Author: Ritualcontrol

Alethea Leventhal’s latest music video for "Blood Harmony," the opening track from her album Protection Spells, embodies themes of community and resilience amidst turmoil. Released on October 30, the video features Leventhal leading a coven of witches in a ritual under the full moon, reinforcing the idea of seeking safety and strength together in challenging times. Following performances across notable events, Protection Spells marks the third album from Ships in the Night, showcasing a powerful blend of artistry and intention. As we reflect on the themes of community and empowerment in Leventhal’s work, how do you believe the act of…

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Cold Cave is gearing up for an extensive West Coast tour from February 13-28, 2026, supporting their album Passion Depression, released on October 15, 2024. They’ll be joined by Heartworm Press label mates Rosa Anschütz and Buzz Kull, hitting cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. This tour coincides with Anschütz’s first U.S. performances and builds excitement for Buzz Kull’s forthcoming material. Additionally, Cold Cave will wrap up 2025 with two shows in Germany. In what ways do you think the unique styles of Rosa Anschütz and Buzz Kull will contribute to the overall dynamic of the tour? Read…

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The RADAR Festival has unveiled its exciting 2026 lineup, featuring UK festival exclusives like ANIMALS AS LEADERS, THE PINEAPPLE THIEF, and PROTEST THE HERO, alongside heavyweights like NORTHLANE and newcomers UNPEOPLE. Co-founder Catherine Jackson-Smith notes the festival’s evolution since its inception, promising a full experience with masterclasses, a gaming market, and an inclusive schedule to enjoy every performance. Set for July 31 – August 2, 2026, at O2 Victoria Warehouse, tickets go on sale October 31. As the festival pushes boundaries in both music and community support, how essential do you think festivals like RADAR are for nurturing grassroots talent…

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M.A.C. OF MAD’s Keep Music Evil is an electrifying assault on the senses, merging industrial noise with relentless hardcore elements. From the explosive "Autodafe" to the intense "Neurodiesel," the album showcases the raw power of Jana von Habczak’s vocals amidst chaotic yet structured arrangements. Each track pulses with a visceral energy, demanding active engagement rather than mere listening, and expertly balances frenzy with discipline. What do you think makes the combination of chaos and structure in this album resonate so strongly with listeners, particularly in a genre often criticized for its predictability? Read the Full Article

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Finnish electro/metal band Fear of Domination has released a vibrant music video for their track “All As One,” directed by Lauri Hämäläinen. This song marks a shift from its EDM origins towards an ’80s-inspired vibe, while retaining a contemporary feel. Keyboardist Lasse Raelahti notes it maintains a celebratory tone amidst darker themes prevalent in their upcoming album. Vocalist Jessica Salmi highlights the song’s exploration of humanity’s struggles and the quest for unity amidst the challenges posed by social media’s impact on self-perception. With this new release, Fear of Domination continues to build excitement ahead of their 2026 tour in Finland.…

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Nathaniel Rappole, the Richmond-based artist known as GULL, returns after more than five years with a new EP titled Zugunruhe, set to release on November 10 via Lagom Audio/Visual. The EP features four tracks that blend experimental sound design and downtempo rhythms, produced by Cy Fi, who also created the album art. Recorded between 2019 and 2020, Zugunruhe follows Rappole’s Relative Stranger album from August 2020. Since its inception in 1999, GULL has released multiple EPs and albums, toured globally, and explored themes of ecology and culture through documentary work. This artistic resurgence raises the question: How does Rappole’s unique…

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Jesse Draxler, co-founder of Federal Prisoner and acclaimed artist/photographer, has announced the release of his latest single, “Falling/Floating,” in collaboration with Black Asteroid. Featuring Ian Astbury of The Cult, this single merges dark electronic sounds with Draxler’s unique visual collage style. Set for an October 31 release, the “Floating” B-side will be a Bandcamp exclusive, continuing the lead-up to his upcoming album, Working Title. This album follows his 2020 project, Reigning Cement, showcasing a lineup of impressive collaborations. How does the intersection of visual art and music influence the way we experience and interpret sound in collaborative projects like Draxler’s?…

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Rhianna Evans, known as REEBZ, has collaborated with composer/producer Klayton of Celldweller and EDM producer SWARM to release the new single "Fakebreaker." The track features a retro video game-inspired aesthetic, with artwork reminiscent of ’80s console and PC game covers. This marks Celldweller’s first original material since "Enter the Unioverse." "Fakebreaker" is available on Bandcamp and major streaming services, with a music video premiering on October 29. Meanwhile, Klayton is involved in various media projects, including a Kickstarter campaign for a graphic novel sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Given the influence of nostalgia in contemporary music and media,…

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🎃🕸️ Just in time for the Halloween season, Who Saw Her Die? (WSHD?) brings us a haunting cover of Dead or Alive’s classic “Something In My House.” Stripped down to its core, the track pulses with a sinister energy, blending ghostly synths with a growled, heartbroken vocal that transforms the original’s disco vibe into something truly eerie. While we can’t ignore the commercial success of the original producers, WSHD? reminds us of the gothic roots of Dead or Alive, inviting us to reconsider the story behind the music. 🖤 What are your thoughts on the balance between honoring original tracks…

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After a five-year hiatus, Steven Archer has returned with new material under his project ::Hopeful Machines::, releasing the album All the Oceans of the World Will Not Wash You Clean. This experimental work features seven tracks of abstract soundscapes, available as a name-your-price item on Bandcamp, reflecting Archer’s intent to connect with listeners during challenging times. Released through Wolfcore Records, this marks the first project from ::Hopeful Machines:: since 2020, although Archer has remained active with other endeavors. Thought-Provoking Question: How does the concept of "sound as a space for living" influence your experience with music that defies conventional structure…

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