Daniel Szwed – Splinter (Digital/CD Album – Rope Worm)
After his debut album released last year, Polish artist Daniel Szwed (also known for his work with BNNT) returns with a follow-up consisting of six tracks featuring four guest vocalists.
It’s an intriguing production that reveals a cross-pollination of diverse influences. A pervasive Industrial and Experimental edge runs throughout, and through Szwed’s meticulous percussion work and finely crafted atmospheres, the music often takes on a Ritual sensation. The mood is icy and tormented. Each of the guest singers leaves a distinctive imprint on the album, yet every voice fits seamlessly into Szwed’s compositions. From ghostly incantations to a charismatic female voice that takes on the role of a priestess in an obscure rite, the vocals elevate the entire experience.
For me, this album opens a new Industrial dimension, and all six tracks are an absolute feast for the ears. (Rating:8½).
Listen to “S6 with Mala Herba”:
About Daniel Szwed
Daniel Szwed is a Polish artist known for his work in the experimental group BNNT. His solo music moves through industrial, experimental, and ritual territory, built around percussion and cold, dense atmospheres.
Following his 2024 debut, Szwed released “Splinter” on September 24, 2025 through the Rope Worm label, a six-track set with four guest vocalists, including Mala Herba on the single “S6 with Mala Herba”. He returned in 2026 with “Standard Cap” on the same label.
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
