Tag: Assemblage 23

Wicked Hot Darkscene Jams to Chase away the November Chill

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Finally freeing up some time to start up interviews again. Which means it is also time to start working through my catalog of new darkscene releases you need to know about. I have a lot to cover so time to put the proverbial needle to the metaphoric record and share my thoughts on what the cool kids are listening to.

Bombay Gasoline – I’m Clean – New single out of Asheville, North Carolina. I’m not sure how it found it’s way on my radar, I think it was a post in the group. Elements of 90’s alt rock with a POWERFUL vocal delivery by Madison Maxwell. Absolute sky splitter of a voice. The structure is complete chaos in the best way, shifting time, tone, and instrumentation with a jazz tornado in a bottle abandon. Sizzling guitar leads makes it feel like the roller coaster car is always only half on the tracks. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this band.

Madison Maxwell – vocals, keys, lyrics, music
Gregg Webber – backing vocals
Joel Shuman – guitars
Grant Yost – bass
Eliza Hill – drums

I’m Clean | Bombay Gasoline

NOIR – The Best of the Remixes – Athan Maroulis (Spahn Ranch, Black Tape for a Blue Girl) is New York City darkwave royalty. He has one of those beautiful and distinctive voices that makes every project he is involved with shine. Featuring Kai Irina Hahn and Jamie Parganos on live keyboards, NØIR debuted with ‘Darkly Near,’ (2013). ‘The Burning Bridge‘ (2016) added guitarist/producer Erik Gustafson. When it comes to remixing there is nothing more satisfying than pulling out a 10/10 vocal melody and swirling it with your own sauce. It’s no wonder Athan was able to pull in some of the top talents in electronica willing to place his voice against another canvas. This compilation of remixes pulls tracks from Noirs catalog and fires them back into the world through a fresh lens. I got to listen to the live bandcamp streaming premier and take the journey with Athan and some of the remixers.

I will give some quick hit impressions of some of my favorite tracks.

1) My Dear (Assemblage 23) Tom Shear the master of futurepop absolutely crushed this. This melody is infectious and it soars on translucent angel wings. You always want an opener that cooks. This one is scorching holy fire.

2) Timephase (Die Sektor) – Slowing things down a bit to a filthy slither is Atlanta GA based Die Sektor featuring the electro psychedelic mind of Vlad McNeally. A band that is always coloring outside the lines they took this mix true to the title with a staggering lilt that phases across the dancefloor. You really feel the density of the drum strikes while being pulled towards the apex of a black hole.

4) A Pleasure To Burn (FIRES) – I’m a huge FIRES fan and here she really turns the sensual David Gahan aspect of Athan’s voice up to 11. A spinning vortex of light. Wicked modular solo into a Tangerine Dream breakdown with ethereal backup vocals. Gorgeous, sexy, and weird. Three of my favorite things.

8) Fallen (Silverwalks) – Daniel McCullough is a synth texture gourmet. Building layer upon layer with sonic flavors into a shadow disco jam that makes it impossible to remain stationary.

I merely scratched the surface. If you haven’t dug into NOIR’s catalog before now you are in for a treat. This compilation is a great way to get a taste.

The Best of the Remixes | NOIR

NORMORIA – Paralyzed (Feat. MATT HART) – Brand new single from Sweden to California transplants featuring British Industrial Pop star Matt Hart. A stomping blend of hard progressive rock and Industrial mayhem. Angel belts out operatic pleas over Matt’s sinister snarls to simulate the horror of sleep paralysis. The crunch of these guitar riffs really make the walls close in. I think we are all relating to this image of crippling anxiety right now.

Paralyzed (Feat. MATT HART) | NORMORIA

EN ESCH – Dance Hall Putsch – I recently had the opportunity to interview the Industrial legend about this new solo album which I think is his most cohesive razor crisp offering to date. I’ll be releasing that soon as well as seeing him play with longtime collaborator Raymond Watts on Saturday at Smalls in Detroit. This is another stellar release by up-and-coming indie label GIVE/TAKE. Lot’s of amazing contributors on this album, to me it was the most En Esch focused of his solo albums. Always one to push artist boundaries over continuity “Dance Hall Putsch” holds more focused cohesion. It started at the beginning of the pandemic and continued to take shape as Russia invaded the Ukraine just 500 miles from Berlin. As an American I sometimes forget how much closer that felt to home for Europeans as a world power moved the machinery of war to their doorstep. You can hear the tonal shift from hopeful dance bangers towards fear and despair. The album also reminds me that En Esch is originally a percussionist. These songs start with a beat in their core and expand outward. That central circulatory pulse is the binding force through each rise and fall.

Favorite Tracks:

2) I’m So Sick feat. Mea Fisher aka DJ Mea (Lords of Acid) – A big weaving organ synth sound crashing into a throbbing club beat and crystal specter vocals. En Esch echos back with snarling poetry. A whirling dervish of energy to establish a sharp and reckless tone.

4) Eden feat. Gabriel Lennox – This is a Mona Mur song that I love, feat Gabriel Lennox of Seraph Sin who appears a few times on the record. Mona’s original version has a sorrowful space opera delivery. The En Esch version while stalking and wild feels brighter and more hopeful. It’s a beautiful homage of respect. I’m a sucker for an artist covering the song of someone you can tell they really respect as an artist.

Photo by Chris Cardi Photography

7) Wumms feat. Raymond Watts (PIG) – This track is just immensely fun. I think the German roughly translates to bang or an onomatopoeia. The intro is a swirling whip that sounds like two friends playing a theremin in call and answer. It’s strange, electric, and feels like a percussion conversation.

10) Epic feat. Mea Fisher aka DJ Mea (Lords of Acid) – I had to include this for the sheer absurdity. The best covers are always ones where you make the song your own. En Esch told a story of KMFDM pulling into a festival and while setting up hearing Faith No More and being taken by this banger track. All these year later we get this reimagining with Mea Fisher. I feel like I was listening to Mike Patton fall backwards into a K hole.

If you are a long time En Esch fan like me I highly recommend grabbing the coke bottle limited edition vinyl. The whole album is fun, reckless, and deep. Tackling an uncertain future with bravado and spirit.

Dance Hall Putsch | EN ESCH

Die Robot – Vampire Vs Zombie (Double Feature) – Die Robot the pacific northwest duo Barbie Saint & Vince Christian with this sizzling monster themed minimalist electronic shadoweave. They have really honed this Electropunk meets retro rockabilly feel into something dangerous. I love how both tracks feel connected but with such contrasting styles. A modern day monster mash up.

Vampire Vs Zombie (Double Feature) | Die Robot

Fixation Festival II at Small’s is over. proving once again the Detroit Darkwave scene is something special.

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Year two of Small’s in Hamtramck’s Fixation Festival happened this past weekend. For the second year in a row Mike Mouyianis and Kat Paled put together an epic bill of legacy/modern darkscene talent both locally and around the country. This city has always celebrated a rich musical culture from Motown, Iggy Pop, The MC 5, techno’s holy trinity, ADULT, along with a slew of new talent in the current wave. Small’s cares about and celebrates artists, while running a tight ship that respects fan’s time. The venue is intimate with a great sound system and professional technician that knows how to communicate and bring out the best in the wide variety of acts. Having the stage and merch in one room, another with the bar for cooler temps, quick service, and a large video screen showing the stage at a volume you can talk over makes for a best of both worlds. Sometimes you want to be right in the action. Sometimes you want to share a moment with friends, making a personal connection with the bands. It has the Cold Waves “goth summer camp” vibe with a smaller more relaxed venue.

I’m going to fire off some quick impressions from of all the bands. Some that are long time favorites, some I saw for the first time. I’ll also include photos from the amazingly talented Jen Jeffery who really captured highlight moments from both nights.

https://www.facebook.com/pinknoisepix

Helix – Starting out Friday night strong was the married duo of Mari Shear (Day Twelve, Mari & The Ghost) and Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) firing off blistering electropop with Mari’s powerful, smokey delivery. Her stage show was captivating and serpentine. A beautiful way to set the tone for everything to come.

Unimaginable Place | Helix (bandcamp.com)

Rosegarden Funeral Party – Next up was Dallas TX dark rockers Rosegarden Funeral Party who I had previously reviewed for albums and singles. I had never seen them live, this became my favorite surprise of the weekend. Sometimes you really need to see the live show to get a full appreciation of a band. Leah was this glorious guitar sheading silver beam of light belting out lyrics with breath support to do Aretha Franklin proud. Thunderous live drums really his home the organic dark rock roots to give the impression of a wailing full band with only two people. I became an instant fan for life, can’t wait to dig into the new album “From The Ashes” available on bandcamp now.

From the Ashes | Rosegarden Funeral Party (bandcamp.com)

ego likeness – I remember looking over to Collin right after Leah absolutely obliterated that stage and saying “I feel bad for whoever has to sing after her”. Then I saw it was Donna and went, never mind it’s Donna, she will be fine. With everything Donna and Steven have going (Poetry, Painting, Stoneburner, Audiobooks) sometimes it feels like Ego Likeness shows are a rare and glorious treat. Rick and Mike were here on stage to give the full experience of powerful percussion, wet crunching swamp riffs, and luring siren vocals. There is a reason Ego Likeness has stood the test of time between goth resurgences. Another call out from this performance, you can always tell a special band by how they react when something goes wrong. Tech issues happen, you can either let it under your skin, and lose focus. Or you can let the audience feel like they are a part of the inner circle, pop forward, and hit a higher level than you were when something went wrong. This is what the greats do.

Live to Tell | ego likeness (bandcamp.com)

Bootblacks – This was my second time seeing the reinvented suave dark Italian disco Bootblacks sound and they have dialed it all the way in. I’ve seen a trend of bands moving towards this sound, but I think Bootblacks were the first American’s to the peak. The new single “When You Want” highlights the power of pacing change to create constant movement. Panther’s vocals have never felt more present and sensual. This performance had the whole crowd sweating both physically and metaphorically.

When You Want | Bootblacks (bandcamp.com)

Assemblage 23 – Tom Shear coming back to the stage for a second performance in one night. This marked another band I have listened to frequently but had never seen perform live. FuturePop fell in that middle place where I had given up on new music and got to re-discover recently. Hearing a top tier male vocalist delivering such crystal clarity free of effects is a powerful experience. Sometimes poetic lyrics feel a bit of an afterthought in the modern era. So hearing heartfelt emotive words delivered with a beautiful voice really stands out. I really need to see Tom play again when he is the focus of the night. Tom did promise to do an interview with me soon, so be on the lookout for that.

Mourn | Assemblage 23 (bandcamp.com)

Night Club – I understand that some traditional goth fans don’t really want to embrace the darkpop cross over in the modern scene. I’m not one of them. Night Club was another band I had only reviewed albums of. On stage, they absolutely brought the house down. Sassy, dangerous, with pristine production, setting the stage for Emily’s undeniable star power. I know it when I see it, Night Club is dripping with it. What a way to close out an epic night one. Another of those bands I implore everyone to catch at an intimate venue like Small’s now. It’s won’t be long before main stream audiences catch on.

Masochist | Night Club (bandcamp.com)

Adding this selfie of Amaranth/Stoneburner/Black Rose Burning who will be playing together August 17th in Lancaster PA. An incredible night 1 where we Uber’d back to our Air B & B to crush previously acquired late night food which turned out to be some of the best Thai cuisine I have ever had.

The Love Part – George Grant (Black Rose Burning) once impressed upon me the importance of festivals including some local flavor in the mix. Night two is where Fixation let some Detroit talent shine. My partner Rachel has exceptional taste in music, so when she came running and dragged me to the stage (something she never does) to hear The Love Part I knew I was in for something wonderful. Swelling psychedlicgaze pastel ectoplasm with great charisma from the singer spinning Curesque romantic energy. I spoke with them a bit after and this was an early show for them. I think this project has a high ceiling. I love that Small’s took a chance on them, I love that they delivered in a big way.

Let It Fall | The Love Part (bandcamp.com)

Access To Concrete – Another Detroit band that was my highlight surprise of night two. The Stringer brothers put together a full experience multimedia performance that took the best parts of Devo and Front 242 synthesized into chaotic SciFi sonic assault. They had multiple guest vocalists including Steph Strange (Schedule IV) in Nuruto/Tank Girl cosplay and Industrial Alice In Chains. It was fun, it was fury, it left me hungry for more.

The Robots In The Walls | Access To Concrete (bandcamp.com)

LEATHERS – This was another showstopper highlight. The evolution of Shannon to ultrastar status has been a pleasure to behold. Having to do two sets in a night at this level of energy and precision is a feat within itself. This performance was a shooting star sparkling across the stage. Captivating and razor sleek Leather’s brings an otherworldly late 70’s glam energy that leaves you feeling how am I seeing this? It’s too bright, too beautiful to exist on this mortal realm. Last night they played Cruel World Fest on a stage with Duran Duran/Ministry/ect and I can’t help but feel like a dream realized for Shannon is hope for us all.

Crash | LEATHERS (bandcamp.com)

The Bellwether Syndicate – Chicago darkscene legends that always rock Detroit like they have something to prove. William Faith (Faith and the Muse, Christian Death, Mephisto Walz, Shadow Project, The March Violets) throws the best rock star looks in the biz. Sara Rose and Philly have enough musical pedigree to fill 10 bands. They really create a mythical beast with gnashing punk rock teeth, a long slender synthpop neck, and expansive sharp post punk wings. Moving together in perfect harmony. It always feels like a complete experience, a big deal, every time they play. Vestige & Vigil is such a good album, I had to buy it twice on LP.

Vestige & Vigil | The Bellwether Syndicate (bandcamp.com)

ACTORS – How do they do it? How does a band I feel objectively plays one of the best live shows rather in a 300 person capacity club or a festival consistently raise the bar to amaze me? The sound is so sharp, crackling with spirit, engaging the crowd every night until we all leave feeling a part of something special. Some might think I sound crazy saying this, but in 6 short years since “It Will Come To You” Jason’s voice is reaching towards the discussion of all-time greats like Ian McCulloch, David Gahan level of impact. Actors might not have compiled that size of discography yet, but they are climbing towards it at a rate few others in the modern scene can keep pace with.

Also it is the love they show for their fans everywhere. After absolutely demolishing the crowd. Most of the band playing two sets that night. They must have been exhausted. I truly don’t expect folks to have the time and spoons to say hi to every reviewer. So Jason reaching out to have me come to the back for a headlight selfie and to say hello meant a lot. Actors aren’t just a band for a lot of us. They are a movement you are a part of.

In Real Life | ACTORS (bandcamp.com)

Stabbing Westward – I have seen Stabbing Westward several times. 16 year old Ken alone in his bedroom, eyeliner streaking down his face because some girl broke his heart and only Chris Hall could understand. I have never seen SW play 8 feet away from me for 90 minutes spanning their entire catalog in a room of rabid fans. The fact that 1) they took a show in a smaller room to do this festival 2) They brought the energy of 20 year olds for and hour and a half while walking through the crowd and meeting everyone catching the other bands. To have a band with as much impact as they did on me be that down to earth and considerate is such a glorious icing on a face melting show of a cake.

I even managed to keep my cool when I went to introduce myself to Walter, who said “Yes Ken, I know who you are, nice to meet you”. We talked about the modern scene, how much he loved Actors, and how much he still enjoyed doing this. I feel like I maintained my pretend journalistic integrity the whole time my brain went SQUEEEEEEEEEE IM TALKING TO WALTER FLAKUS!!!. Hopefully I will have an interview with them soon and won’t sweat to much while I ask the questions. Overall it was the perfect cap to a perfect night.

Stabbing Westward – American Industrial Rock Band

Another smashing success in year two establishes that Small’s has built something here. That top talent is recognized and travel out of their way to play with like minds. My head is already spinning with the possibilities of who will be there next year. Detroit is a fun an economical alternative to some of the other big destination festivals. A beautiful diverse setting full of unique cuisine and friendly people looking out for each other. If you have heard mutterings to the contrary, my guess is you are talking to people who saw Detroit in a movie. Not folks who have spent time here. I’ll see you in 2025.

It is March, Which Apparently Is Part Of Spring Now. What is filling my dark Heart With Joy?

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2023 has not been a great year for me doing written reviews. No time like the present to get back on track. I continue to be surprised how people keep finding new directions to explore sounds and human experience. Hopefully this article leads you to a new favorite band to love and support. If you find something you enjoy in this article, Please share it, maybe someone else will find something to brighten their day.

Jean-Marc Lederman – Soul Music For Zombies – The brilliant Belgian composer is always finding a new way to astound me. It is as if twelve brilliant writers live inside his skull and fight for control of what the next album will be. This album travels back to the beginning, when music decided to tap into something primal and internal. A circulatory system of connection and automation. Jean-Marc has a level of talent and skill that often leaves me flabbergasted. The greatest of which is an ability to create an emotional connection without reaching. Listening to this album never feels like a production or manipulation. It’s a ticket I bought, a seat on a magical vessel of experience and sensation. As a reviewer it is a difficult task to quantify something so exceptionally crafted, that on your best day, you could never produce. To step outside your own comprehension and appreciate the journey. This might be the most powerful statement in a career I can barely scratch the surface of.

Favorite Tracks:

The Music Walks Again (The Robert Johnson Story) Featuring Emileigh Rohn – The collaboration of these brilliant producers has produced some of my favorite music of the last 5 years. Every song feels like a meaningful conversation. A compromise of ideas. A tapestry made stronger by interwoven threads. Slow rhythmic strings and a hint of distortion paving individual footfalls for the beautiful clarity of her voice. This is an old story in blues. Robert Johnson goes to the crossroads at midnight. Offers his soul in exchange for playing something truly meaningful, something to last. The short, extraordinary life of an artist. To choose an eternity of suffering for a moment of perfection.

Didn’t Your Mama Tell You How To Behave ? – Electronic blues assault with an intensity to splashes on the back of the room. A single simple idea brought into rhythmic chant to hold together a spirit induced cacophony. I dare you not to feel this.

Jean-Marc Lederman does not disappoint as a rule. This album has tapped into a devotion to music and spirit that is transcendent in it’s youthful quest that follows the heart. An outstanding addition to your collection.

▶︎ Soul Music For Zombies | Jean-Marc Lederman (bandcamp.com)

MORIS BLAK – BURIAL + VOID – The Boston, Massachusetts Electronic Body Music artist has continued to evolve and gather attention from the electronic community like moths to the flame. What jumps out most from previous works is the way the tempo is held back to add weight and inertia. Each song adds a guest talent to give it a unique frequency. GenCab, Kofin, SYZYGYX, Rabbit Junk, all add a distinct seasoning to this chaos electro antimatter stew.

Favorite Track: Procession – Banger alert! Heavy waves of cadence explosion with a beautiful duet vocal that tested the boundaries of both artists. The perfect song to let go and spin out of your own reality.

This Spring catch Moris Blak out on tour with Danny Blu a live show you will not want to miss.

▶︎ BURIAL + VOID | MORIS BLAK | MOЯIS BLAK (bandcamp.com)

unitcode:machine – Undone – Dallas, Texas industrial artist newly signed to COP International with a new single/remix release. Eric is another artist I feel I have watched evolve into one of the most prolific electronica vocalists of the new wave. THREE STELLAR REMIXES BY TOP NAMES IN THE SCENE (aesthetic perfection, stabbing WESTWARD, assemblage 23) . IN THE VEIN OF SILVERWALKS LAST YEAR, THIS PROMISES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORIBLE THINGS WRITTEN THIS YEAR.

Undone | unitcode:machine (bandcamp.com)

Hem Netjer – The Song Of Trees – what an amazing growth for the world beat shadowcraft band from Vancouver, British Columbia. A truly unique blend of trance tendril synths, authentic throat singing, priestess croon, and rapture. A harken back to the spiritual soul and cultural exploration of Dead Can Dance, Projekt Records. The patience and subtlety crafting stories with words are an enchantment that burns into the listener’s mind. This is a band that has tapped into something beautiful and primal and have exploded past their own ceiling.

Favorite Track: Eldur – At 5:33 this is not a catchy hook single, but nothing about Hem Netjer strives towards simplicity. They are at their best when crafting a heady and meaning brew. This track fully highlights and range and soul of Raven’s voice in perfect harmony with evergreen energy pulse.

Hem Netjer is: Raven Rissy, David Deckard and Jesse Ellytt
Lyrics: Raven Rissy
Composition: Raven Rissy and David Deckard
Throat Singing: Jesse Ellytt

Recording at: Jacknife Sound with Jason Corbett (Actors)
Music Production: Scott Fox (iVardensphere)

The Song Of Trees | Hem Netjer (bandcamp.com)

Beborn Beton – Darkness Falls Again – German Synthlords return from a brief respite with one of the sizzling early contenders for album of the year. A 9th album full of vibrant passion. Stefan Netschio has a distinctive voice that is drawing you towards him with every inhalation. The hooks are constructed brilliant energon cubes free of fractures. Hand to evil leather bound tomb, this is what Depeche Mode wishes they were releasing in 2023.

Favorite Track: Dancer In The Dark – Sometimes I want to pretend I am aloof and cool, not falling in love with the first single off the album. This is such an undeniable banger it would be a disservice to deny the truth in front of everyone. The beat, the lead, the vocals, everything about this song is chefs kiss perfection.

Darkness Falls Again | Beborn Beton (bandcamp.com)

I Took a Week Off To Promote My Mental Health. So Lets Review Some Music

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It has been a tough few months. A Lot of stress, but also a lot of exciting news. Sounds and Shadows keeps finding new ways to grow like last months S & S Darkscene Chart. I did Bandcamp Friday reviews last week, but I wanted to write a few tonight and just spend some time with new music. As always reach out to me or one of our other reviewers if you have something you want to hear us write about.

Machines With Human Skin – Transience – Brand new album from Chicago Industrial artist Adrian Halo. I’ve been spinning a bootleg CD copy of this Adrian handed me at Coldwaves festival. I’ve really loved watching his growth and progression. As a songwriter and producer I hear continual learning with every release. Such an underrated aspect or organic growth. I love how this album uses the power of a whisper. The power and anger comes forth, but not with exploding bass, ear splitting guitars, and screams. When you deliver lyrics with a breathy and melodic intensity it makes you lean in to listen. Makes you want to be inside the circle and absorb the emotion. The bounce of these basslines really create movement and give the wispy chant a vehicle. This is my favorite work MWHS have put out to date, it is effortless, soulful, and the mix really sits in the pocket without forcing the intent.

https://machineswithhumanskin.bandcamp.com/album/transience

Hey look, It’s Adrian and I in the Post Punk Industrial Museum

Favorite Track: Invisible – This song really struck me in part for the clean and focused tone. In part for the raw and exposed aspect of the lyrics. It’s glitchy with a high energy pace and curled lip defiance. A firehose of pressure and political discourse fired with crystal cool water and builds.

Recorded at Maynott Studios, Chicago, IL
Mastered by Jules Seifert at Epic Audio Media, London, UK
Artwork: Jim Marcus

Sequential Zero – Second Sequence – Some of the great Australian goth talent teams up with Orcus Nullify axe master Bruce Nullify. Ant Banister of Sounds Like Winter provides a haunted, emotive delivery on vocals. The dark disco style Lenn drums create an abstract Cabaret Voltaire openness. The tracks are gripping hands of tension, holding the mind and forcing introspection. This release really excites me for the future of the project. So many talented voices finding a space together and lifting each other up.

https://sequentialzero.bandcamp.com/album/second-sequence

Helix – Bad Dream – It surprises me I don’t think I have reviewed the powerhouse team up that is Mari Kattman and Tom Shear (Helix). I will rectify that now. Bright, bold, and teaming with energy. Mari has an elegance to her voice that feels like a bird of prey gliding on an air current. This is music that makes my legs pump with a desire to concur the world. I’m genuinely mad at myself I haven’t listened to them more before now. Track 2 Slip has a gorgeous triphop backbeat that captures the idea of movement on ice. I love the subtle changes in the vocals cadence, everything happening in the same volume and range, yet creating movement with tiny variations. Masterful songwriting and execution.

Favorite Track: Run (Hallowed Hearts Remix) – These tracks have all really impressed me. This one though managed to take that same beaming energy and fire it through a violet lens of darkness. The shadowy tones open up even more space for Mari’s vocals to shine. I put this track up for the S & S Darkscene charts. These layered guitar leads add a whole other level.

https://helix.bandcamp.com/album/bad-dream

daddybear – Hypnotic (feat grabyourface) – It seems whenever Matt Fanale (Caustic/Klack) and Marie Dragontown (Grabyourface) team up glory ensues. This beat is grinding dance floor magic. Marie’s vocals are sensual and terrifying. The whole song is a promise of ill intent which remains tantalizing while communicating destruction. After a few collaborations anytime I see this team put out a new song, it is an automatic buy. I have been requesting it in every Twitch Dj stream I jump into.

https://daddybear.bandcamp.com/album/hypnotic-feat-grabyourface

Goth Professor – Swamp Gothic (Halloween Single) – Unnerving atmospheric horror trance from Florida’s Goth Professor . I really didn’t know what to expect wadding into these swampy waters. If you want to invite 9 guests to a mansion, feed them delicacies, then commit a murder everyone remaining is left to solve. This is the soundtrack you need.

https://gothprofessor.bandcamp.com/album/swamp-gothic-halloween-single

Video Premier of SYS MACHINE “Poison In My Skin”

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The first single from the new project of Illinois Industrial Metal artist David Ssd. Who has completely shifted gears with this slinky sensual atmospheric drift. A new EP forthcoming in December called “Graceful Isolation” featuring 6 original tracks, 3 of which feature vocals from Kimberly of BOW EVER DOWN with remixes from ASSEMBLAGE 23, THE JOY THIEVES, SPANKTHENUN, BLUE EYED CHRIST, MISSSUICIDE, MICROWAVED, Steven Olaf and AUDIO BUDDHA. Artwork is by Greg Rolfes of Eleven12 Design which will be unveiled soon. When you read the names that stepped up to be a part of this, you understand why it has the community buzzing with excitement.

https://sysmachine.bandcamp.com/

The sound and video are a creeping unrelenting strength of movement and woven textures. A motion horror video game of strange lights and symbols tingling on the back of your spine. Kimberly’s emotive vocals sound like a lost record played on a haunted phonograph. Otherworldly and lost in time. They speak a warning to anyone that would dare stumble into her realm. The build and fall of measured electronic background against waving arms and murky waters. With sizzling will o wisp guitar leads lighting the way on this desolate journey. Assemblage 23 has been owning dancefloors for many years, they know just how to stir the pot of this heady brew. I look forward to the whole EP and future of Sys Machine.

Kim (Bow Ever Down)