Remix albums: Are they worthwhile endeavours or just another way to get attention from the music media and extract cash from fans? If good remixes come from as far away as possible from the original song musically, then good remix albums should have a large variety of different sounds and genres on them rather then going squarely for the usual crowd likely to buy the original album. Lost In Desire get it mostly right here: The first half of the album can sound like the same track over and over with its dance industrial remixes but the rest is a demonstration of what really can be done with remixes, varying from some excellent experimental pieces to some supple and subtle rock songs.

“I Am You (Apoptygma Berzerk Remix)” slides along with pop slipperiness and dance tempo. “Vampire (Assemblage 23 Remix)” sounds like it’s a member of the same, but as it’s a song about wanting to become a vampire, it’s easier to look down on in disdain. “Artificial Love (Stendeck Remix)” flows evenly over a black metal base (The material, not the music). “All Alone (Razed In Black Remix)” burns like magnesium but remains steady and in control of the reins. “Reason Is Nothing (Imperative Reaction Remix)” keeps melody in the background and gnashes things up in the front, doing it quite well actually. “Blow My Mind (Silicon Brothers Remix)” sounds like Linkin Park doing full-on electro and going into trance territory. “Endless Desire (Vienna Dc’s Total SubZero Mix)” is a gorgeous song of funky pops and beats that will work its way into the heart of anyone who grew up on computer games. And yet it’s so versatile that I could easily see it being spun by the DJs of some of my local drinking holes that are better known for their chill out atmospheres then black clad clientele.

“Walking On Air (Shall I Be Mother vs. Scarlet Soho Remix)” goes half and half with rock and electro, combining some metal effects with acoustic guitar and tinkling piano with distorted treble beats. “Picturesque And Beautiful (David Pfister Remix)” is an alien creature based on wavelength motions and distorted noise particles with a head full of high thoughts and cynical concepts. “Losing Control (Whispers In The Shadow Reinterpretation)” is a sold goth rock/post-punk cover that will make a tradgoth smile with delight. “I am Drama (Born For Bliss Remix)” is a lovely rock song that blends acoustic guitar with some hard rock like marble cake and ices it all with some superb lyrics.

Both fans of dance music and the more esoteric will find a lot to enjoy on this album, and if they are open-minded enough then they will also find themselves liking the other half of the album they wouldn’t usually approach. It’s a good all-rounder that should go down well with any fan of dark music.