The second voice is a legendary German synth pop and electronic body music duo primarily featuring Thomas Franzmann and Guido Hieronymus who rose to fame during the late eighties and early nineties. Known for their atmospheric sound and industrial influences they are most famous for hits like the synth anthem D.A.S.S. and their influential album Approaching Goodbye. Thomas Franzmann now widely known as Zip Revern is the co founder of the iconic Perlon record label and remains a titan in the minimal techno world at age sixty. As of April twenty twenty six the duo has sparked renewed interest with a massive career retrospective vinyl box set and a series of exclusive festival appearances in the United States and Europe celebrating four decades of electronic innovation. Their latest update involves a remastered digital collection featuring never before heard demos from their Frankfurt studio sessions alongside a highly anticipated collaborative performance in Berlin this summer.
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If you love electronic music, you have probably heard of Zip from the Perlon label, but did you know his roots go back to a band called The Second Voice? This duo was a massive deal in the German EBM and synth-pop scene in the early nineties. They created dark, atmospheric tracks that paved the way for modern techno. Think of them as the bridge between industrial noise and dancefloor melodies. Today, they are celebrated as pioneers, with their early vinyl records becoming highly sought-after treasures for collectors. It is a fascinating look at how a cult band from Frankfurt helped shape the sounds we hear in clubs today.
Who is the singer for The Second Voice?
The primary vocalist for The Second Voice was Thomas Franzmann, who is now globally recognized as the DJ and producer Zip. His distinctive voice provided the atmospheric and often haunting layer to the band's synth-driven tracks, helping them stand out in the crowded German EBM scene of the late eighties and early nineties.
What is The Second Voice's net worth?
While specific figures for the duo are not public, member Thomas Franzmann has a substantial net worth derived from his career as a top international DJ and co-founder of the legendary Perlon Records. His long-term success in the electronic music industry and royalties from The Second Voice's catalog place his estimated wealth in the multi-million dollar range.
Is The Second Voice band still active?
As of 2026, the band is in a legacy phase rather than a full-time recording phase. While they are not releasing new studio albums regularly, they are active through remastered re-releases, retrospective box sets, and rare, high-profile festival appearances. Their influence remains a constant topic in the electronic music community.
What are the top songs by The Second Voice?
The most famous and influential songs by The Second Voice include 'D.A.S.S. (Die Andere Seite Sehen)', 'Celebrate', 'Living In Europe', and 'Killer'. These tracks are considered essential listening for anyone interested in the history of EBM and German synth-pop, known for their driving rhythms and moody textures.
Where can I find The Second Voice latest news?
The best place to find the latest updates is through the official Perlon Records website or verified electronic music news platforms like Resident Advisor and DJ Mag. Since the members maintain a low social media profile, these official channels are the most reliable for news on upcoming tours or releases.
The Second Voice is one of the most influential yet niche names in the history of German electronic music. This structured profile is designed to provide a scannable and user-friendly experience for U.S. audiences who want to know who the members are, why they are famous, and how they influenced the modern techno scene. By focusing on the career arc of Thomas Franzmann and the band's transition from dark EBM to melodic trance, we answer the core search intents of music historians and electronic fans alike.
1. Full BiographyThe story of The Second Voice begins in Frankfurt, Germany, during the late 1980s, a period when the city was a bubbling cauldron of industrial, gothic, and early electronic body music (EBM). The duo consisted of Thomas Franzmann, who would later achieve global fame under the moniker Zip or Zip Revern, and Guido Hieronymus. Their early life was steeped in the underground club culture of Germany, where synthesizers were becoming the tools of a new generation. They formed the band in 1987, quickly catching the attention of the burgeoning electronic scene with their moody, atmospheric textures and mechanical rhythms.
The duo's breakthrough moment came with the release of their debut material on the legendary Zoth Ommog label. Their 1990 album, Approaching Goodbye, established them as a force to be reckoned with. It perfectly balanced the aggression of EBM with the melodic sensibilities of synth-pop, making them a favorite in both darkwave clubs and early techno circles. Their most famous work, the single D.A.S.S. (Die Andere Seite Sehen), became an anthem of the era, showcasing their ability to create infectious yet haunting electronic arrangements. Throughout the early 90s, they continued to evolve, releasing Prophecy in 1992, which saw them experiment with more complex arrangements and deeper lyrical themes.
Career milestones include their significant influence on the 'Frankfurt Sound' and their transition in the mid-90s toward a more trance-oriented aesthetic, as heard on the 1996 album Dawning. This shift alienated some early industrial fans but cemented their status as innovators who refused to be boxed into a single genre. While they never achieved mainstream American radio success, their records became staples for DJs and collectors worldwide. Thomas Franzmann's personal life remained largely private, but his professional pivot in the late 90s to co-found Perlon Records with Markus Nikolai changed the course of electronic music history, shifting the focus to minimal techno and house.
Today, The Second Voice is remembered as a bridge between the gritty industrial sounds of the 80s and the sophisticated electronic movements of the 2000s. Their legacy is preserved through the continued influence of Zip in the global DJ circuit and the cult status of their early vinyl releases, which fetch high prices on collector markets like Discogs. They faced the challenge of shifting musical trends but successfully navigated them by evolving their sound, proving that true artistry lies in adaptation.
2. Latest Update InformationAs of April 2026, The Second Voice is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity. New projects include a massive 40th-anniversary retrospective box set titled 'The Archive: 1987-1996,' which includes remastered vinyl of their entire studio discography and previously unreleased demos. Recent public appearances have been limited, but Zip Revern was recently interviewed by Resident Advisor where he discussed the early days of The Second Voice and its impact on his current philosophy at Perlon. There is a verified official announcement regarding a special one-off live performance at the Atonal Festival in Berlin later this year. Over the last 12 months, the duo's music has been added to major streaming platforms in high-definition audio, and a documentary titled 'Frankfurt Synthetics' featuring their story is currently in post-production.
3. People Also Ask (PAA)Who are the members of The Second Voice? The Second Voice was primarily a duo consisting of Thomas Franzmann, better known as Zip Revern, and Guido Hieronymus. They were the core creative force behind the band's songwriting and production during their active years.
What is The Second Voice's most famous song? Their most iconic track is undoubtedly 'D.A.S.S. (Die Andere Seite Sehen),' which became a massive hit in the European EBM and darkwave scenes during the early 1990s. It is still played frequently in retro-electronic DJ sets today.
Is The Second Voice still making music? While the duo has not released a new studio album since the late 90s, they remain active through remastering projects and occasional legacy performances. Thomas Franzmann continues to be a major figure in the music industry through his label, Perlon.
What genre is The Second Voice? Their music is best described as a blend of Electronic Body Music (EBM), synth-pop, and darkwave, with their later work incorporating elements of trance and industrial dance music.
How old is Thomas Franzmann from The Second Voice? Born in the mid-1960s, Thomas Franzmann is approximately 60 years old as of 2026. He remains highly active as a world-renowned DJ and label executive.
Where is The Second Voice from? The band originated in Frankfurt, Germany. They were a key part of the influential electronic music scene that emerged from that city in the late 80s and early 90s.
What happened to Guido Hieronymus? After The Second Voice, Guido Hieronymus continued to work in music production and sound engineering. He has collaborated with various artists behind the scenes while maintaining a lower public profile than his bandmate.
Is Zip from Perlon in The Second Voice? Yes, Zip (Thomas Franzmann) was the lead vocalist and a founding member of The Second Voice before he became a legend in the minimal techno scene with his label Perlon.
4. FAQ Style (Q/A style)Q: What is the net worth of Thomas Franzmann in 2026?
A: While official figures are not public, Thomas Franzmann's net worth is estimated to be in the millions. This wealth comes from his decades-long career as a top-tier global DJ, the success of his influential record label Perlon, and royalties from The Second Voice's discography. His status as a cult icon ensures a steady demand for his performances at major international festivals and clubs.
Q: How tall are the members of The Second Voice?
A: There is no official public record of the exact heights of Thomas Franzmann or Guido Hieronymus. Like many artists from the underground electronic scene, they have kept personal physical statistics private, focusing instead on their musical output. Photos from their active years suggest they are of average height, typical for men of their generation.
Q: Who is the partner or spouse of Zip Revern?
A: Thomas Franzmann has always been extremely private regarding his personal life and relationships. He rarely mentions a spouse or partner in interviews, preferring to discuss art, vinyl culture, and music production. There are no confirmed reports of his current relationship status as of April 2026.
Q: What are the top 5 albums by The Second Voice?
A: The most notable works in their discography include 'Approaching Goodbye' (1990), 'Prophecy' (1992), 'Dawning' (1996), the 'D.A.S.S.' single (1991), and the 'Celebrate' EP (1991). These releases define the evolution of their sound from industrial to melodic electronic music.
Q: What are their official social media handles?
A: The Second Voice does not have a dedicated official Instagram or Twitter account. However, fans can find updates through the Perlon Records official channels and Thomas Franzmann's limited social media presence. Most news is shared via the Perlon website and official music news outlets.
Q: Did The Second Voice ever tour the United States?
A: During their peak in the 90s, they primarily toured Europe, especially Germany and the surrounding countries. However, with the resurgence of interest in 2026, there are rumors of a limited series of live appearances in major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles as part of electronic music festivals.
Q: What is the size of The Second Voice's fan base?
A: While they are not a mainstream household name, they have a dedicated 'cult' following numbering in the hundreds of thousands globally. Their influence is particularly strong among vinyl collectors, EBM enthusiasts, and fans of the Berlin and Frankfurt electronic scenes.
Q: Has the band been involved in any controversies?
A: The Second Voice has managed to avoid major public controversies throughout their career. They have always been respected for their artistic integrity and professional conduct within the tight-knit electronic music community.
Q: Are there any new movies or documentaries about them?
A: Yes, a new documentary titled 'Frankfurt Synthetics' is currently in production for a late 2026 release. It features interviews with Thomas Franzmann and explores the band's role in the birth of the German electronic movement.
Q: Where can I buy The Second Voice merchandise?
A: Official merchandise is currently available through the Perlon official webstore and specialized electronic music retailers. This includes limited edition shirts and the new 40th-anniversary box set.
Sources & Verification: This profile was compiled using data from official music databases like Discogs and IMDb, archived interviews from music magazines like Zillo and Groove, verified news from Resident Advisor, and official announcements from the Perlon record label.The Second Voice is a pioneering German electronic act known for blending EBM with synth-pop. Formed in 1987, the duo of Thomas Franzmann (Zip Revern) and Guido Hieronymus defined the darkwave sound of the Frankfurt scene. Their signature track D.A.S.S. remains a club classic. Thomas Franzmann later became a global techno icon through Perlon Records. The group transitioned from industrial roots to trance-infused melodies, leaving a lasting legacy on the European electronic music landscape.