Author: Ritualcontrol

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…

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Pixel Grip has announced their third album, Percepticide: the Death of Reality, set to release on June 12. Following the acclaimed ARENA, the new album reflects a period of turmoil for the band, with vocalist Rita Lukea confronting isolation and drummer Tyler Ommen undergoing recovery, while keyboardist Jonathon Freund dove into the Chicago underground scene. The album explores themes of trauma, rage, and rebirth, aiming to empower listeners. With four singles already released and a North American tour planned from September 23 to November 14, the band is set for an exciting comeback. Given the personal struggles and creative resurgence…

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Summary: Simple Minds’ live album kicks off with a strong opening, but the tonal shift between "This Fear of Gods" and "Let There Be Love" felt jarring. Despite this, the band showcased their adaptability, with great performances of “Once Upon A Time” and “New Gold Dream.” Sarah Brown’s contributions brought fresh energy, and Cherisse Osei’s drum solo was a standout moment. However, the lengthy rendition of “Belfast Child” fell flat for the reviewer, who found it torturous and disconnected from the band’s essence. Discussion Prompt: Given the mixed feelings about the setlist and certain songs, how important is it for…

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Rorschach Test is making waves with their participation in this year’s World Goth Day events, including a performance at the In Noctem We Rise Festival and Masquerade Ball on May 25 in Richmond, VA. This event aims to celebrate community, music, and identity in the goth scene with a lineup featuring various artists. Meanwhile, Tacoma, WA, is hosting its third celebration, curated by Layla Reyna, featuring multiple performances, DJ sets, and art exhibitions, reinforcing the significance of community in the gothic arts. Thought-Provoking Question: How do events like World Goth Day help foster a sense of belonging and identity within…

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Halsey and Amy Lee made waves at the Hollywood Bowl by debuting their new single “Hand That Feeds” during Halsey’s “For My Last Trick” tour. The collaboration was electrifying, with Lee joining Halsey onstage to share the spotlight in front of an enthusiastic crowd. This performance also highlighted Evanescence’s new track “Afterlife,” marking a night full of thrilling musical synergy. In a world where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred, how do collaborations like this reshape our understanding of musical artistry and influence? Read the Full Article

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Basht. – Bitter and Twisted: Summary Irish rock band Basht. delivers a powerful exploration of personal struggles with their new EP, Bitter and Twisted. Produced by Richard McNamara, this six-track collection blends melodic Brit-pop with high-energy alt-rock. Opening with the driving "Vain," the EP shows off its emotional range—from the brooding dark tones of "Stockholm" to the melodic contrast in "Sacred Heart," culminating in the buoyant "Sirens." Lyrically, it tackles themes of identity, love, and the messiness of human connection with raw honesty. Ultimately, this release marks a significant progression for Basht., establishing them as a voice articulating uncomfortable truths.…

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Sector 12, an independent label from Western Australia, has launched its debut album, Techno Musik For Flesh Machines, by Aussie Goth. This meticulously crafted 10-track collection blends elements of techno, industrial, and EBM, creating a complex sonic journey that showcases both raw energy and rhythmic intricacy. Each track, while unique, contributes to a cohesive musical universe, making it a captivating experience for electronic music enthusiasts. What does the rise of independent labels like Sector 12 tell us about the current state of the electronic music scene, especially in terms of nurturing experimental sounds? Read the Full Article

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Fir Cone Children, the dynamic German band fronted by Alexander Leonard Donat, blends post-punk and shoegaze in a whimsical exploration of childhood adventures. Their latest single, “Swedish Shades,” humorously captures how a pair of sunglasses transformed Donat’s daughter’s social interactions. With its vibrant, cartoonish style, the track encapsulates the playful essence of their music. What does the playful interpretation of childhood experiences in music reveal about the way we view innocence and growing up in today’s fast-paced world? Read the Full Article

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Al Jourgensen has famously distanced himself from MINISTRY’s early synthpop era, marked by their debut album With Sympathy. However, following a recent positive shift in attitude, MINISTRY has embraced their past with the release of The Squirrely Years Revisited, reimagining early tracks with modern flair. Their 2025 tour, featuring dynamic support from Die Krupps and Nitzer Ebb, highlighted this nostalgic revival, culminating in an electric performance at Baltimore Soundstage. Despite some technical hiccups, Jourgensen’s energy and the crowd’s enthusiasm solidified this tour as a celebratory reclamation of MINISTRY’s roots. Given Jourgensen’s history of volatile reactions to his earlier work, what…

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FÏX8:SËD8 are set to make a dramatic return with their “Lessons in Humility 2025” tour across Germany and select European locations, supporting their upcoming album “Octagram.” This tour promises to blend theatrical elements with music akin to legendary acts like Skinny Puppy. Fans can anticipate a captivating experience as they explore themes of horror with a unique dark electro sound. The latest releases feature remastered tracks and an artbook capturing the essence of their earlier works. What aspects of theatricality do you think enhance a live music experience, and how might this influence audience engagement? Read the Full Article

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