Ikon are probably the best known Australian goth export (The best known Australian Industrial export being Angelspit) and as they’ve been around for around 20 years they’ve had plenty of time to build their reputation as well as a discography. And now the time has come to re-release their old albums, the first of which being In The Shadow of The Angel. Pretty good timing on their part, as according to some sources goth rock of the 80’s and 90’s is coming into vogue for better or for worse. (The 90’s being the time when there was so much goth rock going all but the diehards couldn’t stand it).

So if you’re wondering what you’re in for, think stuff inspired by The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of The Nephilim and The Mission UK, the big three of goth rock. Think music played by bands in the only sub-genre of rock that will proudly admit to using a drum machine. Think lots of smoke machines and, at the time, big black hair. And already you know if the album is for you or not. Like Rosetta Stone? You’ll enjoy this. Look back on 90’s goth as a time when there was far too much goth rock going and it all became dull and repetitive? Then you’ll probably want something else. Don’t know what the deal was about 90’s goth? Stay with us then.

“Lord of Darkness” is one such 90’s goth track, with a grandiose title with a comparatively lacklustre beat. “Fall Apart” has descending beats in its build with a very hypnotic chorus line. “Hallowed Ground” is much livelier, and would be very well suited to the dancefloor of any nostalgia night going. “I’ve Been” really brings the Treble to the fore like a heavy-handed Cure. Very nicely done. “Distant Memory” adds variety with semi-acoustic guitars and ghostly synths at the sides. “Truth” sounds like it could have been produced on some of the band’s later work, give or take softer and more polished percussion. “Love Is Colder Than Death” is another for the nostalgia nightclub, but this stands apart as it’s the third song I know that shares the same name as a certain 1969 cult German film. “In The Shadow of the Angel” is an ambient dirge that is another tenuous link between goth rock and ethereal bands.

The second disc, containing bonus and unreleased tracks, follows a similar line. “So Evil” and “Under The Watchful Eye” are above average 90’s goth rock. “Exit” is definitely ones for the fans of The Cult, being reminiscent of “She Sells Sanctuary”. “The Unmarked Grave” is very slow and pedantic, like a slow moving car that forces you to drive behind it at the same snail’s pace. “Headspin” and “Why” puts things in a faster lane while “Never Ending” takes things down a sombre turn. “Alive” is much more hopeful and pleasant (Sounds like a tune with real pop-rock spirit). “Towards Tomorrow” trawls through the sparse desert with sand to cover over its cuts. “As Time Goes By” is a real rock moment and “A Moment In Time” is a moaning track about abuse of some sort but does make a valid point. “So Far Away” is a tired little critter that just wants to curl up and sleep. “The Final Experience” came from the same litter as it drones semi-acoustically on in need of a good rest. “A Moment In Time (Reprise)” is so short it hardly deserves mention. It’s just a blip of guitar really.
The album is above the low part that was set in the 90’s for goth rock when everyone was trying to emulate the old 80’s glories, and listening to it you can really tell how Ikon made the name for themselves that they did over the past two decades. Just keep in mind it can all sound so repetitive after a while. Best take a break between listening to the two discs rather than putting them on one after the other.