Review: Celldweller – Celldweller (Definitive Edition)
History of a Celldweller
Originally released in 2003 on Esion Media/Position Music and produced by Klayton and Grant Mohrman, the 18-track self-titled debut made quite an impact upon the (then burgeoning) electronic music scene. Not only did this collection of songs introduce the new musical incarnation of Klayton (who had been absent from the scene since 1998’s Circle of Dust – Disengage), but the album would open doors for Klayton into a much larger universe of video game and cinematic music.
See below for my original release date review (oozing with enthusiasm!) circa 2003/2004:
Celldweller
Hah! I knew Scott Albert aka Scott Clay, aka Klayton wasn’t done after COD called it quits. Mr. Electronica is back … and in fantastic form. No, this isn’t more techno/industrial metal ala Circle of Dust, but it is smoking hot – and incredibly infectious – electronica with a really heavy and trance-like vibe. The kicker is this: unlike most electronic stuff you hear on BPM or the radio, these songs have memorable melodies and words tagged to the intense and erotic beats. I haven’t heard a better programmer than Klayton, his beats, ambient effects and keys just mesmerizing. There are even some incredibly warming acoustic guitar parts, like at the beginning of “Under My Feet.” “Switchback” is a song that would be wonderful for some kind of movie soundtrack. And the artwork and layout on this product is breathtaking. While Scott seems to be struggling with faith issues right now, his honest lyrical outpouring is to be admired. There are 15 songs here, with a little filler, but this is seriously the best thing I have heard in this genre ever. Metal? No. But there is enough heaviness in these tunes to make any lover of loud and intense music rejoice. Not to mention, this is a reference CD for the best audio system. Classic!
Celldweller – 10 Year Anniversary Edition
Fast forward 10 years. The 10 Year version was released in digital download, 2 CD formats with original 2005 demo songs along with a few songs culled from 2003’s The Beta Cessions (including “Goodbye,” “Uncrowned,” the Bee-Gee’s cover “Tragedy” and “Shapeshifter.” See my original review (below) circa 2013.
The original Celldweller self-titled debut was a monumental release in the world of electronica, and it set the stage for the plethora of material that Klayton would subsequently release for entertainment of all forms, to include motion pictures and video games. Not one to be content with the status quo, Klayton has remixed many of the songs from this release previously on the double CD The Beta Cessions.
This time around, for the 10th anniversary celebration, FIXT presents the original recording (cleaned up maybe) in its original format (15 songs with the 3 interlude tracks) and an entire second disc of tracks not previously released on CD. While the original release speaks for itself (too many amazing songs to mention each in detail here), it is worth noting that these songs still sound amazing and cutting edge 10 years later, although the slower pace (and the absence of dubstep) on most of these tunes may be less appealing to the current scene-dwellers.
Disc 2 is filled with two new songs, remixes by Klayton (to include 2 more versions of “Switchback”), a Bee Gees cover tune (“Tragedy”) and 5 tracks of unreleased demo material from 2005 and 2006. Of course, in this collection we finally have “Shapeshifter” on CD (in 2 different versions no less). By far the most interesting song is the dubstep infused “Uncrowned” because it was intended for release with the debut, yet it sounds more like much of Klayton’s subsequent work. It’s a great song, the lyrics included in the 6-panel fold-out insert which also contains all the lyrics from the debut and a mini-poster on the back side.
As with all things Celldweller there is plenty to process here and enjoy for many hours, and even though most of this stuff is available for digital download there is always something extremely satisfying about having all these great songs in one place on CD. About the only deficiency here – it would have been nice to have some liner notes or a little history about the origin of these tunes and about the formation/history of Celldweller, one of the most innovative and creative acts of the digital era. 10
Note: In 2017 the debut was released on vinyl (FiXT) for the first time ever. The 2LP 180-gram format (pictured above) with transparent “ice blue” is gorgeous and includes all original 18 tracks plus “Uncrowned.” This lush version came in gatefold with beautifully illustrated 12-page 12×12 booklet and bonus turntable mat (pictured below).
Celldweller – Definitive Edition (2025)
In truly Klayton style, the self-titled debut was reissued in 2024 in digital download (Bandcamp) and earlier this year with more grandeur than ever on CD and vinyl versions (FiXT).
The original release songs have been remastered for this edition by Brian Skeel and the noticeable impact is tons of low-end punch – especially the bass on the vinyl – and also a wider frequency appeal.
First, the digital download version (released in 2024) of this beast consists of 55 tracks! Insane amount of material, but just about every rendition of these songs plus bonus rare, demo and remixes of many of the songs, some of which were released on the 10th Anniversary version and some of the remixes never previously released. The CD version (track listing below) includes versions that are unique to the Definitive Edition version (annotated in bold), but some of the disc two songs were also included on the 10th Anniversary disc two. I don’t know how much of the bonus material was remastered (if any) for the 2024/2025 releases.
The 2CD comes in a triple gatefold digi (hard plastic trays) and 16-page booklet (distinct from the 2013 version) including credits and lyrics but rather spartan artwork.
However, the 3LP vinyl version is even more lush than the 10th Anniversary vinyl with triple gatefold, full-color sleeves (pictured below), multi-colored vinyl (pictured above) and a 12-page booklet which mirrors the CD booklet but much easier to read.
Also, the vinyl version contains several exclusive tracks (not included on the 2 CD set): “Own Little World (Klayton’s We Will Never Die Mix),” “Shapeshifter (Tessaracts Remix),” “One Good Reason (Drum Corps Remix)” and “Welcome to the End (Nouveax Arcade Remix).” (All of these are on the digital download version).
The Songs (…an interview with self!?)
“So how does this all sound?” Well, the digital versions benefit from the remastering for sure (more bass, more treble clarity) but it all sounds so good, clean and well-mixed and produced. The vinyl version is noticeably more bass-y than the 2013 vinyl version which fits with a “club environment.”
“But what about the songs, do you remember the songs?” Oh yeah, these songs are iconic. I cut my electronic rock teeth on the music of Celldweller – this release specifically. “Switchback,” in particular, is a song I never get tired of listening to. This song possesses heavy groove, just a touch of rap, the perfect contrast of melodic and harsh vocals and the provoking lyrics. So true to life, this song. The original release contains so many great moments. “Stay With Me (Unlikely)” – an exercise in the struggle for self-control – is a holdover from the music of the much underrated Disengage.
“And who says electronic dance rock can’t be epic?” That’s right. “The Last Firstborn” is an amazing track laced with all kinds of nuances, an infectious groove/beat, plenty of pace/rhythm changes, a frenetic pace and killer lyrics. Likewise, the evocative “Frozen” visits the online world of virtual reality where “synthetic ecstasy” allows complete escape (and comfort) from the harshness from the “actual reality” of living in the flesh. Both songs clock in at 7 minutes, but you would never know it when engulfed in the listening experience.
“What are some other highlights?” There are some very deep tracks on this release. For instance, the acoustic guitar driven “Under My Feet” is one of the truly balladic tunes, deals with suffering and how we put ourselves in situations where we literally, “can’t get out from under” our own feet.
“Symbiont” is another highlight for me and inspired me to put SYMBYNT on my 2013 Ford Focus ST hatch plates! (Truth). Not only does this song feature some incredible electronic rhythm wizardry (a preview of what Klayton would bring in full force on Blackstar), but I just love the lyrics – the struggle to not be controlled/compelled by anything yet the need to be dependent upon it all the same. With my car experience, she can’t go without me behind the wheel, and I can’t live vicariously married to speed and cornering without her! A truly symbiotic relationship we have (laughs).
“Fadeaway” is another deep, brilliant song. The theme that we are our own worst enemy seep into many songs, none so more than on this one. Just check out these lyrics,
“I set myself up for the fall/withdrawing deep into the hole/this isolated cell leaves me cold and faded/I’m my one and only friend/I am my own worst enemy”
“We cover metal and heavy rock here. Are there any heavy metal moments on the album?” Well, when you listen to and read the lyrics and truly immerse yourself in what it has to offer you realize that it is a very heavy album – both metaphorically and musically. The emotions and struggles Klayton expresses are very visceral, things to which all of us can relate and yet the music is so cleverly constructed, so diversified that the entire 70 minutes elapses all too quickly.
But yes, some songs bring it pretty heavy musically. I think “One Good Reason” is the angriest song here – hurt by words or actions of another – the guitars shred and the drums rock it hard. Also, “Own Little World” is a heavy track with some distorted harsh vocals and a driving beat. To me this song with its “I will never die/we will never die” chorus is kind of like a metal anthem. I love this song.
Alternatively, “So Sorry to Say” is a light bouncy heavily percussive number but there are these heavy guitar power chords in the chorus sections. In electronic dance music there is this conception you can’t be heavy, but Klayton puts in plenty of crunchy guitars, something likely stemming from his metal days in the early 90’s.
“Are there any exclusively instrumental moments on this album?” Yes, the ethereal “The Stars of Orion” harkens back to what Klayton experimented with on Disengage with “Thulcandra” and “Perelandra.” These are ethereal ambient tracks, something he later expanded upon greatly. Also, I think the 3 “cell” tracks play into the cinematic leanings, much of Klayton’s music inspired by sci-fi film and fiction.
“Many of our readers are interested in Klayton’s perspective on issues of faith. Do you see any evidence of spiritual struggles, revelations or victories in this music?” Oh yes, it’s there if you look carefully. I mean, really, it is present on most of these songs. But I would say the song “I Believe You” provides some important insight into where Klayton was at this point in time. ‘I’ll do your will and not ask why/But that’s all right because I believe you.’ Elements come through in “So Sorry to Say” as well, the idea of desiring to please and partake in what God has to offer yet being “so close yet so far away.”
“What about the bonus material on this Definitive Edition?” Klayton is notorious for releasing multiple versions of songs, remixes … and of course, the 2005 demos are included on disc two just as they were on the 10th Anniversary edition. But there are some new songs as well.
The Browning is a new “core” band on FiXT and it seems like every artist Klayton encounters want to take their shot at “Switchback.” So, the Celldweller meets The Browning version is very different from the other many renditions of this song to date. Another highlight is the Celldweller vs. Blue Stahli version of “Frozen,” and then the Drop remix of “Own Little World” and the Void Chapter remix of “Fadeaway” are highlights.
“Uncrowned” is a remarkable song which predated the Blackstar sessions, yet this song seems prescient in its style and groove which fits better with the Blackstar material, in my opinion. “Ghosts” (featuring Tom Salta) has always been a wonderful song as well – movie, video game ready in every way. And “Goodbye” follows, the song originally released on The Beta Cessions in 2003. So many good memories with this debut release and its cool to see Klayton resurrect and magnify this album so refreshingly in yet another rendition.
“We haven’t previously seen much discussion on the 2005 demo material.” I honestly don’t know much about these songs myself either, but these songs were released on the 10th Anniversary version in 2013. They are diverse and insightful – a bit different than much of the self-titled and Blackstar albums. The acoustic guitar driven, and comparatively more traditional rock “The Way She Wants to Die” a very interesting song, almost like something we would hear from Stone Temple Pilots or Nirvana in the early to mid ‘90’s. In contrast, “Waiting” almost has a Beatles vibe, but then the harsh vocals and pace keep it aggressive.
These songs haven’t been showcased, but a tune like “06-06-06” is seriously good. A good point in this discussion, these “demo” songs don’t sound like it, they are well-mixed. Similarly, “Blood From the Stone” once again pushes against the grain of conformity, the piano lead-in and balladic nature resonate with the departure that was “Welcome to the End” from the self-titled releases. In an era long gone this song could have been a hit radio single. “Iria” is yet another different song, very chill. Not sure how these songs have never made it on to another release.
“Thanks much, Doc, for taking the time to share your thoughts on this seminal release.” My pleasure, Klayton’s world is a fascinating universe to explore and always great lessons to be learned along the way. In my view, this is the best music in its genre right now … even all these years later.
Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Cell #1 (0:28)
2. Switchback (5:02)
3. Stay With Me (Unlikely) (3:41)
4. The Last Firstborn (7:41)
5. Under My Feet (3:30)
6. I Believe You (3:26)
7. Frozen (7:00)
8. Symbiont (5:27)
9. Afraid This Time (4:59)
10. Fadeaway (4:47)
11. Cell #2 (0:21)
12. So Sorry to Say (5:33)
13. Own Little World (3:33)
14. Unlikely (Stay With Me) (2:59)
15. One Good Reason (3:52)
16. The Stars of Orion (2:56)
17. Cell #3 (0:32)
18. Welcome to the End (2:59)
Disc Two
1. Celldweller X The Browning – Switchback (4:32)
2. Shapeshifter (Feat. Styles of Beyond) (3:37)
3. Uncrowned (4:26)
4. Ghosts (Feat. Tom Salta) (5:05)
5. Goodbye (5:25)
6. Tragedy (3:47)
7. Fadeaway (Void Chapter Remix) (5:23)
8. Frozen (Celldweller vs. Blue Stahli) (4:59)
9. Own Little World (Drop Remix) (4:18)
10. Stay With Me (Unlikely) (Toronto is Broken Remix) (3:24)
11. Switchback (2001) (4:35)
12. The Way She Wants to Die (2005 Demo) (4:48)
13. Waiting (2005 Demo) (4:22)
14. 06-06-06 (2:58)
15. Blood From the Stone (2005 Demo) (3:01)
16. Switchback (2000) (3:43)
17. Waiting For So Long (1:32)
18. Iria (Demo) (4:22)
19. Atmospheric Light (Demo Redux) (3:59)
*Tracks in bold are new to this version and were not present on the 10th Anniversary Edition.
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