Evitceles, a key figure in Bulgaria’s experimental electronic scene since 2014, has shifted from ambient and fog-laden techno to a harsher, more aggressive sound. Their new album, Cursed Radiance, set for release on April 29, 2025, explores a fusion of emo melancholy with distorted guitar riffs and industrial atmospherics, creating a visceral auditory experience that immerses listeners in a toxic soundscape. While moments of fragile beauty occasionally shine through, the album primarily offers an unsettling auditory journey. In an era where music often leans toward the optimistic and easily digestible, is there a risk that embracing darker, more confrontational sounds…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Summary: "Generation Blitz 4: Mutant Electro" is the latest compilation from the State Of Bass label, showcasing the current landscape of Synthpop. Featuring 31 tracks across two hours, the release includes contributions from various artists such as Montage Collective, Nostalgia Deathstar, and Deviant. The album opens with intense club vibes and explores a rich variety of styles, from emotional melodies to post-disco influences. Each track offers a unique element, with noteworthy sequences that align fluidly, reminiscent of a well-curated DJ set. The compilation has been praised for its tight sequencing and strong editorial control, resulting in an engaging listening experience…
The release of Electronic Saviors Vol. VII: ReUnion marks a significant moment in the goth/electro/industrial music scene, featuring 98 new tracks from various artists, with proceeds benefiting Young Adult Survivors United and colorectal cancer research. Compiled by Jim Semonik and mastered by Xris Smack, this compilation comes five years after Semonik initially claimed the series would conclude. Electronic Saviors has raised over $117K for cancer-related charities since its inception, underscoring its impact on both music and health advocacy. Given the blend of music and philanthropy, how do you think such artistic initiatives can continue to shape support for health and…
BEBORN BETON, the German synth-pop trio, is set to return to the U.S. in May 2025 after a prior tour cancellation due to Hurricane Milton. Vocalist Stefan Netschio expressed excitement about making up for last year’s missed shows, with performances scheduled from Florida to the West Coast, including Dallas and Seattle. What impact do you think such disruptions have on an artist’s relationship with their audience and the perception of live performances? Read the Full Article
Al Jourgensen has a complicated relationship with his early work as Ministry, particularly the debut album With Sympathy, which he claims was forced upon him by Arista Records. He regards his discography as beginning with 1986’s Twitch, which, while also criticized, marked a shift toward the industrial-metal sound we know today. Despite his disdain, With Sympathy has gained a cult following, becoming a beloved release among some fans who appreciate its British new wave influences. The recently announced The Squirrely Years Revisited aims to rework this early material with modern touches, combining original melodies with harsher guitars and electronics. However,…
Fact Pattern has kicked off 2025 with the release of their lyric video for "Carcinogen Spite," a track from their sophomore album, The Same Outcome, which debuted on October 29, 2024. The song critiques societal hypocrisy and blind patriotism, reflecting the band’s edgy industrial/rock style. Following recent performances with Psyclon Nine and Our Frankenstein, they are set to play more shows, including a May 23 gig in downtown Los Angeles. Given their sharp commentary on current issues, how do you think music can influence public perception and discussions around social and political themes? Read the Full Article
Karsten Hamre’s Penitent has released two recordings to promote the reimagined Melancholia Redux, reworking the 1996 debut. The single “Beyond the Whispering Echoes” features eerie soundscapes blended with poetry narrated by Silas Ahriman, while the accompanying video for “The Path of Shadows” debuted on Terra Relicta magazine. The updated album, featuring rewritten English lyrics and fresh music, will be available on May 30, along with limited edition physical formats. The initiative reflects Hamre’s desire to revitalize his heritage recordings, signaling a new chapter in his artistic journey. Discussion Prompt: How do you think modern reinterpretations of older works can influence…
Mick Harris, a pioneering force in death metal drumming and coiner of the term "grindcore," has collaborated with Coffin Mulch for the EP In Dub, blending death metal with experimental electronic elements. This marks Harris’s return to the genre since leaving Napalm Death in 1991. The EP, featuring his remixes of Coffin Mulch’s tracks, showcases a fresh take on heavy music, while Coffin Mulch continues to build on their momentum after their debut full-length album, Spectral Intercession. The release is scheduled for May 2 via At War with False Noise. As heavy music evolves, how do you think the fusion…
Summary: "The Squirrely Years Revisited" sees MINISTRY reinventing their synthpop roots under Al Jourgensen’s guidance. This album features reimagined versions of classic tracks, balancing contemporary sensibilities with respect for the originals. Songs like “Work For Love” and “Everyday Is Halloween” showcase this blend, emphasizing melodic elements and funkiness, while “I’m Not an Effigy” takes a darker turn. The album’s polished production, tight rhythms, and Soulful backing vocals pay homage to MINISTRY’s early ’80s vibe, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans. Discussion Prompt: Considering the evolution of artists revisiting their early work, what do you think the implications…
Summary: Sevendials’ album A Crash Course in Catastrophe, released on April 11, 2025, showcases the synergy of musical veterans Chris Connelly, Big Paul Ferguson, and Mark Gemini Thwaite. Named after a notorious area in London, the album merges post-punk energy with gothic undertones. Starting with a lively cover of Sparks’ “The Number One Song in Heaven,” it flows through eclectic tracks like the wild “Wolves” and the haunting “Before You Make Your Distance.” Dedicated to the memories of fallen comrades, it captures an intense creative spirit, leaving listeners with a potent blend of fire and sophistication. Thought-Provoking Question: How does…