Bands such as Depeche Mode, Front 242, Invisible Limits ... inspired the two founding members, which meant that the concerted effort soon bore first fruit. Within a few weeks the first songs were created, which were then sent to relevant record companies in form of a demo tape.
In January 1993 the band was signed by the Nuremberg Hypnobeat / Hyperium label as successors of Project Pitchfork, who had left the label at that time. However, it still took almost another year before the Debut-CD Human Refuse was actually released. The album came like a bomb and caused positive to enthusiastic reactions not only with the press but also with the listeners. The combination of driving rhythms and catchy tunes so typical for Evils Toy seemed to be exactly what everyone had been waiting for in vain for quite some time, and therefore it was not surprising that the band could register an increase in sales.
The band released their second album Morbid Mind in the December of 1994, which they presented live on a 12-city-tour of Germany in April 1995, which was very well-attended. “Morbid Mind” soon established itself in the alternative scene and was a must for every record collection. In the beginning of 1996 the single “Organics” was released, which climbed to number 12 in the German alternative charts, was voted single of the month by a well-known German magazine and developed into a hit in clubs world-wide. The American label partner (Metropolis Rec. / Philadelphia) demanded an exclusive remix of “Organics” to be able to promote the song via radio stations.. As a result of this Evils Toy entered all American college-radio charts and the sales numbers increased.
In the summer Volker Lutz produced the third album XTC Implant in the bands own recording studio “Evil Empire”. This album also entered the German alternative charts, placing itself between Fanta 4 and the Smashing Pumpkins. Pretty good, huh? The second successful 11-city-tour of Germany followed in April 1996 to present “XTC Implant” live. Due to lighting rented and programmed especially for the tour the concerts were not only an audio, but also a visual experience.
The band adopted this concept for all following live performances, so that the concerts received the subtitle “Visual Illusion” from the next tour onwards. Illusion was the key-word for the next longplay CD. The album Illusion clearly related the bands versatility. From soft soundtrack sound collages to the typical Evils Toy electric-thunderstorms, Illusion contains everything your heart desires and, like its predecessors, soon became a classic of the alternative genre. This album was of course also presented live on a distinct tour which took the band through 10 German cities, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium and to Sweden. As on the last tour, the specially rented lighting made each show an experience.
In the mean time Volker Lutz was composing the title music for a video series for the show-hypnotist Pharo, known for appearances on German shows such as Hans Meiser (RTL), Arabella (Pro 7), Bitte Lächeln (RTL2), Gottschalk (SAT.1). The duo became a trio in the summer of 1998. From now on, Oliver Taranczewski is to accompany Volker and Thorsten. Oliver, born in Darmstadt, had already written lyrics for Evils Toy before joining the band and now supports the band as keyboarder. “And One” (Virgin) released the song Silver Century, a song written exclusively for And One by Evils Toy, on their single Sitata Tirulala.
"Angel’s only!" is the best description for a change in trend in the Evils Toy camp. The fifth album Angels Only! shows a change of underground club hits to partly radio suitable commercial ballads, but even still Evils Toy stay true to their typical style. Melody is the key word that is the albums central thread. The album is presented live in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and the UK and successfully celebrated. Further concerts are confirmed for Spring 2000 in Mexico City, Rome and for Easter in London. Meanwhile Volker Lutz wrote a further song for the band “And One” in Autumn 1999. The song Don’t need the Drugs got released on the album “Virgin Superstar”.
Evils Toy have been in their own studio “Sonicstage” since November 1999 to produce their next album Silvertears. To ensure a professional production, the band will be working in the studios of the rockband “Franz K.”, which Evils Toy took over in January 1997 from the German Status Quo support band.
“Silvertears” is the consequent further development of “Angels Only!”. A mixture of pop, drum’n'bass and typical electro à la Evils Toy forms an energy and melancholy which could make you lose a silver tear or two. And if you can’t cry, you can at least dance – it liberates.
As of 2001 the band was renamed to T.O.Y. for further information look under that name.
The band have produced many remixes for other bands like Apoptygma Berzerk, In Strict Confidence, De/Vision and !Bang Elektronika. Volker has also undertaken many album productions in his SonicStage Recording Studios. He has worked with bands like And One, L'Âme Immortelle, Funker Vogt and Pulcher Femina.
In 2004 Volker made a song for the German radio play "The three investigators"-Song contest. Also in 2004, the computer game giant Konami used a special remix done by T.O.Y. on the new PS2 & Xbox release: "Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 2". Bands like Neuropa, Echo Image, Alien#Six13 or Midihead have also contributed to the soundtrack.
In 2005 Oliver released an album under the name Yavin 4 in the US. An album sounding more like the older Evils Toy releases mixed with modern dance and drum & bass elements. Also he produced the Cruciform Injection album "Aftermath" that has been released in 2006
After weak split rumours concerning the future of T.O.Y. they are, in fact, working on new songs. All such songs are more or less raw demos, some with vocals, some without, but represent the kind of music fans expect to hear on the next T.O.Y. release.
In May 2009 Oliver left the band for good. Obviously there were different opinions concerning the direction of T.O.Y. and the new songs. Volker will finish the album which will be released in autumn 2009 on his own.
Time Lapse
Evil's Toy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A poor player, deranged and restless
Sometimes empty
Sometimes mad
This tale is not told by an idiot, so don't forget
It's also full of sound and fury, but don't regret
When cold is hot and hot is cold, splendid silver turns to gold
A complex loop, relative and passing by
Sometimes slowly
Mostly sad
It is not dead, what lies eternally in deepest sleep
Until the time defeats death forever or never
When wrong is right and right is wrong, the sleeper awakes
Time is passing by
A fading shadow from the past
Time is passing by
Flying away much too fast
The lyrics of Evil's Toy's song Time Lapse are reflective of the complex nature of time and life. The opening lines "Life is but a walking shadow, one wise man said. A poor player, deranged and restless. Sometimes empty, sometimes mad" provide a glimpse into the fleeting nature of existence, where one is always chasing after something, never fully satisfied. The lyrics suggest that life is essentially meaningless, just like a shadow that disappears with the slightest touch of light.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more philosophical, delving into the idea of time as a "static state". The lyrics "Time is but a static state, some men of science said. A complex loop, relative and passing by. Sometimes slowly, mostly sad" suggest that time is not something that can be easily explained or captured, but exists in a perpetual state of flux, ever-changing yet always the same. The lyrics also hint at the sorrow and regret that comes with the passage of time, a constant reminder of all that has been lost and can never be regained.
The chorus of the song "Time is passing by. A fading shadow from the past. Time is passing by. Flying away much too fast" captures the essence of the song, where time is a fleeting entity that is always disappearing, leaving no trace behind. The lyrics highlight the importance of living in the present moment, rather than getting lost in the past or worrying about the future.
Overall, Evil's Toy's song Time Lapse is a fascinating exploration of the philosophical nature of time and existence. The lyrics are thought-provoking and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of life and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is but a walking shadow, one wise man said
Life can feel fleeting and insignificant, like a mere shadow, as noted by a wise man.
A poor player, deranged and restless
The metaphorical actor in the play of life can feel inadequate and unbalanced, leading to stress and discomfort.
Sometimes empty
There can be moments in life where one feels a lack of fulfillment or purpose.
Sometimes mad
Emotions can be overwhelming and lead to irrational behavior.
This tale is not told by an idiot, so don't forget
The artist or author of this message should not be dismissed as foolish, so pay attention.
It's also full of sound and fury, but don't regret
Life can be loud, chaotic, and dramatic, but it's important not to dwell on regret for missed opportunities or mistakes.
When cold is hot and hot is cold, splendid silver turns to gold
The world can be unpredictable and changeable; what is considered valuable or desirable can also shift over time.
Time is but a static state, some men of science said
Certain scientists believe that time may be a constant, unchanging aspect of our universe.
A complex loop, relative and passing by
Others believe that time is a more complicated concept that is subjective and always moving forward.
Sometimes slowly
Time can drag on and feel interminable in certain situations.
Mostly sad
The fleeting nature of time can lead to sadness or a sense of loss.
It is not dead, what lies eternally in deepest sleep
Even when not actively engaged or awake, something important can still exist within us.
Until the time defeats death forever or never
The ultimate outcome of life and death is uncertain and may never be fully understood.
When wrong is right and right is wrong, the sleeper awakes
Sometimes perception or understanding of the world can be turned on its head, leading to surprising insights or awakenings.
Time is passing by
The unstoppable forward movement of time is a constant reminder of life's transience.
A fading shadow from the past
Memories and events from the past can become less vivid and less important over time.
Flying away much too fast
The speed at which time moves can feel overwhelming and difficult to keep up with or control.
Contributed by Declan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Breanne Scena
This is brilliant and so darkly hilarious. I really hope you continue with an "evil toys" series cause your ideas are amazing!!
Tim
I'd like to see a dark barnyard series.
DigMalion Studio [디그말리온 스튜디오]
I love the feeling of your work! The "bake" part was also a little fun. 😂
cat3crazy
I loved the dog throwing the stuffed toy into the oven.
Tina Burns
Made me laugh too. Glad we on the same page
Claire Mcnabb
This has got to be one of my favourite little diorama models I’ve seen in a long time!
Jo Santiago
I've seen a few horror themed miniatures and dioramas but this is the first one to combine my love for miniatures and my morbid fascination with serial killers. It's so creative and cute and creepy! After watching a few videos of yours this one made me subscribe.
Edit: like others have said I would totally love the idea of this being a series if you wanted.
Lobble
The fact that he killed his friends makes it 10 times more creepy
Maia Dion
I didnt know why the pink and blue.. Till the end. Soo creepy
Jake Visconti
@goob the destroya Ohhh i see, my bad