With Depeche Mode returning to the studio in March, the first word of a timetable for the band’s 13th album has emerged: Martin L. Gore tells German magazine Sonic Seducer that the record will be released “no later than early 2013,” according to fansite Home.
Gore also tells Italian Vogue that he can’t really tour his new VCMG album — recorded with ex-DM member Vince Clarke — because he’s already starting work on songs for the follow-up to 2009′s Sounds of the Universe: “It’s still all a little hazy, but I’ve written a bit of music: we’ll see each other soon and start working together.”
That follows Andy Fletcher’s revelation in late last year that Depeche Mode was slated to reconvene this month ahead of its recording session: “We got a meeting in January and it looks like we’re going to start recording a new album in March or something like that.”
Following the release of Sounds of the Universe, Depeche Mode toured the world for nearly a full year, wrapping up the “Tour of the Universe” in February 2010 in Germany. Since then, the band has released both a live album and DVD and a remix compilation, and contributed a cover of U2′s “So Cruel” to an Achtung Baby tribute album.
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- Andy Fletcher: Depeche Mode to enter studio in March to begin recording next album
I have a feeling this will be Depeche Mode’s last album and tour, not sure why. I’m very interested as to who they will choose as producer. Personally i would love to see them either work with Trent Reznor, Alan Wilder or maybe reunite with Flood..? Either way, it has to be better than Sounds Of The Universe which after three years i can admit was a bit disappointing.
toured the world… except Australia. They better tour here for this album, its been 18 years!
Producer wise, Trent Reznor would be great I agree, also Flood and Alan Wilder back on board is a great idea too…
If its their last tour (i think it is) then they really should tour Australia!
I’m surprised it hasnt been mentioned here yet – Ben Hillier will produce the new album. Personally, i think its a disastrous decision, the last album was so stale sounding. Bad news.
They need to make a follow up to Songs of Faith and Devotion, a true rock and blues album with power ballads and guitar. I hate to say it but perhaps Dave needs a new drug!
Interestingly, a lot of people who are not big DM fans always mistake Dave Gahan for a drug addict even these days because of the way he performs on stage.
To be honest, apart from maybe Playing The Angel, nothing the band has done has even come close to Songs Of Faith & Devotion in terms of songwriting, arrangement and emotion. Thats why i’m disappointed in the choice of Ben Hiller once again, they need someone who can give them a kick up the arse, there needs to be tension.
Very disappointed with the choice of Ben Hillier to produce the album. Dm don’t listen to what the fans want.
I loved Playing the angel and Sounds of the Universe. I think both albums as a whole were very honest and emotional. I must say that if you didn’t like sounds of the universe its because the songs weren’t their best however, the PRODUCTION was amazing.
Ben Hillier is NOT the problem his skills were shown on Sounds of The Universe, we just need more balls to walls song writing from Depeche Mode.
To add on from my last comment “Songs of Faith and Devotion” is a specialty album focusing on blues rhythms and more Guitar.
Just like “Sounds of the Universe” is another specialty album which focuses more on pure analog synths. So don’t blame Ben Hillier for Depeche Mode’s choice in direction.
Maybe we need a more classic Depeche Mode approach on the next album? Anyways its ultimately up to the band and I’m sure they will make the best decision.