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…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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German dark rock collective LORD OF THE LOST has unveiled their latest single, "One Of Us Will Be Next," from their upcoming album OPVS NOIR Vol. 2, set for release on December 12th through Napalm Records. Vocalist Chris Harms reflects on life’s impermanence and urges listeners to cherish the present, reminding us that every moment spent together is precious. In an age where we often take our relationships for granted, how can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the people and moments that shape our lives? Read the Full Article
VIGIL, the debut album from The Modal-Modular Interchange, boldly intertwines sound, vision, and spirit, showcasing the unique synergy between Bart Hawkins’ evolving electronic landscapes and Shane Thomas’ narrative guitar. Their innovative approach defies traditional formulas, blending influences from ambient, spiritual jazz, and avant-garde elements into a coherent sonic triptych. What does the fusion of electronic and organic sounds reveal about our contemporary relationship with music and its ability to convey deeper truths? Read the Full Article
On September 27, Klack—comprised of Matt Fanale and Eric Oehler—energized Chicago’s Gman Tavern during ColdWaves XIII and celebrated with the release of their live album, In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Staying Up. Featuring fan favorites like “Body2Body2Body” and covers of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” and Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam,” proceeds from the album will benefit Darkest Before Dawn, which supports service industry workers. The album drops on October 3 and is available on Bandcamp as a name-your-price offering. Given the ongoing struggles faced by workers in the service and entertainment industries, how can music and art continue…
Summary: A COAT is a unique musical project fronted by Johnny Brownbow, whose vocals and lyrics draw comparisons to Neil Hannon. The songs blend peculiar musical styles, including low-fi grooves and Acid House influences, while featuring biting and humorous lyrics tackling various themes, from political satire to personal introspection. With a distinctive sound that combines eclectic elements, A COAT has made a strong impact on listeners, earning a five-star review for their thought-provoking and idiosyncratic approach. Discussion Prompt: Given A COAT’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and incisive lyrics, how do you think their work reflects modern societal issues,…
Summary: Australian darkwave/industrial black metal band IRREPARABLE is set to release their debut album The Fate Of All Life on October 17. The album explores themes of cyclical suffering and death, with their latest single "Forever Remain" showcasing these concepts, featuring violinist Hayley Anderson. The band’s music blends industrial black metal, goth, and darkwave, reflecting a haunting view of the human condition. Pre-orders for the limited edition CD and vinyl are available now, and a release celebration will occur on November 29 in Richmond, VIC. Thought-Provoking Statement: As IRREPARABLE delves into the cyclical nature of suffering and existence, one must…
I’m excited to announce the first review of my album Horror Sacri by Metal Digest, which describes it as a "bold leap" into my first vocal work, showcasing a rich blend of symphonic, electronic, and jazz influences. Their praise for the layered textures and my vocal debut has been incredibly validating, especially given my previous hesitation about stepping into this new territory. What does it mean for artists to evolve and take risks in their work, and how can such transformations resonate with listeners on a deeper level? Read the Full Article
Schkeuditzer Kreuz, the solo project of Australian musician Kieren Hills, is set to release its third album, ‘Swan Grinder’, on August 30, 2025. Dubbed “Industrial Synth Crust,” this visceral record transforms mental chaos into a post-apocalyptic soundscape, reflecting the darker intricacies of life. The title emerges from the unsettling image of a swan-shaped pepper grinder, symbolizing the album’s exploration of destruction and the grinding down of beauty. As Hills gears up for an ambitious European tour, one can’t help but wonder: How does the blending of harsh industrial sounds with raw punk elements reflect our current societal struggles? Read the…
Oslo Tapes, guidati da Marco Campitelli, sfidano le convenzioni sonore, definendo la loro musica come psichedelia misteriosa e quasi mistica. Il singolo “Analemma,” in anteprima su Shoegaze Blog, anticipa l’album “Lăst comet,” co-prodotto da Amaury Cambuzat e in uscita il 14 novembre 2025. Il video, diretto da Marco Di Battista, gioca con un occhio indifferente, alternando visioni terrene a scenari cosmici, incapsulando l’essenza del kraut-gaze in una canzone avvolgente. Ancora una volta, ci troviamo di fronte alla domanda: fino a che punto la musica può trasportarci in esperienze trascendentali e quali emozioni evocano in noi queste sonorità sperimentali? Read the…
Das Bunker, a cornerstone of the dark electro and industrial scene in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years, is celebrating its anniversary with a special performance by Unter Null at Catch One this Friday, October 3. The show features live acts from Erica Dunham and a lineup including Frontal Boundary’s Brendin Ross and Krz Souls, alongside a DJ set by Das Bunker’s co-founder, Reel Eyes. Following the release of the “You Made a Monster” EP—Unter Null’s first studio album in 15 years—this event promises an immersive experience enhanced by visual art from Sean McGuirk. Given Das Bunker’s long-standing influence on…