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The first thing that came to mind when I saw the title God’s Laughter was that old saying: "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Somehow, it fits—because this EP by Manic P is full of contradictions: elevated and sensual, catchy and cerebral, steeped in nostalgia but boldly present. This isn’t a triumphant comeback with fanfare—it’s something quieter, more intricate. After years of silence, Manic P have revisited and reworked long-lost recordings from the early ’90s. The project, resurrected by KaiLF (ner.ogris, Les Berrtas), now finds new life with the addition of Heike Blauert-Lühe (Stimmgewalt), whose commanding, almost liturgical vocals set the tone for the entire release. That voice is the heart of this EP—monumental, hymn-like, and rich with emtional gravity. At times, it overshadows everything else, but those who listen closely will hear that the music itself carries just as much weight. The melodies are, quite frankly, the strongest aspect here—elegant, unexpected, and beautifully structured. The interplay between Heike’s towering vocal lines and the sharp electronics, paired with gritty guitar riffs, creates a striking contrast that feels spiritual without being preachy. Stylistically, God’s Laughter moves along the borders of goth metal, dark electro, and electronic experimentation. It's a blend that often risks falling apart in lesser hands—but here, it holds, and holds strong. The remix of the title track by thewalkingicon is a highlight—a fierce, rhythmic, club-ready storm that practically commands your feet to move. It’s intense, infectious, and crafted with a deep respect for the source material. Then come the instrumentals—and they shine. Refined, focused, sonically precise, and emotionally balanced. They’re not just extras—they’re essential. On the demo version of Reise, for example, there’s something raw and haunting in the riff—a shadow of Ministry echoes through, dirty and industrial, and it hits hard.
God’s Laughter doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers, sings, pulses, and occasionally roars. It invites you in and leaves you curious. This EP may not be about starting over—it’s about transformation. About unearthing what once was, and reshaping it into something strange and beautiful.
We’ll see what comes next. But this—this is a compelling start.

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Author: khocico
Translator: khocico
Add date: 2025-03-25 / Music reviews