The Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix releases the twelfth volume in its “Matrix+ Downloaded” series to coincide with the label’s 24th anniversary. The digital-only set collects 69 tracks across the label’s current spectrum – EBM, dark elektro/industrial, synth pop – and newer Spleen+ additions spanning post-punk, goth rock and coldwave. The compilation is offered as a free/pay-what-you-want download via the label’s Bandcamp page and also includes a PDF booklet.

On the cover you will recognize Erica Dunham from Unter Null.

Artists included on this free download compilation include: Studio-X (feat. Kyoko Baertsoen), Rector Scanner, Aesthetische, Cut.Rate.Box, Kant Kino, Frontal Boundary, C-Lekktor, Acylum, Diffuzion, Implant, Neikka RPM, First Aid 4 Souls (feat. Aux Animaux), Noemi Aurora, Suicidal Romance, Llumen, Hanging Freud, Lederman/De Meyer, The Ultimate Dreamers, Aiboforcen, Digital Factor, Armageddon Dildos, Helalyn Flowers, Krystal System, The True Union, Freakangel, Totem Obscura, Lovelorn Dolls (feat. Dero Goi), The Breath of Life, The Names, ImJudas, Synapsyche, Miseria Ultima, Unter Null, Alien Vampires (feat. Dani Divine), Venal Flesh, Helle9, To Avoid, Pouppée Fabrikk, Stahlgeist, Nigra Nebula, Aengeldust, Circuito Cerrado, Matthew Creed, Cubic, Metroland, The Psychic Force, Komor Kommando, First Aid Tech, Die Robo Sapiens, ELM, Plastic Noise Experience, AD:Key, Elektroklänge, 808 Dot Pop, Avarice in Audio, Elektrostaub (feat. Echo Image), Cryogenic Echelon, Entrzelle, Neuroactive, Technoir, Mondträume, Star Industry, Stray, Psy’Aviah (feat. Sorrow Stories), Zombie Girl, Darkness on Demand, Circumpolar, Dunkelwerk, and Lights A.M.

A&R manager, Sebastien Dolimont says: “In 2025, Alfa Matrix proudly celebrates 24 years of existence. Nearly a quarter of a century fighting for dark alternative music, discovering new talents, and keeping the underground alive. This anniversary is not just about us and our artists – it’s about you, our fans. Because without your constant support, there would be no label, no releases, no future for the scene we all love.”

And he add: “In a world where indie labels are disappearing, streaming revenues collapse, and risks of signing new talents are higher than ever, we are proud to still stand strong — but we can only do it with you by our side. By downloading this compilation, you are not just enjoying music — you are actively supporting 69 artists and helping keep our scene alive, fresh, and forward-looking. From all of us at Alfa Matrix and Spleen+, and on behalf of all our artists: thank you for 24 years of loyalty, passion, and support. Together, we’ll keep writing the future of the dark underground.”

About Alfa Matrix

Alfa Matrix is a Brussels-based independent label founded in 2001. The catalogue focuses on electronic subgenres including industrial, EBM, dark elektro, and synth pop, later expanding into post-punk/coldwave via the Spleen+ division. The label’s team includes label & artists manager Seba Dolimont, promo manager Bernard Van Isacker, and head of design Benoît Blanchart.

From the early 2000s, Alfa Matrix used series-based releases to build international reach. Notable strands include “Sounds From The Matrix” (label samplers), “Re:Connected” (digital label overview), and the club-oriented “Endzeit Bunkertracks” multi-CD anthologies (first “Act” released 21 March 2005, featuring 60 tracks with 50 exclusives).

In 2023, Alfa Matrix inaugurated Spleen+, a division centred on post-punk and adjacent styles, and followed with multi-artist projects and catalogue building, including the “Resurgence” 7-CD box that assembled 133 contemporary bands from the post-punk family.

The label has since the very start focused on a direct contact with its fans and customers via their online webstore and Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

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Australian dark electro duo Avarice In Audio, composed of Gerry Hawkins and Lawrie B (Strudio-X), have made a striking return with their latest album, “Tear Heaven In Half”. This ambitious release traverses a spectrum of genres showcasing the band’s commitment to musical exploration. In this interview, Gerry Hawkins delves into the organic evolution of the album, the creative process behind blending diverse styles, and the collaborative efforts that enriched their sound.

The album is available from Bandcamp.

S-L: Your latest album, “Tear Heaven In Half”, is described as your boldest and most unpredictable work yet. What drove you to take this daring approach, and how does it differ from your previous releases like “Our Idols Are Filth”? 

G. It was a very organic process honestly. We never “stop” writing music, and we tend to experiment a lot. Not every song does get released. We do try to make releases cohesive, but this time it was much harder. Instead it ended up being two halves, with the first half being heavier and the second being softer/more futurepop inspired.

S-L: With 17 tracks spanning genres from Drum N’ Bass to techno and hard rock, “Tear Heaven In Half” feels like a journey through multiple musical worlds. Can you tell us about your creative process and how you managed to blend such diverse styles into a cohesive album? 

G. We just write what we feel like what doing at the time. Since the behind the scenes stuff can be time consuming, we ended up adding a few more songs than expected. As a sort of “sorry for the wait”. But since buying music these days is getting phased out in favour of streaming, I wanted to give people some bang for their buck.

S-L: The album features intriguing titles like “Coffin On The Dancefloor” and “Wicked Die Alone.” Could you share the stories or ideas behind some of these standout tracks? How did they come to life in the studio? 

G. “Coffins…” easy. Many years ago Nine Inch Nails did an April Fools announcement for a joke album called Strobe Light, and it was filled with absurd titles. Other bands started taking these titles and making “covers” of these non existent songs. Standouts include Angelspit’s “On The List” or The Gothsicles “Black T-Shirt”. I wanted to make my own mark on it as well, albeit 10 years too late. (laugh)

S-L: Collaborations seem to play a significant role on this album, with artists like STATIC LOGIC, VIRTUAL TERRORIST, and STUDIO-X. What inspired you to work with these artists, and how did these collaborations impact the overall sound of the album? 

G. Collaborations have always been beneficial to Avarice In Audio, in both exposure and a different perspective from our own. Working with Static Logic in particular was an enlightening experience since he has such a different process than ours. We’ve done many collaborations now, some have turned out great and some just “alright” but we appreciate everyone who dedicated their time to working with us.

S-L: Many of your tracks feature dark, aggressive, and often chaotic themes. What draws you to these darker soundscapes, and is there a particular message or feeling you aim to communicate through them? 

G. The sounds are just what we like using. A lot of the sonic textures in the singles come from Static Logic while we ourselves tend to keep it simple. I wanted “Tear Heaven…” to be constantly in your face from start to finish, but thankfully Lawrie knows better than me.

S-L: After a period of silence following “Our Idols Are Filth”, you’ve returned with a high-energy release that defies expectations. How did that time away influence this new album, and did it change your perspective on music or creativity? 

G. We are always writing new tunes. As soon as one album is finished we keep on writing, and see what takes shape for the next release. For example, we have five songs finished for the next album now, and “Tear Heaven In Half” has been released for a few months. We also have a plethora of demos and concepts laying around, so it’s just a matter of what ends up taking shape. So while we aren’t always releasing, we are always writing.

S-L: Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects or new directions you’re excited to explore after this album then? 

G. Album seven is already coming together in title and concept. We are thinking of a shorter album this time around so there won’t be so long between releases. We have used guitars in the past a lot, since Lawrie loves doing guitar solos. But the current material has a sort of shock rock vibe to it, like “Who The Monsters Are” off “Tear Heaven…”. We hope to show more off soon when we can.

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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Australian duo Avarice In Audio returns with their sixth studio album, “Tear Heaven In half”, continuing their tradition of releasing a new record every two years. Comprising 17 tracks, the album presents a dynamic and genre-defying soundscape. Avarice In Audio featuring Gerry Hawkins and Lawrie Bayldon, blend a variety of influences, making their music both intriguing and hard to categorize. At its core, the album leans heavily on Dark-Electro elements, complemented by an Industrial-Pop edge. There are moments of Electro-Punk energy interspersed with contemporary, ‘hip’ influences reminiscent of acts like The Chemical Brothers. The driving force of the album lies in its aggressive, harsh vocals, supported by ethereal female backing vocals that add depth and texture. Several tracks feature collaborations with notable artists, including Static Logic, Virtual Terrorist, and Studio-X, the latter being another of Gerry Hawkins’ well-known projects. With its blend of raw energy and stylistic versatility, “Tear Heaven In Half” solidifies Avarice In Audio’s place as an innovative force in the alternative Electronic scene. (Rating:8).

Listen to “I Want All The Smoke”:

https://alfamatrix.bandcamp.com/track/i-want-all-the-smoke

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.

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Here’s a release that should be in your collection. Following up to their 2022 release “Our Idols Are Filth”, the Australian melodic dark electro act Avarice In Audio (Gerry and Lawrie) disappeared from the radar to immediately start work on the new album “Tear Heaven In Half” out on Alfa Matrix.

The album is out as a download release via the Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page and soon on all other platforms.

The album comes packed with 17 tracks blending several genres into their dark electro approach. To give you an idea, there is the Drum N’ Bass infested “Wicked Die Alone”, the more techno beat driven “You Are The Carbon”, and the hard-rock infested “Who The Monsters Are”.

In a reaction the band says: “This album refuses to be pinned down to just one genre. It’s raw, dark, and aggressive when it wants to be, yet somehow finds space to be punchy, addictive, and ridiculously catchy.”

As an extra the album features several collaborations, including Alaskan IDM act Static Logic, Canadian cyberpunk artist Virtual Terrorist, and Lawrie’s own solo project Studio-X.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Out now via Alfa Matrix – and exclusively first via Bandcamp – is “Drowning one”, the brand new EP from Australia’s techno electro act Avarice In Audio. “Drowning one” is a new single from their forthcoming new album “Tear Heaven In Half” and is the follow-up EP/single to “Wicked Die Alone”.

In addition to the original track, four remixes have been added. Angel Of Violence remixes the track into a more cinematic sounding track, while Viscera Drip bring a classic terror EBM flavour to the song.Other remixes are delivered by Sinthetik Messiah and Dirty K who both experiment with more breakbeat style tracks.

Here is the previous single/EP “Wicked Die Alone” which was released in February.

About Avarice In Audio

Avarice In Audio is an Australian-based dark electro and futurepop band formed in 2013. The band was initially founded by Gerry Hawkins (known for his work with Cryogenic Echelon), Jade Pegg (also known as Acidtrixx), and Lawrie Bayldon (Studio-X). Their music blends modern dark electronic elements with melancholic lyrics, often characterized by pulsating basslines and aggressive beats.

Avarice In Audio quickly gained attention in the dark electronic scene with their debut EP, “Frostbite” (2014), followed by several full-length albums, including:

• Shine & Burn (2014)
• Apollo & Dionysus (2017)
• From the Rib of Adam (2020)
• Our Idols Are Filth (2021)

Their music often explores themes of societal decay, introspection, and human emotion, with a powerful, industrial-inspired sound. Avarice In Audio is signed to the prominent Belgian label Alfa Matrix, which has been instrumental in promoting their work internationally.

Avarice In Audio’s music continues to evolve, as demonstrated by their latest singles and EPs like “War Tanz” (2023) and “Drowning One” (2024).

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

The Australian duo Avarice in Audio has ended their period of silence by releasing a new dark electro-industrial single titled “Wicked Die Alone”. The new single is out now via Bandcamp with other platforms to follow.

The track was produced by their old friend Static Logic, with further tweaking and mixing by Lawrie. You can expect Gerry’s sardonic crooning accompanying breakbeat rhythms reminiscent of The Prodigy’s darker, industrial edge.

The single is complemented by a diverse collection of remixes, including a metal remix by Against I, a downtempo IDM version by Xsry, a remix by Angel of Violence, and a drum n’ bass remix by Solid State. This release serves as an introduction to their upcoming album, “Tear Heaven in Half”, set for release in 2024 via Alfa Matrix.

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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Alfa Matrix, the renowned Belgian label, commemorates its 22nd anniversary with yet another mastodont compilation on Bandcamp. The latest installment in the acclaimed “Matrix Downloaded” series, titled “Matrix+ Downloaded 011”, is now available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Packed with 60 tracks, including new signings and a preview of the upcoming Spleen+ label releases, this compilation showcases Alfa Matrix’s diverse music repertoire.

“Matrix+ Downloaded 011” soared to the top of the industrial Bandcamp charts within hours of its release, claiming the coveted number 1 position.

The collection holds 60 tracks in total including several new signings. These are the bands present on this brand new free download compilation: Hanging Freud, The Ultimate Dreamers, The Breath Of Life, Psy’Aviah Feat. Sorrow Stories, ImJudas, Star Industry, Halo In Reverse, Lovelorn Dolls, The True Union, Freakangel, Avarice In Audio, Siva Six, Alien Vampires, Synapsyche, Helalyn Flowers, Neuroactive, Elektrostaub Feat. Stefan Netschio, Technoir, Entrzelle, Llumen, Noemi Aurora, Aiboforcen Feat. Jan D., Reichsfeind, Mondträume Feat. N-Frequency, The Psychic Force, Digital Factor, Implant, Darkness On Demand, Aesthetische, Komor Kommando Vs. The True Union, Matthew Creed, C-Lekktor, First Aid Tech, Pouppee Fabrikk, ELM, Die Robo Sapiens, Plastic Noise Experience, Armageddon Dildos, Stahlgeist, AD:keY, Kant Kino, Suicidal Romance, Miseria Ultima, First Aid 4 Souls, Neikka RPM, Circumpolar, Venal Flesh, Helle9, Diffuzion, Acylum, Circuito Cerrado, Aengeldust, Studio-X, 808 Dot Pop, Cubic, Metroland, Rector Scanner, Elektroklänge, Cosmic Armchair, Lights A.M.

You can download “Matrix+ Downloaded 011” for free via Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Nine years after the release of their first tribute to The Cure, titled “A Strange Play – Tribute to The Cure“, Alfa Matrix and Spleen+ have joined forces to create a follow-up tribute album. The second volume in the series, “A Strange Play (Vol. 2) – Tribute to The Cure“, features 27 tracks, including electro, synth pop, EBM acts from Alfa Matrix and cold wave, post-punk, and gothic rock bands from their Spleen+ division and is out now via Bandcamp, the label’s webstore and all other platforms.

The album includes reinterpretations of classic hits and lesser-known B-sides, shedding new light on the original tracks or giving them an entirely different sonic perspective. The tribute album itself this time is a collaborative effort between both established and emerging artists from the Alfa Matrix and Spleen+ rosters.

Compiled by and for The Cure fans, this new tribute adventure brings together a growing roster of Spleen+ artists, including Noemi Aurora, Star Industry, Imjudas, The Ultimate Dreamers, The Breath of Life, and Lovelorn Dolls. Additionally, the album features synth and electro cult acts, as well as upcoming Alfa Matrix artists, such as Neuroactive, Armageddon Dildos, Implant, Darkness on Demand (formerly Dance or Die), Helle9 (an Alien Vampires side-project), Metroland, Aesthetische featuring Zombie Girl, Aiboforcen, Technoir, Kant Kino, Digital Factor, Regenerator, Lights A.M (an Essence of Mind solo project), Neikka RPM, First Aid 4 Souls, Diffuzion, Avarice in Audio, Elektroklänge, Circumpolar, and Cosmic Armchair.

In conjunction with the release of “A Strange Play (Vol. 2),” goth-metal/darkwave act Lovelorn Dolls has released a single and accompanying video clip for their cover of “Lullaby.” The music video, created entirely using artificial intelligence, tells the story of a girl pursued by a mysterious, threatening, yet alluring man. The video’s creator, Kristell, was inspired by her own childhood experience of being both fascinated and frightened by The Cure’s original “Lullaby” music video.

Here’s the track list for the new volume which is available now on 2CD via the Alfa Matrix webstore and as download via the Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page and the Spleen+ Bandcamp page.

Here’s the first volume.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

The Australian dark electro pair Avarice In Audio, comprised of Gerry Hawkins and Lawrie, returns with an enticing new 4-track EP titled “War Tanz”. “War Tanz” is quite a powerful track and one of my personal favorites on the band’s last album “Our Idols Are Filth”.

“War Tanz” serves as the second single from their recently launched 5th album, “Our Idols Are Filth”. Alongside the title track, the EP features three additional tracks, including a remix by Avarice In Audio’s own Studio-X, a rendition by Columbia’s Alien:Nation, and an exclusive bonus track called “Downer Grooves”.

The single is now available for download on Bandcamp.

Here’s the video for “War Tanz”.

Formed in early 2013 the project has since released a string of albums and EPs.

Albums:

• Shine & Burn – 2014
• Apollo & Dionysus – 2016
• No Punishment: No Paradise – 2018
• From The Rib Of Adam – 2020
• Our Idols Are Filth – 2022

Singles & EPs:

• Frostbite – 2014
• World Without Song – 2015
• Bleed As One – 2015
• The Cassandra Complex – 2015
• Anthracite Nights – 2016
• Crystal Tears – 2016
• Lie To Me – 2017
• Wolves At The Door – 2018
• Our Cold Hands – 2018
• Trojan Horse – 2020
• I Pray (Feat. Assemblage 23) – 2021
• The Language Of Violence – 2022
• War Tanz – 2023

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Album number five for the Australian formation Avarice In Audio. The band is again reduced to a duo driven by core members Gerry Hawkins and Lawrie Bayldon.

Content: “Our Idols Are Filth” sounds like an enraged Dark-Electronic production driven by Aggrotech leads. The work is powerful and yet accomplished with a catchy touch on top. There’s a song featuring iVardfensphere and another one featuring T_Error Machinez.

+ + + : The best way to define this album is ‘melodic violence’! I’m impressed by the way Avarice In Audio are striking back, definitely unleashing their most accomplished work to date. The songs are well-crafted and all made to make you dance. The darker “War Tanz” is a great piece of music but I also have to mention the instrumental and somewhat mystic like “The Never Never” featuring iVardensphere. “Hate Your Blood” is another impressive, dark and aggressive cut.

– – – : The single aspect that could be improved is the production of the vocals on a few songs.

Conclusion: A great piece of ‘modern’ Dark-Electronic music.

Best songs: “War Tanz”, “The Never Never”, “Hate Your Blood”, “The Sky Is Falling”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

Reduced to its core duo after the release of “From The Rib Of Adam”, Gerry and Lawrie have worked on new material for the past 2 years. You may expect a mix of strong basslines, hard percussion and garage band guitars mixed with catchy synth work on the new album which will be out via Alfa Matrix next month, October.

The new album features collaborations with Ivardensphere and Italian industrial EBM project T-Error Machinez. You can pre-order the new album on CD via the Alfa Matrix webstore and as a download album via Bandcamp.

A first video is already available for “The Language Of Violence”, which is also the title of the first single preceding this upcoming full length.

And here is the album available via Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Two weeks ago we announced that the Finnish dark electro duo had signed a record deal with the Belgian label Alfa Matrix. Out now is the band’s label debut, namely the 10-track EP “Witch Heart Apparition”. The EP is a teaser for the release of their forthcoming 3rd studio album “In Colors of Void”.

On the new EP Aleksi Martikainen (vocals) and Kimmo Huhtala (synths) offer 2 brand new songs presenting their trademark sound merging cold melancholic atmospheres and poignant sorrowful melodies with harsh aggressive distorted vocals and powerful dark elektro assaults. In addition to the release of a video clip of the title song, which you can view below, their track “Caressing The Pale” was reworked by 8 diverse electro/industrial bands each offering a totally different reinterpretation of the song. In the rework seats we find Acylum, Siva Six, Ad:Key, Neikka RPM, Venal Flesh, Avarice In Audio, Ocean Black and Teknovore.

Here is the full EP available for download on Bandcamp with other platforms to follow soon. We have been following this band for quite some time, good to see they are back with a very strong EP!

Here is the official video for the title track “Witch Heart Apparition”.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Now a duo since the release of “From The Rib Of Adam”, Gerard Hawkins and Lawrie Masson return with a brand new Avarice In Audio EP. The duo concentrated on their sound for the past two years and this is the first new offering in the form of the 4-track EP “The Language Of Violence”.

This is also the lead single from the forthcoming 5th Avarice In Audio album, “Our Idols Are Filth”. What you get is a very sharp production with female vocals.

The title track comes in 3 versions, the regular edit, a mix by the aggrotech act Viscera Drip and one by Lawrie’s own project Studio-X. The 4th track is an exclusive bonus track called “Into The Bowels” and is musical box match between Avarice In Audio and Studio-X.

Exclusively available first via Bandcamp, later on all other platforms.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Freakangel is back with an all new video , “The Last White Dance”, and a download EP with the same name which is available now on Bandcamp. The EP includes bonus exclusive remixes by Dawn Of Ashes, Alien Vampires, Acylum, Avarice In Audio, Freaky Mind and a special bonus in the form of an original demo track from 2009.

“The Last White Dance” is taken from the X Anniversary version of their debut album “The Faults Of Humanity” and, in co-operation with an Estonian film director and adult photographer that goes under the name of Basket Buns, it was turned into a NSWF (Not Are For Work) video. The music video is based on the grindhouse/cyberpunk series “Reval City” directed by Basket Buns which you can watch at www.revaluniverse.com.

The video for “The Last White Dance” includes additional content that was cut from the final version of the movie, so expect kinky footage. It is age restricted and can be accessed here.

Here’s the full EP available exclusively on Bandcamp with other platforms to follow in the next weeks.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Hard-Techno, Industrial-Techno-Body.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Lawrie B aka Studio-X already strikes back with a new EP. The work features six cuts.

Content: “Here To Stay” looks more like a mini-album featuring 5 new songs plus 1 remix. The title song taking off is driven by great samplings saying ‘Industrial music is here to stay’. I’m not sure Studio-X is totally devoted to Industrial music, but we all know Industrial music for Europeans isn’t the same as for American and Australians as well. But we all understand what Lawrie B is trying to say by this sampling while his music is a hard-banging mix of Hard-Techno and Industrial plus some EBM. The song is quite representative for the rest of the work. You’ll discover one song featuring Avarice In Audio and another featuring female singer Bridgette who already contributed to the last album. The song featuring Avarice In Audio has something menacing.

+ + + : Studio-X remains a project with a very own style and a bit of an alien project active in the Industrial scene. Definitely too Techno for Industrial/EBM lovers and too dark and alternative for the real Techno addicts, Studio-X is a hybrid! But I like this hybrid, which is characterized by constant power and dance vibes. The title song is a pretty cool song with a great sampling, but I also have to mention “Terror Bull” featuring Bridgette. This song is raw Techno power!

– – – : The “VIP”-edit/remix of “Here To Stay” is the single song that can’t convince me for its cliché lead.

Conclusion: Dark-Techno music for Industrial people!

Best songs: “Here To Stay”, “Terror Bull feat. Bridgette”, “Butene Machines”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/officialstudiox

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

The Australian techno industrial act Studio-X is back with a fresh 6-track EP, “Here to stay”.

Expect a minimal title track with a big kick drum, catchy computerised vocal samples and some dark industrial effects. The EP holds a VIP version of the title track next to 4 new tracks: “Butene Machines”, “This Is My Life (feat. Avarice In Audio)”, “Terror Bull (feat. Bridgette)” and New Blood.

You can check the complete EP below, for now it’s exclusively available on Bandcamp.

About Studio-X

Studio-X was formed in Adelaide, Australia, in December 2008. In 2009 they released a self-distributed single, “SX v0.1”.

Two years later they signed up with Alfa Matrix and released their debut, “Neo-Futurism”. That debut was followed by “Breaking The Void” (with Simon Carter) in 2014, and in 2015 a further Simon Carter collaboration was released, “Ad Astra Volantis”.

Two years later the project landed “Neural Torment” followed by “Wrong” in 2018 and in 2020 Simon Carter joined again to record “Disconnected”. In between the project released several singles.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Body-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: This new EP by the Australian duo Avarice In Audio is a song taken from their last album “The Rib Of Adam” (2020). The particularity of the song is that Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) joined in to sing. The EP features next to the title track four remixes plus one extra song.

Content: “I Pray” already was one of the best cuts from the band’s last album. The sound reveals the familiar beating Dark/Electro-Pop from the band while the vocals are mixing rough parts by the clearer and charismatic vocals of Tom Shear. Remixes have been accomplished by Synapsyche, Malcaar, Angel Theory and Elektrostaub. “Thanatos drive” is the single song left, which is a kind of dynamic sound Experiment featuring D’n’B influences.

+ + + : The title song is a right choice to get released as an EP and especially because of Tom Shear. It will for sure catch the attention of a wider audience. So it will be for sure an opportunity to gain new fans. “I Pray” is a solid piece of raw, beating Electro-Pop. I also like the more Techno remix by Synapsyche and the groovy exposure from Angel theory.

– – – : The remixes don’t really add a bonus to the EP, the original edit remaining the best one! The B-side cut is just forgettable.

Conclusion: Good and judicious idea to release “I Pray” as an EP-title song, but I expected a bit more from the remixes.

Best songs: “I Pray”, “I Pray – Synapsyche Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

Avarice In Audio has returned with a second and final single from their latest album “From The Rib Of Adam”.

The title track “I Pray” originally started out as the very first instrumental made under Avarice In Audio and was originally a remix for another band.

Since then the track has undergone numerous rewrites but it was eventually defined by the chorus, written by Gerry, and performed by Ben alongside Assemblage 23’s Tom Shear.

The EP comes augmented with remixes by Synapsyche, Elektrostaub, Angel Theory and Maalcar. You can download the EP right now from Bandcamp with other platforms to follow in the next weeks.

Below are the first single, “Trojan Horse”, and the album, “From The Rib of Adam”, itself.

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!

side-line.com

It has been a hectic year, also for Alfa Matrix, but luckily their bands took the time to work in their studio to record new material. Out now via the Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page is the label’s 10th edition in the “Matrix Downloaded” compilation series, again offering you a – free – insight in what the Belgian label is all about. You can discover 64 tracks right here on Bandcamp.

The download holds tracks from Cubic, Psy’Aviah, Aesthetische, Digital Factor, Reichsfeind, Llumen, Zombie Girl, Diffuzion, Matthew Creed, Circuito Cerrado, Circumpolar, Venal Flesh, Mentallo & The Fixer, Freakangel, Alien Vampires, I:Scintilla, Schwarzblut, Totem Obscura, Reactor7X, First Aid 4 Souls, Lederman / De Meyer, Implant, AD:keY, Kant Kino, Die Robo Sapiens, ELM, Pouppee Fabrikk, Armageddon Dildos, Plastic Noise Experience, Synapsyche, Avarice In Audio, Elektrostaub, Junksista, First Aid 4 Souls, Benestrophe, Mental Exile, Star Industry, Halo In Reverse, Lovelorn Dolls, Helalyn Flowers, Essence Of Mind, Rector Scanner, Elektroklänge, Metroland, Lights A.M, Cosmic Armchair, Aiboforcen, H.O.W., 808 DOT POP, Suicidal Romance, Entrzelle, Technoir, Neuroactive, Mondträume, The Psychic Force, Studio-X, Studio-X Vs Simon Carter, Neikka RPM, Komor Kommando, Siva Six, Aengeldust, Acylum, Dunkelwerk and Növö.

Exclusive face masks

Next to that you can also get the download together with a face mask, out in a very limited series. You can either buy them separately or get all 3 in one. Check the set of 3 Face Masks (Blue Matrix + Endzeit + Red EBM Alert) or the separate masks.

Note that EVERY face mask order comes with a free compilation CD on top: “Sounds from the matrix 022” with 20 extra tracks.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, industrial-pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: “From The Rib Of Adam” is the fourth full length album by the Australian trio Gerry Hawkins, Lawrie Bayldon and Ben Barwick. The work was originally meant as a conceptual album based on the famous “The Divine Comedy”, but it seems that it turned out in a different way.

Content: If you’re familiar with Avarice In Audio you won’t be disappointed. This band indeed has something versatile, but always linked with dark-electronics. Some songs are accomplished with hard-pop elements so it’s not a coincidence Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) sung on one of the tracks, “I Pray” becoming a kind of industrial future-pop cut. There always is a kind of duality running through this band’s work and it’s not that different now. But the songs will first of all appeal to dark-electro lovers.

+ + + : Avarice In Audio definitely deserves more recognition. This band has something special; it’s not the usual dark-electronic cliché, but there’s something more because of some extra influences. Songs are now accomplished with pop elements and others with some trance arrangements. But the power remains constant. The opening song is a great way to take off, but I also have to mention the song together with Tom Shear and the pumping “Prescription Of Paradise” featuring Studio-X (aka Lawrie Bayldon). Aside from all the different elements I also have to say a word about the great sound production. 

– – – : The album features 14 songs so you will definitely find one or more cuts to your taste. I just regret a few songs that simply sound like album fillers so in the end I sometimes prefer a shorter album instead of an endless tracklist.

Conclusion: Avarice In Audio moves on and simply confirms their huge potential. This band has a nose to compose original dark-electronics.

Best songs: “Prescription Of Paradise”, “Destroy My Faith”, “I Pray”, “Taste The Ambrosia”, “Blame”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

The Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix is launching 8 new Bandcamp exclusive releases today from AD:keY, Aesthetische, Die Robo Sapiens, First Aid 4 Souls, Helalyn Flowers, Neuroactive, Psy’Aviah and Studio-X vs. Simon Carter. At the same time the label also officially releases the new albums by 808 DOT POP and Avarice In Audio today.

Good to know, if you want to support artists and labels to survive during this Corona crisis, Bandcamp is again waiving its revenue share on all sales today. All the purchases placed on that day will therefore support the bands and labels present on the platform.

The new releases can be found 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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences:  Dark-electro.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Australian project Avarice In Audio is actually working on their forthcoming full length “From The Rib Of Adam”. This EP is meant as a teaser to announce the fourth full length opus.

Content: “Trojan Horse” is a song in the truest vein of the band; dark-electro driven refined with a catchy touch related to future-pop music. Next to an alternative edit the song has been also remixed by Binary Division creating a more atmospheric version.

Last, but not least we also get an exclusive song entitled “Hellfire Club”, which is featuring Studio-X and Prozium. It’s an instrumental, pumping track.

+ + + : Avarice In Audio transformed dark-electro music into a  more accessible format by the addition of catchy leads. The title song is an efficient piece for an EP and the perfect track to announce a new album. “Hellfire Club” is more than simply a B-side cut, but a damned, furious and essential song! I even prefer it to the title song.

– – – : I expected a bit more out of the remix and so-called “Achilles Heel Version” of the title song.

Conclusion: “Trojan Horse” is a solid appetizer to welcome the album of Avarice In Audio!

Best songs: “Hellfire Club”, “Trojan Horse”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

After the release of 2018’s “No Punishment: No Paradise”, it had become quite quiet around Avarice In Audio. That’s until now. Featured on many different compilations, the band’s first single from the upcoming album “From The Rib Of Adam” gets a standalone release as a 4-track EP.

“Trojan Horse” features Ben Barwick on vocals aided in production by both Lawrie and Gerry and also features some soundwork from David Chamberlain of electropop act Entrzelle. The title song also comes in two different versions by Gerry and Lawrie who have reimagined the song as a Futurepop / EBM dance track, and a remix by German cyberpunks Binary Division. The 4th track is an exclusive bonus track, “Hellfire Club” featuring Studio-X and Prozium.

Complimenting this one is the band’s first music video, made by performance artist Sharman Reinke, filmed in the wilderness of Tasmania.

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!

side-line.com

Available now for free (or pay-what-you-want) via Bandcamp is the 9th volume in the “Matrix Downloaded” compilation download series by the Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix. In the past these compilations have been downloaded by ten thousands of fans around the world and we don’t expect it will be different this year.

The label also announces that it will invest all donations in nurturing new bands and getting their careers launched.

Here’s what Seba Dolimont, A&R at Alfa Matrix, has to say about it: “The music market has shifted a lot over the years and in many ways losing its solid footing. CDs sales are collapsing entirely and the shift from downloads to streaming has not yet shown a revenue that is replacing what has been lost. (…) This evolution has created an environment where many labels have almost stopped playing their key-role of talent scouting, no longer daring to invest in new talents who deserve to be heard by you! Alfa Matrix is one of the very few record companies in this scene who try to keep the right balance between releasing renowned artists and supporting younger bands who still need to catch the attention and reach your ears.”

61 bands and tracks

The compilation holds the work by 61 label bands who joined hands to deliver you 61 songs representing the label’s most recent singles and albums while giving a preview of some promising forthcoming 2020 productions including announced new releases by POUPPEEE FABRIKK, NEUROACTIVE, ALIEN VAMPIRES, HELALYN FLOWERS, DIE ROBO SAPIENS, IMJUDAS, 808 DOT POP, ACYLUM, ARMAGEDDON DILDOS, PSY’AVIAH, AVARICE IN AUDIO, SIVA SIX, NEIKKA RPM, AESTHETISCHE, KANT KINO, KOMOR KOMMANDO, AD:KEY, H.O.W., CIRCUMPOLAR, SYNAPSYCHE, LLUMEN, ENTRZELLE, LIGHTS A.M, REACTOR7X, FIRST AID 4 SOULS, etc.

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!

side-line.com

(Photo by Trent Crawford) The 8th track on our free (or pay-what-you-want to support our charity work) download compilation “Face The Beat: Session 5” is by the Australian outfit Avarice In Audio.

Avarice In Audio was started in 2013 by Gerry Hawkins based in Launceston, Australia, and now is fortified with the arrival of Lawrie Vayldon and live guitarist Ben Barwick. You can check the project right here on Facebook.

The track we selected was originally featured on the CD sampler “Sounds from the Matrix 020” out via Alfa Matrix and is the first new material since 2018’s “No punishment – No paradise” album.

You can listen to “Trojan Horse” right below.

Check “Face The Beat: Session 5” on Bandcamp to discover the other bands. All donations will go to charity.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Background/Info: Justin A. Thiele better known as the creative spirit behind the American project Viscera Drip released this new full length a while ago now. The third official  studio album “Satanic Panic” has been inspired by ‘particular events in America in the 70’s, but even more so, a parallel of our current lives in a constant state of panic and worry, obsession and fear’. Notice by the way a limited edition of this album has been released as well, which is featuring an extra disc with remixes.

Content: Viscera Drip moves on with pure, dark-electro music, which is driven by solid, pumping kicks, aggressive sequences and simple, but efficient melody lines. On top of it all you’ll hear harsh and ‘satanic’ vocals. The main particularity of the work is the contribution of multiple guests such as Benjamin’s Plague, 13TH Angel, Sin DNA, Avarice In Audio plus remixes by Circuito Cerrado vs. C-Lekktor, Tar-Tar, Alien Nation and Jermageddon.

+ + + : The previous album “Perpetual Adversity” already was a great piece of music and this latest work simply confirms the great potential of Viscera Drip. There’s no real surprise and no innovation, but simply a well-crafted album featuring multiple efficient pieces. “The Human Race Is Wrong”, and “Rotten” feat. 13TH Angel both are heavy, punching tracks. I however have a preference for the kind of experimental, instrumental “Tulpa”, which sounds as the offspring between Feindflug (for the percussion sections) and Suicide Commando (for the melody line). The different ‘featurings’ are interesting and pretty successful. There also is a great remix by Circuito Cerrado vs. C-Lekktor.

– – – : It might be surprising, but my favorite cut “Tulpa” sounds like an experimental cut and/or breaks on the album. I regret this cut was not a bit more elaborated (it’s pretty short) because it sounds damn great! If you’re in search of ‘progressive’ dark-electronic music this album will not give you what you want. 

Conclusion: The title of the work stands for its content! Viscera Drip is a tormented, but very efficient dark-electro monster!

Best songs: “Tulpa”, “The Human Race Is Wrong”, “Rotten” feat. 13TH Angel, “Bleak”, “Martyers”, “Aphotoc” feat. Avarice In Audio, “Bleak – Circuito Cerrado vs. C-Lekktor Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/VisceraDrip

Label: www.advoxya–records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya–Records/265765706059

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: Electro-pop, future-pop.

Background/Info: The Spanish Mondträume duo strikes back with their second full length, which comes five years after the promising debut “Empty”. In the meantime front man Damasius Venys also started with a solo side-project Mental exile, which released its debut-EP in 2018.Notice by the way this new album was preceded by the singles “Still Beating” (2014) and “Free” (2016).

Content: Pikotto Vond Mond and Damasius Venys remain faithful to their electro/future-pop style they introduced on “Empty”. The influences remain identically the same, but the global writing- and production process have been seriously improved. The songs are featuring danceable beats and melancholic, but melodic leads and choruses. I however noticed a fewer ‘happy’-like passages (cf. “Nothing”) and even a simply beautiful song (cf. “Let Me Go”), which has something sensible and poignant.

The limited edition features a bonus disc with remixes by Crytek, Massive Ego, Kant Kino, X-O-Planet, Avarice In Audio, Headzor, Evo-Lution, Octolab, Any second and Elektrostaub. Both previously released single-songs are the main songs exposed to the remix skills of other artists.

+ + + : I already talked about the impressive evolution in sound and composition. If Mondträume was announced by their label as a ‘hot’ newcomer in 2013, they for sure confirm this potential with this great work. The album brings a perfect twist between danceable songs and softer, deeply melancholic pieces. Most of the choruses have an elevating sensation, and I especially want to mention the title song, the already known “Free”, “Nothing” and the beautiful “Le Me Go”. A good ‘pop’ band needs a talented singer and here again Damasius Venys confirms to be the right man in the right place. I think it’s not a coincidence he has already been asked by numerous bands to do some guest vocals. Among the remixes I’ll mention the great contribution by X-O-Planet (featuring male-female duo vocals), Octolab for the groovy approach and Crytek for their punching remix.

– – – : This album also features a cover version of The Cure’s “Lament”, which is not my favorite song from the tracklist.

Conclusion: This album sounds as an invitation to dance to melancholia and it’s weird to say, but it will make you feel good!

Best songs: “Lovers, Sinners & Liars”, “Free”, “Nothing”, “Let Me Go”, “The Center Of Your World” + “Still Beating – X-O-Planet”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Mondtraeume

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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: Dark-electro.

Background/Info: Stefano ‘Mannequinetik’ and Marco ‘Katatronik’ (vocals) better known as the Italian formation Synapsyche joined Alfa Matrix last year to unleash the EP “Mirror Terror” as an appetizer to this new album. It’s the band’s third full length, which has been released as a limited edition as well.

Content: Synapsyche remains faithful to their sound exposed at the previous album “The Abyss Effect” released in 2016 on SkyQode. The songs are driven by pumping dance kicks, harsh vocals and the unavoidable cold-trance like leads. It’s an ultra danceable piece of music, which however contains a few ‘softer’ cuts such as “Diva Paranoia” sung in Italian and featuring guest vocals by ‘Noemi Aurora’ (Helalyn Flowers).

The second disc is the remix section. We get 13 remixes by Venal Flesh, Nano Infect, Complex Mind, Technoid, Neikka RPM, Pax Sono, Marcoda, H.O.W., Aiboforcen, Shades Of Hell, UCNX, Tolchock and Avarice In Audio.

+ + + : If you like ‘dark’ dance music Synapsyche will be a perfect company to get you on the dancefloor. Hard and pumping, but still elevating and well-produced. This is the perfect dark-electro cliché without any pretension to innovate, but just to give people fun on the dancefloor. I’ve been impressed by the list of remixers featured on the bonus disc. I here especially like the somewhat surprising remix of “Mirror Terror” by Venal Flesh, which has something psy-trance driven. Last, but not least, I also have to say a word about the cool, artistic digipak.

– – – : Alfa Matrix definitely pushes Synapsyche to the forefront, releasing a double disc for their debut album on the label. I’m sure this is the perfect ‘dancefloor’-album, but the songs all sound pretty similar and are just as on their previous album dominated by the same kind of easy-trance leads. The work becomes rapidly predictable and that’s why I definitely prefer the bonus disc.

Conclusion: “In Praise Of Folly” would have been a possible class-act 10 years ago, but ano 2019 I’ve heard too much similar albums.

Best songs: “Mirror Terror”, “Paraphiliac”, “Diva Paranoia feat. Noemi Aurora” + “Mirror Terror – Venal Flesh Remix”, “Who The Fuck Are You? – Complex Mind Remix”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/synapsyche

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

Italian duo Synapsyche has signed with the Belgian electronic label Alfa Matrix. And the label immediately also announced the release of the band’s 3rd full length studio album: “In Praise Of Folly”, for which pre-orders are accepted now.

The new album will hold 13 new songs and a special 2CD limited edition (which is available here) will come with a bonus disc featuring a diverse selection of some 13 remixes by bands in the likes of Aiboforcen, Tolchock, Avarice In Audio, Venal Flesh, H.O.W., Neikka RPM, UCNX, Nano Infect and many more.

Here’s what the label says about the concept album “It brings us on a freaky journey through the somber corridors of a psychiatric hospital, allowing us room after room to penetrate into the weirdest corners of the human sick minds of the psychiatric patients. Each track brings us step by step to the alarming but obvious conclusion that we are all a bit mad in some way or another…”

You can already listen to 2 tracks below!

Check also the following videos on YouTube:

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!

side-line.com

Based in Adelaide (Australia) Studio-X has been set up in December 2008 by Matthew Martin and Lawrie Bayldon. They got rapidly signed to the Belgian label Alfa Matrix and released their official debut album “Neo-Futurism” in 2011. On the next two albums “Breaking The Void” (2014) and “Ad Astra Volantis” (2015) Lawrie Bayldon went on without Matthew M., but joined hands together with Chris Carter. For the fourth full length “Neural Torment” (2017) Studio-X worked together with the Italian project Technoid. During the last months of 2018 Studio-X already launched a new opus entitled “Wrong”, which is without a shadow of a doubt the most diversified work in Studio-X’ discography. This time Lawrie Bayldon worked together with female singer Bridgette Collins accomplishing a more pop-orientated work carried by the familiar techno vibes this artist has used to produce.

( Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries )

Q: After an album released together with Matthew Martin, two other albums featuring Simon Carter and the latest one with Italian artist Technoid,  for the new “Wrong” album you now joined hands together with Bridgette Collins. Did you feel it was time to inject a new member and what has been the input and impact of Bridgette on “Wrong”?

Lawrie: Bridgette began singing on many of my side-projects before we got together as a couple. She helped very much on the latest album and did some vocals on many of the songs as well.

Q: “Wrong” definitely sounds as your most versatile work although it remains mainly driven through techno influences. How did you explain this evolution in sound and what kind of work did you really want to achieve?

Lawrie: I sort of stumbled upon this idea, I guess after many years of making hard dance sounds we felt it was time for something a little different, hence the industrial-breakbeat sound.

Q: Vocals also now take a larger place in your work compared to vocal samples in the past releases. Is this the new STUDIO-X artistic direction?

Lawrie: It is likely that I will continue to use this voice style in the future, I really enjoyed writing lyrics and singing on this album.

Q: How did it feel for you to experiment with new influences? Did you have specific criteria and references and maybe a different way of working/producing?

Lawrie: Not really, I more or less came up with the idea very quickly, Bridgette and I completed this album in under 3 months so it was a very quick process. 

Q: The title of the album and all song titles are pretty short and straight; just one word! Even allowing you to make some kind of short story with these words on the back of the CD… It’s pretty intriguing, but what did you try to express and what is “Wrong” all about?

Lawrie: We just tried to express a new wave of industrial electronic music, the lyrics and music are an expression of randomness, what we were feeling at the time and our tendency to be unique.

Q: How does Studio-X stand between digital- or physical release of your music? Should we all accept the evolution and that CD’s are no longer selling -maybe except the biggest names?

Lawrie: We live in a generation of digital everything, we are happy just sharing our music however we can. CD’s are not exactly great for the environment so we are happy things are progressing this way.

Q: I dare thinking it’s quite odd for an Australian formation dealing with mainly techno music to be signed on a European label whose core scene is quite different. What have been your experiences so far with Alfa Matrix (you are also involved in other projects on the label like Prozium and Avarice In Audio) and how do you see the further development of Studio-X? 

Lawrie: Yes and many other side-projects, as for Studio-X, we are planning to continue exploring our musical journey. Alfa Matrix has been the best label I have ever worked for and we have much respect and love for them. 

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

Those familiar with ordering directly with the Belgian label Alfa Matrix know they will always get a free CD sampler from the “Sounds From The Matrix” series with each purchase. With the 20th

With the 20th volume of the “Sounds From The Matrix” label compilation series, being made available for their online CD store customers, the label has now also launched the release as a standalone download via Bandcamp (with other stores to follow).

On this 20th volume Alfa Matrix highlights its current hot releases (from Alien Vampires to Helalyn Flowers and I:Scintilla through Metroland and other Circuito Cerrado, Implant or yet Psy’Aviah) and gives us an insight on what 2019 will sound like.

Alfa Matrix also reveals recent signings like Synapsyche, Reactor7X, Mental Exile or yet the very promising newcomer H.O.W.; and also letting us discover first songs from forthcoming releases by bands like Aesthetische, Dunkelwerk, Llumen, Junksista, Kant Kino, Ad:key, Avarice In Audio, Imjudas, etc..

This new download counts 19 fresh electronic tracks.

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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With the 8th edition of their now classic free “Matrix Downloaded” label digital compilation, Belgium’s Alfa Matrix label presents a selection of 55 songs via Bandcamp.

The 55 songs represent the label’s most recent singles and albums while giving a preview of some promising forthcoming 2019 productions including announced new releases by Helalyn Flowers, Synapsyche, Avarice In Audio, H.O.W., Llumen, Mental Exile, SD-KRTR, Diffuzion, Reactor7X, Aesthetische, Armageddon Dildos, Die Robo Sapiens, Junksista, Imjudas, Alien Vampires, Mondträume, Aiboforcen, Dunkelwerk, Komor Kommando, Neikka RPM, Acylum, etc.

You can download it for free or as a what-you-want-to-pay from Bandcamp.

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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Genre/Influences: Industrial-trance, dark-trance-pop.

Background/Info: Gerry Hawkins, Lawrie Bayldon and Ben Barwick are getting back to their previously released full length album “No Punishment: No Paradise”. This is the third EP taken from the album featuring the title song plus 2 remixes and 2 new songs.

Content: “Wolves At The Door” perfectly stands for the dark electro-trance sound of the Australian formation. Their work is hard to define and even becomes a Chinese puzzle when psychedelic guitar parts join in. The song is a mix between dark-electronics, industrial-pop, trance and psy-rock. Remixes have been made by compatriots Shiv-R and Studio-X.

Among both cuts you’ll first hear the hard-banging and dark-techno driven “The Dance Of Aibion” and the somewhat softer “Innocent Enough”.

+ + + : One thing I’ve to admit is that Avarice In Audio is just doing they very own thing. They don’t care about music genres, but simply seems to exorcise whatever runs through their mind. “Wolves At The Door” wasn’t my favorite song from the album, but it perfectly transposed their approach into music. “The Dance Of Aibion” sounds in a similar vein. Avarice In Audio is just electro-underground you can’t compare to any other band and that’s what makes them original.

– – – : Both remixes of the title song make sense, but don’t bring any real bonus compared to the original edit.

Conclusion: Avarice In Audio is a kind of ‘alien’ among the electro underground scene. They’re mixing distant music influences together without taking care about established standards. More than this I get the impression their sound can be seen as a ‘big f*** you’ to sonic clones.

Best songs: “Wolves At The Door”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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.

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The electro industrial Italian band Synapsyche has joined the Belgian electro industrial label Alfa Matrix. The band’s label debut is the single “Mirror Terror” – out now as download via Bandcamp – which announces the duo’s forthcoming 3rd full length album “In Praise Of Folly”. “In Praise Of Folly” will deal with the difficult but intriguing themes of psychological and mental diseases.

You can listen to the single/EP below and download it from Bandcamp.

On the single/EP the duo Stefano ‘Mannequinetik’ and Marco ‘Katatronik’ Mantovani offer two new songs which hold a perfect balance between melodic synths and massive heavy beats, between addictive catchy pop choruses and harsher vocal outbursts. The two new songs are called “Mirror Terror” and “The Ghost DNA” and they come backed by remixes from Neikka RPM, Vested Serpent, Avarice In Audio, UCNX, EGGVN, the cult Swedish act Tolchock and the Polish dark elektro wave act H.O.W. with additional backing vocals by their female singer.

The band also released 3 video’s, an official music video for “Mirror Terror”, a teaser for the EP and a making of. You can watch them 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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Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, dark-pop.

Background/Info: And here’s the debut album of (Fredrik) Croona. “Memento More” features 12 songs. Among the tracklist you’ll discover the album version of a few cuts released on the EP. I however have to say that the title track of the EP “My Sweet Revenge” ‘-(featuring Avarice In Audio) is not on the album tracklist.

Content: There’s no real significant difference between Fredrik Croona and Croona. I rather should speak about an evolution in sound, this album sounding harder and now and then even empowered by guitar. From melodic passages towards pure pop-rage, this album is quite diversified.

+ + + : I can only but admit that Croona has an accomplished a significant work. The songs are well-crafted and often carried by strong choruses. The dark format of this electro-pop production is not that new, but the power and rage running throughout the songs isn’t exactly something we’ve been familiar with. There’re several noticeable cuts featured at this album and even a great instrumental one (cf. “Ashes From The Past”), which has something future-pop like.

– – – : Electro-pop purists will probably banish this work, which has nothing in common with the traditional ‘happy’ and ‘feel-good’ music. Speaking for myself I think this album is just missing ‘the’ absolute hit!

Conclusion: Croona is somewhere in between different genres or a perfect fusion between styles you don’t exactly expect to get mixed together. This is a noticeable work.

Best songs: “Bleed For Me feat. Jimmy Bergmann”, “The Day I Died”, “Mine”, “It’s Over”, “Regret”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/croonaf

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

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: Electro-pop, dark-pop.

Background/Info: You for sure know Fredrik Croona from his involvement with Cynical Existence and Project Rotten. The past few years he also released a kind of dark future-pop music as Fredrik Croona. And he now strikes back as ‘Croona’ and signed to Infacted Recordings.

Content: The title song features Avarice In Audio and is a rather hard and harsh kind of electro-pop music. The song is much harder than the stuff released as Fredrik Croona. We next get 2 more songs, which are carried by hard kicks. Both last songs are remixes, first by ES23 and next by Schwarzstern.

+ + + : I experienced this first exposure of Croona as an offspring between the dark electro-pop of the Fredrik Croona productions and the harsher (evil) side of Cynical Existence. It’s a hard exposure of electro-pop music and not a new Depeche Mode copyist, which for Swedish ‘pop’ formations is rather rare. The title song makes sense and will for sure bring people to dance.

– – – : I expected a bit more out of the remixes and especially the one by ES23, which is a band I really like. I can’t say I was totally convinced by this debut, but let’s wait for the album to get an idea about the potential of Croona.

Conclusion: If electro-pop music makes you happy, Croona reveals an evil and merciless side!

Best songs: “My Sweet Revenge feat. Avarice In Audio”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/croonaf

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

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

Following the release of their latest album, “No Punishment: No Paradise” (available here), the australian act Avarice In Audio brings you the third and final download EP for the album: “Wolves at the door” (available here on Bandcamp).

You can expect a mix of industrial-electro, Gerry’s aggressive vocals, and guitar work by their newest member Ben Barwick. The single/EP furthermore features remixes by fellow Australians SHIV-R and Studio-X. As an extra you get two new tracks. “The Dance of Albion” is an instrumental in true Avarice In Audio style (hard dance/EBM-driven) while the second new cut “Innocent Enough” is a slow yet still hard-hitting track.

Here are the tracks, judge for yourself! You can download it right now from Bandcamp with other platforms to follow this Friday.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, technoid.

Background/Info: Jan Laustroer is a German teenager dealing with dark-electronics. He probably is one of the youngest artists active in the scene and can already look back at a few noticeable self-released productions. He’s also involved with Gen-ZX, which is a new band he set up together with Frame Of Mind-singer Marco Hein. Antibody now joined hands together with DarkTunes to unleash this new opus. The CD format is strictly limited to 100 copies.

Content: Previous works revealed cool ideas, but this new opus is more mature and elaborated. Antibody clearly sounds inspired by dark-electronics, but also with raw- and sometimes hard technoid elements. Some songs are still instrumentals (like the previous album), but a few other cuts are featuring guest vocals by Technolorgy and Avarice In Audio.

The final chapter of the album features remixes by Grendel, Cyferdyne, Kant Kino and Cease2Xist.

+ + + : As I already mentioned most aspects of the writing and production have been improved. Jan Laustroer can be considered as a little genius. I can’t remember such a young guy making this kind of music. It’s not all good and efficient, but this work makes sense and features multiple cool songs. I have a preference for the sung tracks injecting extra power to the song. Antibody is perfectly mixing different influences and I like his dark-techno approach on top of the dark-electronics. The remix of “See Them” by Grendel is a real great piece of music, but I also have to mention Kant Kino, which did a great remix of “Ouroboros”.

– – – : The main challenge for Antibody will be to find a singer or just go on composing instrumental songs with some spoken samplings. But you can hear some songs simply need a vocalist.

Conclusion: I can’t say this album is an absolute ‘must have’, but this teenager took me by surprise composing such cool music. He can only become more experienced and talented so the best is yet to come.

Best songs: “Shut Your Mouth”, “Secrets – Vocal Version feat. Avarice In Audio”, I See Them”, “I see Them – Grendel Remix”, “Ouroboros – Kant Kino Rework”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/musicantibody

Label: www.darktunes.com / www.facebook.com/darkTunesMusic

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: Dark-electro, industrial-pop, dark electro-trance.

Background/Info: Australian Avarice In Audio has unleashed their third full length. The band now consists of Gerry Hawkins, Lawrie Bayldon and Ben Barwick.

Content: Avarice In Audio never has been a band you can easily compare producing a sound, which remains a bit enigmatic. There’s a dark-electro inspiration coming through the vocals, the kicks and some electronic passages, but there also is something trance and technoid supporting the leads while other passages are featuring a raw and somewhat industrial pop touch. Next to the electronic treatments you’ll notice guitar parts, which are now pretty buzzing and next wafting. Three songs feature other artists; Aesthetic Perfection, Psyclon Nine and Blast Radius. The song with Psyclon Nine reveals a harder and pure doom-metal touch.

+ + + : I’ve always liked artists who are trying to do things different. This album sounds as a sonic hybrid between different influences so in the end you can say it’s ‘dark-electronic’ music although totally different from the established standards. The songs are well-crafted and carried by a high tech production. “No Punishment : No Paradise” is stuff to get dancefloors on fire and especially the second half of the album reveals a few terrific tracks.

– – – : I sometimes get the impression that Avarice In Audio are losing themselves in diversity. From trance-driven leads to pure metal-doom elements featuring Psyclon Nine is not that evident to get a real coherence between the songs.

Conclusion: Avarice In Audio is a sonic chameleon exorcising very diversified music ideas although taken from related music genres. They are alternating potential hits and a few poorly uninspired songs, but globally speaking this work rocks and will make you dance!

Best songs: “Ishtar Will Not Tire”, “Our Cold Hands”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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: Electro-pop, dance-pop.

Background/Info: Singapore electro-dance-pop duo Cosmic Armchair remains one of the sonic aliens from the Alfa Matrix stable. This new EP features the title song “Cannonballs”, which was originally released on their last year released “Contact”-album.

Content: “Cannonballs” was not exactly my favorite cut from the album. It however sounds as a kind of ‘happy-pop’ song carried by a solid bass line and a cool chorus. The vocals of ‘Cosmic Jane’ add a fragile and somewhat sensual touch on top of the song.

We next get a remix by Avarice In Audio plus a “Club Mix”. The last song, “Fly Away” is another look back to “Contact” and has been remixed by Axiam (producer based in Singapore).

+ + + : “Cannonballs” as EP title track makes sense. The original version is an honest cut while the “Club Mix” injects an extra boost to the track. The song is somewhat darker than the usual dance-pop of the band. The remix by Avarice In Audio is cool and I think it’s the perfect band to remix Cosmic Armchair.

– – – : The remix of “Fly Away” doesn’t add any extra to this EP. We here move back to the pure dance-pop style of Cosmic Armchair, which can’t totally convince me.

Conclusion: “Cannonballs” is probably one of the best EP title-songs I’ve heard from Cosmic Armchair. That’s probably because it sounds a little darker, but especially less dance-like.

Best songs: “Cannonballs – Club Mix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.cosmicarmchair.com / www.facebook.com/cosmicarmchairpage

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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: Dark-electronics, industrial, psychedelic-body-music.

Background/Info: Australian combo Avarice In Audio unleashed this new EP as a second teaser to the upcoming (and third) full length album “No Punishment – No Paradise”. Jade Pegg left the band in 2016 so the new line-up consists of Gerry Hawkins (Cryogenic Echelon), Lawrie Bayldon (Studio X) and Ben Barwick. The EP features the title song plus 4 remixes and a B-side cut.

Content: One thing is for sure, the upcoming album will be definitely harder than previous productions. Avarice In Audio still holds on some trance and technoid influence, but “Our Cold Hands” also reveals a dirty, dark-electro sound. There also is a somewhat psychedelic guitar running through the title song. The vocals are harsh while the chorus has a more melodic approach.

Remixes have been made by Maniac Address, Benjamin’s Plague, Ben Barwick and Antibody. The B-side track (cf. “Cadaver Of Abel”) also is a noticeable cut as it’s featuring Alien: Nation.

+ + + : Avarice In Audio has composed an atypical dark-electro song. It goes much further than the usual standards. The addition of psychedelic guitar playing and this trance-melodic lead running through the chorus is not exactly what we can call dark-electronics. I like this approach. Among the remixes I especially enjoyed the remix of Maniac Address adding some cool effects on top of the song. Another interesting cut is “Cadaver Of Abel” featuring Alien: Nation, which appears to be a real hard and powerful song. I even prefer this song to the title-cut.

– – – : “Our Cold Hands” is a surprising title song for an EP. I’d to listen a few time to the original version to become really convinced. I expected a bit more from the remixes, which globally speaking are less inspired and adding less bonus to the release.

Conclusion: Even if I was a little bit skeptical after a first listening, this song is an original cut. It’s not hard-danceable music although perfectly adapted to get people dancing.

Best songs: “Cadaver Of Abel featuring Alien: Nation”, “Our Cold Hands”, “Our Cold Hands – Maniac Address Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/avariceinaudioaus

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

“No Punishment – No Paradise” is the new album by the dark electro act Avarice In Audio. A few weeks ago you could already listen to the tracks “Lie To Me” and “Our Cold Hands”, but now you can check all the tracks (and download) via Bandcamp. Musically “No Punishment : No Paradise” is undoubtedly harsher, dirtier and harder than any previous of their releases.

“No Punishment : No Paradise” is the band’s 3rd full length studio album and you may expect collaborations with Aesthetic Perfection, Psyclon Nine and Blast Radius.

Besides the download version you can also get this album on CD.

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!

side-line.com

After 2 moody ethereal synth singles the female fronted Singapore duo Cosmic Armchair return with the very attractive new electro dance single “Cannonballs”.

In addition to the album version you could find on their Alfa Matrix label debut “Contact”, you’ll find a club mix and an industrial body pop mix by Avarice In Audio. And last but not least an extended mix of the splendid “Fly Away” by hard trance Singapore producer AXIAM.

You can preview the single right below or get it from Bandcamp, Spotify, …

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!

side-line.com

“No Punishment – No Paradise” is the new upcoming album by the dark electro act Avarice In Audio. To be released in April, you already get 2 tracks for streaming (and download) via Bandcamp: “Lie To Me” and “Our Cold Hands” as you can hear below. Musically “No Punishment : No Paradise” is undoubtedly harsher, dirtier and harder than any previous of their releases.

“No Punishment : No Paradise” is the band’s 3rd full length studio album and you may expect collaborations with Aesthetic Perfection, Psyclon Nine and Blast Radius.

Besides the download version you can also get this album on CD.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Techno-body, industrial-rave, techno.

Background/Info: “Neural Torment” resulted from the common efforts between Australian sound guru and producer Lawrie Bayldon and Italian musician Roberto Ricci aka Technoid. Studio-X became a quite familiar name and a prolific artist active on the Alfa-Matrix roster. Next to his collaboration with Simon Carter, he also joined hands with Avarice In Audio.

Content: The main basis of this work clearly sounds inspired by techno music. But there are more influences running through this work. The debut cuts reveal impressive and hard noise treatments reminding me of the magic of Seb Komor. It sounds dark, furious and especially constructed with impressive sound manipulations plus enraged vocals.

We’re next moving throughout more ‘classical’ techno fields revealing passages with pitched vocals. And quite progressively we’re moving back to harder fields driven by stomping rhythms. The work becomes a bit more trance-like and industrial-minded, which might remind to Noisuf-X.

+ + + : I’m not that familiar with Technoid, but Studio-X ones more deals with a furious and merciless techno-genre mixed with dark and industrial elements. Both debut cuts are absolutely amazing for their writing and sound treatments. The final cuts are getting back to great electronic music merging techno together with industrial-rave. The work is quite diversified, but clearly revealing a few club stompers!

– – – : I’m missing somewhat cohesion between the songs. It feels a bit like both artists simply tried to achieve varied music ideas inspired by hard-techno fields, but maybe missing a guiding line.

Conclusion: “Neural Torment” appears to be a real great match between 2 artists sharing a similar passion for techno music mixed with darker underground influences.

Best songs: “Down On Your Kness”, “Cybergoth”, “Leave Us Alone”, “Soul Reaper”, “Where Is Your License”.

Rate: (8).

Bands: www.facebook.com/officialstudiox / www.facebook.com/TechnoidDJ

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

Launceston (Australia) based hard electro/industrial act Avarice In Audio have debuted the first single from their forthcoming 3rd album on Bandcamp: “Lie to me”, which is actually a rather slow – but delicious – track. The 6-track single can now be ordered exclusively via Bandcamp and in a few weeks on all other digital platforms.

“Lie to me” is the first song written by the new line up, produced alongside Ayax of Ascension Ex. Yes, that’s right, the band is now a three-man act, featuring new member Ben Barwick alongside Gerry Hawkins and Lawrie Bayldon.

The title track has been remixed by American bands like Flammpunkt and Iammynewt while the Japanese act Vanished Empire offered a special black metal mix. You also get a remix + bonus track, “Anguish Of Cai”, featuring Avarice In Audio’s own Studio-X.

With 2 albums (“Shine & Burn” and “Apollo & Dionysus”) under their belt, the band is now one of the best known industrial ambassadors from Australia.

You can listen to the 6-track single 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!

side-line.com

Since the release of their – now sold out – debut album “Neo-Futurism”, Studio-X’s producer Lawrie Bayldon has been involved in various side-projects including a series of somewhat darker and poppier vocal albums and EP’s with UK DJ Simon Carter (SD-KRTR) while also becoming an active member of the modern EBM industrial Avarice In Audio gang.

But out in a few weeks will be “Neural Torment”, the follow-up to ”Neo-Futurism”, counting 13 tracks. This time Bayldon decided to collaborate with the Florence based Italian electronic artist Roberto Ricci aka Technoid. Ricci is a well known Italian DJ/music producer versed in various genres including Hard Dance, Hard Trance, Hard NRG and Industrial who transitioned as a DJ from 1996 to music producer in 2012.

The album is available on CD (via the Alfa Matrix webstore) and via Bandcamp.

Below are 2 tracks you can already listen to. Closer to the release you can expect an exclusive music stream on Side-Line.

And if you want to hear some more, watch the below YouTube trailer.

For those who missed the debut album “Neo-Futurism” by Studio-X, check 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!

side-line.com

It was Record Store Day this past weekend and for the occasion the Belgian label launched a special 30% discount code ( RSD2017 ) which is available to use until the end of this week. You can apply the code in the label’s webshop or on the label’s Bandcamp page. You will get 30% off on everything that is added in your basket (except on the forthcoming Metroland and Alien Vampires box sets).

Happy hunting!

Included in this massive discount action are releases by 32CRASH, Acylum, Aengeldust, Aesthetische, Agonised By Love, Aiboforcen, Alien Vampires, Ambassador21, amGod, Armageddon Dildos, Avarice In Audio, Ayria, Bruderschaft, Cosmic Armchair, Crisk, Cynical Existence, Depeche Mode (the tribute releases), Diffuzion, Diskonnekted, Dive, Dream Recall, Dunkelwerk, Elektroklänge, ELM, Entrzelle, Epsilon Minus, Essence Of Mind, Freakangel, Front 242, Gaytron, Glis, Halo In Reverse, HausHetaere, Headscan, Helalyn Flowers, Hungry Lucy, I:scintilla, Implant, Internal, Inure, Junksista, Kant Kino, Klutæ, Komor Kommando, Krystal System, Leaether Strip, Lovelorn Dolls, Malakwa, Male Or Female, Mari Chrome, Mentallo and the Fixer, Metroland, Mind:State, Mnemonic, Mondträume, Monolith, Nebula-H, Neikka RPM, Nitzer Ebb, Növö, O.V.N.I., Plastic Noise Experience, Pouppee Fabrikk, Prozium, Psy’Aviah, Razorfade, Recoil, Regenerator, Saeldes Sanc, Schwarzblut, Sebastian Komor, Seize, Sero.Overdose, Shaun F, Simon Carter, Siva Six, Star Industry, Stray, Studio-X, Suicide Inside, Tamtrum, Technoir, The Cure (tribute), The Psychic Force, Totem Obscura, Trisomie 21, Unter Null, Venal Flesh, Virgins O.R Pigeons, Virtual Embrace, XMH, Zombie Girl, … plus a long list of compilations.

And in order to save on shipping costs, it’s recommended to combine this with the label’s 2 newest releases although they are not discounted.

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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Surprising news from the Alien Vampires headquarters. The band and its label Alfa Matrix have announced the release of a deluxe 6CD box, not only making their full back-catalogue available again in remastered versions, but also adding a bunch of previously unreleased material on CD plus massive exclusive new remixes, alternative versions and special rare songs. In total more than 450 minutes of dark electro à la Alien Vampires.

This massive 6CD set can be pre-ordered right now from the Alfa Matrix webstore.

The set comes packed in a deluxe 6CD box edition augmented with a 32-page booklet full of band photos, original artworks and liner notes by the band members themselves and 3 posters. This anthology box holds remastered versions of the band’s long time deleted early releases “Evil Generation”, “Fuck Off And Die”, “No One Here Gets Out Alive” and “Nuns Are Pregnant”. Add to this, the release on CD for the first time of their highly successful digital EP’s “Clubbers Die Younger” and “Harsh Drugs & BDSM”. The duo also excavated their very first 4-track demo “I’m Dead Fuck You” (originally released in 2004) plus some 31 (!!) exclusive and previously unreleased songs and newly made remixes all spanning the band’s repertoire before the release of the band’s last 2 studio albums “Harshlizer” and “Drag You To Hell”.

Besides collaborations with bands like Suicide Commando, Theatres Des Vampires or yet Spiritual Front we also get remixes/collaborations with such acts as Helalyn Flowers, C-Lekktor, Noisuf-X, Amduscia, NZ, Venal Flesh, Centhron, Cutoff_Sky, Avarice In Audio, Left Spine Down, Nano Infect, and so on.

You can find the full tracklist for this mega set right here. In short, the ultimate Alien Vampires experience.

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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“Today he has no means He’s alone and anonymous, but written in his cells he’s got the marks of a genius”, with these Front 242 lyrics (“Headhunter”) the Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix has launched quite an impressive EBM day action offering no less than a 30% discount on all of it’s physical (and download releases) including the much wanted Front 242 vinyls sets.

All you need to do is use the code ebmday242 to get 30% off on all of the labels releases (ltd editions, boxsets, t-shirts, vinyls, …) purchased via the Alfa Matrix webstore and the official Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page.

The code ebmday242 is only valid today and this weekend and will be applied on all products you have added in your basket.

And that’s not all! the label has also added a huge list of VERY low priced compilations right here.

Included in this massive discount action are all physical and download releases by 32CRASH, Acylum, Aengeldust, Aesthetische, Agonised By Love, Aiboforcen, Alien Vampires, Ambassador21, amGod, Armageddon Dildos, Avarice In Audio, Ayria, Bruderschaft, Cosmic Armchair, Crisk, Cynical Existence, Depeche Mode (the tribute releases), Diffuzion, Diskonnekted, Dive, Dream Recall, Dunkelwerk, Elektroklänge, ELM, Entrzelle, Epsilon Minus, Essence Of Mind, Freakangel, Front 242, Gaytron, Glis, Halo In Reverse, HausHetaere, Headscan, Helalyn Flowers, Hungry Lucy, I:scintilla, Implant, Internal, Inure, Junksista, Kant Kino, Klutæ, Komor Kommando, Krystal System, Leaether Strip, Lovelorn Dolls, Malakwa, Male Or Female, Mari Chrome, Mentallo and the Fixer, Metroland, Mind:State, Mnemonic, Mondträume, Monolith, Nebula-H, Neikka RPM, Nitzer Ebb, Növö, O.V.N.I., Plastic Noise Experience, Pouppee Fabrikk, Prozium, Psy’Aviah, Razorfade, Recoil, Regenerator, Saeldes Sanc, Schwarzblut, Sebastian Komor, Seize, Sero.Overdose, Shaun F, Simon Carter, Siva Six, Star Industry, Stray, Studio-X, Suicide Inside, Tamtrum, Technoir, The Cure (tribute), The Psychic Force, Totem Obscura, Trisomie 21, Unter Null, Venal Flesh, Virgins O.R Pigeons, Virtual Embrace, XMH, Zombie Girl, … plus a long list of compilations.

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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