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Delta Machine
Delta Machine
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Delta Machine
Studio album by
Depeche Mode
Released22 March 2013 (2013-03-22)
RecordedMarch–October 2012
Studio
Genre
Length57:55
Label
ProducerBen Hillier
Depeche Mode chronology
Remixes 2: 81–11
(2011) 		Delta Machine
(2013) 		Spirit
(2017)
Singles from Delta Machine
  1. "Heaven"
    Released: 31 January 2013
  2. "Soothe My Soul"
    Released: 6 May 2013
  3. "Should Be Higher"
    Released: 11 October 2013

Delta Machine is the thirteenth studio album by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 22 March 2013 by Columbia and Mute Records. It is the band's first album released under Columbia. Recorded in 2012 in Santa Barbara, California, and New York City, the album was produced by Ben Hillier and mixed by Flood, who had previously worked with the band on their albums Violator (1990) and Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993).[2] A deluxe edition was also released, containing a bonus disc with four bonus tracks, as well as a 28-page hardcover book including photos by Anton Corbijn.[2]

"Heaven" was released as the album's lead single on 31 January 2013.[3] The second single from the album, "Soothe My Soul", was released on 10 May 2013,[4] followed by "Should Be Higher" on 11 October 2013.[5] Following the album's release, Depeche Mode embarked on the Delta Machine Tour, which commenced in Nice, France, on 4 May 2013, and concluded in Moscow on 7 March 2014.[6]

Background and composition

[edit]

Thematically, much of the album is written from a personal point of view. Martin Gore said that the opening track "Welcome to My World" is "written from a much more personal point of view. I feel more at peace with my life and much better physically".[7] Dave Gahan also explained how getting cancer affected his songwriting on the track "Secret to the End" inspiring the line "is this the end?".[8] Lyrically, the song "Slow" is about "the joy of sex" as Gore described in an interview with Steffen Rüth.[9] Gahan wrote about his struggle with substance abuse on the track "Should Be Higher" explaining that he won't even drink a glass of wine anymore because it could open a Pandora's box.[10] Gore also felt that "Goodbye" sounds like a Beatles song but is hesitant to make that comparison.[11]

According to Gahan, Delta Machine marks the end of the trilogy of records that Depeche Mode were recording with producer Ben Hillier, though the sound of this album differs from past albums.[12] The album is Gore and Gahan's thematic continuation to a dark, gloomy and bluesy aesthetic that Depeche Mode had started to explore in the late 1980s. The Quietus writer Luke Turner viewed it as the band's "most powerful, gothic, twisted, electronic album since Violator".[13] The sound of the album is also notable for its use of modular synthesisers. While "Welcome to My World" was built around a synth loop, other tracks such as "Heaven" were entirely written on the piano.[14] The band debated leaving the song "My Little Universe" off the album due to its more techno sound that made it stand out. The song was also massively changed from Gore's demo.[15] The song "Slow" was originally written by Gore as far back as the early 1990s for Songs of Faith and Devotion, but was pushed aside until the Delta Machine sessions taking on a much more bluesy sound. Currently it is the first song written by Martin Gore known to have been written and shelved before eventually seeing use on an album years after the time of its writing.[16]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.5/10[17]
Metacritic65/100[18]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[19]
Clash8/10[20]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[21]
The GuardianStarStarStar[22]
The IndependentStarStar[23]
NME5/10[24]
The ObserverStarStar[25]
Pitchfork5.0/10[26]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarHalf star[27]
The TimesStarStarStarStar[1]

Delta Machine received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 65, based on 33 reviews.[18] Entertainment Weekly's Kyle Anderson hailed Delta Machine as "the strongest album the group has put out this century" and praised the work of collaborator Christoffer Berg, stating he "lends a long-lost toughness that runs through much of Delta".[21] The Times critic Will Hodgkinson commented that the album "finds the band striking just the right balance between the chirpy electro-pop of their early days and the harsh industrial dissonance of the later albums".[1] Benjamin Boles of Now proclaimed it as "the best album of [Depeche Mode's] career" and found that the songs "find the band leaping in thrillingly unexpected directions and landing on their feet every time."[28]

Laurence Green of musicOMH opined that the album "lays the template for some of the band's most vigorous, energetic material in 15 years", concluding, "In what has always been a frighteningly consistent career, Delta Machine stands there amongst the band's finest work."[29] Mat Smith of Clash noted, "The freshness comes through in the delivery, which is as loose as electronic music permits, delivered with the bluesy rawness that frontman Dave Gahan wanted from the album."[20] AllMusic editor David Jeffries described the album as "a well-written [...] and lusciously recorded set of serpentine siren songs", adding, "Those who don't buy into the dark eroticism that drives the album will be disappointed as well, but don't mistake 'dour' for 'down for it' when it comes dressed-in-leather pants, because the simmering and dark Delta Machine is certainly the latter."[19] Rolling Stone's Jon Dolan stated that the album "celebrates brooding faith and slippery solace without scrimping on Depeche's trademark blackstrobe punishment."[27]

Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian expressed that on Delta Machine, "Depeche Mode are as hamstrung as ever by their refusal to admit even a chink of light into their world of gloom [...] The flip side of the coin is that the austere music that accompanies all this darkness is often very beautiful", commending the band for their ability to "balance lushness and minimalism to stunning effect".[22] In a mixed review for Pitchfork, Douglas Wolk criticised the album's lyrics, while concluding, "There is not a single moment of shock or freshness on Delta Machine, and it's enormously frustrating to hear what was once a band of futurists so deeply mired in resisting change."[26] Andy Gill of The Independent panned Delta Machine as the band's "weakest album in some while" and felt that "[t]he more melodramatically that David Gahan invites us to have him 'penetrate your soul... bleed into your dreams', the more the sculpted electronic backdrops seem like curtains hiding the puniness of the wizards wielding the machines."[23] The Observer's Kitty Empire viewed that "a kind of blood-red synthetic blues bubbles to the fore; it blows hot and cold."[25] Emily Mackay of the NME commented, "Things improve with the defter 'Soft Touch/Raw Nerve' and 'Soothe My Soul', but Delta Machine sounds like it's just warming up."[24]

Accolades

[edit]
Publication Accolade Year Rank
The Telegraph Highest Rated Albums of 2013 2013 48[30]
NOW Magazine Highest Rated Albums of 2013 2013 4[31]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Delta Machine debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, selling 28,450 copies in its first week; it is Depeche Mode's 16th album to reach the UK top 10.[32] It slipped to number 14 the following week, selling 7,146 copies.[33] In the United States, the album entered the Billboard 200 at number six with 52,000 copies sold in its opening week, earning the band their seventh top 10 album on the chart.[34]

The album debuted at number one on the German Albums Chart with first-week sales of 142,000 units.[35] In France, Delta Machine debuted on the French Albums Chart at number two, selling 52,000 copies.[36] The album sold 8,200 copies to debut at number two on the Canadian Albums Chart.[37]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Martin L. Gore, except where noted. All lead vocals by Dave Gahan, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Lead vocalsLength
1."Welcome to My World"  4:56
2."Angel"  3:57
3."Heaven"  4:03
4."Secret to the End"
 5:12
5."My Little Universe"  4:24
6."Slow"  3:45
7."Broken"
  • Gahan
  • Uenala
 3:58
8."The Child Inside" Gore4:16
9."Soft Touch/Raw Nerve"  3:26
10."Should Be Higher"
  • Gahan
  • Uenala
 5:04
11."Alone"  4:29
12."Soothe My Soul" 
  • Gahan
  • Gore
5:22
13."Goodbye"  5:03
Total length:57:55
Deluxe edition bonus disc[2]
No.TitleWriter(s)Lead vocalsLength
1."Long Time Lie"
  • Gore
  • Gahan
 4:25
2."Happens All the Time"
  • Gahan
  • Uenala
 4:20
3."Always" Gore5:07
4."All That's Mine"
  • Gahan
  • Uenala
 3:23
Total length:17:15
iTunes Store deluxe edition pre-order bonus track[38]
No.TitleLength
18."Heaven" (live studio session)3:52

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of the deluxe edition of Delta Machine.[39]

Depeche Mode

[edit]

Additional musicians

[edit]
  • Christoffer Berg – programming
  • Kurt Uenala – additional programming

Technical

[edit]
  • Ben Hillier – production
  • Ferg Peterkin – engineering
  • Kurt Uenala – vocal recording
  • Tomas del Toro-Diaz – engineering assistance
  • Will Loomis – engineering assistance
  • Dan Tobiason – engineering assistance
  • Flood – mixing at Assault & Battery 2 (London)
  • Rob Kirwan – mix engineering
  • Drew Smith – mix assistance
  • Bunt Stafford-Clark – mastering at Pierce Rooms (London)

Artwork

[edit]
  • Anton Corbijn – design, photography, backprojection images
  • Anja Grabert – backprojection images

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Delta Machine
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[90] Gold 7,500*
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[91] Gold 10,250[91]
France (SNEP)[92] Platinum 100,000*
Germany (BVMI)[93] 3× Gold 300,000^
Hungary (MAHASZ)[94] 2× Platinum 4,000^
Italy (FIMI)[95] Platinum 60,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[96] 2× Platinum 40,000*
Spain (Promusicae)[97] Gold 20,000^
Sweden (GLF)[98] Gold 20,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[99] Platinum 20,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[101] Silver 68,437[100]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for Delta Machine
Region Date Format Edition Label Ref(s)
Germany 22 March 2013
  • Standard
  • deluxe
 Sony [102]
Ireland [103][104]
France 25 March 2013 [105][106][107]
United Kingdom [108][109][110]
Italy 26 March 2013 [111][112][113]
United States
[114][115][116]
Japan 27 March 2013
  • CD
  • digital download
 Sony [117][118]
Australia 29 March 2013 [119][120]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Delta Machine

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Delta Machine is the thirteenth studio album by the English electronic music band . Released on 25 March 2013 by and , it marks the band's first release under the Columbia imprint. The album was produced by , who had previously collaborated with the band on Playing the Angel (2005) and (2009), and recorded between March and October 2012 at Sound Design in , and Jungle City Studios in . The record blends electronic with organic, blues-influenced elements, creating a modern yet atmospheric sound that songwriter described as a hybrid of the band's seminal albums Violator (1990) and (1993). It consists of 13 tracks on the standard edition, including lead single "" (released 1 February 2013), followed by "Soothe My Soul" and "". The deluxe edition adds four bonus tracks: "Long Time Lie", "Happens All the Time", "Always", and "All That's Mine". Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, loss, and introspection, delivered through Dave Gahan's distinctive vocals over layered synthesizers, guitars, and percussion. Commercially, Delta Machine debuted at number one on album charts in several countries, including , , , and , while reaching number two in the UK and number six on the , selling over 28,000 copies in its first week in the UK alone. It has been certified silver in the UK and gold in several other markets, such as . Critically, the album garnered generally favorable reviews, earning a Metascore of 65 out of 100 on based on 33 critics, with praise for its moody production and songwriting but criticism for perceived lack of innovation compared to the band's earlier work. The release was supported by the extensive , which began in May 2013 and included 102 shows across , , and other regions, grossing over $100 million.

Background and development

Songwriting process

The songwriting for Delta Machine was primarily led by , who composed the majority of the tracks in his home studio using modular synthesizers. He typically began by laying down bass lines, drum patterns, and effects, allowing melodies and lyrics to emerge organically during the process. Gore's demos were notably polished, often featuring complete structures with verses, choruses, and vocals, which minimized the need for extensive revisions later. These initial sketches were created individually during periodic breaks from touring, with the band coordinating via their manager every four to six months to align on progress. Dave Gahan contributed several demos as well, drawing from his parallel work with the band Soulsavers; tracks like "Heaven" originated from Gore's demo, which Gahan approved immediately upon hearing, while others evolved from Gahan's own ideas into full songs. In total, the band amassed around 20 demos, incorporating vintage drum machines and manipulated modular synths to achieve a raw, electronic texture. Gore produced more material than required, resulting in four or five unused songs held over for his subsequent solo project MG. The demos formed the core of the album, with the band and producer Ben Hillier building upon them collaboratively; by this stage, established trust allowed for iterative adjustments, such as altering tempos or keys, though many tracks retained their original essence to preserve their uncluttered feel. Hillier emphasized that deconstructing Gore's fully realized ideas required careful handling to avoid diminishing their impact during rebuilding. This approach ensured a focused evolution from demo to final recording, emphasizing Gahan's vocals as the "stamp of authority" on the material.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Delta Machine commenced in March 2012 at Santa Barbara Sound Design in , where the band spent an initial month developing material. Produced by for the third time—following his work on (2005) and (2009)—the sessions emphasized a blend of analogue and digital elements, with 's extensive setup, comprising over 700 modules, playing a central role in shaping the album's sound. The band, consisting of , , and Andy Fletcher, collaborated closely with Hillier to refine Gore's demos, which Hillier described as "amazing," allowing for an organic evolution of tracks in a live room environment. In the autumn of 2012, the sessions continued at in , building on the foundational work from . Here, the production incorporated Matrix mixing consoles as DAW controllers for rigs, minimizing plug-in use in favor of outboard compressors and EQs routed through the console's software patchbay. This setup facilitated a focused workflow, with Gahan's vocals and Gore's multi-instrumental contributions—on synthesizers, guitar, and additional vocals—integrated alongside live instrumentation to achieve the album's raw, blues-influenced electronic texture. Hillier highlighted the collaborative spirit, noting that the process successfully "managed to communicate what the band wanted." Following the New York sessions, the album was mixed by Flood at Assault & Battery 2 in , ensuring a polished yet gritty final sound that aligned with Depeche Mode's vision. The overall timeline spanned much of 2012, resulting in a release on March 25, 2013, via Columbia and . Band members later reflected on the experience as unusually positive and "joyous," a departure from past tensions, with Gahan emphasizing the title's reflection of machine-made influences developed during these sessions.

Musical style and themes

Influences and sound

Delta Machine represents a fusion of blues and electronic elements, with the album's title encapsulating this duality: "delta" evoking the blues tradition and "machine" referring to synthesized production. described the record as "influenced by the blues, but it's made by machines," emphasizing how organic blues riffs are processed through electronic means. This approach draws from the band's historical interest in blues, which has simmered beneath their surface since the early 1990s, now foregrounded more prominently. The sound is characterized by bluesy guitar loops, gospel-inflected vocals, and modular synthesizers, creating a raw, intense emotional texture. Gahan noted the use of "old synthesizers and drum machines... big and old and clunky, but they make great noises," manipulated through amplifiers to achieve a gritty, analog warmth. Tracks like "" exemplify this with its "gospel-y bluesy" quality, featuring sparse arrangements that build from minimal beats. Similarly, "My Little Universe" incorporates acid-synth riffs and pulses, influenced by Martin Gore's prior project with , blending house-like grooves with the band's darker . Sonically, the album echoes the industrial-tinged rock of 1993's , with Gahan stating it has "a lot of influences... closer to what we were doing around the time of ‘Songs of Faith & Devotion’… Martin’s come up with all these riffs." This revival of -driven experimentation contrasts with the more polished synth sounds of recent works like (2009), opting instead for and hyperdramatic delivery to evoke raw passion. The result is a modern yet organic electronic style, where throbbing beats and slithering synths underpin melancholic themes without over-reliance on digital gloss.

Lyrical content

The lyrical content of Delta Machine continues Depeche Mode's longstanding exploration of dark, introspective themes, primarily penned by , with contributions from . Gore's songwriting draws heavily on motifs of sin, salvation, guilt, and redemption, often infused with religious imagery and a sense of existential longing. The word "soul" appears prominently in two tracks on the standard edition, underscoring a spiritual undercurrent that permeates the album. These elements reflect Gore's signature style, blending melancholy with subtle sensuality, though critics noted a lack of the sharper wit found in earlier works like "Strangelove." Sexuality emerges as a recurring theme, treated with a mildly kinky edge in several songs. For instance, "Slow" explicitly addresses the pleasures of unhurried intimacy, with lyrics emphasizing taking one's time in bed. Similarly, "Soothe My Soul" conveys raw desire through lines like "I'm coming for you," evoking a blend of lust and emotional urgency. Gore's approach to these topics avoids overt explicitness, instead weaving them into broader narratives of human frailty and connection. Religious metaphors abound, as seen in "Angel," where Gahan sings, "The angel of love was upon me and Lord, I felt so clean," framing bliss through a lens of atonement rather than pure joy. This quasi-religious tone aligns with the album's overall bleakness, denying uncomplicated happiness in favor of shadowed reflection. Gahan's lyrical input marks a notable expansion, with him co-writing four songs with Kurt Uenala: "My Little Universe," "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve," "Should Be Higher," and "So Much Love." "Should Be Higher," a Gahan-led track, draws from his past struggles with addiction, portraying an ex-junkie's plea for elevation through lines such as "I've been waiting for you to see the light." These contributions introduce a more direct, autobiographical edge compared to Gore's abstract style, though they echo similar themes of salvation and inner conflict. Gore's songs like "Heaven" explore yearning and spiritual homecoming with phrases like "This is the place where I felt at home," tying personal redemption to a quest for transcendence, while "Broken" addresses isolation and loss. Tracks like "The Child Inside" venture into emotional vulnerability, using metaphors of tears as a drowning river to symbolize suppressed pain, which some reviewers found overly sentimental. Overall, the lyrics on Delta Machine maintain a cohesive focus on human darkness—spirituality intertwined with desire and despair—while incorporating blues-inspired introspection that mirrors the album's sonic palette. Gore has described the writing process as drawing from personal and universal tensions, though specific inspirations for individual songs remain understated in interviews. This thematic consistency reinforces Depeche Mode's reputation for probing the shadows of the psyche, even if the execution occasionally veers toward familiarity.

Production and artwork

Studio production

The production of Delta Machine marked the third collaboration between Depeche Mode and producer Ben Hillier, following Playing the Angel (2005) and Sounds of the Universe (2009), forming what band members described as a production trilogy. Work began in early 2012, with initial demo reviews conducted in January at Martin Gore's home studio, where the band assessed Gore's pre-written material crafted using vintage analogue synthesizers and an extensive modular synth setup comprising over 700 Eurorack modules. These demos were noted for their polished quality, allowing the production team to focus on enhancing rather than overhauling the core structures, emphasizing a blend of electronic and blues-influenced elements. Recording sessions primarily took place across two main locations in 2012: Santa Barbara Sound Design in , for an initial month-long stint starting in March, and (The Penthouse) in for the subsequent East Coast phase and a return visit in autumn. The setup featured self-built multi-digital audio workstation (DAW) environments integrated into live rooms, with serving as the central recording hub and minimal plug-in use to prioritize analogue warmth. Key equipment included the (SSL) Matrix mixing console/DAW controller, which facilitated summing, rough mixes, and comping, as well as outboard compressors and EQs racked for patching via Matrix software; this console also supported Dave Gahan's personal project studio contributions. Engineering was handled by Ferg Peterkin, with additional programming by Christoffer Berg and further programming plus vocal recording by Kurt Uenala. A&R oversight came from Daniel Miller, founder. The process emphasized efficiency, completing the core tracking within months while allowing flexibility for Gahan's vocal presets and Gore's synth experimentation to shape the album's sonic palette. Post-tracking, the album was mixed by —returning from prior Depeche Mode projects like Violator (1990)—at Assault & Battery 2 studio in , with assistance from Drew Smith; mastering followed by Bunt Stafford-Clark. This phase refined the raw recordings into a cohesive sound, balancing the band's electronic roots with organic textures derived from the modular and analogue sources.

Visual design

The visual design of Delta Machine was overseen by , the Dutch photographer, filmmaker, and designer who has collaborated with since the 1980s, marking this as his tenth project with the band and eighth album front cover. The album cover incorporates a black-and-white background photograph captured by Corbijn in New York, overlaid with the band's "DM" logo and title in bold red lettering; Corbijn designed these elements while in during the production of the film A Most Wanted Man. This aesthetic evokes a raw, industrial, and graphically stark vibe, aligning with the album's blues-infused electronic sound and thematic exploration of the American Delta region. All editions feature Corbijn's photography throughout the packaging, emphasizing stark contrasts and minimalist compositions that reflect the band's evolving visual identity. The deluxe edition includes a bonus disc paired with a 28-page booklet containing exclusive photographs from Corbijn's shoots in New York and , providing deeper insight into the album's creative process and regional inspirations.

Release and promotion

Singles and marketing

The lead single from Delta Machine, "Heaven", was released digitally worldwide on 31 January 2013, with physical formats following on 5 February in the United States and 18 March in the United Kingdom. The track, directed by Tim Saccenti, featured a minimalist black-and-white music video emphasizing themes of longing and introspection, which debuted on VEVO the same day. In promotion, Depeche Mode performed "Heaven" on The Late Show with David Letterman on 11 March 2013, marking their first U.S. television appearance for the album cycle. The single peaked at number 60 on the UK Singles Chart for one week and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, driven by remixes from artists including Blawan and Matthew Dear. "Soothe My Soul", the second single, arrived digitally on 6 May 2013, with physical CD and 12-inch vinyl releases on 13 May in the UK and 14 May in the U.S. Its music video, directed by , showcased surreal, dreamlike imagery of the band in a desolate landscape, aligning with the album's industrial and electronic motifs. Marketing efforts included a TV advertisement campaign featuring snippets from the album, aired in starting in April 2013 to build anticipation ahead of the 22 March release. The single topped the U.S. Billboard chart, bolstered by remixes from and Tom Furse of , though it charted modestly at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart. The third and final single, "Should Be Higher", was issued digitally on 11 October 2013, followed by physical formats on 14 October in the UK and 15 October in the U.S. directed its video, portraying the band in a stark, apocalyptic setting that echoed the song's themes of transcendence and struggle. To tie into the ongoing , promotional visuals by production team Partizan Entertainment were created, including 10 short films used in live shows and online teasers. It also reached number one on the U.S. chart, with remixes by and Little Vampire, and debuted at number 81 on the UK Singles Chart. Overall marketing for Delta Machine emphasized multimedia engagement, including an exclusive album launch event hosted by Deutsche Telekom's Electronic Beats program on 22 February 2013 in , featuring early previews and fan interactions. A with luxury watchmaker launched the Big Bang Unico watch in March 2013, with proceeds benefiting the charity: water organization; the campaign ran alongside the tour opener, raising awareness through print ads and limited-edition packaging. promoted the via collector's editions, including a deluxe with bonus tracks and videos, while digital platforms like hosted behind-the-scenes content to sustain interest post-release.

The Delta Machine Tour

The Delta Machine Tour was a worldwide concert tour by English electronic band in support of their thirteenth studio album, Delta Machine, released in March 2013. The tour consisted of 106 shows, beginning with pre-tour showcases in March and April 2013, followed by the official kickoff on 4 May 2013 at Stade Charles-Ehrmann in Nice, France, and concluding on 7 March 2014 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It spanned , , and other regions, drawing nearly 2 million attendees across stadiums and arenas, with a reported total gross of approximately $148 million. The itinerary was structured into multiple legs. The initial European stadium leg ran from May to July 2013, covering 31 dates across various countries, including sold-out shows at major venues like in and in , where attendance exceeded 80,000 over two nights. This phase alone generated $60.8 million in ticket sales, topping Billboard's Hot Tours chart for the period. The North American arena leg followed from August to October 2013, encompassing 22 cities with 25 shows, starting at Music Theatre in , and featuring openers and ; it earned $17.8 million from over 250,000 tickets sold. Subsequent European legs included a fall arena tour (19 dates) and a winter arena leg (30 dates) from November 2013 to March 2014, across multiple countries, such as the in and in , adding to the tour's revenue. Several shows were affected by external factors, including cancellations in on 17 May 2013 due to a trucking at the Bulgaria-Turkey , Lille on 17 November 2013 for logistical reasons, and Kiev on 26 February 2014 amid political instability. Performances centered on a consistent 21-song setlist blending tracks from Delta Machine with the band's catalog, emphasizing electronic and industrial elements. New album highlights included "Welcome to My World," "Angel," "Heaven," and "Soothe My Soul," performed early in the show to integrate fresh material, while staples like "Walking in My Shoes," "Enjoy the Silence," "Policy of Truth," and "Personal Jesus" anchored the main set. Encores typically closed with "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Never Let Me Down Again," evoking fan favorites from earlier eras. The arrangement allowed for dynamic pacing, with Dave Gahan's energetic stage presence and Martin Gore's guitar contributions enhancing the live rendition of synth-driven tracks. The tour's production, overseen by longtime collaborator , featured a minimalist yet immersive stage design with industrial aesthetics reflecting the album's themes. Corbijn directed video projections and visuals, including thematic sequences for songs like "," projected across large LED screens to create atmospheric depth. Lighting emphasized stark contrasts and blue tones, syncing with the music's delta-wave motifs, while the stage layout included elevated keyboard platforms for Andy Fletcher and —comprising arrays of synthesizers such as and TI—and a central for Gore. A dedicated crew of 12, including production manager Kerry Hopwood and lighting designer Antony King, supported the setup, which adapted seamlessly between stadium and arena formats using modular staging from Stageco. Two dates on 25 and 27 November 2013 at O2 World were filmed by Corbijn, resulting in the and live album Live in Berlin, released in November 2014, capturing the tour's raw energy with over 28,000 attendees across the shows.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in March 2013, Delta Machine garnered generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised its atmospheric production and continuation of the band's signature dark while often critiquing its perceived lack of and emotional depth. The album's blend of bluesy guitars, minimalist synths, and themes of and redemption was seen as a refinement of Depeche Mode's post-millennial style, though some reviewers felt it recycled elements from prior works without significant evolution. Pitchfork's Matthew Perpetua rated the album 5.0 out of 10, describing it as feeling like "outtakes from 1993’s " due to its stagnation in sound and lyrics that revisit familiar motifs of salvation without freshness. He highlighted tracks like "My Little Universe" for its clever minimalist acid-synth riffs and "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" for its catchiness, but criticized the overall absence of "a single moment of shock or freshness," noting the band's resistance to technological or creative progression over two decades. Perpetua also pointed to "The Child Inside" as an example of embarrassing metaphors and "Broken" as a pale imitation of earlier hits like "." AllMusic's David Jeffries offered a more positive take, calling Delta Machine a "well-written, lusciously recorded album" produced by and that feeds off negative energy through serpentine siren songs blending seductive self-destruction and dark eroticism. He praised "" for simmering with the sexiness of "" and the reserve of "Precious," "Alone" as the quintessential post-millennial track with its glitchy, groaning elements, and "Slow" for its lusty mix of blues-rock guitar and dark synths. However, Jeffries noted that the slower tempo might disappoint fans seeking dancefloor energy, as the album prioritizes moody introspection over upbeat rhythms. In , Caroline Sullivan awarded 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging the album's austere beauty in balancing lushness and but arguing that its refusal to admit light results in overly bleak territory that denies life's joys. She commended "Slow" for its effective transition from a guitar riff to a fuzzy choir and "My Little Universe" for its cut-glass precision, while critiquing the ponderous electronic clanks and sonorous syllables that dominate, as in the quasi-religious -rock of "." Sullivan suggested the music's darkness, though often stunning, could be more satisfying if tempered with less unrelenting gloom. Rolling Stone's Will Hermes gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, appreciating how it foregrounds and influences that had previously bubbled beneath Depeche Mode's synth-sad pop surface. He highlighted the production's lush textures and Dave Gahan's commanding vocals on tracks exploring shame and desire, such as "," but implied the record's consistency sometimes borders on uniformity without bold risks. Hermes viewed Delta Machine as a solid entry in the band's catalog, rewarding longtime fans with its moody, industrial-tinged evolution. NME's scored it 6 out of 10, finding the competent but not at the band's peak, with an initial sluggishness that improves in defter moments like "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" and "Soothe My Soul." She criticized the opening tracks for sounding like the is "just warming up" and lacking the vigor of past releases, though she noted the bluesy undercurrents and electronic edges provide some arresting tension throughout. Jones concluded that while Delta Machine reaffirms Depeche Mode's enduring appeal, it doesn't recapture their most electrifying highs.

Accolades and legacy

Delta Machine garnered several nominations and certifications upon its release, reflecting its commercial and artistic recognition. The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2014 Echo Awards, Germany's premier music honors. Depeche Mode won the Best International Rock/Pop Group award at the same ceremony, honoring the band's output during the Delta Machine era. It also received a nomination for Pop-Rock Album of the Year at the International Dance Music Awards. Commercially, the album achieved platinum certification in France (100,000 units) and platinum status in Poland (2× Platinum equivalent, 40,000 units), alongside gold certifications in Austria (10,000 units), Spain (20,000 units), and Sweden (20,000 units); platinum certifications in Germany (300,000 units) and Italy (60,000 units); and silver certification in the United Kingdom (60,000 units). In retrospect, Delta Machine is viewed as a pivotal late-period entry in Depeche Mode's catalog, concluding a trilogy of albums produced by that began with (2005) and (2009). Critics and fans alike praise its fusion of gothic electronica with Delta blues-inspired elements, evident in tracks like "Heaven" and "Soothe My Soul," which refreshed the band's signature industrial sound while exploring themes of redemption and solitude. The album's legacy endures through its influence on Depeche Mode's subsequent releases, such as Spirit (2017), and its role in sustaining the group's relevance in electronic music, as demonstrated by the 2023 reissue of its singles in a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl box set by . Despite mixed contemporary reviews—some noting a lack of innovation—retrospective assessments highlight its cohesive evolution of the band's formula, cementing its status as a fan favorite and a testament to their longevity.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Delta Machine debuted strongly on international album charts following its release on March 22, 2013, reaching the top position in multiple European countries including , , , (Flanders and Wallonia), and . It also entered the top five in the , , , and the , while achieving top-ten placements in the and . The album's performance underscored Depeche Mode's enduring popularity in , where it spent extended periods on the charts, such as 28 weeks in and 22 weeks in .
CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on Chart
AustraliaARIA Albums Chart161
113
(Flanders) Albums1-
(Wallonia) Albums1-
Canadian Albums Chart2-
Albums Chart242
GermanyOfficial German Albums Chart128
FIMI Albums Chart1-
Dutch Albums Top 100312
PROMUSICAE Albums Chart3-
1-
Swiss Albums Chart122
28
6-

Sales certifications

Delta Machine achieved numerous sales certifications worldwide, underscoring its strong market performance following its release. These awards, issued by national industry associations, recognize shipments or sales thresholds met by the . Certifications vary by country based on local criteria, such as 100,000 units for in or 7,500 for gold in . The following table summarizes key certifications:
CountryCertificationCertified UnitsDate
Gold7,50021 March 2013
Platinum100,00018 December 2013
3× Gold300,0002013
2× Platinum4,0002013
Platinum60,0002013
2× Platinum40,00024 April 2013
Gold20,0002013
Gold20,0002013
Platinum20,0002013
Silver60,00027 December 2013
These figures represent reported shipments or sales as verified by organizations like IFPI affiliates, BVMI in Germany, and BPI in the UK. No certification was awarded in the United States by the RIAA. Overall, the album's certifications highlight its appeal across Europe, with Germany leading in certified units.

Track listing

Standard edition

All tracks are written by Martin L. Gore, except where noted.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Welcome to My World"Gore4:56
2."Angel"Gore3:57
3."Heaven"Gore4:03
4."Secret to the End"Gahan, Uenala5:12
5."My Little Universe"Gore4:24
6."Slow"Gore3:45
7."Broken"Gahan, Uenala3:58
8."The Child Inside"Gore4:16
9."Soft Touch / Raw Nerve"Gore3:26
10."Should Be Higher"Gahan, Uenala5:04
11."Alone"Gore4:29
12."Soothe My Soul"Gore5:22
13."Goodbye"Gore5:03
Total length: 54:00

Deluxe edition bonus tracks (disc 2)

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Long Time Lie"Gore, 4:25
2."Happens All the Time", Uenala4:20
3."Always"Gore5:07
4."All That's Mine", Uenala3:23
Total length: 17:15

Personnel

Core band members

The core lineup of for the recording and release of Delta Machine consisted of , Martin L. Gore, and Andrew Fletcher, a configuration the band had maintained since the departure of in 1995. This trio handled the primary creative and performance elements of the album, blending their established roles in songwriting, vocals, and to produce the record's distinctive electronic and industrial influences. Dave Gahan, the band's lead singer since its formation in , provided the principal vocals across all tracks, infusing the material with his signature baritone delivery and emotional intensity. For Delta Machine, Gahan expanded his involvement by co-writing two songs—"Broken" and "Secret to the End"—marking a continued evolution in his contributions beyond performance. His vocal style, honed over decades, was pivotal in conveying the album's themes of personal struggle and redemption. Martin L. Gore, Depeche Mode's co-founder and primary songwriter, composed the majority of the album's tracks, including lead single "." Gore also performed on guitars, keyboards, and provided backing vocals, shaping the record's sonic palette through his multi-instrumental work and production input alongside . His lyrical focus on and remained a cornerstone, drawing from influences like and . Andrew Fletcher, another founding member, contributed keyboards and synthesizer programming, ensuring the album's rhythmic and textural foundation aligned with the band's electronic heritage. While less prominent in songwriting, Fletcher's role was essential in the studio sessions at Sound Design in Santa Barbara and Jungle City in New York, supporting the cohesive sound that bridged Delta Machine to Depeche Mode's earlier works.

Additional contributors

The production of Delta Machine was led by Ben Hillier, who served as producer, while Flood (Mark Ellis) handled mixing duties at Assault & Battery 2 in London. Hillier, known for prior collaborations with Depeche Mode on Playing the Angel (2005) and Sounds of the Universe (2009), brought a blend of electronic and organic elements to the album's sound. Flood, a veteran producer who previously worked with the band on Violator (1990), contributed to refining the tracks' dynamic range and texture. Engineering was primarily managed by Ferg Peterkin, who recorded the album at Sound Design in Santa Barbara, California, and Jungle City Studios in New York City. Assistant engineers included Drew Smith, Dan Tobiason (at Jungle City), Tomas Deltoro-Diaz (at Sound Design), and Will Loomis, who supported the recording process by handling additional technical tasks such as tracking and overdubs. Programming contributions came from Christoffer Berg and , both longtime collaborators with , who added electronic elements and arrangements to several tracks. Uenala provided additional programming specifically for "Broken" and "Secret to the End," tracks co-written by . String arrangements and conducting were provided by Will Malone. Mastering was completed by Bunt Stafford-Clark at Pierce Rooms in , ensuring sonic consistency across formats. A&R oversight was provided by Daniel Miller, founder of , who guided the project's artistic direction. Visual elements, including design and photography, were created by , a frequent collaborator responsible for the album's iconic desert-inspired imagery.

Live recordings

The principal official live recording from the Delta Machine era is Depeche Mode: Live in Berlin, a directed by and released on November 17, 2014, by . Captured at the O2 World arena in during the band's on November 25 and 27, 2013, the release documents a high-energy performance blending new material from the album with established . Formats include standalone DVD and Blu-ray editions, a double-CD soundtrack, and a deluxe featuring the full concert video, audio discs, behind-the-scenes footage, band interviews, and an exclusive acoustic set recorded at Berlin's E-Werk venue. The soundtrack album comprises 22 tracks, emphasizing Delta Machine songs like "Welcome to My World," "Heaven," and "Soothe My Soul," alongside classics such as "Policy of Truth" and "Never Let Me Down Again," showcasing the band's evolution in live electronic rock delivery. This release serves as the definitive audio-visual document of the tour's European leg, highlighting Dave Gahan's commanding stage presence and the group's intricate synth-driven arrangements adapted for arena-scale production. No additional official full-concert live albums from the Delta Machine Tour have been issued, though select live versions of album tracks appeared in promotional contexts, such as the Vienna album launch event on March 24, 2013.

Reissues and remixes

In 2023, released Delta Machine | The 12" Singles, a limited-edition collector's compiling the album's three singles—"", "Soothe My Soul", and ""—across six 12-inch vinyl discs. This reissue, produced by Music's , faithfully reproduces the original 2013 12-inch singles while adding previously vinyl-unavailable formats, including remixes, dub versions, instrumentals, and live recordings from the era. The set also includes a numbered certificate, digital , , and , emphasizing the album's electronic and alternative influences through expanded collectible packaging. Remixes of Delta Machine tracks were prominently featured in the album's single releases and subsequent compilations. The singles each included multiple remix variants by producers such as Owlle, Thomas Fehlmann, Blawan, and Black Asteroid, tailored for club and radio play. These were consolidated in the 2023 box set, providing a comprehensive overview of the remix era without altering the core album material. A notable standalone remix release came in 2014 with the EP Delta Machine (Boys Noize + Djedjotronic Remixes) on Boysnoize Records, featuring electronic reworks of two album tracks: "My Little Universe (Boys Noize Remix)" and "Alone (Djedjotronic Remix)". This digital and 12-inch EP highlighted the album's compatibility with contemporary techno and house scenes, bridging Depeche Mode's synth-pop roots with modern dance music production.

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