Tag: Sword Tongue

New Music Reviews from the Dark Underground

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It’s Bandcamp Friday, darkness swirls around my head and Halloween fast approaches. What a great time for some quick hit music reviews from some of the best in underground darkscene artists. I’m working on another article for some of the bigger names in the scene with new releases. These bands are for experimental listeners looking to find new bands everyone doesn’t know about yet.

Wandering Whispers – Uneasy Listening – Amazing Detroit artist Lela Marionette with a brand new project she embarked on in 2023. Filthy soundscapes stumbling around a warehouse labyrinth of 90s Detroit rave culture. Pulsing slow heartbeat base. Music meant to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up while Lela whispers frightening poetry to the back of your ear. Love the liberal use of slutty muted horn synth effects.

This project is meant to feel very instrument heavy emotional resonance. I love these ghostly vocals from Lela and hope they come forward more in future releases. They really tie the haunt together.

▶︎ Uneasy Listening | Wandering Whispers (bandcamp.com)

The Bleak Assembly – until the world stops hurting – Newest release out of Denver from the collaboration between Kimberly of Bow Ever Down and Michael Smith of Fiction8. Additional shoutout for the wicked artwork by Greg Rolfes / eleven12design.com. TBA always conjures amazing visuals when I hear it. The perfect music for the most powerful moment in an anime. The mixing and mastering of this album are superb. The concepts here are so natural energy, so finding a perfect sonic balance is key to the message. Shoutout for giving Sounds and Shadows a Thank You in the liner notes 😉

The Powerful Sun: Gorgeous opening track with a slushy shoegaze guitar line. Kimberly has a gorgeous and distinctive voice that always sounds powerful without pushing itself. I picture her on a beach aquabending streams of water reflecting the sun. “What is it you’re fighting for”

Only Truth Remains: You can’t go wrong on this album, and the songs all maintain a consistent vibe. If I had to pick a favorite, this has such an amazing Til Tuesday darkpop sound with a chorus that lived in my head for days. Kimberly’s voice rises like warm air over the sand. The dueling guitar lines on the solo with such effortless precision create so much without grasping for a spotlight. This one got deep under my skin.

▶︎ until the world stops hurting | The Bleak Assembly (bandcamp.com)

Cyborg Amok – Cellophane Grind – Brand new single from the New Jersey father son electro rock duo of an August album Pin’s and Needles. Thick basslines and thundering 70’s darkrock tones. I love Brydon taking lead on the vocals here to conjure some Jim Morrison energy. Everything here feels big, spooky, and psychedelic. Doom rock like this is a bit of a lost art and I am loving this snapshot CA has captured.

▶︎ Pins & Needles | Cyborg Amok | Greg Bullock – Cyborg Amok (bandcamp.com)

Sierra Miffed – Demo – Kalamazoo MI’s own power punk trio including Jena, Leah, and Katy (Katy Needs A Life/Sounds and Shadows) with their debut release. A high-speed rollercoaster of emotional deliver and tight turns. Fan’s of 90’s indie edge like Muffs or Vaselines will love this clever spit in the face of convention.

Favorite Track: Untitled Banger – Normally a primarily instrumental punk thumper doesn’t get on my radar. What can I say, this cooks. It’s got energy, craft, and a devil may care attitude I can’t help smile and stomp my feet to. Can’t wait to get out and see this band live. I have a feeling the energy is next level when the wall of sound hits you in the face.

Demo | Sierra Miffed (bandcamp.com)

MORTAL REALM – Stab In The Dark –  Adam V. Jones, of Haex with a new project on Negative Gain coming like a charge into the breach. Prepare to be pummeled by a spiked gauntlet of sound. I really like how light on it’s feet this full plate dance beat bobs and weaves. There is a consistency of electronic bop, but the vocal style and emotional spectrum shows great range.

Death Debt– I didn’t know that Adam had a Martin Gore style in his bag of tricks, but I am loving it. Sassy and synthlacious this retro wall shaker hits all the notes.

Nostrum Nepenthe – What in the Industrial Ronnie James Dio is happening here? Gnashing teeth and stomping boots flinging out berserker bard tales of pain and destruction. This track is great for the club, or beating the piss out of rich boys in the dumpster out back.

Blood is my reward
The call of the void
The moment is gone
Blood is my reward
The call of the void
The moment is gone

Stab In The Dark | MORTAL REALM (bandcamp.com)

 BRIDES – Sundown – New three track EP from Adrian Borgia in Norway off Produkt 42. One of the most underappreciated expressionists of the modern scene. Track one Amour opens with swirling New Dawn Fades energy. A love ballad crooned by a broken demon. Adrian has mastered the art of being a single voice dragging a long cape of immense weight behind him.

Favorite Track: Apocalypse In Slow​-​Motion – This is a slow watching your heart burst from your chest, fall on the dirty ground, and get run over by a steam roller sound. Somehow that demonic growl still feels hopeful. An ending you long for, a rebirth to come. A difficult concept to describe, you know it when you hear it though. Adrian always leaves me memorized with the minimalist efficiency of his songs. An adventure of flavor with 5 simple ingredients.

Sundown | BRIDES (bandcamp.com)

Sword Tongue – Diamonds To Rust – Power Trio Jennifer Wilde, Gaetano Maleki, and Dan Milligan with a dreamy 4AD mystical Siouxsie “Superstition” feel. Jennifer floats like mist on top of the rotating toms and vibrating bass. Amazing to see how in synch this project has become. I think the first few releases were still asking themselves who they wanted to be. Diamonds to Dust definitively shows they have found the answer. This single shines with a complexity and sense of purpose that has been lacking in the scene. I love this clarity of direction.

Diamonds To Rust | Sword Tongue (bandcamp.com)

Camlann – Numb and Hollow – Immensely talented young folk from Jakarta, Indonesia who are creating darkscene music on a level I couldn’t have conceived of at their age. Sophisticated and exotic with a sharp foil of capitalist excess. The way this hits a pop anthem chorus while existing in the same track as the darkest imaginable David Lynch surrealism is an incredible artistic achievement. A sensational contradiction that casts a spotlight on the hypocrisy of the world. Another impressive evolution. No one is making music like this.

Vocals and Guitar: Ony Godfrey
Synth, Analog Bass, and Drum Machine: Fauzan Pratama
Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by David Novotny

Numb and Hollow | Camlann (bandcamp.com)

November 2023 Sounds and Shadows Darkscene Singles Chart

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  1. Bow Ever Down – Goodbye
  2. Twin Tribes – Monolith
  3. Daddybear – Antisocial
  4. Sword Tongue – To My Apparition
  5. Object X – Insomnia
  6. Brides – If Love Was A Color
  7. Mari Kattman – URGOD.AI
  8. The Mystic Underground – Famous Last Words
  9. Dogtablet – Summertime
  10. Tears For The Dying – We Are The Darkness

Time for the November Darkscene Singles Chart. This year has been flying by and full of amazing new music. I put out this chart every month to recognize incredible bands from around the world who don’t always get seen on other charts. Every bands here is chosen by our Facebook/Patreon group of Artists/DJs/Reviewers/Promotors/and Super fans. If you have a single releasing in December or know someone who does, please add it to our poll for consideration.

I will always keep supporting new darkscene music because it is my passion. I don’t like for this to feel like a business and will offer the same content for free. However the webpage/zoom account/mixcloud ect cost money. If you like what we do and want to support us for $1 a month. This is our Patreon page and Tshirts 🙂 For those that can, we really appreciate it.

Sounds and Shadows | Music Reviews, Interviews, Videocast Connecting the Darkscene | Patreon

Sounds And Shadows – SOUNDS + SHADOWS Products (teespring.com)

  1. Bow Ever Down – Goodbye – The fact that the absurdly under recognized Kimberly Kornmeier took 1st place in our chart this month fills me with emotion of why I started this chart in the first place. A talented professional that has been a part of the scene since 1998 with a soulful piercing voice and an empathetic heart being chosen by this group over more recognized names. This song was a tribute to Ghost-Youth an artist taken from this world far too soon. Lovely trancey production and sorrowful delivery. It’s hard to know the story behind this song and not mist up a bit.

Goodbye | Bow Ever Down (bandcamp.com)

2) Twin Tribes – Monolith – One of the hottest acts in modern goth dropped a new video and single from an upcoming album under the radar. Of course it is an absolute banger. Luis gives that whip crack delivery and the music has a gorgeous darksynth that was giving me Ultravox vibes. Some of the dark skies of previous releases were pulled apart to reveal clean beams of light and hope to the familiar Twin Tribes sound.

Monolith | Twin Tribes (bandcamp.com)

3) daddybear – Antisocial – Matt Fanale and Marie (Grabyourface) are two great tastes paired perfectly I am coming to associate together. Each of these new singles feels smooth and impactful. That fresh electropunk energy of intelligent message, effortless delivery, and fervent devotion to the cause. This vibrating bass beat is eroding pores into my bones. I’m here for it.

Antisocial | daddybear (bandcamp.com)

4) Sword Tongue – To My Apparition – Awesome Cali couple duo that has a strange mixture of Projekt Records and Prog Rock added an ingredient that makes everything better. Drum Daddy Dan Milligan (The Joy Thieves). Jennifers vocals really sail over a frozen fantasy world like a shield maiden bardic warrior. This track feels expansive and full of adventure. Exciting new direction.

To My Apparition | Sword Tongue (bandcamp.com)

5) Object X – Insomnia – Super cool father/daughter duo from Reno NV. Great synthesis of dreamy trance beats and 90’s alternative. The beautiful harmonies here carry an extra layer of soul from the family connection. This song makes me want to fall backwards through the bed into space.

Insomnia | Object X (bandcamp.com)

6) BRIDES – If Love Was A Colour – I know we have seen Adrian a lot in this poll lately, but every song just keeps getting better. More abstract and reckless, more simple and to the roots. That dichotomy living together in real time. This project is the best thing he has ever done.

If Love Was A Colour | BRIDES (bandcamp.com)

7) Mari Kattman – URGOD​.​AI – Another smash for Boston producer and digital disco priestess Mari Kattman. This one whirls like a sonic tornado through the club. The soundtrack to flying car you into the cyberpunk dystopia.

URGOD.AI | Mari Kattman (bandcamp.com)

8) The Mystic Underground – Famous Last Words (Of A Generation) – Great opening thrum from the New York band. Vladimir Valette has a beautiful voice that crackles with energy and hops on a distinctive cadence. The lyrics are poignant and powerful. Great video as well linked below.

Famous Last Words (Of A Generation) [Single Edit] | The Mystic Underground | Re:Mission Entertainment (bandcamp.com)

9) Dogtablet – Summertime – The always percussionally epic industrial legend calls in friends Dirk Flanigan, Mike Reidy & Roger Ebner on this filthy slinking jazzdustrial banger. I’m stumbling home from the warehouse district at 3am past mystery moisture rising from the manholes. This song is hot and wet.

The Summertime EP | Dogtablet (bandcamp.com)

10) Tears for ʇhe Dying – We Are The Darkness – I had the absolute pleasure of seeing TFTD do this song live opening for Twin Tribes and Vision Video. Adria shines like a star on stage. One of the top Death Rock bands in the modern era and this album will be something to get excited about.

We Are the Darkness (single) | Tears for ʇhe Dying (bandcamp.com)

Projekt Records’ 40th anniversary

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In 1993 Sam Rosenthal (Black Tape For A Blue Girl) started an Indie label that combined a love of Dreampop, Ambient, Shoegaze, and Dark Cabaret. It began as a vehicle for his own band, but through a decerning eye towards the future highlighted eclectic new sounds we are celebrating four decades later. I discovered Projekt in college branching out for colder, darker sounds than Dead Can Dance and similar world beat shadow folk. With bands like Black tape, Voltaire, Love Spirals Downward, Attrition, and Lycia early Projekt sampler cd’s were fertile ground for a young mind exploring the boundaries of darkscene music.

Shop Projekt: Darkwave | 30 years in the underground

For 40 years Projekt and weaved and bobbed changing focus and embracing new technology in the music industry. With Mini Disc, MP3’s, even a resurgence in discord vinyl Sam has flowed with the tide to bring new fans to music which otherwise may not have seen the light of day.

The first band Sam signed was Dark Industrial legend ATTRITION. with several records already out, they brought a blend of intelligent punk ethos, electronic textural ambiance, and ice cold rage. Martin Bowes would find an international audience still captivated today. This also awakened Sam, fresh out of college to the realization the record lable would consume his life the next couple years.

Music | ATTRITION (bandcamp.com)

Lycia from Arizona would be the first band “discovered” by Projekt. I first found them through Burning Circle and The Dust. A haunting, memorizing, slushy burnt pastel sounds. Submerged ethereal vocals that wrapped around every sense. Eventually they would go on to form their own label. Releasing new material in March 2022 which I reviewed. These early Projekt records that put them on the map will always be my rain-streaked dorm window memories.

▶︎ The Burning Circle And Then Dust | Lycia (bandcamp.com)

I don’t want to go any further without talking about the other band that drew me into Projekt, Black Tape For A Blue Girl. Another major nostalgia band that opened my eyes wider to the idea that what we think of today as “Trad Goth” or “Post Punk” was the end of the conversation when it came to darkscene music. Things could be elegant. Darkness, pain, and regret could be beautiful feelings that explored the human experience. “The Rope” from 1986 held a particular majesty, with Oscar Herrera‘s strange cadence and David Bryne clarity paved a new road in my mind for what was possible. Four decades later Sam is still finding ways to explore sonic paths not taken.

mesmerized by the sirens (2023 stereo mix) | Black Tape For A Blue Girl (bandcamp.com)

Another Projekt band that had a major influence on me was California Stargaze ethereal band Love Spirals Downward. Guitar layered woven tapestry and warm blanket harmonies. Songs that offered comfort and jump started deeper dreaming. Extra shoutout that Jennifer Wilde of Sword Tongue did additional vocals on my favorite album of theirs Ardor.

▶︎ Ardor [Remastered Reissue] | Love Spirals Downwards (bandcamp.com)

As someone who makes “comedy goth” Projekt records artist Aurelio Voltaire opened my eyes to what was possible with dark music. Clever gallows humor and rapier wit blended with eastern traveler instrumentation was a fantasy idea that captured my imagination. I recently interviewed Aurelio and doing preparation research found I still knew every lyric on “The Devils Bris“. A true shadow bard that transcended music style in favor of narrative craft. This troubadour set trends that paved the way for everything I am trying to accomplish today.

Hear about his new album The Black Labyrinth here

The Black Labyrinth ~ A Requiem for the Goblin King | Aurelio Voltaire (bandcamp.com)

This has been an enjoyable memorandum as well as a glimpse into the future for a label that has helped define modern darkscene music. Rather you want to rediscover these updated releases of the past. Or explore the Projekt artists of the future, Sam has left an undeniable mark on out scene. I encourage everyone to delve into this rich tapestry of sonic narrative and celebrate 40 years of Projekt Records.

Music | Projekt Records (bandcamp.com)

It’s As Cold As my Dead Goth Heart, Time for New Music

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So I have been buried in everything I have wanted to do so far this year. Between work, the amazing Oscura Festival, End of the Year top albums. I finally have a moment to stop and catch my breath. Just in time to hear Bandcamp Friday is back on for next week. So how about I review some new music which is warming my bones as the world freezes over.

binzatina – Anestesia – This first album is from 2018, but I am just finding it and it NEEDS attention. This was a recommendation of our dear friend Juls (Pilgrims of Yearning). The band hails from Chile and combines a 90’s triphop Portishead slither slide drum beat, with and smoky lounge sensual vocal performance by Lya Godoy. This sound is a warm bath in the dark surrounded by candlelight. It’s flickering pictures on the wall with a healthy dash of explosive dynamic in just the right moment to wake you from your trance. Lulling you just as quick back into dreams. Beauty, passion, depth, this is the sound of your next romantic escapade.

https://binzatina.bandcamp.com/album/anestesia

Dogtablet – TJY4 – Brand new January 2022 release from Industrial scene legends Martin King (Test Dept), Roberto Soave (Associates), and Jared Louche (Chemlab). This new remix EP hits the mark just as you would expect from masters of the craft with the unbridled freedom to create expressionist sonic art. Giving over the reins of vision to great up and comers like (The Burying Kind), Sapphira Vee, and Melodywhore to expand the vision into fresh ground. Dogtablet continues to amaze me with their understanding of how to turn raw sound into transmitted human emotion.

https://dogtablet.bandcamp.com/album/tjy4

ESA (Electronic Substance Abuse) – Designer Carnage – The greatest thing to happen to modern EMB industrial does not disappoint with the latest offering. Out on 2/14/2022 but available for pre order now. This remains the hardest, meanest, smartest, body earthquake, grit your teeth, be invaded by the spirit music. Jamie continues to skate the razor edge of unnerving terror and sonic rapture. He is officially on my “I will buy every release unheard until you fuk up two in a row list”. I see absolutely no chances of that happening any time soon.

https://esangp.bandcamp.com/album/designer-carnage

Dove Tribe – Collected Prayers – I have been waiting for this project to find it’s perfect stride for so long. Norway’s Hide Tepes has captured the low-fi bat cave early Sisters of Mercy tone and seamlessly blended it with their own emotive high art abstract. When I need an artist to push my boundaries and remind me of a time when music was raw, unruly, and unpredictable. All four tracks are captivating narratives that change direction and speed like a foreboding wind. There is one that stands out to me “When The Music’s Over” a lip curled prayer in the early art house sewer of early Bauhaus and “Still” Joy Division. That haunting overlapping guitar riff, that cursed mantra to keep moving forward lest you disappear. This is one of the great visionaries of the modern scene.

https://dovetribe.bandcamp.com/album/collected-prayers

Blood Dance – Burn Slow – Second single from Mexico City SynthGoth Blood Dance. This lovely creeper with some deep goth roots. The beats were a slowly boiling put but these carefully placed guitar leads are all sizzle. This track also features backing by Bari-Bari. This track really gets me excited to keep delving into the rich Mexico City darkscene.

https://blooddance.bandcamp.com/album/burn-slow

Bradley Coomes – Communion – Louisville KY songsmith Bradley Coomes has brought together an eclectic range of vocal talent to synch with his emotive shimmering 3D sonic images. This is one of those albums that really matches it’s cover art. An impressionist feeling exchange ranging from early 2000 minimalist opium rock like Low and Mogwai. To a sunrise shadow of dreampop. The way each guest vocalist is used to perfect effect really shows the love that went into this songcraft. If I had to choose a favorite track, I was absolutely captured by “Sabrina” featuring California shadowpop crooner James Edwards of (Male Tears). Expansive beauty and symmetry while cracking with golden strands of brimming romance teetering at the brink. I also want to shout out Jennifer Wilde of (Sword Tongue) for stepping so far out of their established style on “Little Bird” to shine with sullen Haight Ashbury mystical swirls that cast a striking contrast on the rest of the journey. Memorizing and hopeful in equal measure.

https://deusmarginalia.bandcamp.com/album/communion

The Gathering – Parade – New album from Vancouver Cold Transmission band The Gathering. While the previous LP was a nostalgic homage, “Parade” leans into the resurgence of Post Punk / Darkwave building up in real time. The album was recorded by Jackknife Sound by Jason Corbett (Actors) and also has additional vocals by fellow (Actors) Shannon Hemmett on “Ocean Star“. I love the unstoppable forward momentum and crisp accented drum beats. Everything vibrates with a clarity and precision that stops me in my tracks with my mouth open appreciating the ice sculpture prism of every track. Standout track is “Building A Bridge” with it’s zig zag endless pin prick attack. The blending choir of vocals create a haunting melody that was stuck in my head for days. There is something so special when someone uses the patience to have a song concept reach it’s height of development.

https://thegatheringbc.bandcamp.com/album/parade

Récipe Morado – Re•Habilitación – I discovered this gorgeous flowing up-tempo post punk from Venezuela at the Oscura Festival. Complex high energy tendrils of complex shoegaze supported whisper punk. I love the reckless abandon of the constantly shifting music and controlled reaction of the vocals. A wonderful synthesis of modern clarity and Jesus and Mary Chain effortless abandon.

https://recipemorado.bandcamp.com/album/re-habilitaci-n