Summary: This piece reflects on the concept of vacation, rooted in the Latin term “vacantia,” evoking themes of freedom and longing. The author, unable to travel to Scotland due to an expired passport, shares a nostalgic memory of their father’s penfriendship with a Scotswoman named Rosemary, intertwining personal history with a desire for new experiences. They envision a world reborn, free from barriers and materialism, filled with art and human connection. The text introduces two musical projects: dottie’s ethereal dream pop album Intention, which invites listeners to escape into beauty, and Bleary Eyed’s Easy, a vibrant shoegaze record that balances…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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“Ego mortuus sum” serves as a fierce turning point on the album, showcasing Fredrik Keith Croona’s powerful vocals amid a blend of progressive structures and old-school death metal riffs. Born from a moment of spiritual turmoil, the lyrics confront the hollow nature of faith, painting a gritty picture of divinity as a “cesspool of saints.” Yet, within the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerges through the chorus, echoing a plea for healing and redemption. This juxtaposition of despair and hope invites reflection: How can moments of profound struggle lead to personal transformation and deeper faith? Read the Full Article
Trevor Bamford, a key figure in the U.K.’s goth/rock scene through his bands Chaos Bleak and The Angelfire Project, is celebrating his birthday on September 5 by releasing new music. His album Through a Glass Darkly represents nearly a decade of creative work, blending progressive influences from iconic bands like Pink Floyd with gothic elements. Alongside this, Chaos Bleak will release Rituals of Live Chaos, a limited vinyl capturing their live performance, adding to their legacy in the goth/industrial scene. Both albums aim to evoke reflection and contemplation, making them best experienced in a personal, immersive setting. Thought-Provoking Question: Given…
John 5’s upcoming album, Ghost, is described as his proudest achievement, honoring the "ghosts" in his life. Produced by Barry Pointer, it features an impressive lineup of guest drummers and bassists, including Kenny Aronoff and Tommy Lee. Ahead of its October 10 release, the music video for "Deviant" has already premiered. John 5 will embark on a co-headlining tour with Richie Kotzen, starting October 16, following a Vegas residency with Mötley Crüe. What do you think this album reveals about John 5’s artistic journey, and how might his collaborations influence the overall sound and message of Ghost? Read the Full…
Faun’s new single "Nimue," featured on their upcoming album HEX, explores the tragic love story of the enchantress Nimue and the sorcerer Merlin from Arthurian legends. With contributions from Chelsea Wolfe, the track captures an ethereal mystique enhanced by an evocative dance performance in its music video. Set for release on September 5, HEX dives into ancient myths and female magic from various cultures. Following a successful North American tour, Faun is gearing up for European and U.K. dates while Chelsea Wolfe also continues her busy touring schedule and collaborations. What aspects of ancient mythology do you think resonate most…
F90.0 has released its latest single, “Presence Merely Memories,” accompanied by a haunting music video, reflecting themes of alienation and mental health. Formed in Hamburg in 2022, the project conveys emotional turmoil through lines like “I’m lost in loops” and “Nothing is new.” The video, shot on a foggy night at the Port of Hamburg, enhances the song’s intensity and was released on August 6. Following the earlier single “Transit,” F90.0 is working towards a full-length album. Given the focus on mental health and alienation in F90.0’s music, how does the combination of dark electronic soundscapes with poignant lyrics influence…
Impressions… The Black Virgin transforms a personal homage to the gothic metal band Virgin Black into a profound meditation on suffering and survival. It challenges traditional notions of resilience, suggesting that true strength lies in enduring hardships rather than achieving triumphs. The piece culminates not in redemption but in an acceptance of weariness, intertwined with a haunting sense of hope echoed in a melodic chant. Is it possible that genuine strength is often found in our most vulnerable moments, and how might we redefine success in the shadow of suffering? Read the Full Article
Jamie Blacker has released the music video for "Don’t Leave Me Here," the fourth single from the latest ESA album, Sounds For Your Happiness. Filmed by Myles Fearnley at Antwerp Mansion, the video features contemporary dancer Chloe Briggs, whose poignant movements echo the song’s themes of fear and detachment from caregivers. Blacker, drawing from his own experiences as a father, explores childhood anxieties and his family’s fragility, creating a deeply intimate and emotional piece. In contrast to the more elaborate "Golden House," this track offers a raw, introspective take on vulnerability. Sounds For Your Happiness envisions a haunting world where…
M’era Luna has celebrated 25 years as a cornerstone event in the goth/industrial community, marked by the release of “Dark Heart of the Moon,” an anthem created by a collective of influential artists. This collaboration, which includes renowned musicians like Chris Harms and Peter Spilles, is aimed at honoring those who have shaped the festival. The single is available as a limited edition vinyl with proceeds supporting PTH, an organization that promotes the integration of individuals with disabilities in event staffing. Given the rich collaboration behind “Dark Heart of the Moon,” how do you think such collective efforts reflect the…
Album Summary: "Mortemia – The COVID Aftermath Sessions" (2025) is a captivating blend of Gothic and Symphonic Metal from Norway, featuring a mix of original tracks and intriguing covers, such as Madonna’s "Frozen" and The Doors’ "Riders of the Storm." With a rich orchestral sound and haunting vocal performances, the album showcases the band’s ability to weave emotional depth into their music, making each track an auditory journey. Thought-Provoking Statement: While the album reflects the struggles of the COVID era, how well do you think music can capture the essence of such global experiences, and can it serve as a…