Mephisto Odyssey is set to unveil “CRASH: Reborn,” a fresh rendition of their 2001 collaboration with Wayne Static, on New Year’s Eve 2026. This new version, which reimagines the original track with a darker, cinematic blend of electronic and industrial/rock, retains Wayne Static’s iconic vocals. Accompanying the release is a music video featuring new footage that revisits the Batman/Joker dynamic through a female lens. As fans anticipate this revival, the ongoing discussions about Wayne Static’s legacy intensify, particularly with the recent controversies surrounding documentary projects that aim to explore his life and work. Given the influence of Wayne Static and…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Swedish dark pop duo ZKIN is set to release their sophomore EP, Alibi, on December 31 via Materia Records, following their 2023 debut. The EP includes singles like "Breaking Me Down," "Shadows," and "Temptation," with "Temptation" being the lone track currently available on Bandcamp alongside its music video. Produced by Simon Söderberg, who previously mixed their debut, the EP features five tracks that showcase the duo’s dynamic blend of jazz, punk, synthpop, funk, industrial, and rock. With the diverse influences shaping Alibi, how do you think ZKIN’s sound will evolve with each new release? What aspects of their music resonate…
As the year wraps up, the author celebrates their favorite indie and alternative tracks from 2025, highlighting a strong presence of Skep Wax and recent releases from precious Recordings of London. Notably, they reflect on finally hearing The Motorcycle Boy’s best track in high quality and express a mixed admiration for the AI-generated content from Copperplate. The mix of tracks is presented without a specific ranking, showing a diverse selection that spans various sub-genres. One intriguing takeaway is the balance between traditional music production and the rising influence of AI in the industry. This raises a thought-provoking question: How do…
In November, Martin Atkins celebrated Killing Joke’s 1990 album “Extremities” with live performances and now, in collaboration with Overdrive Records, has announced a special vinyl release titled “Extremities. The Albini Demos and Live Beginnings ’88.” This release captures the early creative phase of the band, featuring demos recorded at Steve Albini’s home and a live concert from 1988, marking significant moments in the band’s evolution post their commercial setbacks. The vinyl drops on February 27, 2026, in various exclusive color variants. This project not only highlights the band’s innovative journey but also commemorates the legacies of both Walker and Albini.…
Founded by Alex Milazzo, Heavy Music Artwork has emerged as a leading publisher dedicated to the visual arts associated with metal, hard rock, and heavy music. With the launch of its sub-brand, Heavy Music Archives, the publisher unveils The Book of Industrial & Noise Flyers, an archival exploration of underground gig flyers and avant-garde performances in the industrial and noise scenes. Featuring exclusive interviews with prominent bands like Skinny Puppy and KMFDM, the book serves as a historical testament to the grassroots communication methods—hand-drawn, photocopied, and collaged—that shaped music scenes long before social media. Set for release on March 27,…
After a four-year hiatus, Finnish industrial doom band Horizon of the Mute is set to release their sixth full-length album, Making of Ores, in 2026. The first single, "Nemesis," debuted on Christmas Eve, available on major digital platforms and in a limited cassette edition. The upcoming album is conceptually inspired by alchemist August Nordenskiöld’s quest for the Philosopher’s Stone and his anti-slavery colony efforts in West Africa. As they celebrate a decade since their formation, Koskela plans to share more live performances. Considering the themes of Making of Ores, how do you think the intersection of historical figures and contemporary…
FEUERSCHWANZ and LORD OF THE LOST have energized the holiday season with a new live music video for their collaboration, “Lords Of Fyre.” Captured at their co-headline tour finale in Düsseldorf, this powerhouse rendition celebrates their friendship through metal, following the release of their respective albums in 2024 and the recent OPVS NOIR Vol. 2. The bands describe the track as “the anthem of friendship,” reflecting the spirit of collaboration. How does the blend of different metal styles in collaborations like this influence the genre’s evolution and appeal to diverse audiences? Read the Full Article
Perry Bamonte, the beloved guitarist-keyboardist of The Cure, has passed away at 65 after a short illness, leaving a significant void in the music world. A member of the band from 1990 to 2005 and again from 2022, he contributed to iconic albums and over 500 live shows. Known for his quiet intensity and creativity, Bamonte was essential to The Cure’s legacy and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. His passing raises a poignant question: how do we celebrate the creative contributions of artists like Bamonte, whose work might often stand in the shadow…
Album Summary: "Angel Distress – Ligna In Inani" is the latest release from the Brazilian band, showcasing a haunting blend of Doom and Gothic Metal. Released on December 24, 2025, the album features seven tracks that delve into themes of despair and introspection, highlighted by the poignant melodies and heavy instrumentation characteristic of the genre. With tracks ranging from the atmospheric "Nightfall" to the heavier "Descent to the Tomb," the album promises an immersive listening experience. Discussion Prompt: Given the emotional depth typically found in Doom and Gothic Metal, how do you think the lyrical content on "Ligna In Inani"…
Summary: Bob Gaulke’s album (S)words (2025) showcases a dynamic blend of genres through eight tracks that mix jazz, funk, and rock with poetic lyrics. Highlights include "Our Tiny Struggle," notable for its captivating piano and jazz-infused vocals; "Yoga," where playful bass effects accompany reflective lyrics; and the catchy "Midnight Anthropology," which stands out as a potential hit. The album balances engaging melodies with profound lyrical themes, earning a 5 out of 5 rating for its artistry and cohesive sound. Discussion Prompt: The interplay between poetic lyrics and musical composition is a cornerstone of Gaulke’s work. How do you think the…