Tag: Negative Gain

Sounds And Shadows August 2023 Darkscene Singles Chart

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Time again for the Darkscene Singles Chart. Where members of the S & S Facebook and Patreon group of DJs, Artists, Superfans, Reviewers, and Labels vote on the top songs released in August. The songs can be anything in the broad Darkscene genre. We have an amazing collection of music lovers in the group who always lift up songs that captivate the heart, and often aren’t a focus for other charts.

  1. Steven Archer – I Am The Walrus (Beatles Cover)
  2. The Amaranth – Thighs
  3. Ashes Fallen – Damn Me
  4. Bestial Mouths – Road Of A Thousand Tears
  5. Bellhead – Valentine
  6. cEvin Key – The House That Tried To Kill Me
  7. Unitcode:Machine (Feat Stabbing Westward) – Cold
  8. Brides – Chalices
  9. Black Rose Burning – Night Terrors
  10. Vandal Moon – Satellite
  1. Steven Archer – I Am The Walrus – The WolfLord has returned with a new solo single cover of the Beatles. You really don’t see enough Industrialdelic Beatles tunes and this was a big hit with our listeners. Buzzing outer darkness chaos exploding with pinpricks of colored light. This was always one of the Beatles strangest offerings and Steven pushes it right off the cliff into the mouth of an exploding Katju Seabeast.

I Am The Walrus (The Beatles Cover) | Steven Archer (bandcamp.com)

2) The Amaranth – Thighs – I know what you are thinking. Ken, you won second place in your own poll. (Nudge nudge wink wink). Well perhaps this is the one arena where a new Amaranth single can compete against the heavy hitters. I refuse to think that. I love this song. It’s sleezy, I got to dust off my sexy growl. The concept of passing out after playing a show and waking up to find a perfect imprint of your makeup pallet on your partners inner thigh was one that resonated with me. I will not apologize for increasing the number of songs in the world about going down on folks. Lovely cover art by Hemlock. Expert Mastering by Pete Burns. I love Kam’s live drums mixed with their electronic beat.

Thighs | The Amaranth (bandcamp.com)

3) Ashes Fallen – Damn Me – California Goth Rockers with a slamming new single fresh off their appearance at the Murder Of Crows Fest in NYC. Loving the bouncing 80s guitar vibes mashed against The Cult style dark rock. Michelle Perry brings more confidence and gusto to every new release. Cover Art by Michelle Perry. Mastering by the legend Gordon Young. James Perry has put together an all star team and their future keeps getting brighter.

Damn Me | Ashes Fallen (bandcamp.com)

4) Bestial Mouths – Road Of A Thousand Tears – I talked about this upcoming release during the Negative Gain Records interview. How excited they were that Rhys Fulber himself had ask to be involved with the project. When I think of new bands doing something truly unique and fresh to stir an emotional experience the Sacramento, California band is at the top of my mind. Lynette Cerezo swirling chant resonates like a druid high priest lifting exaltation to the power of the dark forest. This track is one of those you can get truly lost in. The craft of the strings, the exploding percussion. I want this song as the intro to the next great warrior hymn period piece.

Road Of Thousand Tears | Bestial Mouths (bandcamp.com)

5) Bellhead – Valentine – New Video single from my favorite double bass duo from Chicago. We have an interview with them releasing soon. This track is Ivan’s voice at it’s most sensual and frightening. Karen gives a perfect Kim Deal call and answer. The piano is a gentle intimacy that highlights the edges and makes this song live rent free in my mind.

Valentine | BELLHEAD (bandcamp.com)

6) cEvin Key – House Tried To Kill Me – cEvin Key is a legend. He was in Skinny Puppy. So no wonder his new release got deserving attention on our chart. Off upcoming album Brap and Forth releasing Oct 6th the name is certainly apt. This feels like a private room electronic brap session in a trance rave. Textured organic meat walls pulsing and damp. I like that the flow isn’t something you need to follow. You sit in place and it creates a cyclone of motion around you.

House Tried to KILL ME | cEvin Key (bandcamp.com)

7) Unitcode:Machine (Chris Hall Stabbing Westward Remix) – Cold – How does one improve on one of the spiciest dance singles of the year? Add Chris Hall, it was that simple. Texas Native Eric Kristoffer on COP International continues to show a flare for 90s dancedustrial hooks while maintaining a calm reserved elegance. Like a Jedi in a lightsaber battle. The song never needs to raise it’s voice to feel powerful. Soon to be headlining the Dark City Fest in New Orleans. If you get the chance to see Eric live, you must.

Cold (Chris Hall / Stabbing Westward Mix) | unitcode:machine (bandcamp.com)

8) Brides – Chalices – August was a big month for Sounds and Shadows writers with Hide also making the chart for this new project Brides. I absolutely adore this direction for him. It’s inspired shadowfolk with contagious darkwave edges. His voice rings like the snarling lean elder wolf mouth crusted in glimmering ice. Brilliant and haunting, I can’t wait for more.

Sounds and Shadows Interview with Hide Tepes

Chalices | BRIDES (bandcamp.com)

9) Black Rose Burning – Night Terrors – Always a fan of Brookland based Black Rose Burning. Right out the gate this new single has a guitar resonance that made me think of The Church “Reptile“. George croons and sears the back of the wall with vocal intensity. Haunting thoughts from the edge of an inky black universe.

Night Terrors | Black Rose Burning (bandcamp.com)

10) Vandal Moon – Satellite – Another California band on the chart. Vandal Moon is one of those bands I always hear people I trust raving about and haven’t spent enough time with myself. This single is purple poison dripping from a dagger. Streams of spotlight synths panning around the room. This bassline thrums while hugging the curves. Nice rising decay on the vocals ala Pretty Hate Machine. Fun and briming with science fiction heist.

Satellite (EP) | Vandal Moon (bandcamp.com)

If you have a release in September or no someone who does, make sure to add in the Sounds and Shadows Darkscene Singles Poll. No pay to play, just the best in new dark music.

Negative Gain Productions: Destination NOLA 2023

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By: Vanessa Saw- Producer of Ratio Strain, Drummer for W.A.S.T.E, writer for STATIK magazine.

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Sounds and Shadows creator Ken Magerman to conduct a review of one of the most anticipated events of the summer, NGP’s Destination NOLA. Everyone I know was excited when the announcement came that NGP and the Gothic Cruise collaborated together to create the ultimate summer adventure. I have never been to a Gothic Cruise event myself and thought what better initiation than to go to NOLA in the heat and humidity of summer. I imagine the meeting for NGP and the Gothic Cruise went something like this:

“Hey, instead of being on a boat during the summer, let’s mix it up! Let’s do a land thing.”

“Sounds great! You know what place would be amazing to get a bunch of goth/industrial people who wear black to go? NOLA!” Let’s do it in August!”

“OMG! you’re a genius! I’m in!”

Thus, many including myself, bought tickets and made the trek over to NOLA with all our black clothes and stompy boots with little regard for mother nature in the name of music and fun.

NGP has been a force to be reckoned with and has been home to a variety of our favorite artists from Bestial Mouths, Josie Pace, to ESA. Celebrating 25 years is not an easy feat, especially as the scene and it’s needs change over time. Yet Micah and Roger have managed to not only create a household name in the scene but have assisted with facilitating diversity and growth. The fact that NGP was able to create a two-day festival that many attended from around the world shows the caliber of artists they support. Every artist brought their all to the stage, and you have to hand it to Atari Nite, Wire Spine, Carrellee, Total Chroma, and Heavy Halo who played night one in a venue with no AC.

It would be easy to review every artist’s performance, but in thinking about the event, I kept reflecting on what events like these mean to the scene. The first thing I noticed was just how many people from all over the world were in attendance. One of my favorite aspects about these types of events is connecting with friends and fellow musicians that I get to see so rarely. While we all love the music, we appreciate the connection to others in the scene. In speaking with many of the performing artists, this was a common theme. Rob from Order of the Static Temple (who absolutely crushed it and was a highlight performance) had this to say:

“We’ve been very lucky to play at two NGP showcases, last year at SXSW in Austin TX and now in NOLA. NEW ORLEANS!! The French Quarter is another world. Walking the streets at close to midnight with literally no one around, marveling at the 1700’s architecture, gas lights and horse hitches. Two nights of amazing artists, friendship and community. We played our brand of electronic cult music alongside the best. Happy 25th anniversary to Negative Gain, and much gratitude to Micah and Roger for making this happen!”

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment as one of my favorite parts of the weekend was exploring the local culture, checking out the local goth club, and the afterhours set from Daniel Myer that made my noise loving heart so happy. Seriously, don’t ever sleep on a Daniel Myer set! Another highlight for me personally was being able to drum for Ivardensphere and share the stage with two of my favorite people in the world, Scott and Jamie. Very few people can message me the day of a performance and say “Hey, do you want to play with us?” and with no hesitation I somehow say yes to an entire set.

Night one of the festival was a good introduction to the weekend with Carrellee’s perfectly moody voice and Heavy Halo’s grungy synth sounds. The venue was more intimate, so it allowed for the artists to really interact with their audience and showcase their talent. I enjoyed the dive bar feel of the venue mixed with Total Chroma’s post punk groove and the sight of so many familiar faces. What I always fail to remember about NOLA is just how late the party goes, so several of us ended up at the Goat for their goth night. I always enjoy checking out the local scenes and seeing what the city has to bring.

Day two of the festival kicked off just as amazing as day one, albeit on slightly less sleep and probably too much of the local cuisine in my belly. As expected, every performer brought their all and the crowd was amped throughout the entire night. I had never seen several of the acts live so it was great to see them all in one place. I honestly can’t say that any one performance was better than the other as they all brought something unique to the table. The biggest highlight was Daniel Myer making everyone dance and sing, because who can say no to Daniel.

In speaking with Roger and Micah themselves, I could sense their excitement and disbelief that something they had envisioned in their heads had finally come to fruition. When I asked them what their plans were moving forward, they collectively agreed that they are beyond thankful to the community to have made it this far and that they want to continue to foster what they have built.

It was truly a pleasure to sit back and watch all the performances. Watching Total Chroma’s drummer be in the pocket like a boss, the total rockstar energy of Josie Pace, Curse Mackey who just gives his performance his absolute soul, Bestial Mouth’s moody hypnotizing vibes, ESA’s shirtless “It’s too hot for clothes”, DSTR’s heckling for us not knowing the lyrics, being able to drum with Ivardensphere, and the crowd’s unwavering energy for every performance made me thankful for our mighty community. So thanks NGP and the Gothic Cruise for making us sweat, eat amazing food, laugh with good friends, and remind us that we are a strong community built on good music and friendship.

https://negativegain.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/832615658417496

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July 2023 Sounds and Shadows Darkscene Singles Chart

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Trying to hit the ground running and get the Darkscene Singles Chart out right at the beginning of the month. As always this chart started as a way to highlight the best songs released in July, chosen by our group of DJs, Artists, Bands, promotors, reviewers, and superfans. Since it is not pay to play it highlights artists who may not get recognized in other charts with prominent legacy artists. If you have a single release in August, or know someone who does, add it to the Poll in the feature section of the Facebook group or on our Patreon. Congratulations to all these artists and please share to show support for the scene.

Please Support us Here 🙂

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  1. Missing In Stars – Fight
  2. Matt Hart – Rotations
  3. Mark E Moon – Daemons
  4. Bestial Mouths – Slitskin
  5. The Bleak Assembly – A Night Like This
  6. Dread Risks – Comadose (Moann Exis RMX)
  7. Motuvius Rex – Eleven 33
  8. Microwaved (Feat: Eva X ) – Propaganda (Gaslight Remix by Paul Housin)
  9. Male Tears – Sad Boy, Paint My Nails
  10. Choke Chain – Burial
  1. Missing In Stars – Fight – (Infacted Recordings Germany) – Milwaukee synthwave artists with this gorgeous and emotive declaration of passion and symmetry earns a much deserving spot at number one. Dan Guenther has truely outdone himself with the layered sculpture of poetry and light. The vocals are so unique and drip with honey. A truly magnificent example of songcraft that touched something deep inside me.

Fight | Missing In Stars | Infacted Recordings (bandcamp.com)

2) MATT HART – Rotations – London Fundustrial Neuromancer with a SLAMMING new single which ties borg technology to the bones of Front Line Assembly and pumps 1.21 gigawatts of juice to animate this old school concept in 2023. Music to automate your factory to.

ROTATIONS | MATT HART (bandcamp.com)

3) Mark E Moon – Daemons – (Cold Transmission Music) – Our dear friends from The Isle Of Man back once again with this slinky duet with gnashing vinegar in Marks delivery smoothed over with Shelly Rourke‘s cascading light. Transe fueled Ultravox synth vibes replace the Trad goth I am accustom to. The course language and snarl replace the teeth usually found in Phil’s guitar and leave you feeling shredded by a rampaging monster. Stay on the path and beware of the moon.

Daemons | Mark E Moon (bandcamp.com)

4) Bestial Mouths – Slitskin – (Negative Gain) – This single has a real story behind it. We discussed it in our interview with Negative Gain who have their festival in New Orleans coming this month.  Lynette Cerezo unmistakable vocal fury cuts through this hum and flickering machinery. Brant and Mathew have constructed a cyber city backdrop to hold the rising explosion of Lynette’s chant. Industrial legend Rhys Fulber added string arrangements, additional keyboards & programming. He was so moved by this project he went seeking them out to be involved. This single paves the way for the album out August 11th and it will be a ground shaker.

Slitskin (Single) | Bestial Mouths (bandcamp.com)

5) The Bleak Assembly – A Night Like This – A wonderful collaboration of talented artists Kimberly Kornmeier of (Bow Ever Down) and Michael Smith of Fiction8. This first single has a lovely Violator vibe with the bouncing beats and grey vocal streaks. Wonderful poetry in the lyrics. That lost romantic goth I long for. Kimberly brings a violet crystal essence to every phrase. Beauty and Bop in equal measure. Loss, regret, strength and courage. The full journey.

A Night Like This | The Bleak Assembly (bandcamp.com)

6) Dread Risks – Comadose (Moaan Exis Remix) – (Re:Mission Entertainment) – This is the second time Texas Doomdustrial act Dread Risks has met up with powerdustrial Moaan Exis to unfurl this hot wet steel wool like a tidal wave down the asphalt. Another home run for Re:Mission Entertainment who keeps taking big swings and chances on bands not everyone knows but should. A dangerous mixture that swings a chain around it’s head somewhere between futurepop and 90’s Helmet. I love it when mean sounds good.

Comadose (Moaan Exis Remix) | Dread Risks | Re:Mission Entertainment (bandcamp.com)

7) Microwaved – Propaganda (ft Eva X​)​(​Gaslight Mix by Paul Housin) – First single from a series of remix albums from Des Moines, Iowa. This one with the electrowhip vocals of Eva X. I love the steamy rave pop build and shake. Gaby gives a timely lift to the bouncing electronic journey. This is welcome at my dance party anytime.

Propaganda (ft Eva X)(Gaslight Mix by Paul Housin) | Microwaved (bandcamp.com)

8) Motuvius Rex – Eleven 33 – (InClub Records) – I love when I find something new from this chart. Louisville Kentucky has produced some of my favorite new wave traditional goth. This band is about to be added to that list. Beautiful flickering Cure Pornography guitar lines behind a gate of dark pastels. The vocals are bizarre and captivating with psychedelic chaos and dark fold reverence. This band caught me completely by suprise but they have my attention now.

Eleven 33 | Motuvius Rex (bandcamp.com)

9) MALE TEARS – sad boy, paint my nails – So happy to hear a new track from my adopted goth little brother James Edwards. Know in equal measure for his playful sass online, and undeniable hook based synthwave in his blood. Just reading the title I knew I was in for the ride. I know most artists have access to the same plug ins and sounds, but whenever I hear a Male Tears synth intro, it always feels like they are laying into the keys of an old Korg through a Laney tube amp. James has a voice that blends genuine pain hiding behind mockery like Oscar Wilde using a rapier like tongue in a pub. I also long for a remix of this with that chorus over an explosive club hit.

sad boy, paint my nails | MALE TEARS (bandcamp.com)

10) Choke Chain – Burial – The long-awaited new release from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mark Trueman. In form this is machine gun EDM laying suppressing fire for Mark’s raw napalm screams of anguish and intensity. This single paves the way for the upcoming album MORTALITY, out September 22. I’ve seen Choke Chain preform three times now, and it is one of those things you need to witness to fully understand.

Burial | Choke Chain (bandcamp.com)

It’s Hard To Believe The Sounds and Shadows Darkscene Singles Chart Has Been Around A Whole Year

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One year ago in October I was discussing with Hide, do charts still matter in 2021? What is the point in modern times and do the current charts accurately represent what our scene values? It was a pretty good debate discussing pros and cons. In the end I decided to try letting the wise and tasteful members of our Sounds and Shadows group. Comprised of Djs, Reviewers, Bands, Promotors, and Super Fans that are the lifeblood of this scene. No pay for play. Just a simple vote on what music you are hearing that makes you feel something. I wasn’t sure this would be something I would continue to feel the value of. 12 months later, I have come to really appreciate what this chart brings to the scene. The way that amazing music gets recognized here that doesn’t find it’s way to other charts. As always these are all singles released in October and voted on by our group members.

  1. Panic Priest – AngelSteal – Negative Gain
  2. Object X – Out Of Place –
  3. IAMTHESHADOW – The Wide Starlight – Cold Transmission Music
  4. The Burying Kind – In Black And White
  5. Dread Risks – Extinction Form – Brutal Resonance
  6. Dog Tablet – Ashes –
  7. Morgue VVitch X Allicorn – Higher
  8. Actors + Bootblacks – Boys keep Swinging (Bowie Cover) – Artoffact Records
  9. Carrion – Count The Scars – Produkt 42
  10. Mona Mur – Dream Rider – Give/Take

Panic Priest – ANGELSTEAL – Jack has a gorgeous and razor streaming style between the cracks of the darkscene. Warm crooning Baritone, waterfall backdrop synths, and lightning crackle guitar leads. Panic Priest always needs more recognition and having this single as number 1 is a fitting start. People need to start recognizing Jack as one of the top voices in the modern scene.

ANGELSTEAL | Panic Priest | Midnight Mannequin Records (bandcamp.com)

Object X – Out of Place – From Reno Nevada a band I was not familiar with but shot to #2 on this chart. I really liked the single, a deep resonant poetry in the vocals and Nick Cave style organic ghost story style. I really love the vocal harmony here, as well as the horror movie samples from Bela Lugosi’s 1931 Dracula. The space opera bending guitars add a wonderful tension to the narrative. This track was a wonderful surprise I didn’t know I needed.

Out of Place | Object X (bandcamp.com)

IAMTHESHADOW – The Wide Starlight – I talk a lot about the expectational song writing glory and passion of Portuguese band IAMTHESHADOW. I will always buy anything Pedro puts out on Cold Transmission unheard, because he has never let me down . What always astounds me is how different every new album sounds. This new single is such a contrast to “Pitchblack”. It is expansive, hopeful, and dynamic with the soul and accessibility of Psychedelic Furs. A band that is always taking you on a fresh emotional journey.

The Wide Starlight | IAMTHESHADOW (bandcamp.com)

The Burying Kind – In Black and White – I love everything about this release. The quality of the song writing and musicianship. The method acting delivery of the lyrics. When a band can get lost in the emotion of their own release it is a powerful thing that cannot be faked. This album is up for top releases of the year. This single will transport you places.

In Black and White | The Burying Kind (bandcamp.com)

Dread Risks – Extinction Form – New Video single from our favorite Texas DoomDustrial band. It’s hard, mean, creeping danger, which culminates in a sledgehammer delivery of broken pieces and mysterious questioning. This is a band I really need to see live.

(36) Dread Risks – Extinction Form (Live) – Elysium Austin, September 16, 2022 – YouTube

Dogtablet – Ashes – Industrial legend Martin King who i recently had the pleasure of meeting in person at Cold Waves with this tantalizing delay deep space exploration single from the new EP. I always love tracks of this project where Martin lets his own voice shine. Every new song for this project feels like a hound off the chain running free, because these expert songsmiths have nothing left to prove and are releasing abstract concepts without limits.

Ashes | Dogtablet (bandcamp.com)

Morgue VVitch x ΔLLICΘRN – Higher – New Collab of ethereal witchtrance crystal towers. Tara’s climbing vocal style paired with the sleek sky climbing synth structures and a glorious blend of dream inspiring fantasy. Two great artists leaving me hungry for what is next.

Higher | Morgue VVitch x ΔLLICΘRN | Allicorn (bandcamp.com)

Actors + Bootblacks – Boys Keep Swinging – What is not to love about two of the top names in modern darkscene teaming up to cover a David Bowie deep cut while producing a gorgeous gender fluid video. This video is absolutely staggering. If somehow you don’t know about these bands, do yourself a favor and open up to the glorious new wave of modern postpunk

Carrion – COUNT THE SCARS – Wonderful crunchy horror synth from Hide Tepes. This new single is mixed and mastered by Mike Nolan in Michigan and adds a refinement and focus to the brilliant artistic expression that Hide hurtles with reckless abandon into everything he does. A storm of broken shards raining down.

COUNT THE SCARS | Carrion (bandcamp.com)

Mona Mur – Dream Rider – Another single off the latest album of the Berlin electronic punk icon. Sparkling and jagged like a skiff hurtling through the desert. I love the purposeful force of this track, the way it doesn’t fit in any box but it’s own. This whole album is a modern classic. I did a recent interview with Mona and it gave me a fresh appreciation for her contribution to the modern scene.

Dream Rider | Mona Mur (bandcamp.com)

This chart has been growing every month for a year. If you have a darkscene single release in November or know someone who does, make sure you add it to the Sounds and Shadows Facebook group, and support underground music.

In A Dark Place And Searching For Distraction, What Sounds Took My Imagination To The Adventure Place?

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With a new kitten, a sick elder cat, and Rachel’s bday I haven’t devoted much time to writing reviews. So it is time to start catching up on the giant stack of releases I let get away from me. I’ve got a few albums here I have been waiting on a long time. Please enjoy and comment below what albums you are listening to you think I should hear.

Hexheart – Funeral Flowers – Seatle WA SynthBard Jasyn Bangert has a June release of cybernetic serotonin pumped straight into your brain. I love the “Upstairs At Erics” bopping light synth and nostalgic warms. These tracks wrap around you like a favorite sweater. The AI captivating vocal effects are a fresh note contrasting the synthpop throwback. Every track feels like a cult 80’s film you are the only one who remembers.

Funeral Flowers | Hexheart (bandcamp.com)

Top Tracks: (bottom of) Below – This track is so dynamic without changing tempo or volume. The bursting fountains happen with a slow rolling subtilty. The vocals hold a fascinating mystery. I wish I could make out the lyrics more clearly, but the electronic whisper draws me in closer.

Erase Yesterday – This track really optimizes everything great about this album. A brilliant single can do that, bring all the tiny differences and brushstrokes of a cohesive record and shine the brightest aspects into one track. This song is bright/dark, fresh/nostalgic, organic and synthetic. Always running the duality in darting motions. This opening track paints the world and makes me excited to drive into it.

October Burns Black – Two Worlds Collide – I’m a little behind the mark reviewing this June 24, 2022 release from traditional goth stars October Burns Black. Goth is in it’s Rennaissance but things have fractured into sub genres so much it has become hard to even keep track of what goth means. OBB have turned the ebony run away train back to the core of guitar based gothic rock. James Tramel who plays bass for midwest goth legends The Wake brings that smooth void rumble that drives these tracks with an authentic old school precision. Rod Hanna ( Khaf’ji) gives a rich and rough baritone that harkens to Eldrich with a bit of broken glass danger. One of the things about early gothic rock was the way it had a western percussion gallop to the minor tones, it was an energy that was always running away without control. This is the magic that Lars, Tommy, and Gord have captured in the masterclass guitar of this album. We can have open hearts for a new infinite prism gothic rainbow, while remembering the roots of what made us fall in love with goth rock. Two Worlds Collide is an album that remembers. That whispers of forgotten truth.

Condemned | October Burns Black (bandcamp.com)

Top Tracks: Regress – I love the blistering Cult drum napalm that Ollson uncorks for this song. It has a furious punk snarl cadence and some really subtle guitar overlays. It’s tight, nasty, and full of remorse. These riffs go straight to the vein.

Condemned – This song feels like a Highlander epic swordfight that ends with beheading. The guitars have an air support bagpipe rise and Hanna’s vocals find a perfect groove of chanting percussion. Snarling savagery and desperation with crackling energy that feels faster than it moves.

Rod Hanna – Vocals
Lars Kappeler – Guitar
Tommy Olsson – Guitar
James Tramel – Bass
Simon Rippin – Drums

Additional guitars on tracks 1, 4, 6 and 8 – Gordon Young

Produced and mixed by Simon Rippin
Mastered by Gordon Young

Batavia – Batavia and their Friends Forever – Jacksonville Florida based electro chaos band continue to amaze me with every new release. This new release packs a tinted window red striped van with guest talent and pushed the pedal to the floor. Opening with a filthy crooning version of The Jesus Lizard was an inspired tone setter for this caper. Ed and Terri Cripps are a couple that expertly blend relationship and art until it feels like communication with it’s seamless delivery. Some remixes, some covers, just an explosive energy of fundustrial fury! Daddybear, Dread Risks, Gothsicles, Decent News, Syrinx, all see the writing that Batavia are poised to explode and wanted to jump on the rocket. I love the concept; I love the fact they took bold chances with the covers. I mean covering NIN Wish is a big brass balls move and they pull it off. Batavia has moved to my by every release sight unseen until they let me down list.

I honestly have no favorite track: You will not be let down if you turn it to 11 and just let it play

Batavia and their Friends Forever | Batavia (bandcamp.com)

hororhaus – La Pisadeira – New York State terror texture electronica blending processed religious imagery and layered ethereal sampling. I found this artists through the Sounds and Shadows Facebook group and they impressed me with a unique vision and intense focus. Scott Harris has an elevated ear for sonic texture that inflicts feelings of unease and tension. Much like The Goblin’s of Italian horror mastery these songs are a lurking dread in the mind of the listener. Sounds that conjure emotion and spin a yarn of doom. It gets me hopeful for where this project develops.

La Pisadeira | hororhaus (bandcamp.com)

Morningstvr – The New Salem – Chicago BlasphemeDustrial cult sonic artist takes the pageantry of an electronic cathedral then turns 180 degrees into an unholy void of bitter darkness. I love the slow black and white film flicker tempo the growling Peter Steel frozen metal edge to the vocal delivery. A shadow robed ritual which twists and turns from track to track as you descend a filthy staircase of Pandemonium.

Favorite Track: The New Salem – I love when the title track leads the charge of the overall theme. I love all of the tiny atmospheric touches the whispered chanting is fright evoking fascination. Poet nightmare fuel for a new generation.

▶︎ The New Salem | Morningstvr | Blvsphemy Records (bandcamp.com)

Golden Apes – From The Sky – Criminally underrated post punk giants from Berlin. A band that needs to be added to the conversation of Actors, Bootblacks, Twin Tribes, Creux Lies as the next wave of history altering lifeblood of this scene. This is music to make your heart race with the driving guitar syncopation and boulder chasing you down a tunnel baselines. Peer Lebrecht has such a distinctive voice that resonates to hold your attention in a single moment. It’s always such a tour of geography and human experience when you listen to a Golden Apes album. “From The Sky” is no exception as it leaps with alien speed from landscape to landscape on a biodiverse unknown world.

Favorite Tracks: You can’t go wrong here. This six song EP is a journey. One worth taking.

A New Days Dawn – The overlay transition at the beginning of this is an absolute masterclass in song writing. Peer’s vocals are frantic and tinged with mania. This track has so much going on it is difficult to believe how efficient and powerful it strikes. Like one of those truly great movies I could watch 100 times and pick out a new moment with every viewing.

From The Sky | Golden Apes (bandcamp.com)

Kevorkian Death Cycle – Injection: 01 –

Injection: 01 | Kevorkian Death Cycle (bandcamp.com) California based Dancedustrial artist with a catalog going back to the early 90s have a new 4 song EP This team includes a family feel of collaboration. I’m overcome with excitement that none other than Roger Jarvis (Negative Gain Records) is one half of the original duo. I’m also left wondering if any of them spent time in Michigan for the Kevorkian reference. The music also has a Detroit techno energy clashing with Industrial and darktrance.

Favorite Track: Spring Heel Jack – I am always a sucker for folk lore and this red cap rampage industrial banger featuring the story of the British murder fairy Jack is a must hear. Filthy beats on top of boot stomp percussion and hurled metal shaving vocals.

Words: Ryan Gribbin
Music: Roger Jarvis, Rob Robinson, Sean Whitman
Mixing/Mastering: Rob Robinson
Artwork Concept/Design: Ryan Gribbin and Sally Helena

Injection: 01 | Kevorkian Death Cycle (bandcamp.com)