Author: Ritualcontrol

The trio Sevendials, comprising Mark Gemini Thwaite, Big Paul Ferguson, and Chris Connelly, has made waves with their album A Crash Course in Catastrophe, particularly with the release of their fourth single "Wolves." Thwaite notes that "Wolves" was the initial collaboration that set a menacing tone for the album, while a remix by Travis “Svart” Bacon adds an aggressive industrial edge. The song has been praised for Connelly’s dynamic vocal performance and Thwaite’s commanding guitar work. With the album available in multiple formats and a growing reputation for their powerful sound, Sevendials blends industrial and metal influences effectively, alongside noteworthy…

Cold Spring is set to release the complete soundtrack of Decoder, a groundbreaking 1984 film that melds industrial noise with cyberpunk themes. Directed by Muscha, the film explores the unsettling idea that sound can be a weapon against oppressive systems, featuring notable figures like FM Einheit and William S. Burroughs. This long-awaited CD release allows a new generation to experience its chaotic artistry and relevant commentary, especially in today’s digitally controlled world. How do you think the themes of Decoder resonate in our current society, where sound and media increasingly influence communication and control? Read the Full Article

Summary: "Dies Irae" reinterprets the medieval hymn invoking the Last Judgment, focusing on select verses that evoke a haunting reflection on the harshness of divine judgment. Unlike its traditional fiery portrayal, this version encourages introspection, questioning the impact of such fearsome doctrines on our inner lives. The composition opens and closes with somber organ music, hinting at a shift from condemnation to compassion. Thought-Provoking Statement: How might reinterpreting traditional religious themes through a more compassionate lens reshape our understanding of spirituality and personal belief systems? Read the Full Article

Summary The Polecats kicked off their lively set in Cary with a cover of Bowie’s "John, I’m Only Dancing," marked by a frustrating sound mix that muted the guitar. Their performance included another cover, “Jeepster,” and the classic “Make A Circuit With Me,” though technical issues diminished the experience. Ian McNabb of Icicle Works brought high energy to his performance, aided by renowned drummer Mark Brzezicki. They performed fan favorites like “Hollow Horse” and “Whisper to A Scream,” the latter engaging the audience in a spirited sing-along, despite having one of the shortest sets. Peter Godwin captivated the crowd with…

Flesh Field, revitalized by Ian Ross, is set to release their latest album, Belief Control, on October 31, featuring the single "The Truth Within," originally conceived during the recording of their 1999 debut, Viral Extinction. Ross has refined this early track for the new album, which follows their recent releases, Voice of the Echo Chamber and its remix, Voice of Reason. The album will be available through Metropolis Records, with digital pre-orders on Bandcamp. Given the blending of past and present in Ross’s work, how do you think nostalgia influences the evolution of an artist’s sound in today’s music landscape?…

This week’s Heavy Song of the Week on Heavy Consequence features AFI’s new single “Behind the Clock,” which marks a departure from their hardcore-punk roots. The track showcases a lush, gothic rock sound reminiscent of ’80s bands, with Davey Havok delivering a soaring vocal performance that may signal one of AFI’s best albums yet, set for release on October 3rd. Alongside this, honorable mentions include The Armed’s chaotic “Broken Mirror,” Belphegor’s epic “Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus,” and Ho99o9’s aggressive yet emotionally nuanced “Incline.” What does this evolution in sound from established bands like AFI suggest about the future directions of metal…

John Gallen, a pioneering composer and performer, merges six decades of electronic and experimental music into his upcoming album, Improvisations 1. Created with instruments like the Moog Mother-32 and kalimbas, the album fuses organic and synthetic sounds, celebrating improvisation and spontaneity. From mixing Bohemian Rhapsody to crafting unconventional film soundtracks, Gallen’s ethos emphasizes creativity over technology, a theme that resonates through his recent work with the Coastal Electronauts SEMS sessions. How does the blend of spontaneity and technology in contemporary music challenge our understanding of artistic creativity? Read the Full Article

Valentina Zona, a journalist and dream pop singer, is organizing SHOEGAZA, a concert in Milan to support Palestine amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Scheduled for September 27, 2025, at Arci Bellezza, the event features performers like Cosmetic, Chiaroscuro, and Edless, with proceeds going to Médecins Sans Frontières. This initiative highlights how music can serve as a platform for social awareness and action, honoring victims such as Hind Rajab. Given the powerful intersection of art and activism, how can cultural events like SHOEGAZA inspire broader movements for social justice? Read the Full Article

Detroit-born, U.K.-based artist Josh Hight’s new project, Pines, is set to release its debut EP, In His Wake, on September 5 via Semaphore Records. This record, steeped in grief and disillusionment, reflects Hight’s journey as the last surviving child in a family marked by loss. Blending shoegaze, psychedelia, and Americana, the EP delves into relationships tainted by imbalance and the yearning for transcendence amid digital saturation. Collaborating with notable musicians like Andy Bell and Emmett Kelly, and produced by Richard Norris, Hight continues to intertwine his skills as a photographer and director with his music. In an era where digital…

In his recent experience at the Lost 80s Live Festival in Cary, North Carolina, music enthusiast Peter Godwin expressed his excitement to see one of his long-time favorite artists perform. Despite Peter Godwin’s rare appearances, the festival’s lineup, including acts like Josie Cotton and Belouis Some, made for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With the setting being picturesque and the audience in high spirits, Godwin’s anticipation was palpable as he shared his connections to the music over the years, reminiscing about his journey with these artists. The show highlighted the enduring love for 80s music and the community it…