NOVAkILL has returned with their new album BeLIEve, offering an intense mix of dark dancefloor energy and critical reflections on today’s societal issues. The album features the single “Fight!,” which serves as a rallying cry for listeners to challenge an indifferent world. This marks the duo’s seventh full-length release, expanding on their established aggressive sound as they encourage audiences to "fight for the future you deserve." Released today via RepoRecords, BeLIEve is now available on all major streaming platforms. What role do you think music plays in social movements, and how can artists like NOVAkILL effectively inspire change through their…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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This December, esteemed author and musician Joel Gausten will release a charity EP titled Vultures under the name Rise Reign Revolt, with proceeds benefiting PAWS Chicago and Greyhound Trust Harvel. Featuring contributions from notable artists like Ted Parsons, Troy Gregory, and Mimi Wallman—many of whom Gausten met during the Pigface 25th anniversary shows—the project began in 2017 and faced delays due to the pandemic. The EP, which encourages creative freedom among its collaborators, will be available on Bandcamp starting December 5. Thought-Provoking Question: How does the collaboration of such diverse musical talents within a charity project impact the final product,…
Izabela “Izzy” Rekowska’s alt-rock band, Izzy and the Black Trees, is set to release its third album, Kisses to Chaos, on February 27, 2026. Drawing inspiration from their experiences in the fluid post-industrial city of Łódź, the album delves into the complexities of the human experience—exploring themes of inner turmoil, rebellion, and the beauty born from disorder—against a backdrop of dark melodies and fuzz-infused guitars. Following the 2022 release Revolution Comes in Waves, the band has also teased a new single dropping on December 3, along with a promising video for their recent double A-side release. Given the album’s themes,…
A month after the release of her sophomore album, Nepthisis has unveiled a third full-length effort titled History Dies. Founder Sheila Eden describes the album as a carefully crafted work embodying themes of rebirth, highlighted by the single "All is Fair." With the striking imagery of a "Red Queen, draped in flame," Eden emphasizes resilience and transformation after adversity. Released on November 21 and available on Bandcamp, History Dies follows the October 21 release of Shadows Call, showcasing Eden’s continued collaboration with Somer Bingham. What do you think the metaphor of the "Red Queen, draped in flame" reveals about the…
Mushroomhead’s recent performance at The Forge in Joliet, Illinois, electrified the crowd with their signature blend of theatrical metal and dynamic visuals, supported by the atmospheric sounds of Black Satellite. The night was a reminder of the band’s unique artistry, merging intricate musicianship with a captivating stage presence that left fans craving more. What role do you think theatrical elements play in enhancing the overall experience of a live music performance? Read the Full Article
Craig Varian will kick off 2026 with two concurrent albums from his 400 Lonely Things project, both exploring the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. election. Why I Went to the Woods leans into a hauntological and dreamlike ambiance, drawing inspiration from 1960s British countryside aesthetics and psychedelic folk, while emphasizing field recordings and analog sounds. In contrast, Creature Comforts embodies a more visceral and unsettling vibe, described by Varian as "lullabies for the end of a world," shaped by the chaos of the election’s unfolding. Both albums, although thematically distinct, share a deep emotional response to their creation contexts. They…
Local Suicide, the Berlin-based Greek/German duo, has made a comeback after nearly three years with the release of their Houdini EP. This collection features three tracks infused with a heavier, darker tone, fusing industrial textures and analog synths, thanks to collaboration with Skelesys. The EP showcases a deeper dive into their punk and EBM roots while maintaining their signature dancefloor techno vibe from previous works. Released on November 21 via their own Iptamenos Discos, it’s available on Bandcamp in both digital and limited vinyl formats. The duo will perform in Lübeck, Germany, on November 28 and has a closing show…
The review reflects on Ultravox’s recent EP featuring remixes and outtakes from their discography. It praises the new Blank + Jones reconstruction of "Love’s Great Adventure" as a significant improvement over the original 12" mix, infusing energy and vibrancy. In contrast, the remix of "All Stood Still" disappointed, losing the original’s urgency and vitality. The vocal production flaws were highlighted, overshadowing Midge Ure’s performance. Despite mixed feelings on the other tracks, especially an alternative take on "Hymn," the EP serves as a decent wrap-up before the upcoming "The Collection" ultrabox, although the reviewer is hesitant to dive deeper into that…
Youth Code, the American duo of Ryan George and Sara Taylor, blends aggressive hardcore vocals with robust electro-industrial sounds, creating a captivating musical experience since 2012. Their latest 5-track EP, Yours, With Malice, showcases their evolution with new vocal ranges and exploratory sound design while maintaining their industrial roots. This release marks both a fresh start and a continuation of their distinctive identity, defying the trend of stagnation in many music projects today. As Youth Code embraces innovation while honoring their origins, how do you think the integration of new technologies and sounds impacts the evolution of established music genres?…
The playlist Shoegaze 2025 introduces an eclectic mix of 92 tracks from bands like Glazyhaze, Satantango, and Nothing, showcasing the breadth of contemporary shoegaze and its intertwined genres. Each entry offers a vivid snapshot of emotional landscapes, with highlights ranging from nostalgic melodies to vibrant soundscapes, all culminating in a powerful sonic experience that emphasizes the genre’s evolution. What do you think is the key element that keeps shoegaze relevant and compelling in today’s music scene, considering the shifting dynamics of genres and listener preferences? Read the Full Article