Ground Nero – Blood Never Sleeps (Digital/CD Album – Danse Macabre Records)
Belgian band Ground Nero is back with their first new album in 5 years -or is it four? “Blood Never Sleeps” was released digitally nearly a year ago, and now it’s finally getting a physical release through Danse Macabre. The main change is for sure that the band welcomed British Mark Sayle as new vocalist. Despite the lineup change, the band’s signature sound remains intact, rooted in the dark and moody influences of iconic ’80s bands like Bauhaus and The Sisters of Mercy. Ground Nero’s music blends pure Dark-Wave with an added touch of Rock, with several tracks driven by soaring guitar riffs and accented by synth lines that provide an extra burst, particularly in the choruses. This new release, already teased by several singles, includes standout tracks that are sure to expand the band’s fanbase. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “The Risen”:
About Ground Nero
Ground Nero is a Belgian band that mixes Goth-Rock, 80s Post-Punk and Cold-Wave influences into a dark, guitar-and-synth driven sound. The band debuted with the EP “Beyond” in 2016 and released the album “Divergence” through Danse Macabre Records in 2019.
“Blood Never Sleeps” first appeared digitally in 2023, and the CD edition followed through Danse Macabre Records in 2024, marking the band’s return to physical formats five years after “Divergence”. The current lineup consists of Mark Sayle (vocals), Peter Philtjens (bass) and Peter Smeets (guitars and synths), with Sayle joining as vocalist for this album. Earlier members include Danny Quentin and Guido Wampers.
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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.

