Author: Ritualcontrol

Despite the year winding down, new music continues to flood in, with ten fresh tracks dropping recently to energize listeners for the week ahead. While playlists can’t fully capture the variety due to missing tracks on Spotify, the excitement remains palpable. What do you think drives this late-year surge in music releases—artist strategy, listener demand, or something else? Read the Full Article

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As we approach the end of the year, ReGen is excited to share the Top 20 releases of 2025 from our staff, including a diverse selection that spans beyond our usual goth/electro/industrial focus. Readers and Patrons have the opportunity to participate in choosing the Top 50 Albums and Top 25 EPs of the year through a poll. Colin Andrew MacDougall’s picks range from the atmospheric sounds of Swans to the energetic vibes of the Dropkick Murphys, showcasing a kaleidoscope of alternative music styles. With such a varied lineup, it’s intriguing to consider how these eclectic tastes reflect broader trends in…

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LORD OF THE LOST has unveiled an animated music video for their new single, "Winter’s Dying Heart," from the album OPVS NOIR Vol. 2, released via Napalm Records. Vocalist Chris Harms describes the track as a bittersweet exploration of melancholy, encapsulating real-life events in a modern fairy tale. This marks a unique addition to their creative expression. Given the song’s themes of beauty in pain and its fairy tale inspiration, how do you think music can serve as a vessel for processing complex emotions in contemporary society? Read the Full Article

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In our continued countdown of the Top 20 releases of 2025, Chris Letourneau weighs in with a diverse selection that stretches beyond the typical bounds of goth, electro, and industrial genres. Highlights include Mari Kattman’s Year of the Katt and Assemblage 23’s Null, alongside unexpected gems like Babymetal’s Metal Forth and Bloodywood’s New Delhi. Chris embraces a wide spectrum of alternative sounds, demonstrating that the richness of music in 2025 is anything but confined. What do you think accounts for this eclectic mix in Chris Letourneau’s selections, and how do you think it reflects broader trends within the alternative music…

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The latest post-punk mix showcases a curated selection of tracks across various subgenres, including gothic, synth pop, and cold wave, offering listeners an immersive dive into the darker side of music. Due to a growing interest in these sounds, indie pop has taken a backseat lately. Enjoy the eclectic mix! Thought-Provoking Question: How do you think the themes explored in post-punk music reflect the current state of society and personal identity? Read the Full Article

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LORD OF THE LOST defies Eurovision’s typical career pitfalls with their latest album, OPUS NOIR Vol. 2, showcasing an evolution that suggests their initial 18 points hasn’t hindered their rise. This second installment in their OPVS NOIR trilogy blends catchy, melancholic melodies with a gothic flair, presenting a bold mix of pop and metal influences. Highlights include the vibrant “Scarlight” and the cinematic “What Have We Become,” featuring IAMX, making it a must-listen for fans of theatrical rock. What does the rise of a band like LORD OF THE LOST say about the evolving landscape of music, particularly how audience…

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Oakland-based performance artist and musician Kat Robichaud has released a holiday double feature: the single “This Christmas” and the vibrant music video for “M.” The latter, shot in a gothic cemetery, juxtaposes its dark visuals with upbeat neo-glam synthpop melodies. Released on December 11 and 12, respectively, both tracks showcase Robichaud’s theatrical flair and mark her fifth and sixth singles of the year, following titles like “Vampire Love” and “Siren Song.” Beyond her solo work, she leads the San Francisco punk cabaret troupe Misfit Cabaret, which combines queer burlesque, drag, and puppetry. Discussion Prompt: How do you think the themes…

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The Awakening, the South African goth/rock and darkwave band, has unveiled their 2026 Dark Carnival Tour dates in the U.K., running from March 31 to April 12. Frontman Ashton Nyte hints at a unique celebration during the tour, featuring support from U.K. dark rock acts like Dhampyres and Black Lakes. In 2025, the band had been busy with their Haunting Tour to promote their album “The Awakening,” and they continue to expand their artistic endeavors, including solo acoustic performances. What do you think sets The Awakening apart in the goth/darkwave scene, and how do these upcoming performances reflect the evolution…

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Antipole, the post-punk band led by Norwegian guitarist Karl Morten Dahl, is set to release the Winter Solstice EP on January 16, 2026. Collaborating with Paris Alexander, the EP features standout tracks like “Alone Again” and “Passing Time,” with contributions from Eirene and cover artist Anne-Christel Gullikstad. The EP continues the sonic exploration initiated in their previous album, Crystalline. Additionally, 2025 saw Dahl join forces with his son and Pedro Code for new singles, showcasing a dynamic artistic family connection. Given the rich collaborative nature of Antipole’s work, how do these partnerships enhance their musical identity, and what does it…

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The Dead Milkmen have released a holiday single titled "Santa Claus is Coming For Your Eyes," along with a B-side, "Here For Now." Capturing their trademark irreverent style, the band recorded the tracks in just two days and likens Santa to a menacing figure, set to gritty bass and synth melodies. The accompanying music video incorporates clips from the 1972 horror anthology Tales From the Crypt alongside festive Philadelphia scenes. This marks their fourth single of 2025, following other releases that continue their indie and post-punk legacy. Given the juxtaposition of holiday cheer and horror in their latest track, how…

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