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I think this is the new template to follow. This is most definitely a welcomed release, and about time too. We’ve all heard a track or two. Some of us have heard quite a lot of releases whether they be originals or remixes bettering the original artists work – (Sorry, Calvin Harris). ‘Welcome Reality’ by Nero hits the charts today and it is far better than what I initially anticipated it to be.

I knew the album would be good, the singles released have been superior, clubland belters. Having support from Chase & Status, Zane Lowe and other hugely successful music industry gurus, the pressure I feel would certainly be placed upon them, and how they have excelled.

It would be ridiculous of me not to mention similarities as the European electro flavour this album has is brilliant, and I do like a lot of European electro. The staunch, punky, distorted guitar riffs on tracks such as ‘Doomsday’ along with the incredible piercing wave effects would be hailed positively in Italy by fans of The Bloody Beetroots. Daft Punk fans would appreciate the spirited bravery on tunes such as ‘My Eyes’. The soft vocals building up the progressive beat and then the assault of a killer drum track and ice cold synths that send chills into the spine. The trembling, almost timid lyrics sung by Alana blend in and are encompassed by the powerful glitches, wobbles and wahs lovingly giving the track a huge, almighty presence wherever you would listen to it.

The rest of the album flows pretty much seamlessly from one track into the next like an entire Nero symphony. A rocky, punky, electro, dubstep symphony. Symphonic, DubRock, Electro-Punk even. Then, all of a sudden, striking piano chords sever the mood. It is then brought back to life with the introduction of an already classic single, ‘Me & You’.

Entirely, wondrous throughout. There is not a bad or even a mediocre track on this mammoth LP. There are a couple of serious dance tunes for the more hardcore of us rather than those which can stand by some of the dire records in the commercial charts. ‘Scorpions’ is a stomper of a record and then your ears will receive a battering on the intense, deep tones delivered on ‘Crush On You’. ‘Must Be The Feeling’ is one for the electro house crowd. A big room, nu-disco bounce with a funky, slapping bass and choppy violin melodies. An absolute winner in my book. ‘Reaching Out’ has an 80′s vibe mixed in with the severe dubby, waves.

As cream floats to the top, the crème de la crème of this release is the final track ‘Departure’. An epic, euphoric number that will fill a venue with commune of arms stretched up towards the decks. It is not a heavy tune, it is not a big banger, it is simply a lovely track to finish the album of with. That is if you don’t purchase the deluxe version.

The bonus material is well worth forking the extra dollar out for. It is an extension showing Nero’s greatness. ‘Angst’ is absolutely monsterous. So much so, I had to listen to it twice and the rest of the tunes that continue will not disappoint.

The biggest bonus is the ‘Symphony 2808′, an audio and visual spectacle of their dubstep symphony along with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. An eclectic, progressive mix of heavy bass, echoing drums, strings and woodwinds that take Nero into the realms of the music production elite.

I’ve updated this post with the album mix that Nero has done.

‘Welcome Reality’ by Nero is released by MTA Records and is out at midnight on 15th August, UK side and 16th August, US side.