Chris Pohl – SIDE-LINE

Chris Pohl (Blutengel) to launch 3rd LP by She Hates Emotions: ‘Future unknown’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:39:22 +0000

Out October 4th via Out Of Line is “Future unknown”, the 3rd album of that other Chris Pohl (Blutengel) project She Hates Emotions. The album follows the earlier released albums “Melancholic Maniac” (2020) and “Happy Pop Music” (2022).

The 11-track strong album also features Marc of Massive on one song (“Lowest of the Low”).

Pohl launched She Hates Emotions in 2019 as a way to explore his love for 80s synthpop and minimalistic electronic music in a more focused and nostalgic manner.

You can already check out two videoclips below.

“Dirty little Secrets”

“Don’t you think?” Read the review of ‘Future Unknown’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Blutengel and Solar Fake release joint single ‘Nothing Left’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:38:30 +0000

Out now is a joint single from Blutengel and Solar Fake: “Nothing Left”, see the video below. Released through Out of Line Music the collaboration features Chris Pohl of Blutengel and Sven Friedrich of Solar Fake. Chris composed the music, while Sven penned the lyrics.

The EP includes five additional remixes by JanRevolution, Pseudokrupp Project, Scheuber, Wisborg, and Neuroticfish. This release is available in both physical CD format and a limited edition golden vinyl.

On July 20, Blutengel and Solar Fake will perform live at the Dark Summer Open Air at Wasserschloss Klaffenbach in Chemnitz, offering fans a chance to experience their new collaboration live.

About Blutengel and Solar Fake

Blutengel, formed in 1998 by Chris Pohl in Berlin, Germany, is known for its dark pop sound that combines electronic beats, gothic rock, and dark lyrics. The band’s themes often explore love, betrayal, heartbreak, vampirism, and immortality. Over the years, Blutengel has seen several lineup changes but remains led by Chris Pohl and current member Ulrike Goldmann.

Solar Fake, founded by Sven Friedrich in 2007, is a German electronic music project. The band quickly gained popularity with its debut album “Broken Grid” and is known for its energetic synthpop and electro-industrial sound. Sven Friedrich is also known for his work with bands Zeraphine and Dreadful Shadows.

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Blutengel celebrate 10th anniversary of ‘You Walk Away’ with a new version, out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 10:05:51 +0000

(Photo by Annie Bertram) Blutengel celebrates the 10th anniversary of their single “You Walk Away” with a revamped and modernized 2023 anniversary version.

Chris Pohl, the creative mind behind Blutengel, explains the milestone in the band’s history: “Today, a decade later, we honor this legacy with a new edition that contains small but effective updates to make it still sound modern and anthemic in 2023.”

This track marked the beginning of a new musical era for the project as it was characterized by the introduction of rockier elements to their sound. It was originally featured on the album “Monument”. Below is the new version.

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Blutengel – Un:Sterblich / Our Souls Will Never Die (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Pop, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, 2CD, Vinyl, Cassette.

Background/Info: This new album by German Dark-Pop & Wave idol Blutengel also marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the project driven by Chris Pohl. Better than releasing a ‘best of’ we get totally new work featuring twenty five songs. The album is available in different formats featuring a limited edition with an extra disc.

Content: “Un:Sterblich” has been introduced as an intimate album but definitely sounds like an exploration of new sonic paths. Next to the ‘classical’ Blutengel songs carried by strong choruses connected featuring captivating melody lines we also get a ‘harder’ side of the band. Blutengel reveals songs with solid EBM-driven bass lines and now and then empowered by guitar play. On top you get the charisma of Chris Pohl’s vocals assisted by the heavenly and graceful timbre of the voice of Ulrike Godmann.

The main disc features 14 songs. The second disc brings eleven more songs -without any single remix. You ‘ll discover a more ‘classical’ Blutengel canvas although with more melancholic, and slower pieces.

+ + + : Blutengel remains a fascinating project and an artist who’s not only prolific but still surprising. This work features maybe the harder cuts ever written by Blutengel. Chris Pohl has been involved with so many projects he feels comfortable dealing with harder music but he never lost the main ingredients and basis of Blutengel. It remains melodic and danceable thanks to carrying leads. Next to this ‘new’ approach you’ll also notice typical Blutengel songs featuring great cuts like “Dark History” and “The Prophecy”. Songs have been once more sung in German and English which accentuates diversity.

– – – : The second disc is pretty cool as it brings 11 extra cuts but you’ll rapidly understand why these songs haven’t been featured at the main disc. I’m not saying it concerns album fillers but the quality level is just lower here -by the exception of the great “Back For Blood”.

Conclusion: Maybe not the best Blutengel album from the past years but definitely a different one featuring great pieces at the main disc. The fans are going to like it!

Best songs: “Dark History”, “We Belong To The Night”, “The Last Crusade”, “Fliegen”, “Tief”, “King Of Blood”, “Living On The Edge Of The Night – A Gothic Anthem” + “Back For Blood”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel Read the news on ‘Un:Sterblich / Our Souls Will Never Die’.

About Blutengel

Blutengel is the main project of German musician Chris Pohl, who first drew attention in the early 1990s in Berlin with Terminal Choice, followed by Miss Construction and Tumor. Pohl’s project Seelenkrank evolved into Blutengel around 1998. Ulrike Goldmann joined as an additional singer starting with the band’s fifth studio album, “Labyrinth,” originally released on Out Of Line on September 14, 2007.

“Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die” marked Blutengel’s 25th anniversary. The band has continued releasing new music since, including the single “Nothing Left” with Solar Fake (2024) and the fourteenth studio album, “Dämonen:Sturm” (2025), also on Out Of Line.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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Blutengel shares 12th and final video, ‘The last crusade’, from the new album ‘Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:21:04 +0000

With “The last crusade” Blutengel shares the twelfth and final music video from the project’s new album “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die”.

“The song is a call to make one last attempt to clear out the things that are not good for you. Defeat the enemies or ignore them and keep going your own way, don’t let yourselves be oppressed, and always remember that it’s YOUR life!”, states Chris Pohl.

Watch the video for “The last crusade” below.

Blutengel, a German electronic music group, was formed by singer Chris Pohl (also associated with projects Terminal Choice, Tumor, and Miss Construction, and owner of the Fear Section label) after leaving Seelenkrank due to contractual and legal issues. The lyrics, primarily in German and English, are delivered through both male and female vocals. The songs often revolve around themes typical of Gothic fiction, such as love, vampirism, sexual fetishism, death, and immortality. The band describes their musical style as dark pop.

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Blutengel release all new video for ‘Shine Again’ from new album ‘Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:50:40 +0000

(Photo by Annie Bertram) Out now via Out Of Line Music is the all new Blutengel video for “Shine Again” taken from the new album “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die”.

Chris Pohl states this about the new song: “‘Shine again’ is one of the more quiet, melancholic numbers from the brand new Blutengel album. I guess I created a very catchy hookline here, which, together with the vocals, is stuck firmly in one’s head! Lyrically, it’s about a relationship drama…. Not unusual, but still always an inspiration. You can’t be with each other, but you can’t be without…”

Here’s the new video.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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Blutengel releases all new single and video ‘The Prophecy’ from forthcoming album ‘Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:48:32 +0000

Blutengel is set to release their brand new single and video, “The Prophecy”, taken from the forthcoming album “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die”, due out on May 12 via Out Of Line. The album launch will be followed by concerts in May and June, culminating in a grand open-air anniversary show on June 17 in Chemnitz, Germany.

Before the album’s release, fans can enjoy the single and video for “The Prophecy”, which features Ulrike Goldmann on vocals.

“Musically, this is undoubtedly one of our more unique songs… There’s no straightforward beat; everything is twisted, eerie, and distorted… minimalistic, yet cool… The track is edgy, and Ulli’s powerful vocals add a touch of melody,” says Chris, the composer and creative force behind Blutengel.

Watch “The Prophecy” video below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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She Hates Emotions – Happy Pop Music (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Happy Pop Music” was released two years after the debut album “Melancholic Maniac” (2020). This German solo-project driven by Blutengel front man Chris Pohl brings us an album featuring eleven songs plus 3 alternative versions.

Content: She Hates Emotions remain totally devoted and inspired by the 80s Electro/New-Wave music the artist was listening to through his childhood. The songs evoke numerous famous artists like Alphaville, Camouflage, Gary Numan, The Human League and even Michael Cretu. All songs have been sung in English revealing typical 80s effects and arrangements -which are mainly coming through in the drum sections. The songs are full of catchy and melodic parts.

+ + + : Blutengel of course remains Chris Pohl’s leading project but we have to recognize all the other projects he has been involved with -think of Terminal Choice, Miss Construction, Tumor… were pretty successful as well. She Hates Emotions sounds like pure fun but with a very precise and judicious 80s emulation. Chris Pohl transposed the New-Wave legacy into an alluring, contemporary, production. The already familiar singles “Space & Time” and “This Ain’t Good” both remain excellent tracks featuring great melody lines, superb effects and refined arrangements. But I also have to mention “Meant To Be Alone” which is more reminding me of Gary Numan and “No Time To Waste” which is one of the catchiest cuts.

– – – : Originality is hard to find but who cares when the result is fully enjoyable.

Conclusion: The 80s remain a very inspiring period for genius artists like Chris Pohl.

Best songs: “This Ain’t Good”, “No Time To Waste”, “Space & Time”, “Meant To Be Alone”, “Ich Will Hier Weg”, “She Takes Control”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/SheHatesEmotions

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

Side-Line previously covered the “Space and Time” single and video ahead of the album.

Listen to “Happy Pop Music”:

Happy Pop Music by She Hates Emotions

About She Hates Emotions

She Hates Emotions is the solo project of Chris Pohl, best known as the frontman of Blutengel. The project debuted in 2020 with the single “See The Light”, its video shot on location in Berlin, followed by the debut album “Melancholic Maniac” on 15 May 2020 via Out Of Line. The single “Space and Time” preceded the second album, “Happy Pop Music”, released on 25 November 2022. A third She Hates Emotions album, “Future Unknown”, was announced by Chris Pohl in 2024.

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Blutengel releases first new single & video ‘Dark History’ – new album in 2023

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:09:02 +0000

Today sees the release of Blutengel’s first brand new single and video titled “Dark History”.

The single acts as a teaser for the upcoming album “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die” which is expect for early next year. With the upcoming Blutengel album Chris Pohl continues the collaboration with Henning Verlage.

The band explains the concept behind the new single as follows: “Lyrically, the new song deals with people asking themselves if their past may have some dark chapters. After all, many people just hurt people who they love, and they are also afraid of being alone at the same time. And yet, everyone desires just that one person with whom they can escape this past together.”

Watch the video for “Dark History” below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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Chris Pohl electropop project She Hates Emotions launches ‘Space and Time’ single and video

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 11:56:05 +0000

(Photo by Caitlin Stokes) Out now via Out Of Line Music is the all new single from the Chris Pohl powered electropop project She Hates Emotions. “Space and Time” is the first new single/video from the upcoming album “Happy Pop Music” which is the follow-up album to the project’s debut “Melancholic Maniac”.

Chris comments about the first single: “‘Space & Time’ was the first song I wrote for the new She Hates Emotions album. It’s about the incessant search for your soulmate… The person you want by your side. You know that this person exists, but you haven’t found him or her yet and you’ll keep searching…. On the album “Happy Pop Music”, I continue to combine 80s sounds with melancholic lyrics. Not as bombastic as Blutengel, rather very minimal. The lyrics are, as always, very personal. It’s about love, pain, fear, becoming older, depression… Everything that has occupied me in recent years. Therefore, the album title is also meant to be absolutely ironic!”

Here’s the video for “Space and Time”.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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Interview with BlutEngel: ‘Everything Is Better Than Digital Music’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Chris Pohl set up BlutEngel in 1998. The project got rapidly signed to Out Of Line and became an instant success. More than twenty years later BlutEngel is a long-time leading formation from the Electronic underground scene. The German Electro/Wave Pop project has released countless hits and never stopped releasing great albums. The new album “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light” only confirms the leading status of BlutEngel. I even experienced the new work as one of the most accomplished productions to date. Chris Pohl answered a few questions about this new masterpiece.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’ve been extremely prolific during the ongoing pandemic. You last year released the debut album of She Hates Emotions and this year already unleashed two BlutEngel-albums. What has been the true impact of the pandemic on your artistic activities and how did you experience this situation as human being?

Chris: Well, my output would have been just as high even without the pandemic:-) I had planned the debut of She Hates Emotions for a long time, and it came about before the pandemic. The regular album was supposed to come out in February 2021, but without the chance of a tour, I pushed the cover album, which was supposed to be released at the end of 2020, to February 2021. I was hoping that when the regular album comes out in summer, I can go on tour in fall. But the reality is still different. Otherwise, nothing has changed for me as a musician during the pandemic. Not even in my private life, as I rarely go out and tend to live in isolation. The only thing I missed sometimes was meeting friends.

Q: Over now to the new album “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light”. How did you apprehend this new work? Did you’ve specific themes in mind and did you focalize on explicit elements in the writing and production process?

Chris: This album was created differently than the previous albums. I did everything alone. Since “Tränenherz” I have worked with producers who have been able to influence the songs a little here and there. A sound has already been changed and thus influenced the song. This time I finished producing everything myself, and the producer just made the overall sound a little nicer. It was primarily about the mix. Of course, there were small additions, but nothing was changed. That makes it so special to me, and it was somehow a very liberating process and reminded me of my beginnings.

Q: The title of the album sounds intriguing and rather metaphoric, so it can be understood in different ways, but what’s its deeper significance? And is there a possible link with the dark times humanity is actually going through?

Chris: This album is close to a concept album. It wasn’t planned in the beginning, but since I’m in a not-so-great situation at the moment, I wanted to write a very personal album. I wanted to describe my feelings and fears, but at the same time give me and my fans hope. It was a kind of self-therapy. Many songs are about loss, fear and hope. The light plays the role of redemption here. Everything gets better, brighter, friendlier or everything goes in the direction of eternity, so to death. You can see the light shortly before you die. Either way, it’s a release. Of course, the lyrics also fit very well with the pandemic. That wasn’t intended, but I don’t want to say that the situation didn’t affect me a little subconsciously.

Q: What have been the different stages you’d to go through to achieve the new work? Did you experience specific difficulties and/or challenges in the accomplishment of some songs?

Chris: No… As I mentioned before, it was the fact that I did the album all by myself that had a big impact on the result. What was very exhausting were the vocal recordings with Ulli. Not because she sang badly -on the contrary. But she was so busy because she works in the hospital and then that distance when recording… wearing masks in the studio (except when she was on the mic^^) and always having us tested before we could start… That was weird…

Q: The regular album features 14 songs, but you composed 13 extra songs for the limited/box format. What makes the difference to you between the songs of the regular album and the others? Do you handle specific criteria to know when a song is finished?

Chris: All songs are equally good for me. But when I put the main album together, I pay attention to the division and the variety. Not too many fast songs, enough ballads, the relationship between German and English songs… every song that doesn’t get on the main CD will find its place on the bonus CD. And I composed the 6 instrumentals especially for this little bonus CD, which is only in the box.

Q: I noticed the album is also available as cassette format. I know cassettes today are mainly collector’s items, but I can imagine it must have something nostalgic as your first Terminal Choice songs were ever released this format. What does it evoke to you and what’s your perception about technical (r)evolution?

Chris: You are absolutely right. This tape reminded me of my early days. I released 5 or 6 tapes before I got my first record deal. I just think it’s great that you can offer such formats. Unfortunately, I don’t have a cassette recorder, but the idea is just great and makes my old heart happy.

For me, everything is better than digital music. The soul is lost with it. You need to have something to touch, to look at… It all looks nicer, and so the music gets more attention. But I have to go with the flow even though it’s always with tears in my eyes…

Q: How much of the ‘young’ Chris Pohl releasing the first BlutEngel albums do you still recognize in the way you achieved “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light”?

Chris: When it comes to my music, I’m still the Chris I was 20 years ago. I still make music the same way. The technique has gotten better, but HOW I write and record songs -it’s the same as before. My mind and ideas are also the same. In fact, I don’t feel that much has changed for me. I only notice that when I look in the mirror^^

Q: Clips have been always a very important aspect in the work and career of BlutEngel. What did you try to express in the newest clips and what’s your own input in the creation and release of the clips?

Chris: We have always been a band putting a lot of emphasis on show and style. Our stage show, our artwork… of course that should also be reflected in the clips. All four clips are quite different. From beautiful and romantic to weird, disturbing, or sexy… Even if video clips don’t get the attention they used to, they should be made and fit the band.

Q: Live shows also are an important part of the band -and the fans, so how does it feel to go back on stage again? And how do you expect festivals and live events evolving because of the pandemic?

Chris: I am even more grateful to be on stage these days. We were never a band that gave a lot of concerts. Maybe 20 a year… Then a couple of festivals… But I’ve had 4 concerts since the pandemic and there are probably only 2-3 more to come. That’s weird. When I’m on stage now, I’m so happy and want more normality back. I hope that I will soon be able to stand in front of 25,000 people at a festival again and not have to worry about a virus… even if it is still there.

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Blutengel – Erlösung / The Victory Of Light (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:49:15 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Wave, Dark-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD, 2CD, Box, Vinyl, Double Vinyl, Cassette.

Background/Info: Chris Pohl remains pretty prolific during the ongoing pandemic. While he last year unleashed the debut album of his new side-project She Hates Emotions, he this year took off with a special Blutengel album featuring 80s covers “Fountain Of Destiny” and now strikes back with the brand new album “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light”. The regular album features fourteen songs, but the double album features an extra disc (cf. Erlösung – In The Shadows”) with seven more songs. Last, but not least there also is a Box-set featuring one more bonus disc (cf. “Erlösung – A World Beyond”) with six extra songs. Notice by the way it also is the very first time there’ll be a Blutengel-album released on cassette.

Content: Blutengel didn’t really change its familiar sound formula. The songs remain driven by a Dark/Wave-Electro-Pop style mixing hard kicking bass drums and melodic choruses. The songs are still sung in German and English featuring Chris Pohl and Ulrike Goldmann. Some tracks have been empowered and achieved with guitar riffs. I now and then noticed some good-old 80s aspects. The softer tracks have this melancholic touch on top. The album features the already familiar singles “The Victory Of Light”, “Wir Sind Das Licht” and “Wie Sand”.

+ + + : Chris Pohl never stops to take me by surprise. Considering the impressive Blutengel discography featuring the same-old influences you might expect an artist who’s repeating himself. I should say the music style hasn’t changed, but he each time again finds the trick to create great melody lines resulting in elevating choruses. Next to the aforementioned singles, this album reveals a few more potential singles. “We Are Not Dead”, “I Am The Darkness”, “Erlöse Mich” and “Darkness Awaits Us” all are potential hits mixing power and melody, charismatic vocals by Chris Pohl and vocals that express both sensuality and grace by Ulrike Goldmann. I like this work for its menacing bass lines and dreamy atmospheres, but it also is one more totally accomplished opus by Blutengel.

– – – : When you get a regular album featuring 14 songs and you get the feeling nearly half of the tracklist could be potential singles and dancefloor hits, you can’t complain. I’m however less convinced by some of the very few softer –and even ballad-like tracks.

Conclusion: The Blutengel fans will all have their favorite albums and songs, but I’m sure this new opus will quickly become one of their favorites.

Best songs: “We Are Not Dead”, “Darkness Awaits Us”, “I Am The Darkness”, “Erlöse Mich”, “Illuminate My Soul”, “The Victory Of Light”, “Wir Sind Das Licht”.

Rate: 9.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel Read the news on ‘Erlösung / The Victory Of Light’.

Erlösung – The Victory Of Light by Blutengel

About Blutengel

Blutengel was formed in Berlin, Germany, in 1998 by singer Chris Pohl after he left the project Seelenkrank. The band mixes Dark-Wave, Futurepop and Synth-Pop into a style Pohl describes as “dark pop”, with lyrics in German and English delivered across male and female vocals. Ulrike Goldmann joined as female vocalist in 2005 and remains, alongside Pohl, the band’s current lineup; earlier vocalists included Nina Bendigkeit, Kati Roloff, Gini Martin, Eva Pölzing, Constance Rudert, Steffi Weingarten and Anja Milow.

The studio album chronology runs from “Child Of Glass” (1999) and “Seelenschmerz” (2001) through “Angel Dust” (2002), “Demon Kiss” (2004), “Labyrinth” (2007), “Schwarzes Eis” (2009), “Tränenherz” (2011), “Monument” (2013), “Omen” (2015), “Leitbild” (2017) and “Un:Gott” (2019), all on Out Of Line. Pohl launched She Hates Emotions in 2020 with Melancholic Maniac, and Blutengel opened 2021 with the covers album “Fountain Of Destiny”.

Out Of Line released “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light” on 16 July 2021 as a CD, a two-CD deluxe edition, a limited box set, a double LP and a limited cassette, with a download. The fourteen album tracks are “Illuminate My Soul”, “Wir Sind Das Licht”, “We Are Not Dead”, “Seasons”, “Wer Ist Dein Meister?”, “Deine Dämonen”, “I Am The Darkness”, “Erlöse Mich”, “Wie Sand”, “No Religion”, “Darkness Awaits Us”, “We Fall”, “The Victory Of Light” and “Hand In Hand”. The second disc “Erlösung – In The Shadows” holds “Herrschaft”, “Freak Out”, “She’s Not A Saint”, “Purple Sky”, “Angel’s Cry”, “New World”, “Wir Sind Unsterblich” and, unlisted on the cover according to Discogs, “Old”. The box set adds the six-track bonus CD “A World Beyond” (“Lost Hope”, “Dark Universe”, “Resistance”, “Light In The Distance”, “Final Warning”, “Demented”), an LED flashlight keychain, a hologram sticker and a 32-page photo book. Stefan Heilemann made the artwork. Pohl discussed the album with Side-Line in the Interview with BlutEngel: ‘Everything Is Better Than Digital Music’ published on 30 August 2021.

“Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die” (2023) and “Dämonen:Sturm” (2025) followed on Out Of Line. “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light” is the band’s twelfth studio album.

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Blutengel – Fountain Of Destiny (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 10 May 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: While Chris Pohl last year released the debut album of his side-project She Hates Emotions, which was devoted to the 80s, he now strikes back with this new Blutengel album featuring cover versions of legendary 80s songs. The album is available in different formats, but I here review the classical CD version featuring ten covers plus two extra songs.

Content: Blutengel transposed the original Electro-Wave/Pop songs into a very personal interpretation. You always recognize the original songs, but also the typical –and rougher, but melodic Blutengel touch. Chris Pohl remains the lead singer while Ulrike Godmann sings a few songs as well.

The bands that were covered include Duran Duran, Alphaville, Ultravox, Gary Numan, Steinberg & Kelly, Mike & The Mechanics, Yazoo, Propaganda, A-Ha and Erasure. Last, but not least we also get two extra songs written by Blutengel featuring the instrumental “Journey To The Edge Of The Night”.

+ + + : Covering legendary songs such as “Wild Boys”, “Forever Young”, “Nobody’s Diary”, “Dr. Mabuse”, “The Sun Always Shines On TV” or yet “Ship Of Fools” remain a tricky business. It’s an exercise, which is often more efficient when the songs are played live instead than releasing a ‘special’ album. But there’s a reason if Blutengel is recognized as one of the absolute leading formations from this scene and that probably explains why these interpretations have been accomplished with passion and knowledge. It sometimes feels like Blutengel is the original writer of the songs, this way realizing a sonic bridge between the 80s and Blutengel’s sound. The production of the vocals is absolutely great. We probably all have our favorites, but the way Duran Duran’s “Wild Boys” has been reworked is brilliant. I also have to mention Yazoo’s “Nobody’s Diary sung by Ulrike Goldmann. Blutengel takes their fans by surprise by this new opus. And as a little bonus you get a great song entitled “Unsere Zeit”, which is a typical, but efficient Blutengel piece.

– – – : I definitely prefer original albums, but I can live with this one.

Conclusion: I think this album has been a way to bring homage to legendary 80s artists, who probably inspired the work of Chris Pohl.

Best songs: “Nobody’s Diary”, “Wild Boys”, “Dr. Mabuse”, “Alone” + Unsere Zeit”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel Read the news on ‘Fountain Of Destiny’.

“Fountain Of Destiny” by Blutengel

About Blutengel

Blutengel is a German electronic band founded in Berlin in 1998 by Chris Pohl, who released the debut album “Child Of Glass” in 1999 and has since been joined on vocals by Ulrike Goldmann. The band records for Out Of Line.

Days after “Fountain Of Destiny”, Pohl announced the band’s next studio album, “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light”, in four editions, and discussed the band’s approach to digital releases in an August 2021 interview.

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Blutengel announces new album ‘Erlösung – The Victory of Light’ in 4 different editions

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sun, 02 May 2021 18:50:26 +0000

Out on July 16 is the all new studioalbum by Blutengel: “Erlösung – The Victory of Light” with artwork of Stefan Heilemann (Heilemania). The first single is sung in German and English – “The Victory of Light” – and already is a good indication of the approach of the material as it’s the first time that Blutengel will release so many German sung songs on an album.

Regarding the album’s title song Blutengel mastermind Chris Pohl says: “The light can also be interpreted as redemption in the sense of death – you see the light into which you shall leave…”

The release comes in 4 different versions:

a standalone 14-track album.
a digipak 2CD which comes with a 7-tracks bonus CD called “Erlösung – In the Shadows“, featuring exclusive songs.
a double LP containing all the 14 main album tracks.
a 3CD boxset containing the double CD set plus a 3rd bonus CD called “Erlösung – A world beyond”. That third CD holds 6 more songs. The triple CD set comes augmented with an A5 sized book, “Erlösung – The Complete Story“, a LED keychain flashlight with the Blutengel logo printed on and a hologram sticker with the name Blutengel.

You can check out the video for the single below. Read the review of ‘Erlösung / The Victory Of Light’.

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Blutengel covers 80s hits on ‘Fountain of Destiny’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:06:32 +0000

Out on March 12 is a brand new Blutengel album: “Fountain of Destiny”. The album holds ten iconic songs from the 80s. The CD version also includes two brand new Blutengel tracks: the instrumental “Journey to the Edge of the World” and “Unsere Zeit”.

The cover songs were of course handpicked by Chris Pohl and Ulrike Goldmann. Check out the tracklist below, including of course Duran Duran, a-ha, Gary Numan, Propaganda, Alphaville, Yazoo, Erasure and so on. Read the review of ‘Fountain Of Destiny’.

The Wild Boys
Forever Young
Hymn
Down in the Park
Alone
Silent Running
Nobody’s Diary
Dr. Mabuse
The Sun Always Shines on TV (Blutengel Version)
Ship of Fools
Unsere Zeit
Journey to the Edge of the Night (Instrumental)

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Blutengel & Massive Ego – Nothing But A Void (EP – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 19:30:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This EP is the result of a friendship collaboration between Chris Pohl and Mark Massive. Blutengel and Massive Ego went on tour together; the front men became friends and finally wrote a song together.

Content: The title song is a catchy, danceable Electro-Pop/Wave cut with both artists singing together. The chorus has something elevating. We next get six remixes by Alex VRT (Omnimar), Auger, Omnimar, Rob Dust and Scot Collins (Massive Ego). There also is an “Alternative Version” accomplished by Blutengel and Massive Ego.

+ + + : I have endless respect for Blutengel and Massive Ego so seeing both front men working together can be only result in a great song. That’s also what happened on “Obscured”; an EP released earlier this year as collaboration between Blutengel and Hocico. “Nothing But A Void” is a catchy, danceable song with a cool chorus. Chris and Mark create a perfect duo singing. Among the remixes Rob Dust is once more the one that caught my attention, boosting the original edit to a harder and somewhat Trance-like remix. I personally prefer the “Alternative Version” instead of the original edit; this version is also a bit harder and clubbier.

– – – : “Nothing But A Void” is a good song that you’ll easily keep in mind, but it’s absolutely not what both artists have done as best thus far. It sounds a bit easy and the chorus line has something predictable. I also expected a bit more from the remixes.

Conclusion: I have some mixed feelings with this EP; it’s an honest song, but it doesn’t stand for the real talent of both artists. I’m afraid friendship is not enough to create great music.

Best songs: “Nothing But A Void – Rob Dust Remix”, “Nothing But A Void – Alternative Version”.

Rate: (7).

Artists: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial / www.massiveego.co.uk / www.facebook.com/massiveego

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

Nothing But A Void by Blutengel & Massive Ego

About Blutengel & Massive Ego

Blutengel is fronted by Chris Pohl, while Massive Ego is the project of vocalist Marc Massive, with Oliver Frost on drums and Scot Collins on synths. The two acts had previously toured together, which led to the collaboration on this single.

“Nothing But A Void” followed Blutengel’s 2020 collaboration EP “Obscured” with Hocico and was released in November 2020 on Out Of Line as a limited, hand-numbered CD single including six remixes.

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Blutengel singer Chris Pohl and Massive Ego frontman release joined EP ‘Nothing but a Void’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:44:56 +0000

It was written in the stars this would happen some day after Blutengel singer Chris Pohl and Massive Ego frontman Marc Massive went on tour together. The duo has now collaborated on a new single/EP, “Nothing but a Void” to be released on November 13th.

Chris: “Marc and me are not only colleagues. On our tour together we realized that we have a lot of interests and views in common. Plus he became one of my favorite singers. So it was just a matter of time to create something together, and the time was just right now.”

Marc: “Whilst we’ve all been unable to play live it was cool to be contacted by Chris who suggested we work together as a way to beat the pandemic blues with creativity. And it is this creativity that brings together the punching Future Pop of Massive Ego with the dark romantic of Blutengel – a collaboration on one level unifying the best of two worlds.”

Tracks:

Nothing but a Void (Original)
Nothing but a Void (Alex VRT Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Auger Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Alternative Version)
Nothing but a Void (Omnimar Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Rob Dust Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Scot Collins Remix)

About Massive Ego

Massive Ego are a British darkwave musical group formed in 1996 by singer and ex-model Marc Massive (also the owner of the Public Disordar label) and Andy J Thirwall. The band has changed its sound and image since its formation. The original releases being mostly covers in a Eurodance, Hi-NRG style.

Massive and Thirwall later parted ways, and Massive searched for a new musical direction for the band. Collaborations with Empire State Human and Lia Organa & Electric Prince were the start of a darker sound for the band. The band joined alternative German label Out of Line Music in 2015 with the line-up; Marc Massive, Oliver Frost, Lloyd Price and Scot Collins.

Their debut album for Out of Line was released on 17 February 2017. In 2017, the band became a trio due to Lloyd’s departure.

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She Hates Emotions – Melancholic Maniac (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 19:30:59 +0000

Genre/Influences: Wave-pop, electro-pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: With She Hates Emotions, the Blutengel front man Chris Pohl wanted to pay homage to the 80s, a decade he has known as teenager and which has inspired him throughout bands such as Depeche Mode, Camouflage, Human League, Alphaville ao. It also is a new project set up by Christina Pohl who next to Blutengel got renowned for being involved with Terminal Choice, Tumor, Miss Construction, Seelenkrank ao.

Content: She Hates Emotions has nothing in common with Blutengel expect it is the same artist and operator so you for sure will recognize similar elements, but globally speaking this indeed is something completely different. Chris Pohl injected typical 80s elements, which you’ll hear emerging from some effects, snare drums and of course the melody lines, but there also is something more personal. This artist has been never a copyist so the songs rather sound as a personal interpretation of 80s influences or the transposition of new-wave elements into a contemporary version.

All songs –except the last ‘bonus’ track, have been sung in English revealing lyrics about love, loss and some rather familiar pop- and 80s subjects. The songs are danceable and definitely melodic, which is one of Chris Pohl’s trademarks.

+ + + : We already knew the EP-title song “See The Light”, but there’re clearly other potential singles featured. What I like in this artist is his ability to invent new projects with a different focus. The 80s inspiration is something he had never done before and he accomplished with a real devotion. I especially like the songs with explicit 80s aspects, “The Final Dance” being a little jewel. But I also have to mention “Turn Back The Time”, which is somewhat different for its melody line reminding to Kraftwerk. The production of the album is also an essential element. There’s a great sound based upon well-crafted songs with the right melody line and catchy choruses.

– – – : Blutengel definitely remains the artist’s best project ever! It all sounds like his other projects are just living in the shadow of Blutengel…

Conclusion: This debut is refreshing tribute to the 80s new/electro wave style!

Best songs: “The Final Dance”, “Don’t Leave Me”, “Turn Back The Time”, “Cry Wolf”, “See The Light”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/SheHatesEmotions

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

About She Hates Emotions

She Hates Emotions was unveiled by Blutengel frontman Chris Pohl in April 2020 with the single and video “See The Light”, teasing the debut album “Melancholic Maniac” released the following month on Out Of Line. Pohl has continued the project since, releasing the single “Space and Time” in 2022 and a third album, “Future Unknown”, in 2024.

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Blutengel + Hocico – Obscured (Single – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:30:28 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two of the Out Of Line flag holders were supposed touring together and surprise their fans with a common single. The tour has been postponed, but the single “Obscured” has been released as a collaboration between both artists.

Content: “Obscured” is a surprising song, which has been clearly composed to hit the dancefloors. It’s also crazy to hear a perfect mix between the harshness of Hocico and the refinement of Blutengel. Both bands appear to be fully complementary and even for the vocals. Chris Pohl and Erk Aicrag both have different styles of singing, but a kind of chemistry happened while backing vocals by Ulrike Goldmann just inject an elevating sensation during the chorus.

The song has been transformed by Hocico and then by Blutengel while the last cut of the CD is a remix by Dulce Liquido (side-project of Rasco Agroyam). The digital version features an extra remix by [:SITD:].

+ + + : “Obscured” simply sounds like a real great hit; it also is a great mix between the harshness and power of Hocico on one side and the melodic, wave-pop refinement of Blutengel on the other. I like the duo between both vocalists while the female backing brings something heavenly on top. All the remixes are worthy of examination, but I here have a preference for the Blutengel version. It seems that this song has been composed in two days so I can only say it’s a lucky shot, but a damned good single/EP.

– – – : It would have been cool to get another remix by one of the artist’s side-projects instead of the [:SITD:] remix.

Conclusion: I didn’t know what to expect, but this work is absolutely great. This is a truly sonic symbiosis between dark-electro and dark wave-pop music.

Best songs: “Obscured”, “Obscured – Into The Void Version by Blutengel”, “Obscured – Dark Dance Version by Dulce Liquido”.

Rate: (9).

Artists: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial / www.facebook.com/hocicoofficial

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

About Blutengel and Hocico

Blutengel is a German electronic band from Berlin, founded in 1998 by Chris Pohl, who had earlier led Terminal Choice as well as Miss Construction and Tumor. Pohl built Blutengel out of an earlier project called Seelenkrank, and the band has released one album after another for more than 25 years on Out Of Line, mixing dark-pop, electro-wave and cinematic elements; Ulrike Goldmann has long contributed backing vocals to the project.

Hocico is a Mexican duo officially formed in 1993 by Racso Agroyam (synthesizer, programming) and Erk Aicrag (lyrics, vocals), stage names formed from anagrams of their real names, Erik Garcia and Oscar Mayorga. The pair had experimented with electronic music mixing industrial and EBM since their early teens, and played their first live show on February 18, 1994. Agroyam also records as Dulce Liquido, while Aicrag’s side-project is Rabia Sorda. “Obscured” paired the two Out Of Line acts on a single planned around a joint tour.

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Blutengel’s Chris Pohl reveals new project She Hates Emotions – first single, video & debut album announced

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:04:22 +0000

Out now is the very first video from the brand new Chris Pohl (Blutengel) project She Hates Emotions. The video released now is for the single “See The Light” which is out today. The single acts as a teaser for the album “Melancholic Maniac” (out on 15. May).

She Hates Emotions is Phol’s way of paying tribute to his musical roots being new wave and dark wave. Expect minimalist synth music with an 80’s touch. “The focus is not on the bombast or production, but rather on the catchy, melancholic melody,” comments Chris Pohl.

The video for the single was shot primarily on location in Berlin, on the Kudamm.

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Blutengel – Damokles (CD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 19:30:30 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-pop, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Blutengel started the year with the “Un:Gott”-album, which by the way was a truly masterpiece, and now ends the year with already another new opus! Mastermind Chris Pohl assisted by Ulrike Goldmann, remain ultra prolific and this After twenty years of Blutengel success stories. The album has been divided in two parts; the “Damokles”-chapter featuring six songs plus one remix and the “Un:Gott – The Lost Chapters”-chapter featuring five more songs and one remix.

Content: Let’s start with the main part of the album, the “Damokles”-part, which is revealing a rather classic Blutengel sound formula. Blutengel stands for a kind of sweet darkness, mixing melancholic electro-pop together with carrying choruses. The main evolution probably is the empowering guitar playing, which especially comes through in the choruses. Chris Pohl remains the lead singer while Ulrike Goldmann sings a heavenly way. A remix has been accomplished by Caisaron.

The “Un:Gott – The Lost Chapters” can be understood as songs that didn’t get featured at the “Un:Gott”-album. It remains pure Blutengel music. The album ends with a remix of Massive Ego.

+ + + : Blutengel holds on to its good-old sound formula, which is carried by strong leads evolving in captivating choruses and the charisma of singer Chris Pohl joined by the grace of Ulrike Goldmann. This album will not enter into history as the band’s major work although it reveals a new brilliant song entitled “Disobedience”. This is a genius cut featuring a solid chorus on, which electronics and guitar create a sublime fusion. Another noticeable song is “Fire And Ice”, which catches the attention for its melody. I also have to mention the cool remix of “Hourglass Of Life” by Massive Ego.

– – – : This album has something weird; it’s filled with new stuff, but it feels a bit like a less inspired version of “Un:Gott” featuring a few exceptions. It appears to be an album for the die-hard fans, but not a masterpiece!

Conclusion: I have some mixed feelings with this work; it features a few outstanding songs next to tracks, which sound like having been composed in the automatic pilot mode!

Best songs: “Disobedience”, “Fire And Ice”, “Hourglass Of Life – Massive Ego Remix”, “Hourglass Of Life”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www .blutengel .de / www .facebook .com /BlutengelOfficial

Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel

About Blutengel

Blutengel formed in Berlin, Germany, in 1998 as a project by Chris Pohl. The current core line-up consists of Chris Pohl and Ulrike Goldmann, signed to Out Of Line Music.

Early releases include “Child Of Glass” (1999) and “Seelenschmerz” (2001), followed by “Angel Dust” (2002) and “Demon Kiss” (2004). The discography continued with “Labyrinth” (2007) and “Schwarzes Eis” (2009), alongside EPs such as “Soultaker” (2009), then “Tränenherz” (2011), “Omen/Save Us” (2015), “Leitbild” (2017) and “Un:Gott” (2019).

“Damokles” followed “Un:Gott” later in 2019, pairing six new songs with a five-track “Un:Gott – The Lost Chapters” companion set. The band’s later studio albums include “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light” (2021) and “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die” (2023).

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New Blutengel mini-album to be released in 3 formats

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:29:04 +0000

Blutengel is to release a brand new album, a mini one, called “Damokles”, on November 1st. Besides the simple 7-track album, there will also be a limited clear vinyl edition with different tracklist and as limited digi2CD.

The limited edition 2CD will include and exclusive 6-tracks bonus-CD called “Un:GOTT – The Lost Chapters” with songs from the “Un:Gott” session.

Here’s what Chris Pohl has to say about those songs: “They didn‘t fit the concept lyrically. But I knew that I will release them, and they are NOT bonus tracks but would have worked on a ‘normal’ album as well.”

Below is the artwork for the album.

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Blutengel – Un:Gott (DCD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:30:44 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-pop, wave-pop.

Background/Info: The new Blutengel album comes exactly 20 years after the band’s official debut opus “Child Of Glass”. Blutengel became one of the absolute leading formations from the electro-underground scene and has never stopped releasing referential albums. After the brilliant “Vampire”- and “Surrender To The Darkness”-EPs we now get “Un:Gott” featuring 15 songs on the main disc and 9 remixes on the bonus disc.

Content: Blutengel remains faithful to its dark/wave-pop music mainly characterized by solid melody lines and great choruses, but it’s also an album with empowering guitar parts. The familiar “Vampire” song is one of the best illustrations from this ‘heavier’ and yet melodic approach. “Un:Gott” also appears as one of the Blutengel albums with more English sung songs than ever before. Chris Pohl’s deep timbre of voice excels in charisma while Ulrike Goldmann brings her familiar heavenly and sensual touch to the work.

The bonus disc features remixes by Rave The Reqviem, Any Second, Wort-Ton, Angriffspakt, X-RX, Rabia Sorda, Harmjoy, Battlescream and one remix of the song “Auf Deinen Wegen” (originally featured at the “Vampire”-EP) remixed by Blutengel.

+ + + : Blutengel holds on to the elements that have made this band become what they are today. It’s a dark and melodic electro/wave-pop format on, which Chris Pohl once more excels in the writing of carrying melody lines. But the essence of a ‘great’ pop song also is the power and magic of a chorus and here again “Un:Gott” confirms great skills. But Blutengel is not a ‘classical’ formation dealing with pop, but a formation with a very specific sound DNA; a band you can’t compare with any other one. And also a band that all over the years has progressively evolved, accentuating some elements of the production such as powerful guitar parts. I also have to say a word about the meaningful lyrical content, which has something deep, metaphoric and psychological. “Vampire” remains an absolute attention grabber –and definitely one of my all time favorite Blutengel songs, but I also have to mention “Into The Void”, “Alles”, “Surrender To The Darkness” and “Morningstar”.

Among the remixes I noticed great contributions by Rave The Reqviem, Angriffspakt and X-RX.

– – – : Remixes always are a nice addition as extra disc, but they don’t really bring a bonus compared to the original versions.

Conclusion: Blutengel has released an impressive number of albums over the past 20 years, but I definitely consider “Un:Gott” as one of the most accomplished and successful ones. A must have!

Best songs: “Vampire”, “Into The Void”, “Alles”, “Surrender To The Darkness”, “Morningstar”, “Am Ende Der Zeit”, “Praise The Lord” + “Into The Void – Rave The Reqviem Remix”.

Rate: (9).

Artist: www .blutengel .de / www .facebook .com /BlutengelOfficial

Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel

Read the news on ‘Un:Gott’.

About Blutengel

Blutengel was formed in 1998 by singer Chris Pohl after he left the band Seelenkrank. The project’s debut album, “Child Of Glass”, followed in 1999 with Kati Roloff and Nina Bendigkeit as the original female vocalists.

Ulrike Goldmann, previously of Say-Y, joined as the band’s female voice in 2005, succeeding Eva Pölzing, and remains Blutengel’s co-vocalist alongside Pohl. The group releases through Out Of Line and describes its own sound as “dark pop”. “Un:Gott” arrived two decades after “Child Of Glass”, the anniversary the album itself marks.

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Blutengel – Vampire (CD EP – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 20:30:53 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-wave.

Background/Info: “Vampire” is the second single taken from the upcoming new full length “Un:Gott” by Blutengel. The new single got released at the end of 2018, which is 20 years after Chris Pohl set up Blutengel.

Content: “Vampire” sounds like typical Blutengel. You’ll easily recognize the typical melodic- and danceable side while empowering guitar parts inject an extra boost to the song. The song has been sung in English featuring the usual female – angelic backing vocals.

We next get 2 remixes by Pseudokrupp Project and Six Faces plus the expected B-side song.

+ + + : “Vampire” is for sure one more hit that Blutengel will add to the already impressive list. This song holds on the good-old success formula of the band, but I especially like the empowering guitar parts accentuating the dark-wave approach. Both remixes are pretty cool, but I especially want to mention the more club-orientated version by Pseudokrupp Project.

– – – : “Auf Deinen Wegen” is a less inspired B-side song, but probably the right one to put on this single.

Conclusion: There’s no better appetizer than “Vampire” to announce the upcoming album of this German living legend.

Best songs: “Vampire”, “Vampire – Dance Mix by Pseudokrupp Project”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .blutengel .de / www .facebook .com /BlutengelOfficial

Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel Read the news on ‘Vampire’.

About Blutengel

“Vampire”, reviewed here, was the second single from the album “Un:Gött”, released at the end of 2018, twenty years after Pohl founded Blutengel. The studio album chronology continued with “Un:Gött” (2019), “Erlösung – The Victory Of Light” (2021) and “Un:Sterblich – Our Souls Will Never Die” (2023), which marked the band’s 25th anniversary, followed by “Dämonen:Stürm” in 2025, all released on Out Of Line.

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Blutengel makes 5 vinyl collection box ‘History Volume 2’ available now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:05:52 +0000

“History – The Vinyl Collection – Vol. 2” unites the next batch of Blutengel-classics in a strictly limited vinyl-box-set in a classy glossy cardboard slipcase, limited to 499 numbered copies.

You can order your copy right here on Bandcamp.

The new set picks up where “Vol. 1” left off and contains the albums “Schwarzes Eis”, “Soultaker”, “Tränenherz”, “Monument” and “Black Symphonies”, all as 180g color double vinyl sets in gatefold sleeves.

Each of the included album was remastered by Chris Pohl himself for the occasion. All five double-LPs are exclusive to this box set and will include a hand-numbered ownership certificate.

Blutengel was formed by singer Chris Pohl in 1998 after he had decided to give up the preceding project, Seelenkrank. The first album “Child of Glass” was released in early 1999 with Kati Roloff and Nina Bendigkeit as the original female vocalists. The rest is history.

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Massive Ego – Beautiful Suicide (DCD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:00:27 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, wave-pop. Background/Info: Set up during the 90s, “Beautiful Suicide” stands for the return of Massive Ego. It’s not that really about a come-back although they didn’t release any new album since 2008. But during the past few years Massive Ego stroke back with noticeable EP’s “I Idolize You” and “Noise In The Machine”. They joined hands with Out Of Line, which will for sure give them a wider exposure. Content: “Beautiful Suicide” is an album that moves towards electro-wave-pop music. The work has been mixed by Mixed by Chris Pohl and Mario Rühlicke (Blutengel), which for sure got an impact on the sound. Massive Ego composes a naughty electro-pop sound, which is carried by solid bass lines and great leads. The sound however is pretty diversified and still pretty sexy through the vocals of Marc Massive. Diversity comes from different influences and featured guest singers. There also is a funny sampling featuring Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran). The bonus disc features remixes by noticeable names like Blutengel, Ashbury Heights, Chrom, Ludovico Technique, Nature Of Wires, Ash Code and NeroArgento. But you also get a few exclusive songs. + + + : Massive Ego has a very own sound DNA. It’s a rough and raw electro-pop style, which sounds a bit retro-like, but still exciting and sexy through its charismatic vocalist. “I Idolize You” remains an absolute hit, but I have to mention other noticeable tracks such as “She Uses Sex”, “Kate’s In A State” and “Haters Gonna Hate”. This band mixes efficiency, originality and image! The list of remixes is quite impressive and I here especially want to mention the retro-like approach of Ash Code. The best cuts from the bonus CD are the extra songs from Massive Ego. – – – : I’m a bit disappointed about the extra disc. I like the extra songs, but I expected much more from the remixes. Conclusion: Massive Ego confirms the potential revealed at previous EP’s. This is a great album with multiple potential hits. This is electro-pop with attitude! Best songs: “I Idolize You”, “She Uses Sex”, “Kate’s In A State”, “Haters Gonna Hate”, “Drag Me In, Drag Me Under”, + “Public Disorder”, “Dead Silence Rising” Rate: (8½). Band: www .massiveego .co .uk / www .facebook .com /massiveego Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel

Read the news on ‘Beautiful Suicide’.

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Massive Ego’s album ‘Beautiful Suicide’ features Chris Pohl, Gene Serene, Maggie K DeMonde (Scarlet Fantastic) and dark rapper Belzebub – watch the promo video now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 19:30:15 +0000

The British act Massive Ego returns with the electro pop album “Beautiful Suicide” out in 2 weeks from now. The material was mixed by Chris Pohl and Mario Rühlicke, the team behind the Berlin-based act Blutengel, and contains the Boy-George-penned hit “Let Go” and their club-smasher “I Idolize You”. The new album is released as a deluxe double disc (you can order it right here) with an exclusive bonus album containing 5 more new songs, plus remixes from Blutengel, Ashbury Heights, CHROM, Ludovico Technique, Nature Of Wires, Ash Code and Neroargento. The material on the album was inspired by the personal battles against depression and anxiety, as well as by the suicide of a close friend and ex-bandmate. The album features collaborations with Chris Pohl, Gene Serene, Maggie K DeMonde (Scarlet Fantastic) and rapper Belzebub. Here’s the promo video for the album.

Read the review of ‘Beautiful Suicide’.

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Massive limited edition boxset for Staubkind’s newest ‘An jedem einzelnen Tag’ – order yours here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 20:45:51 +0000

The brand new album “An jedem einzelnen Tag” by the Berlin based gothic rock pop act Staubkind will be out by the end of March. It’s the band’s fifth long player and was produced by Henning Verlage (Unheilig) and Ingo Politz (Silly, Silbermond, Joris).

The limited fan box (available here right now) contains the double CD and an exclusive EP with two more new songs (“Feuer ohne Asche” & “Unter deinem Stern”) and an exclusive acoustic version of “Stille Tränen”. The bonus CD itself holds the tracks “Das Beste kommt noch”, “Platz zum Träumen”, “Mit Kinderaugen”, “Lauter leben” and “Fliegen lernen”.

It set furthermore contains a hand-signed autograph card, a poster, a sticker and a lavish postcard set as further exclusive content.

Louis Manke, a singer and guitar player from Dresden, founded the project Staubkind in 2004. In the same year, the first single “Keine Sonne” and the debut album “Traumfänger” were published on the Berlin independent label Fear Section of the singer and musician Chris Pohl. The rest is history. The line-up these days consists of Sven Louis Manke, Daniel Lindenblatt, Friedemann “Friedel” Mäthger, Sebastian “Bassty” Scheibe and Henrik Böhl.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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Full details new Blutengel album ‘Leitbild’ released – boxset, vinyl, …

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:30:13 +0000

The new Blutengel album “Leitbild” will be out early next year, but for those wanting to secure the limited editions, it’s time to place your orders now. The album is the follow up to their “Save Us” album.

The holy grail of “Leitbild” editions is the limited fan set (available here). It comes in a glossy print cardboard case and contains the double CD edition plus an MCD available only in the set featuring a rework of the hit “Anders Sein” plus two songs off “Leitbild” in acoustic versions. Next to this you get “Chris Pohl – Lebe deinen Traum – Das Hörbuch”: an exclusive double CD (German language, only) that tells the story of Chris, Blutengel and all his other music projects, in his own words, narrated by Chris Pohl himself. The album artwork and all lyrics are featured in a deluxe DIN A5 photo booklet.

Other versions; 2LP silver vinyl set + CD (available here) / 2LP black vinyl set + CD (available here) / 2CD (available here) / CD (available here).

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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Blutengel presents December release new 4-track single ‘Complete’ – get it here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 19:30:50 +0000

The new 4-track single “Complete” by the German band Blutengel is close to hit the stores. The limited Maxi-CD comes in a digipak and contains the title track in a single-edit and a Massive Ego remix, as well as two more exclusive new songs: “Nowhere” and “Dusk”.

The limited CD-single can be ordered right here.

Below is the tracklist for the new music output from Blutengel-singer and mastermind Chris Pohl:

Complete (Single Edit)
Complete (Massive Ego Remix)
Nowhere
Dusk

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‘Click Interview’ with Helalyn Flowers: ‘Helalyn Flowers Are Irresponsible And Incorrect, Dirty And Wet’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 20:15:42 +0000

Helalyn Flowers is lead by the powerful vocals of Nøemi Aurora and the artistic input of studio guru MaXX. The duo released this year their fourth full length album revealing a furious production featuring heavy electronics and menacing, metal-minded guitar riffs. Helalyn Flowers is mixing multiple influences, but always with power and sonic violence. I got in touch with the male pole of the band to get more info about “Sonic Foundation”, which has been released on Alfa Matrix.

Sonic Foundation (Bonus Tracks Version) by HELALYN FLOWERS

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What is your new album “Sonic Foundation” all about and how do you see the evolution in sound from your previous albums towards the new work?

Max: “Sonic Foundation” is Helalyn Flowers as it’s meant to be. It’s a burst of dichotomies, opposites, wildness and passion. When Noemi and I founded Helalyn Flowers we had an album like this in our minds, so I suppose that past three albums represented the necessary way to it. In the past, we intentionally redefined our sound, trying new ways and taking our risks, like the “Stitches Of Eden” album back in 2009, living a sort of uneasiness that sure has darkened our music gradually. We feel to be thankful to all that angst and rage of which “Sonic Foundation” is the proud son. We cling to ourselves exclusively, we have Helalyn Flowers on our minds all the time, we are our own bigger source of inspiration.

Q: I get the impression that you never stop to increase the power of electronics and guitar play, reaching a hard and merciless production, but still a real harmony between sound and vocals? Tell us a bit more about your sound properly speaking and the global production?

Max: I always believed that melody is very important for music in general. It’s able to raise whatever mood you need and makes you sing and drag you to a song. Doesn’t matter how aggressive the music is. In our case, I think that it’s a reflection of what we love to be and act.

The sound production is based upon our approach to the wall of sound. We overlay everything. We oppose the modern way of producing electro-metal and industrial in general. When I listen to many records to me it’s more like a computer screen sliding MIDI tracks than enjoying songs. It’s all clean, dry, so… responsible and ‘correct’. Well, Helalyn Flowers are irresponsible and incorrect, dirty and wet. “Sonic Foundation” has the feeling of an old classic.

When you say ‘hard and merciless’ it’s exactly what there’s in our minds when doing a song. We love big sounds, big ambiences, we feel like a BIG band and everyone must join it. It’s the Ancient Roman way. Not by chance.

Q: I noticed an interesting quote at your site telling that ‘”Sonic Foundation” is an album that uncoils through dangerous and surrealistic figurative worlds, invoking post-primitive scenarios à-la William Burroughs and David Lynch. Can you give us some more details?

Max: The destruction of modern civilization and worshipping the Nature not for what it may seem like might be keys to that quote. We are so bond of the woods we live nearby that when we watch “Twin Peaks”, for example, not only we can recognize how it feels like but also we can understand the most dangerous and terrifying needs within the human nature.

Q: The song “Beware Of Light” previously released as EP-title song and featuring Chris Pohl (Blutengel) is a real master hit. How did you get in touch with Chris Pohl and how did the recording and production of the song happened?

Max: When we were collecting bonus stuff for the album we felt like something big, something going beyond the ‘usual’ remix was missing. Immediately, we thought at Chris Pohl of Blutengel as the one really able to let it happen. So, we asked him and he accepted enthusiastically. It was clear that he had to put his vocals into this version because one of the main reasons why we contacted him is just the huge vocal dimension of Blutengel (besides the ‘bigness’ of the meeting itself!). He re-sampled the song to add his own Blutengel vibe too. He didn’t give himself airs. He is a very passionate guy. Nowadays, younger people in the scene have much more schemed minds and do these kind of things just for money without considering if they actually love what they do.

Q: Do you already have new ideas and inspiration in mind regarding further releases?

Max: We will start to record the new album next September. Our ideas are so clear about it. Sure we won’t replicate the same album. That doesn’t belong to us. Also, we love to think that “Sonic Foundation” is the ultimate summa of our first decade as well as of the direction we took after our first self-released Mini-CD (“Disconnection”) in 2005. We don’t think that there are parts of “Sonic Foundation” that need to be improved. It’s perfect in its entirety. Contrary, we didn’t feel this way in the past years: when we were about to deliver a new album we felt like we might have done better or that it was not ALL that we wanted to say. So, we catapulted ourselves in massive sessions of studio and song-writing also in reply to that sense of ‘incompleteness’. Now we need to renew our ways, trying different things, because ageing doesn’t suit us. Our blood must remain young forever. Replicants are the meanest suicidal.

Q: Helalyn Flowers stands for a heavy sound, but still a noticeable and explicit image! Where’s the link between sound and image?

Max: The link is within Max and Noemi Aurora, simply as that. The image that you can see in our pictures is the same as the one in our private lives. It’s the way we love to be. We live Rock’n Roll on our flesh.

Many people believe that a noticeable and eye-catching imagery means stupid pop music or brainless esthetic fascists. My opinion is that they are afraid of sex and/or have sexual problems.

Since I was a kid I feel attracted by bands with a great image. That’s what pushes you to listen to their music. It’s like you go in a confectionery: you always want to buy and eat the most beautiful cake!

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

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Helalyn Flowers – Sonic Foundation (DCD Album – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:42:34 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-metal, cyber-goth-metal. Background/Info: Helalyn Flowers are back on track unleashing their 4^th full length album, which has been released 9 years after their successful debut “A Voluntary Coincidence”. The band became one of the most successful formations of the impressive Alfa Matrix roster and their last year released “Beware Of Light”-EP featuring Chris Pohl (Blutengel, Terminal Choice) has only increased their popularity. Content: The new work moves on where they left off from the previous album “White Me In Black Me Out”. Three years have passed and the Italian duo clearly took their time to reconsider their global production. The influences mixing violent and somewhat metal-minded guitar passages and electronic sequences haven’t changed nor the charismatic vocals of N0emi Aurora. The main evolution is hiding behind a judicious harmony between guitar and electronics and the symbiosis MaXX has realized bringing metal, gothic and electronics together like they have been always related to each other. The songs are filled with adrenaline and the arrangements accomplished with bombast and epic influences. Over the years the guitar riffs became more violent while the electronics got injected with more power and more unique sound blasts. The songs are aggressive and the choruses are hard and punchy. Helalyn Flowers became more open-minded than before, yet more aggressive. It all feels like a super-sonic speed train annihilating everything in its path. The regular album features Chris Pohl singing on “Beware Of Light – Version 2”, and there is also a song with Angelspit. The “Bonus Tracks Version” features multiple remixes, which have been mainly accomplished by label mates. I especially recommend the great contribution of Schwarzblut and The Psychic Force plus a terrific and somewhat FLA-remix by Helalyn Flowers themselves. + + + : Helalyn Flowers is one of these unique bands, which never stops to increase their writing skills while the global production and mixing is ultra professional. This band is driven by the creative spirit of a genius producer (MaXX) and the sensual charisma of a talented vocalist (N0emi). The duo together with Chris Pohl is a pure sonic orgasm! – – – : I’m not as convinced with a few softer and somewhat naughty-pop like songs while globally speaking I expected a bit more out of some remixes. Conclusion: The “Sonic Foundation” accomplished by Helalyn Flowers sounds like a fist of steel that hits you right in the face. It’s a violent and furious production revealing many powerful songs. Best songs: “Beware Of Light feat. Chris Pohl”, “Synthetic Paranoia”, “Karmageddon”, “Eerie” + “Frozen Star – Push Against New Fakes Feat. Ms Larsen Remix”, “Shadow Complex – Fallen Blackened Boys Mix By Helalyn Flowers”, “New Days Of Babylon – Schwarzblut Remix”, “Synthetic Paranoia – The Psychic Force Oldskool Remix”. Rate: (8). Band: www .helalynflowers .com / www .facebook .com /helalynflowers Label: www .alfa –matrix .com / www .facebook .com /Alfa .Matrix

Read the news on ‘Sonic Foundation’.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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Chris Pohl joins Helalyn Flowers on ‘Beware Of Light (feat. Chris Pohl)’ EP

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:28:00 +0000

Out Of Line artist Chris Pohl (Blutengel, Terminal Choice, …) has joined up with Italian duo Helalyn Flowers for a new 6-track download EP, “Beware Of Light (feat. Chris Pohl)”. The EP is available for ordering, you get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete EP the moment it’s released. Next to “Beware Of Light” you also get a 2nd new track, “Karmageddon”, which shows a rougher angrier face of Helalyn Flowers with sharp guitar riffs, powerful female vocals, upbeat electro beats and strong synth lines. Recommended release showcasing 2 excellent talents from the dark wave scene. Beware Of Light (feat. Chris Pohl) EP by HELALYN FLOWERS The EP acts as an appetiser for their 4th studio album “Sonic Foundation” that is scheduled for an early Spring 2016 release via Alfa Matrix. On remix duties we find Aesthetische, The Psychic Force (with guest vocals by DJ Michelle) and XMH who took care of an upbeat cyber punk retake. Available right here on Bandcamp.

Read the review of ‘Beware Of Light feat. Chris Pohl’.

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