Author: Ritualcontrol

Washington, DC-based experimental post-rock collective Miscellen continues to thrive, releasing their seventh album, Emerald Ash, on October 2. The album features nine tracks that blend immersive atmospheres with poetic lyrics, exploring themes of resilience amid turbulent times. The core group, led by multi-instrumentalist Jason Sevanick, includes contributions from various collaborators, and the album is available as a name-your-price digital download on Bandcamp. In related news, Sevanick and fellow former Mindless Faith member Rick Furr announced the upcoming release of the Crash the Gates maxi-single, set for November 7, intended to support vocalist Exeris’s medical expenses arising from pandemic complications. What…

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Swedish electropunk duo The Guilt has released a reimagined version of their 2016 track “Dance to the Revolution,” now infused with a faster, heavier sound to highlight themes of overcoming depression and resisting oppression. This new rendition reflects the group’s evolution, particularly as they move forward with members Emma Wahlgren and Lizzy. The track, which aims to challenge societal issues, was produced by Alain Steffler and is available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms. As The Guilt continues to tour, their message resonates with a growing audience. What do you think the role of music is in social movements, and can…

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Outer Darkness Records has launched the second installment of its Blasphemies series, featuring remixes in a format reminiscent of the ’90s "Remix Wars." Book II includes contributions from aggrotech group Hexen Prozess, industrial/darkwave duo Antidote For Annie, and electro/synthpop artist Lillian Martin (aka Fatigue and Sawtooth). Released on October 3, it follows last year’s Book I and comprises six remixes of each artist’s work. Among the highlights is Sawtooth’s Roaring mix of “Black Knife,” inspired by a Deltarune RPG boss, offered as a name-your-price track on Bandcamp. With this release, how do you think nostalgia for the ’90s remix culture…

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The mixes are now released at the beginning of the month instead of the end, featuring a vibrant selection of tracks from the past eight weeks, spotlighting eclectic pop sounds, particularly from Indonesian artists. Standout singles from Dreamcoaster, Veps, and Fanclubwallet, among others, ensure there are no fillers. This mix not only showcases fresh music but also includes hidden gems from album tracks and B-sides. Thought-Provoking Statement: Given the diversity and richness of global music represented in this mix, how do you think local scenes influence the evolution of pop music on a broader scale? Read the Full Article

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Artoffact Records has announced the release of “The World,” the first full-length album from Seeming in five years, featuring the new single “Zebra Tramples Horse Trainer.” This track continues to explore themes of nature versus technology with lines like “I am an animal” and “I am the rite of spring.” As the fourth album from Seeming, it emphasizes a clear antifascist, antiracist, and pro-queer message, reflecting on survival rather than escape. The album will be available on December 5, with pre-orders now open. How do you think the intersection of technology and nature influences modern artistic expression in genres like…

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Summary: Light of Eternity, a trio consisting of Big Paul Ferguson, Fred Schreck, and Pauly Williams, has released their new EP titled Distraction, marking their third studio project. Featuring four tracks that blend industrial textures, subtle electronics, and post-punk-inspired rock, the EP explores themes of survival and rebellion against oppression. Released on October 3, Distraction is available on Bandcamp, alongside previous EPs at a discount. The band recently performed live in Europe, supporting MINISTRY. Thought-Provoking Question: How do the themes of survival and rebellion in Distraction reflect the current social and political climate, and in what ways can music serve…

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This summer has been a whirlwind for the author, who nearly forgot about pre-ordered releases while juggling vacations, travel, and dog-sitting. Despite their busy schedule, they enthusiastically anticipated Head Noise’s single "Working On A Laptop," a clever take on DEVO’s song. The track humorously discusses technology frustrations, complemented by Olivia Williams’ vibrant vocals. Accompanied by spirited B-sides and engaging live recordings, the single showcases Head Noise’s energetic style. The release is affordably priced, encouraging support for the band on Bandcamp. Insightful Thought: As technology continues to evolve and frustrate, how do you think music will further adapt to reflect our…

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Years of Denial has released a compelling music video for "Devil in a Skirt," the opening track of their EP Love Cuts. Produced by the Italian label Veyl, the video enhances the industrial and EBM essence of the song, translating the duo’s defiant spirit and aesthetic into striking visuals. This collaboration perfectly merges their unique sound with a powerful visual identity, keeping the momentum of the EP alive. What elements do you think are essential in a music video to elevate the overall impact of the song, and how do they contribute to the artist’s message? Read the Full Article

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Punk legends AFI have reinvented their sound with Silver Bleeds The Sun, blending goth rock and new wave in a haunting exploration of a dystopian existence. The album opens with an ethereal folk vibe before transitioning to dark wave synths and gritty elements reminiscent of 80s rock, showcasing influences from iconic bands like Bauhaus and The Cure while still feeling fresh. Tracks like "NOONEUNDERGROUND" anchor the record in AFI’s punk roots, delivering a captivating listening experience. How do you think AFI’s shift towards atmospheric sounds reflects the evolving landscape of rock music in today’s climate? Read the Full Article

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Lovelorn Dolls has unveiled their new EP, True Crimes, which explores some of history’s darkest crimes through a cinematic darkwave lens. This release is the first to feature Eric Renwart as a full-time member alongside Kristell Lowagie and Bernard Daubresse. The four tracks delve into infamous cases, including the Black Dahlia and Jonbenet Ramsey, with compelling narratives brought to life by evocative music and visuals. The cover art, depicting a girl in pigtails, encapsulates a childlike curiosity attempting to navigate humanity’s horrors. Given the thematic depth of True Crimes, how do you think artists can balance the portrayal of such…

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