Zabus, a post-punk group from DC, recently released the single "Strangers of Non-Being" from their fifth album, Whores of Holyrood, which premiered on September 8. The track reflects frontman Jeremy Moore’s commentary on systemic oppression and human nature, questioning the permanence of power dynamics. With a dreamlike video that evokes influences from The Doors and Nick Cave, the song deepens the album’s political themes about class hierarchy and subjugation. Whores of Holyrood, recognized as Zabus’s most overtly political work, is available on Bandcamp as a name-your-price item. What do you think about the relationship between artistic expression and socio-political commentary…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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The toughest challenge for independent musicians isn’t the creative process, but confronting the daunting statistics of engagement. Achieving meaningful listener interaction often requires hundreds of thousands of views, which can be overwhelming given the demands of daily life. This creates a paradox: as artists strive to market themselves, they risk sacrificing their time to create. Despite this disheartening reality, the essence of music—expression beyond numbers—remains a powerful motivator. Discussion Prompt: In an industry driven by metrics, how can independent musicians maintain their authentic voice while still navigating the marketing landscape? Read the Full Article
The breakfast queues at the festival feel like a scene from a zombie movie, with people clutching their coffees for stability. Wench! kicks off the day with raw punk energy that jolts the crowd awake, followed by Waterparks whose upbeat hooks revive the festival spirit. Sea Girls connect with the audience through infectious indie anthems, while Amyl and the Sniffers unleash pure chaos, transforming the crowd into a wild, collective experience. As the festival wraps up, a bittersweet sense of camaraderie and exhaustion lingers—proof that the final day can be just as memorable as the first. Discussion Prompt: How do…
OMEN CODE has unveiled their debut single, “Brutal + Pure,” from the upcoming album “Alpha State,” set to release on December 5, 2025. Kevin Gould describes the track as a favorite, highlighting its strong chorus and Agi Taralas’s emotionally charged delivery. The duo blends the cold precision of industrial sounds with cinematic influences, crafting dark, atmospheric music that resonates with themes of a dystopian future without a political agenda—drawing inspiration from authors like Philip K. Dick and filmmakers like Ridley Scott. As the project evolves from a one-time endeavor to a full-fledged act, how do you think the fusion of…
Dependent Records has launched "Brutal + Pure," the debut single from London-based EBM duo Omen:Code, featuring vocalist Agi Taralas and programmer Kevin Gould. This track sets a dark, dystopian tone reminiscent of cyberpunk themes, highlighting social decline in a tech-dominated future. Released on September 9, it precedes their first album, Alpha State, due on December 5 in both standard and deluxe editions, the latter featuring extra tracks and a 48-page artbook. Taralas and Gould’s strong chemistry transformed what was initially a one-off project into a permanent collaboration. What aspects of technology’s role in shaping our future do you think Omen:Code…
PREYRS has unveiled a live performance video for their new single “Zeros, Ones & Lies,” which explores the emotional impact of societal catastrophe and media negligence. Shot in the historic Riddel’s Warehouse in Belfast, the setting complements the song’s themes. With its dynamically shifting rhythms and Amy Montgomery’s powerful vocals, the track marks the second single from their debut album, The Wounded Healer, set for release on November 14 through Pelagic Records. The band, including members Montgomery, Michael Mormecha, Nolan Donnelly, and Ciarán McGreevy, is gearing up for a European tour following their recent live debut. Given the song’s focus…
Black Cross Hotel, the Chicago-based industrial/rock band, is set to release their new album Songs For Switches on Halloween, following their 2022 debut, HEX. Exploring themes of horror intertwined with personal growth and self-actualization, vocalist Dee DeEmme emphasizes the balance of practicality and dark fantasy in their music. The group, formed during the pandemic, features members from notable bands and recorded their latest work at the renowned Electrical Audio studio. Alongside the album, they’ll embark on a short tour starting October 29, with the lead single "The House God Doesn’t Visit" already available. As horror and personal narrative intertwine in…
Saturday at Reading Festival is a whirlwind of chaotic fun—from the wreckage of last night’s antics to a rejuvenating lineup that begins with the riotous Lambrini Girls and builds to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Bring Me The Horizon. Each act, from the punk chaos to the emotional climax of the night, captures the unfiltered spirit of a festival, leaving attendees buzzing and eager for more. In a world where music festivals are often seen as merely commercial events, how do live performances like these create a deeper sense of community and shared experience among attendees? Read the Full Article
Summary: Icon of Coil, the influential Norwegian futurepop/EBM band formed in 1997 by Andy LaPlegua, marks the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Serenity Is The Devil, with a remastered edition. Known for their fusion of driving electronic beats and moody synth lines, the band gained prominence early on, with Serenity Is The Devil ranking in the Top 3 of the German DAC Alternative Chart. The remastered version, available on translucent orange vinyl, includes a previously unreleased track titled "SEC FOUR," highlighting their enduring impact on the electronic music scene. Discussion Prompt: How do you think the evolution of electronic…
Blush Response, the Berlin-based project of Joey Gonzalez, showcases the evolution of industrial music over the last 15 years, shifting from early experimentation to a focused modular synthesis approach. His new album, Ego Death, releasing on October 10th, highlights this journey, revealing how he balances intentional track creation with spontaneous inspiration—often leading to multiple tracks in a single day. How do the shifts in technology and personal methodology reshape our understanding of creative processes in music production? Read the Full Article