This studio album contains seven brand new songs recorded in cooperation with Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch). Considered a mini-album intended as a follow-up to the ?Take Care and Control? release.
This studio album contains seven brand new songs recorded in cooperation with Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch). Considered a mini-album intended as a follow-up to the ?Take Care and Control? release.
"Since the release of "Nada" in the mid eighties, Death In June's song writing style can be sorted into two categories: 1. apocalyptic folk music backed by ambient electronics 2. off the wall and largely tedious militaristic electronic experimentation. This mini album falls somewhere in between the two. Noticeably absent is the acoustic guitar that has defined more recent releases. Soaring synths and triumphant Germanic patriotic samples mix with murmered thoughts of hate on most of the songs. "Flieger" though sounds like an oppressive version of a Legendary Pink Dots song, with it's loungy synths and surprisingly catchy rhythm (relatively speaking). At other times, the recurring sample of what sounds like a fairy tale gone horribly astray create a comic atmosphere that is much more akin to Current 93. Ultimately though, this album sounds like a collection of B-Sides, an oddity from an already odd band. This is certainly worth checking out if you already like this band but I would not recommend it as a first album if you have never heard them before."
Another glorious album from DIJ
07/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ever since buying "But, What Ends..." (my first DIJ album) I've found his music enthralling, beautiful, wonderful, so I expected as much of "Operation Hummingbird." However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it-- it's a very short album (under a half hour) and is a followup to "Take Care And Control," assisted again by Albin Julius-- I liked TCC but I actually like this album much more-- it's equally wonderful as a whole album as well as in regards to each song taken individually (whereas with TCC it was more of the former). I've had it for about a month now, loved it from the first listening, and still can't get enough of it-- the music, lyrics, and as always Douglas's voice, are haunting and beautiful-- if these songs are like B-sides then they must be some dang great B-sides! Glorious, enchanting, and darkly beautiful album-- I can't wait to see what is to come, his music continues to be mesmerizing... I couldn't say how good this would be as an introductory album for someone who'd never heard DIJ before, but, I adored it so I recommend it highly!"
Interesting....
claus_byrial@hotmail.com | Denmark | 04/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I love DIJ's patented apocalyptic folk-noir sound from brilliant releases like "Rose cloud of holocaust" and "But, what ends when symbols shatter?", but I really think the input of sound-architect Albin Julius (of Der Blutharsch) makes "Operation Hummingbird" a VERY interesting experience, infusing the DIJ sound with a sublime warped industrial/orchestral feel. A track like "Let the wind catch a rainbow on fire" is just so deliciously twisted, yet at the same time strangly sensual... ..And that goes for a lot of the other tracks as well... The album is a little too short(27 minutes)to grant the 5th rating star, but this release surely wets the appetite for future DIJ/Albin Julius collaborations..."
DIJ For the Club Set? Operation Hummingbird - Its Groovy
Robert E. Murena Jr. | Fairfield, CT United States | 01/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Operation Hummingbird is a great album that is so divergent from Death in June's normal style. The musical score is richer and the synth/sample fusion that Albin Julius whipped up makes these tracks seem like club tunes rather than DIJ. While the lyrics are far more simple and less contemplative or introverted than normal DIJ albums, it does not detract from its greatness. Two years prior to the release of this album at a DIJ show I witnessed Douglass Pierce stop a scuffle in the bathroom at Man Ray in Boston and he exclaimed "I just want to make groovy music man!". Well I guess this album is testament to this. This album is catchy, not too serious and a great listen for fans and others alike.
Many of the samples come from the soundtrack to the film "Alexander Nevsky" composed by Prokofiev (an album which I also recommend). This highly orchestrated backdrop provides a rich backdrop for the rest of the rhythms and Pierce's vocals. I think "Flieger" is the most surprising song. It is some sort of ecstatic imagination of flight in an me262 or me163 German wonder weapon. The song has a great driving sound with a cool feel that keeps it in my play list constantly.
This album is a certain must have for any DIJ fan but I also recommend the album to anyone who appreciates true avant garde masterpieces. Yes, the lyrics aren't exactly PC. But if you don't take it seriously, as Pierce certainly isn't taking it seriously, you will find this album and artistic and amazing experience that will reward the listener time and time again.
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
