Author: Ritualcontrol

Summary: Sascha Dikiciyan, known as Duke Togo, showcases his signature sound on two compelling albums: Dystopika: Meditations From the Future and Metal Eden: Corrupted Memory Edition. Dystopika is a dive into cyberpunk atmospheres, rich with synthetic orchestrations and ambient soundscapes, reminiscent of Blade Runner. It includes City Ambience versions that deepen the immersive experience. Metal Eden, while intended as a video game soundtrack, pulsates with heavy industrial beats and haunting melodies, exemplifying the tension and energy characteristic of first-person shooters. Both albums affirm Dikiciyan’s mastery in sound design while staying true to his established style after decades in the industry.…

Summary: Thorofon’s Guilty is an immersive industrial experience that transforms abrasive sound into a claustrophobic environment. The album avoids predictable rhythms, pushing listeners through jagged dynamics and relentless textures. Tracks like "Born Guilty" and "Displaced Aggression" enforce a sense of entrapment, while snippets of vocal hysteria in "So Funny?" and "Abused Trust" create moments of psychological tension. Closing tracks, such as "Knochentanz" and "Maggot Hill," emphasize the album’s central theme of guilt, leaving the listener with a lingering heaviness. Discussion Point: In an age where much music offers cathartic release, how does Guilty challenge our expectations of emotional engagement in…

In 2026, Jeff Burchett, known as Veil of Shadows, released “Familiars,” a gothic single recorded at The Cat Mansion. Drawing on influences like Wayne Hussey and the emotional power of early Sisters of Mercy, the track features thunderous drums by Brian Donahue, highlighting a critique of U.S. political hypocrisy. “Familiars” resonates with a sense of collective anxiety while offering a glimmer of hope by encouraging accountability for wrongdoing. How does music serve as a platform for political commentary, and can it truly inspire change in our current sociopolitical climate? Read the Full Article

Trans Atlantic duo Death By Love has just released their new single "Sellenno" ahead of their debut album, 444, set to drop on February 20th via Distortion Records. The track weaves a cyber industrial sound, driven by heavy electronics and poignant vocals, exploring the haunting theme of survivor’s disassociation. Inga Habiba and Peter Guellard are crafting a unique blend of dance-worthy beats with deep emotional resonance. Could "Sellenno" serve as a pivotal moment of catharsis for those struggling with their own mental health battles? What role do you think music plays in healing and self-discovery? Read the Full Article

Orange County’s gothic metal band Our Frankenstein is set to support Psyclon Nine on the upcoming "God’s Not Here Tour," running from February 1 to March 7. The tour features additional support from Denver’s aggrotech group Clockwork Echo and will hit key cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Our Frankenstein’s latest album, Magnum Spire Hotel, which dropped on April 25, 2025, was co-produced by Psyclon Nine’s Nero Bellum. Meanwhile, Clockwork Echo just released their single "Hallowed Be Thy Pain." As underground metal and aggrotech scenes continue to evolve, how do collaborations between artists from different genres enrich…

SPANKTHENUN honors the legacy of electro and industrial music with their latest release, the Broken Machine EP, part of their New Beat Collection. This track reinterprets A Split-Second’s “Muscle Machine,” presenting a modern warning about societal failures, encapsulated in four remix styles that range from acid to dark club techno. Released on January 30, it follows previous singles and coincides with a music video launch. How do reinterpretations like Broken Machine help keep the spirit of classic tracks alive while also addressing contemporary issues? Read the Full Article

MØL has notably transformed their sound from their earlier work in blackgaze, moving towards a blend of dreamy shoegaze and alt-rock influences in their latest album, Dreamcrush. While their evolution brings fresh dynamics and enhanced melodic elements, some fans may miss the raw black metal energy present in their past. Despite a few structural predictabilities and softer midsection tracks, the overall replayability and emotional depth of Dreamcrush demonstrates MØL’s refusal to stagnate. Reflecting on their journey, could this shift in sound be seen as a natural evolution for the band, or does it risk alienating their core blackgaze audience? Read…

Damage Control returns with their new single "Rage," marking their first release with Metropolis Records since their 2017 album, Ultranoia. This track features a collaboration with Danish electro/EBM artist Claus Larsen and production by Chris Peterson, who has been a long-time supporter of the band. The integration of Larsen’s vocals and Peterson’s sound production creates a fresh fusion for Damage Control. The single is now out on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms. Given their inclination to collaborate with guest artists, how might these partnerships influence the evolution of the band’s sound in future releases? Read the Full Article

Since the early 2000s, Morphoex, the project of French artist Isthmaël Baudry, has become a pivotal force in experimental electronic music, emphasizing transformation and abstract sonic landscapes. His latest album, Méta Langages, pushes boundaries by treating the human voice as raw material, reflecting his continual evolution as an artist. Beyond music, Baudry’s visual projects and roles in different bands highlight his multifaceted creativity. What does Baudry’s exploration of non-traditional uses of the human voice reveal about the relationship between language and emotion in music? Read the Full Article

Chris Pohl is revitalizing his Miss Construction project with the release of the single “Hate,” aimed at dark electro and EBM dance enthusiasts. The track features catchy hooks and energetic beats, accompanied by a lyric video showcasing cybergoth dancers in striking outfits. This is the third single after Pohl’s 12-year hiatus, following “Spiel Mit Mir” and “Back Again.” Notably, the cover art draws inspiration from a 2008 photoshoot, merging nostalgic elements with contemporary themes. Given the blend of dark aesthetics and club culture in Pohl’s work, how do you think the resurgence of Miss Construction reflects current trends in electronic…