In many ways it was the crowning glory for a band who epitomised everything that rock and roll should be, elevating them to the official position of stadium act. The compelling quality of Martin's words was matched by the innovative and assured approach to the music, helping to set 'Violator' apart from other releases that year. While their once popular contemporaries (born from the explosion of early  80s synth rock) had fallen by the wayside, Mode had endured the rigours of the decade and developed to represent the only true sound of its kind. The unique blend of dark sensual imagery and electro 'savoir-faire' ensured that the album was a welcome relief to the ears and stood out clearly amongst the melee of fledgling dance acts and washed-up soft rockers. This is not to say that 'Violator' was the pure analogue beast that it has long been revered as and without wishing to offend those austere devotees who would balk at the mere mention of the word 'guitar', Alan reminds us: "There are plenty of live drums in the form of loops on 'Violator' and a whole range of different acoustic instruments as well as the electronics. I think this album demonstrated what a delicate balance between played and programmed sounds can achieve."