Author: Ritualcontrol

My instrumental track "Miserere" from the album Horror Sacri has hit #1 on the Re-Ex Pop/Rock Top 40 and #9 overall! It’s a meaningful moment for me, as it reflects the connection and support I’ve felt from listeners, despite my focus being on the art rather than the metrics. What role do you think genuine connection plays in a musician’s success, especially in an industry often driven by numbers and charts? Read the Full Article

Nine Inch Nails has returned with Tron Ares, a soundtrack that marks a departure from their traditional industrial sound. With Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross blending elements of ambient and krautrock, the album lacks the anger typically associated with NIN, focusing instead on atmospheric and experimental compositions. Singles like "As Alive As You Need Me To Be" hint at dance influences, but the overall work is more abstract and nuanced, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to their film score work. Given this evolution in their music style, how do you think Tron Ares reflects the changing landscape of…

The shoegaze genre has broadened to encompass diverse bands, leading to debates about its true essence. Wednesday’s album “Bleeds” challenges traditional shoegaze, blending indie rock with melodic influences and personal themes, while NewDad’s “Altar” mixes dream pop and post-punk in a showcase of refined sound. Dusk Saffron’s “Sinking Ship” captures existential despair through a hauntingly melancholic dream pop lens, reminding us that while we may feel alone, we’re collectively navigating similar struggles. Given the evolving definitions of genres like shoegaze, how can we better appreciate the nuances of modern bands that defy traditional boundaries? Read the Full Article

As September wraps up, ReGen’s editor heads to Chicago for ColdWaves, leading to a quieter week for updates. Key highlights include new music videos from Better Lovers and The Black Veils, as well as releases from Tribe of Ghosts and Amphettamine. Interviews with artists like King Yosef are set to continue in October, alongside the promise of more freebies for Patrons and merch finalization efforts. As we anticipate a double batch of Album ReViews on Halloween, it’s a great time to reflect on how the evolving music landscape influences the themes and sounds of the artists featured. What current trends…

The author reflects on their journey from a casual music listener to a newfound appreciation for Judas Priest. After a nostalgic exploration of their musical history—beginning with Steppenwolf’s classics, transitioning through FM Rock, and encountering new wave—the author finally attends a Judas Priest concert at age 60. Despite initial hesitations, the show, co-headlined with Alice Cooper, proves to be an exhilarating experience marked by Priest’s relentless energy and metal roots. The author leaves excited to explore more of the band’s discography. What does the author’s shift in musical preferences say about the evolving nature of personal taste, and how might…

This album release by Mirocaw from Moscow is one of the eeriest of the year, delivering unsettling sounds that conjure images of a dark, watchful swamp. Its deeply foreboding essence captivates listeners and reflects the expertise of Kalamine Records in curating such haunting art. What do you think makes music that evokes fear or discomfort so compelling for listeners? Read the Full Article

Religious themes permeate my music not just as an artistic choice, but as a reflection of my own experiences shaped by the weight of guilt and fear instilled from a young age. While I critique the institutional pressures of religion, I aim to explore the trauma it can inflict, often leaving lasting scars that shape beliefs long after the initial indoctrination. What role do you think the personal narratives of trauma play in reshaping our understanding of faith and belief systems in modern society? Read the Full Article

Trepaneringsritualen, helmed by Swedish artist Thomas Martin Ekelund, delves into the realms of ritual-industrial soundscapes, blending death industrial, dark ambient, and power electronics since 2008. Their latest release, A Diadem Of Fire, features four captivating tracks that weave eerie atmospheres with heavy distortion and tribal rhythms, exploring themes of the occult and ancient mysteries. From the majestic drones of "Tainted Totem Nothing" to the robotic intensity of "With Hand And Heart," the EP invites listeners into a haunting sonic journey. What does this fusion of dark ambient and industrial sounds reveal about our contemporary relationship with ritual and spirituality? Read…

Paradise Lost, the influential Halifax gothic metal band, celebrates their 35th anniversary with the release of their seventeenth album, Ascension, on September 12th. The album features twelve tracks rich in gothic themes and musical diversity, exploring life, death, and the quest for a better existence. Vocalist Nick Holmes highlights its positive message amidst the inherent challenges of life. With standout tracks like "Serpent On The Cross" and the moving "The Precipice," the album showcases the band’s exceptional musicianship. What do you think is the significance of the album’s focus on themes of personal growth and resilience in the face of…

The Death Disco Open Air Festival 2025 will take place on September 20-21, 2025, in Athens, Greece, featuring 14 acts across 2 stages. Headliners include Anne Clark & Band and Peter Hook and The Light, alongside other notable performances from The Chameleons, Cold Cave, and more. A new DeepFish Stage will host merchandise and interactive experiences, enhancing the festival experience. With such a lineup combining legendary artists and innovative newcomers, how do music festivals shape the evolution of genres and foster cultural connections in today’s digital age? Read the Full Article