Woundlicker, the US gothic industrial project featuring trans female artists Melora Cayce, Marya Alvarado, and Primrose, releases their latest album “Haunted World of Mirrors” which dives into themes of identity, acceptance, and emotional turmoil. The title track evokes influences from early Nine Inch Nails and Skinny Puppy, blending heavy bass with intense vocals. Standout songs like “Autumn Funeral” explore the raw pain of familial rejection and the quest for belonging, creating a rich tapestry of sound that combines industrial noise, gothic synths, and metal elements. ### Thought-Provoking Question: How does the intersection of identity and artistry shape the narratives expressed…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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A Murder of Crows, a prominent festival in the gothic and post-punk scene, is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary on Labor Day weekend in 2025. Kicking off with a pre-party at TV Eye in Queens on August 28, the main event will take place at Bowery Ballroom on August 29-30. Featuring an eclectic lineup that includes established acts like Pink Turns Blue and 45 Grave alongside emerging talent, the festival promises a vibrant mix of deathrock and post-punk. An after-party livestreamed on Twitch will conclude the festivities, showcasing additional DJ sets. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. Given the mix…
In an engaging interview, father-son duo Sevren Ni-Arb and LMX discuss their collaboration as Duophonic Noise Construction, merging their distinct musical backgrounds in industrial and dark electro. Sevren, rooted in industrial origins with X Marks the Pedwalk, and LMX, influenced by modern synthpop, create a fresh sound in their debut album, Distorted Reality. Their process is marked by equal creative exchange, with open dialogues about themes reflecting societal issues and personal introspections. Both express excitement about the project’s potential longevity and the joy of creating music together. Thought-Provoking Question: How do you think the generational gap in music influences the…
Marco Lenzi has steadfastly guided Molecular Recordings, an influential techno label since its inception in 1994 with Marco D’Arcangelo, delivering meticulously curated monthly releases. Evolving over three decades, the label maintains its core identity while pioneering unique soundscapes, blending deep techno, industrial elements, and futuristic atmospheres. The recent EPs from Audio Units, Ma Haiping, and Drucal showcase this evolution, each pushing the boundaries of contemporary techno through intricate rhythms and textured soundscapes. Given the label’s commitment to innovation and quality, how do you think Molecular Recordings will continue to shape the future of techno as new technologies and styles emerge?…
Summary: The Pittsburgh-based record label 20 Buck Spin has made a name for itself by featuring diverse and quality acts in the metal genre. Their recent promotion of the band Bleed is intriguing, as they diverge from the label’s extreme metal roots, embracing a melodic alternative metal sound reminiscent of late ’90s and early ’00s. Bleed’s self-titled debut album showcases a blend of airy alt metal tunes, incorporating elements from shoegaze to nü metal. While their approach might not appeal to everyone—particularly due to the lead singer’s airy vocal style—their infectious melodies and solid songwriting create a nostalgic yet fresh…
Henry Badowski’s long-lost album, Life Is A Grand, originally released in 1981, has been reissued on CD and vinyl by Caroline True Records. The album features a blend of catchy pop and synth sounds reminiscent of artists like Robyn Hitchcock. Accompanied by bonus tracks, it’s a rare chance for fans to finally own this overlooked gem. As of now, stock is dwindling rapidly—only a handful of CDs remain! As we see a resurgence of interest in previously neglected music, what does this say about our relationship to nostalgia and the rediscovery of past art forms in today’s digital age? Read…
DRKNSS is making waves with the release of the Origins version of “The Dance,” their second single from an upcoming remix EP. Originally featured on their debut album The Darkness in 2024, this track holds significant nostalgia, being the last song penned before the band disbanded in the early ’90s. Vocalist Barros Onyx and the band highlight a philosophical take on life and existence in the Origins version, promoting a fusion of joy and transcendence. Released on May 6, the single is available on Bandcamp, following their April remix of “Innocent and Pure.” With their remix EP Six Degrees Below…
Orphans, the upcoming EP from The Future According to Eve, showcases six tracks that have lingered in the shadows for over two decades. These songs, not discarded but rather patiently waiting for their moment, blend various styles and eras, tied together by their enduring spirit. Highlights include the reimagined cover of "Love My Way," an intimate piano rendition of "(If What You Say Is) True," and the nostalgic "A Matter of Time." Each track reveals a story, making this collection an emotional testament to the band’s creative journey. Is the revival of these songs a reflection of the shifting landscape…
KMFDM’s "Hau Ruck 2025" is a remixed edition celebrating the 20th anniversary of their classic album "Hau Ruck," originally released in 2005. This industrial rock masterpiece, recorded in Seattle, was intended to be more experimental, boasting a mix of noise, dance beats, and electronic elements, moving away from traditional rock. Notable tracks like "Professional Killer" and "Ready To Blow" have solidified its status among fans. The album features the collaborative talents of Sascha Konietzko, Lucia Cifarelli, and others, with a unique German title that translates to "heave-ho." What does the transformation of their sound from "WWIII" to "Hau Ruck" reveal…
Summary: General Dynamics, a collaboration between Qual (William Maybelline of Lebanon Hanover) and Sarin (Emad Dabiri of X-IMG), merges techno-EBM beats with hardcore electro-industrial sounds and dark, old-school influences. Their previous work, Weaponize Your Dreams, set a strong foundation for their atmospheric and hard-hitting sound, which continues to evolve in their latest album, Where Animals Play. The album explores new territory while maintaining the essence of EBM and electro-industrial. Tracks like "Vortex of Pain" and "Chasing the Scream" showcase aggressive vocals and cinematic horror vibes, rewarding listeners with depth upon repeated listens. Discussion Prompt: Given the nostalgic influences in Where…