Stoneburner – Invasive Species (Digital EP – COP International)
Last year, Steven Archer returned with his Stoneburner project and the rather surprising album “Post.Industrial.Occult”, in which he traded his Tribal influences for heavier, Industrial-driven guitars.
The title track, “Invasive Species”, is taken from that album and opens this release with a bang. Guitar and electronic elements are perfectly balanced, driven by harsh vocals and complemented by female chants. An Out Out remix of the track follows, after which we are treated to four additional new songs. On these tracks, Stoneburner explores a different direction, leaning into a more Cinematic approach—except for the final piece, which returns to a more forceful Industrial sound. At times, these Cinematic compositions also venture into Experimental territory, with Archer crafting what feels like sonic collages that occasionally descend into controlled chaos.
In conclusion, this release offers a strong and well-chosen title track, complemented by a handful of songs in which Stoneburner allows himself the freedom to experiment and explore new creative paths which aren’t my favorites. (Rating:6½).
Listen to “Invasive Species”:
About Stoneburner
Stoneburner is the project of American musician Steven Archer, also known as one half of the darkwave duo Ego Likeness. Archer began Stoneburner as an outlet for tribal, ritual and industrial electronics. The 2025 album “Post.Industrial.Occult” moved the project toward heavier industrial guitars.
Released through COP International, the “Invasive Species” EP opens with that album’s title track, adds an Out Out remix and four new songs that lean toward cinematic and experimental territory. It was previewed by the track “Invasive Species”.
Support Side-Line
More people read Side-Line than ever, and there is still no paywall and no advertising. Readers pay for it instead - from $5 a month.
Why we ask
Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations we have not put up a paywall, and we refuse to add annoying advertising, so we need to ask for your help. Side-Line’s independent journalism takes time, money and hard work to produce, and we do it to push the artists we like, who are equally fighting to survive.
Handled by PayPal.
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.
