If you're following Depeche Mode on Facebook, you probably gasped aloud when you saw this…
…an intriguing still from the "Policy Of Truth" video with the lyrics "Never again / is what you swore" added in ominous ambiguity. Rightly so, fans are foaming at the mouth, wondering if in fact former Depeche Mode sonic architect Alan Wilder will be returning to the fold in conjunction with the group's new studio album, due out sometime next year.
So, is it true? Is Alan Wilder really rejoining Depeche Mode? The answer: we don't know… yet. But probably… and here's why:
As SPIN points out, Wilder, whose keen recording studio know-how and prodigious ear for dense, sonically adventurous arrangements brought the English synth group to a creative and commercial apex in the mid to late '80s, recently performed with the band at a charity concert at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2010. He also contributed to last year's Remixes 2: 81-11 and has repeatedly been spotting around and about London drinking espresso and laughing heartily with Martin Gore and Dave Gahan. Okay, so I made that last part up… but the point is, there's no ill will between all involved parties. Hell, Martin and Vince Clarke have been working together—why not bring Alan back on board? It certainly didn't hurt Black Celebration or Violator in the Awesome Classic Albums department, right?
What do you guys think? Are Depeche Mode totally definitely telling us that Alan Wilder is back in the band? Toss us a comment in the provided section below.
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