Bellhead – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com Industrial, electro, EBM, post-punk, darkwave news Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:19:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.side-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-side-line-logo-png-32x32.png Bellhead – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com 32 32 Bellhead premiere ‘Threats’ video and announce expanded vinyl edition and tour https://www.side-line.com/bellhead-threats-video-expanded-vinyl/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=87817 Bellhead premiere the "Threats" video on 24 June 2026, expand the "Threats" EP to a 10-track vinyl edition with remixes, and announce 2026 US tour dates.]]>

Bellhead, the bass-driven duo from Chicago, premiere the music video for “Threats (If I Can’t Break Your Heart)” on 24 June 2026. The video arrives with an expanded vinyl edition of the band’s “Threats” EP and a run of 2026 US tour dates. The duo first issued “Threats” on 8 April 2025.

Bellhead ‘Threats’: expanded vinyl edition and remixes

The expanded “Threats” runs ten tracks across two sides. Side A carries the original songs “Threats,” “Heart Shaped Hole,” “Shutters + Stutters,” “No Dead Horses” and “Double Jeopardy.” Side B adds five remixes: “Bad Taste” reworked by Stabbing Westward’s Christopher Hall, “Heart Shaped Hole” by Clubdrugs, “Drugstore Keri” remixed by the band itself, “Nothing As It Seems” reworked by Stabbing Westward’s Walter Flakus, and “Shutters + Stutters” by Frontal Boundary. “Drugstore Keri” originally closed the band’s 2023 EP “Good Intentions.”

The “Threats” video was directed by John Weaver, who has shot earlier Bellhead videos. The clip is the band’s first to show members Karen Righeimer and Ivan Russia without masks. The video is online now.

The EP is available on Bandcamp.

Tour dates for Bellhead

Bellhead support the release with late-summer and autumn 2026 dates, including shows with Pig, Cyanotic, Iron Years, Thief and Livernois:

  • 19 June 2026 – Late Bar, Chicago, IL (video release party)
  • 20 June 2026 – 317 Art Collaborative, Rockford, IL
  • 31 July 2026 – Langlab, South Bend, IN
  • 2 August 2026 – Burlington, Chicago, IL (with Iron Years, Most Modern, In a Darkened Room)
  • 28 August 2026 – Cactus Club, Milwaukee, WI
  • 1 September 2026 – Coven, Omaha, NE
  • 2 September 2026 – Kirby’s Beer Store, Wichita, KS
  • 3 September 2026 – Crypt, Denver, CO (with EhPh, Hypersomnia)
  • 4 September 2026 – Albuquerque, NM (with Thief)
  • 5 September 2026 – Resonant Head, Oklahoma City, OK (with Mechanical Flesh, Blood Bells, Othering, Later Laine)
  • 6 September 2026 – Kickback Bar, Houston, TX
  • 7 September 2026 – The Crypt, New Orleans, LA (with Livernois)
  • 17 September 2026 – Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana, IL
  • 18 September 2026 – Hi Tone, Memphis, TN
  • 19 September 2026 – Birdie’s, Little Rock, AR (with Pig, Cyanotic)
  • 20 September 2026 – Fubar, St. Louis, MO (with Spicy Kitty, Bitchface)

About Bellhead

Bellhead is a Chicago duo formed in 2019 by Ivan Russia and Karen Righeimer. The pair build their sound from two basses and a drum machine rather than guitar, mixing post-punk, industrial, darkwave and gothic. After an early run of singles, the band released its debut EP “Unicorn Bones” in 2020, followed by “Dead Lights” in 2021.

Side-Line covered the duo’s single in Chicago post-punk band Bellhead’s “Nothing As It Seams” and its 2023 EP in Bellhead’s “Good Intentions”, then reported the Bellhead “Threats” EP announcement ahead of its April 2025 release. The expanded “Threats” extends that record with remixes from collaborators including Stabbing Westward’s Christopher Hall, with whom the band has shared stages.

]]> BELLHEAD "Threats (If I Can't Break Your Heart)" nonadult Bellhead – Threats (Digital/CD Album – Oppressive Sky Records) https://www.side-line.com/bellhead-threats-digital-cd-album-oppressive-sky-records/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=77541 Bellhead is a male-female duo from Chicago (USA). They’ve released a number of songs over...]]>

Bellhead is a male-female duo from Chicago (USA). They’ve released a number of songs over the past few years and returned this year with a new album.

They describe themselves as a Post-Punk duo, though I’d add some nuance to that label. While there are clear elements reminiscent of Post-Punk and Dark-Wave, there are also hints of Gothic atmospheres, all delivered with a raw, Industrial edge. On one of the tracks, I even detect a touch of Marilyn Manson’s influence.

In addition to the five original songs, the release also features remixes by Stabbing Westward and Clubdrugs. The first one, in particular, delivers a boosted remix featuring some Acid-style sequences.

Not groundbreaking, but certainly commendable. (Rating:6½).

Listen to “Bad Taste – Stabbing Westward Remix”:

Read the news on ‘Threats’.

About Bellhead

Bellhead is a Chicago post-punk duo formed by Karen and Ivan. The band’s discography includes the release “Dead Lights” (2022) and the EP “Good Intentions” (2023), recorded with audio engineer Neil Strauch and mastering engineer Carl Saff under management from David Schock (WTII Records). “Good Intentions” also included a cover of Love and Rockets’ “No Big Deal” and followed a standalone cover of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U.”

Bellhead’s latest release, “Threats,” pairs five original songs with remixes by Stabbing Westward and Clubdrugs.

]]> Bellhead announces new darkwave EP: ‘Threats’ – Out on April 8th https://www.side-line.com/bellhead-announces-new-darkwave-ep-threats-out-on-april-8th/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:53:57 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=75524 Chicago-based darkwave act Bellhead has revealed more details about their upcoming 7-track EP, “Threats“, set...]]>

Chicago-based darkwave act Bellhead has revealed more details about their upcoming 7-track EP, “Threats“, set for release via Oppressive Sky Records. The new material will be available on April 8th in CD, digital download, and streaming formats across all major platforms, but you can already pre-order it below from Bandcamp.

The first single from the EP, also titled “Threats,” is available now and can be streamed or downloaded. This marks the first collection of new material since the 2023 release of “Good Intentions” by the band aka Ivan Russia and Karen Righeimer-Schock.

The EP delves into themes of death, revenge, drowning, heartbreak, femme fatales, murder, and sorrow. Visually, the band has departed from their signature black-and-white aesthetic, embracing a bold yellow palette, as seen in the accompanying photo.

The recording itself was engineered by Neil Strauch and mastered by Carl Saff. The tracklist features five brand-new songs, along with two remixes: one by Clubdrugs (“Heart Shaped Hole”) and another by Stabbing Westward’s Chris Hall (“Bad Taste”).

Since the release of “Good Intentions” in 2023, Bellhead has remained active, performing over 50 shows nationwide and sharing the stage with acts such as Stabbing Westward, Julien-K, Gene Loves Jezebel, Clan of Xymox, and Night Club. The duo will soon embark on a Spring tour, including festival appearances.

2025 Tour Dates (More dates to be announced)

  • 3/21 – Art Sanctuary – Louisville, KY w/ Living Dead Girl / Black Season Witch
  • 3/27 – Black Circle Brewery – Indianapolis, IN w/ Amulet / Until We R Dust
  • 3/28 – Port Of Kenosha – Kenosha, WI w/ The Yates Kids / Something Is Waiting
  • 4/05 – The Hook and Ladder – Minneapolis, MN – Fireseek Festival
  • 4/24 – Rose Bowl Tavern – Urbana, IL – Bat Factory
  • 4/25 – Art Sanctuary – Louisville, KY w/ Radio Arcane DJs
  • 4/26 – Spectrum Record Lounge – Cape Girardeau, MO w/ Gary Robert and Community
  • 4/27 – Sk8bar – Kansas City, MO
  • 5/03 – Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL w/ Skatenigs
  • 5/04 – Falcon Bowl – Milwaukee, WI w/ Skatenigs / Choke Chain
  • 5/09 – Smalls – Detroit, MI – Fixation Festival w/ Assemblage 23, Cyanotic, AL1CE & more
  • 5/30/25 – Chicago Steampunk Convention
  • 8/09/25 – Healer – Indianapolis, IN – Bats Over Indy Fest

About Bellhead

Bellhead is a Chicago-based darkwave duo formed in 2018, featuring Ivan Russia (high bass, lead vocals) and Karen Righeimer (low bass, vocals). Their setup is distinctive – two bass guitars and a drum machine, with no traditional guitars. The result is a unique blend of post-punk and industrial influences. Musically their sound was inspired by Nine Inch Nails, Magazine, and Death from Above.

Both members had established careers before Bellhead. Ivan Russia was previously involved in Ahab Rex, Mr. Russia, and Sheriff Scabs, while Karen Righeimer played with Fashion Bomb, Team Cybergeist, W.O.R.M, Bethany Thomas, and Pigface.

The duo has released several EPs, including “Unicorn Bones” and “Good Intentions” (2023). Their upcoming EP, “Threats”, will be released on April 8, 2025, via Oppressive Sky Records. Read the review of ‘Threats’.

]]> COP International launches ‘Los Angeles – From The Ashes’ charity compilation https://www.side-line.com/cop-international-launches-los-angeles-from-the-ashes-charity-compilation/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:43:14 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=75169 COP International will release the “Los Angeles – From The Ashes” charity compilation tomorrow. You...]]>

COP International will release the “Los Angeles – From The Ashes” charity compilation tomorrow. You can already pre-order it now for 10 USD. The release will only be available through Bandcamp.

The devastating fires in Los Angeles also destroyed “one of the most vibrant artist communities in the world” so COP International’s Christian says. “Many of our friends, collaborators, and fellow artists were displaced, with some losing everything. Among those deeply affected was Louise Fraser of Muricidae Music, a beloved COP International artist, who lost her home in the tragedy. In the face of this devastation, we knew we had to take action. This is our response: “Los Angeles – Out of Ashes”—a massive 75-track Bandcamp compilation, bringing together an extraordinary community of artists, labels, and supporters.”

All net income from the release will be donated directly to the American Red Cross, helping fire victims and aiding ongoing relief efforts. Since it’s Bandcamp Friday tomorrow, Bandcamp will waive its fee, ensuring that every dollar goes to those in need.

The 75 bands included are: Black Needle Noise, Blackcarburning, Dogtablet, Stoneburner, Inertia, Carrellee, The Halo Trees, I Ya Toyah, Jane Jensen Music, Muricidae Music, NØIR, Die Kammer, Black Angel, Night Ritualz, SJÖBLOM, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Chris Connelly & Dan Milligan, The Cassandra Complex, KY music, Louise Fraser, G.W. Childs IV, Junksista, Johnny Tupolev, unitcode:machine, Deathline International, The Russian White, Icon of Coil Official, Brigade Enzephalon, Monody, Lights of Euphoria, Black Nail Cabaret, Ruined Conflict, Solemnshapes, A Projection, Magic Wands, Beborn Beton, TORUL, Lost Signal, Orange Sector (offiziell), Interface, genCAB, MESH, Destroy Me Again, Sapphira Vee, Dstrtd Sgnl, Klack, TREASVRE, xotox, Frontal Boundary, nolongerhuman, Bellhead, V2A, Metamorph, Red Lokust, WESENBERG, Psyclon 9, Flesh Field, Principe Valiente, Death By Love, Winema Suehead, Sick Jokes, Chiasm, The Hunger, Vaselyne, Solar Fake, Girls Under Glass, NORMORIA, Stabbing Westward, Jesus On Extasy, The Shadow Majlis, Amulet, Suicide Queen, Ego Likeness, Schattenmann, Beasto Blanco.

]]> Peter Jennings Disciples (PJD) offers new single, ‘Not Enough Bridge’ https://www.side-line.com/peter-jennings-disciples-pjd-offers-new-single-not-enough-bridge/ Tue, 09 May 2023 07:55:13 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=42953 There’s a saying that goes, “it’s “water under the bridge.” It refers to the things...]]>

There’s a saying that goes, “it’s “water under the bridge.” It refers to the things in our past that happened and cannot be changed. It’s also the inspiration for the new single from the Rockford, Illinois based industrial act Peter Jennings Disciples, “Not Enough Bridge”. The new 4-track single is the follow-up to the project’s sophomore EP, “Bad News”.

Darius McCaskey explains: “Sometimes there’s too much history, too much trauma to let bygones be bygones. To save yourself from the raging floodwaters, you might have to let someone else get swept away. That’s the message of ‘Not Enough Bridge’.”

“Not Enough Bridge” is available in digital format on Bandcamp and all other major streaming platforms. Also available are mixes by Bellhead, Kiwillian and Circle Six.

Here’s the video for the track

]]> Chicago post-punk duo Bellhead returns with new EP ‘Good Intentions’ in May followed by U.S. East Coast tour with Clay People https://www.side-line.com/chicago-post-punk-duo-bellhead-returns-with-new-ep-good-intentions-in-may-followed-by-u-s-east-coast-tour-with-clay-people/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:45:56 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=42412 Chicago’s post-punk pair Bellhead is set to return with their new EP, “Good Intentions”, on...]]>

Chicago’s post-punk pair Bellhead is set to return with their new EP, “Good Intentions”, on 5th May. This release aligns with their U.S. East Coast tour alongside New York’s Clay People, kicking off on 6th May.

Following a busy 2022 supporting their second release “Dead Lights”, Karen and Ivan are back with their third offering. For “Good Intentions”, they’ve reunited with their trusted production team, including audio engineer Neil Strauch (Iron and Wine / Counting Crows / Owls / Joan of Arc / Walking Bicycles / Slow Mass), mastering engineer Carl Saff (Acid Mothers Temple / Smoking Popes / Red Fang / Guided by Voices), and management led by David Schock (WTII Records).

The six-track EP delves into a fresh “pop” direction, nodding to New Order and giving a subtle salute to Jesus and Mary Chain. Alongside the lead single “Valentine”, the EP features “Bad Taste” and “Into the Deep”, which address unsavoury stalkers, unreliable narrators, and bloodthirsty sirens at sea. The duo also present their rendition of Love and Rockets’ hit “No Big Deal”.

“Good Intentions” comes after a standalone single, a cover of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U”.

Pre-orders are available now on Bandcamp.

Bellhead 2023 Spring dates

  • 3/19 Eastside Bowl – Nashville, TN w/ Clan of Xymox / The Bellwether Syndicate
  • 3/23 Cactus Club – Milwaukee, WI w/ Clan of Xymox / The Bellwether Syndicate
  • 4/15 The Ruin – Fort Wayne, IN w/ Vazum / Observer
  • 4/21 Blockhouse Bar – Bloomington, IN w/ Pilgrims of Yearning / Freeze Etch
  • 4/22 Mag Bar – Louisville, KY w/ Gentleman Pig / Star Guided Vessel / Village Elder
  • 5/6 Livewire Lounge – Chicago, IL w/ The Clay People / Melter
  • 5/7 Mac’s Bar – Lansing, MI w/ The Clay People / Zombie Apocalypse / No Skull
  • 5/8 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN w/ The Clay People / Broken Nails
  • 5/9 The Foundry – Lakewood, OH w/ The Clay People / Bonded by Darkness / Temple Witch
  • 5/10 The Runaway – Washington, DC w/ The Clay People / High Horse Cavalry / Raw Dawgs
  • 5/11 Bar Freda – Queens, NY w/ The Clay People / The Amatory Murder / Chroma
  • 5/12 Darq @ Koto – Salem, MA w/ The Clay People / Acheron
  • 5/13 Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center – Harrisburg, PA w/ The Amatory Murder, Faux Fear, Goth Goth, Sugar Hysteria
  • 5/14 Buzzbin – Akron, OH w/ Night Goat / Bonded By Darkness / Temple Witch
  • 5/26 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL w/ Night Club / Iron Years / Plasmata
]]> Chicago’s post punk act Bellhead lands tracks on two compilations, heavy touring for summer ahead https://www.side-line.com/chicagos-post-punk-act-bellhead-lands-tracks-on-two-compilations-heavy-touring-for-summer-ahead/ Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:58:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=37774 (Photo by Anarchic Apertures) Hot on the heels of their “Nothing As It Seems” single...]]>

(Photo by Anarchic Apertures) Hot on the heels of their “Nothing As It Seems” single featuring remixes by Stabbing Westward and Dean Garcia of Curve, Chicago’s post punk act Bellhead is featured on 2 compilations this summer. You will certainly know Bellhead from their industrial track “With Guns (Afterbirth Remix)” on our free charity download “Face The Beat: Session 6“.

The first track is the band’s version of “No Big Deal”, originally written by Love and Rockets. The track is featured on a comp released on Coitus Interrruptus Productions and is a Bandcamp exclusive. The band also offers new original song, “No Dead Horses”, on “This Is Deathpop” from Give/Take Records that is out now as a limited edition CD and as a digital release.

In addition, the band is touring heavily this summer, including opening for 80’s new wave band China Crisis, Al1ce, Bellwether Syndicate, Hate Dept., and Chant.

Here are the tour dates.

  • 07/20/22 – East Room – Nashville, TN w/ Stoneburner / Chant
  • 08/07/22 – Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL w/ Chant / Stoneburner
  • 08/13/22 – TBA
  • 08/26/22 – Sk8bar – St. Joseph, MO w/ Hate Dept. / Torn Asunder
  • 08/27/22 – Sinkhole – St. Louis, MO w/ Gary Robert / The Cult Sounds / Captain SpaceTime
  • 08/28/22 – TBA
  • 08/30/22 – X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence / Dance Commandr
  • 08/31/22 – Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence
  • 09/01/22 – Crucible – Madison, WI w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence
  • 10/06/22 – TBA
  • 10/07/22 – TBA
  • 10/08/22 – Al’s Bar – Lexington, KY w/ Leaden Verse / Corporate Mascot
  • 10/14/22 – Wolf Hollow – Rockford, IL w/ The Funeral March
  • 11/04/22 – Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL w/ Hate Dept. / Won’t Stay Dead
  • 11/05/22 – Da Bar – Milwaukee, WI w/ Hate Dept. / Lockjaw / Am.psych
]]> Chicago based Post-Punk band Bellhead launch new single: ‘Nothing As It Seams’ https://www.side-line.com/chicago-based-post-punk-band-bellhead-launch-new-single-nothing-as-it-seams/ Wed, 08 Jun 2022 11:57:20 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=37224 Chicago based Post-Punk duo Bellhead have unleashed their new single, “Nothing As It Seams”. “Nothing...]]>
Chicago based Post-Punk band Bellhead launch new single: 'Nothing As It Seams'

Chicago based Post-Punk duo Bellhead have unleashed their new single, “Nothing As It Seams”.

“Nothing As it Seems” brings Bellhead back to their industrial roots so they say: “We never really had an intention to be in a specific genre, or even to blend genres. We just wanted to make music that was enjoyable for us, and that we hoped people would also like. You’ll hear aspects of anything from Nine Inch Nails to Magazine, to Death from above, from Killing Joke to Johnny Cash with a lot of 70’s Bowie thrown in.”

Bellhead are planning their 2022 touring dates which include providing support for Christian Death, Powerman5000, Stoneburner, Chant, Empathy Test and the Los Angeles dark electronic duo Night Club.

“Nothing As It Seems” is available now in digital and limited CD formats via Bandcamp.

For the occasion Bellhead enlisted Dean Garcia (Curve / SPC ECO), American industrial rock band Stabbing Westward’s Walter Flakus, I:Scintilla and Shawn Brice (Loveless Love / Bloodwire).

]]> New single by Attrition, ‘The Alibi’, comes accompanied by a video https://www.side-line.com/new-single-by-attrittion-the-alibi-comes-accompanied-by-a-video/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:11:11 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=30941 “The Alibi” is the new single from the upcoming Attrition album “The Black Maria”. The...]]>
New single by Attrition comes accompanied by a video

“The Alibi” is the new single from the upcoming Attrition album “The Black Maria”. The single is being released with an accompanying video and remixes from Bellhead, Vaselyne, Steckdose and Follynator. The track was produced, mixed and mastered by Martin Bowes at The Cage Studios, Coventry (England).

The official video is up now on YouTube.

And the single is available here on Bandcamp.

]]> Available for free download: Bellhead’s track ‘Fire Control (Ordinary Mammal Remix)’ (Face The Beat: Session 5 profile series) https://www.side-line.com/available-for-free-download-bellheads-track-fire-control-ordinary-mammal-remix-face-the-beat-session-5-profile-series/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:48:39 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=22616 The 9th track on our free (or pay-what-you-want to support our charity work) download compilation...]]>
Available for free download: Bellhead's track 'Fire Control (Ordinary Mammal Remix)' (Face The Beat: Session 5 profile series)

The 9th track on our free (or pay-what-you-want to support our charity work) download compilation “Face The Beat: Session 5” is by Bellhead, a male-female industrial duo from Chicago band.

The setup of Bellhead consists of 2 basses and a drum machine, no Guitar, no bullshit and they describe themselves as a modern rock / industrial / punk duo. Behind it we find two Chicago scene veterans who have left their mark across the tattered live music scene:

  • High Bass / Vocalist Ivan Russia – formerly of the infamous Ahab Rex, MR RUSSIA, Pigface, and Sheriff Scabs.
  • Low Bass / Vocalist Karen Righeimer – who has been featured as a current or former member of diverse bands such as Fashion Bomb, Team Cybergeist, W.O.R.M, Now I’m Nothing, mindfluxfuneral, Bethany Thomas, and am.psych.

You can find out more on the band via their Instagram and Facebook accounts. Here’s the track they offered for our charity compilation: “Fire Control (Ordinary Mammal Remix)”!

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

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