Cevin Key – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com Industrial, electro, EBM, post-punk, darkwave news Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:14:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.side-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-side-line-logo-png-32x32.png Cevin Key – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com 32 32 Bill Leeb from Front Line Assembly and Delerium fame to release debut solo album on Metropolis Records https://www.side-line.com/bill-leeb-from-front-line-assembly-and-delerium-fame-to-release-debut-solo-album-on-metropolis-records/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:13:20 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=50270 (Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis Records announces the signing of industrial-electronic Vancouver-based music legend Bill...]]>

(Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis Records announces the signing of industrial-electronic Vancouver-based music legend Bill Leeb for his debut solo effort “Model Kollapse”, out September 13.

“The album explores the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the survival of humanity itself,” says Bill Leeb.

The first single “Terror Forms” features Shannon Hemmett of Actors and Leathers and will be out on July 9. This album also involves Front Line Assembly / Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, mixing engineer Greg Reely, Actors’ frontman Jason Corbett, and LA artist Mimi Page.

“We are proud to announce that Metropolis Records has signed Bill Leeb for his first solo project. Bill Leeb has had a prolific career as a founding member of Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly and Delerium. His music has been highly influential, and we are excited to see what this new chapter in his career will bring for him and his listeners,” says Nina Heckman of Metropolis Records. “I’m honored to fulfill my father’s (Dave Heckman who died in the summer of 2022) lifelong vision and to be doing this project with a lifelong family friend I can honestly call family (Bill Leeb). This project is near and dear to all of our hearts here at Metropolis and I know it would make my father proud.”

“Model Kollapse” marks Leeb’s very first solo venture since the mid-80s days of Front Line Assembly, when he used to make recordings in his bedroom and released them on limited edition cassette format. Almost four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duo Dream Bullet.

The “Terror Forms” single will be unleashed digitally everywhere on July 9. The full “Model Kollapse” album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally, on September 13.

About Bill Leeb

Bill Leeb, born Wilhelm Anton Leeb on September 21, 1966, in Vienna, Austria, is best known as the founder and lead member of the industrial music group Front Line Assembly (FLA). Leeb moved to Canada in the 1980s, where he began his music career.

Before forming Front Line Assembly in 1986, Leeb was a member of the influential industrial group Skinny Puppy, where he performed under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder. His departure from Skinny Puppy marked the beginning of his career with Front Line Assembly.

In addition to Front Line Assembly, Leeb has been involved in several other music projects, including Delerium, which achieved commercial success with its fusion of ambient and pop music elements. Leeb’s other projects include Noise Unit, Intermix, and Conjure One, each exploring different facets of electronic music.

Bill Leeb discography

Bill Leeb has had a diverse range of musical projects, each with its own unique style and sound. Here’s an easy-to-read breakdown of the differences between his major projects:

Front Line Assembly (FLA) is characterized by a dark and aggressive style, blending industrial, Electronic Body Music (EBM), and electro-industrial sounds. The music features heavy use of synthesizers and electronic beats, often exploring dystopian and sci-fi themes.

Delerium, on the other hand, focuses on ambient, ethereal, and electronic music with a new age twist. Its sound is soothing and atmospheric, emphasizing melodies and textures. Delerium often incorporates world music elements and features various guest vocalists, achieving mainstream success with tracks like “Silence” featuring Sarah McLachlan.

Noise Unit features a mix of industrial, EBM, and techno influences. Over time, the project’s sound has varied, combining harsh industrial elements with more danceable EBM and techno beats. Collaborations with artists like Marc Verhaeghen of Klinik add to its diverse range of styles.

Intermix leans more towards techno, ambient, and electronic music. This project focuses on instrumental tracks, blending electronic and ambient music with techno rhythms. It is generally less aggressive than Front Line Assembly.

Conjure One presents a melodic and ethereal sound, incorporating ambient, electronic, world music, and pop influences. It features prominent guest vocalists and offers polished production with a radio-friendly appeal, blending electronic beats with organic instruments.

Cyberaktif, a collaboration with cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy, delivers a dark and experimental sound. Combining the signature styles of Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy, Cyberaktif features heavy use of samples and aggressive beats, resulting in a dense, experimental industrial sound.

Equinox focuses on ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, similar to early Delerium works but more abstract and experimental. It emphasizes creating immersive sound environments with a minimalistic approach.

Pro>Tech is a dance-oriented project with techno and trance influences. It features high-energy beats and repetitive, hypnotic structures, offering a clear departure from the darker styles of Leeb’s other projects, aiming for a more mainstream dance music appeal.

Below are the releases.

Front Line Assembly

  • The Initial Command (1987)
  • State of Mind (1988)
  • Gashed Senses & Crossfire (1989)
  • Caustic Grip (1990)
  • Tactical Neural Implant (1992)
  • Millennium (1994)
  • Hard Wired (1995)
  • FLAvour of the Weak (1997)
  • Implode (1999)
  • Epitaph (2001)
  • Civilization (2004)
  • Artificial Soldier (2006)
  • Improvised. Electronic. Device. (2010)
  • Echogenetic (2013)
  • Wake Up the Coma (2019)
  • Mechanical Soul (2021)

Delerium

  • Faces, Forms & Illusions (1989)
  • Morpheus (1989)
  • Syrophenikan (1990)
  • Spiritual Archives (1991)
  • Stone Tower (1991)
  • Spheres (1994)
  • Spheres 2 (1994)
  • Semantic Spaces (1994)
  • Karma (1997)
  • Poem (2000)
  • Chimera (2003)
  • Nuages du Monde (2006)
  • Music Box Opera (2012)
  • Mythologie (2016)

Noise Unit

  • Grinding into Emptiness (1989)
  • Response Frequency (1990)
  • Strategy of Violence (1992)
  • Decoder (1995)
  • Drill (1996)
  • Voyeur (1998)
  • Dead Sector (1999)
  • Deviator (2021)

Intermix

  • Intermix (1992)
  • Phaze Two (1993)
  • Future Primitives (1995)

Conjure One

  • Conjure One (2002)
  • Extraordinary Ways (2005)
  • Exilarch (2010)
  • Holoscenic (2015)
  • Innovation Zero (2023)

Cyberaktif

  • Tenebrae Vision (1991)
  • Temper (EP) (1990)

Equinox

  • Holon (1998)

Pro>Tech

  • Orbiting Cathedrals (1997)

Side-Line also covered Front Line Assembly’s ‘Molotov (Remixed)’.

]]> Aesthetische and Techno Body Music: ‘It’s all in the details!’ https://www.side-line.com/aesthetische-and-techno-body-music-its-all-in-the-details/ Sun, 16 Jun 2024 08:15:45 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=50076 Since 2012, Brazlian electronic artists Fab Viscardi and Gui Pires (ex-AGHAST VIEW) have been releasing...]]>

Since 2012, Brazlian electronic artists Fab Viscardi and Gui Pires (ex-AGHAST VIEW) have been releasing a bunch of albums, Eps and remixes under their new band project AESTHETISCHE through which they are both seamlessly blending modern dark dance vibes with hard-hitting cyber EBM assaults, all while infusing irresistibly catchy future pop choruses into the mix. They recently made a triumphant return and dropped a new dynamic 6-track EP entitled “Confidence Is Silent”. We asked Fab giving us some more insights on how the duo worked on this new release…

SL. The title-track fo your new EP “Confidence Is Silent” draws inspiration from iconic acts like CYBERAKTIF and FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY. Can you share more about the creative process behind this track and how these influences shaped its sound?

F. This track particularly started with the Chorus. Soundwise our creation process always starts with sound-design. Before starting a track we tweak synths, plugins and modules until we find the correct pack of bass sounds, fx, drums, etc to develop a new track. The lyrics of this track are related to one’s inner – faith. Being compared to FLA is really a big compliment as they are probably our biggest influence overtime. Gui is also good friend with cEvin Key from Cybearktif and has already co-written two Cyberaktif tracks with him.

SL. “Nudity” is described as an addictive EBM-pop anthem. What themes or messages did you aim to convey through this track, and how did you approach blending EBM elements with pop sensibilities?

F. It is a track about the unfortunate life of a cattle abattoir. Sad and true. This track has both a hard and a more melodic edge to it. I guess the contrast makes it interesting.

SL. “The Hidden Layer” is highlighted as a mind-bending frontal EBM killer. Can you delve into the production techniques used to create the intense and dynamic atmosphere of this track?

F. This track has a big amount of synth layering, using frequencies of all bass spectrums and a good amount of fx as well. The techniques are – sound design, layering, equalization, saturation, compression and mastering. The arrangements are very particular to our own writing style, not sure ai can describe it. I can say it has several – more than 30 tracks.

SL. Everything Ends” stands out as a moody experimental industrial soundscape. What inspired the experimental approach to this track, and how does it contribute to the overall sonic diversity of the EP?

F. This is small piece that really carries a big influence from Gui´s Cyberaktif sessions with cEvin Key…

SL. With each track offering a unique sonic journey, what do you hope listeners take away from the EP as a whole, and how does it reflect your evolution as artists within the underground techno body scene?

F. We really just hope that more people get to know and share our sounds… We feel that there are many potential fans out there…. as we are unable to tour it is somewhat difficult to reach a broader community.

Side-Line also covered Aesthetische’s ‘Selling Fear’.

]]> Audioglobe statistics on the darkwave music sales in 2023 out now https://www.side-line.com/audioglobe-statistics-on-the-darkwave-music-sales-in-2023-out-now/ Sat, 23 Dec 2023 11:54:57 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=47596 Celebrating its 30th year, Audioglobe, the most important distributor in the darkwave scene, just shared...]]>

Celebrating its 30th year, Audioglobe, the most important distributor in the darkwave scene, just shared a statistical review, revealing the shifts and trends in the darkwave (and related) music genre.

Our readers will surely remember that we have reported on these stats for years, until 2018, the first year that Audioglobe didn’t communicate these stats. Sebastian Koch from Audioglobe explains: “Some customers never really cared that much about these, as they have better things to do than reading boring mails from the undersigned. But… Surprisingly there are quite a high number of customers, that sort of ‘complained’ about the fact, that no stats were being done any longer… The reason is: I was simply always far too busy in past years. Anyway: Here we go with the first new stats since 2017!”

So here are some export facts.

Top 10 Bestselling Labels of 2023 (export)

  1. FABRIKA/DEAD SCARLET
    • She Past Away, Lebanon Hanover, Selofan, Kaelan Mikla, M!R!M, Doric…
  2. METROPOLIS
    • Birthday Massacre, Delerium, Front Line Assembly, A Projection, KMFDM, Legendary P.D…
  3. ICY COLD/MANIC DEPR.
    • Twin Tribes, Je T’aime, Traitrs, Kill Shelter, Closed Mouth, Talk to Her, Schonwald…
  4. ALFA MATRIX
    • Alien Vampires, Front 242, Metroland, Die Robo Sapiens, Elm, 808 Dot Pop, Helalyn Flowers…
  5. RUSTBLADE
    • Claudio Simonetti, Ennio Morricone, Lycia Lunch, Spiritual Front, Ketvector, Legendary Pink D…
  6. OUT OF LINE
    • Blutengel, Hocico, Solitary Experiments, Suicide Commando, Signal Aout42, Erdling…
  7. TRISOL
    • Sopor Aeternus, Rome, Clan of Xymox, Asp, Ostara, Skinflicks, Nachtmahr, Mantus, Soman…
  8. DEPENDENT
    • Kirlian Camera, Girls Under Glass, Spectra*Paris, Mildreda, Black Nail Cabaret, Beborn Beton…
  9. ARTOFFACT
    • Actors, Noise Unit, cEvin Key, Kaelan Mikla, Ploho, Sacred Skin, Kauan, Ken Mode, Spectres…
  10. AUERBACH
    • Spiritual Front, Sol Invictus, Tenhi, Moon and the Night Spirit, Haavard, Hekate, Orplid…

Best Export Territories of 2023

If we look at the Audioglobe stats, we notice that Germany and Greece remain the company’s strongest markets, continuing a trend that has been consistent for ages. However, the 2023 statistics reveal some notable shifts.

Canada, once a prominent market for Audioglobe, has surprisingly disappeared from the export landscape. In contrast, the United States and the United Kingdom have re-emerged as significant territories, marking their return to prominence in the darkwave music scene after several years.

The most unexpected development in 2023 is the rise of Australia as a key market. This growth stands in stark contrast to Switzerland, which, despite its affluence, has seen a sharp decline in sales. Sebastian Koch adds: “The (by far!) lowest sales of all countries where we export to, was to Switzerland… The rich Swiss don’t buy records! Since I left the country (1990), something is wrong back home!”

Here is the top 10 list of export territories:

  1. Germany
  2. Greece
  3. Netherlands
  4. Portugal
  5. USA
  6. United Kingdom
  7. Australia
  8. Spain
  9. Russia
  10. Poland

Not in the top 10, but France, Japan, Malta, Brazil, Sweden, Mexico, and Perù are also good export territories for Audioglobe.

]]> Skinny Puppy to split up for good after 41 years according to new interview https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-to-split-up-for-good-after-41-years-according-to-new-interview/ Sat, 02 Dec 2023 17:24:11 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=47249 According to an interview with the Canadian industrial music pioneers, Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key,...]]>

According to an interview with the Canadian industrial music pioneers, Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key, in LA Weekly (published on November 30), Skinny Puppy will split up after this tour. Skinny Puppy formed in Vancouver in 1982. The group is among the founders of the industrial rock and electro-industrial genres. Initially envisioned as an experimental side-project by cEvin Key (Kevin Crompton) while he was in the new wave band Images in Vogue, Skinny Puppy evolved into a full-time project with the addition of vocalist Nivek Ogre (Kevin Ogilvie).

Key acknowledges internal conflicts but emphasizes the joy and special nature of their last performances. Ogre from his side dismisses any notions of a future reunion: “People thinking that we’re gonna come back for a money grab in 10 years – it’s not gonna happen. In 10 years, I’ll be 70, so it’s definitely not gonna happen. But in five years or three years or whatever, it’s not gonna happen.”

The interview also reveals the complex dynamics between Ogre and Key, hinting at strained relations despite their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. In the interview Key reflects on the band’s journey, expressing surprise at their longevity and satisfaction with their final tour. “I clearly remember saying in interviews back in the ’80s that there’s no way we’re gonna be doing this when we’re 60. So now we’re 60-plus, and it’s bizarre that we’re still going. (…) We have spent 40 years running that fine line between acrimony and getting work done.”

Talking about the past Key is quoted saying this about his work with the late Dwayne Goettel: “I only got to work with Dwayne for nine years, but we did manage to make a number of albums through that time. But the memory of working with him is unsurpassed.” As for highlights he mentions albums like “VIVIsectVI,” “Too Dark Park,” and “Last Rights” as creative high points.

Discomfort with the ‘industrial music’ label

Ogre shares his evolution as an artist and person since the band’s inception in 1983. Discussing the authenticity of his early work, he seems to be disillusionised with the current state of music, which he feels often prioritizes commercial success over genuine emotion.

Ogre and Key also discuss their discomfort with the ‘industrial music‘ label, noting how the genre has evolved and diverged from its original ethos. Ogre says more precisely this: “As far as the scene goes, it seems to have devolved into more of a metal vibe, for the most part. All of the stuff that I loved about industrial music that came out of Genesis, with industrial records, or even going back to Stockhausen, all of that kind of, just freedom to do whatever with whatever. That’s the thing that’s missing in industrial music.”

Despite their imminent split, both Ogre and Key have future projects lined up. Ogre is collaborating with Paul Barker and others on a new project, while Key has completed scoring for the video game “Silent Hill: Ascension” and is working on a new album with Bill Leeb.

About Skinny Puppy

Skinny Puppy formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1982, originally a side project of cEvin Key (drums, electronics), then a member of the band Images in Vogue. Vocalist Nivek Ogre joined shortly after, and the pair’s self-financed 1984 cassette EP “Back & Forth” drew Vancouver label Nettwerk to sign them. Bill Leeb (bass synth, performing as Wilhelm Schroeder) joined in 1984 and left in 1986 to found Front Line Assembly, replaced by Dwayne Goettel (keyboards, sampling).

Key albums include “Bites” (1985), “Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse” (1986), “VIVIsectVI” (1988), “Rabies” (1989, with Ministry’s Al Jourgensen as producer and guitarist), “Too Dark Park” (1990) and “Last Rights” (Nettwerk/Capitol, 1992). Ogre left the band in June 1995; Goettel died of a heroin overdose two months later. Key and Ogre reformed in 2003 with producer Mark Walk, releasing “The Greater Wrong of the Right” (2004), “Mythmaker” (2007), “HanDover” (2011) and “Weapon” (2013).

The band announced its Final Tour in February 2023, coinciding with its 40th anniversary, and played its last show on 5 December 2023. In a November 2023 interview, Key and Ogre confirmed the split was permanent after 41 years, with Ogre stating: “People thinking that we’re gonna come back for a money grab in 10 years – it’s not gonna happen.” Skinny Puppy played its final show on 5 December 2023, ending a 41-year run that Nivek Ogre has said will not be followed by a reunion.

]]> Cold Spring artists presented on all new budget friendly sampler ‘Arise – A Cold Spring Sampler’ https://www.side-line.com/cold-spring-artists-presented-on-all-new-budget-friendly-sampler-arise-a-cold-spring-sampler/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:42:38 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=44485 Out on September 8th is a brand new label sampler from the fine Cold Spring...]]>

Out on September 8th is a brand new label sampler from the fine Cold Spring label. “Arise – A Cold Spring Sampler” is being released as a 2CD in gatefold ecopak and holds 33 tracks.

“Arise” is the first sampler in this 20+ years old label sampler series since the “Earthen”, which was released in November 2018. Included is material from Cold Spring’s current and forthcoming releases covering industrial, esoteric, dark ambient, noise, ritual, drone, doom metal, experimental, electronica, or yet dark soundtracks.

Included is work from Kollaps, Llyn Y Cwn, Khost, Jagath, Trepaneringsritualen, Coil, Merzbow, She Spread Sorrow, Frank Hall, Dead Voices On Air feat. Cevin Key, Lull, Mz.412 , The Circular Ruins And Mystified, Common Eider, King Eider, Colossloth, We Be Echo, George Fenton, Kristian Eidnes Andersen / Lars Von Trier, , Himukalt, Sonologyst, Satøri , 400 Lonely Things, Tunnels Of Ah, Sleep Research Facility, Burial Hex, Tenhornedbeast, Fm Einheit / Lee Ranaldo, Spk, Oleg Karpachov, Drew Daniel / John Wiese, La Breiche,
Neil Chaney, Gp-Orridge & Dave Ball.

Check out the tracks below. Warmly recommended!

]]> X Marks The Pedwalk returns with ‘Superstition’ album on meshwork music in November https://www.side-line.com/x-marks-the-pedwalk-returns-with-superstition-album-on-meshwork-music-in-november/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:19:14 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=44447 Out November 10th is the all new album by the German electro pioneering band X...]]>

Out November 10th is the all new album by the German electro pioneering band X Marks The Pedwalk aka the duo Sevren Ni-Arb and Estefania. This will be the band’s 12th album in their 35-year career as a band.

Sevren explains the idea behind the album: “‘Superstition’ is an immersive exploration of deepest desires and feelings and does not shy away from the somber reality of despair and mortality. Dive into the depths of human experience, the fragility of life, our vulnerability and complexitity of human connection. All is shaping our indivdiual perceptions and that makes each of us extraordinary and unique.”

The album will hold 11 tracks. So far no tracks have been offered as a single.

About X Marks The Pedwalk

Originally named ‘Scarecrow’, X Marks the Pedwalk was the brainchild of Sevren Ni-Arb, or André Schmechta, conceived in 1987. Serving as the creative nucleus of the ensemble, Schmechta undertook the composition, production, and engineering of every track. Their journey began with their debut single, “Black Door”, in 1988 under the Techno Drome International label. Soon after, they attracted an offer from German DJ Talla 2XLC’s emerging record label, Zoth Ommog. To circumvent potential legal complications over the ‘Scarecrow’ name, they transitioned to X Marks the Pedwalk, drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s “Dance Macabre”, which references a tale by the science-fiction stalwart Fritz Leiber, “X-Marks The Pedwalk”.

Throughout its evolution, André Schmechta embraced or initiated various side projects to give voice to musical expressions distinct from X Marks the Pedwalk’s core ethos.

“PAX” materialised from a dynamic partnership between Schmechta and Heiko Daniel. The duo’s synergy birthed two albums and an EP, described by Schmechta as captivating— an amalgamation of simplicity, raw emotion, and novelty. “Ringtailed Snorter”, Schmechta’s solo venture, had its genesis in a heartfelt tribute to a late friend. This endeavour veered from X Marks the Pedwalk’s hallmark sound, favouring unblemished configurations and minimalist sonic landscapes to spark introspection amongst listeners. A unique collaboration, “Hyperdex-1-Sect”, brought together André, Stefanie Schmechta, and Jonathan Sharp (of New Mind). Their auditory output was enriched with remixes, inclusive of one from cEvin Key’s ensemble, Download. “U-Tek” fused the musical talents of Alexis Schaar (alias AL/X/S and a former contributor to X Marks the Pedwalk) and Schmechta, blending dance rhythms with Schmechta’s EBM proclivities. Their subsequent undertaking, “A-Head”, veered towards alternative electro. “Deluga”, a darkwave melding of Thorsten Schmechta, Stefanie Schmechta, and Falk Aupers, regrettably remained embryonic. In 2012, André unveiled his solo initiative “SN-A”, an acronym denoting Sevren Ni-Arb. As SN-A, he crafts dance-inspired electro-ambient tunes, as lauded by Side-Line Magazine. André’s musical canvas also encompasses collaborations with his spouse Stefanie, manifested in “Viviane” and “Polyxena” (with Heiko Daniel’s involvement) and “Lighthouse”, in partnership with Bernd Schöler.

]]> Skinny Puppy’s Cevin Key announces a new album, ‘bRap and fOrth Vol. 9’ https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppys-cevin-key-announces-a-new-album-brap-and-forth-vol-9/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:43:47 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=44216 Cevin Key is set to release his new album, “bRap and fOrth Vol. 9”, on...]]>

Cevin Key is set to release his new album, “bRap and fOrth Vol. 9”, on October 6th via Artoffact Records. The first single, “House Tried To Kill Me”, is already available for your listening pleasure. Check it out below.

The album “bRap and fOrth Vol. 9” is the latest installment in the Back and Forth series released through Artoffact Records. This upcoming album is the successor to 2018’s “bRap and fOrth Vol. 8”, which featured restored and remastered tracks from Key’s personal archive. Vol. 9 promises to continue this exploration of Key’s archives. Key describes the album as “a collection of some of my earliest recordings recently discovered on 4 track tapes. Most are from 1985 from the infamous ‘bites’ apartment, with a few more from later, but still made on a 4 track. This vibrant time and the unique collection of gear inspired a lot of writing. Enjoy this time capsule <3.”

In the formative days of Skinny Puppy, when the band was still a concept in development, Key devoted much of his time to recording demos and experimenting with electronic equipment in his apartment. Some of these early recordings became the foundation for initial Skinny Puppy releases like “Back and Forth”, “Bites”, and “Remission”.

Here’s the new single for you to enjoy.

]]> IAMX’s latest single ‘Fault Lines’ is out today https://www.side-line.com/iamxs-latest-single-fault-lines-is-out-today/ Tue, 09 May 2023 11:32:34 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=42975 (Photo by Gretchen Lanham) IAMX’s latest single “Fault Lines” is out today. The eponymous song...]]>

(Photo by Gretchen Lanham) IAMX’s latest single “Fault Lines” is out today. The eponymous song is the title track of IAMX’s upcoming new full-length album “Fault Lines I”.

Chris Corner, IAMX, explains the track: “The song ‘Fault Lines’ explores the impact of societal fractures on the human psyche, on a personal and global level. It is an exploration of the consequences of fanaticism, manipulation, and self-destruction, and how we can find solace in the healing power of nature.”

The single releases alongside three upbeat remixes executed by IAMX, by A Calmer Collision (Ryan McCambridge) and by The Royal Ritual (David Lawrie).

The single is accompanied by a lyric video, shot and edited by Corner, reminding us of the balance of the artificial and natural and confronts us with how we have contorted ourselves to fit into the strange world we have created.

“Fault Lines1” live dates

NORTH AMERICA

  • 27 May – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
  • 28 May – Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater
  • 30 May – El Paso, TX – Rock House
  • 1 June – Austin, TX – Elysium
  • 2 June – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s
  • 3 June – Houston, TX – Numbers
  • 6 June – Tampa, FL -Orpheum
  • 7 June – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
  • 9 June – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
  • 10 June – Philadelphia, PA – Warehouse on Watts
  • 11 June – New York City, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
  • 14 June – Rochester, NY – Photo City
  • 15 June – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
  • 16 June – Detroit, MI – The Magic Bag
  • 18 June – Madison, WI – Crucible
  • 19 June – Kansas City, KS – Record Bar
  • 21 June – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater
  • 22 June – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
  • 24 June – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
  • 25 June – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
  • 27 June – Sacramento, CA – Harlows
  • 28 June – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
  • 29 June – Los Angeles, CA – Mayan Theater*
  • 22 September – Chicago, IL – Cold Waves Festival^

All shows with I Speak Machine
*with cEvin Key
^Festival performance

​EUROPE

  • 26 September – Bratislava, SK – Majestic Music Club
  • 28 September – Prague, CZ – Lucerna
  • 29 September – Budapest, HU – A38
  • 30 September – Graz, A – PPC
  • 01 October – Vienna, A – SIMM City
  • 03 October – Sankt Gallen, CH – bruchteil grabenhalle
  • 04 October – Munich, D – Ampere
  • 06 October – Barcelona, E – Apollo 2
  • 07 October – Madrid, E – Sala Mon
  • 09 October – Brussels, B – Ancienne Belgique
  • 10 October – Paris, F – Trabendo
  • 11 October – Cologne, D – Live Music Hall
  • 13 October – Leipzig, D – Täubchenthal
  • 14 October – Hamburg, D – Markthalle
  • 15 October – Copenhagen, DK – Amager Bio
  • 17 October – Utrecht, NL – Tivoli De Helling
  • 18 October – Frankfurt, D – Zoom
  • 21 October – Berlin, D – Columbia Theater
  • 22 October – Warsaw, PL – Progresja
  • 24 October – Wroclaw, PL – Zaklete Rewiry
  • 25 October – Brno, CZ – Fleda
  • 27 October – Stockholm, S – Slaktkyrkan
  • 28 October – Gothenburg, S – Trädgår’n
  • 30 October – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington
]]> IAMX releases new song and video ‘The X ID’ ahead of ‘Fault Lines1’ and announces tour dates https://www.side-line.com/iamx-releases-new-song-and-video-the-x-id-ahead-of-fault-lines1-and-announces-tour-dates/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:06:02 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=42694 (Photo by Gretchen Lanham) IAMX’s new single “The X ID” is out now ahead of...]]>

(Photo by Gretchen Lanham) IAMX’s new single “The X ID” is out now ahead of the new album “Fault Lines1”, due out May 12th. The song is the first new lyrical material from the project since 2018’s “Alive In New Light” and builds on the modular sounds of 2021’s “Machinate”.

The first of two albums across the next year, the “Fault Lines” project explores “the rifts and fractures of our lives, both psychologically and within the tangible world” so Chris Corner says. And he adds: “I am humbled that, here at IAMX HQ everyone is fully present, dedicated and invested in serving this art and authentically living an alternative life in mental and physical freedom. This video is a document of that freedom. The X ID is and has always been a major part of my personality. It is my brutal, provocative gender bending screaming inner demon, my magnetic swaggering hedonistic ego, the deepest darkest beautiful me which I am able to live out through this music. On stage, in videos, through my community. Over time I have learnt to embrace, inhabit and wield this X ID. Without hesitation or guilt. And I see it as my duty to encourage others to embody and express who they are.”
​
The video for “The X ID” plays with themes of gender, S&M and unreality. In the video you can watch how Corner guides you through a sensory overload of nature.

Tour

IAMX will bring the full band production back to the stage for a North America tour beginning next month and a European tour in the fall.

Chris Corner and longtime live collaborators Janine Gezang (vocals, keys, bass) and Jon Siren (drums), will interpret classics and favorites from throughout the expansive IAMX catalog alongside the new material of “Fault Lines1”.

In North America, IAMX will be joined by the dark electronic project I Speak Machine who recently opened for Gary Numan, and will end the tour in Los Angeles with an explosive opening act from Skinny Puppy co-founder cEvin Key. See below for a full list of live dates.

NORTH AMERICA

  • 27 May – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
  • 28 May – Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater
  • 30 May – El Paso, TX – Rock House
  • 1 June – Austin, TX – Elysium
  • 2 June – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s
  • 3 June – Houston, TX – Numbers
  • 6 June – Tampa, FL -Orpheum
  • 7 June – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
  • 9 June – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
  • 10 June – Philadelphia, PA – Warehouse on Watts
  • 11 June – New York City, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
  • 14 June – Rochester, NY – Photo City
  • 15 June – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
  • 16 June – Detroit, MI – The Magic Bag
  • 18 June – Madison, WI – Crucible
  • 19 June – Kansas City, KS – Record Bar
  • 21 June – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater
  • 22 June – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
  • 24 June – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
  • 25 June – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
  • 27 June – Sacramento, CA – Harlows
  • 28 June – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
  • 29 June – Los Angeles, CA – Mayan Theater*

All shows with I Speak Machine
*with cEvin Key

​EUROPE Read the review of ‘Fault Lines1’.

  • 26 September – Bratislava, SK – Majestic Music Club
  • 28 September – Prague, CZ – Lucerna
  • 29 September – Budapest, HU – A38
  • 30 September – Graz, A – PPC
  • 01 October – Vienna, A – SIMM City
  • 03 October – Sankt Gallen, CH – bruchteil grabenhalle
  • 04 October – Munich, D – Ampere
  • 06 October – Barcelona, E – Apollo 2
  • 07 October – Madrid, E – Sala Mon
  • 09 October – Brussels, B – Ancienne Belgique
  • 10 October – Paris, F – Trabendo
  • 11 October – Cologne, D – Live Music Hall
  • 13 October – Leipzig, D – Täubchenthal
  • 14 October – Hamburg, D – Markthalle
  • 15 October – Copenhagen, DK – Amager Bio
  • 17 October – Utrecht, NL – Tivoli De Helling
  • 18 October – Frankfurt, D – Zoom
  • 21 October – Berlin, D – Columbia Theater
  • 22 October – Warsaw, PL – Progresja
  • 24 October – Wroclaw, PL – Zaklete Rewiry
  • 25 October – Brno, CZ – Fleda
  • 27 October – Stockholm, S – Slaktkyrkan
  • 28 October – Gothenburg, S – Trädgår’n
  • 30 October – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington
]]> Dead Voices On Air re-release debut album with extra material as ‘Abrader Redux’ https://www.side-line.com/dead-voices-on-air-re-release-debut-album-with-extra-material-as-abrader-redux/ Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:04:06 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=39241 Out via Cold Spring on November 4th is a re-release of the debut album from...]]>
Dead Voices On Air re-release debut album with extra material as 'Abrader Redux'

Out via Cold Spring on November 4th is a re-release of the debut album from Dead Voices On Air (Mark Spybey of Download/ex-Zoviet France, Reformed Faction), featuring cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy/Download).

The original release “Abrader” (1994) blends processed sounds from primitive instruments and found objects into hypnotic looped rhythmic structures, with dark clusters of heavy ambient. It was the first ever of over 80 releases (so far) by Mark Spybey using the name Dead Voices On Air.

“Abrader Redux” features the three lengthy tracks that were released on the original cassette, plus the bonus tracks that were included in the 2009 reprint as part of a double CD, and now with two ‘new’ previously-unreleased bonus tracks.

Here’s a teaser for the release.

Dead Voices On Air was formed in 1992 when Mark Spybey emigrated to Canada from his native England. Dead Voices On Air was mostly a solo project of Mark Spybey for a long time, expanding to the band only several times before, but since 2020 it’s officially a full band including Mark Spybey, Lori Cole, Marko Roberti and Anatoly Grinberg.

Below you can buy the CD release or the download straight from Bandcamp.

]]> Legendary goth club ‘The Church’ featured in documentary film – crowdfund https://www.side-line.com/legendary-goth-club-the-church-featured-in-documentary-film-crowdfund/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:18:37 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=37653 “Dark Sanctuary: The Story Of The Church” will be a feature-length documentary about the historic...]]>
Legendary goth club ‘The Church’ featured in documentary film - crowdfund

“Dark Sanctuary: The Story Of The Church” will be a feature-length documentary about the historic Dallas goth club The Church. The documentary will explore the history and stories of one of the longest running goth clubs in the U.S..

Through interviews with music artists (including Paul Oakenfold, Bill Leeb, Aurelio Voltiare, and RubberDoll), local bands, and patrons, the film will tell the story of the transgressive community of misfits that formed in the nearly three decades of the legendary club’s existence.

The film will center on the club’s DJ in residence, Joe Virus, and follow his journey from aspiring musician to DJ’ing the main stage for over 20 years. The film will also narrate the events of 2019 and 2020 as a multimillion-dollar real estate company bought up the neighborhood, and the pandemic claimed the community’s beloved building at 2424 Swiss Avenue. Now, their home of nearly three decades stands on the brink of being lost forever.

They plan to seek more interviews with many of the world-famous artists who performed there over years such as cEvin Key, Front 242, Front Line Assembly, Combichrist, Clan of Xymox, VNV Nation, Dita Von Teese, and many more. The additional plan is to explore many of the stories and personalities intertwined with The Church’s history including such Marylin Manson, The Cure, Trent Reznor, Joan Jett, and even Madonna.

In tandem with the story of The Church, the film will talk about the Friday and Saturday EDM nights known as The Lizard Lounge where legends of electronic music performed: Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, Moby, Tiesto, The Prodigy and more.

To complete the documentary Dallas, Texas-based Spectrograph Films has launched an IndieGoGo campaign to fund their film. You can check out the Indiegogo campaign right here.

Music by cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy

cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy will co-compose the title music track along with resident DJ of The Church, Joe Virus. Artist Ashley Thorpe known for the Shudder Exclusive film Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched will do illustrations and animations as well as design the movie poster.

The goal is to collect $70,000 in funds. The perks for the backers include DVD’s, signed posters, 45 rpm records, and even actual ceiling tiles from 2424 Swiss Ave.

]]> Dark ambient act Dead Voices On Air joined by Snowbeasts on new album https://www.side-line.com/dark-ambient-act-dead-voices-on-air-joined-by-snowbeasts-on-new-album/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 08:01:56 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=30167 “Dead Voices On Air : Snowbeasts” is the newest album by the dark ambient acts...]]>
Dark ambient act Dead Voices On Air joined by Snowbeasts on new album

“Dead Voices On Air : Snowbeasts” is the newest album by the dark ambient acts Dead Voices On Air and Snowbeasts. For those who might have forgotten, Dead Voices on Air is Mark Spybey’s experimental and industrial project formed after his departure from Zoviet France. Dead Voices on Air has collaborated with artists such as Not Breathing and cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy.

But back to the joined effort which started out when Dead Voices On Air’s Mark Spybey – who played at a festival in Providence RI – was helped out by Rob Galbraith from the band Snowbeasts. He drove Mark back to Boston to catch his flight home. It resulted in Rob and Mark eventually talking about working together.

During the first Covid lockdown, in the summer of 2020, the duo started working on a new Dead Voices on Air album. Rob and his partner Beth sent so much music to Mark that when he started to assemble the finished project, he worked out that it was at least a double album’s worth of material. He suggested that the bulk of the work that Rob and Beth had contributed might work as a Dead Voices on Air and Snowbeasts joint CD.

Even the artwork seems to have been a collaborative effort as the band’s artwork guy Marco Roberti assembled the sleeve for the CD from photographs by Rob, Beth and Mark. The CD was mastered by another member of the Dead Voices on Air family, Anatoly Grinberg from Moscow.

The album is out now via Re:Mission (inlcuding as a limited CD edition of just 100 copies), you can check it below.

About Snowbeasts

Snowbeasts is the duo of Robert Galbraith and Elizabeth Virosa. The project was formed in 2014 in Providence RI. Earlier releases were cinematic modular landscapes and droning dark ambient while later tracks can be more beat oriented.

Snowbeasts has numerous releases scattered across their own Component Recordings and the fine Paris based label M-Tronic. They have also recently completed a trio of albums with beat oriented noise artist, Solypsis including two for Ohm Resistance.

Along with Snowbeasts, Virosa and Galbraith produce techno under the name Obscure Formats and electronic dance as Pattern Behavior.

About Dead Voices On Air

Spybey started his career in the North-East of England with Zoviet France in the late eighties before moving to Vancouver. It was here that Dead Voices On Air were formed. Spybey also worked under the name Propeller and was an original member of Download, which included members of Skinny Puppy. Spybey was the voice of “The Eyes of Stanley Pain” in 1996.

After leaving Download he started a series of collaborations, appearing on over 50 albums in a five-year period including that of CAN guitarist Michael Karoli’s band Sofortkontakt!. Spybey was a close friend of Michael Karoli prior to his death in 2001 and toured with him as part of legendary CAN vocalist Damo Suzuki’s Network in 1998 in North America, appearing in the German TV film by Peter Braatz, “On the
Air”.

Spybey was part of the band Beehatch with the late Phil Western of Download, who released three albums and toured Europe. In 2004 he formed Reformed Faction, a duo with founding member of Zoviet France and Rapoon mainstay Robin Storey. The band has released a number of albums and have played live in both Europe and North America.

He now resides in his native Yorkshire, in the UK.

]]> Skinny Puppy founder to release 5th solo album – new track streaming feat. Edward KaSpel (The Legendary Pink Dots) https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-founder-to-release-5th-solo-album-new-track-streaming-feat-edward-kaspel-the-legendary-pink-dots/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:42:41 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=28313 (Photo: Michael Mendoza) Skinny Puppy co-founder cEvin Key is releasing his 5th solo album, “Xwayxway”,...]]>
Skinny Puppy founder to release 5th solo album - new track streaming feat. Edward KaSpel (The Legendary Pink Dots)

(Photo: Michael Mendoza) Skinny Puppy co-founder cEvin Key is releasing his 5th solo album, “Xwayxway”, on February 19th via Artoffact Records. “Xwayxway” (anglicized as “Whoi Whoi”) is an indigenous village located in what is now Stanley Park in Key’s hometwon of Vancouver.

Key: “I was surprised to hear only recently of a 3,000 year old village which stood on the spot of Lumbermen’s Arch, its history erased. This instantly explained the many enigmatic sensations, profound feelings, and visions I’ve had in the park. I am saddened by the story of Xwayxway. I truly believe this is something we should have been taught in schools so people would recognize the park sits on Salish land which to this day has never been ceded. Perhaps that is why no one mentions it, or its secret mysteries contained within. [Skinny Puppy’s 1990 album] ‘Too Dark Park’ refers to this park, and I feel that title to now be an only more appropriate reference, given its dark history. I have an immense love for the forest in the park. It can speak. I could feel this inspiration deeply. I dedicate this album to the spirits of Xwayxway.”

You can stream the new single “Night Flower” from “Xwayxway”, featuring guest vocals by Edward KaSpel of The Legendary Pink Dots (and a longtime collaborator of Key’s in the band The Tear Garden) right below.

Musical guests include Edward KaSpel, IAMX, Traz Damji, Soriah, Otto von Schirach, Dre Robinson, Guilherme Pires, Omar Torres and Eric In Quantum.

]]> Tribute to Legendary Pink Dots/Tear Garden coming out via Coitus Interruptus Productions: ‘Love Notes to a Velvet Apocalypse’ https://www.side-line.com/tribute-to-legendary-pink-dots-tear-garden-coming-out-via-coitus-interruptus-productions-love-notes-to-a-velvet-apocalypse/ Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:22:01 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=21627 Coitus Interruptus Productions in association with Auricle Media are currently working on a very special...]]>
Tribute to Legendary Pink Dots/Tear Garden coming out via Coitus Interruptus Productions: 'Love Notes to a Velvet Apocalypse'

Coitus Interruptus Productions in association with Auricle Media are currently working on a very special non-for-profit tribute album for the prolific Legendary Pink Dots and Tear Garden. In the last 40 years Legendary Pink Dots released well over 30 different albums touching on various styles and genres. Also the Tear Garden have left their mark on a multitude of electronic musicians over the last 30+ years.

Tear Garden was initially formed by Edward Ka-Spel of The Legendary Pink Dots and cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy in 1985. The duo released 7 heavily influential mind bending albums and many other collections and singles.

This special tribute compilation is titled “Love Notes to a Velvet Apocalypse” and will feature a wide range of various artists and genres from around the world, such as post-punk, industrial, ambient and experimental. It’s not the first time that Coitus Interruptus Productions has gone into tribute modus. The label released 3 tribute compilations already for artists such as Fad Gadget (released through Cleopatra Records), Cabaret Voltaire (released through Metropolis Records) and Klinik/Dive and ABC (released through Coitus Interruptus Productions). Auricle Media has been behind several large scale industrial music compilations as well, and is currently the marketing branch of the Crunch Pod Label based out of Los Angeles.

Check here for more information on Coitus Interruptus Productions.

]]> Phil Western (Skinny Puppy, Download, Plateau) passed away this weekend https://www.side-line.com/phil-western-skinny-puppy-download-plateau-passed-away-this-weekend/ Mon, 11 Feb 2019 08:55:56 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=18148 It’s a sad day for the industrial scene as word got out that Phil Western...]]>
Phil Western (Skinny Puppy, Download, Plateau) passed away this weekend

It’s a sad day for the industrial scene as word got out that Phil Western (Skinny Puppy, Download, Plateau) passed away this weekend. The news was announced via Western’s family who posted this Facebook update.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we, Phil’s family, want to make this official announcement of his death this past week. The family are awaiting the Coroner’s investigation into an official time and cause of death but we believe it was an accidental overdose. We will update when we receive further information. Phil was loved by so many of us. He was funny, intelligent, deep, creative and so many other wonderful things. We will miss him more than we could ever accurately convey. Much love to all those who are grieving with us. Phil’s family xo”

Phil Western (47 years old) was a Vancouver-based musician who was a founding member of the bands Download, PlatEAU, Frozen Rabbit, and Off And Gone. Having started his career as a drummer and eventually as a programmer, he became a remix engineer starting in the mid-1990s. His friendship with Dwayne Goettel led to him doing a small amount of keyboard work on the Skinny Puppy album “The Process”, as well as creating the Subconscious record label with Goettel in 1993.

After Goettel’s death from a heroin overdose in 1995, he became partners with Cevin Key in several musical projects. As an engineer, or remix engineer, he had worked with Skinny Puppy, Mirror, Bryan Adams and Nine Inch Nails. He also assisted in remixes of songs written by Monster Magnet and Rob Halford and Metallica among others.

Western’s most recent work will be released on March 8th via Artoffact. It was a co-production of Cevin Key’s new Download album “Unknown Room” which you can already partially preview here through the track “Gaslighter”.

Here’s a reaction from Cevin Key.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Western.

]]> Download to release 11th album ‘Unknown Room’ on Artoffact Records – available now https://www.side-line.com/download-to-release-11th-album-unknown-room-on-artoffact-records-available-now/ Thu, 27 Dec 2018 16:46:45 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=17498 2019 will mark 25 years since the formation of Download, the avant-garde, post-industrial project featuring...]]>

Download to release 11th album 'Unknown Room' on Artoffact Records - available now

2019 will mark 25 years since the formation of Download, the avant-garde, post-industrial project featuring Skinny Puppy’s Cevin Key, and Vancouver fixture musician Phil Western.

“Unknown Room” is the project’s 11th studio album, recorded in Los Angeles over a several-year period, culminating in a recent two-month session in the Fall that Key describes as being “extremely intense.”

On “Unknown Room”, one hears some of the old Bites-era sampling techniques coming through, as well as a strong Tangerine Dream influence. Fans of second-wave Download, early Skinny Puppy, minimal techno, and off the wall zaniness from the 1970s and 1980s pioneers that mixed prog experiments with analog equipment will love what is here.

You can get this album in various vinyl versions via the band’s Bandcamp page.

]]> Cyberaktif – Tenebrae Vision (DCD Album – Artoffact) https://www.side-line.com/cyberaktif-tenebrae-vision-dcd-album-artoffact/ Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:30:33 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=16459 Genre/Influences: EBM. Background/Info: Can you imagine Bill Leeb (FLA) joining hands together with cEvin Key...]]>
Genre/Influences: EBM. Background/Info: Can you imagine Bill Leeb (FLA) joining hands together with cEvin Key and Dwayne Goettel (both members of Skinny Puppy)? Well, that’s what happened in 1990 when those 3 Canadian EBM pioneers set up Cyberaktif. Two 12” (cf. “Nothing Stays” and “Temper”) got released in 1990 while the album “Tenebrae Vision” came next in 1991. All works got released on Wax Trax! Records, but unfortunately no other new production saw the light of day. Artoffact brings us back in time with this remastered version of “Tenebrae Vision” plus both maxi’s and a rare song on the bonus disc. Notice by the way that Blixa Bargeld (Einstürzende Neubauten) was featured on 2 songs. Content: “Tenebrae Vision” reflects the true EBM spirit from the late 80s, but more than this it simply reveals the dark and typical Canadian EBM sound. And I here might affirm that Skinny Puppy and Frontline Assembly both were the pioneers and instigators of this specific ‘sound’, which is still inspiring bands today. This album sounds dark and danceable. It reminds me more of FLA than Skinny Puppy. It also is an opportunity to rediscover some essential songs/hits such as “Nothing Stays” and “Temper”. Both 12” (on the second disc) feature alternative edits and extra songs plus a remix of “Nothing Stays” by Beatbox Inc. + + + : This album is an essential EBM testimony from the late 80s – early 90s genre. As already mentioned it also brings two of the most legendary and praised Canadian bands together. You can hear it here consists of an ‘old’ release, but EBM die-hard fans will be pleased rediscovering this album and some of its greatest hits. This is where EBM comes from and those artists were the Canadian answer to European formations such as Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, DAF, Die Krupps and co.   – – – : “Tenebrae Vision” sounds a bit dated and that’s why I’m afraid it will probably not convince younger fans, which weren’t even born when the album came out. Conclusion: Artoffact made a judicious choice re-releasing this great EBM opus. This is a part of the EBM history! Best songs: “Nothing Stays”, “Temper”, “Paradiessiets”, “Dis Coarse Illusion”. Rate: (7½). Artist: www.facebook.com/Cyberaktif-151519201683340 Label: www.artoffact.com / www.facebook.com/artoffact  

About Cyberaktif

Cyberaktif brought together Bill Leeb of Front Line Assembly with cEvin Key and Dwayne R. Goettel of Skinny Puppy for a brief 1990 collaboration on Wax Trax! Records. Goettel died in 1995, and the project never released further material after “Tenebrae Vision” and its two 12″ singles.

]]> Skinny Puppy founder cEvin Key to release early demos – here are the links for the vinyl, download, … https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-founder-cevin-key-to-release-early-demos-here-are-the-links-for-the-vinyl-download/ Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:38:59 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=16062 In the early days of Skinny Puppy, when the band was mostly just an idea,...]]>

Skinny Puppy founder cEvin Key to release early demos - here are the links for the vinyl, download, ...

In the early days of Skinny Puppy, when the band was mostly just an idea, cEvin Key spent much of his time in his apartment, recording demos and experimenting with electronic equipment. These recordings, some of which went on to be the basis for early Skinny Puppy releases like “Back and Forth”, “Bites”, and “Remission”, are finally released as part of the famous ‘Back and Forth’ series, through Toronto-based Artoffact Records.

You can order this release in various formats (including vinyl) right now!

“Brap and Forth Vol. 8” is a collection of a dozen demos, out-takes, and braps by cEvin Key, recorded between 1983 and 1985. The collection gives us a glimpse into the birth of Skinny Puppy, those first experiments that would result in the sound of the band’s first albums. A dozen “Bites” and “Remission”-era demos are presented here, transferred from cEvin Key’s own archive, restored, and remastered. 3 of the recordings feature Wilhelm Schroeder, aka Bill Leeb, founder and singer of Front Line Assembly, and of course an early Skinny Puppy band-member.

The release is bookended by two other demos from later periods. Artoffact Records will be releasing “Brap and Forth Vol. 8” on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. There are several versions of the vinyl: an audiophile black edition and a limited yellow vinyl edition will receive wider release. The vinyl itself comes in a beautifully designed gatefold sleeve, with a digital version available to Bandcamp customers. The first pressing of the CD edition is housed in a beautifully designed digipak.

On top of this, a special collectors’ edition is made available, for which both label and cEvin Key have pulled out all the stops. This version, limited to 200 copies, is pressed on a special white and clear “inside-outside” effect vinyl. It is accompanied by a strictly limited 7” flexi disc vinyl, pressed on green and with silver foil text and design. The one-sided flexi features two exclusive, unreleased demos, which will not be available anywhere else (including no digital).

]]> Artoffact Records to re-issue collected works of Cyberaktif (feat. Skinny Puppy, FLA members) https://www.side-line.com/artoffact-records-to-re-issue-collected-works-of-cyberaktif-feat-skinny-puppy-fla-members/ Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:08:45 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=15648 Toronto-based Artoffact Records has announced that it will re-issue a deluxe double-CD edition of the...]]>

Artoffact Records to re-issue collected works of Cyberaktif (feat. Skinny Puppy, FLA members)

Toronto-based Artoffact Records has announced that it will re-issue a deluxe double-CD edition of the collected works of Cyberaktif. This following an earlier vinyl edition that sold out in a matter of weeks.

The deluxe, 18-track version of “Tenebrae Vision” is expanded to include all tracks from the Cyberaktif’s singles, as well as a bonus remix from Beatbox Inc.. The release is scheduled for September and is available for pre-order digitally on Bandcamp right here and on other platforms.

Formed briefly in 1990, Cyberaktif was an experiment to see what would happen had Bill Leeb (of Front Line Assembly) continued as a member of Skinny Puppy. Leeb was joined by Skinny Puppy personnel Cevin Key and Dwayne Goettel on the recordings, which were released on the Wax Trax label. The album was released in 1991 following two singles, Nothing Stays and Temper. Two tracks on the Artoffact expanded edition feature Blixa Bargeld (Einsturzende Neubauten, Nick Cave).

Check out the full album below.

]]> Debut album Phil Western finally gets a vinyl reissue (including a super funpack with test pressings) https://www.side-line.com/debut-album-phil-western-finally-gets-a-vinyl-reissue-including-a-super-funpack-with-test-pressings/ Thu, 17 May 2018 17:12:54 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=15002 Out soon is the debut album by the Vancouver-based Download and platEAU collaborator Phil Western....]]>

Debut album Phil Western finally gets a vinyl reissue (including a super funpack with test pressings)

Out soon is the debut album by the Vancouver-based Download and platEAU collaborator Phil Western. “The Escapist” was originally released in 1998 on CD, but it now gets a re-release on limited brown vinyl plus a fanpack limited to 11 (yes eleven!) copies holding test pressings – you can find this super limited fanpack here.

The music on this reissue was completely remastered for the occasion.

Western (a founding member of the bands Download PlatEAU, Frozen Rabbit, and Off And Gone) started his career as a drummer and eventually as a programmer and became a remix engineer starting in the mid-1990s. His friendship with Dwayne Goettel led to him doing a small amount of keyboard work on the Skinny Puppy album “The Process”, as well as creating the Subconscious record label with Goettel in 1993.

After Goettel’s death from a heroin overdose in 1995, he became partners with Cevin Key in several musical projects. As an engineer, or remix engineer, he has worked with Skinny Puppy, Mirror, Bryan Adams and Nine Inch Nails. He has also assisted in remixes of songs written by Monster Magnet and Rob Halford and Metallica among others.

Since 2001, Western has been the operator behind The Record Company, which has been the imprint for several releases under his own name, as well as a reissue of the Floatpoint CD “Beam Error”

Here’s a track from Western’s debut album.

]]> 50% off vinyl test pressings Front Line Assembly, Cevin Key, Die Krupps, … – here’s your discount code valid for 24 hours! https://www.side-line.com/50-off-vinyl-test-pressings-front-line-assembly-cevin-key-die-krupps-heres-your-discount-code-valid-for-24-hours/ Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:37:01 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=14145 Here’s an offer you can’t possibly refuse. Storming The Base is offering vinyl test pressings...]]>

50% off vinyl test pressings Front Line Assembly, Cevin Key, Die Krupps, ... - here's your discount code valid for 24 hours!

Here’s an offer you can’t possibly refuse. Storming The Base is offering vinyl test pressings from a huge list of bands at 50% off. To get the 50% reduction, simply use the discount code love (it’s Valentine’s Day after all!).

In the list you’ll find vinyl test pressings from such bands as Front Line Assembly, Cevin Key, Die Krupps, Download, Psyche, Controlled Bleeding, The Diodes, Doubting Thomas, Apoptygma Berzerk, Wumpscut, Juno Reactor, Haujobb, Pankow, and many more.

Here’s an oversight of all the test pressings for this Valentine’s Day special only! Below is an example of one of the test pressings.

Side-Line also covered Front Line Assembly’s ‘Warmech’.

]]> Boxing Week sale at Storming The Base – here’s the link https://www.side-line.com/boxing-week-sale-at-storming-the-base-heres-the-link/ Tue, 26 Dec 2017 17:00:54 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=13470 The industrial mailorder Storming The Base has launched its Boxing Week sale. The sale holds...]]>

Boxing Week sale at Storming The Base - here's the link

The industrial mailorder Storming The Base has launched its Boxing Week sale. The sale holds a choice between hundreds of vinyls, CD sets all at heavily reduced prices.

Included are releases from hundreds of bands such as Depeche Mode, ∆aimon, Front Line Assembly, Tehom, Blutengel,[:SITD:], iEuropean feat. Wolfgang Flur, Merzbow, Dave Ball & Jon Savage, Orphx, Cevin Key & Ken Hiwatt Marshall, Mueran Humanos, Yoko Ono, 3Teeth, Prong and many many more! You can find the complete list right here.

Good to know for our US-readers, you get the shipping for free when you order for 100 US$ or more. EU-readers, group your orders and you’ll see the shipping costs decrease a lot!

Happy hunting!

]]> Images in Vogue (Numb, Skinny Puppy, …) sees massive re-release on vinyl + live album https://www.side-line.com/images-in-vogue-numb-skinny-puppy-sees-massive-re-release-on-vinyl-live-album/ Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:00:02 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=12417 Artoffact Records has announced the first in a series of Images in Vogue reissues. Images...]]>

Images in Vogue (Numb, Skinny Puppy, ...) sees massive re-release on vinyl + live album

Artoffact Records has announced the first in a series of Images in Vogue reissues. Images in Vogue was a Vancouver-based new wave group formed in 1981 which released several singles and EPs before signing with Warner for their debut full-length “In the House”. They produced a second album, “The Spell”, before disbanding in 1991. The band consisted of Dale Martindale, Joe Vizvary, Glen Nelson, Gary Smith, Kevin Crompton (Cevin Key of Skinny Puppy), and Don Gordon (of Numb).

3 vinyl albums in different colours

The first album to be released (in various vinyl colours) is “Incipience 1: Studio Tracks 1981-1982”. The album collects some of Images in Vogue’s earliest recordings. The set includes the band’s long-lost first unreleased album and unreleased demos. This vinyl is available in red and black vinyl.

The next vinyl is “Incipience 2: Prerelease – Educated Man”. This record collects “Pre-Release” (June 1982, 500 copies) and “Educated Man” (October 1982, 1,000 copies). This vinyl is available in white and black vinyl.

The 3rd vinyl is “Incipience 3: Extended Play Redux”. This was Images in Vogue’s first major label release, originally available in October, 1983. The self-titled record features the top 30 single “Lust For Love”, and this Artoffact Records re-release includes remixes and b-sides from the “Lust For Love” and “Just Like You” 7” singles. The recordings were produced by Joe Vizvary and Lindsay Kidd, with assistance by Dave Ogilvie at the famous Mushroom and Little Mountain Studios. This vinyl is available in green and black vinyl.

You can find all the various versions right here in a 4LP vinyl boxset which includes a test pressing of all the new Images in Vogue vinyl, plus a free copy of the “LuvAFair” live CD, and the 4LP vinyl boxset of course.

Images in Vogue (Numb, Skinny Puppy, ...) sees massive re-release on vinyl + live album

Live album out on vinyl and CD (with bonus tracks)

Also out soon, and available in pre-order, is the live album “Live at Luvafair October 6th, 1982”. Recorded live in 1982 on October 6th, this is an unreleased recording of Images in Vogue’s 12th live performance. The concert was the premiere performance of the band’s massive hit, “Lust For Love”, as well as the live debut of then-new member Glen Nelson (e, Mobile Clones, The Glen and Joe Show). Live personnel included Joe Vizvary, Gary Blair Smith, Dale Martindale, Don Gordon (Numb), and Cevin Key (Skinny Puppy). Mastered for vinyl, this vinyl album is also out on CD which includes extra bonus live tracks.

Images in Vogue (Numb, Skinny Puppy, ...) sees massive re-release on vinyl + live album

Below is the video for “Lust For Love” as directed by Doug Bennett. It was shot at the old Vancouver Coroners Court and morgue. Now the Police Museum. The tarantula was the pet of Steve Bosley, bass player for Doug and the Slugs.

]]> New solo album for The Legendary Pink Dots’ Edward Ka-Spel expected in May: ‘High On Station Yellow Moon’ – out on vinyl and CD https://www.side-line.com/new-solo-album-for-the-legendary-pink-dots-edward-ka-spel-expected-in-may-high-on-station-yellow-moon-out-on-vinyl-and-cd/ Wed, 26 Apr 2017 19:00:21 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=10828 “High On Station Yellow Moon” is a new solo album by Edward Ka-Spel of The...]]>

New solo album for The Legendary Pink Dots' Edward Ka-Spel expected in May: 'High On Station Yellow Moon' - out on vinyl and CD

“High On Station Yellow Moon” is a new solo album by Edward Ka-Spel of The Legendary Pink Dots, and marks the beginning of his collaboration with longtime friend and fellow traveller Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls. The album is the follow-up to last years “Spectrescapes Volume 3”.

The new album is available on vinyl and CD (you can order both formats right here).

Edward Ka-Spel is best known as the lead singer, keyboard and electronics player, songwriter and co-founder of the band The Legendary Pink Dots, in which he was initially known as D’Archangel, Prophet Q’Sepel and other pseudonyms.

He has also released numerous solo albums (initially featuring other members of the Legendary Pink Dots, and including contributions from Steven Stapleton), and has worked in various side projects, including The Tear Garden (with cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy), and Mimir (with Phil Knight, Christoph Heemann, Jim O’Rourke and others).

]]> Skinny Puppy fans, attention! Massive reissue campaign for Download (Skinny Puppy’s Cevin Key) and Phil Western on ltd ed. coloured vinyl – pre-orders available now https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-fans-attention-massive-reissue-campaign-for-download-skinny-puppys-cevin-key-and-phil-western-on-ltd-ed-coloured-vinyl-pre-orders-available-now/ Thu, 20 Apr 2017 18:00:38 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=10756 ArtOfFact Records has just unloaded a massive reissue campaign on coloured vinyl for Cevin Key’s...]]>

Skinny Puppy fans, attention! Massive reissue campaign for Download (Skinny Puppy's Cevin Key) and Phil Western on ltd ed coloured vinyl - pre-orders available now

ArtOfFact Records has just unloaded a massive reissue campaign on coloured vinyl for Cevin Key’s post-Skinny Puppy project Download. And we really mean, MASSIVE !

So what can you expect: ALL of the Download records have been remastered and are being released in 3 vinyl versions (black, splatter and limited color). The records included are “Eyes of Stanley Pain” (2LP), “Sidewinder” (LP), “III” (2LP), and “Effector” (2LP).

For the quick ones, you can get a SUPER-LIMITED fan-take-it-all packet uniting all of the re-releases (in splatter and limited color) at a discounted price, PLUS you get one copy of a test pressing for each release. These test pressing are limited to 11 copies worldwide and will never be reprinted, so if you want to be among one of the 11 lucky ones, go right here to get yours.

If you want to order only a few editions of these fine albums separately, then check right here, keep in mind that these are all limited edition runs.

Good to know, the vinyl reissues of “The Eyes of Stanley Pain!” (1996), “Sidewinder” (1996), “III” (1997), and “Effector” (2000) are the first-ever vinyl editions for these albums. Note that “Sidewinder” is featuring 8 remixes of some of the material from “The Eyes of Stanley Pain” including a remix by haujobb. Download’s “III” saw the project’s line-up change to Anthony Valcic, Philth, and cEvin Key. “Effector” was originally released in 2000 as a CD-only title, the 9 tracks on Effector capture Skinny Puppy’s Cevin Key and Phil Western experimenting with ambient, noise, and industrial.

Also out in a deluxe 2LP reissue is Phil Western’s “Dark Features” which first debuted on The Record Company, Phil Western’s own label. The album was a collaboration between Phil Western (Download, platEAU) and Tim Hill (also a platEAU contributor). This Artoffact Records reissue sees the art cleaned up plus also holds a previously unpublished Phil Western essay about the recording sessions. The reissue contains 4 previously unheard bonus tracks. This collectors’ edition is released on only 200 copies and can be ordered right here (with or without a test pressing).

Here are the visuals for each of the albums:

And here’s the visual for the Phil Western album “Dark Features”, available with a test pressing if you want.

]]> cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) and Edward Ka-Spel (The Legendary Pink Dots) reignite The Tear Garden to release brand new album and rarities album, both on vinyl and 2CD https://www.side-line.com/cevin-key-skinny-puppy-and-edward-ka-spel-the-legendary-pink-dots-reignite-the-tear-garden-to-release-brand-new-album-and-rarities-album-both-on-vinyl-and-2cd/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 18:00:34 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=10746 The Tear Garden, consisting of cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) and Edward Ka-Spel (The Legendary Pink...]]>

cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) and Edward Ka-Spel (The Legendary Pink Dots) reignite The Tear Garden to release brand new album and rarities album, both on vinyl and 2CD

The Tear Garden, consisting of cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) and Edward Ka-Spel (The Legendary Pink Dots), will celebrate their 30th anniversary with the album “The brown acid caveat”. The new album will be out on 2LP vinyl (available here) and on CD (available here).

Next to this new album, the duo also will release “Eye Spy Vol. 2”, a collection of unreleased tracks, demos and rewritten or original material made over the life of The Tear Garden. This rarities album will be out as a 2LP vinyl set (available here) and as a 2CD set (available here).

The Tear Garden is a psychedelic/experimental/electronic band, formed by Edward Ka-Spel of The Legendary Pink Dots and cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy in 1985 after Key served as a sound engineer on tour in Canada for Ka-Spel. The self-titled EP “The Tear Garden” was released that same year, with Dave Ogilvie producing. The duo has collaborated on 6 albums, 2 EPs, and the first volume of “Eye Spy With My Little Eye” which also included rarities.

Here’s how the band sounds like:

]]> Artoffact store offers 35% off vinyl today Cyber Monday – here’s your discount code ! https://www.side-line.com/artoffact-store-offers-35-off-vinyl-today-cyber-monday-heres-your-discount-code/ Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:30:59 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=8933 The fine label Artoffact returns with a rather delicious offer – and it has made...]]>

Artoffact store offers 35% off vinyl today Cyber Monday - here's your discount code !

The fine label Artoffact returns with a rather delicious offer – and it has made the label’s CEO rabies mad as you can see above. If you use the discount code 2016move when following this link, you’ll get 35% off your vinyl purchases in the next 24 hours! Ain’t that a sweet deal.

You can choose from a nice list of releases from Haujobb, Controlled Bleeding, Die Krupps, Front Line Assembly, Wumpscut, Psyche, Advanced Art., Cat Rapes Dog, Cevin Key, Land of Giants, Marsheaux, Mlada Fronta, Mobile Clones, Nash The Slash, Noise Unit, Of Tanz Victims, Rational Youth, Terminal Sunglasses, The Glen & Joe Show and The Gruesomes.

In short, you have no reason to say no to this fine offer. So head to this secret Artoffact link and use the code 2016move and you’ll get your 35% reduction!

]]> Skinny Puppy fans attention! The 2009 album by The Tear Garden (aka cEvin Key and Edward Ka-Spel from The Legendary Pink Dots) to be re-released on vinyl! https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-fans-attention-the-2009-album-by-the-tear-garden-aka-cevin-key-and-edward-ka-spel-from-the-legendary-pink-dots-to-be-re-released-on-vinyl/ Mon, 14 Nov 2016 21:30:36 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=8786 Out soon on a limited edition green vinyl – pre-orders are accepted here – is...]]>

Skinny Puppy fans attention! The 2009 album by The Tear Garden (aka cEvin Key and Edward Ka-Spel from The Legendary Pink Dots) to be re-released on vinyl!

Out soon on a limited edition green vinyl – pre-orders are accepted here – is the reissue of “Have A Nice Trip” from the psycedelic-industrio-experimental act The Tear Garden. Tear Garden is the long running project by Skinny Puppy’s cEvin Key and Edward Ka-Spel from The Legendary Pink Dots.

The reason why many have never heard of this project before is that The Tear Garden have never toured. Here’s the title track “Have A Nice Trip”. Note that there are some nods to Fad Gadget included.

The Tear Garden was formed in 1985 after Key served as a sound engineer on tour in Canada for Ka-Spel. Their self-titled album “The Tear Garden” was released that same year, with Dave Ogilvie producing. The group reconvened in 1987 to release Tired Eyes Slowly Burning with contributions from the other members of Skinny Puppy to a limited degree of success. Members of the Legendary Pink Dots would keep on contributing to The Tear Garden and in 1992 they released the full-length album “The Last Man to Fly”. Another EP, “Sheila Liked the Rodeo”, much of which was live studio improvisation was accompanied by a video – directed by William Morrison – of the title track in 1993. With the collapse of Skinny Puppy in 1995 cEvin Key was dedicated full-time to The Tear Garden and released “To Be an Angel Blind, the Crippled Soul Divide” in 1996, followed by “Crystal Mass” in 2000.

]]> Incredible – and we mean it – vinyl sale at ArtOfFact on Marsheaux, Cevin Key, … 50% and more off! – here’s the link! https://www.side-line.com/incredible-and-we-mean-it-vinyl-sale-at-artoffact-on-marsheaux-cevin-key-50-and-more-off-heres-the-link/ Fri, 07 Oct 2016 09:34:39 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=8228 The Finnish/Canadian label ArtOfFact has a sale up with incredibly low prices including excellent releases...]]>

Incredible - and we mean it - vinyl sale at ArtOfFact on Marsheaux, Cevin Key, ... 50% and more off! - here's the link!

The Finnish/Canadian label ArtOfFact has a sale up with incredibly low prices including excellent releases from such great bands as Marsheaux, Cevin Key, … That sound almost too good to be true to you? Well, hang on, it’s true and you’d be foolish not to take advantage of this limited offer.

The massive sale is up to free up stock space. Therefor they have slashed their prices with 50% or more resulting in prices of 6 Euro, 12 Euro etc for high quality releases from Marsheaux, Cat Rapes Dog, Cevin Key, Download, Front Line Assembly, Land of Giants, Mlada Fronta, Mobile Clones, Nash The Slash, Noise Unit, Of Tanz Victims, Psyche, The Gruesomes and more!

Head right here to get your basket filled!

]]> cEvin Key posts update after reconstructive plastic surgery (done whilst docs were listening to Skinny Puppy music) https://www.side-line.com/cevin-key-posts-update-after-reconstructive-plastic-surgery-done-whilst-docs-were-listening-to-skinny-puppy-music/ Thu, 18 Aug 2016 11:42:40 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=7661 Skinny Puppy member cEvin Key took to Facebook to post an update after undergoing a...]]>

cEvin Key posts update after reconstructive plastic surgery (done whilst docs were listening to Skinny Puppy music)

Skinny Puppy member cEvin Key took to Facebook to post an update after undergoing a 6 hour reconstructive plastic surgery in order to reconstruct nose and face damage after a cancer cell was removed. The picture is quite graphic, but fans worldwide started to send him get well messages soon after posting it.

Here’s the clinical update Key gave from his sickbed in Los Angeles: “So to explain. I had a basel cell cancer on the side of my nose, somehow it spread down my face to my lip and up to my eye. Internally they had to remove it all in a 4 hour surgery. Then I went to a 6 hour reconstructive plastic surgery which has reconstructed my nose and face damage. It should look better than before I started because I did have a large scar on my nose from a previous basel cell surgery 15 years ago. I was promised that it has all been removed now. great stage look tho dont you think? So this should be a sign to wear your sunscreen.”

A funny thing happened too, as it became clear that the medical team had been listening to Skinny Puppy music whilst doing the operation. Key: “So funny, at one point in the cancer surgery you have to be awake for that. I heard “Assimilate” and then “Tormentor”. I was like ‘WTF’. Especially the lyrics to Tormentor… “cutters face ripped apart !” I asked them if I was halucinating and they were like ‘no, we really wanted to hear your music’!”

Get well soon mister Key!

]]> Skinny Puppy – “All my gear crashing on top of me… was not good!” – Tech-Talk with DJ Wildhoney https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-all-my-gear-crashing-on-top-of-me-was-not-good-tech-talk-with-dj-wildhoney/ Fri, 15 Apr 2016 13:22:45 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=6085 cEvin Key (born Kevin William Crompton) is a founding member of the Canadian industrial-electro band...]]>

cEvin Key

cEvin Key (born Kevin William Crompton) is a founding member of the Canadian industrial-electro band Skinny Puppy. He has been involved into several side projects including Doubting Thomas, Cyberaktif, Hilt, Bananasloth, Scaremeister and Download and was before active in the new wave band Images in Vogue as percussionist. cEvin will bring live music and visuals on the Kaiju -vs- Modular electronic event in Tokyo next month.

Speaking of which, make sure to collect these Download and cEvin Key releases on CD and vinyl!

SL: How long ago did you buy your first keyboard ever? Which technology did it use (MIDI, 3.5″ floppy disks, …) and do you still own it?

cK: First keyboard was a Moog Multimoog, analog synth, pre MIDI. I got it about 1982 and still have it. I had a Roland TR-808 before that and Pollard Syndrums, so it wasn’t my first piece of gear.

SL: Which computer(s) and software do you currently use in your (home)studio?

cK: I mainly use Logic synced to the room and all clocks, I also like Renoise sometimes. I use an Apple Macintosh, though most of our earliest Skinny Puppy stuff etc., up until the new albums, we used an Atari 1040 ST with Steinberg Pro 24 sequencer, very primitive!

SL: Can you describe all synth gear and hardware you use nowadays? Which piece is the most valuable for you?

cK: Basically everything we’ve used we practically still have here. So it’s a list too long to go into. There is a wall alone that is the orginal setup of Skinny Puppy, based around a pair of Roland TR-808’s, Roland TR-909 with trigs going to many differnat devices including Sequential Circuits Pro One, Roland System 100m, ElectroComp Eml 101, Korg SQ-10, Korg MS-20, Korg MS-10, ARP 2500 and ARP 2600.

SL: When performing live, which keyboards and software do you use on stage?

cK: I have used a lot of different things throughout time, again too much too list. Lately I’ve been using a Roland V-Synth to use as a controller for mixing virtual synth with its architecture. I also have a Moog, Teenage Engineering OP-1 and various analog effects onstage including a hand triggered syncussion Pearl Syncussion SY-1.

SL: According to your opinion, which are the most legendary synths ever produced?

cK: It’s hard to say one. I’ll say the Sequential Circuits Pro One.

SL: And which are according to you the biggest synth artists/bands ever?

cK: Sun Ra.

SL: Share with us the worst case scenario that ever happened to you live on stage or in the studio!

cK: My riser collapsing mid song in Geneva 1988, all my gear crashing on top of me… was not good!

SL: The unavoidable question: do you prefer analog or digital synths more? And what’s your opinion about the virtual analog concept?

cK: I like both, wave synthesis and frequency modulation of digitally controlled oscillators are some of my most favorite timbres. For bass you can’t beat analog.

SL: Isn’t the digital technology evolving too quick and becoming too complicated for artists nowadays?

cK: There is way too much available for someone just starting. I can’t imagine how intimidating that must be. However most synths are really based on others and like music it’s up to the user to determine what’s right for them without getting lost in the music store. That’s why I don’t enjoy the new gear all the time philosophy. Just yesterday I was still studying the finer details of the Roland MC-202, which one tends to forget if you don’t stay on it. So generally it’s best to pick a certain piece of gear or two and focus on them instead of thinking of what’s new I could get to make it better. Generally that’s not the way to think.

SL: How will the future of creating electronic music look like?

cK: As far as I’m concerned we are already there. If I could have told Dwayne (Goettel – deceased on 23 August 1995 – member of Skinny Puppy, Ed.) what we’d be able to do since 1995, I’m sure he’d say the same.

]]> Dubcon (Twilight Circus Meets cEvin Key) goes for January release ‘mArtian Dub Beacon’ album – pre-orders available now https://www.side-line.com/dubcon-twilight-circus-meets-cevin-key-goes-for-january-release-martian-dub-beacon-album-pre-orders-available-now/ Mon, 30 Nov 2015 09:31:14 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=3848 Out by early January, and available now for pre-order right here, is the Dubcon (Twilight...]]>

Dubcon (Twilight Circus Meets cEvin Key) goes for January release 'mArtian Dub Beacon' album - pre-orders available now

Out by early January, and available now for pre-order right here, is the Dubcon (Twilight Circus Meets Cevin Key) album “mArtian Dub Beacon”.

Dubcon is the symbiotic project between cEvin Key (Download, Skinny Puppy, PlatEAU) and Ryan Moore, a former member of The Legendary Pink Dots, who nowadays is an acclaimed dub and reggae producer. “mArtian Dub Beacon” is the follow-up to the earlier released “UFO pon di gullyside” from 2013 (you can order that one here).

For those looking for an explanation of the band’s name, know that it stands for erotica or lemon fanfiction where the presence of sexual consent is unclear due to any reason :).

Below is what the first album sounded like:

]]> Storming The Base launches Halloween sales in 3, 2, 1…. go! + Artoffact is now shipping from the EU too – cheaper for EU residents! https://www.side-line.com/storming-the-base-launches-halloween-sales-in-3-2-1-go-artoffact-is-now-shipping-from-the-eu-too-cheaper-for-eu-residents/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:57:49 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=3205 The Canadian online mail-orderStorming The Base has launched its Halloween sales on all Artefact releases (in...]]>

halloween2015-banner

The Canadian online mail-orderStorming The Base has launched its Halloween sales on all Artefact releases (in a tongue-in-cheek way if you watch the above banner closely). As usual, there is plenty of goodness to be found in their offer at pretty low prices from plenty of artists (including a ton of CDs at not even 5 euro). There’s also plenty of vinyl available including material from Front Line Assembly, Psyche, Haujobb, Cevin Key & Ken Hiwatt, Apoptygma Berzerk and many many more. Go and have a look right here in the sales section.

We were informed that the label is also give a 10% discount on the releases from Artoffact.

Speaking of which, if you an EU citizen, Artoffact is now shipping vinyl from the EU too – which makes it cheaper for EU residents. Check what they have on offer right here in their new EU webstore.

They will be using a flat fee for shipping from their office in Helsinki, Finland. This means that there will be no extra taxes, fees, or customs charges (all taxes are included in the price), plus they’ll be using a flat-rate shipping of 17,50 Euro (free for Finnish residents), orders are dispatched the same week they arrive and FedEx shipping guarantees fast, trackable delivery.

aofstore-sidelineAvailable for direct ordering are vinyl titles from Azar Swan, Cevin Key, Download, Front Line Assembly, Marsheaux, Mlada Fronta, Rational Youth, Psyche & Luminance, Saltillo, Seeming and Volt 9000. Available are also pre-orders for vinyl releases from Advanced Art. Darkhive, Cevin Key, Front Line Assembly, Land of Giants, Haujobb, Of Tanz Victims, Psyche and The Gruesomes. You can find all these vinyl releases right here.

]]> I Dream Of Wires (DVD Film/Documentary – Monoduo Films) https://www.side-line.com/i-dream-of-wires-dvd-filmdocumentary-monoduo-films/ Sun, 04 Oct 2015 17:30:03 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=2703 Genre/Influences: DVD documentary about history of modular synthesizers. Content: We’re not used to review DVDs...]]>

Genre/Influences: DVD documentary about history of modular synthesizers.

Reissue for 'I Dream Of Wires' DVD (feat. Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor, Daniel Miller, Erasure's Vince Clarke, ...) and 2CDContent: We’re not used to review DVDs and more especially when it concerns documentaries, but this film is one, which will interest all lovers of electronic music. “I Dream Of Wires” was made by an original idea of Robert Fantinatto and Jason Amm. Some of you probably know Amm as the hidden force and brain behind the Solvent music project.

The documentary is a search to understand the rise, fall and resurrection of THE machine that was the origin of electronic music. “I Dream Of Wires” is a fully appropriated title to remember us the history of the legendary modular synthesizer.

The documentary brings us back at the end of the 19th (!) Century and the creation of generators and electricity. They created a kind of noise, which was the basis to conceive machines able to create music. It was a purely scientific research that happened in laboratories. So we get informed about the creation of oscillators during the ’50s, which would become essential equipment in the construction of the first synthesizers.

One of the most important and definitely pioneers in the entire history of electronic music was a physician. Robert Moog was a serious impact on the electronic music and it remains a mystery how electronic music would have sound today without the work of Moog. We get an idea about how so-called Voltage Control Oscillators (VCO) got created and how a keyboard was used as a controller to the Moog ‘machine’. It all leads to famous machines that were used during the ’70s like the Minimoog and ARP2600.

A next interesting passage concerns the rise of punk music, which in a way became a serious obstacle against the evolution of electronic music, but modular synthesizers got also exposed to a new form of synthesizers, which were conceived in Japan. There’s an interesting talk about the legendary DX7 from Yamaha becoming the pioneer of programmed sounds (presets), the evolution into digital equipment and the first Workstations.

The documentary tells us that the rise and evolution of Acid music contributed to the rebirth of analogue machines and the use of the still famous 909 and 303.

The reliability of those machines and their maintenance both contributed to the extinction of modular machines till during the 90s Bruce Duncan came up with new evolutions, creating modern modular equipment (Modcan modular synthesizers). It all becomes rapidly clear for non-musicians that the modular synthesizers have been always more creative and unique to create unique sounds instead of presets.

A lot of famous and interesting artists have contributed to this documentary. I’m referring to Trent Reznor, Cevin Key, Chris Carter, Daniel Miller, Vince Clarke, Alex Empire, Gary Numan, Carl Craig, Flood and many more.

There also is an interesting extra featuring different passages like an interview with Trent Reznor & Alessandro Cortini (NIN) or a look at the studio of Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Erasure…), but also clips by Solvent, which is an opportunity to (re)discover the music of this great artist.

Conclusion: “I Dream Of Wires” is a real informative and fascinating view at the history of electronic music and more especially about the enigmatic and fascinating modular synthesizers. I’m not surprised this movie seems to have become a very successful item.

Rate: (DP:9)DP.

Label: www.monoduofilms.com / www.facebook.com/monoduofilms

]]> Cevin Key’s ‘The Ghost of Each Room’ available in a 3x 2LP vinyl package https://www.side-line.com/cevin-keys-the-ghost-of-each-room-available-in-a-3x-2lp-vinyl-package/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 15:11:05 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=1933 Expected to be out on September 25 is the vinyl re-release of “The Ghost of...]]>

Cevin Key's 'The Ghost of Each Room' available in a 3x 2LP vinyl packageExpected to be out on September 25 is the vinyl re-release of “The Ghost of Each Room”, Cevin Key’s second solo effort and the follow-up to “Music For Cats”. Included on the 10-track album are Phil Western, Edward Ka-Spel, Ken Marshall, Nivek Ogre, Justin Bennett, Ryan Moore, and others.

The vinyl reissue of “The Ghost of Each Room” comes in a gatefold sleeve with thick spine on high-quality vinyl. The music is on 3 sides of wax, with a fourth side etching of the famous cover painting from Haunted Rose Hall (Jamaica).

100 copies come on maroon-pink wax, 200 copies on ghost blue and black is also available. You can get all 3 versions right here.

]]> ‘Nirvana boy’ Spencer Elden etched on vinyl by Cevin Key (Skinny Puppy) https://www.side-line.com/nirvana-boy-spencer-elden-etched-on-vinyl-by-cevin-key-skinny-puppy/ Thu, 02 Jul 2015 14:20:13 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=1608 In 2003, when Spencer Elden, the baby featured on the cover of Nirvana’s Nevermind, turned...]]>

'Nirvana boy' Spencer Elden etched on vinyl by Cevin Key (Skinny Puppy)In 2003, when Spencer Elden, the baby featured on the cover of Nirvana’s Nevermind, turned 12, he posed for another cover, that of Cevin Key’s “The Dragon Experience”. The album is now being issued on vinyl via Toronto’s Artoffact Records. “The Dragon Experience” is a collection of archival tracks which are now 30 years old. Originally recorded in 1985 in Key’s apartment, the songs sat on cassette for many years before being rediscovered and dusted off by Ken Marshall. It was a very primitive home cassette studio setup, the same that brought Skinny Puppy’s “The Center Bullet” and most of the bonus tracks from the Skinny Puppy debut, “Bites”.

Spencer Elden Nirvana Cevin KeySpencer Elden is featured on the cover of the “The Dragon Experience” vinyl reissue, as well as on the vinyl etching. Other images of Elden adorn the inside of the vinyl sleeve. His adult fame post-Nirvana has never waned: he has been interviewed and featured on CNN, The Daily Mail, The Guardian, and even had a documentary short made about him.

The 11-track album includes “Ambient Fruit”, which was written by Skinny Puppy co-founder Nivek Ogre, and “Metamorphosis (Theme From The Trial)”, a Kafka-inspired jam. The double-LP vinyl will be released in September in a gatefold sleeve. Several vinyl colours will be available, including an already-sold-out limited yellow, a blue version, and a standard black edition. Order your copy now as this one will be sold out in no time!

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