Author: Ritualcontrol

Mari Kattman shines in the electronic music scene, blending her roles as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer to craft innovative sounds in her third solo album, Year Of The Katt. With tracks like "Anemia" and "Sharp Shooter," she showcases her mastery of fusing dark rhythm and impeccable production. Since 2012, her collaborations span a diverse array of genres, yet it’s her solo work that reveals her true artistic depth, effortlessly mixing elements from trap to industrial. As she prepares for the release of her new album on June 20, 2025, one has to wonder: how does blending diverse genres influence…

After a 16-year hiatus, the Cologne-based band The SlimP has made a triumphant return with their new single, “Nothing to Forget.” This track showcases their signature moody post-punk sound, with lead vocalist Elise Day emphasizing the band’s intact creative chemistry and the joy of the recording process. Released on June 20, this single signals the start of a series of new releases, following their last album, Wavelands, in 2009. What do you think contributes to the enduring connection and creativity of a band after such a long break, and how might "Nothing to Forget" reflect the evolution of their sound…

In early 2025, Johnathan|Christian, a Los Angeles-based duo, released their new single "Where Do We Go From Here," capturing the anxiety and disillusionment prevalent in U.S. politics. Their sound, reminiscent of German dark alt music, features deep vocals and danceable rhythms, further enhanced by remixes from artists like Dan Milligan and Steven Archer. The poignant lines reflect growing protests against the Trump administration, emphasizing the struggle against racism and injustice. The duo seemingly calls for action: to educate and resist. Thought-Provoking Question: In a politically charged landscape, how can artists effectively contribute to social movements while maintaining their artistic integrity?…

Since their 1988 debut, the Macedonian band Mizar has established a cult following with their unique blend of traditional Byzantine and Macedonian music infused with gothic, industrial, post-punk, and darkwave elements. Their latest single, “Grozomora,” released on June 16, 2023, serves as a poignant reflection on global greed and injustice, emphasizing humanity’s passive response to these pervasive issues. The song, inspired by Pink Floyd’s “Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun,” is a collaboration of guitarist Gorazd Čapovski, lead vocalist Niko Gjorgievski, and keyboardist Aleksandar Ristovski Princ, who also created the accompanying video. In what ways can music…

Margot Day has launched the Harlot EP as a teaser for her upcoming fall album, featuring the original song, an instrumental version, and various remixes. Released on June 20, the EP celebrates the Summer Solstice and embodies a "ritual" of sound and power. The lyric video, created by Day’s daughter, adds a personal touch to this artistic project, which is available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms. What do you think the significance of the Summer Solstice is in relation to artistic expression, and how can seasonal events influence the creative process? Read the Full Article

Sascha Dikiciyan, the Berlin-born, Hollywood-based producer known as Sonic Mayhem, returns after a decade with “Dystopika: Meditations from the Future.” This new album features four original tracks paired with City Ambience renditions, drawing inspiration from old-school Berlin electronic music. It’s an emotional exploration perfect for a cyberpunk aesthetic, showcasing Dikiciyan’s skill in creating immersive soundscapes. The album, available on Bandcamp, follows his 2015 release and highlights his expansive career in video game soundtracks for titles like “Quake” and “Mass Effect.” Given Dikiciyan’s return to solo work after ten years, what do you think motivates long-established artists to revisit their personal…

On July 5, 2025, the Confession Club in Kraków will come alive with “The Raven,” a captivating night of dark alternative music. DJ De’Ath, celebrating 26 years in the industry, will spin a mix that includes dark rock, darkwave, dark folk, and more, inviting attendees to dance "not to escape the darkness, but to become it." Entry is just 10 ZL, and the event runs from 9 PM until sunrise. Thought-Provoking Question: In an age where escapism is prevalent, how does embracing darkness through music allow us to confront our inner selves and societal issues? Read the Full Article

Charlie Werber, a standout in progressive and avant-garde music, has launched his debut album “Krater,” which he describes as a transformative meditation on movement cycles through intricate polyrhythms. With two expansive tracks—each over 22 minutes—Werber explores the interplay between light and dark, featuring Daniel O’Sullivan’s contributions in both vocals and instrumentation. Released on June 20, “Krater” is now available digitally and on vinyl via Bandcamp. What do you think the cyclical themes in “Krater” reveal about the nature of time and our perception of movement in music? Read the Full Article

North Carolina metalcore artist Megg Jacobs has released her latest single, “Ego,” the second in 2025, following “Pyrogen.” The track features her signature riffs and dynamic rhythms, exploring the chaos of losing one’s sense of self and the emotional turmoil that ensues. Jacobs asserts that rejecting the complexities of life leads to cycles of agony rather than clarity. “Ego” is now available on Spotify, with a music video on the way. What do you think are the implications of embracing life’s complexities versus rejecting them, as Jacobs suggests in “Ego”? Read the Full Article

Artoffact Records has unveiled an exciting lineup, releasing new singles from Ultra Sunn and OvO, alongside Soft Vein’s latest EP, From Another Room. This EP features three remixes and three original tracks, serving as an epilogue to their January album Through Blinds. The remixes explore Soft Vein’s darkwave essence, while the new tracks reinterpret favorites from iconic bands. OvO’s single “Stagno” foreshadows their upcoming album Gemma, marking their 25-year journey through industrial and noise rock. Ultra Sunn’s “Wrong Floor” hints at themes of transformation in their forthcoming album The Beast In You. With such a rich array of releases from…