Sweden’s Against I, known for blending extreme metal with electronic elements, is set to release a new single titled “All Hope is Gone.” The trio—Fredrik Keith Croona, Mathias Back, and Anders Ström—views this work as a stark expression of melodic despair, continuing their evolution since their 2022 inception. With notable past experiences in various projects, the band has been steadily building their discography, including their debut album “Carnival of Excess” in 2023 and the anticipated follow-up “Songs for the Dying” in 2024. How do you think the fusion of extreme metal and electronic music influences the emotional depth in their…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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Belgian shoegaze band Slow Crush is gearing up for the release of their third album, announcing their new single “Thirst,” which explores themes of desire and balance while inviting listeners to escape into a transformative, introspective experience. The song, released digitally on May 13, will be part of an album that delves into romantic dynamics, set to drop on August 29 in various formats. Alongside this, the band will embark on extensive European and North American tours, with shows lined up across multiple countries, kicking off on September 4. As this album promises to explore profound emotional themes, it raises…
Johnathan Mooney and Christian Grandquist have unveiled their new single and video "Where Do We Go From Here," their first material in nearly two years. The transatlantic darkwave duo channels the emotional aftermath of the 2024 U.S. election, blending visuals from Maya Deren’s 1944 film At Land with AI animations and news clips. The track, featuring contributions from various musicians, is presented not as a protest anthem but as a reflective piece on the consequences of upheaval. Released on May 16, it aims for a somber reckoning rather than spectacle. Given the somber nature of the song and its exploration…
Lost Wave Records just unveiled a split release featuring The Flight Of Maltanese and Marryanne, blending twee pop and shoegaze. The Flight Of Maltanese delivers “Campina,” reminiscent of The Chesterfields with its joyful vibes, while Marryanne’s “Violet” evokes the shimmering essence of early shoegaze, contrasting with the darker trends of the genre. Available on cassette and digital formats, the limited physical copies are selling fast—only eight left! What does this release say about the current evolution of indie music genres, and how do emerging trends reflect listener preferences today? Read the Full Article
The review reflects on a live performance by Simple Minds at the Ziggo Dome, detailing the set list changes and praising the band’s ability to blend classics with fresh arrangements. The author highlights the significance of Sarah Brown’s contributions, suggesting her vocals elevate the overall experience. Despite a few set list critiques, the reviewer enthusiastically endorses the concert and the album as a standout in the band’s discography. Considering the band’s evolution and the inclusion of newer material over classics, how do you think their changing sound and live arrangements impact their long-term fan base? Read the Full Article
Mitchell J. Doran and Tobey Torres-Doran, the husband-and-wife duo known as Mojave Phone Booth, have released their new single “Ceramic” ahead of their upcoming album Blood Doctor Volume One, set to be released on June 6. The track, produced in their home studio, showcases an intriguing blend of synthesizers, sampled mechanical sounds, and thoughtful lyrics tied to the album’s overarching theme. This marks the third single from the album, following “Capsule Change” and “Unrelated.” The couple’s history with their previous band, Snake River Conspiracy, adds depth to their current project, especially after navigating the loss of bandmate Jason Slater in…
Toronto’s Jay Draper, alongside his band The Subterraneans, has released a hauntingly captivating album titled Dollhouse. Featuring guest musicians, the album shines with the standout single “Self Control,” a slowed-down cover of the 80s classic that resonates with dark undertones and has been featured in the horror-mystery film MaXXXine. Tracks like “A Death in the Dollhouse” and “Only Hope” showcase an enchanting blend of post-punk influences and evocative lyrics, creating a gothic ambiance that balances dark romance with stark realism. What themes of darkness versus light do you think are prevalent in modern music, and how do they reflect our…
Estado de Bienestar marks Nico Cabañas’ artistic rebirth after years with Oráculo Records and the Ombra festival. This new project, which includes its first two chapters, "La Escorpiona" and "Guataque Punk," ventures into distorted darkwave landscapes characterized by an eclectic mix of influences. Beneath the abrasive synths lies a sharp critique of contemporary society’s idea of well-being, underscoring themes of inequality and alienation. As we reflect on Cabañas’ evolution, how might art serve as a powerful medium to challenge societal norms and provoke critical thought in times of widespread discontent? Read the Full Article
After a decade since their farewell tour, the Norwegian goth/rock band Malice in Wonderland has surprising returned with a new single, “I’ve Chosen Darkness (Over You).” This release marks a celebration of their 20th anniversary and stemmed from frontman Chris Wicked’s realization of their loyal fanbase. The song, partly penned before their 2015 disbandment, embodies a dark rock anthem of liberation and rebirth, showcasing the band’s intended direction at that time. With their iconic roots in the late ’90s goth n’ roll scene and a history of European and Asian tours, their new single is now available on various digital…
Jehnny Beth, the dynamic frontwoman of Savages, is set to release her second solo album, You Heartbreaker, You, on August 29th via Fiction Records. Featuring lead single “Broken Rib,” this nine-track project promises a visceral experience, described as both abrasive and cathartic. Co-produced with her partner Johnny Hostile, Beth draws on the tumult of contemporary life, stating that "in these times, we either learn how to scream really well, or we learn how to whisper." Fans can catch her live as she opens for Queens of the Stone Age shortly before the album’s launch. Given the album’s themes of struggle…