Metropolis Records has just released “The Ghosts I Called”, a brand new collection of 15 tracks recorded by yelworC over a ten year period. It follows a set of four recent vinyl reissues on GH Records that revisits the group’s earliest years: “Dis-Cover and Con-Trol”, “Brainstorming”, “Flash, Wards, and Incubation”, and “A.I.W.A.S.S.”.

You can check the material out right below.

About yelworC

Peter Devin and Oliver Büttner (also known as Dominik van Reich) founded the electro-industrial band yelworC in 1987. The band’s name is a reference to Aleister Crowley, and their music delves into themes of dark magic, religious ceremonies, mortality, and aggression.

Between 1988 and 1990, the duo produced several demo tapes before Celtic Circle Productions (C.C.P.), a now-defunct label, signed them. In December 1992, they released their debut CD album “Brainstorming”. Following this, they introduced the “Blood in Face” EP, featuring remixes and new content from “Brainstorming”.

Their sound blends dark synthesizers, aggressive dance beats, distorted vocals, and horror film samples, resembling Skinny Puppy’s style. This fusion has influenced many in the electro-industrial and gothic music scenes.

In 1994, yelworC unexpectedly disbanded. Van Reich formed amGod, an experimental project, and released “Half Rotten and Decayed” with C.C.P. Meanwhile, Devin retained the rights to the yelworC name.

2004 saw Devin’s return with yelworC’s studio album “Trinity”, their first in over a decade. This album, featuring late 1990s compositions, explores Dante’s Inferno with a guest spot by Dennis Ostermann of In Strict Confidence on “Vexilla Regis Inferni”.

The 2007 album “Icolation” followed, extending the “Trinity” concept with themes from Dante’s Purgatorio.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Taken from Kill Shelter’s sophomore album “Asylum” is the brand new single “The Necklace” (featuring Agent Side Grinder).

Pete Burns, Kill Shelter, explains: “The new single with Agent Side Grinder is very reflective of the overall tone of the forthcoming album. All the tracks delve into different interpretations of the word asylum and highlight challenging themes such as human trafficking, domestic abuse, seeking refuge, disillusionment, bedlam and redemption. It definitely has a dark energy.”

Johan Lange, Agent Side Grinder, from his side says: “The Necklace is a metaphorical vehicle for building personal resilience when dealing with violence and abuse on a daily basis. We had a shared vision for both the song and the video and it is a collaboration in the truest sense of the word.“

“Asylum” celebrates over 40 years of alternative and underground music and includes collaborations with Ronny Moorings (Clan of Xymox), Agent Side Grinder, Ash Code, Stefan Netschio (Beborn Beton), William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate / Faith and the Muse), Valentina Veil (VV & the Void) and Antipole.

“Asylum” is available now in pre-order in 2 versions: via Metropolis Records in North and South America, and Manic Depression Records in Europe and the rest of the world , both on vinyl and CD and download, and will be officially released on July 15th.

Here’s a video for “The Necklace” featuring Agent Side Grinder.

About Kill Shelter

Kill Shelter is UK based alternative artist and producer Pete Burns. His work blends elements of darkwave and contemporary electronica with heavily processed guitars.

He debuted with “Damage” and collaborated on Antipole “A Haunted Place”. His remix portfolio includes cult names such as Christian Death, The Wake and Aleister Crowley as well as She Past Away, Agent Side Grinder and many more. He is currently working at The Shelter on two full length albums and a series of new collaborations.

About Agent Side Grinder

Agent Side Grinder is a Swedish electronic band formed in 2005. The band consists of Johan Lange, Peter Fristedt and Emanuel Åström and their music has been described as a mix of post-punk, industrial and dark electro. They have released five albums to date.

They are currently in the studio recording material for a new full length release.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Out via House of Mythology is the all new Current 93 album “If a City is set upon a Hill”. The album is being released on March 11th on 3 different formats, a CD and 2 vinyl versions (crystal clear and curaçao transparent). Note that the Cd and vinyl versions are very expensive, thanks to the Brexit that is.

David Tibet says the following about “If a City is set upon a Hill”):

“If A City Is Set Upon A Hill was given to me by YHWH G+D through my endless readings within the Akkadian Omen series šumma ālu ina mēlê šakin (“If A City Is Set Upon A Height”), my endless obsession with the story of Cain Killing Abel (Genesis IV: 8), and my endless rewatching of the same ten supernatural films. wayyōˀmer qayin ˀel heḇel ˀāḥîw wayhî bihyôṯām baśśāḏeh wayyāqām qayin ˀel heḇel ˀāḥîw wayyaharḡēhû I and the Perfect C93 FamilyOrgasm have been leaping higher than hares to bring you this Obsessive, Incomprehensible, DreamText. It must make NoSense AtAll! Beyond that, I have nothing to say except: There Is No Zodiac. And Hey AnyWay, Kids, We’re All Dust.”

We are still looking for a translation…

Here’s a track from the album.

About Current 93

Current 93 are an English experimental music group, working since the early 1980s in folk-based musical forms. The band was founded in 1982 by David Tibet, who has been Current 93’s only constant member, although Steven Stapleton (of Nurse with Wound) has appeared on nearly every Current 93 release. Michael Cashmore has also been a constant contributor since “Thunder Perfect Mind”. Douglas P. of Death in June has played on well over a dozen Current 93 releases, and Steve Ignorant of Crass (using the name Stephen Intelligent), Boyd Rice, runologist Freya Aswynn, Nick Cave, Björk, Andrew W.K., Anohni, Baby Dee, Will Oldham, Ben Chasny, Rose McDowall, have also lent their talents over the years.

Current 93 have released over twenty albums and many singles as well. Much of Current 93’s early work was similar to late 1970s and early 1980s industrial music: abrasive tape loops, droning synthesizer noises and Tibet’s distorted, excoriating vocals.

The earlier recordings reflect his preoccupation with death, Christ, mysticism, Aleister Crowley (Tibet borrowed the term “93 Current” from Crowley – the 93 Current being the current of Thelema or Agape), Tibetan Buddhism, Gnosticism, runes, swastikas, Noddy, The Wicker Man, and a variety of other ridiculous occult notions. The later to present-day period of Current 93’s recordings increasingly reflect Tibet’s interest in Christian mysticism and apocalypse.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Out now via Batrachian Recordings and distributed exclusively via Cold Spring in the EU are the remastered wax cylinder recordings from Aleister Crowley recorded in the period between 1910 and 1914. The remastered recordings are now being released on the MCD “All Words Are Sacred”. This a reissue of some of the only known recordings from the infamous occultist, mystic, magician, poet, novelist, sexual deviant, and all-around misfit.

The tracks include Crowley’s recitation of the first two “Enochian Keys”, original poetry, incantations, and songs. It also holds intonations of black magic rituals as well as ruminations on topics from the sinking of The Titanic to American independence.

The original wax cylinder recordings were later transferred to 78 RPM discs and the material has now been newly remastered and comes presented in a 6-panel ecopak with specially-created artwork.

Check out the release below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Cleopatra Records has gathered a group of electronic, rock and industrial artists to remix some of the only surviving recordings legendary occultist Aleister Crowley made. The historic wax recordings date back from 1910-1914 and are all featured on the brand new release “Black Magic”. Artists included in this project are Jozef van Wissem, Hawkestrel, Ritualz, Umberto, ∆AIMON, Neoslave, Ainoma, VV & The Void, Witch Of The Vale and Kill Shelter.

The album also features an all-new denoised and remastered collection of the original wax recordings.

For a sneak preview of what’s in store, check out this new video for Neoslave remix “Rise Above You”.

In further news, a full-length biopic on Aleister Crowley, directed by The Cordero Brothers, is in the making. The screenplay is based on the Boleskine House where Crowley used to practice his ‘black magic’ rituals. The house, which was later purchased by Jimmy Page.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Swiss band MXD is active since the late 90s. They’re dealing with pure crossover sound mixing influences like industrial-, rock-, metal- and electronic music. They last year released their seventh full length album “Endurance” on Tenacity Music. “Endurance” is maybe their best album to date. The constant power resulting from a perfect mix between electronics and guitar is absolutely great, but also reveals a meticulous production process. I still can’t understand why this band didn’t get more recognition. “Endurance” will maybe catch the attention of a wider audience, appealing for fans of KMFDM, Cubanate, The Young Gods and even Public Enemy. I’d a chat with Drop (guitarist) and Duja (singer).

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: MXD has been set up in the late 90s and has now released its seventh full length album! How did you see the band evolving regarding items such as sound, influences, composition and live performances?

Drop: MXD started as a 3-pieces instrumental band, 2 machinists and 1 guitarist. They’ve then hired Duja on the vocals for the “Sophomore”-album. Regarding live performances, the major change during these years has been the amount of gear reduced into one Mac Book, hehe. On the early years, Solex and Alex carried a lot of synths and outboards with them, probably more impressive for the audience, but very risky as there were any bugs on this huge chain. Influence wise, the sound became a bit more metal-like than in the past since I’ve joined the band in 2004, hahaha.

Q: Tell us a bit more about the song writing and – production? How does it happen and what’s the input of each band member? Is there a kind of MXD-spirit?

Drop: Solex takes care of creating the skeleton of every song. Usually we jam on it during rehearsal and some riffs and vocals begin to appear. It’s important that the organic part is written on a basic live setup because MXD’s songs are made to move the masses.

Q: MXD is not exactly a band releasing new albums at regular basis; it even took you five years to release the newest opus “Endurance”. How comes and when did you started to work on “Endurance”?

Drop: Solex is always writing new tunes, but as we don’t live really close to each other, it’s hard to find writing times that fit the schedule of every member… After 4 years without any new releases, Solex and Duja decided to gather in Solex’s studio to write and record the album. I must say that “Endurance” is definitely the result of their hard work. Afterwards, Steph and myself laid down some riffs on top of that.

Q: What have been the main ideas, influences and eventually concept plus challenges for “Endurance”? Did you’d specific ideas in mind when starting the composition of the album and tell us a bit more about the cover/artwork?

Duja: Basically, the main idea was to imagine how could be the vision of a spiritual guy like Aleister Crowley about our modern times. This album tries to develop the concept of eternity, resilience, pain, love, disease and death when the idea of end becomes concrete. After that, the lyrics written with Victoria Suppan are surprisingly driven by poetic metaphors, including biological elements, organic soul, breath of nature, positive magical thoughts, being alive and cynical humor.

The title of the album, “Endurance, is also a way to say the MXD adventure is not dead yet. Nowhere forever, guys! Despite the lack of commercial success or any parameters built by the music business. The artwork is a collaboration on Victoria Suppan and Solex.

Q: I think “Endurance” is probably your best work to date. It features a great balance between guitar and electronics, but you also experimented with other influences such as trance, rock and even rap. How do you see this album in the MXD discography?

Drop: MXD has always been a melting pot of every possible influence. Solex always experiment a lot of styles, a lot of sounds. I see this album like a compilation of what’s MXD is all about. All the influences into one album, without any barriers

Q: The album ends with a surprising, hidden cover version of Alain Bashung’s “La Nuit Je Mens”, which has been now released as digital single. What means this cover version to you and what did you try to accentuate in your edit?

Duja: To me, it is just one of the most marvelous French pop-rock songs ever… The lyrics are pure poetry, music is beautiful and Bashung has to be considered as the French Bowie, a fabulous avant-garde artist to discover, even if you speak French like a British frog!

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Experimental, industrial.

Background/Info: The “Transparent”-album is more than simply history. It brings artists and friends with a common passion together. This album was originally released in 1984 as a cassette on Nekrophile Rekords. Later on it has been re-released on CD- and vinyl format, but Cold Spring Records bring it back to life with some extra goodies.

But let’s get back to Zos Kia which was originally set up by John Gosling, Min Kent and John Balance while assisted live with mixing by Peter Christopherson (Throbbing Gristle). Balance and Christopherson were of course partners in crime and world-wide recognized as Coil. Zos Kia and Coil did some concerts together playing the tracks originally featured on “Transparent”. This album also features 2 extra cuts by Ake, which was a band featuring John Gosling, Min Kent and 2 extra members. Ake was active before Zos Kia.

Content: “Transparent” sounds like the good-old industrial and experimental music from the early 80s. It has something apart and definitely unique compared to the later and contemporary industrial music. It was all about originality and noise creation, sterile and/or shouting vocals and rather provocative. Some tracks reflected controversial persons such as Aleister Crowley and Charles Manson.

It all sounded like industrial music with an attitude. The work of Zos Kia was raw and without any possible compromise. It sounds a bit anarchistic and filled with Min’s terror screams.

The work together with Coil moves even deeper into experimentalism and a kind of anti-music attitude. You’ll also (re)discover some demo-like electro loops and rhythm box parts created by John Balance.

Both Ake tracks sound like pure improvisation featuring noises and effects. It’s moiré chaotic, but in the truly spirit of early industrial music.

+ + + : Cold Spring Records is used to re-release old industrial- and experimental releases. It always is a kind of documentary and a way to remind people of where this music comes from. We get back to the sources and this album is a real must have. The booklet also includes an interview with John Balance about the album and multiple pictures from that period plus the concert dates. This album is pure nostalgia, but also a look back to the most creative period in history of so-called industrial music. This is about authenticity, engagement and passion.

– – – : Industrial- and experimental music both have always been extreme and back in time hard to understand for people listening to commercial- and/or pop music. More than 30 years later it remains a singular sonic experience, which only the true lovers will understand and cherish. This is ‘extreme’ music!

Conclusion: This is one of the re-issues by Cold Spring Records I totally support and enjoy. This work brings us back to the original soul of industrial music. It was one of the albums I ever expected to be re-released. I would be a happy man if Cold Spring or any other label could ever re-release (and for the first time on CD format) the “Shoulder To Shoulder”-album from Test Dept. and South Wales Striking Miners Choir.

Best songs: “Baptism Of Fire”, “Silence & Secrecy (Section)”, “Truth (Version)”, “On Balance”, “Rape”.

Rate: (7).

Label: www.coldspring.co.uk / www.facebook.com/coldspringhq

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com