The Koran permits a khan to have four legitimate wives, primarily as a measure against prostitution and to bolster family stability, though the divorce process favors men. While the khan indulged in secretive pleasures with his harem, this dynamic illustrates the complexities of power and gender in ancient societies. Alexei Borisov and Vyacheslav Ismagilov are set to capture this intriguing world in their album “Harem Secret Pastimes,” blending experimental sounds with Uzbek cultural influences, set for release on July 28, 2025. What does the interplay between tradition and modernity in this album say about contemporary perspectives on gender and relationships?…
Author: Ritualcontrol
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SCORPION MILK, the new post-punk project by Mat McNerney of BEASTMILK and GRAVE PLEASURES, is set to release their debut album Slime Of The Times on September 19 via Peaceville Records. Featuring collaborations with artists from various genres, including Tor Sjödén and Nate Newton, the album explores themes of catastrophe and resilience, highlighted in the lead single "Another Day Another Abyss." The accompanying music video, created using AI, reflects on the dystopian reality we face today. Given the album’s themes of navigating modern anxieties and the role of technology in our lives, how do you think art can effectively comment…
One year after producer/musician Andreas Catjar-Danielsson’s passing, Covenant honors his legacy with the ANDREAS EP, a non-profit release set for October 17. This marks the Swedish electronic group’s first studio release in nearly a decade, featuring three original experimental tracks and two covers, including Catjar’s favorite, Yazoo’s “Winter Kills.” All proceeds will support Catjar’s family, emphasizing community and remembrance in music. As we reflect on art’s ability to memorialize and connect, how might the music industry evolve to better support artists and their families in times of need? Read the Full Article
Maryland’s Marie Ann Hedonia is set to release her album Eclipse, featuring the single “Eve Had the Metallic Shine of Summer,” in collaboration with Black Kite. The track blends forbidding electronics with poignant lyrics inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s film Persona, exploring themes of emotional sacrifice and unreciprocated love. The accompanying music video portrays Hedonia’s struggle as she invests her emotions into a cold mannequin, culminating in a moment of self-liberation against a stormy backdrop. How does the use of stark visuals and sound in Hedonia’s work enhance our understanding of emotional struggles in relationships? Read the Full Article
After a 27-year hiatus, Baltimore electro/industrial duo Pygmy Children, consisting of Pete and Brian Roper, is set to return with a new album titled Coincidental Strategies, scheduled for release in fall 2025. Their comeback kicks off with the single “I Have No Name,” debuting on August 29, featuring remixes and a B-side. This marks their first full-length album since Low Life Dream in 1998, and they have been teasing it with earlier singles throughout 2023. Pygmy Children will also support the album on the Resurrection Tour alongside Mentallo & The Fixer. What do you think the impact of a lengthy…
After a seven-year hiatus, Sally Dige returns with Holding The Sun, an 8-track album that blends past singles with fresh material. Transitioning from her previous more robotic sound, this work embraces emotive, acoustic elements and a more personal aesthetic. Songs like "It’s You I’m Thinking Of" and "Voice Of My Heart" showcase a heartfelt exploration of love and self-reliance, all while maintaining her characteristic ethereal atmosphere. What does this evolution in Sally Dige’s music say about the importance of personal growth in artistic expression, and how can artists balance their roots with new growth? Read the Full Article
Today marks a significant milestone at Post-Punk Monk with the publishing of the 3000th post, reflecting over 15 years of dedication to music blogging. The blog’s creation stemmed from the influence of friends, particularly Ron Kane, who inspired the author to share their insights and foster connections with music fans worldwide. Initially uncertain about finding time amidst work and personal commitments, the author discovered a passion for writing during lunch breaks. Over time, this endeavor evolved into a platform where friendships flourished, leading to exciting opportunities, including interviews with notable musicians. Thought-Provoking Question: As Post-Punk Monk continues to evolve, how…
Laibach’s latest release, “Die Kanone,” is a vibrant reinterpretation of Bijelo Dugme’s 1974 hit, crafted to commemorate the anniversary of the iconic Yugoslav band at the invitation of its original songwriter, Goran Bregović. The song blends upbeat, martial rhythms with reflections on Balkan identity and masculinity, sung in German to comment on contemporary shifts in Germany’s industrial focus. The parodic imagery in the cover art—a tank cannon fused with a Volkswagen Beetle—evokes the complexities of historical and cultural legacies in the region. Released on July 29 via Mute Records, “Die Kanone” comes on the heels of Laibach’s ambitious album “Alamut”…
Forty years ago, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released “Tupelo,” a single celebrated for its biblical themes and Americana influences. As part of the anniversary, Cave shared a controversial AI-generated music video, leading him to reflect on the role of AI in art. While the video showcases eerie visuals, it raises ethical concerns about the impact of AI on creativity, labor, and authenticity. The author expresses skepticism about AI’s potential to overshadow genuine artistic effort, fearing a future where AI-generated content becomes ubiquitous and human creativity is diminished. What does the rise of AI-generated art mean for the future…
AD:KEY’s new EP, “Kontraktion,” follows the success of their acclaimed double album “0609.” This release features reimagined tracks and new material that explore themes of emotional and musical fusion, framed by synth-driven instrumentals echoing the rhythmic contraction of the heart. Collaborations with EBM legends Martin Bodewell and Uwe Kanka add emotional depth to the EP, infusing it with nostalgia and powerful beats. Combining elements of old-school body music with synth pop, AD:KEY continues to elevate their sound while honoring their roots in the scene. What does the interplay between nostalgia and innovation mean for the evolution of music genres like…