It can be easy to always turn to familiar sounds in dark times. I remember being in a rut of pre 2018 always listening to the same bands from the 80s and 90s over and over. In 2018 I started opening my ears and heart to amazing new music coming out and it put my heart and soul back into this scene. Lately I have wondered if I have again hit a ceiling of coming back to the same newer bands over and over. So, I ask the Sounds and Shadows group to tell me about some of your favorites I haven’t written about. They didn’t disappoint, if this scene is to thrive, we need to stay hungry for experiencing new sounds and fresh faces. So today I will review some of the suggestions. I hope you jump into these suggestions with an open mind and find something you love.
Warm Gadget x Snowbeasts – Grooving Oklahoma City Industrial with a very Wax Trax 90’s energy. New 3 song EP that rolls like a tank tread over a littered battlefield. I really like the range here, track 2 Bodiless has a swirling trance effect over the blasting beat. The escalation at the 1:40 mark times for maximum effect. This is the music I want the Terminators to wipe out humanity to.
In a Darkened Room – “VOIX” – Cj and Svia are both active in the group. I feel like I slept on these San Antonio, Texas tradgoth badasses for too long. They have quickly become one of my heaviest rotation bands. CJ has a resonant and powerful baritone that blends proto goth depth with 2000’s NYC alt. The lyrics are soulful and real. The guitar sound is so dialed in I had to look at the production notes to see none other than Jason Corbett (Actors/Jacknife Sound) did the mastering. Track 2 Sounds and Warning has a glorious vocal harmony that has been stuck in my head for days. This is a record you can really get lost in. Expect In A Darkened Room to be a band at the front of the next movement.
Ony Godfrey – I was a HUGE fan of the fresh new talent out of Indonesia Camlan. This is the first solo single release from their singer Ony Godfrey. Love the thumpy beat and way this breathes. Ony has a cool unique cadence and shows great range here as the build in intensity happens. I love the punk rock energy here not pulling any punches with the lyrics.
LET THEM EAT WAR Power, throne, and glory Those are the things you shall never have Obedient, bloodshed, and death Those are things you shall devout your life into Submit to me, submit your soul to the emperor Oh, I Am your God, your messiah, Oh, I Am the only way to your salvation
I want to conquer those foreign lands, civilize the uncivilized If those savages ask for mercy I’ll say let them eat war Let them eat war
Traitors, rivals, and nemesis All of them shall perish into ashes Kiss my hand and do as what I say And you will have a position in my empire Submit to me, submit your soul to the emperor Oh, I Am your God, your messiah, Oh, I Am the only way to your salvation
I want to conquer those foreign lands, Civilize the uncivilized If those savages ask for mercy I’ll say, let them eat war Let them eat war
Say my name like your life depends on it, baby Say my name like your life depends on it, baby Say my name like your life depends on it, baby Say my name like your life depends on it, baby
I want to conquer those foreign lands, Civilize the uncivilized If those savages ask for mercy I’ll say let them eat war Let them eat war
Backengrillen – Backengrillen – (Recommendation from Kevin Nhell) From Sweeden this amazing death jazz, yes you heard that right. It’s slow, weird chaos against fascism. The Bari Sax has a Morphine energy and this is something everyone should get lost in over their morning coffee.
Backengrillen Dennis Lyxzén – vocal and effects Mats Gustafsson – saxophones, flutes and live electronics Magnus Flagge – bass David Sandström – drums and electronics
Grave Love – Angel_(Mi Amor) En Vivo – (Recommendation from James Perry) Brand new live track from Chicago band Grave Love, 1) I love the live energy 2) Love the Spanish/English blend of the lyrics 3) Love that blasting Gish guitar slush opening. Fantastic piercing goth vocals and crunchy death rock guitars. If i could turn into a bat and fly over the city of Chicago in the dead of night, this is what I want as my soundtrack.
Sweet sweet dreams my Angel Heaven will miss you Sweet sweet dreams my darling The night is calling I’m calling for you Sweet sweet dreams my love Sweet sweet dreams my Angel
Debajo luna llena Te encontre Debajo luna llena Me enamore Debajo luna llena Te mordi, mi amor
Sweet sweet dreams my Angel I want the light in your eyes Sweet sweet dreams my darling Slip off your lovely disguise Sweet sweet dreams my love Sweet sweet dreams my Angel
Debajo luna llena Te encontre Debajo luna llena Me enamore Debajo luna llena Te mordi, mi amor
THE DISCUSSION – All the Pretty Flowers – (shared by Sandra Spector) – The LA band isn’t brand new but somehow I have never reviewed them. They are on Artoffact Records with (Actors/Leathers) many of our favorites. Driving 80s Siouxsie and the Banshees flavor. The basslines are very out front and really carry the groove. They aren’t reinventing the wheel here, but they are definitely rocking the hell out of it. This record came out in 2025 but they have a brand new remix by the always awesome Male Tears. They are also heading out on a tour with Bootblacks which i will be seeing in Detroit.
TEMPTRIX – Dare to Try – (Submitted y the always trustworthy Sunil Khanna) Texas solo artist with a glitchy screaming electronica. Emotional lyrical pleas that feel like lamenting loss on an abandoned cliff overlooking the ocean.
I wouldn’t have invited them to try or bet on my life With all the ache it caused, all the strife. I wouldn’t have tried, to save my life. Help me God Help me Try
In this timeline I wouldn’t have cried I wouldn’t have cried I wouldn’t have cried
If I knew, I didn’t need to toss and turn every night I wouldn’t have cried – over all those lies I wouldn’t I couldn’t Say how I feel inside I wouldn’t have cried I wouldn’t I couldn’t Now if I tried. Why? Why try? I wouldn’t have cried…
In this timeline I wouldn’t have cried I wouldn’t have cried
If I knew I didn’t need to shed a tear from my eyes I wouldn’t have cried for wanting you inside
I wouldn’t. I couldn’t – say how I feel inside I wouldn’t have cried. I wouldn’t, I couldn’t now if I tried. Why? Why try?
In 2018 Vancouver Post Punk band Actors released the groundbreaking album “It Will Come To You” as part of a next wave Darkscene revolution. After extensive touring through world stages the follow up record 2021 “Acts Of Worship” propelled Jason, Shannon, Kendell, and Adam to festival level crowds at the spearhead of the modern alt movement. Now with a third LP release and new tour on the horizon I’m excited for the chance to review the latest single “CTRL” on Artoffact Records.
For a band I have loved since the beginning when I hear a new release the first thing I think of is what is new? For me the Actors sound has always built around the core of Jason’s vocals. Thirteen seconds into CTRL you are blasted with a wall of sound driven by a run-away chariot of blasting bass. Jason is emotive and understated with Kendall and Shannon shining echo’s glowing around the edges. The guitar swirls and cracks in precise moments. The entire ride is a 3.25-minute banger with tight structure and vibrant energy. I can’t wait to hear this live with Adam booming away in 4/4. I’ve never heard Actors push the needle like this and I am here for it. The “Our Love Starts Forever tour is coming in 2026 and if you have never witnessed the Actors live, don’t wait.
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
“The Ministry album “The Squirrely Years Revisited” is called that because it compiles re-recorded versions of songs from the band’s early, synth-pop-influenced “squirrely” era in the 1980s. Al Jourgensen reportedly disliked these early works, and “The Squirrely Years Revisited” represents a revisiting and re-evaluation of that material. The title also reflects the band’s journey from their initial synth-pop sound to their later, more industrial metal sound.”
That’s how the overview reads and that pretty much nails it on the head.
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If you’re like me, you had fond memories of those days when Ministry was the catchy, synth-heavy ear worm that was always a fun four-minute ride on the radio.
Sadly, the album Twitch wasn’t on my radar for several reasons. So I was completely unprepared when MTV’s 120 Minutes debuted the then new single, Stigmata.
At first I was confused. “Did I hear the name right?” “Is this the same Ministry?” “What the hell did I just watch?!?” These, among others, were the thoughts that ran through my junior year mind. This would take some digesting.
A few short years later, I was working at my college radio station when I finally got the whole story: Jourgensen got a raw deal from his record label and made With Sympathy, an album that was well-received but if Jourgensen had his druthers, would have sounded differently.
By this point, The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste and In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Showing Up were on our shelves. This would, in my mind, forever cement their sound and lead to a decades-long love affair with aggressive guitars, pounding drums, and growled vocals.
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Those who are familiar with the early material (including myself) probably cannot help but compare these new versions to the originals. But, to be fair, Al Jorgensen and Co. didn’t try to reinvent the wheel on these songs. They just gave them a little extra “oomph!”. Beefed up guitars and a heavier-hitting drums reign prominently throughout the album. But the likes of the revised Work For Love or All Day maintain their danceable qualities. Jourgensen does, however, take some chances with the vocals, employing the distorted treatments that would prominent on later albums such as The Land of Rape and Honey.
All of the classics are represented on this record like Every Day Is Halloween and Revenge. Fans should have a very satisfying experience listening to these classics being given a fresh coat of paint.
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.
