Gaahl, a pivotal figure in black metal since 1992, celebrates the tenth anniversary of his band Gaahl’s Wyrd with the release of their sophomore album "Braiding the Stories." This album diverges from traditional black metal, showcasing a blend of gothic rock, somber atmospheres, and melodic introspection. Tracks like "As the Now" and "The Dream" demonstrate the album’s depth, juxtaposing dark, fragile emotions with powerful instrumentation. The overall sound transcends extreme metal, inviting listeners into a haunting exploration of mood. Thought-Provoking Question: In what ways do you think the evolution of a band’s sound, like Gaahl’s Wyrd moving from black metal…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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16volt, the iconic industrial rock band, is set to release a new studio album titled "More of Less" in July 2025. In the meantime, they are celebrating their legacy with a limited vinyl reissue of their debut album, "Wisdom," originally released in 1993. This marks the first time the album has been available on LP, featuring nine tracks on a limited yellow vinyl edition. While fans can enjoy additional tracks digitally, the band has been largely inactive over recent years due to various challenges, including lineup changes and the pandemic. With the anticipation building for their upcoming release, it’s evident…
Escape with Romeo has announced a new single, a cover of WestBam’s "You Need the Drugs," following their acclaimed 2024 album. The track, infused with the band’s dark EBM and post-punk style, was inspired by founder Thomas Elbern hearing the original version at a New Year’s Eve party. Accompanied by the B-side "Hunting Season" and a vibrant music video by artist Drain Hope, this release showcases the band’s evolution and creativity. Additionally, their recent live track collection, Same As It Never Was, adds more depth to their discography. What does this choice of cover reveal about Escape with Romeo’s artistic…
Jozef Van Wissem and Jim Jarmusch have teamed up once again in their latest album, The Day the Angels Cried, which showcases their deep friendship and shared backgrounds in avant-garde minimalism. With Van Wissem’s distinctive lute playing and Jarmusch’s unique guitar stylings, the album draws inspiration from recent global crises, particularly referencing visions of angels amidst wildfires. Released on June 6, 2023, the album is available in various formats and will be supported by a series of live performances across multiple cities. Given their previous collaborations and Jarmusch’s diverse filmography, one might wonder: how do you think their artistic synergies…
On June 6, Milwaukee electro/industrial outfit Murder Love God released their latest album, Alter of Evolution. Founded by Medavon DeRaj’e in 2007, the project seeks to explore a psychedelic and atmospheric sound, moving beyond the heavy industrial rock of DeRaj’e’s previous work with Lockjaw. This collaborative remix album features artists like Razorwire Halo and Hate Dept., marking the group’s first release since 2020’s The Quarantine Chronicles. As we enjoy this new musical exploration, it raises the question: How does the blending of different artistic voices in remix albums enhance or alter the original work’s intent and impact? Read the Full…
Acumen Nation is celebrating 30 years since their landmark debut album, Transmissions From Eville, with a special vinyl reissue due this fall. Originally released in 1995, the album features a blend of introspective themes, lush electronic sounds, and industrial textures, producing coldwave classics like “Eville” and “Gun Lover.” The reissue will include extras like a keychain and button, along with limited pressings on translucent red vinyl. As Distortion Productions’ Jim Semonik notes, this release is significant for both new listeners and long-time fans. Given the enduring influence of Transmissions From Eville, how has the evolution of electronic and industrial music…
Bill Leeb is gearing up to release the Machine Vision remix EP as a companion to his acclaimed debut solo album, Model Kollapse, which achieved the top spot on ReGen‘s “Top 50 Albums of 2024.” The EP, dropping on August 22 via Metropolis Records, includes remixes by Rhys Fulber and Dream Bullet, as well as a non-album track. In parallel, Rhys Fulber is set to release his own solo album, Memory Impulse Autonomy, on September 5, highlighting the dynamic collaboration between these two influential artists. What impact do you think remix EPs have on the longevity of an album’s relevance…
Spain’s dark electronic scene is flourishing, bolstered by passionate labels and festivals promoting genres like darkwave, industrial, and EBM. Catalonia’s Nightcrawler stands out as a key player, having carved an independent path since his early days. His latest release, Cold Transmission Music Remixes, showcases bold reinterpretations of tracks from the German label Cold Transmission, blending atmospheric depth with driving rhythms. Each remix, particularly Rina Pavar’s "Like Wolves" and Lovataraxx’s "Tilda Vaast," reflects Nightcrawler’s distinctive touch, elevating and transforming the original compositions. How does the collaborative nature of remixing influence the evolution of sub-genres within the dark electronic scene, and what…
Ian James covers the Pinkerton Thugs’ “The Town Where I Was Born,” delivering a stripped-down version that emphasizes the song’s themes of generational struggle and mediocrity. With a sparse arrangement featuring a drum machine and electric guitar, his vocals convey the bleakness of working-class life, reflecting the frustration and rebellion embedded in the lyrics. How do you think the themes of this cover resonate with the current socio-economic landscape, particularly for working-class families today? Read the Full Article
Combichrist has released a new single, “Desolation,” along with a lyric video, showcasing a more melodic side of founder Andy LaPlegua’s work. The track reflects on humanity’s destructive impact on the Earth, encapsulated in haunting lyrics like “The sun has abandoned us.” Released on June 5 via Out of Line Music, it connects to the band’s earlier sound while aiming for a forward-looking message, distinct from mere nostalgia. The band is concluding its Still Making Monsters Tour, with performances in various European cities. What do you think the emotional impact of blending melody with dark themes adds to the listening…