Genre/Influences: EBM, Electro-Pop, Gothic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This new chapter in the “Whispers Of The Future”-series reveals sixteen bands from the Mexican scene. These bands are mainly taken from the Sector Industrial Producciones roster.

Artists: Ego Bliss, Vyrtual Zociety, Neuvision, Depraved Priest, Hooverlordz, Infected Sound System, Bishop, SFX DJ, Dimitri Berzerk, Die-Go, Oxomaxoma, Dramatic, Radio Vampiro Internacional, Powerotik, Prostitutes & Proxenettes, Cid Project.

Content: This new compilation doesn’t feature as many other bands as the previous issue. It’s a new sonic visit of the Mexican underground scene and mainly Electronic artists have been featured. From intelligent Electro to heavy Dance-Pop and Body-Pop to Electro-Industrial and Techno-Industrial to EBM to Goth/Wave we get a fine selection of songs.

+ + + : I like this compilation series because the Mexican scene has a lot to offer when it comes to underground electro music, but also because Sector Industrial Producciones is worth to discover. This new compilation is also better than previous issues. Depraved Priest took me by surprise; this band can’t convince me with their last album, but they here unleash a solid Electro-Industrial-Techno cut. Hooverlordz is an interesting discovery for the dark-Electro approach mixed with some Acid sequences. Neuvision stands for alluring Body-Pop. Label owner Dimitri Berzerk is first of all a talented musician/producer, which perfectly knows how to mix solid EBM bass lines together with elevating Pop-driven choruses. I also want to mention the intelligent Electro approach of the opening song by Ego Bliss.

– – – : A few bands couldn’t convince me, but I guess that’s proper to all compilations. Prostitutes & Proxenetes is one of these bands, which has a lot to improve, but especially the production of the vocals, their vocalist singing out of tune.

Conclusion: I already like the previous compilation is this series, but this one is much better; great Mexican Electro!

Best bands: Depraved Priest, Hooverlordz, Infected Sound System, Dimitri Berzerk, Ego Bliss.

Rate: (8).

Label: www.sector-industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, Body-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This EP is an addition to the “Resist”-EP by Dimitri Berzerk. “Resist” has been released in different formats, this extra EP bringing all different remixes together as a kind of compilation.

Content: The EP features a total amount of 20 songs including the 6 remixes from the download card, which was available together with the vinyl format. You’ll get 10 edits of the “Ctrl+Als+Del”-song, which clearly is the ‘hit’ of Dimitri Berzerk featuring Claus Larsen as the singer. The song remains driven by a solid EBM bass line and a catchy chorus with passionate vocals on top.

Remixes have been made by Neuvision, Die-Go, Hooverlordz, cid project, SFX DJ, Fire Walkers, Rebel Empire, Substaat, FortLeben (3x), Larva + JP90, Dramatic, Delectro, Judas 12, Eloquent, Rasec, Neroconcret, JP90 and Delete.

+ + + : It’s especially cool to get the remixes from the download card of the vinyl now released on CD. I still like the main song of the EP, which is a true sonic fusion between classical EBM and a catchy chorus. There’s real chemistry between Dimitri Berzerk and Claus Larsen. Among the different remixes I once again salute the great job done by Cid Project who injected a terrific extra sound to the song while the Cold-Wave and totally reworked edit by Dramatic is phenomenal.

– – – : I’m still not convinced by a few songs like the cover version of Nena and the song “Endurance” although there are worse B-sides.

Conclusion: “Resist” has been released in all imaginable formats –maybe except cassette, so time for another great work by Dimitri Berzerk!

Best songs: “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Cid Project Remix”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Dramatic Rework”,  “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Orange Sector Remix”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – C-Lekktor Remix”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Neuvision Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/dimitri.berzerk

Label: www.sector-industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, Body-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: We all know Dimitri Berzerk as a ‘remixer’ and also as a label owner. He recently also started releasing his own stuff, taking off with the single/EP “My Love Is Electric” featuring Franco Doglioli. He last year struck back with a new EP featuring Claus Larsen (Leather Strip) as a guest singer. “Resist” has been released in different formats and reveals some differences in the tracklists.

Content: “Resist” sounds much more EBM-driven than “My Love Is Electric”. Claus Larsen sings on two songs injecting his enraged way of singing on top of efficient EBM songs with some catchy choruses. Next to these songs you’ll hear more new songs including a surprising cover version of Nena’s “Just A Dream” featuring the childish-like vocals of Mexican guest singer Pamuk.

The EP also features remixes by Orange Sector, C-Lekktor, SFX DJ, Bishop UPG and Technomancer feat. Angst Pop. As bonus tracks we get more remixes by Cid Project, Substaat, Larva + JP90, Delectro, Dramatic and Fortleben.

+ + + : Dimitri Berzerk deals with a well-crafted and efficient EBM format; solid EBM bass lines and somewhat catchy choruses. Claus Larsen brings his great and passionate vocals giving an extra boost to the songs. Both songs featuring Claus Larsen are the best ones, but I also have to mention the powerful remix of Orange Sector and another one by C-Lekktor. Among the bonus remixes you’ll find at the CD and vinyl I especially recommend the divine remix of the title song by Cid Project. There’s an irresistible, blasting sound running through the remix. And there also is a surprising Cold-Wave styled remix by Dramatic with the input of another singer. Last, but not least I also want to say a word about the great digipak of the CD and the green picture disc of the vinyl format.

– – – : The cover version of Nena is an original, but not exactly the most convincing cut. Another song that couldn’t totally convince me is the somewhat electro-Punk driven “Endurance”, which is the other song with Claus Larsen singing.

Conclusion: “Resist” is definitely more convincing than the previous EP so I think this artist is progressively ready to release a full length album!

Best songs: “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Single Version feat. Claus Larsen”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Cid Project Remix”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Dramatic Rework”,  “Ctrl+Alt+Del – Orange Sector Remix”, “Ctrl+Alt+Del – C-Lekktor Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/dimitri.berzerk

Label: www.sector-industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM, techno-body, minimal-electronics.

Background/Info: Next to the first volume of this series, which is devoted to gothic music, we here get a new selection of 32 bands dealing with the underground side of electronic music. The compilation has been compiled by Dimitri Berzerk.

Artists: C-Lekktor, Circuito Cerrado, Cid Project, Electrovot, Dimitri Berzerk, Neuvision, Nordika, Vyrtual Zociety, Red Industrie, Oxomaxoma, Vox Humana ao.

Content: Mexico has always been a prolific ground for alternative electronics and this sampler reveals the welfare of the country when it comes to dark-electronics, EBM and related genres. The compilation brings a nice twist between famous and established names at one side and upcoming talents at the other side. It’s first of all an opportunity to discover great danceable songs from bands you better can keep their names in mind.

+ + + : Here again I have to congratulate the efforts of Dimitri Berzerk to release such an artistic and informative compilation; great artwork and a nice selection of bands. The booklet is an essential tool to get you a bit more familiar with the featured artists. It’s an opportunity to discover great, danceable songs, which will ravish DJ’s. It will lead me too far mentioning all noticeable artists, but I hear great work from La Bande-Son Imaginaire (probably the most original song from the sampler through the addition of violin sounds), Red Industrie (for the minimalism and sound intelligence) and Infected Sound System plus Chaotic Rave System (both for composing stumping ‘oontz’ electronics).

– – – : I think it’s a pity bands such as Hocico and Amduscia weren’t featured. I know they belong to the best Mexican exports from this scene so we all know them, but it would have been cool to get them on board.

Conclusion: This compilation is a terrific exposure of the talented Mexican electro scene! It’s an absolute must-have!

Best bands: Chaotic Rave System, La Bande-Son Imaginaire, Red Industrie, Infected Sound System, C-Lekktor, C-Phalea, Neuvision, Ego Bliss, SFX DJ.

Rate: (8½).

Label: www.sector–industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: New-wave, gothic, punk, electro-pop, dark-electro, wave-pop, future-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: I couldn’t resist reviewing this artistic double vinyl compilation featuring 20 international bands dealing with varied, but related music genres. This compilation released in 2016 (!) is a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Mexican organization “El Real Under”. This organization is totally devoted to the ‘underground’ music and brings parties and concerts. Sector Industrial Producciones is driven by Dimitri Berzerk. This vinyl was the first release from the label.

Artists: Carcrash International, Simi Nah, Attrition, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Apoptygma Berzerk, Cid Project, Trans-X, State Of The Union, Shiv-R, C-Lekktor, Larva, Tobias Bernstrup, Sturm Café ao.

Content: The tracklist is absolutely impressive, revealing a wide diversity of bands and music styles, but still a very international selection of bands and artists from the early new-wave years (Carcrash International, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Trans-X, Attrition…) and contemporary leading formations (Apoptygma Berzerk, C-Lekktor, Shiv-R, Sturm Café…).

The tracklist is composed by exclusive tracks and songs that have been featured for the very first time on vinyl. I’ve to say that several ‘exclusive’ songs are remixes.

+ + + : You just need a brief look at the tracklist to realize this compilation is featuring real great names, but the diversity of the artist is also worthy of examination. From 80s legendary formations dealing with new-wave and wave-pop to great electro-pop to pure EBM to powerful dark-electronics to future-pop (with a Spanish cover of VNV Nation’s “Honour” by State Of The Union) this album is filled with numerous great surprises. Another essential element is the ultra artistic artwork of this release featuring 2 picture discs.

– – – : I’ve been just less convinced by a few (I guess) Mexican formations dealing with poorly inspired punk music, but which are probably renowned and respected in their homeland. Another and very personal regret is that the informative booklet is only written in Spanish.

Conclusion: This is a great compilation and I also have to recommend you to discover the Mexican label Sector Industrial Producciones.

Best bands: Simi Nah, Cid Project, Trans-X, Shiv-R, The Ancients, C-Lekktor.

Rate: (8).

Label: www.sector–industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-electronics, electro-ambient, technoid.

Background/Info: Gustavo Cid is already busy composing electronic music since the early 90s. He played live in his homeland Mexico together with some of the most famous artists from the electro-underground scene. His work has been released on a irregular basis so we had to wait 7 years for this self-entitled EP (released in 2016).

Content: I’m not used to reviewing ‘old’ material, but there are some artists deserving extra attention. Cid Project mixes different electronic influences together. He covers a wide spectrum moving from EBM to electro-pop and even technoid-orientated cuts. There’s a cool vintage touch hanging over the work, which especially comes through at “117”.

+ + + : Even if the sound is quite vintage-like, it also has something refreshing. Too many bands are sounding the same ands that’s not what I experienced listening to this EP. It’s a styled production featuring great sound treatments, cool stereo effects, alluring bass lines and bleeping sequences. I already mentioned the vintage approach, which especially emerge at “117” and “123”. “Cid Project” definitely is a well-crafted piece of music.

– – – : I regret most of the songs are mainly instrumentals. Some robotic vocals or samples could add a little bonus to the production.

Conclusion: I can’t remember to have ever heard of Cid Project, but this EP is an absolute discovery and I wish to discover more music from this artist without waiting for 7 more years.

Best songs: “117”, “123”, “91”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/cidprojectmx

Label: www.sector–industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: Dimitri (DMT) Berzerk is a Mexican DJ and producer you for sure already discovered by one of his endless remixes he made for other artists. He started assembling these remixes on albums and has unleashed the second volume in the “Remixes Collection”. The CD format is strictly limited to 200 copies and has been released on his very own label.

Content: This second edition features remixes Dimitri Berzerk made for Future Perfect, Reflection, Sinestar, Vox Humana, Cid Project, Want/ed, Devilsight, Dead Man Recovering, Zoon Politicon, Wumpscut, Data and Kromak. It’s an interesting selection of bands dealing with different kinds of electronic music; from electro-pop to EBM to dark-electronics.

DMT Berzerk seriously reworked the songs into mainly electro-pop driven edits, but he also added or hold on EBM influences on other cuts.

+ + + : Making remixes is a long-time habit in different music genres, but the interesting element about this artist is he has some particular skills to do the job. It’s not just a remix that has been made in a hurry, but you can feel a real sound approach and I dare to say ‘sound philosophy’ behind the remixes. Even if most of the songs have been restyled into danceable and sometimes clubby electro-pop, I also noticed a few surprising songs such as the minimal remix of Wumpscut’s “Wreath Of Barbs” and the trance vibes that have been held on at Kromak’s (side-project C-Lekktor) “Dying 4 U”. There’s a great diversity, which sometimes moves at the edge of electro-ambient and then becomes pretty vintage-like, but globally speaking there’s a real coherence between all remixes.

– – – : This is a fully enjoyable and entertaining album, but maybe without absolute hits although multiple tracks for DJ’s.

Conclusion: I’ve never fond of remixes, but this kind of concept is different. I think it’s a damned good idea to get the remixes Dimitri Berzerk made for others on one disc.

Best songs: Kromak: “Dying 4 U feat. Manriquez”, Sinestar: “Fortunes Faded”, Wumpscut: “Wreath Of Barbs”, Zoon Politicon: “Dreamer”, Devilsight: “This Is The Feeling Of My Hate”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.dmtberzerk.mx / www.facebook.com/dimitri.berzerk

Label: www.sector–industrial.com / www.facebook.com/sector.industrial.producciones

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com