Unhappily Ever Now, the industrial and alt. rock duo of Stephen Watson and Maria V, is back with a new single titled “Orestes,” a cover of the A Perfect Circle classic. This rendition stays true to the original, featuring drums by Dan Milligan and mastered by James Scott. The track is available on Bandcamp, marking their first release since their May 2023 single “Pleading (The Haunting of Scars).” Considering the resurgence of interest in covers, especially from iconic bands, how do you think Unhappily Ever Now’s version of “Orestes” adds a new dimension to the song while honoring its original…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Electro goth/industrial rocker Curse Mackey has been actively remixing and touring since his 2022 album, and now he kicks off a new chapter with the single "Vertigo Ego," a precursor to his upcoming Imaginary Enemies album set for release on July 25. The track, produced in collaboration with Chase Dobson, dives into the dark themes of narcissism, blending modular synths with an exploration of self-destructive impulses. Released on May 23, "Vertigo Ego" is available on platforms like Bandcamp and Spotify. What implications do you think the themes of narcissism and self-destruction in his music have on listeners, especially in today’s…
THUMPER has released a new single titled "The Drip," exploring themes of tour burnout and relationship strain through abstract lyrics and a unique structure—no chorus, just escalating momentum. This song is the first in a series leading to their sophomore album, following their debut, Delusions Of Grandeur. Recorded in a cozy Donegal cottage, the band embraced a DIY spirit, creating a rich sonic landscape that reflects their deep love for music amidst the challenges of touring. What do you think about the idea of love for music becoming a source of personal struggle, and how do you feel that tension…
Dancing Ferret Discs, a key player in the gothic/electro/industrial music scene, is launching a new compilation to celebrate the Neue Deutsche Welle (NDW) genre while standing firmly against fascism. All profits will support The White Rose Foundation, an anti-Nazi charity honoring the courageous acts of resistance by a group of Munich students during WWII. With notable artists set to participate, the album is scheduled for release in late 2025, and an initial donation of $1,000 has already been made to the foundation. As we see art intersecting with activism in this poignant project, how can similar musical initiatives inspire societal…
The Blow Monkeys are gearing up to release a new album on August 15, following their recent signing with Alan McGee’s Creation Youth Music label. Featuring ten tracks and a lineup that includes members like Neville Henry and Mick Anker, the album promises a vibrant mix of SoulJazz and Funk Strut. The title track has already launched as a single, with the reviewer praising its fusion of lively synths, brassy horns, and strong rhythms. With pre-orders underway, excitement is palpable for what looks like another stellar addition to their discography. Given the resurgence of the band’s presence and their collaboration…
Suicide Commando is set to release a new EP, Final Stage, on July 18, featuring five reimagined tracks from their 1994 debut, Critical Stage. Founder Johan Van Roy emphasizes that this project represents a modern reinterpretation rather than mere nostalgia, aiming for authenticity without compromise. The lead single, "De Weg," will be the band’s first song in Dutch. Following their recent festival performances and upcoming U.S. dates, the band continues to shape the aggrotech scene. Given the evolution of music production and tastes over the decades, how do you think Suicide Commando’s transformation of its early work will resonate with…
French DJ and producer Mystery Kid is celebrating her first anniversary in the electronic scene with the release of Mystery Kid Remixed #001, a collaborative album showcasing reinterpretations by eleven global producers. Departing from a typical remix collection, this project weaves together diverse genres like disco, indie dance, and EBM, creating a rich musical tapestry that reflects both her evolution as an artist and the collaborative spirit that defines her journey. What impact does fostering a collaborative environment in music have on the creation of unique soundscapes, and how might it influence the future of the electronic genre? Read the…
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…