With a unique blend of synthesizer rhythms (think early Nine Inch Nails), haunting female vocals, and hard rock sensibilities, Canadian sextet The Birthday Massacre have been hard at work since 1999. They have four full-length albums and two EPs under their belts, and have a reputation for high-energy live performances. In 2005, the band signed with Metropolis Records and re-released their 2004 self-produced album, Violet, in an attempt to add to their already loyal fan base. They have now released another EP, Imaginary Monsters.

It features three new songs and five remixes, but the band’s talents are most evident in the new tracks. “Forever” seamlessly melds 80s synth beats with a strong bass line and no-frills vocals. The haunting melody and forward momentum of “Burn Away” make it the perfect goth club track. A background cacophony of laughing children leads from there into “Left Behind”, a slow, deliberate ballad.

The remixes show off the band’s experimental side, though not always to great effect. While the catchy beats of “Control (Tweaker Mix)” may initially hook listeners, the overly processed vocals come off a bit hokey. And the decision to include two different remixes of “Shallow Grave” with only one track in between may have some listeners double-checking their iPod’s repeat setting.

The Birthday Massacre has an uncanny ability to establish an atmospheric mood with their music, without taking themselves too seriously. Their lyrics and rhythms strike the right balance between throwback 80s and modern gothic sounds, but the remixes seem out of place on this particular offering.

Final words: Save the downloads for the full-length albums.