Author: soundsandshadows (Ken Magerman)

I am the writer of the music review page Sounds and Shadows and lead singer of the band Amaranth.

Sounds and Shadows April + May Darkscene Singles Chart

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We have returned to the Sounds and Shadows Darkscene singles chart. This month I have combined April and May but we have had the most votes cast to date. 2081 votes from our group of Bands, Djs, Reviewers, Promotors, and Superfans. These were all singles released in April/May of 2023 in the loose “Darkscene” genre. If you have a single out in June or know someone who does please add it to the Sounds and Shadows Facebook group poll, or become a Patron Subscriber. All the songs here are bangers, so please give a listen, support underground music, and tell us about your favorites.

  1. Ground Nero – Stars
  2. Leathers – Fascination
  3. The Bellwether Syndicate – Noir Thing
  4. Health – Hateful
  5. Bellhead – Bad Taste
  6. Bara Hari – Agoraphobic
  7. Vaselyne – Under Your Skin
  8. Self Titled Album – Haunted Chuck E Cheese
  9. Danny Blu + Moris Blak – Cover of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation“
  10. CARV.R feat (Mari Kattman) – Deflect
  11. Ego Likeness – Cover of Madonna “Live To Tell”
  1. Ground Nero – Stars – April 2023 release out of Belgium from Mark Sayles (Mark E Moon) , Peter Philtjens, and Peter Smeets. The first thing I notice, glorious organic drum beats which make this feel more old school than any guitar riff could. Mark’s vocals growl like a lean wolf stalking under a full moon. The chorus opens with a captivating hook worthy of the Mission. It’s a modern day anthem plucked straight from the 80s.

Stars | Ground Nero (bandcamp.com)

2) Leathers – Fascination – Another April release from Vancouver Canada synthstarlight project of Actors member Shannon Hemmett. Every single released gets more sparkling and elegant. Shannon’s voice burns braver. I love the jet set Duran Duran 80’s opulence in every molecule of this sound.

https://leathers.bandcamp.com/

3) The Bellwether Syndicate – Noir Thing – I waited so long for this album and single from the Chicago legends. They just returned from a tour and trip to Germany. This whole record is produced within an inch of it’s life. This single is a furious rampage let off the leash. William Faith has a lip curl snarl in his voice. Blistering Sigue Sigue Sputnik time changes and Jesus and Mary Chain rockabilly bassline. If you have never witnessed this live you desperately need to.

Noir Thing | The Bellwether Syndicate (bandcamp.com)

4) HEALTH – Hateful – LA Electronica demolition experts with an explosive new single. This intro absolutely sizzles. Listening to it makes me want to plan a jewel heist. It crackles with danger, it drips with sensuality, it swirls with deception. There is a reason EVERYONE in modern electronica is raving about this trio.

HATEFUL | HEALTH (bandcamp.com)

5) Bellhead – Bad Taste – Chicago bass duo keeps rolling out tension narratives of undefinable indie darkness that continue to be unnerving, captivating, and fresh. The vocals between Karen and Ivan are a dialog between thunderous baselines and slashing guitars. This is a dark star rising before our eyes.

Bad Taste | BELLHEAD (bandcamp.com)

6) Bara Hari – Agoraphobic – LA based theatrical dark pop with this shock whip April single. I just had an interview with Sam about this single and video. She really captured the national emotion during the pandemic of the walls closing in. Powerful delivery on a slinky dance beat and sword strike guitar riffs.

Agoraphobic | BARA HARI (bandcamp.com)

7) Vaselyne – Under Your Skin – The Dutch Duo of Yvette Winkler and Frank Weyzig on COP International return to our chart once again. Beautiful, delicate, haunting that organic connection of plucked acoustic strings against Yvette’s mournful plead. Around 2:40 the sky opens up with a sky fire guitar solo and vocal harmony. Raw emotion that gets under your skin.

Under Your Skin | Vaselyne (bandcamp.com)

8) Self Titled Album – Haunted Chuck E Cheese – Once again Utah based shadowdelic band of Rob Fkin Varney,
Josh Hollar, and Tim Hall grace our chart. It’s always difficult to put words to the slushy decay and electronic assault. This track has a wonderful 90s alt rock hook that really captures the nostalgia of anyone who was abandoned in the animatronic capitalistic horror show that is Chuck E Cheese.

Haunted Chuck-E-Cheese | Self Titled Album (bandcamp.com)

9) Danny Blu + Moris Blak – Cover of Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson – I just saw this amazing tour a few weeks ago and the chemistry between these two top tier artists is a blessing for us all. I have long held that the Rhythm nation album was always an industrial pop record which defined the genre before we had a word for it. I love how this cover brings the best of both artists. Danny’s cadence is sharp and throws sparks with every steel foot stomp. The backing music is crackling precision and mysterious twists you can never quite predict. If you still have a chance to see this tour it was one of the most exciting things I have seen live in a long while.

Rhythm Nation | Danny Blu, MORIS BLAK | SHVDOW Records (bandcamp.com)

10) CARV.R Feat Mari Kattman – Deflect – East coast team up of Cristian Carver and Mari Kattman two veteran performer/producers which united to unleash this jam. New England Poltergiest Disco at it’s finest. The percussion is such a cascading tight spiral which Mari’s voice dances on like a ballerina. I love everything about this pairing and hope there is more to come.

Deflect feat. Mari Kattman | CARV.R (bandcamp.com)


Projekt Records’ 40th anniversary

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In 1993 Sam Rosenthal (Black Tape For A Blue Girl) started an Indie label that combined a love of Dreampop, Ambient, Shoegaze, and Dark Cabaret. It began as a vehicle for his own band, but through a decerning eye towards the future highlighted eclectic new sounds we are celebrating four decades later. I discovered Projekt in college branching out for colder, darker sounds than Dead Can Dance and similar world beat shadow folk. With bands like Black tape, Voltaire, Love Spirals Downward, Attrition, and Lycia early Projekt sampler cd’s were fertile ground for a young mind exploring the boundaries of darkscene music.

Shop Projekt: Darkwave | 30 years in the underground

For 40 years Projekt and weaved and bobbed changing focus and embracing new technology in the music industry. With Mini Disc, MP3’s, even a resurgence in discord vinyl Sam has flowed with the tide to bring new fans to music which otherwise may not have seen the light of day.

The first band Sam signed was Dark Industrial legend ATTRITION. with several records already out, they brought a blend of intelligent punk ethos, electronic textural ambiance, and ice cold rage. Martin Bowes would find an international audience still captivated today. This also awakened Sam, fresh out of college to the realization the record lable would consume his life the next couple years.

Music | ATTRITION (bandcamp.com)

Lycia from Arizona would be the first band “discovered” by Projekt. I first found them through Burning Circle and The Dust. A haunting, memorizing, slushy burnt pastel sounds. Submerged ethereal vocals that wrapped around every sense. Eventually they would go on to form their own label. Releasing new material in March 2022 which I reviewed. These early Projekt records that put them on the map will always be my rain-streaked dorm window memories.

▶︎ The Burning Circle And Then Dust | Lycia (bandcamp.com)

I don’t want to go any further without talking about the other band that drew me into Projekt, Black Tape For A Blue Girl. Another major nostalgia band that opened my eyes wider to the idea that what we think of today as “Trad Goth” or “Post Punk” was the end of the conversation when it came to darkscene music. Things could be elegant. Darkness, pain, and regret could be beautiful feelings that explored the human experience. “The Rope” from 1986 held a particular majesty, with Oscar Herrera‘s strange cadence and David Bryne clarity paved a new road in my mind for what was possible. Four decades later Sam is still finding ways to explore sonic paths not taken.

mesmerized by the sirens (2023 stereo mix) | Black Tape For A Blue Girl (bandcamp.com)

Another Projekt band that had a major influence on me was California Stargaze ethereal band Love Spirals Downward. Guitar layered woven tapestry and warm blanket harmonies. Songs that offered comfort and jump started deeper dreaming. Extra shoutout that Jennifer Wilde of Sword Tongue did additional vocals on my favorite album of theirs Ardor.

▶︎ Ardor [Remastered Reissue] | Love Spirals Downwards (bandcamp.com)

As someone who makes “comedy goth” Projekt records artist Aurelio Voltaire opened my eyes to what was possible with dark music. Clever gallows humor and rapier wit blended with eastern traveler instrumentation was a fantasy idea that captured my imagination. I recently interviewed Aurelio and doing preparation research found I still knew every lyric on “The Devils Bris“. A true shadow bard that transcended music style in favor of narrative craft. This troubadour set trends that paved the way for everything I am trying to accomplish today.

Hear about his new album The Black Labyrinth here

The Black Labyrinth ~ A Requiem for the Goblin King | Aurelio Voltaire (bandcamp.com)

This has been an enjoyable memorandum as well as a glimpse into the future for a label that has helped define modern darkscene music. Rather you want to rediscover these updated releases of the past. Or explore the Projekt artists of the future, Sam has left an undeniable mark on out scene. I encourage everyone to delve into this rich tapestry of sonic narrative and celebrate 40 years of Projekt Records.

Music | Projekt Records (bandcamp.com)

Review: Still Life in Polaroids (A Tribute to the works of Japan and Beyond)

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In 1974 in Catford, South London Dave Sylvian, Mick Karn, and Steve Jansen formed a GlamProg band which would have some commercial success. The true impact was the influence they would have on future generations of complex and emotive artists. Along with fellow pioneers like The Velvet Underground, New York Dolls, Roxy Music, they challenged the boundaries of the time and continues to impact alternative voices today.

Coitus Interruptus Productions well known for creating tribute albums to highlight the best in new Darkscene music has released this latest offering with the assistance of Yvette Winkler of Vaselyne. Assembling a great production team of Jasyn Bangert (Mastering) Greg Rolfes (Artwork) the team at CI has compiled an amazing list of talent to pay homage to one of the most underrated bands of the past 50 years.

Still Life in Polaroids (A Tribute to the works of Japan and Beyond) | Coitus Interruptus Productions (bandcamp.com)

.Ashes of Youth – His Box 04:16
2.Attasalina – Blackwater 04:55
3.Blackcarburning – The Other Side of Life 04:35
4.Brian Hodges & Pieter Nooten (feat. Marselle Hodges) – Let The Happiness In 05:45
5.CODENAME: LOLA – Canton 05:25
6.C Z A R I N A – Halloween 04:38
7.David Scott Keller – God Man 03:15
8.Dogtablet – Despair (Ft Marselle Hodges) 04:33
9.Dreamscape Invocation – World Citizen (I Won’t Be Disappointed) 06:47
10.G.W . Childs IV – Gentlemen Take Polaroids 04:39
11.Krate – Oil On Canvas 03:41
12.Melodywhore – Ghosts 04:25
13.Michael Alan Giller – Closer Than ‘I’ 05:41
14.Pedro Code & Herr G – Methods Of Dance 05:26
15.Pete Burns (Kill Shelter) – Waterfront 03:15
16.Stefano Panunzi & Nicola Lori (feat. Yvette Winkler) – Damage 03:32
17.Tenderlash – Life In Tokyo 04:07
18.Tearing The Blackbox (feat Yvette Winkler) – Back In The Beginning 06:05
19.The Blue Hour – Nightporter 05:44
20.The Essence – Quiet Life 04:26
21.Tom Berger (Johnny Tupolev) – Visions of China 04:03
22.Unwoman – Darkest Dreaming 04:03
23.Vaselyne – Riverman 05:19
24.White Rose Transmission – Transmission 03:00

24 tracks on multiple labels all with a passion for Japan. With so many great takes I won’t be able to cover each one. I will try and give some quick impressions on as many as I can. This whole release is brimming over with friends and favorites. If you know and love Japan, this is a wonderful way to rediscover songs you love. if you don’t know them, find some of your favorite covers, then look up the originals. You will not be disappointed.

Brian Hodges & Pieter Nooten (feat. Marselle Hodges) – Let The Happiness In – originally a Mick Carns solo album track from “Dreams Of Reason Produce Monsters“. Marselle has one of those voices you can get lost in, gentle and wispy. Holding the power to erode stones over time. The Seattle artists fully embrace the streaking grey beauty of Sylvian’s original delivery. This isn’t a cover, it is a love letter.

Music | The Blue Hour (bandcamp.com)

Dogtablet Ft Marselle Hodges– Despair – Industrial legend Martin King also adds Marselle on vocals on this haunting cover that adds a brighter more resonant piano. The percussion is a gentle heartbeat underneath the streets of Paris in a smokey artist cafe. I love the addition of phosphorous glow to the existential dread. I will say I miss the amazing sax solo from the original, but I want sax solos in every song.

Black Space Dust & Memories | Dogtablet (bandcamp.com)

G.W. Childs IV – Gentlemen Take Polaroids – My dear friend G.W. covering probably my all time favorite Japan track. A single that hit number 60 in the Uk charts in 1980. The original really showed the Brian Eno influence with it’s funky sensuality. G.W. keeps the funk, punches the vocals forward with Pet Shop Boys sass and spices up the dance beats. This is a perfect cover for roller disco lovers spinning hands locked gazing into each others eyes.

You Don’t Know | G.W. Childs IV (bandcamp.com)

melodywhore – Ghosts – Steller cover for Texas electronica songsmith and remix master. Released in 1981 and probably their best-known hit, this dreamy ballad where Sylvian really unburdens his soul. James opens with these giant pillar synths and really captures the despair of the original. Wonderful harp plucking effect to take place of the marimba. This was a true exercise in method acting, it really gets in the head space of Sylvian’s composition.

Love Will Tear Us Apart | melodywhore & The Joker Project | melodywhore (bandcamp.com)

Pedro Code & Herr G – Methods Of Dance – Two amazing talents from Portugal team up to cover another track from “Gentlemen Take Polaroids”. This song features my favorite drum performance from Steve Jansen. A bold change to reimagine it as an electronic dark dance floor driver. Pedro’s voice is always exquisite and goes towards the top of the register in parts. They really change the focus of the track and make it their own.

Music | IAMTHESHADOW (bandcamp.com)

Pete Burns (Kill Shelter) – Waterfront – I believe this track was a David Sylvian solo song. Beautiful Blue collar dockworker ballad. Sylvian really channeled his gruffer edge for this. Pete, who I know is an enormous Japan fan piles on a further gently plucked blues tone on the guitar and a fading town anguished delivery on vocals. I was almost scared to hear this one because the original is so amazing, but of course Pete absolutely crushed it.

The Sex Tape Sessions EP | Kill Shelter & Death Loves Veronica | Kill Shelter (bandcamp.com)

Tenderlash – Life In Tokyo – 1979 release that definitely had a disco glam feel that became a hit on the singles chart in 1982. The NC darkwave band adds in a beautiful New Order synth swell to accompany Candy’s beautiful wispy croon. I really like the megaphone voiceover on the breakdown. They prove this could have been just as big a hit in the 90s alt rock riot girl scene.

Hold Still | Tenderlash (bandcamp.com)

Tearing The Blackbox (feat Yvette Winkler) – Back In The Beginning – A team up from Netherlands, this track really hit me with the jazz walking Mick Karn basslines I’ve been waiting for. It’s surreal and engaging with a wicked guitar solo backed by Yvette’s swelling chant. A perfect homage to the precise chaos that is Japan.

Now | Tearing The BlackBox (bandcamp.com)

Unwoman – Darkest Dreaming – Another Dave Sylvian solo album track. This one is a gentle introspective stargazing dream. Erica of Unwoman, who always brings an original spin and quality to their covers stretches out the time as the bow slides across strings. Powerful organic tendrils of sound paint a road for their soulful vibrato and layered nuance. I fell into this track like a baby in arms.

Music | Unwoman (bandcamp.com)

Vaselyne – Riverman – This was a Sylvian + Robert Fripp team up. One of those epically weird and expansive songs with world beat psychedelic flavor. Covered by the Dutch band including Yvette who helped put the whole project together. I absolutely loved this rendition with all the organic movement and Yvette’s warm whiskey vocals. The guitar leads crackle with life and plunge in and out of the water. Definitely a stand out track on a record full of them.

Under Your Skin | Vaselyne (bandcamp.com)

Coitus Interruptus Productions from Seattle has another home run here. I love the way they are creating a bridge between the past and future of this scene. Highly recommend checking some of their other tribute albums to Chameleons, Killing Joke, Coil, Psychedelic Furs, and more. I didn’t get to touch on every band here, but they are all worth checking out. Artwork by Greg Rolfes. Mastering by Jason Bangert

An Interview with Nero of Psyclon Nine by John Wisniewski

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The provocative Psyclon Nine recently released “More To Hell,” an EP that features new material along with remixes from their thrilling 2022 album “Less To Heaven.” This new EP includes remixes by Skold, Suicide Commando as well as Psyclon Nine vocalist and bandleader Nero Bellum himself. Psyclon Nine released their groundbreaking debut album “Divine Infekt” in 2003. Since that time, Psyclon Nine has continued to drop explosive albums of darkened metal industrial electronics and tour frequently, feeding a thirsty fanbase of devotees. We recently sat down to chat with Nero Bellum, near the end of a lengthy North American tour just as Psyclon Nine were about to headline Dark Force Fest, a packed Goth and Industrial festival and convention in New Jersey.

MONEY AND SEX AND DEATH | Psyclon Nine (bandcamp.com)

S & S –  Your excellent new EP entitled “More to Hell,” seems more like an extension of your epic 2022 album “Less to Heaven,” was that your intent?

Nero – I look at MORE TO HELL as a companion to LESS TO HEAVEN and as an opportunity to collaborate with artists that I respect. It also allowed me to have a platform for the single FOR THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF TERRORS. It can certainly be looked at as an extension/continuation.

S & S –  I really like the dark ambient soundtrack styled tracks on “Less To Heaven,” one of which “Catastrophic,” was remixed into a dark lullaby by the amazing Tim Skold on “More to Hell.” Tim has been a frequent collaborator of yours over the years and the two of you seem to share an excellent musical connection, can you tell us more about this chemistry?

Nero – Tim and I developed a friendship and mutual admiration over the years. I look at him as a kindred spirit and the only artist that I would ever trust with a song as personal as CATASTROPHIC. As any mother might be hesitant to put their child in the arms of a stranger, I feel a deep connection to the art that I create and especially so with CATASTROPHIC which, felt less like a song when it was composed and closer to an open heart surgery. It could have only been touched by someone who I trust and someone who knew where and how the song was birthed.

S & S – In 2017, Metropolis re-released a remastered version of your debut 2003 album “Divine Infekt.” What are your thoughts of your early material? Do you ever think back to when you originally formed Psyclon Nine and imagine that it would lead you to where you are today?

Nero – I look back on that time and see a teenager attempting to compose his first songs whilst simultaneously learning (by trial and error) the in’s and out’s of hardware synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers etc. What you hear on that first album is a collection of my very first experiments with song writing. It took a few years to hone my craft and develop the sonic aesthetic that I was aiming for. I often say that CRWN THY FRNICATR was the first “true” PSYCLON NINE album as, I look at DIVINE INFEKT and I.N.R.I. as polished demo’s more than albums. That said, I’m not ashamed of those albums and I feel that there are still a few good tracks scattered amongst them. And although we haven’t performed any of those songs in a live setting in many years… It might be time to pull them out soon.

S & S – You’ve managed to find a way to bridge the gap between dark electronic industrial sounds and aspects of black metal while remaining a very prolific tour de force, has your inspiration and drive for making music changed over the years?

Nero – My inspiration changes constantly. It’s incredibly important to me that I remain authentic to myself and I allow my vision to have a fluidity to it. I’ve always felt more comfortable on the outside of genre. I have no desire to fit in with whatever is popular at the moment and more of a desire to go in an opposite direction if anything. I’m a contrarian by heart. Inspiration comes to me in the form of sounds rather than music. Oftentimes I’ll compose entire songs around a single, central sound. FOR THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF TERRORS is a good example of this. The entire track was written around a recording of an oil barrel being hit with a tuning hammer in a sewer tunnel. These are the concepts that inspire me. Some artists sit down with a guitar or, sit at a piano and compose melodies that will then be arranged/adapted into a song. I find a unique “instrument” record a “performance” and then manipulate the recordings in my studio. The journey is as important to me as the finished result.

S & S – Do you listen to much new music and can you recommend any up and coming bands that you would like to mention?

Nero – I don’t actively search out new music. New artists need to be forced on me by friends / outside sources. I have a fairly diverse taste and some people might be surprised by some of the artists that I do listen to. If I’m being asked to drop some names for people to check out, I would suggest Surachai, Snakes Of Russia (who remixed SEE YOU ALL IN HELL on MORE TO HELL), and Health (who we just performed with at Dark Force Fest and who put on a great show).

HATEFUL | HEALTH (bandcamp.com)

S & S – You have a reputation for being an avid admirer of vintage 1970s synthesizers and sounds. Can you share with our audience some of your favorite electronic gear? Do you have any favorite artists amongst the 1970s synthesizer electronic pioneers?

Nero – I have a love for unique instruments in general. I do prefer modular to fixed format synthesizers as they lend themselves to experimentation and a lot of the modules that I use are modern interpretations of classic 60’s and 70’s Buchla, Moog and Arp designs. It’s never been about chasing a sound from that era for me. It’s all about pushing boundaries and the modular domain is where I find the most interesting technology. What’s attractive about Eurorack to me is being able to integrate modern / digital synthesis methods (granular / sampling etc) with vintage / analog components. I like to have as many “colors” at my disposal as possible when composing

S & S – Psyclon Nine just recently completed a large tour of North America that included an appearance at the Dark Force Festival. Do you have any other tours planned?

Nero – Nothing that I can discuss at the moment but, definitely keep an eye on our Instagram for updates.

So many Dark Clouds hanging over The Scene. I will try and counteract By sharing Music That Makes My heart Swoon

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May began with some really heavy blows to out scene. A tragic car accident. An unexpected health scare. It seems like the Chicago Industrial scene is weighted down with tragedy. This is also a time when we remember and appreciate how much we mean to each other. So please tell the people who matter how much you love and appreciate them. if that takes the form of an artist or song, then turn it up, sing it loud, and share it with others. Here are some artists which are currently touching my heart and I appreciate.

Hail Your Highness – Winter – Let us begin in my own backyard of Grand Rapids Michigan with two sisters playing Sega Dreamcast bleep bloop against rain-streaked windows. Fading memories of dewy blades of grass and sadpop drizzle. Honesty and clarity ripple on a still pond. Each track feels close to home. I look forward to reading the well worn paper back pages.

Winter | Hail Your Highness (bandcamp.com)

Chiasm – Relapse (Reissue) – A re-release of the 2005 electronica spider crawl synth from Michigan artist Emileah Rohn flawlessly remastered by composer and contributor Jean-Marc Lederman. Hearing an artist you know well from their delicately polished and precise recent material through the darker rawer lens of their early voice is a shocking beautiful realization.

Favorite Track: Delay – The gnashing teeth to the vocal delivery here is a fresh dynamic to the familiar imagery of Chiasm’s poetry and digital complexity. Falling in even rotation through a bottomless dark void.

This remaster feels like seeing a familiar friend in a virtual reality home movie to a history you have heard as a story but never seen with your eyes until now.

Relapse (Reissue) | Chiasm (bandcamp.com)

BELLHEAD – Good Intentions – New EP from Chicago double bass indie grime band Bellhead. In the 90’s when Avant Gard indie rock was happening, I listened to it. I don’t think I ever truly appreciated it. Maybe I didn’t yet have thick Buddy Holly glasses, maybe my pallet hadn’t refined. whatever the reason when I hear the bone shaking bass lines and tennis technique volley vocals in 2023 it just hits different. A blend of stalking menace and luring sweet hooks. You keep on the ride for the familiar feelings, the longer you stay the more you realize this is something you haven’t heard yet. Ivan Russia has a stalking wolf voice that is breathing hot death on the back of your neck. The lyrics have this hard line Frank Miller pulp narrative. Karen volleys back with the perfect energy and accent to make the picture complete.

Favorite Track: Into The Deep – Ivan goes full beatnick Ginsberg on this bopping funeral surf ceremony through hell. This is Frank Black and Nick Caves boiling seaside vacation to hell.

Good Intentions | BELLHEAD (bandcamp.com)

MOЯIS BLAK – BURIAL + VOID [remixed] – Boston based CyberApocolypse artist Moris Blak has been pumping out thrumming electronic bass grenades. With this new remix album featuring Rabbit Junk, Syzgyx, and GenCab features a reflective subtlety that I feel deep for. Spotlights to the sky on a rooftop rave. See them on tour now with Danny Blu and Eva X.

BURIAL + VOID [remixed] | MOЯIS BLAK (bandcamp.com)

Antipole & Paris Alexander – Crystalline – I have been a huge Antipole fan since the beginning of Sounds and Shadows. Karl’s attention to detail in perfecting the post punk guitar sound is a level of mastery akin to a Rennaissance painter worthy of naming a ninja turtle after. So when I say this is my favorite release to date by the Norwegian songcrafter it is a statement of weight. With frequent collaborator Paris Alexander and Eirene on vocals this record is an exploration of cold biting beauty and haunting memories. One of those albums which fits well as a pairing to any activity. A long solitary walk, a soundtrack to an intimate dinner party, a delicate thrum in a crowded club. I was really impressed with how much Paris vocals stand to the front in a way I haven’t heard as much on previous releases. A raspy whisper full of danger and sensuality. This is an early contender for my top albums of the year.

Favorite Track: I really loved each one for different reasons. Track 4 Disjointed left me mesmerized and haunted. The guitar riff hung like a bridge of ice as you slowly make your way across an endless gap. Paris voice is a haunting poetry. This was a New Order Movement track that never got made before this moment.

Crystalline | Antipole & Paris Alexander | Antipole (bandcamp.com)

Dogtablet – Black Space Dust & Memories – Martin King of the legendary Test Dept and Roberto Soavel have gathered an epic ensemble of talent to weave a wet aired electro jazz fantasy on the edge of comfort. Each track is a destination well outside of civilization and teeming with sharp teeth and claws.

Guest vocalists: Track 2: Steven Archer (Stoneburner/Ego Likeness)
Track 4 and 9: Coral Scere
Track 6: Jared Louche (Chemlab)
Track 7: Daz Sharp
Track 10: Melodywhore
Track 11: Cat Hall (Dissonance)
Track 12: Franke Nardiello (My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult)

Roger Ebner – Sax on Diamonds
Phil Moseley – Guitars on Ashes

Artwork and Layout by Greg Rolfes

Trying to pick a Fav track is too big an ask here. There is so much variety and ground covered. An airship of adventurers each with a role to fill. On track 4 Whispers Coral Scere gives such a tragic and soulful delivery I felt my eyes welling up. Track 7 Tar Pit featuring Daz Sharp was another level of vocal craftsmanship by stretching each phrase through thick murky ink. Layne Staley was looking down smiling. Track 12 The Oversight featuring Franke Nardiello is a snake charmer doing a flickering flame dance surrounded on all sides. The opening track Diamonds was rich and heavy with swaying Tom Waits swagger and the shimmering sax of Roger tied around each limb and stretching us to our limits. This record is an adventure.

Black Space Dust & Memories | Dogtablet (bandcamp.com)

Grey Gallows – Strangers – Patra Greece darkwave artist with a new full length album. I found them through Cold Transmission and was hooked in right away. A sinister batcave thrum blended with modern darkwave club beats. Konstantin has an expressive range and a showman’s inflection on vocals. The basslines are tight and weighty like a bowling ball down castle stone stairs. Track 3 “Spirits” featuring Kriistal Ann was a lovely standout. Giant sweeping synth pads and her operatic grace accented with cymbal accents. I really need to dig through the back catalog of this band. This album is keeping old school goth alive in 2023.

Favorite Track: The Night In Me – The tempo drop and pageantry of this song put it heavy in my rotation. The vocals drip like hot wax on a cathedral candle. The reverb heavy rhythm guitar crated perfect anticipation between verses.

Strangers | Grey Gallows (bandcamp.com)