Brand new cover single from our favorite Chicago Bass duo. I love when you look at instrumentation and it is listed as “High Bass” and “Low Bass”. Always loved this record from alt thrash band Le Tigre. The dueling bass guitars definitely make the tone feel weightier while maintaining the blistering pace. The vocals are spewed with the perfect amount of vitriol and it surfs the pipeline between nostalgia and modern.
I have been admittedly awful at putting out new reviews the last few months. I just haven’t been able to muster the spoons to share the level of excitement I hold myself to when writing music reviews. In 2026 I am trying to find that energy again. So here are my favorite 30 Albums/EPs in the loosely defined Darkscene Genre for 2025. Was this everything I enjoyed, of course not. Did I forget something important? Probably. However even though I haven’t been putting out regular reviews like normal, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been listening. 2025 in spite of being an absolutely dumpster fire of a year, has produced some incredible musical releases. In no particular order because every album listed SLAPS 🙂
Curse Mackey – Imaginary Enemies
Bootblacks – Paradise
Mari Kattman – Year of the Katt
Jean Marc Lederman – Electronic Slipper Music
Mark E Moon – Pop Noir
Black Rose Burning – The Fear Machine
Corpus Delecti – Liminal
VNV Nation – Construct
Pixel Grip – Percepticide: The Death of Reality
Assemblage 23 – Null
Plague Garden – Under The Sanguine Moon
Sapphiria Vee – The Haunting of Us
ESA (Electronic Substance Abuse) – Sounds for your Happiness
Stoneburner – Post . Industrial . Occult
Caustic – FIEND I/FIEND II
HEALTH – CONFLICT DLC
Panic Priest – Once Wild
AL1CE – As Above, So Below
NITE – NITE
Korine – A Flame In The Dark
Patriarchy – Manual For Dying
Kill Shelter – Slow Burn Sorrow
Blood Dance – Walk the Night
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry – Strange Kind Of Paradise
Bellhead – Threats
The Funeral March – It All Falls Apart
Roger Ebner – EBNR
Grabyourface – Sad Girl Mixtape
Kali Dreamer – Imperfect Dark
WitchHands – Vox Nihili
I hope you give a listen and a share to every album here. They are all amazing and worth your time. These are all real underground artist, so please give this post a share to increase the bandwidth for awesome music in our scene. Remember you found all these bands first, so the more folks you tell about them, the cooler you are 😉 I’ll give a few words and a link about each record 🙂
Curse Mackey – Imaginary Enemies – Luckily I already have a review done of this record. A brand new solo album from Texas front man extraordinaire Curse Mackey (Evol Mothers/Pigface/My Life with The Thrill Kill Kult) and it’s the most vicious offering to date. Curse brings a vocal talent capable of standing in for Peter Murphy and a poetic spirit of William Burroughs splashed against the canvas of early 90s Wax Trax. Following 2022 Immoral Emporium this fresh construction tackles the modern trauma of self-reflection and paranoia composed in the post capitalist world. Dripping with religious pageantry and gothic ideals Curse weaves and electronic tapestry to challenge a world of degrading empathy.
Produced by Curse Mackey + Chase Dobson Lyrics by Curse Mackey Performed by Curse Mackey + Chase Dobson Mixed by Chase Dobson
Bootblacks – Paradise – One of my favorite bands of the modern darkscene. I feel like I have been on this journey through style changes, line up changes, one things stays consistent. It’s always something fresh, always something real, and always at the top quality of any genre they dive into. Post Punk, Slick Indie, Italian Dark Disco, I never know where Panther, Barrett, and company will go next. I could not have predicted this. A complex deep cut British synth. Flavors of the criminally underrated OMD album “Crush”. Another gorgeous presence is the muted Saxaphone in a modern sound, something sure to always win my heart. with every track I am staggered by the crisp tone and razor edges. Bootblacks for me conjures images of a smokey underground club with flickering gasoline lights. Paradise is a rise to main stage neon crystal waves of Simon Le Bon.
Mari Kattman –Year Of The Katt – I got to see the uber talented producer/singer Mari play live this year. This album is one badass affirmation of being a positive wicked warrior in a world that keeps falling apart. Whenever I needed a little energy to keep my head up this was an album I turned to. The production levels are exquisite, and Mari’s smokey silk voice is captivating and dangerous. Favorite Track:Little Bullet Girl wicked Shirley Manson energy
Jean-Marc Lederman – Electronic Slipper Music – Jean-Marc is one of the most creative conceptual composers of the modern era. As well as a legend in the scene. His albums often feature guest vocalist but for this record he took on the duty himself to wonderful effect. A whispered tongue and cheek spoken word beat poetry. The music weaves the electronic chaos like jazz. The humor, the muted horns, the breaking of the 4th wall. In a world of regurgitated uninspired ideas, Jean-Marc is an artist in a world of products. Favorite Track:I Fell In Love With A Russian Spy
Lyrics by Jacques Duvall (Lio, Sparks, The Runaways, etc…). Lyrics by Emileigh Rohn (Chiasm, Rohn-Lederman). Lyrics by Jean-Marc Lederman
All music composed, played, arranged and produced by Jean-Marc Lederman All vocals by Jean-Marc Lederman. Sorry about that 😉
Mark E Moon – Pop Noir – Total 10 track banger album from the Isle of Man off Cold Transmission. This record is such an evolution of the modern goth ideal. It’s furious, it’s dark, it incorporates the soul of the past with the precision and technology of the future. Mark has a generational baritone voice. I can’t help but be reminded of UltravoxVienna for creating something primal and dark. I’m a huge fan of Mark E Moon, but this record hits different. A transcendent beauty that the larger world scene needs to take notice of. Favorite Track:Ten Thousand Years
Black Rose Burning – The Fear Machine – One of the most underrated bands in the scene from NYC George and Black Rose Burning with a new record of fantastical beauty and intelligent stories. George Grants voice and playing style is unique and captivating. The tone transports you to a blend of science fiction and ancient civilizations. BRB is really raising the standard of quality as well as the level of conversation in modern goth. Favorite Track:Into the Black
George Grant – Vocals, Bass, Synth and Guitars Luis Infantas – Drums, Percussion and Synth Triggering Produced, Mixed and Mastered by George Grant @ Putnam Valley Recording Company and The Wolf’s Den – Manhattan Cover Artwork: Antonella Di Mattei / Eshmoon DM
Corpus Delicti –Liminal – Goth legends from Nice France with this blistering Raw Power gothic offering with a cold wilderness energy. Alien sounds, hurky jerky rhythms, surround sinister snarling vocals. Really nice trad goth guitar work. Everything on this record works in perfect harmony. The attention paid to dynamics really take you on a journey. Favorite Track:Chaos
Additional Musicians : Laurent Tamagno (drums on « Crash » and « Chaos »), Frédéric Allavena (Piano and backing vocals on « Under His Eye »), Max Abrieu (trombone on « Under His Eye »)
All music and lyrics by Corpus Delicti Drums recorded at Mounta Cala Studio, St Cézaire, FR by Valery Lacroix. All others instruments recorded at FATS Studio, Nice, FR by Franck Amendola. Produced by Franck Amendola and Corpus Delicti Mastered at The Exchange, London, UK
VNV Nation – Construct – Ronan Harris was one of my first introductions into futurepop. A distinct powerful voice with a gift for tapping into and conveying emotional snapshots that are so relatable. The themes are often on self-discovery and Construct seems to lean into that harder than ever. The music is bouncy and upbeat for the most part but contains such a depth. Favorite Track:Nothing More , this one ripped my guts out and left them steaming in beauty on the floor.
Music and lyrics by Ronan Harris Produced by Ronan Harris Recorded at Anachron Studios, Hamburg, Germany Mixed by Benjamin Lawrenz and Ronan Harris Mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound Published by Schubert Music Publishing Released on Anachron Sounds
Pixel Grip –Percepticide: The Death of Reality – No one is writing such a fire hose blast of pure bangers as Chicago’s Pixel Grip. Every track is an instant dance party. Rita Lukea belts out Siouxsie like brash punk beauty. It’s one of those records that makes you feel cooler than you are while you walk down the street listening to it. Absolute masters of sonic transition. Favorite Track:Split
All songs written by Rita Lukea, Jonathon Freund & Tyler Ommen Produced by: Rita Lukea, Jonathon Freund, Tyler Ommen, & Joojoo Ashworth Vocal Production & Mixing: Andrew Lappin Mastering: Ruairi O’Flaherty / Nomograph Mastering
Assemblage 23 – Null – Another FuturePop lord with a new emotive dancefloor gem. I love the romantic tone Tom Shear infused into this record. The world is a frightening place lately and hearing this hopeful message of love really did my spirit good at some dark moments. Tom has such a rich and earnest voice. It’s hard to put to words its ability to make you feel calm and secure in the moment. This is my feel good record of the year. Favorite Track:Believe , Always open with a banger.
Plague Garden – Under The Sanguine Moon – From Colorado comes this Vampire themed death rock record leaning in from a lost time. Sometimes I think modern goth music is afraid to embrace the over-the-top theater of its roots. Plague Garden jumps in head first to the murky pool. Every member of this band is an expert on their instrument from the Carl McCoy school of goth knocks. The songs also have some amazing guest spots from Azy Bats, Dan Milligan, and Brian Gillette. As if I didn’t love the style and sound enough, they also keep true to the political punk ethos of goth. The lyrics all tell a beautiful tale of anguish and horror in English and Spanish. Favorite Track:The Dirty Dead
Sapphira Vee – Unfolding – I understand this one is riding the line between album and EP, but even with 6 tracks it is undeniable that it shreds. Sapphira is an artist I have gotten to watch the growth of in the last 6 years and she is hitting an unmistakable stride with Distortion productions. The guitar lines are rolling walls of flame which find a perfect mix with her smokey gospel vocals. I love the clever synth instrument choices to add a 90’s Susan Vega world beat vibe. Every track here cooks without a wasted moment. The concept of short stories mixed into songs is brave and inspiring. To Forgive or Not is absolutely heart wrenching. What a raw moment she shared. Favorite Track: I would go with To Forgive or Not but it might be a little too real for my comfort. Instead I’ll pick Evil In Numbers with a guest vocal from Jim Semonik, total banger.
ESA – Sounds for your Happiness – Uk Artist Jamie Blacker does the hardest freaking industrial I can handle. Maybe not the hardest there is, but it is my maximum spice level for enjoyment. Complete vision of concept, intelligent lyrics, and hot wet charisma rising from the floor. Always the right sound to convey the moment. I dare anyone to listen to this record and not feel your body moving. This record is my apocalypse soundtrack and the way things are going I will need it sooner rather than later. Favorite Track:Something For the Horsemen
Stoneburner – Post . Industrial . Occult – Baltimore Cyber Wizard Steven Archer‘s latest offering full of tight turns like a Tron light cycle. “Oh Ken, picking another of your friends?” Guess what, my friends make the sickest music. Every new release of Stoneburner Steve steps further in front of the mic to embrace the frontman inside him. Mark Alan Miller (Out Out) joins in the production to add a funky 90s industrial flavor to the glistening bionic teeth. I kept picturing that day 1992 at Pine Knob when Ministry took the stage and the sod blotted out the sky. Favorite Track:C4 Amour
Caustic – FIEND I / FIEND II – Why do we love Madison Wisconsin Industropunk Caustic? The punk rock ethos? The intelligent political vinegar? Is it the fact that Matt loves bad ass beats as much as you do and dedicates his life and time to making sure your fuking bones quake when his bassline drops? Pick an answer. One truth remains, for 1.5 decades now Caustic has been giving you both barrels of fearless phosphorus dragon round industrial music and the Fiend dual albums leave it all on the floor. Fiend I is a Tesla arc of manic blue energy. Both have a wonderful Underworld umami with just as much diversity to the flavors. Fiend II is slushy soul bearing concrete stomps. Both humble, self-aware, and real as a heart attack. I wish all dance music had the courage to be this honest. Favorite Tracks: Ritual Self Destruction and Survive Myself Despite Myself. Fuk these hit hard.
No AI went into the making of this. Don’t be a hack.
HEALTH – CONFLICT DLC – In 2024 HEALTH had an album on my top records list, and here they are back again. The LA trio is simply changing the game. I rarely see something as debated as rather they fall under the “goth” umbrella. One thing that is decidedly true is they fall under the umbrella of things that consistently slap. It’s jet black ear candy in a latex wrapper. It’ sexy, soulful, and follows a beat of it’s own. I could just set this record on repeat and not get board of it for 4 days. Favorite Track:You Died
Panic Priest – Once Wild – Chicago shadow crooner Jack Armondo was one of the first artist I discovered in my goth renaissance back in 2018. A dreamy rich baritone voice who fires out wicked guitar licks and fills a stage all on his own. In those years he has evolved and refined leading up to Once Wild. It’s so sleazy and retro in tone and presentation. Like plush purple velvet wrapped around Depeche ModeViolator. I love the even ratio blend of synthpop and glam rock. Jack has a sensual unforgettable voice that makes the hairs on the back of your arm stand up. Every new Panic Priest record makes me say “This is the best Panic Priest album yet” but… “This is the best Panic Priest album yet” Favorite Track: My Lonely Ghost
Produced, Mixed and Recorded by Brian Fox and Jack Armondo at Altered States and The Panic Pad Additional Production and Recording by Daniel Belasco at The Belasco House Studio (Tracks 3,7) Mastered by Jeppe Hasseriis at The Constellation
Cover Design and Layout by Eric Adrian Lee Concept and Front Cover Photo by Jack Armondo Model: Lindsey Nelmar Back Cover Photo by David Joseph Gall Panic Priest “Splatter Logo” by John of Clubdrugs
AL1CE – So Below – Progressive psychedelic dark rock with blistering laser vocals and true artistry for every instrument on a packed stage. Basically Goth Jefferson Airplane led by the charismatic Tash out front. This album is emotive and deliberate. An emotive rollercoaster behind the curtain. So below hits on the heavier rock driven side of Al1ce. The record features a lot of wicked guitar licks and heavenly vocal blends but otherwise hits a wide variety of styles within the loose dark rock concept. Tash also does an awesome interview podcast called The Unwritten Rules of the Road. Their live show is a must see of the modern scene, never miss a chance when they come through your town. Favorite Track: See Me
All AL1CE songs written by Tash Cox, Scott Landes, Gordon Bash, and Steve Kefalas
Nite – NITE – Twin brothers from Dallas Texas with this self-titled release. These lads just have something captivating and special. The harmony of shadowy Duran Duran sounds blended with romantic gothic Cure vocals. if you aren’t on the NITE bandwagon yet, do it now, because in a few years you will need to buy a ticket to a festival to see these shooting stars. Favorite Track: Easy – this has such an awesome 90’s electronic sound that transports me back.
Korine – A Flame In The Dark – The gorgeous darkgaze sound of Korine from Philly is criminally underrated. One of those bright warm glow sounds with lyrics so raw and crushing like Pet Shop Boys “Rent”. As they have done more releases they keep everything that makes them great and add layers of depth and maturity. Favorite Track: it’s hard to pick but I’ll say “Screaming in the Night” because the lyrics made me cry.
All songs written, recorded, and produced by Korine Mixed and mastered collaboratively by Trey Frye and Noah Lemen Korine font designed by Liz McLean Insert Photo by Caro Ramirez Artwork layout and design by Korine Released by Born Losers Records 2025
Patriarchy – Manual For Dying – LA razorpop artist Patriarchy had one of the best cross over records this year. Something that transcends genre by pulling the best parts of so many sounds together. The vocals are haunting and ethereal. The music is a swirling vortex that flows in clean patterns that follow the instinct of the bodies movement. Every song here is a dance floor banger. Favorite Track:Pain Is Power
Kill Shelter – Slow Burn Sorrow – Pete Burn’s is one of the best producers/song writers of the modern goth era. 2019 album “Damage” is a 4th wave classic. With Slow Burn Sorrow Pete stripped everything to the ground a minimalist Swans like swaying delivery of tortured melody. I love when an artist proves they can hit you emotionally using any tool in the box. Using 58 overlayed sounds or 4 simple tracks Kill Shelter has a grasp of how to connect with a human story. Something of a lost art in the singles and over produced beats in the current deluge. Favorite Track: A Gift of Ashes
Blood Dance –Walk the Night – Akatoxkatl Martinez in Mexico City has blended trad goth sensibility with protest punk heart, and wicked dance beats to create one of my favorite modern interpretations of what captured my soul in early goth. Produced by goth legend Franck Amendola (Corpus Delicti) who understood how to perfectly blend the emotive rise and falls of Akatoxkatl‘s vocal delivery. This record just drips with soul, it’s a living evolving energy from track 1 – 7. Mexico City has a goth scene that needs a lot more attention and Blood Dance is leading the charge into the future. Favorite Track: Compromise
Produced by Franck Amendola & Blood Dance | Mixed by Franck Amendola at FATS Studio in Nice, France | Mastered by Jerome Schmitt at theairlab.com in London, UK.
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry – Strange Kind Of Paradise – I 1st heard English goth legends Red Lorry Yellow Lorry in the 90’s in college with the album “Talk About the Weather”. I was struck by the chaos and dynamics, by Chris Reed’s corroded dark delivery and blistering cadence. In 2025 they have released a new album on COP with the chaotic blistering post punk guitars, layered in more digital swirls and psychedelic fantasy. Fans have been waiting for this record for two decades and it does not disappoint. Favorite Track: Walking On Air…that bassline…perfection.
Chris Reed – Vocals & Guitar David Wolfenden – Guitar Simon ‘Ding’ Archer – Bass, Synths Martin Henderson – Drums
BELLHEAD – Threats – From Chicago my favorite duel bass dark alt murder ballad stars Bellhead put out this absolute banger record. It’s tight, it’s fierce, and it has a vibe all of it’s own. This is story telling explosion somewhere between Nick Cave and Filter. It’s even better when you see it live. it also contains a couple of wicked Remixes by Club Drugs and Stabbing Freaking Westward. The Bass growls, the guitars howl, Ivan does both. Karen makes all the edges smooth and sparkling. Threats are all my favorite things from the 90’s alt scene with the benefits of modern production. Favorite Track:Heart Shaped Hole
BELLHEAD Karen Righeimer ~ Low Bass / Vocals Ivan Russia ~ High Bass / Vocals / Drum Programming
All Songs Written, Performed and Produced by BELLHEAD Management Consulting David Schock
Recorded & Mixed by Neil Strauch Mastered by Carl Saff
Photography by Fleurette Estes Design by Igloo Vacuum
The Funeral March of the Marionettes – It All Falls Apart – From Rockford Illinois this one is a tearjerker just to talk about. The mind child of beloved scene figure Joe Whiteaker who was taken from us too soon by cancer. His bandmate Darius McCaskey engaged some friends to make sure this record found its way into the world even after Joe’s passing. It ended up being his most profound work. A heart wrenching work of beauty and mortality. Razor sharp instrumentation, haunting vocals, and masterful production by goth legend William Faith. I just love playing this album and try not to cry picturing Joe belting his heart out. Favorite Track:Shadow Games
The Funeral March of the Marionettes is: J. Whiteaker – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, Programming D. McCaskey – Bass, Programming, Backing Vocals W. Thiele – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Additional performances by: Ria Aursjoen (of Octavian Winters and AURSJOEN) – Vocals on “Stars at Night” and “Save Us” Rob Hyman (of [melter]) – Drums on “Save Us” and “It All Falls Apart” Renard Platine – Bass VI on “Bobblehead”
Remixes by Tweaker, Bellhead, and The Joy Thieves
Recorded at Studio 13 Produced, mixed & mastered by William Faith (williamfaith.studio)
Roger Ebner – EBNR – I’m a huge sucker for saxophone in darkscene music. Roger of (Pigface) is a true artist of stretching the instrument beyond it’s intended boundaries with electronic effects. His story is such an inspirational one. Being told he would never play again after a frightening diagnosis. Through perseverance and creativity he birthed this beautiful record with the help of Krstoff Liggio of legendary industrial band BILE. Favorite Track: Break It Up
grabyourface – Sadgirl Mixtape – From France Marie has been creating their own genre of electronic sadpop that just keeps evolving. Visceral Leonard Cohen lyrical poetry with modern sensibility and gorgeous backing like grey waves rolling into the shore. This record is so raw and full of confrontational wisdom. Favorite Track: The Black of my Hoodie
Kali Dreamer – Imperfect Dark – From Colombus Ohio comes Kali Dreamer, one of the most talented young people in the modern scene. A lot of folks on this list are well known and talked about by other pundits of the scene. If you take away one thing to put yourself out there and try that you have never heard of it should be this CRIMINALLY underrated record. Derek Christopher does a masterful job of production to make these songs glow in the neon that modern goth can achieve. Markise Johnson is a vocal and songwriting talent that draws you in immediately. These songs tell a vivid story and expand the definition of what you thought you knew about goth. The sleazy slushy guitar work is a masterclass in tone and setting. Favorite Track: Dead Boys Don’t Fall In Love.
WitchHands – Vox Nihili – Colorado band Witchhands is one of the most underrated talents in modern Deathrock. Vox Nihili is a reimagined and re-recorded version of the first WitchHands album A Voice and Nothing More (2018) with the 2025 band lineup.A Voice and Nothing More is what made me fall in love with Ryan and their sound in the first place. here hits another level of production, which the raw grizzly sound of AVANM was part of what i loved. That broken glass in a sleazy ally is still there. what they have done to create atmosphere and transport you to a horror movie landscape is different. I used to play A RPG in the 90s called Vampire the Mascarade, to set the tone for the game I would often play (joy division, Bauhaus, The Sisters,) to put my players in the right headspace. If I ran a campaign today, I would play Vox Nihili. Favorite Track: Still Derelict, it feels like being chased by a Crynos form werewolf through a New York back ally.
Ryan Flint: Vocals, Lyrics, Art Brian “Sleazy B”: Drums, Production Dæmien Alexander: Guitar Danny Vigilante: Bass
In 2024 I lost a friend and the scene lost a passionate supporter in Joe Whiteaker. Joe Recorded “It All Falls Apart” in 2023, which would end up the final EP from The Funeral March of the Marionettes. The remaining band and William Faith worked together to release Joe’s final vision in March 2025. This record is a story, an important story, a human story. Joe always had a beautiful voice. One that dripped with soul. This was truly the culmination of his journey.
The Funeral March of the Marionettes is: J. Whiteaker – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, Programming D. McCaskey – Bass, Programming, Backing Vocals W. Thiele – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Additional performances by: Ria Aursjoen (of Octavian Winters and AURSJOEN) – Vocals on “Stars at Night” and “Save Us” Rob Hyman (of [melter]) – Drums on “Save Us” and “It All Falls Apart” Renard Platine – Bass VI on “Bobblehead”
Stars At Night : The album opens on this sinister misty streets in autumn banger. Gorgeous opening tom lead right out of the Martin Hannett playbook. I love how well the music matches the concept in the lyrics. Life is fast, brutal and full of beauty. “The stars at night are burning silver Burn bright and quickly fade away Our fates are written on flash paper Touched to the flame and burnt away”. You don’t need the context to feel the universal core of mortality.
Shadow Games : The tone and vocals speed forward for a more modern edge. A New York City early 2000s feel that lets Joe croon and resonate. The Rhythm section is more open and pastel to let the poetry breath. A haunting chorus hopeful and tragic in equal measure. “No matter which path that you take It all ends the same Fire reflects in your dark eyes A moth drawn to the flame Silently, you will make your move In this fatal game”
Bobblehead: Slowing things down for introspection. A touch of shoegaze slush and delay to the cadence. I love that understated guitar line that matches the baseline. The lyrics drip with longing and the melody is a whisper that leaves you leaning in to be a part of the secret. “How did you keep from showing? Did the awful secret break your heart? The distance kept on growing You knew that one day that you would depart”
Save Us: Comes snarling up with delayed Love and Rockets guitars and some hunger to the vocals. William Faith has his fingerprints on a lot of the tone and sound of this record, but here most of all. Obsidian axe death rock stalking towards you with purpose. The punk rock political overtones really bleed out of this track. The background wails at 2:20 gave me chills. I love different tracks for different reasons but if I had to pick a favorite gun to my head it is Save Us. “The world is on fire now As we watch it burn Dance on a funeral pyre Everyone will take their turn”
Joe was beloved by this scene and Chicago in particular. it took a lot of people and a lot of love to make this happen. I have an interview with Darius we recorded shortly after the memorial show which I will add to this review. The 4 standout remixes by Tweaker, Bellhead, and The Joy Thieves. The art by Greg Rolfes (eleven12design.com). The Mixing and Mastering by William Faith (williamfaith.studio). All came together to show the lasting legacy Joe had on all of us. If you are new to The Funeral March of the Marionettes maybe go start with “Resurgence” and work your way forward, but they really did save the best for last. This was the highest evolution and the way I always want to remember a friend and artists who shared everything in his heart.
The return of the Darkscene singles chart. I was inspired a few years ago to create a recognition chart that was not pay to play. Where anyone could submit and be voted on by our diverse group of Djs, Reviewers, Artists, Superfans, and promotors. I took the top 10 vote getters of the 1st three months of 2025 for you to check out here. In April I will start a fresh poll, so if you have a single in the broad darkscene genre, please submit in our group or on our patreon which is free 🙂
Slighter X Fatigue – EDGEBOI
Grabyourface – Feeling Morbid
Die Warzau – I Am A Camera
Cassandra Complex – Cover of Suzy Sabotage Nazi Goths Fuk Off
Bellhead – Theats
Steven Archer – Acceptance Song
Roger Ebner – Break It Up
Brides – Love In The Dust
Tears For The Dying – Jolene (Dolly Parton Cover)
Kali Dreamer – New Twilight
Cliff and Ivy – Devil’s Helpers
SLIGHTER x FATIGUE – EDGEBOI – Amazing team up of the California sonic sculptor Colin Cameron and Lillian of Sawtooth. I’m a fan of both projects so this was a collaboration with high expectations. This track kicks in the door to the club with maximum thump. I love the saucy cadence of Lillian’s vocals, she is really twirling the lasso of truth here. I dare you not to move when this is banging.
2) grabyourface – Feeling Morbid – French sadtrance artist with another emotive album of spiraling poetry and sinister underground beats. This track is my favorite single. Marie’s vocal cadence drips from the mouth like hooka smoke. This new album really hits the sweet spot between a more advanced production and the raw lofi style of Sea. You really need this album.
3) Die Warzau – I am a Camera – This release has several remixes, I submitted the RED mix. Some of my earliest Industrial music memories are of Die Warzau. That magical funky glitch poetry falling down a spiral staircase like a mechanized tornado. The chaos of this song surrounds you and draws the ear to different instruments in every phrase. They stand up in 2025 just as powerfully as in 1994.
4) The Cassandra Complex – Nazi Goths Fuck Off (Suzi Sabotage cover) – Two brilliant artists I love blended together into weaponized nazi slaying glory. Rodney Orpheus (Proto goth legends The Cassandra Complex ) covering modern anthem Nazi Goths Fuk Off. This has a spicy bopping electro wave bass drone wave that Rodney’s sharp tooth baritone slides over the top of. Goth is political, it always was, and both these artists understood the assignment in 2025.
5) BELLHEAD – Threats – My favorite Chicago double bass dark indie darlings with a sexy new single full of menace and William Burroughs energy. The guitar and basslines are a Wimbledon champion match of high speed volley that really raises the stakes. Ivan’s growling whisper is superb. If you have been sleeping on Bellhead you need to wake up right away.
6) Steven Archer – Acceptance Song – Solo album from March by Steven of (Ego Likeness, Stoneburner, probably 5 other projects). I’ll review the entire EP soon, but this was the single that really struck me first. I love how different it sounds than his other work. You can feel he had some uncorked feelings that didn’t fit in his other boxes but needed to burst forth like Athena out of his head. Some 70’s prog pop flavors fastened to the deck of crunchy modern industrial beats. Beautiful vocal effects give a David Gilmore flare and beauty I rarely hear him explore. The result is magnificent. The drum fills feel so organic I genuinely can’t tell if they were a machine. The mystery keeps me fascinated.
7) Roger Ebner – Break it Up – There are certain themes I discuss in S & S often and one is my love for Sax in modern music. Roger’s story is inspirational and his talent remarkable. The Pigface saxophone virtuoso put out this sassy IndustrialFunk mixed by Krstoff of BILE, and Vessy Mink on vocals. The result is smokey, carnal, and full of flickering motion. I included the recent interview below which is a must see if you don’t know Roger’s story.
8) BRIDES – Love In The Dust – A new heist film single from Norway by apocalypse pop artist Adrian Kjøsnes. Crooning like Eldrich, with reverent pipe organs, and tank tread bass. BRIDES continues to stand out among the underground for creativity and precision in a world lacking in either.
9) Tears for the Dying – Jolene (Dolly Parton Cover) – The Queen of modern deathrock doing a sultry swampgoth version of the Dolly Parton classic. This song is so iconic it is really difficult to make it your own, but Adria has infused it with her essence. Haunting and nostalgic with a hint of danger. Magnificent.
10) Kali Dreamer – New Twilight – Since this album released in Feb from Ohio goth artist Markise Johnson i can’t stop telling people about it. We need a return to romantic goth music. Longing and beautiful in a circle of candles writing poems in a cemetery. The production level is a huge step forward and Markise vocals are breathtaking. This is a tight race with A Covenant Of Thorns for best romantic goth since The Cure “Disintegration” I said what i said.
Special Mention) Cliff and Ivy: Alaska’s goth duo – Devil’s Helpers – Since I was doing three months together for this chart I threw in an honorable mention from the Alaskan goth duo Cliff and Ivy. Nice thrashing guitar death rock with Ivy’s hungry wolf snarl vocals. If you need a song to drink everclear and spit into a bonfire, this is your jam.
Before I talk about these incredible artists separately, I wanted to just say that this evening was a masterclass in the many possible moods of live performance. It was an absolute joy to witness. Let’s start with the legendary Stabbing Westward.
Stabbing Westward
This band needs no introduction to our audience (although I had to learn more as I’d missed their huge years while being overseas and unaware). We’ll mostly be focusing here on what this incredible band did at this very special, intimate show.
It was Crucible’s first ever sold-out concert, and the buzz and anticipation was palpable. Filled with people from all over, some who’d even flown in for the show, the club had a festive feel during and after being entertained by the incredible Bellhead and Caustic. Now it was time for the moment many of the people present had waited two decades for.
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Chris Hall is a rock vocalist like few others. With an incredible range and control, he powered into their first song, “Ungod.” As the foreboding, slow-build grind of bass and Chris’s voice start the song off, we are suddenly taken into a classic SW chorus…
Take this as an offering/Take this as a sign/How much can you take from me?
Other original band member, Walter Flakus, was an energetic presence, with his keyboard set right on the lip of the stage when he wasn’t leaping around on bass. Carlton Bost (of Orgy, Deadsy, and The Dreaming [Hall’s other band]) on guitar and Bobby Amaro (Orgy) on drums rounded out the incredible line up.
Photo courtesy of DMNX.photo
Three songs in, they launched into The Cure’s “Burn.” The gothier element of the room were especially thrilled and danced in whatever space they could find. It was a gorgeous and loving take on the song, assisted by beautiful crow imagery from the video backdrop.
The more industrial, synth-and-bass heavy “Lies” was probably my favorite moment of their set. It brought me back to what I loved most about 90s alternative music with its heavy guitar riffs and anxious synth lines.
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Though they didn’t play much from their latest, critically-acclaimed album from 2022, Chasing Ghosts, when they did, the results were electrifying. “Dead & Gone” is a throbbing beauty, with Hall’s vocals at their richest on the verses, while most urgent and powerful on the chorus. Vocals being my absolute focus when at any live show, this song, which shows off his skills so beautifully, was an absolute joy to hear. I was especially astonished to hear that Hall had dealt with throat cancer just two years ago. What a talent and survivor.
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“Violent Mood Swings” (video below) was so much fun. Being up at the front with everyone singing along was so great to experience. The beat of this song is so intense and Hall continued to work the crowd, coming up on the middle monitor throughout the show, encouraging their participation. He was clearly having a great time.
Ending the set with two encores, and 16 songs in total, was “Save Yourself.” Hall asked, “You guys ok if we end with a brand new song?” This song was a perfect way to end this intense and intimate set. The crowd were in heaven and the band (especially Hall and Flakus) seemed to be relishing every last moment.
An absolute delight to see. May we see more of this beloved band on the road in the future.
Stabbing Westward’s setlist: Ungod Falls Apart Burn (The Cure cover) Wasted Lies Sometimes it Hurts Drugstore What Do I Have to Do? Slipping Away Dead & Gone So Far Away Nothing Inside You The Thing I Hate Violent Mood Swings Save Yourself
Stabbing Westward’s 2022 album, Chasing Ghosts, can be found here on Bandcamp:
Caustic’s Matt Fanale came ready to party. As he said in a later interview, “I want to harness the energy and the passion of the moment and not pretend I’m all angry when I’m in a good place in my life and with my music. I want to throw a party. The world is a fucking mess right now. Let’s lose our minds for 45 minutes. Trust me, we’re going to have fun.”
Having seen Fanale’s other projects Klack and daddybear live, this was my first time seeing Caustic. When I asked about Caustic’s onstage persona, he said, “A lot of artists like to assume a character on stage, but I’m pretty much the louder version of myself.” He prowls back and forth like a slightly crazed tiger who’s in on a joke no one else knows, and it’s incredibly fun to watch.
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Caustic was joined onstage by core live members Eric Oehler (of Klack and Null Device), (who was in charge of tracks, manipulation, and glitch) and Katja Lunde (formerly of Sensuous Enemy), providing atmosphere and “additional beep boops” and vocal support, as well as newer addition Bob O’Tron (of Sensuous Enemy and Subcutaneous) on drums.
Second song in, “White Knuckle Head F—k” (video below) was pure industrial joy. If there’d been more room in the sold out show, I’d have been dancing like a maniac. Irreverent, self-deprecating lyrics like:
Watch me fall… I’m your favorite trainwreck
are part of what has earned Caustic such a loyal following over the years.
Video courtesy of Jen Wilson-Farley
“Bigger Better Faster Now!!!’s” repeated opening squeal is the intro to a song that reads like a scathing critique of the last gasps of end-stage capitalism. Its driving beat is intense and exciting.
“F—k that Fascist Beat” (video below) continued Caustic’s assault on the powers that be. All of which feels increasingly relevant, even though these sentiments can be traced back to the early days of punk. As Fanale said of his ethos, “it’s always been more punk than ‘industrial’ anyway. The more chaos and insanity I can put out the better, and the more the crowd comes with me, the more of an experience it is for everybody.” Refuse/resist/raise your fist… always feels reassuring to hear in ridiculous and terrifying times like ours.
Video courtesy of Jen Wilson-Farley
During “Bury You Alive,” it was cathartic and fun as hell to hear Caustic scream “EAT SHIT!” and ask the audience to scream back “FUCK YOU!” (in the style of UW Madison student football fans) repeatedly. If there were ever any question of pretense, the punk-inspired back and forth between Caustic and the audience blew it out of the water. Watching Caustic and the fans flip each other off was a delight.
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When I asked Caustic what it meant to open for the legendary Stabbing Westward, “I’m definitely a fan. Chris Hall has a great sense of humor in front of a crowd, so it’s a nice notch on my bedpost playing with them at a sold-out show in my hometown. We all brought the noise. It was a great time.”
A Caustic show is irreverent, sarcastic, fun, and never takes itself too seriously. It is hugely refreshing to witness. He’s been taking Caustic’s sound in a different direction, as seen on his most recent release, Buggy. This was inspired heavily by artists such as Techno Animal’s Brotherhood of the Bomb, Kevin Martin, aka The Bug, Scorn, Gorgonn, Choke Chain, Puerta Negra, and Nuxx Vomica. When reflecting on his slower tempo, mostly instrumental Buggy EP, he said, “There’s so much energy in slower BPMs that have a lot of low end bass on them. It’s been fun playing with those sounds,” he explained.
Sadly though, according to Fanale, there may not be many more Caustic shows going forward, though he does plan to make more music. He said, “I kinda like the thought of my stay being finite. I’d rather do an Irish goodbye than stick around until it’s embarrassing that the handjob guy is still yelling F—K a lot at a crowd which may not wanna pay a babysitter to hear that anymore. We’ll see, the internal debate rages on.”
Even without more live shows in the works, Caustic’s new work, along with Klack and daddybear, keep him a very busy man.
Caustic’s setlist: Intro White Knuckle Head F—k Bigger Better Faster Now!!! Little Pharma Emmanuel Lewis Handjob F—k That Fascist Beat Bury You Alive
I have reviewed and interviewed Chicago’s Bellhead before, after seeing them for the first time at Crucible a few years ago. I was beyond thrilled to see them again as they opened for Stabbing Westward and Caustic. Starting 2024 off at the inaugural Thrashnetic Festival (a memorial and suicide prevention benefit) in Milwaukee, Bellhead have been touring a lot this spring, and will be heading to Missouri and back to Tennessee this summer.
For those new to Bellhead, their website’s tagline reads: Post-punk male-female duo band. Two basses and a drum machine. No Guitar, No BS. MADE IN CHICAGO
This really is the cleverest and most accurate description of a band I’ve ever seen. High bass, lead-vocalist Ivan Russia and low bass, vocalist Karen Righeimer-Schock and are on a mission as one of the most exciting and unique bands in our scene. Labeled as everything from punk to goth, and everything in between, they defy the norms and expectations all too often set in the darker genres.
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Ripping into the set with “Mercy,” the grungy low bassline set the tone for their set. The audience, likely very new to them, was immediately won over.
Next was a newer song, “Into the Deep,” from their most recent EP, Good Intentions. This song shows off Russia’s lyric-writing skills, which are marvelous and unique.
I was a drowning man/She had a cold war stare/Under blood red skies/We had a sordid affair I was a penitent man/She was my skeleton key/I had a new handshake/Before they turned on me
I asked them about the themes of their lyrics, and Russia had this to say, “I like unreliable narrators. When there is a sole survivor of a shipwreck, do you take him at his word? I wanted to go all in on song lyrics that were open to interpretation. Are the intentions truly good or is there something else unseen?”
Soon following was their cover of Prince’s “I Would Die For U.” They put a decidedly darker post-punk turn on this classic, which was brought down to its brass tacks in a most beautiful way. Its lyrics weirdly match so much of their style.
Their stage presence is fun and commanding at the same time, while looking somehow effortless. Launching into “Bad Taste,” Russia hams it up to mock his protagonist. Halfway through, he screams his lyrics midway in a convincing burst of anger. Then as Righeimer-Schock starts a juicy, low solo, they go into their signature double bass bridge that, to me, shows off the core of their unique sound (video below).
Video courtesy of Jen Wilson-Farley
Bellhead’s philsophy of performance is highly refreshing. When I asked what the most important elements of their shows were most important to them as a band, Russia responded, “We’re here to entertain. We work to make sure every minute we are onstage is entertaining. I try to give everyone in the audience at least one eye locking moment of attention during the show. We strive to give back to the audience all the joy they give us. Enthusiasm is a virus to spread.”
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They ended their high-energy set with what’s become one of my favorite songs in general, “Unicorn Bones.” The crowd was definitely giving back the joy for this song, with many at the front dancing as much as they could on the packed floor. Always a great sign for an opener for such a huge band as Stabbing Westward. They explained that they are not only fans, but have also worked with them in the past. A Chris Hall remix will even be appearing on their next EP!
I loved their responses to my question about how to stay sane while touring as a busy band with many other responsibilities in their lives.
Photo courtesy of DMNX.photo
Russia: “Bananas and water keep my body taped together.” Righeimer-Schock: “The trick is to be kind to yourself. And don’t forget to call your mother.”
Bellhead’s setlist: Mercy Into the Deep Frankenstein I Would Die For U Bad Taste Heart Shaped Hole (New Song) Nothing as it Seems Unicorn Bones
BELLHEAD BAD TASTE TOUR 2024
5.3 Black Lodge: Memphis TN w/ Palm Ghosts / DJ Evonech 5.4 5 Spot: Nashville TN w/ Palm Ghosts / Cold Equations 5.10 Cobra Lounge: Chicago IL w/ Young Medicine / Danny Blu 5.11 Healer: Indianapolis IN w/ Cemetery Sex / DJ Kaleidoscope 7.19 Flavor 90s Bar: Nashville TN w/ Cassette Stress / Sugar Skulls 7.20 Rude Dog Pub: Cape Girardeau MO w/ Gary Robert and Community
