What makes Volatile Times by IAMX notable?

The album received attention for its innovative remixes, reflecting the rising trend of collaborative reinterpretation in electronic music. It not only charted well on digital platforms but also helped position IAMX as a key figure within the dark electronic and alternative rock movements, influencing emerging artists looking to merge genres. Released in 2011, Volatile Times marks IAMX's exploration of remix culture following the critically acclaimed album Kingdom of Welcome Addiction. This project showcases Chris Corner's ability to reinvent his sound while collaborating with various artists, further solidifying his presence in the alternative music scene during this period.

How many songs are on Volatile Times?

Volatile Times has 4 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Volatile Times

IAMX · 2011

21 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of dark cabaret and synth-pop, underscored by haunting vocals and intricate electronic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Volatile Times (IAMseX UNFALL rework) — This rework captures the essence of IAMX's dark aesthetics while showcasing a fresh take on the original track's themes of instability and emotional turbulence.
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Volatile Times (Clayton Worbeck mix) — Worbeck's mix adds a new layer of depth with its pulsating beats and atmospheric soundscapes, transforming the track into an evocative dance experience.
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Volatile Times (Glen STRANGERS Trip Wave remix) — This remix introduces psychedelic elements that enhance the song's narrative, creating an immersive listening experience that stands out among others on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends dark synth-pop and rock with strong lyrical themes, showcasing solid production and distinct sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken-word track that sets a theatrical tone, followed by a shift into more rhythmic and melodic pieces.
Several tracks feature layered synths and percussion that create a dense soundscape, while others strip back to minimal arrangements for contrast.
Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of identity and societal issues, with recurring motifs that tie the album together.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Volatile Times (IAMseX UNFALL rework) 4:28
2 Volatile Times (Clayton Worbeck mix) 6:23
3 Volatile Times (Glen STRANGERS Trip Wave remix) 5:46
4 Volatile Times (Noblesse Oblige remix) 4:33

What to play next

Listen next

Volatile Times

2011

Go back to

Dogmatic Infidel Comedown OK

2010

Full IAMX discography Where to start with IAMX Artists like IAMX

alternative rock dark cabaret synth-pop

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