Author: Ritualcontrol

Vancouver’s Bloom Effect, a transatlantic shoegaze trio, has announced a new EP featuring the single “Itero,” blending Spanish and English lyrics influenced by bands like Cocteau Twins and Alvvays. The EP follows a series of acclaimed singles and will be released on September 19 through Kingfisher Bluez. After recent performances in Vancouver, they’re gearing up for an East Canada tour from September 26 to October 4. As they explore the fusion of languages and musical styles, how do you think cultural backgrounds influence the creative processes of contemporary artists in genres like shoegaze and dream pop? Read the Full Article

Read More

Martyrs, a duo from Merthyr Tydfil now based in Kent, has released their Syncline Folds EP, the fourth installment in a series of singles. This DIY project showcases their eclectic sound across five tracks, available on streaming platforms and as a name-your-price item on Bandcamp. The EP features vocal and instrumental versions of its title track and a censored version of "Chicago Folk House," with music videos rolling out starting July 30. Following their debut album Un Diavolo in Casa (2022) and Luminism (2024), the duo continues to push creative boundaries. What role do you think DIY approaches play in…

Read More

Crunch Pod has released the Iron & Acid album by Eyeless Project, the industrial noise project of Meyeke Orgillon. The 10 tracks evoke the classic sounds of ’80s and ’90s industrial music, drawing inspiration from influential labels like Zoth Ommog and Nettwerk. Orgillon emphasizes that this album is not just a nostalgic tribute but a fresh exploration of harsh electronic tension and industrial energy. Released on July 25, Iron & Acid marks his fifth studio album, building on the momentum of his previous works. Given the resurgence of interest in retro industrial sounds, how do you think contemporary artists can…

Read More

The Gothic Revival Society invites you to a thrilling Halloween celebration on October 31, 2025, at the candlelit crypt beneath Chicago Bar in Kraków. Experience haunting performances from bands like Eat My Teeth, with their intense deathrock sound; 25 Jesuses of Fear, a new Warsaw collective drawing you into eerie depths; and Miserea, heightening gothic rock with their emotional intensity. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is recommended. An afterparty will feature DJ De’Ath, ensuring a night steeped in the macabre. As we gather to honor the traditions of Halloween, how do you think events like these contribute to preserving…

Read More

In a futuristic release, Matt Hart unveils a remix of “Warehouse 7” from his Below the Terra Pt. 2 album, crafted by the acclaimed artist CONNÖR. This remix fuses CONNÖR’s darksynth and cyber noir aesthetics with Hart’s electro/industrial energy, enhancing the narrative of humanity’s desperate flight from a frozen Earth as they confront “demons below.” Now available on Bandcamp, this track follows the July 4 dub remix of “Cathartic” by 11grams, marking a significant evolution in Hart’s dystopian saga that began with 2019’s Terra 3808. As this narrative of chaos and survival unfolds, how do you think music can effectively…

Read More

The Post-Punk Monk revisits tour shirts from bands like Cocteau Twins, The Judybats, and Front Line Assembly, reflecting on the nostalgia they evoke and the personal connections woven through music culture of the ’90s. Each shirt represents not just a band but a shared experience, friendship, and a moment in time, from early fandoms to concert memories. Discussion Prompt: How do concert memorabilia, like tour shirts, symbolize our musical journeys and personal connections within music culture? Read the Full Article

Read More

Kristof Bathory, known for his work in the aggrotech band Dawn of Ashes, explores atmospheric soundscapes under his own name. His latest single, “Neurodust Cathedral,” released on July 25, is crafted entirely through modular synthesis and immerses listeners in a decaying AI’s memories, enhanced by evocative cover art from Mysterion. This single follows “Terminal Dusk” and Bathory’s album “Black Hole Expedition,” marking his second solo release after “Humanoid Dystopia.” With a blend of haunting sound and rich imagery, Bathory invites listeners to reflect on themes of decay and memory in a technological age. What does it reveal about our relationship…

Read More

HALFHEAD, a Glasgow-based trio, bursts onto the scene with their debut single “Phanta-C,” channeling the raw energy and grit of post-punk to confront societal illusions and outdated norms. With distorted basslines, urgent rhythms, and commanding vocals, they deliver an intense yet unapologetic anthem that reflects disillusionment and frustration in modern life. Their strength lies in their unfiltered honesty, laying bare the chaotic realities of existence rather than offering idealized escapes. What role do you think music plays in challenging societal norms, and can it be an effective tool for sparking change? Read the Full Article

Read More

Brian Hazard, known for his work as Color Theory, has made a name for himself in the realms of synthpop and darkwave. His latest single, “The Last Time,” reflects on the ephemeral nature of human experiences, prompting listeners to contemplate what they might change if they knew it was their final opportunity. Released alongside a steady stream of monthly singles throughout 2025, this track continues the narrative from previous releases, highlighting his prolific creativity. Additionally, Hazard’s collaboration with Dan Beck’s Second Complex has yielded engaging new music, including the single “A Comfortable Soul” featuring Daniel Billqvist. This partnership underscores a…

Read More

Marc Massive of Massive Ego emphasizes the responsibility of artists to address societal issues through their platforms, as exemplified by their new single “Man Become Monster.” The song critiques the greed and corruption of powerful figures, aiming to unite voices against those in authority. The accompanying music video blends studio performance with news footage and animations of abusive leaders. Released on July 24, the single follows previous tracks and supports the band’s upcoming full-length album and festival performances. Given the power of music and art in shaping public discourse, how can artists balance their creative expression with the responsibility to…

Read More