Finally released on DVD, Depeche Mode's Devotional is well worth the
wait. Although a period of extreme difficulty for the band
would soon follow, Devotional is a document of a band at the top of
their game. It is also a tribute to director/photographer Anton
Corbijn's artistically fertile ongoing partnership with Depeche Mode.
Music, images and sheer showmanship combine
for one of the most compelling of concert films. Upon its initial
release in 1993, the film was nominated for a Grammy Award for
Best Long Form Music Video. Easily on par with Depeche Mode's earlier
101, this DVD should not be missed by anyone
with more than a passing interest in the band or electronic pop music
in general.

Culled from shows in Frankfurt and Barcelona on Depeche Mode's 1993
tour, the set is made up primarily of songs from four Depeche Mode
albums - Black Celebration, Music For the Masses, Violator, and Songs
Of Faith and Devotion. Those who are fans of earlier
music by the band including the hits 'Just Can't Get Enough', 'People Are
People' and 'Blasphemous Rumours' won't find them here. However, there is a closing
audience singalong to 'Everything Counts.' The main
focus here is on the darker, more emotional, and some would say more mature
music of the late 80's and early 90's. The dark sexiness of
'Behind the Wheel', anthemic snap of 'I Feel You' and reflective power of
'Condemnation' are among the standouts.

Although he was reportedly drowning in a sea of drug addiction
throughout this tour, vocalist Dave Gahan's performance remains
powerfully
compelling. His long hair and beard is startling compared with the
clean cut look of earlier years, but his rapport with the audience is
evident throughout. Gahan is magnetic whether sinuously dancing to
the music, cutting loose with full throaty vocals, or simply smiling
at the audience singing along to 'Personal Jesus.' Songwriter and
guitarist Martin Gore enjoys some of the spotlight as well. Decked
out in a shiny metallic outfit, he's hard to miss. His somewhat thin but soulful vocals are a strong counterpoint to Gahan throughout the concert.

For nearly 20 years now Depeche Mode have enjoyed a relationship with visual artist Anton Corbijn that is unprecedented among major recording acts. Beginning with music video direction in 1986 Corbijn's role has evolved to the point at which he is the primary person responsible for the look of the band from publicity photography to stage design. In addition to serving as director for this film, he also designed the stage set and images for projection screens on every song. His work here is quite powerful whether it is the Hieronymus Bosch-influenced imagery for 'Walking In My Shoes' or hyperkinetic use of silhouettes for 'I Feel You.' The set design with Dave Gahan and occasionally Martin Gore occupying the mainstage near the audience and the rest of the band and backup vocalists on a second stage above and behind the mainstage is very effective.