Category: Review

August Bandcamp Reviews Part 2

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I haven’t done a Bandcamp Friday review in a minute. I still really appreciate that Bandcamp as a company still cares enough about supporting musicians to waive their fee one Friday a month. Already it is the best way for new up and coming artists to get their albums into the hands of fans in the modern era. So today I did a post in the Sounds and Shadows group asking for some new releases and I will fire through several and give my impressions. If you see value in learning about my favorite new Darkscene music releases, Interviews, and Updates. Please follow us on Facebook/Instragram

 Metamorph (Margot Day) – Sweet Nothings GRENDEL RMX – New York artist Margot Day with this new remix single from hard Industrial legends GRENDEL. It’s a cool surprising sound outside the normal vibe I expect from Grendel. A driving electroclash vibe with some interesting instrumentation and retro video game synth panels. Erik Gustafson (Adoration Destroyed/Eva X) did the production work and it’s very sleek, lots of tight sharp curves to the sound. Margot has a lovely whisp like delivery. Beautiful strobe light club hit.

Sweet Nothings (Grendel Remix)” — available May 1 on all platforms.
Artist: Metamorph x Grendel
Release: Sweet Nothings (Remix)
Date: May 1 , 2026

credits

released May 1, 2026
Sweet Nothings by Margot Day
Voice + Flute – Margot Day
Remix by Grendel
Photo: Margot Day by Brian Wimer
Cover Art: Damian Z.

 Circuit Preacher – Bloodthirsty – Spicy new single from the Richmond VA Industrial Pop trio on DarkTunes. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live before and they are an EXPERIENCE on stage. The track builds like an angry thought from the back of your mind. The chant is a powerful call to action, we the people outnumber the power that keeps evil in the world. I love the big block synth panels and sizzling riff at 2:52. A cleaner meaner Front 242 for the modern era.

Are these the rocks you said would cry out in praise?
Buildings on children yelling their parents names
God watches through a slit in the gate
A special kind of hate

Bloodthirsty | Circuit Preacher

Transient Spirits – Eye For An Eye – Really cool London band I had never heard before. A trio with syncopated prog goth precision that reminded me a bit of one of my modern favorites Palais Ideal. Really dialed in with some unique and engaging vocals that had an almost angry spitting Bryan Ferry glampunk flavor. I’d never checked them before but will definitely be following them going forward.

released June 15, 2026
Wil Ferraz – Vocals and Guitars
Selçuk Özcan – Drums
Matthew Sheppard – Bass
Curtis Elvidge – Production, Mix, and Master

▶︎ Eye For An Eye | Transient Spirits

 Tears for the Dying – World’s End – The modern Mistress of Deathrock Adria Stembridge from Athens GA never disappoints. That signature dialed in guitar tone lashes around her head like a cracking whip. Accented by a sharp stabbing staccato chant forcing a truth into the light. All under the current of a thunderous driving bass. This is the future of Deathrock music.

The empire’s finally dying
Blood stains on our hands
Swallowing needles
On indigenous lands
Eyeing teenage girls
Fingers turn to knives
They get away with murder
A nation paralyzed

Owari no sekai
Owari no sekai
Owari no sekai
World at an end!

released July 24, 2026
Written and performed by Adria Stembridge.

Vocals, guitars, bass, programming, and recording by Adria Stembridge at her home studio.

Additional production, mixing, and sound design by Jason Nesmith.

Mastered by Jason Nesmith at Chase Park Transduction

Single artwork from Ändre Bagus Prasetyo (no AI)

World’s End (single) | Tears for the Dying

DAM3ON – I believe in your Ghosts – Another North Carolina electronic act from Chuck Giezentanner with a haunting warm spooky themed dance banger. Great vocals and spicy synth lines that have your spirits sliding up the walls. Like a Halloween themed VNV Nation. Chuck is definitely making a sound folks need to be aware of.

▶︎ I believe in your Ghosts | DAM3ON



Bandcamp Friday August 2026 Part 1

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I haven’t done a Bandcamp Friday review in a minute. I still really appreciate that Bandcamp as a company still cares enough about supporting musicians to waive their fee one Friday a month. Already it is the best way for new up and coming artists to get their albums into the hands of fans in the modern era. So today I did a post in the Sounds and Shadows group asking for some new releases and I will fire through several and give my impressions. If you see value in learning about my favorite new Darkscene music releases, Interviews, and Updates. Please follow us on Facebook/Instragram/ SoundsandShadows.com and consider following our Patreon to support. $1 a month helps me out and I deeply appreciate the support.

Sounds and Shadows | Music Reviews, Interviews, Videocast Connecting the Darkscene | Patreon

Lilac Lament – Margot – Haunting old-school 90’s flavored goth from Chicago. A real throwback to Sunshine Blind/Switchblade Symphony with this eerie atmospheric crushed velvet textures. I heard about this band from Dani Ashes and they are always a voice in what to look for in goth. This single is the only one I found for them so far, but I was an instant fan. Vocalist Moth Del has a dark and haunting voice that drips with star power.

▶︎ Margot | Lilac Lament

released May 1, 2026
Tary Rolfe, Trevor Slabaugh, Coit Dolhover, Moth Del, Jafet Mendoza

THE DISCUSSION – She Said (Lost Tapes Remix) – La based artist I had the absolute pleasure of seeing open for and then play with Bootblacks last year. Awesome driving dark Chrissie Hynde energy with wicked guitar chops. This remix single whips the tempo of the snare to the limit and really cooks this perfect getaway drive track for a midnight jewel heist. On Artoffact Records and heading out on tour soon. DO NOT MISS THEM LIVE

She Said (Lost Tapes Remix) | THE DISCUSSION

The Sad Hour – Dead Nor Alive – Detroit Death rockers fronted by Charles Urban with a new single that utilizes that pageantry and glam ethos they do so well with blue collar rock romantism. The combination blends into a poetic lyric dream with shades of Bright Eyes. The Sad hour is always showing me something new and beautiful.

▶︎ Dead Nor Alive | The Sad Hour

released May 22, 2026
Written and Performed by The Sad Hour
Luke Hodorek – Guitar/backing vocals
Charles Urban – Vocals
Charles Venditto – Bass/backing vocals
—————————————————-
Justin Dulecki – Drums/Production
Jordan Compton – Synthesizer

Sorrow Stories – So Sick [with Christopher Hall] – UK based Tina Forlorn with a flickering violet new single with aid from the master of angst croon himself Christopher Hall (Stabbing Westward). Loving this recent trend of 90s gothdustrial throwback. It was a too often overlooked time in music so it is wonderful to hear an homage blended with modern beats and production. Three great Remixes by Stabbed By Prongs, Violet Wanda, Adoration Destroyed.

▶︎ So Sick [with Christopher Hall] | Sorrow Stories

You said never goodbye
It was just another lie
In sickness, in health
No heaven, only hell

So much for what we had
If it means nothing to you
All the time that I’ve lost
Giving everything to you

I’m so sick…
and you’re so sick of me
I’m so sick
and I’m so sick of me

released August 7, 2026

‘So Sick’ by Sorrow Stories [with Christopher Hall]
Music & Production, Vox & Lyrics by Sorrow Stories
Guitar, Post-Production & Mixing by Christopher Hall
Remixes by artists as stated
Artwork & Digital Booklet by Sorrow Stories
Mastering by Sorrow Stories

Decomposition by Choke Chain

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Decomposition | Choke Chain

released July 10, 2026

Written and produced by Mark Trueman in La Crosse/Milwaukee, WI
Vocals recorded at Subspace HQ in Milwaukee, WI
Mastered by Eric Oehler and Grant Richardson
Art by negativemeditation and VIOLENCE.PARANOIA
Layout by Sam Stoxen
Photography by Carlos Azuara
Thanks to: My friends and family for existing, Negative Gain, Phage Tapes, Everyone at OmenMilwaukee’s Choke Chain serve up Decomposition, some unapologetic old-school style industrial noise for your earhole.

It’s aggressive, grating, abrasive and brutal. It’ll piss off your parents, your neighbors and your dog.

In short, it’s everything that makes industrial music great!

Never mind the niceties. This is raw naked aggression served up in a handy five-song EP.

Two additional remixes give DJs ammo for the dance floor as well.

Past Self – Jemul – A new single from Korean Goth sensation that NEEDS to be on your radar

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Since I started this journey of goth Renaissance in 2018 with Twin Tribes/Actors/Bootblacks/Kill Shelter ect I am always on the lookout for that next big thing. A young band that hits me and has that “IT” factor. We had the absolute please of opening for Past Self in Detroit and I was immediately floored by their presence, sonic beauty, and originality of their stage performance. After several decades seeing and being in bands, I know it when I see it. This is it.

https://pastself.bandcamp.com

past self

Proteus: Vocals/Guitar
Spektor: Bass/Synth Bass/Backing Vocals
æther: Keys/Backing Vocals

music and lyrics written by Sung
mixed and mastered by Spektor

The sound is a wonderous slushy charcoal ghost story with Cure, Twin Tribes, Drab Majesty inspiration. Infused with quirky 90s Sega video game synth tones. The blending of language through the lyrics is absolutely inspired and adds a captivating beauty that makes you lean in to listen for every secret. The shadow bouncing Simon Gallup basslines create a constant motion and energy.

Bedrot | past self

This new single Jemul which translates to a sacrifice or offering, often used in ritual contexts or metaphorically is another reminder these talented young artists are just beginning their journey. The tone is dark and robust but attacks at a blistering pace the crackles and swirls. The vocals resonate with baritone weight and spin a beautiful tale of leaping into the unknown without a safety net.

In an instant, 너의 불안감은 두려움이 됐다
In an instant, neoui bul-angam-eun dulyeoum-i dwaesda
In an instant, your anxiety turned into fear

너의 비극들은 환각 속안에 묻었다
neoui bigeugdeul-eun hwangag sog-an-e mud-eossda
Your tragedies are buried inside hallucinations

Do not miss the upcoming European tour! They are a must see live band

Overall – Past Self is a groundbreaking talent on the cusp of becoming the next hot thing in modern goth. You need them in your collection now.

The Joy Thieves ” Apocalypse Pending”

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Chicago Industrial Supergroup The Joy Thieves on Armalyte Industries in 2018 has a brand-new album just in time for the steady decay of the post Capitalist society. Drum Daddy Dan Milligan started this project in 2018 blending a love of live punk rock power, and industrial electronic expertise. A chance meeting through his wife with Chicago Industrial Supergroup legend Martin Atkins (Pigface) led to Milligan compiling a talent packed armada to rival any group in the genre that includes current, former, and touring members of bands such as Ministry, Stabbing Westward, Rollins Band, Killing Joke, Pigface, RevCo, PIG, David Bowie, Blue October, Machines of Loving Grace, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Naked Raygun, Foetus, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Pegboy, Nitzer Ebb, and more. I’m proud to say the “more” even includes me.

The Joy Thieves – Apocalypse Pending – Lyrics by Chris Connelly (Yes that Chris Connelly)

Additional production by:

Derek Christopher –Penfield Studios
Mark Pistel -Room 5 Studios

Jeff Harris -JH Studios

Steven Archer -House of Wolves

Dee J Nelson -DJN Music Studio

Jane Jensen -Autozen Music

DJ Darryl Hell -HellLab Studios




Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording + Mastering
Art direction by Destiny Justic Scott

Original artwork by Charlie Athanas for Burning City

2022 Sounds and Shadows Interview with The Joy Thieves

The world has steadily progressed into a pea green soup skied nightmare of political confrontation, media overload, and wealth disparity which has us all terrified for the future. Enter the sonic baseball bat with nails driven through it to fight back against the dumpster fire that is “Apocalypse Pending“. From the funky bashing buildup of 52 second title track intro (Milligan/DJ Darryl Hell) into the first single “No Anchor” (Connelly/Milligan) we are thrust into a desperate crumbling world which the Thieves immediately start beating the piss out of until it releases the sweet juice of hope.

“Why am I desperate to have no anchor? To prowl just like a panther? I can’t remain for anyone Why is it frostbite in July? So strange the time flies I can’t remain for anyone I will not stay, I’m not wanted I’m neither living, nor haunted Beauty has no anchor, don’t forget you’re here “

Things that really stand out above the pack in 2026. 1) The drums here (As expected by Drum Daddy Dan Milligan) are absolutely electric. Every track to tight, clean, but always feels like it is rattling off the tracks. It never does but the sense of anxiety created by controlled chaos releases your adrenaline. 2) This is peak Chris Connelly, not that he ever goes wrong but I think Dan and company are huge fans that really understand the pocket to create for one of the best ever to do Industrial vocals to let him shine. He snarls, croons, spits, and breathes with perfect intuitive timing. 3) The lyrics are the self-aware directed anger that this era is screaming for given voice. I just don’t spend enough time reading along with the lyrics sheet while listening to music these days, but that’s exactly what this record had me doing. 4) The guitar tones here a DIALED in, they are crunching and cooking just beating you over the head while you stomp.

Favorite Tracks: Honestly all of them. This is a hit play and let them cook album. That is a cop out answer though so here we go.

“The Wrong End Of Your Rifle” – What a flow this track has. It is so real with 90s Industrial homage and Public Enemy political intelligence.

“Not one to clash with my investors
More like cardiac arresters
Menace, ignorance
And heavily armed court jesters

Blamin’ it all
Menace becomes investor
Pay to win
Corporate branding on your sin of sins
You came to blame
And nothing will keep you stifled
Menacing
At the wrong end of your rifle”

“Knife Fight Nihilism” – Jensen and Connelly do a beautiful vocal volley in a slam poetry full of razor wit and funky beats. I love the old school record scratching effect and slippery phrasing.

I’m kind of warming up to you
And your consistent fight
To make it true
A knife fight in a garden
Close to paradise
A royal pardon
Look what’s branding us with heavy shields!
And mortal stuff we can’t reveal
You spilled your guts out
And the dogs prepared to feast
A knife fight honors every carnivore and every beast
Unlikely bloodstains make a pattern
Like a jigsaw on the lam
Unlikely jetties rid the sea of bodies
Dead serious, or just another dead man?

This album is a must have and an early contender for my album of the year.