Author: Ritualcontrol

Crematory’s “Destination” (2025) marks a compelling entry in the Gothic Metal genre, melding industrial sounds with haunting melodies. With tracks like “The Future Is A Lonely Place” and a notable cover of Type O Negative’s “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend,” the album showcases their signature dark ambiance. Spanning 12 tracks, including standout pieces like “Days Without Sun” and “Ashes Of Despair,” it invites listeners into a rich sonic landscape. Given the album’s thematic depth and emotional intensity, how do you feel it compares to earlier works by Crematory or other bands in the Gothic Metal scene? Read the Full Article

The writer expresses a long-standing frustration with tribute acts dominating live music scenes while introducing the upcoming performance of ExTC, featuring original XTC drummer Terry Chambers. Despite a past disinterest in XTC due to frontman Andy Partridge’s behavior, the prospect of experiencing live XTC songs with Chambers piques the author’s interest. As they prepare to attend the show, there’s cautious optimism about how ExTC will sound compared to the original band. Discussion Question: In an age where nostalgia often drives musical experiences, do you think original members reinterpreting classic material can coexist peacefully with tribute acts, or do they dilute…

Black Magnet is gearing up for the release of their new album, Megamantra, set for July 25. This marks a significant evolution for the band, transitioning from a solo project by James Hammontree to a full lineup featuring Eric Gorman, Ryne Bratcher, and Jared Branson. Engineered by Sanford Parker and sporting artwork by Jesse Draxler, the album follows the single "Endless," with another track, "Better Than Love," arriving on June 6. Upcoming live performances include shows in Oklahoma City, Denton, and Indianapolis. As Black Magnet embraces this new chapter, how do you think the shift from a one-man project to…

Rhys Fulber, a pivotal figure in the industrial and electronic music scene, is set to release his new solo album, Memory Impulse Autonomy, on September 5, 2025, via Artoffact Records. This album bridges his dark ’80s influences, including Cabaret Voltaire and Skinny Puppy, with contemporary industrial techno. Featuring collaborations with vocalists like William Maybelline and Barkosina, it showcases a blend of powerful tracks and atmospheric moments, all while honoring classic aesthetics with cover art by Steven R. Gilmore. As Fulber reflects on revisiting his sonic roots, he emphasizes the importance of creating music free from the pressures of constant reinvention.…

The Young Gods’ new single "Systemized" encapsulates a sense of urgent despondency, addressing the chaos of information overload in the digital age. Set against a glitchy lyric video, the song features lines like “Words are here, but I can’t catch them” that reflect the fleeting attention spans of modern life. This release paves the way for their upcoming album Appear Disappear, due June 13, and follows their 2022 reinterpretation of Terry Riley’s In C. The Swiss trio will embark on a European tour from October to December. Given the themes of digital overload and the search for clarity in their…

Henry Badowski, a one-album wonder, made waves in the early ’80s with Life Is A Grand, which featured the infectious single "My Face." Despite its initial charm and appeal, the album faded into obscurity, leaving fans longing for its return. Now, thanks to Caroline True Records, the album has been remastered and reissued, providing an opportunity for new listeners to experience its delightful New Wave sound. One can’t help but ponder: why do so many talented artists, like Badowski, create one impactful work and then seemingly vanish? What does this tell us about the music industry and the pressures faced…

Order in Chaos has launched the music video for their latest single, “Wicked Paradise,” crafted by vocalist Hugo Santos and filmed with the Banda Operária Torrejana music school. The atmospheric video, featuring the band in shadowy silhouettes, was released on May 21 and is now available on Bandcamp. This marks the gothic rock band’s eleventh single since their 2022 album, S(k)in, following January’s “Unholy Flesh.” What do you think the use of silhouettes and dark lighting in their video says about the themes and emotions they are trying to convey in “Wicked Paradise”? Read the Full Article

Molchat Doma has dropped a new single, “Belaya Polosa,” blending their distinct Belarusian post-punk and coldwave style with energetic electro and breakbeats. This track features remixes from The Crystal Method and Future Funk Squad and marks the start of a remix series aimed at exploring genre fusion. The full EP is set for release on September 6, 2024, and includes a music video directed by Ambar Navarro. Earlier this year, they also released their first official live EP. Given the band’s innovative approach to blending genres, how do you think Molchat Doma’s sound will evolve in future projects, and what…

Hailing from Sweden, the duo Svaj has released their latest EP, “Maggots,” featuring six tracks that delve into themes of self-loathing, fear, anxiety, and the implications of technology and AI. This EP continues the narrative from their prior release, “Until We Fall,” and includes a cover of John Cale’s “Fear.” Collaborations on the project involve musicians like Perra Wikström and Devoid, and the EP is available in various formats on Bandcamp. A music video for the track “Portent” was also released. What do you think the impact of technology and AI on mental health and self-perception might be, as reflected…

Since the release of their fifth album last November, We Are the Catalyst has been actively releasing singles, with “Save Yourself” being the latest, released on May 16. This track serves as a powerful anthem of self-reliance, encouraging listeners to take charge of their lives: “You either rise, or you sink deeper.” It is their seventh single this year, following titles like “Boiling Point” and “Scars,” leading up to their anticipated sixth album after “Friction.” What do you think about the rise of self-empowerment themes in music today, and how does it resonate with your own experiences? Read the Full…