Stoneburner – Technology Implies Belligerence (CD Album – Negative Gain Productions)
Genre/Influences: Industrial-trance, dark-electro.
Background/Info: This is Stoneburner’s (aka Steven Archer from Ego Likeness) sixth full length album (the second one released by Negative Gain). The work got preceded by a few EP’s.
Content: This is probably the most versatile work from Stoneburner, but without losing its original magic made of heavy, industrial-trance rhythms, bombastic sound arrangements and dark-electronic sequences. The compositions are dark, sometimes joined by mystic chants and Eastern-like sound atmospheres. I also discovered songs, which are more orientated into ‘dance/techno’ –even reminding me of Praga Khan and Leftfield, but always mixed with the industrial basis of Stoneburner. The vocal parts are harsh and sometimes even a bit enraged.
+ + + : Stoneburner no longer has something to prove. Steven Archer is a genius when it comes to create industrial-trance/tribal structures and there’re less similar bands. Just pay attention to “Dry Gun” (previously released as EP) to seize the magic of the artist. The Eastern sound atmosphere injects an extra load of mystery. This album is an overwhelming production and Stoneburner has never deceived me. Each album again sounds as pure lust!
– – – : I noticed a few tracks, which doesn’t sound to me like ‘classical’ Stoneburner-music, but on the other hand, it also reveals an artist who doesn’t want to repeat himself.
Conclusion: Stoneburner remains a great sound experience in a music genre less artists are dealing with.
Best songs: “Dry Gun”, “The Structure Itself Is In Pain”, “Apocalypse Ennui”, “Minor Monsters”, “World Of Mirrors”.
Rate: (8½).
Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial
Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984
About Stoneburner
Stoneburner is the primarily solo project of Steven Archer, also known for Ego Likeness. Archer launched Stoneburner in 2012 around the question of what music inspired by Frank Herbert’s “Dune” might sound like, releasing the debut album “Songs In The Key Of Arrakis” in 2014. The project moved toward heavier, guitar-driven industrial material in later years, documented on “The Great Filter” EP (2023, COP International) and the book-and-CD release “Red In Tooth And Claw” (2024). The latest album, “Post.Industrial.Occult” (2025, COP International), prompted a Side-Line interview in which Archer discussed the project’s move away from its tribal roots. “The Structure Itself Is In Pain”, reviewed separately on Side-Line as a teaser EP for this album, preceded it by a day.
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