Author: Ritualcontrol

Margot Day has launched the Harlot EP as a teaser for her upcoming fall album, featuring the original song, an instrumental version, and various remixes. Released on June 20, the EP celebrates the Summer Solstice and embodies a "ritual" of sound and power. The lyric video, created by Day’s daughter, adds a personal touch to this artistic project, which is available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms. What do you think the significance of the Summer Solstice is in relation to artistic expression, and how can seasonal events influence the creative process? Read the Full Article

Sascha Dikiciyan, the Berlin-born, Hollywood-based producer known as Sonic Mayhem, returns after a decade with “Dystopika: Meditations from the Future.” This new album features four original tracks paired with City Ambience renditions, drawing inspiration from old-school Berlin electronic music. It’s an emotional exploration perfect for a cyberpunk aesthetic, showcasing Dikiciyan’s skill in creating immersive soundscapes. The album, available on Bandcamp, follows his 2015 release and highlights his expansive career in video game soundtracks for titles like “Quake” and “Mass Effect.” Given Dikiciyan’s return to solo work after ten years, what do you think motivates long-established artists to revisit their personal…

On July 5, 2025, the Confession Club in Kraków will come alive with “The Raven,” a captivating night of dark alternative music. DJ De’Ath, celebrating 26 years in the industry, will spin a mix that includes dark rock, darkwave, dark folk, and more, inviting attendees to dance "not to escape the darkness, but to become it." Entry is just 10 ZL, and the event runs from 9 PM until sunrise. Thought-Provoking Question: In an age where escapism is prevalent, how does embracing darkness through music allow us to confront our inner selves and societal issues? Read the Full Article

Charlie Werber, a standout in progressive and avant-garde music, has launched his debut album “Krater,” which he describes as a transformative meditation on movement cycles through intricate polyrhythms. With two expansive tracks—each over 22 minutes—Werber explores the interplay between light and dark, featuring Daniel O’Sullivan’s contributions in both vocals and instrumentation. Released on June 20, “Krater” is now available digitally and on vinyl via Bandcamp. What do you think the cyclical themes in “Krater” reveal about the nature of time and our perception of movement in music? Read the Full Article

North Carolina metalcore artist Megg Jacobs has released her latest single, “Ego,” the second in 2025, following “Pyrogen.” The track features her signature riffs and dynamic rhythms, exploring the chaos of losing one’s sense of self and the emotional turmoil that ensues. Jacobs asserts that rejecting the complexities of life leads to cycles of agony rather than clarity. “Ego” is now available on Spotify, with a music video on the way. What do you think are the implications of embracing life’s complexities versus rejecting them, as Jacobs suggests in “Ego”? Read the Full Article

Artoffact Records has unveiled an exciting lineup, releasing new singles from Ultra Sunn and OvO, alongside Soft Vein’s latest EP, From Another Room. This EP features three remixes and three original tracks, serving as an epilogue to their January album Through Blinds. The remixes explore Soft Vein’s darkwave essence, while the new tracks reinterpret favorites from iconic bands. OvO’s single “Stagno” foreshadows their upcoming album Gemma, marking their 25-year journey through industrial and noise rock. Ultra Sunn’s “Wrong Floor” hints at themes of transformation in their forthcoming album The Beast In You. With such a rich array of releases from…

The author expresses excitement about an upcoming Spandau Ballet box set featuring their early work from 1978 to 1982, reflecting on their journey from skepticism to fandom. Despite a growing collection of the band’s music, they critique the new hybrid format of the box set, the pricing, and the limited new content. They also question the value of the release for collectors who may already own much of the material. Insightful question: Given the nostalgia surrounding such box sets, do you think music fans prioritize collecting physical media over digital access, and how does that impact the music industry’s approach…

Vazum, the Detroit goth/rock duo, has had an eventful year, kicking off with their February release of “Pretty Brutal” and a U.K. tour. They have now launched their second single of 2025, “Arise,” available on Bandcamp as a name-your-price item. The song, rich in coldly distorted guitars and aggressive vocals, draws inspiration from the phoenix myth, urging listeners to ignite their inner fire and confront issues like corruption and hypocrisy. Vazum’s upcoming performances include a short U.S. tour and shows in Lyon and Barcelona. Given the thematic depth of “Arise,” how do you think music can effectively promote social change…

SCORPION MILK, a new apocalyptic post-punk project by Mat McNerney (of BEASTMILK and GRAVE PLEASURES), has signed with Peaceville Records, set to release their debut album later this year. McNerney expresses excitement about joining a label that deeply inspired him, while Peaceville’s manager praises his creative talent. What do you think this collaboration could mean for the evolution of post-punk, especially given McNerney’s return to his musical roots? Read the Full Article

X Marks the Pedwalk has released “Light Your Mind,” the lead single from their upcoming album “Insomnia,” set for a late 2025 release. This modern synthpop anthem features powerful beats, driving basslines, and shimmering arpeggios, all complemented by Sevren Ni-Arb’s vocoder-enhanced vocals that merge emotional depth with a synthetic edge. What elements do you think are essential for a song to truly resonate on the dancefloor, beyond just catchy beats? Read the Full Article