that shows off Escape to Reality's sharpest weapon. ~ Kenyon Hopkin