“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers” is a new album released by ‘Toxic Razor’ (known from Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao) on his own label Werkstatt Recordings. The modus operandi continues to be supported by the use of only hardware synths. The genre and influences also remain quite space-like with elements of Electro-Pop and EBM. The biggest difference from previous works is the addition of vocals and that brings a real bonus to the work. (Rate: 7½ )

Listen to “Tele-Synthesized”:

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The project’s modus operandi relies solely on hardware synthesizers.

“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers”, reviewed here, adds vocals to the hardware-only approach for the first time in the project’s catalog.

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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“Physical Touch” is another album by the Greek Electro project Beatbox Machinery. Operator ‘Toxic Razor’ asked his Paradox Obscur mate Kriistal Ann to sing along on a nice selection of songs. It is pure synth music that combines EBM and Electro-Pop elements with astral atmospheres on top. The magic of Kriistal Ann’s singing adds a cold, sensual touch. The work is available from Werkstatt Recordings. (Rate: 7).

Listen to “High On Drugs”:

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The sound combines hardware-synth EBM and Electro-Pop with space-like textures.

“Physical Touch”, reviewed here, features Kriistal Ann of Paradox Obscur on vocals across a selection of tracks.

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, Cinematic, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Droid Sector Decay is back on track unleashing their newest album featuring eleven songs.

Content: The band hold on to their familiar Dark-Electro/EBM influences bringing us back to 90s productions. You’ll also discover passages with Epic arrangements and more Experimental/Ambient cuts with spoken-like vocals. Notice by the way the debut-song of the album is featuring Toxic Razor (Paradox Obscur, Hardware Pulse, Beatbox Machinery ao).

+ + + : I’m into the debut of the work which is driven by  Dark-Electro-driven influences. “Flesh Treatment” is a cool song in the genre.

– – – : The songwriting could be just a bit more elaborated. The front-cover looks pretty old-school/90s-like but is suffering from a lack of professionalism.

Conclusion: I expected a bit more from this album and especially considering this band has been busy for a while. Definitely not their best work to date although an interesting formation.

Best songs: “Flesh Treatment”, “Fear The Jewel Darkness”, “Alcohol Against Drugs”.

Rate: 6.

Artist: www.facebook.com/DroidSectorDecayofficial

Label: www.facebook.com/UndergroundIndustrialRecordsofficial

About Droid Sector Decay

Droid Sector Decay started in April 2009 as a one-man project led by Antonis Stavropoulos, debuting with the independent release “Spread the VIRUS…Western DECAY”, inspired by early-1980s dark electro and industrial styles reworked with a modern sound. The second album, “There Is No Light Over Devil’s Land”, followed in September 2011, around the time Aubrey joined as a second member. “A Reflection Of Fear” was released on 20 January 2013, its cover painted by Aleta Welling. Betty Koster, also known from Phantasm Nocturnes, joined as the third member in October 2014.

The band released the EPs “National Union Of World Murder” and “Posesion Satanica” in 2018, followed by the EP “Where the Body Decays the Soul Suffers” the same year and the album “In Suffering We Dwell” in 2019. In 2021, Droid Sector Decay marked its first decade with the retrospective album “Decayde Of Industrial 2009-2019” and the EP “Digital Violence”. “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied” is the band’s latest album, issued via Underground Industrial Records.

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: EBM, Minimal-Electro, Body-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: You for sure know ‘Toxic Razor’ from his involvement with Paradox Obscur and other side-projects like Beatbox Machinery. Hardware Pulse is one of his ‘newest’ solo-projects he set up a few years ago now. After the debut-album “Techno Valkyrie” (2021) and EP “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” (2022) we get eight new tracks.

Content: The modus operandi of Toxic Razor remains quite identical for all of his projects; hardware equipment used in real time! This project deals with a mix of EBM, Techno-Body and Body-Pop music. The instrumental format creates an imaginary Cinematic style.

+ + + : I like the cold tunes running through some of the songs but especially the opening title-song is a great exposure. I like some of the catchy passages and the irresistible, dry, kicks running through the work. A last and essential element of this production is that there’s a cyber-like video for each song -which you can watch online at the Bandcamp site.

– – – : I respect the instrumental format of this project but some of the songs are really missing vocal lines. It would be a true bonus to the production.

Conclusion: This work makes me think of a rhythmic Soundtrack for an imaginary cyber movie.

Best songs: “Tech-Noir”, “Strategic Radio Research”, “Celebration Sunrise”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/hardwarepulsemusic Read the news on ‘Tech-Noir’.

About Hardware Pulse

Hardware Pulse is a solo project of “Toxic Razor”, also known for Paradox Obscur and the side-project Beatbox Machinery. The project builds its tracks from hardware equipment played in real time. “Tech-Noir” is the project’s second full length, following the debut album “Techno Valkyrie” (2021) and the “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” EP (2022).

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

Emerging from Athens, Hardware Pulse is the brainchild of musician Toxic Razor, known for his work with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, and Beatbox Machinery. This project celebrates the rich textures of hardware synthesizers and drum machines, with a commitment to authentic, virtual-free performances and recordings.

Their latest offering, “Tech-Noir”, serves as a teaser for their forthcoming album, which shares the same title. Fans can anticipate the album’s official launch on October 6th, 2023, available in both digital and physical formats, including CD and Cassette.

Catch a glimpse of what’s to come with the promotional video for “Tech-Noir”. Read the review of ‘Tech-Noir’.

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: Minimal-Electro, EBM, New-Beat.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Nearly together with the new EP’s of Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery, Toxic Razor (Greece) releases the second work under the Hardware Pulse moniker.

Content: “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” features 3 instrumental songs carried by dry kicks and a fusion between EBM, new-Beat and Electroclash. The last song evokes 90s familiar Dance/House influences with an Acid touch above.

+ + + : Hardware Pulse sounds simple and efficient. Retro music with a powerful production resulting from hardware equipment. The title song is cool but I prefer “Can You Swing To This?” featuring an irresistible, cold, tune.

– – – : It’s not that easy to differentiate all the projects by Toxic Razor.

Conclusion: Back to basics of Electro-Underground stuff.

Best songs: “Can You Swing To This?”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/hardwarepulsemusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Hardware Pulse

Hardware Pulse is a solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, also known as Toxic Razor, who runs the Werkstatt Recordings label and records in parallel as Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. As with his other projects, Hardware Pulse is built entirely on hardware synthesizers and drum machines played and recorded in real time, here leaning toward EBM and New-Beat rather than the Minimal-Electro of Metal Disco. “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” is the project’s second release, and Hardware Pulse went on to release the single “Tech-Noir” in 2023.

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, Italo-Disco.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings label owner Toxic Razor -still involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao, strikes back with a new EP of his Beatbox Machinery project.

Content: The common thread between all the projects of this artist remains the devotion to vintage sound treatments and techniques; pure hardware equipment recorded in real time. This new EP sounds groovy and danceable while experimenting with Italo-Disco passages. Other parts remind me of old video games animation and New-Beat music.

+ + + : Every release by Toxic Razor and all of his projects sound different -maybe with the single exception of Paradox Obscur. And here again I like the sound minimalism and retro influences featuring cool effects. Both debut cuts are my favorites but especially “Star Warrior” has this cool Italo-Disco touch.

– – – : I think the vocals would have a little extra with vocals on top.

Conclusion: Pure fun on retro-danceable tunes and effects.

Best songs: “Star Warrior”, “Synthetic Heart”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as Toxic Razor, the owner of the Werkstatt Recordings label. Alongside Beatbox Machinery, he records as Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse, all built around hardware synthesizers and drum machines recorded in real time rather than software production. Beatbox Machinery leans toward Electro-Pop and Italo-Disco, distinguishing it from the more EBM and Minimal-Electro-driven Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse projects, and continues the label’s retro-focused release pace with the “Synthetic Heart” EP.

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 Dance-Pop, Trance.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Toxic Razor (Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Hardware Pulse, Werkstatt Recordings owner) is back on track unleashing a new EP featuring five songs. Right before this release we got the single “A Constellation Of Synthesizers And Its Wondrous Waves” which was meant to be a teaser to the EP.

Content: Every single Metal Disco work sounds different or at least revealing another focus. I got the impression the Greek artist is now exploring Dance-Pop fields mixed with darker spheres and tones while accomplished with a raw sound production. The main part of the EP remains instrumental although the title song features vocals. There are other passages with robotic vocals and fragmented, sampled pieces.

+ + + : I deeply respect this artist who’s non-stop writing and releasing new stuff. And each new work always features cool surprises. The title song is a cool piece of raw, underground, Dance stuff. “Rave Kick” is another noticeable cut for its great Dance lead while “Transespacio Analogico” contains great analogue-like sound effects.

– – – : I’m still a bit wondered about the “A Constellation Of Synthesizers And Its Wondrous Waves”-song which compared to other cuts of the EP is a poorly inspired cut that has been released as single.

Conclusion: Metal Disco remains driven by a ‘no compromises’-approach which is refreshing and efficient.

Best songs: “Acid Lord”, “Rave Kick”, “Transespacio Analogico”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the hardware-only solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who releases under the name Toxic Razor. He owns Werkstatt Recordings and also works in Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Hardware Pulse and Resistance Of Independent Music.

The first Metal Disco album, “Unearthly Vices”, came out on Werkstatt Recordings in 2015. “Vade Mecum” followed on Detonic Recordings in 2018, and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2020, with Irini of Incirrina on vocals. In 2021 the project issued a compilation and three EPs, including “Καμία Εξουσία”, its first release with Greek lyrics, and “Misbehave”. The EP “In Motion”, again with Incirrina, arrived in 2022, and the album “Hellion Reaper” in 2024.

Stavropoulos discussed his working method at length in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco, where he stated: “Inspiration comes mostly after jamming in the studio”. “Acid Lord” follows that approach across its five tracks.

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: Gothic, Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette. 

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor made a selection of nine bands from the label’s roster. Notice by the way he’s involved with several of the featured projects.

Artists: Ceremonial Doom Hex, Eerie Sopor, Body Expander, Harsh Aesthetics, Paradox Obscure, Beatbox Machinery, Vanity Drum, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat.

Content: The common thing between all these bands is the minimal approach of the composition. It’s that characteristic for the label’s owner and some of his most renowned projects like Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. Minimalism is the red line throughout the compilation while the influences are moving  from Gothic and Dark-Wave to EBM and Minimal/Electro-Wave. I also noticed all the songs featuring male singers (even for Paradox Obscur with a song Kriistal Ann is not singing).

+ + + : This is a perfect compilation to get more familiar with the Greek label which has already released an impressive catalog. But it also is a way to realize this pure underground label has some great bands which don’t always get the deserved recognition. And it also is a way to discover some unknown projects like Ceremonial Doom Hex and Harsh Aesthetics.

– – – : My only regret is that there are only 9 bands featured while Werkstatt Recordings has much more to offer.

Conclusion: If you like underground music and especially Electro and you would like to discover cool artists you better get in touch with Werkstatt Recordings.

Best bands: Paradox Obscur, Vanity Drum, Eerie Sopor, Metal Disco.

Rate: 7½.

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Werkstatt Recordings

Werkstatt Recordings is an Athens label started in 2009 and run by Toxic Razor. Its catalogue covers minimal electro, synth wave, EBM and related electronic music, issued on digital, CD and cassette.

Several projects on this compilation are run by the label owner, among them Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse. Side-Line covered his hardware-only working method in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

“Toxic Razor Selections” gathers nine acts from that roster and was released on digital, CD and cassette.

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: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: And here’s another EP by the Greek project Beatbox Machinery which is driven by Toxic Razor (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao).

Content: The work features 4 different songs which are instrumentals. None of the songs go over the 3 minutes. Sound-wise this is a danceable mix of space atmospheres, Minimal-Electro and Trance passages.

+ + + : The vintage sound treatments have something magic and especially when carried by a solid bass line like at “Electronic Birds Turning The Sky”. The title song is another noticeable cut for its analogue effects.

– – – : I’m missing a few vocal lines and it remains a damned pity the songs are that short.

Conclusion: Toxic Razor convinced me for years now with his projects Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco but Beatbox Machinery is just another of his sonic brainchilds to discover.

Best songs: “Electronic Birds Turning The Sky”, “Mega City Hunters”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery started in February 2010 in Athens, Greece, as a project of Toxic Razor. The material is recorded with hardware synthesizers and drum machines, without software instruments.

Releases appear through Werkstatt Recordings, the Athens label Toxic Razor has run since 2009. “Mega City Hunters” came out on digital, CD and cassette, as did the companion EP “Night Vision”.

Toxic Razor described his hardware-only method in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

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: Minimal-Electro, Nu-Disco, Electro-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: This is one more production from the hands of Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor. He strikes back with five new songs from his Beatbox Machinery project.

Content: The cover of the EP reminds me of the legendary “Knight Rider”-series which totally matches with the sound. We’re once more getting back to distant times, Beatbox Machinery mixing elements of Nu-Disco, Electro-Space-Minimalism and EBM. The songs are mixing instrumentals and vocals which have been produced with a robotic effect.

+ + + : The endless creativity of Toxic Razor never affects the quality and diversity of his work. I sometimes get the feeling this project is a kind of sound laboratory for some of his other projects (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco) but it also is something on its own. I like the EP for its original mix between good-old Nu-Disco influences, EBM and Ambient atmospheres while the minimalism of the production remains the essence of the artist’s approach and sound philosophy.

– – – : Some songs might have been a bit more elaborated but in the end it’s not really a point.

Conclusion: Pure Electronic entertainment for vintage lovers.

Best songs: “Battlestar Galactica”, “Vicious Pleasures”, “Dangerous”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects Toxic Razor runs from Athens, Greece. He started it in February 2010 and records it on hardware synthesizers and drum machines.

His other work includes Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse. All of it comes out on Werkstatt Recordings, the Athens label he has run since 2009.

“Night Vision” was released on digital, CD and cassette, alongside the EP “Mega City Hunters”. Toxic Razor set out his hardware-only approach in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

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

In a rather short lapse of time Greek solo-project Metal Disco has released an impressive number of productions. Driven by Werkstatt Recordings label owner -and involved with other music projects like Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Resistance Of Independent Music, Hardware Pulse… Kostas Stavropoulos aka ‘Toxic Razor’, the sound of Metal Disco is composed by only hardware equipment. The sound features different influences mixing EBM, Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave, Electroclash ao. 2021 has been an extremely prolific year for Metal Disco while a new EP has been already released this year. Time for an interview and introduction in the world of this great project. (Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’re involved with multiple projects so what makes the specificity of Metal Disco in comparison with all others? What kind of sound and production did you have in mind when setting up Metal Disco?

TR: Metal Disco delivers a more darkened electro sound especially in the first releases. What I had in mind when starting this project was having punchy drum rhythms with dirty driven basslines in a kinda more minimal approach with not many instruments/sounds involved.

Q: The way of composing your music is very important and especially the use of hardware equipment! Tell us a bit more about your way of working? And does it mean you have something against software equipment and tools?

TR: Indeed hardware instruments is more fun to work with and play, feels like becoming one with a synth or a drum machine when recording or rehearsing and that is something that I can’t find in the virtual software world. The sound is much more richer and breathes like a living entity unlike the sterile virtual instruments which no matter how good they sound it’s like something’s missing..  sitting in front of a screen making music is not my cup of tea, I have tried it in the past and had absolutely no fun but I don’t have something against software as for other people might work better.

Q: Metal Disco has been very prolific during the past few years. Where does this inspiration come from and what’s the usual way of composing when working on Metal Disco?

TR: Inspiration comes mostly after jamming in the studio, synthesizers can offer a wide palette of sounds and mood, sometimes feels like these waveforms devour me, luring me into their deep endless spiral of synthesis.

When starting a new track I mostly give emphasis and work on the bassline parts along with some basic drum rhythm, from there I try to find a fitting lead/melody and later come back to the drums again in order to build the main groove, fills, changes etc. But once the main idea is set the song drives me by itself until it takes the final shape.

Q: You clearly like to release EP’s while each EP sounds like having a different focus and own influences. Tell us a bit more about the most recent productions and how did you see the project evolving throughout the years?

TR: 2021 was a very busy year with one compilation and 3 EPs released, while also working in the collaboration EP with Incirrina and trying to put together ideas for the next full-length album.

In the “Καμία Εξουσία”-EP I also tried for the first time Greek lyrics in the Metal Disco project since I had the self-titled track sitting for around a decade in my studio, so I thought why not record a few more tracks in Greek.. this how “Καμία Εξουσία”-EP was born.

The recent “Misbehave”-EP delivers a more Electronic sound with groovy basslines and I feel it turned out more melodic than what I expected and had in mind when started composing it.

As for evolving this is something I could say for my other band Paradox Obscur since we always try to explore new paths, but for Metal Disco things are simpler, music is more raw, stripped and direct.

Q: You already mentioned the new EP entitled “In Motion” featuring Incirrina. How did this collaborative work happened and what has been the input of Incirrina?

TR: I have collaborated with many other artists for the Metal Disco project in the past and Irini from Incirrina was also part of the latest full-length album “Sex, Drugs & Hardware”.

Since I was looking for someone to take over the vocals in the new EP I thought Irini would fit great in these new songs and all evolved very naturally.

She has taken over the vocal parts in all songs of the “In Motion”-EP and I think this must be the more melodic work for Metal Disco so far..

Q: I can’t get away from the idea you’re devoted to 80s Electronics. What made the magic of this decade and what are your personal ‘masters’ when it comes to musicians?  And do you have contemporary ‘masters’ or simply musicians/producers you respect for their way of working?

 TR: The 80s was a rather obscure weird era in many aspects but had a great renaissance in the music scenery in various genres It’s impossible to mention all the artists I listen but names like Mylene Farmer, Sandra, Jean-Michel Jarre, Pet Shop Boys, Yello etc are on my top preferences together with some Metal acts like Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Slayer, W.A.S.P. which are not Electronic but evolved and experimented over the years and always has been a great inspiration to my musical ventures.

Concerning the contemporary scene I listen a lot to Electro, Tech-House, Progressive Techno, Trance, EBM, Future-Pop, Synth-Wave, Italo and artists like Motor, Arnaud Rebotini, Black Asteroid, John Dahlbäck, Mind.In.A.Box, Soman, Juno Reactor, Apoptygma Berzerk is always a pleasure to listen their work.

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-Wave, Electroclash, Technoid.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Greek composer Toxic Razor -still involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery, last year unleashed a new project called Hardware Pulse. The global approach of composing music with only hardware equipment remains the common thread between all of his projects. “Techno Valkyrie” is the debut album of Hardware Pulse featuring eight songs. 

Content: All songs are instrumental edits. The songs are driven by danceable rhythms while bringing different, but related music genres together. There’s a touch of Body-Pop music, which has been mixed with pure old-school Electro with some Electroclash influences and other passages revealing a Technoid approach.

+ + + : The creativity of this artist seems to have no limits, but Toxic Razor isn’t only a prolific artist, but also a true talented one. This new project reveals different aspects although the global approach and some of his arrangements are easily recognizable with his work for Metal Disco and Paradox Obscur. I like the solid sound treatments, which especially excel at “Mainframe Isolator”.

– – – : I regret there are neither vocals nor spoken samplings, which could inject a little extra here and then. Like all of his projects, the songs are still pretty short and that’s sometimes a pity when you’re just listening to a great piece.

Conclusion: “Techno Valkyrie” is a promising debut for Hardware Pulse, which I can only, but encourage to pursue this path.

Best songs: “Mainframe Isolator”, “Club Raiser”, “Techno Valkyrie”.

Rate: 7.

Listen to “Techno Valkyrie”:

Artist: www.facebook.com/hardwarepulsemusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Hardware Pulse

Hardware Pulse is the solo project of Greek musician Toxic Razor, who also works in Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. The project is based in Athens and is dedicated to hardware synthesizers and drum machines, performed and recorded without virtual instruments.

“Techno Valkyrie” is the debut album, released in 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings, the label run by Toxic Razor.

The project returned with the single “Tech-Noir” in September 2023, taken from an album of the same name that was issued on October 6, 2023 in digital, CD and cassette formats.

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, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: ‘Toxic Razor’ (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco) seems to be a musician who never sleeps. When you consider the endless discography of Beatbox Machinery next to his involvement with his other projects and running Werkstatt Recordings, you can only, but declare that music is his life! “Nuclear Devastation” is a new EP featuring four songs.

Content: There’s a similar approach between all the projects this artist is involved with; less equipment, and only great, analogue gear. The influences are different from project to project, but always connected to the 80s. “Nuclear devastation” sounds like pure nostalgia, driven by alluring synth lines and danceable rhythms. The project is more melodic than the others while this work also has something pretty crazy. There’s a cover version of Judas Priest’s “Breaking The Law”, which reminds me of Fad Gadget and a cover version of Mötorhead’s “Ace Of Spades” with sound treatments reminding me of Felix Da Housecat. Among the other songs I noticed rather surprising guitar playing –by Megahammer, at “Hot Heels Tonite”. All songs have been sung in English.

+ + + : I like this new work by Beatbox Machinery; it sounds old-school like and definitely appealing to all lovers of old Electro-Wave, but it’s also fun to make cover versions of bands like Judas Priest and Mötorhead. Both songs sound like they were originally written by Toxic Razor, which to me simply confirms the talent of this artist. The guitar playing running through “Hot Heels Tonite” is something unexpected, a bit weird as well and yet it creates a great fusion with the Electro style.

– – – : The reason Toxic Razor is that prolific maybe is because of the very short length of his songs.

Conclusion: This EP is fun and an excellent work for Electro-parties.

Best songs: “Ace Of Spades”, “Breaking The Law”, “Nuclear Devastation”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is the electro project of Greek musician and producer Toxic Razor, who also runs Werkstatt Recordings and works with Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco. Discogs lists the project from 2010, when Werkstatt Recordings issued the CD EPs “Factory Of The Godless Recoil” and “Destroy The Art Of Construction”, followed by the album “Drone Electricity” in 2011 and a long series of EPs and cassettes through the same label.

Later entries include the albums “Mercury Land” in 2012 and “Panther Vehicle” in 2013, the cassette “Retrospective 2010 – 2012” in 2015, the “Canadian Metal” CD EP in 2019 and the limited CD “Hours” in 2020.

“Nuclear Devastation” was released on 26 September 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings. It holds four tracks: “Nuclear Devastation”, “Breaking The Law”, “Hot Heels Tonite (feat. Megahammer)” and “Ace Of Spades”. Music and lyrics on tracks one and three are by Toxic Razor, track two was originally written by Judas Priest and track four by Motorhead. Toxic Razor performed, mixed and mastered the EP, the guitars on “Hot Heels Tonite” were recorded and mixed by Megahammer, and the label states the record was made exclusively with hardware synthesizers and drum machines.

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-Wave, EBM, Electroclash.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Greek musician/producer and Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor has been extremely prolific this year. He not only released several Metal Disco productions, but also releases for his other projects like Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. This new EP features three songs and has been released the same day as the EP “Rough & Dirty”.

Content: The approach and way of production remains exactly the same; composing songs with fewer instruments, which are all analogue. The main difference is that this EP featuring 3 songs has been sung in Greek. It creates a rather exotic effect while the music is moving in between Electroclash –the opening song reminding me of Miss Kittin & The Hacker, and harder plus darker EBM.

+ + + : The EP only features 3 short songs, but I definitely enjoy the minimal fusion between all the different influences. The opening Electroclash piece reveals great sound treatments while the last track is a heavier production in sound and vocals.

– – – : As for the “Rough & Dirty”-EP the songs are pretty short and even a little bit too short, the longest track is 2”22’.

Conclusion: Metal Disco is a project I’ve always liked for its sexy vintage sound as an ode to 80s electro-Wave.

Best songs: “Καμία Εξουσία”, “Μοιραία Στιγμή”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Greek musician and producer Toxic Razor, who runs Werkstatt Recordings and is also behind Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. Discogs lists the project from 2015 with “Unearthly Vices” and “Fetish Club Anthems”, then “Tease” in 2016, “Devil Explicit” in 2017, “The Tyger/Obnoxious” and “Vade Mecum” in 2018, the “Banger EP” in 2019 and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” together with the “Clublife EP” in 2020.

“Καμία Εξουσία” was released on 25 July 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings, the same day as “Rough & Dirty”. It was produced, mixed and performed by Metal Disco, with music and lyrics by Metal Disco, and holds three tracks: “Μοιραία Στιγμή”, “Σκιές” and “Καμία Εξουσία”.

Toxic Razor set out his working method in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco in March 2022, where he stated: “Sitting In Front Of A Screen Making Music Is Not My Cup Of Tea”.

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-Wave, Electroclash, EBM, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Greek label owner Toxic Razor is also involved with several projects like Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery and Metal Disco. This ‘new’ album is a fine selection of songs released in between 2015 and 2020.

Content: The common element between all projects of Toxic Razor is a true love and passion for vintage Electronics. Metal Disco sounds harder than Beatbox Machinery and less Electro-Wave than Paradox Obscur. There’s a constant mix between 80s related influences, now EBM powered and then more Electroclash & Electro-Wave like. The last songs are definitely harder and driven by low, resonating bass lines.

+ + + : These songs were originally released on several EP’s so this is an opportunity to get them together on one disc. I like the global approach of Metal Disco, which is maybe best illustrated at the “Metal Disco”-track, which is carried by an icy, metal-like lead and a solid bass line. The power of the bass line comes back on other tracks as well, “Devil Explicit” remaining a great piece of this artist. But I also have to mention the retro-EBM “Flux Decadence” and the extremely powerful sound treatments of “Blackened”.

– – – : A similar remark as for Beatbox Machinery, I think some songs could be a bit more elaborated and extended.

Conclusion: This album is a perfect compilation to discover the fascinating retro-Electro universe of Metal Disco. Read the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

Best songs: “Devil Explicit”, “Flux Decadence”, “Blackened”, “Orchard”, “Banger”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is a project of the Athens-based producer Toxic Razor, who founded Werkstatt Recordings and also records as Beatbox Machinery, as one half of Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann and, since 2023, as Hardware Pulse. The Discogs profile for Metal Disco states that the project discloses nothing about its members.

The first releases appeared in 2015 on Werkstatt Recordings: the cassette album “Unearthly Vices” in August and the CDr EP “Fetish Club Anthems”. “Tease” followed in 2016, the “Devil Explicit” EP was issued on cassette by Detonic Recordings in June 2017 and “Vade Mecum” came out in 2018. Werkstatt Recordings released the “Banger EP” in 2019 and the album “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” on 8 September 2020, with Irini of Incirrina among the guests. The “Clublife EP” followed the same year.

“Technoid Electronics 2015-2020” was released on 11 April 2021 as a download and as a CDr limited to twelve copies. It collects ten tracks from the EPs of that period plus the exclusive track “Orchard”. Later releases include the Greek-language EP “Καμία Εξουσία” (2021), the “In Motion” EP with Incirrina (2022), “EBM Workout” (2022), the second compilation “Technoid Electronics II 2021-2022” (February 2023) and the album “Hellion Reaper” (March 2024). Toxic Razor discussed the project in the March 2022 Side-Line interview linked above.

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, Wave-Pop, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Beatbox Machinery is the project of Greek composer Toxic Razor -also known from Paradox Obscur and owner of Werkstatt Recordings.

Content: Ten songs mixing different Electro influences, but the main source of inspiration clearly moves back to the 80s. The multiple effects and drum patterns this album has been composed are reminding me of the old-school Electro. A few songs feature collaborations with Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and last, but not least Kriistal Ann.

+ + + : The retro-style and approach of Beatbox Machinery has been empowered by the use of analogue sound treatments. It creates this little part of magic. I especially recommend listening to the final part of the album, revealing more elaborated and harder EBM passages. “Omicron Metallogirls” and especially “Cyber Techno Programmer” (for its great bass line) are cool pieces. I also have to mention “Cities Of The Future” featuring Kriistal Ann.

– – – : Beatbox Machinery has already released an impressive discography. I sometimes get the impression some of the songs were made in a hurry, kind of speed writing, while some songs could have been a bit more elaborated.

Conclusion: Beatbox Machinery doesn’t bring the original magic of the 80s alive, but this album is a cool wink.

Best songs: “Omicron Metallogirls”, “Cyber Techno Programmer”, Cities Of The Future – Re_Edit”, “Computerized Transmitting Heart”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is the solo project of the Greek producer Toxic Razor, formed in February 2010 according to Discogs. Toxic Razor founded Werkstatt Recordings, records with Kriistal Ann as Paradox Obscur, runs the harder project Metal Disco and launched Hardware Pulse in 2023.

The project started with a run of CD EPs on Werkstatt Recordings in 2010 and 2011, among them “Factory Of The Godless Recoil”, “Destroy The Art Of Construction” and “Drum Machine EP”, and the first album “Drone Electricity” (2011). “Mercury Land” (2012) and “Panther Vehicle” (2013) followed, along with the “Vs Series” split EPs. From 2014 onward most releases came out as limited cassettes, including “Disco Warrior” (2014), “Retrospective 2010 – 2012” (2015), “Glam Nights” (2017) and “Canadian Metal” (2019). The album “Hours” was released on CD in 2020.

“2014 (A New Resistance)” was released on 14 March 2021 as a limited CDr, cassette and download on Werkstatt Recordings. Its ten tracks include guest contributions from Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and Kriistal Ann. The project continued with the “Synthetic Heart” EP (2022), the cassette album “Retrogamer” (2023) and “Physical Touch” (2024).

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

Background/Info:

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the Greek solo-project of Kostas Stavropoulos, also known as Toxic Razor, who runs the label Werkstatt Recordings and is also involved with the projects Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. Metal Disco’s releases are built entirely from hardware equipment, a working method behind a sound mixing EBM, minimal-electro, electro-wave and electroclash.

“Vade Mecum” stood as the project’s second full-length album. By 2021, a Side-Line Click Interview with Stavropoulos found Metal Disco in a particularly prolific stretch, with a new EP already released that year.

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: Electroclash, EBM, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Behind this funny band name is hiding Greek artist Toxic Razor. If the name of this artist doesn’t make ring a bell, you maybe know Paradox Obscur in, which he’s involved together with Kriistal Ann. Metal Disco has already released a few productions on Werkstatt Recordings, which is the label of Toxic Razor and on which he also released several productions as Beatbox Machinery. This EP rather looks like a mini-album featuring 6 songs.

Content: The main link between Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco is the ‘love’ and passion for retro-electronics. The sound is totally devoted to the 80s spirit, somewhere in between good-old wave-pop music and electroclash with some extra EBM elements on top. The vocals are quite sterile-like, which appears to be a cool match with the music.

+ + + : Metal Disco is a pretty cool discovery. It sounds old-school like and yet refreshing. This is because of the great sound treatments featuring dry bass lines and analogue melodies. The EBM touch on top of the work injects a naughty, danceable touch. I also like the tracks for their melodic approach. “Destroyer” is a potential hit for dancefloors.

– – – : The main difficulty with such a fascinating release is to catch the attention of a wider audience. Promotion will be really important, but the band gets my full support!

Conclusion: “Devil Explicit” sounds sexy and retro, but it first of all reveals a new promising project featuring Greek artist Toxic Razor.

Best songs: “Destroyer”, “Serial Killer”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.detonicrecordings.com / www.facebook.com/detonicRecordings

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: EBM, dark-pop, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings is a small and independent Greek label active since 2009. Kriistal Ann definitely is the most famous artist of the label, but I also have to mention one of her side-projects Paradox Obscur while the label owner’s own band Beatbox Machinery is another familiar name. This compilation is a perfect opportunity to get a bit more familiar with the independent label. Seven bands have been selected each featuring  two songs.

Bands: Kriistal Ann, Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat, Obsidian Radioactive, Dawnrazor.

Content: The featured bands move from EBM elements into dark and minimal pop, to electro-wave and pop. There clearly is a fascination for vintage electronic music, but the common element between all of the bands is their pure underground addiction. We don’t get famous bands with ultra professional productions, but a fascinating underground sound that will appeal to lovers of retro electro sounds.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann and Paradox Obscur both are for sure the most mature and ‘advanced’ formations, which will remind you of late 80s music. Kriistal Ann has a unique timbre of voice, which sometimes reminds me of Kirlian Camera. Another interesting band is Metal Disco, which sounds more inspired by EBM, but adapting the body style into an own approach. Another name to keep in mind is Geometry Combat, which is also inspired by EBM ideas.

– – – : I mostly mainly regret there’s no info available about the bands on this CD version. That’s a pity especially because it consist of lesser known bands. Production-wise the mastering could have been better, but let’s keep in mind it all remains an independent and pure underground work.

Conclusion: If you’re in search of less familiar bands dealing with vintage electronics this sampler can be worthy of examination.

Best bands: Metal Disco, Kriistal Ann, Paradox Obscur.

Rate: (6).

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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: EBM, electro-pop, nu-disco.

Background/Info: Behind this Greek project is hiding Toxic Razor who set up Beatbox Machinery in 2010 and who’s also the owner of the Werkstatt Recordings label. This band has released an impressive number of productions, but remains a rather unknown name. “New Wave Avalanche” rather looks like a mini-album instead of an EP. The work features 6 different cuts.

Content: After the rather EBM-minded, instrumental opening title song, the next cuts amix elements of EBM together with influences of electro-pop and even nu-disco sound effects. There clearly is a kind of retro sound emerging of the work, which might also remind me of early 90s productions. The songs are rather short, but diverse.

+ + + : Beatbox Machinery clearly doesn’t make any compromises, but composes the music they like. It’s a surprising mix between different music styles, but in the end you’ll notice certain passion for analogue sound treatments. The cool effects reminding me of disco music and other space sweeps are the little details reinforce the vintage approach to the work.

– – – : I’m missing some passion in the vocal parts, which are one of the few points that can’t totally convince me. The global sound production could have been more professional although it might have been voluntary to accentuate the unpolished 80s spirit.

Conclusion: “New Wave Avalanche” is an appropriated title to bring the 80s electronics back to life. Beat Box Machinery is one of the many devoted subjects to this legendary decade of underground music.

Best songs: “Wasteland”, “Deoxidize The Union”.

Rate: (6).

Band: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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