This US-duo has been often guests here on our pages, be it with reviews or interviews. FGFC820, consisting of the both international renowned DJ's Rexx Arkana and DrÄcos, sends out a sign of life after almost a decade of silence. After their last full-length release “Homeland Insecurity” in 2012, “American History Vol. 1” is kind of a “Best of...” compilation and provides us the most remarkable tracks of this highly acclaimed Harsh Electro project out of their heydays from the Noitekk Records times. It's all about to celebrate the 15th year anniversary of their first full-length album “Urban Audio Warfare” out in 2006 on NoiTekk Records. This release also marks the first one out by Haus Arkana, the new label outfit established by Rexx Arkana.

Within often critically viewed thanks to their perceived militaristic and patriotic “pro-America” image, please note, that this compilation represents pretty that music style we all know and have widely discovered in those days: it's the newer form of a Harsh Electro rush – or Hellectro, if you like so. Often praised for its versatile dancefloor-attitude, but also cursed for its repetitive, one-dimensional sound-design too often inspired by various Techno styles, FGFC820 have been always counted to be one of the best horses of this style and can count on a loyal fan base world-wide. They could successfully enter international stages of renowned gigs and festivals abroad. It shouldn't wonder therefore, that “American History Vol. 1” offers some of their most recognized tracks, all in completely remastered versions, just to bring themselves back into the ears of their audience.

First and foremost, there's their anthem “G.B.A.” (= God Bless America), which has already made its slot on the above mentioned debut album. Asides the remastered original version, you'll get two new remix contributions provided by such global players like Suicide Commando and Leaether Strip from which I enjoyed the more old school-vibe of the latter one a bit more. “Not The World I Remember”, taken from the second album “Law And Ordnance” is another personal favorite with its view of an uncertain future. I generally like to praise and point out their mostly well-thought lyrical work, on which “Doctrine” and its father-son discourse has left me pensively back.

At least, almost every remarkable track taken from all three full-length albums of FGFC820 got collected here to provide you, the listener, a full-scale sonic assault in the band's typically signature sound of raw, adrenaline-driven, pulsating Harsh EBM. As said above, it's generally perfect club-food with raw, distorted screams by Rexx presented on here on all 10 original tracks plus the two remix contributions. Actually this course of action finally doesn't offer the more of a diverse sound design, which I miss here and which this duo has definitely to offer too. As for my personal taste, I am missing the “nuggets” out of their discography like the cool, old school EBM-tune “The Victim”, the provoking “Hello, Baghdad”, or the tricky bass line sequences of “Relapse” - but that's just me.

Also, a decade after their last full-length album, wasn't there the possibility to release at least one new track to the fans to show up the things which may come up? I finally hope that both protagonists do find their way back into their studio to produce mutually new music and so I find a bit a pity, that this collection doesn't offer any hint of this. Finally, please note, that this collection doesn't seem to be availlable as a digital download - You'll get the physical product in form of a CD with a well-fitting artwork.