Ambient music has always been a mixed bag for me. The category seems to cover everything from Eno-esque textured soundscapes to tantric meditation music. That being said, I tried to keep an open mind while listening to Planeswalkers‘ debut, The Mind Room.
Planeswalkers is the power couple duo of Arden Leigh (Arden & the Wolves) and Andrew Means, known for his work with the likes of 3TEETH and Patriarchy. And had this been just a mishmash of floaty noise, I probably would have grown bored quickly. Instead, there’s an actual sense of direction and purpose on this four-song release.
Arden’s vocal delivery changes gears and covers a range of styles from an Enya-like airinessto almost a hip-hop flow.
What really put their sound over the top, in my opinion, is Means‘ articulately-structured songs along with a production style that adds a bit of industrial edginess, even to such floating tracks as Horizons.
Fans of lighter music with a dark, subversive undercurrent would do well to give The Mind Room a try, as I feel that the Planeswalkers‘ journey is just beginning.
What is it that we love about compilations? That feeling of delving into the unknown? The hope of discovering some new, mind-blowing act that otherwise would have escaped your radar? That mix of comfort zone familiarity along with new surprises? All of the above!
And while the golden age of compilations may be behind us in the Digital Age, SoCal promoters Modern.Wav have recaptured some of that magic with a vinyl-only release of dance floor-friendly bangers.
Southern California is well represented with the likes of Matte Blvck, Author & Punisher, Spike Hellis, HEALTH, and Void Palace. Additionally, old favorites like Clan of Xymox contribute as well.
Personally, I like the flow of these songs from one to the other. These ten tracks could easily be a DJ set in itself.
Modern.Wav have other limited edition vinyl-only releases that will be covered in due time. For now, enjoy this collection dark electronic gems.
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Track Listing:
SIDE A 1. LOCAL SUICIDE & SKELESYS-MOUSTACHE 2. MATTE BLVCK FEAT CLAN OF XYMOX-BTTR(ADAM STILSON MIX) 3. AUTHOR & PUNISHER-BODY DOME LIGHT(GODFLESH COVER) 4. STRAIGHT RAZOR-SUFFERING 5. DIE SEXUAL ON THIS NIGHT
SIDE B 1. STREET FEVER-IN YOUR LUNGS 2. SPIKE HELLIS-FEED 3. HEALTH-LESS THAN ZERO 4. NORMAL BIAS-EMBODY CONTROL 5. VOID PALACE-MACHINE OF VISION
What is it that we love about compilations? That feeling of delving into the unknown? The hope of discovering some new, mind-blowing act that otherwise would have escaped your radar? That mix of comfort zone familiarity along with new surprises? All of the above!
And while the golden age of compilations may be behind us in the Digital Age, SoCal promoters Modern.Wav have recaptured some of that magic with a vinyl-only release of dance floor-friendly bangers.
Southern California is well represented with the likes of Matte Blvck, Author & Punisher, Spike Hellis, HEALTH, and Void Palace. Additionally, old favorites like Clan of Xymox contribute as well.
Personally, I like the flow of these songs from one to the other. These ten tracks could easily be a DJ set in itself.
Modern.Wav have other limited edition vinyl-only releases that will be covered in due time. For now, enjoy this collection dark electronic gems.
—
Track Listing:
SIDE A 1. LOCAL SUICIDE & SKELESYS-MOUSTACHE 2. MATTE BLVCK FEAT CLAN OF XYMOX-BTTR(ADAM STILSON MIX) 3. AUTHOR & PUNISHER-BODY DOME LIGHT(GODFLESH COVER) 4. STRAIGHT RAZOR-SUFFERING 5. DIE SEXUAL ON THIS NIGHT
SIDE B 1. STREET FEVER-IN YOUR LUNGS 2. SPIKE HELLIS-FEED 3. HEALTH-LESS THAN ZERO 4. NORMAL BIAS-EMBODY CONTROL 5. VOID PALACE-MACHINE OF VISION
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
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
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
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 – SoSick [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.
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
