There is a new format show for De/Vision called Devision Redux which will be touring next spring. The project consists of Steffen Keith (singer of De/Vision) and Daniel Myer (Haujobb, DSTR, Covenant, Architect etc.).

Together they will present the most important tracks of De/Vision in a clubbier, more modern, partly also more minimalistic, but purely electronic version.

The first show will take place in Tallinn, Estonia on April 12 at Kinomaja. The project will then continue touring in Germany over Easter 2025 and will probably also expand their live presence beyond that.

According to singer Steffen, Devision Redux is in no way the end of the actual band.

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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“The Machine In The Ghost” marks Haujobb’s first new album in six years and their tenth studio full length. Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic have clearly made an effort to reinvigorate their signature sound with fresh ideas, drawing inspiration from past eras of immense creativity. The result leans more heavily into Industrial territory, characterized by metal-like sounds that lend the album an Experimental and at times Cinematic feel. Despite these new elements, the familiar icy, minimalist Haujobb atmosphere remains intact, driven by slow rhythms and Daniel Myer’s distinct vocal style. At times, the album feels like a carefully constructed experiment, blending analog and digital sounds with Electro-Acoustic textures. While “The Machine In The Ghost” may not be Haujobb’s most accessible or strongest work, it stands as a visionary effort that pushes boundaries in their  unmistakable style. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Uselessness”:

Read the news on ‘The Machine In The Ghost’.

About Haujobb

When Haujobb was founded as a trio in the West German city of Bielefeld, the band was still influenced by the Vancouver school of industrial, which is quite audible on the early full-length “Homes & Gardens” (1993). On the following albums, “Freeze Frame Reality” (1995) and “Solutions for a Small Planet” (1996), the Germans moved away from their Canadian roots and began to amalgamate IDM (intelligent dance music) with industrial and EBM.

After Björn Jünemann, one of the three founders, had left, the remaining original members Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic decided to continue as a duo.

“The Machine In The Ghost”, released in 2024 on Dependent Records, is the duo’s tenth studio album and their first in six years.

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

Haujobb has released its newest album “The Machine in the Ghost”, the tenth full-length album by this German electro-industrial duo. The title seems a reference to the The Police album “Ghost in the Machine”. The Leipzig, Germany-based duo decided to use fieldwork recordings this time to create the overall sounds for this album.

Additionally, “The Machine in the Ghost”, features a guest appearance by Emese Árvai-Illés from the Hungarian duo Black Nail Cabaret. “The Machine in the Ghost,” is available from Metropolis Records in North America and Dependent Records in Europe on all digital and streaming platforms along with a CD version.

About Haujobb

Haujobb is a German electronic music project formed in 1993 by Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic. Initially influenced by the industrial sounds of the early ’90s, Haujobb became known for their fusion of electro-industrial and EBM (Electronic Body Music) with more experimental electronic genres like IDM, ambient, and techno.

The band’s debut album, “Homes & Gardens”, was released in 1993, showcasing their industrial roots. However, their sound began to evolve rapidly, and by their second album, “Freeze Frame Reality” (1995), Haujobb embraced a more complex and layered approach to electronic music, moving away from traditional industrial structures.

Their breakthrough album, “Solutions for a Small Planet” (1996), marked a significant departure from the harshness of industrial music, incorporating elements of drum and bass, techno, and glitch. This release established Haujobb as one of the most innovative acts in the electro-industrial scene.

Over the years, Haujobb has continued to explore different sonic territories, with albums like “Polarity” (2001), “Vertical Theory” (2003), and “New World March” (2011). Their work has been characterized by its willingness to push boundaries, blending different subgenres of electronic music, while maintaining a dark, futuristic aesthetic.

Daniel Myer, in particular, has been active in various other projects, including Architect, Destroid, and Covenant, further solidifying his role in the electronic music community.

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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Out via Dependent Records on 6 September is a collection of the two first self released albums from the German dark electro act FÏX8:SËD8, “humanophobia:dormicum”.

FÏX8:SËD8 was founded by Martin Sane and started with two self-released albums. The debut “humanophobia” arrived in 2006 and was produced by Haujobb’s Daniel Myer, while the sophomore full-length “dormicum” that came out in 2009 was self-produced. “humanophobia” was inspired by the Cambodian killing fields and former internment camps of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-79) under Pol Pot.

The release comes as an artbook collecting both titles in a remastering by Pyrroline’s Arnte who had already produced and mixed the band’s “The Inevitable Relapse”. “humanophobia:dormicum” will be available as a 36-page artbook with 2 CDs including 3 bonus tracks.

Below is the official single “Killing Field”.

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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(Photo by Chris Ruiz) Out via Dependent Records on 20 September 2024 is the all new Haujobb album “The Machine in the Ghost”. “The Machine in the Ghost” marks the tenth studio album of the at the present Leipzig based duo consiting of Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic.

For this new album the duo used a mix of software and hardware. The band adds: “This deliberate nod to a time with less software and more analogue shifting of the dials complements the theme of “The Machine in the Ghost” with a retro touch, yet without indulging in mere nostalgia for its own sake. The album revolves around the highly charged relationship between mind and matter, analogue and digital.” Guest musicians on this album include Emese Árvai-Illés (Black Nail Cabaret) on vocals, Hannes Rief (Die Selektion) on trumpet, Aleta Welling on lyrics and Felix Gerlach on cello.

“The Machine in the Ghost” will be available as a 36-page artbook with 2 CDs including a bonus CD with 12 previously unreleased remixes, on a black vinyl LP, and on ltd. clear vinyl.

About Haujobb

When the band was founded as a trio in the West German city of Bielefeld, they were still influenced by the Vancouver school of industrial which is quite audible on their early full-length “Homes & Gardens” (1993). On their following albums, “Freeze Frame Reality” (1995) and “Solutions for a Small Planet” (1996), the Germans moved away from their Canadian roots and began to amalgamate IDM (intelligent dance music) with industrial and EBM.

After Björn Jünemann, one of the three founders, had left, the remaining original members Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic decided to continue as a duo. Read the review of ‘The Machine In The Ghost’.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electronic, Dark-Pop, Industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: One year after the last album (cf. “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin)”  Lynette Cerezo strikes back with a new opus of her Bestial Mouths sonic project. This work features seventeen remixes.

Content: Because of the remixes this album is diversified and brings multiple influences together. It sounds definitely Electronic but still evasive, Dark-Pop driven and with an extra, Industrial and bombastic touch on top. Some parts are even evolving towards a transcendental journey. Sometimes danceable and later on dreamy the album is filled with surprises. Remixes have been accomplished by Broken English Club, Actors, Rebeka Warrior, Curses, XTR Human, Modern Men, IV Horsemen, Crune, Carrelle, Daniel Myer, Trace Amount, Gencab, Maduro, Orphx, Snowbeats, Lana Del rabies and Bedless Bones. 

+ + + : I always have reservations about albums filled with remixes. This work however comes as a cool addendum to the last year released album “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin). I like the mysticism running through the excellent opening piece “Vast Murmur” remixed by Broken English Club, the uplifting effect emerging from “Slitskin” remixed by XTR Human and the remix of “Hex” by Snowbeasts. Diversity is the main strength of this work.

– – – : Seventeen remixes is quite a lot when there are a few uninspired pieces included. I expected a bit more from Daniel Myer and Bedless Bones to mention a few.

Conclusion: Not bad at all but I prefer the original work of Bestial Mouths instead of remixes by other artists.

Best songs: “Hex – Snowbeasts Remix”,“Vast Murmur – Broken English Club Remix”, “Slitskin – XTR Human Remix”, “Slitskin – Orphx Remix”, “Only dEad Fish – IV Horsemen Remix”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.bestialmouths.com / www.facebook.com/BESTIALMOUTHS

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/NegativeGain Read the news on ‘Backbone’.

About Bestial Mouths

Bestial Mouths is the Sacramento, California-based project led by Lynette Cerezo, who has remained the group’s constant across several line-up changes since its founding. The 2019 EP “Inshroudss” was the first release written and conceived entirely by Cerezo. The sixth studio album, “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin)“, followed the 2020 release “Resurrectedinblack” and was produced by Rhys Fulber (Front Line Assembly, Delerium); its title track drew on Cerezo’s ancestry and the Trail of Tears. The remix set “Backbone” gathers seventeen reworkings of that album by artists including Broken English Club, Actors and Daniel Myer.

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

(Photo by Elemental Eyes Photography) Negative Gain Productions recording artists Bestial Mouths have an all new remix album, “Backbone”, out tomorrow. But you can already stream it exclusively via Side-Line today.

The release is the follow-up (or rather companion) to their latest LP, “R.O.T.T.(inmyskin)” and offers reworks mixing darkwave-industrial with synthpop elements. The remixes were executed by Broken English Club, Actors, Rebeka Warrior, Curses, XTR Human, Modern Men, Lana Del Rabies, IV Horsemen, Crune, Orphx, GenCAB, Trace Amount, Carrellee, Daniel Myer, Maduro, Snowbeasts and Bedless Bones.

“Backbone” will be available tomorrow on all major digital platforms including Spotify and Bandcamp. Stream the full release below.

Fronted by Lynette Cerezo the band formed in 2009 and has mixed a number of elements in their work, from goth, industrial, post-punk, New Wave, noise, metal, to other underground sounds using live acoustic and electronic drums and analog synthesizers.

In their decade-plus existence, the band has worked with myriad of producers and artists including Zola Jesus, Mick Harvey, Rhys Fulber, Egyptrixx, Boy Harsher, Die Krupps, Mater Suspiria Vision, Zanias, The Horrorist, and Ludovico Technique to name but a few.

Here’s the video for the genCAB remix of “iNNARDS”. Read the review of ‘Backbone’.

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!

side-line.com

Referring to the events that unfolded globally, 2023 has again been a bloody, terrible year. Music continues to be a true therapy for soothing pain and suffering, though it seems to have a diminishing impact on the ongoing horror. Therefore, I’m once again wrapping up the year with a personal selection of my very own ‘best of’ albums.

Throughout the year, over 700 productions were selected, and 450 reviews were conducted. Some productions were declined because the style of music didn’t fit, others weren’t reviewed for not being ‘good enough’, while a final portion of reviews will be postponed to early 2024. I am immensely grateful to all the labels, bands, and promoters for considering my work, and I look forward to collaborating again in 2024.

I extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to Rich Bova (NEIKKA RPM), who has been reading, correcting, and improving the reviews for many years. Without Rich, these reviews would not exist. I also want to thank Bernard Van Isacker, chief editor of Side-Line Music Magazine, for our ongoing, successful collaboration. Last but not least, I thank my lovely wife, Katja, for giving me the time and freedom to pursue my passion.

However…

Looking ahead to 2024, I’ve been scaling back my activities for a few years and plan to reduce them further. Having started with my first reviews and interviews back in 1991, I feel the end drawing near. My aim is to reach 2025, but nothing is certain. I’ve grown a bit tired and disillusioned with how things are evolving.

That’s why I want to express a big ‘F*** you’ to so-called ‘artists’ and label owners who fail to realize or appreciate the work I do in creating reviews and preparing interviews to spotlight them. Guys, I do this for free and in my free time! The attitude and lack of respect shown by some – fortunately a very few – is very, very sad. But, I’m afraid it reflects the world we live in. Behind a genius artist doesn’t always stand a great person. It’s odd realizing that the ‘biggest’ and long-established artists in this scene are often the most accessible.

Writing reviews remains highly subjective and a source of discussion. Remember, it’s always the reviewer’s perception. I assure you, I always strive to substantiate my reviews as best as possible. A review is subjective but must be honest!

Like every year, I’ve selected the best albums of the year 2023. This ‘TOP 25’ encompasses various styles like EBM, Dark-Electro, IDM, Synth-Pop, Ethereal, Dark-Ambient, Industrial, Ritual, Cinematic, Gothic, Post-Punk, Cold/Dark-Wave, Dark-Techno, and a few related genres. It’s always an exciting yet challenging task.

This ‘TOP 25’ is based on the promotional material I received, excluding compilations, ‘best of’ productions, EPs, and singles. So, here’s my ‘TOP 25’ from 2023, and don’t forget to share it with your friends…

Stéphane Froidcoeur (for Inferno Sound Diaries/Side-Line Reviews)

Top 25 albums of the year 2023

1. CERULEAN VEINS “Black” Cold Transmission Music
2. LIEBKNECHT “Fabrikat” Ant-Zen
3. FRONTIER GUARDS “Colony” Aliens Production
4. SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS “Alone At Sam’s – An Evening With…” Apocalyptic Vision / Trisol
5. WAVESHARD “Waveshard” Corvus Records
6. THE EMPATH “Black Hole” Audiophob
7. VNV NATION “Electric Sun” Metropolis Records
8. EFF DST “Incarnate” Ant-Zen
9. ENZO KREFT “XL” Enzo Kreft
10. DELEYAMAN “The Sudbury Inn” TTO Records
11. GIRLS UNDER GLASS “Backdraft” Dependent Records
12. ALIEN VAMPIRES “Return Me To Hell” Alfa Matrix
13. SUN’S SPECTRUM “The Silence After The Fall” Cold Transmission Music
14. DANIEL MYER “Hingab” Sonic Groove
15. SHROUDS “Shrouds” Hands
16. DIARY OF DREAMS “Melancholin” Accession Records
17. MONO INC “Ravenblack” NoCut / SPV
18. ROME “Gates Of Europe” Trisol
19. OHNE NOMEN “The S-Witch” Cold Transmission Music
20. THE SEVEN WHORES OF THE APOCALYPSE “All Through The Waste” Scanner / Dark Dimensions
21. SPANKTHENUN “The Bunker Tapes Vol.3” SpankTheNun
22. BLACKCARBURNING “Watching Sleepers” COP International
23. GOD BODY DISCONNECT “The Weight Of Regression” Cryo Chamber
24. MILDREDA “Blue-Devilled” Dependent Records
25. PASCAL SAVY “Simulacra” Cyclic Law

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: IDM, Dark-Techno, Industrial-Techno.

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Architect, Liebknecht, Rendered, Cleen ao) strikes back with a new work under his own name. This is the first work he released by Sonic Groove.

Content: If you’re a bit familiar with the Sonic Groove roster you know what to expect. Daniel Myer transformed himself into a Techno artist although holding on to more familiar influences like IDM and Industrial. The album sounds hard and pumping but still features the familiar sound intelligence and knowledge. A few ghost-like vocal effects have been added now and then.

+ + + : Daniel Myer is an artist who feels comfortable with multiple music styles. I’m not saying “Hingabe” sounds like a total surprise but it has been clearly infused by Dark-Techno elements. The main strength of the work is the sophisticated sound production; featuring great and intelligent sound treatments and Industrial elements while you’ll also notice more atmospheric layers in the background reminding Haujobb. “Hingabe” is a great opus featuring an impressive list of cool tracks. Notice by the way Static Sky, Skelesys, DSX and Hypnoskull have been featured each on one song.

– – – : I don’t see real minus points.

Conclusion: This work might be one of the most sophisticated releases from Sonic Groove; visionary Techno music!

Best songs: “Angst”, “Reale Angst”, “Tactics Dub featuring Hypnoskull”, “Atomic Overkill”, “Ohnmacht featuring DSX”.

Rate: 9.

Artist: www.facebook.com/danielmyermusic

Label: www.sonicgroove.com / www.facebook.com/Sonicgrooverecords

About Daniel Myer

Daniel Myer is a German producer best known as one half of Haujobb, the Bielefeld-founded project he continues as a duo with Dejan Samardzic after original member Bjorn Junemann left. Haujobb’s early work, including “Homes & Gardens” (1993), carried the influence of the Vancouver school of industrial before the band moved toward a mix of IDM, industrial and EBM on “Freeze Frame Reality” (1995) and “Solutions for a Small Planet” (1996). The duo continued into 2024 with the tenth Haujobb studio album, “The Machine in the Ghost”, on Dependent Records.

Beyond Haujobb, Myer records under several other names, including Architect, Liebknecht, Rendered and Cleen, each exploring different corners of electronic and industrial music.

“Hingabe” marks Myer’s first release under his own name for Sonic Groove, moving into Dark-Techno territory while retaining the IDM and industrial vocabulary of his other projects.

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

The Prague concert of Depeche Mode, scheduled for 30 July at the Letňany exhibition grounds, will feature support from our esteemed friends, the Czech electropop band Lakeside X.

The band is one of two support acts, alongside the previously announced Berlin band Hope, who are touring Europe with Depeche Mode as part of the European leg for their current album, “Memento Mori.” Lakeside X recently made their return after a ten-year hiatus with their new album, “Love Disappears.”

“It is indeed a great honor for us and an opportunity to introduce our music to a like-minded audience. Simultaneously, it carries a great responsibility, considering the band selected us,” says Janne Marvannen, the frontman and composer. “We have never concealed our admiration for Depeche Mode, having attended numerous concerts ourselves. In fact, it was on our way back from one of their shows that we decided to form a band,” the singer adds.

“Anyone who watched Anton Corbijn’s documentary ‘Spirits In The Forest’ would relate to our story. Each one of us has a personal, unique, yet somehow interconnected experience with Depeche Mode,” says Robert Broj, the other founding member of Lakeside X. “As someone once said, DM is the soundtrack of our lives, and we consider ourselves fortunate to share that with each other while the band is still active. It’s also true that many of us original fans have started bands, projects, and created our own music, influenced to varying degrees by Depeche Mode’s music. Hence, sharing the same stage with them is a dream come true. Nonetheless, it is also a significant challenge, affirming that we are on the right path and inspiring us to continue our work,” adds the keyboardist.

Lakeside X has already released four albums. Following “Sunrise” (2004), “EXIT: NOWhere” (2007), and “City Of Red Lights” (2010) under the X Production label, the band took a lengthy hiatus before reuniting in 2021. Teaming up with German producer Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Covenant, Architect, Liebknecht), they embarked on a new album, which was released in October 2022.

For more on Depeche Mode, see German electropop label conzoom Records celebrates 15th anniversary… on Side-Line.

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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The synthpop/industrial band Distorted Reality is back with an all new single, “I Can’t Imagine”. “I Can’t Imagine” addresses the idea of being in a relationship with someone for a long time while realizing the relationship is essentially over. No one wants to make the scary move of ending it. It’s a difficult and heartbreaking split because you both still love each other. In this case, however, love is not enough.

“I Can’t Imagine” is available on all major digital platforms including Bandcamp.

Below you can see a video for the new single.

Distorted Reality was formed by Martha A. Hoffmann from Miami, USA and Christian Kobusch from Berlin, Germany, the creator of musical project Berlin Banter. Martha is the lead singer of Deep Red, the American Electro-Goth formation. Deep Red was touring in support of Project Pitchfork when a chance meeting between Marttha and Christian happened at a tour stop in Germany, Martha and Christian began to discuss their ideas.

Subsequently, Distorted Reality was formed after the two kept in touch over the course of a year during which, a collection of songs were created. Distorted Reality’s debut album “The Fine Line Between Love and Hate” was produced together with Bruno Kramm (Das Ich) and released on May 17, 2002 on Accession Records and re-released on the American record label Nilaihah Records. The North American version contained additional remixes by Assemblage 23, Forma Tadre, cut.rate.box and Null Device.

In 2004/2005 Martha and Christian worked on their second album “Daydreams and Nightmares” together with Andreas Meyer (Forma Tadre, Newt). Artists like Bruno Kramm, Daniel Myer (Haujobb), In Strict Confidence, Dust of Basement and Chris L. (Agonoize) contributed remixes to this album.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the band decided to put out a new single (performed live), “I Knew it Was Wrong”, in January 2021. 2022 then saw another collaboration with Solitary Experiments where Martha was part of a special bonus CD, “La Voix de La Femme”, with her interpretation of their song “I am”. Most recently, Christian and Berlin Banter collaborated on a single with Tricky.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, Dark-Techno, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Daniel Myer (Huajobb, Architect ao) and Rinaldo Bite (Static Sky) know each other from Destroid. For a few years they set up Liebknecht and released noticeable high-tech productions. “Fabrikat” is a fine selection of songs from different releases.

Content: The sound universe of Liebknecht is an ultra-elaborated production mixing IDM and Dark-Techno vibes together while other influences like Acid, EBM and even Dubstep can be heard now and then. Most of the tracks are instrumentals but from time to time you’ll notice pitched, sampled (?), vocals. The last song is a remix by Syrte while we next get 3 remixes Liebknecht made for other artists (cf. Black Asteroid, Inhalt and the great Heckmann).

+ + + : I consider Liebknecht as one of the most sophisticated and intelligent Electronic projects from the past few years. They already made a great impression by the different edits of “Produkt”-album plus their different EP’s. You now get some of their finest tunes assembled featuring a true sonic symbiosis between Dark-Techno and intelligent/minimal Electronics. It resulted in different outstanding songs made by retro-elements and the magic of analogue gear. The simple fact they made a remix for Thomas P. Heckmann is the ultimate confirmation from this project’s potential.

– – – : The work doesn’t bring really new stuff and that’s maybe a pity as I really want to discover more music from this duo. The remixes they made for other projects are the less convincing pieces from this opus.

Conclusion: When danceable vibes and Electronic sound intelligence have been mixed together you simply get one of the finest projects from the contemporary Electronic underground scene: Liebknecht!

Best Songs: “Oberhausen”, “Barcelona”, “Essex”, “Voula”, “Klinik Michiels V2”, “Rhodos”.

Rate: 9.

Artist: www.facebook.com/LiebknechtOfficial

Label: www.ant-zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

Listen to “Fabrikat” below:

About Liebknecht

Liebknecht pairs Daniel Myer, also known for Haujobb and Architect and a current member of Covenant, with Rinaldo Bite of Static Sky. The two know each other from Destroid and formed Liebknecht to release high-tech productions mixing techno, dancefloor elements and dark textures.

The project’s studio album “Produkt” was released on December 13, 2019, in a limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies with three bonus tracks over the digital version, and was supported by tour dates as support for Nitzer Ebb across Europe that November and December. “Fabrikat”, the compilation reviewed here, gathers tracks from that album and Liebknecht’s various EPs alongside remixes for other artists.

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

(Photo by Karolína Faltysová) The synthpop project Lakeside X have finished a new album which is due out October 21st. And today they are releasing a final 4th single “Time Has Come” – together with a brand new video. Lakeside X consists of the trio Janne Marvannen, Robert Broj and Igor Dvorsky.

The single is yet another teaser for the band’s forthcoming album “Love Disappears” which has been produced by Daniel Myer (Haujobb , Liebknecht , Covenant , Architect). The Prague based synthpop act made a comeback last December with the release of “Fire in the Sky”, the first single after 11 years since their last studio album.

The video was filmed in the beautiful city of Prague (Czech Republic) and directed by Janne Marvannen and edited by Lakeside X’ Igor Dvorsky.

Below are some photos from the making of.

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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Out now is the brand new single by Lakeside X, “Rising”. The single release goes hand in hand with a brand new video shot in Berlin. Included in the single release is also a remix of the title track by Mesh’ Mark Hockings as Blackcarburning.

The single is a new teaser for the band’s forthcoming album “Love Disappears”. The new album will be produced by Daniel Myer (Haujobb , Liebknecht , Covenant , Architect). The Prague based synthpop act made a comeback last December with the release of “Fire in the Sky”, the first single after 11 years since their last studio album.

The single is available via all digital platforms.

Video out as well

The trio Janne Marvannen, Robert Broj and Igor Dvorsky have taken to the streets of Berlin to shoot a completely self-produced music video with a few very special cameo appearances.

“This was the first track that Janne demoed to us and also the first track we started our collaboration with Daniel on. I knew right from the start, that this was going to be a single”, says Robert Broj, the keyboard player.

Jane adds: “I wandered through the streets of Berlin, headphones on my ears and listening to Nick Cave, David Bowie, U2, Depeche Mode – all those giants, who recorded their fundamental albums in Berlin – and I wrote glimpses of thoughts that would later become song lyrics. Somewhere there, in the middle of cold nights of November 2019, shortly before the circumstances were about to lock us at home for a long time, I have decided to work on new things for Lakeside X, on new songs about a journey, about disappearing from this world, about falling down and rising up from the ashes and about new hopes. I wanted to shoot the video just in Berlin, and by doing that we could, in a symbolic way, pay a tribute to all those, who went this path before us and to whom we owe a lot.”

Crowdfunding campaign

To help with funding the whole project a crowdfunding campaign was launched with tons of exclusives, unreleased material, artwork or even a lifetime access to any and all of their upcoming live appearances.

“This time we are going full electronic-synth way. “Rising” is a “flagship” track for us. This is Lakeside X in 2022. It’s a story that can be purely personal but also it’s a story of a band, that has risen from the ashes and it’s stronger than ever before. The video to the single contains apart from many pop-cultural references on our famous colleagues, also remarkable amount of mixing present and past. We are a band coming from the country that once was part of the Eastern block, we all do remember the Wall, cold war, state police agents and the atmosphere of fear that ruled our homelands. The divided Berlin was a symbol of this time and of it all. At the same time it was a place where at that time, Bowie, Cave or DM created something that inspired not just us, but a whole generation of artists. We tried to concentrate this all into the video, and for us, Berlin is and always will be a city, that has risen from the ashes and is a never-ending inspiration for everyone”, says Janne Marvannen.

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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After 11 years we finally get to hear something new from Prague’s synthpop act Lakeside X. Lakeside X is back with a new song, “Fire in the Sky”, produced by Daniel Myer.

The band released their last regular record “City Of Red Lights” back in 2010 and they played their last gig in 2014. But early 2021 the trio consisting of Janne Marvannen, Robert Broj and Igor Dvorsky started work on a new album. Before its release in 2022, the band will release several singles with the first being “Fire in the Sky”. A video was also shot and you can see that below.

“We had long discussions, which song to come up with first after such a long time. This song is slower, it’s not a classical single track. But it has some sort of strange power, which absorbs you with every listening. There is a story, which will reflect on the entire album and I think it’s one of the strongest songs we have ever made. That is why we wanted people to hear it as the first,” says Janne Marvannen.

“My brother spent days with drone in Canadian wilderness and he shot some breathtaking footage. When I saw it, it immediately came to my mind to ask him whether we might use it for the lyric video. The floating shots are almost hypnotic and it all lets you fully experience the song,” says Igor Dvorsky, who was in the past taking care, among other, of the screen projections for Alan Wilder’s Recoil project.

Together with the album/video version of the song, a club mix and a radio version has been prepared by the band. The single is avaliable on all streaming services. Check it out below!

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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Twenty years after Forma Tadre’s last physical release, the project has prepared another CD album: “Geiger’s Day”. The album is going to be self-released and is available via Bandcamp as you can see below.

Behind the German electronic music project we find Andreas Meyer.

He explains the concept behind the album: “‘Geiger’s Day’ is about a journey – set in the near future – from the West Coast of the US to the east after the breakdown of civilization. It features a lone protagonist and a sci-fi setting, where broken machinery has come to life and most of the laws of nature have been turned upside down.”

The tracks were written and recorded in the period 1999-2001, shortly after the release of “Automate”, Meyer’s second album. You can already check out a few below.

About Forma Tadre

Forma Tadre began as a three-piece band in 1986 including Andreas Meyer. Andreas was heavily influenced by the electronic band Tangerine Dream which provided the impetus for the name Forma Tadre as a sort of portmanteau from Tangerine Dream’s album “Force Majeure”. The band recorded the EP “Brightful Times” in 1987, which was produced by German producer Robert “Bobby” Giddens who worked with many German bands including DAF.

After this release, two of the members eventually split from the band without producing any more releases together, leaving Andreas as the sole member by 1994. Andreas was then convinced by Björn Junemann – a member of Haujobb at the time – to submit demo tapes to record labels, which eventually led to the attention of Off-Beat Records, who released his next two albums.

In 1996, Andreas released his first album as the sole member of Forma Tadre, “Navigator”, which was a marked style departure from the previous, more traditional three-piece incarnation of the band mixing together epic, symphonic instrumentals with numerous highly-technical EBM tracks. After “Navigator”, Andreas was approached by Daniel Myer of Haujobb to work together on a music project, which resulted in the formation of Newt. The duo would produce two albums and a single between 1997 and 1999.

Beginning around 1995, Andreas worked with a female vocalist on a project which offered traditional, classical music via electronic instrumentation. The project, named Eisriesenkönig, released only a single track – a remix of a Forma Tadre song – on the 1996 Off-Beat compilation “The O-Files”.

Forma Tadre’s second album, “Automate”, was released in 1998 and offered a more ambient style of music. The 13-track album “The Music of Erich Zann” would follow almost 10 years later. In 2019, a hybrid vinyl-digital reissue of “Brightful Times” was released, adding eight tracks recorded between 1987 and 1992 to the original four track EP.

In 2020, Forma Tadre released a pair of anthologies. “Navigator Travelogue” contained remixes, singles, demos and unreleased tracks from the project’s most active years 1994-1997 while “P-SongX” contained unreleased songs that Andreas recorded during the span of time between “Brightful Times” and “Navigator” along with one new track, “M15 – She a threat?”.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Genre/Influences: IDM, Electro-Ambient, Experimental.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Four years after the debut album “The Memory Institute” Belgian solo-project Llumen –driven by Pieter Coussement, strikes back with this EP announcing the new full length “Polygon Heart”. The EP reveals two new songs plus remixed versions, which seem to exorcise personal demons.

Content: Llumen strikes back with a high-tech title track, which reminds me once again of the sound intelligence of Haujobb. A perfect mix between Ambient-like atmospheres with an astral dimension and slow, danceable rhythms with clear, powerful vocals on top. “The Path That Leads Me Home” sounds rather similar, but with an extra ‘dance’-led on top while hopping sequences inject some extra dynamic into the song.

The title song has been remixed by Implant, Entrzelle and Auger while the Antibody made a remix of the other track.

+ + + : I personally consider Llumen together with Circumpolar as two of the most ‘intelligent’ Electro acts from the Alfra Matrix roster. Llumen has its own sound and style, which is a sonic fusion between different influences. Definitely into electronic music, but also Ambient-like while refined with Electro-Pop and even Dance-elements it resulted into sophisticated and accessible music. It might appeal to Haujobb lovers, but I personally prefer Coussement’s vocals instead of Daniel Myer. “The Dark In Her Eyes” is a well-crafted and accomplished piece. It also inspired Implant, but especially Entrzelle to achieve great remixes. Entrzelle’s remix is even more sophisticated than the original version.

– – – : The B-side cut “The Path That Leads Me Home” reveals great ideas, but the lead is somewhat ordinary and too Dance-driven.

Conclusion: “Llumen is back on track and that’s great news for all Electro fine tasters.

Best songs: “The Dark In Her Eyes – Entrzelle Mix”, “The Dark In Her Eyes”, “The Dark In Her Eyes – Implant Mix”.

Rate: (7 ½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Llumen-official-192854384064057

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix Read the news on ‘The Dark In Her Eyes’.

About Llumen

Llumen is the Belgian electronic solo project of Pieter Coussement. It started as a three-piece in the first decade of the 2000s and continued as a one-man project from 2009, mixing old-school EBM, future-pop, techno and IDM. Llumen signed to Alfa Matrix and debuted on the label in 2016 with the EP Cold In December, followed by the double-CD debut album The Memory Institute in 2017; Coussement discussed that record in the ‘Click Interview’ with Llumen of February 2017.

“The Dark In Her Eyes” was released by Alfa Matrix on 2 April 2021 as a six-track download. Alfa Matrix wrote on Bandcamp that Coussement “went through some serious health crisis moments the last few years” and that the new songs reflect “that very personal post-surgery rebirth”. The tracks are “The Dark In Her Eyes”, “The Path That Leads Me Home”, “The Dark In Her Eyes (Implant Mix)”, “The Path That Leads Me Home (Antibody Mix)”, “The Dark In Her Eyes (Entrzelle Mix)” and “The Dark In Her Eyes (Auger Mix)”.

The EP preceded Polygon Heart, which Alfa Matrix released on 18 June 2021 in digital and CD formats and Side-Line reviewed in September 2021. The EP “Die Stille Totgeschwiegen” followed in 2023 and the album The Breaking Waves in 2024, issued as a limited 2CD set; Side-Line reported on the album Winter Eden in August 2026. “The Dark In Her Eyes” is the project’s third Side-Line review.

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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(By our Norwegian correspondent Jan Ronald Stange) June 25^th saw the release of ‘Terminal Love’, the third EP this year from the Norwegian industrial synth rockers Zeromancer, a worthy follow up to their previous releases ‘Damned le Monde‘ and ‘Mourners‘. In addition to interviewing the band about the EP, we also got hold of the guys behind the L’âme Immortelle and Architect remixes to get their thoughts on the song and the remix process.

Side-Line: ‘Terminal Love’ – feels like it’s a continuation of ‘Mourners’, like the next chapter or a different view of a similar story – an ongoing theme there? Or coincidence?

Alex Møklebust: Some of the continuation feeling you also get is probably how the song opens. Like ‘Mourners’ it starts with only synths and vocals, before the chorus hits. The chorus melody line on ‘Terminal Love’ is taken from a unreleased ZMR song during the making of ‘Sinners International’. Kim gave it another chance on ‘Terminal Love’ and the chorus finally made sense. Felt so good singing that melody line 12 years later. Never throw away ideas!

Kim Ljung: Alex has a memory like no other. All the time he surprises me with stories I have forgotten a long time ago. Though in this particular case I believe he’s a couple of years off 😉
The chorus of ‘Terminal Love’ is taken from a demo originally named ‘Collider’, which then again was a spin-off of an old Red 7 track (Lorry and Dan played in this band). Quite sure it was written in the aftermath of the ‘Death of Romance’ album. The pre-chorus of ‘Terminal Love’ I found on my phone where I always tape simple ideas with acoustic stuff, me singing on top. The date was June 26, 2014. One day later than the official release date which was about a week ago. Not so strange maybe, that musicians lose their minds carrying all this stuff around for years and years.
Regarding the connection with ‘Mourners’, I’m blind to those aspects. Just another Zeromancer song written in a fashion that suits that particular track.  What we always do. People has a tendency to ask what song or album we prefer ourselves. That’s irrelevant. I never set them up against each other. Not my job 🙂

S-L: When hearing the main synth melody line my first thought was “this is something Vince Clarke would’ve wished he made himself for a Yazoo song!”

AM: Thanks! I’ll take that as a huge compliment. The synth needed lots of movement to carry the first verse by itself. The modular setup works well for that and blends in with all the other instruments in a good way. The analogue imperfection is key.

KL: Word, Alex!
We had a lot of sessions at Room 13, Alex’s studio, where Alex sat and tweaked those knobs on the modulars. The idea was to create a signature sound for the intro of the song. Something significant that opens a track, and when you hear it, you instantly know which song it is.

S-L: The external remixes were both quite down-tempo and atmospheric, which also suits this track very well. Surprising that both chose this direction?

AM: It was a very pleasant surprise. Love the way it turned out. Both Thomas and Daniel had a short deadline, but managed to make two beautiful remixes. Thomas made it so personal that you immediately hear it’s a L’âme Immortelle remix. Respect.
Daniel also made ‘Terminal Love’ his own. The deep sub version takes you on this beautiful ride into Daniels universe. Love it. So talented musicians. We are so grateful for having friends all over the world collaborating with us. Musically, but also on a personal level.

KL: Both versions blew me away. I didn’t expect it at all. Pure genius. You can hear in an instant how much love and passion they put into this track. Fold my hands for those guys.

S-L: Alex, your alter ego SnifferGod ends the EP with an up-tempo remix, a good contrast to the other remixes, with great beats and rhythms! Some elements here puts me back to the end of the 80’s/early 90’s, like Nitzer Ebb doing a 90’s rave with S’Express and a touch of acid house, but layered in a 2020’s updated soundscape. Tell us what you did here!

AM: I had to work on this one in-between mixing the Zeromancer album. Mixing daytime and remixing nighttime.
You are absolutely spot on. Because of the high tempo, I wanted to get that 90’s techno feel combined with some 80’s EBM. Nearly all synths are from my modular and semi-modular setup. No samples, except sampling ourselves. It’s an up-tempo remix, maybe close to stress-techno, but the «party boy» Alex kicked in. Blame the late night sessions.

KL: Stress-techno or stress-synth. Hahaha….it’s an internal wordplay on a comment by the Foo Fighters-drummer in a recording session with good,  old Rick Springfield. He calls Springfield’s style stress-rock. And he does so as a kind of a compliment. However, who wants that type of label 🙂

Yeah, SnifferGod is Alex going back in time. A real killer version. Lots of raving flashbacks, with the God himself on the dancefloor.

S-L: Kim, where’s your mother this time on the cover photo? Vacation in the fjords, or where she’s originally from?

KL: This time the photo is taken on the roadside near Odda in Hardanger. The roads were obviously a lot more curvy back in 1957. Though they still are…
The family took these endless road trips from Sauda all around Norway every summer holiday. My mom is on the left, my uncle at the right of the photo. They are facing the glacier, Buerbreen. Both of them are carsick as hell. My grandfather took the shot, as he did with the previous singles.

I think the distance and the vibe of the photo suits perfectly with title of the song.

Check out this playlist of Zeromancer and SnifferGod remixes!

As with all three EPs this year, this one also features brilliant remixes, which made an easy decision to repeat the remixers part from the ‘Mournes’ article. Both Thomas Rainer (L’âme Imortelle/Nachtmar) and Daniel Myer (Architect/Liebknecht/Haujobb/Covenant etc.) had some to say about their contributions.

First off is Thomas Rainer from Vienna, Austria:

S-L: What’s your relation to Zeromancer before this remix?

Thomas Rainer: They already made 2 remixes for my band L’âme Imortelle and are also label mates, so it was kind of obvious that we would also collaborate the other way around one day. It also didn’t hurt that I have also always really liked the music of the band.

S-L: How did you like the new song ‘Terminal Love’?

TR: I really liked the song from the very beginning. The vocals immediately caught my ear, but after further listening I really enjoyed listening to all the small details in the very sophisticated production.

S-L: The other ZMR releases in 2021 – what’s your opinion so far?

TR: I enjoyed all of the new material so far especially since it shows an even more mature form of the band. Something I greatly appreciate.

S-L: What was your main idea with your remix?

TR: I usually approach all remixes by listening to the vocals alone first, and Alex’ stellar performance made it clear that it needs to be given as much space as possible with the music just being a supporting element. 

Check Thomas’ playlist of his remixes!

Next remixer were Daniel Myer from Leipzig, Germany:

S-L: What’s your relation to Zeromancer before this remix?

Daniel Myer: I’ve known Zeromancer since they came to the scene. It’s a fairly small scene, so of course you know every new act that comes out, especially back in the day;)

We also share the same booking agency, so I went to see them live quite often when they were in town or at festivals. I always liked their style and I really like the songs and Alex’ voice.

S-L: How did you like the new song ‘Terminal Love’?

DM: Terminal Love had a real anthem feel to me. That’s why I approached a friend of mine to do this remix with me. I wanted to make it really big, like a “Pop Hymn” in the style of Imagine Dragons. But my friends was busy with her release, so I did the remix by myself.

S-L: The other ZMR releases in 2021 – what’s your opinion so far?

DM: I haven’t heard it all, only the last single, and I love Krischan Wesenbergs remix. He is one of my favourite producers at the moment.

S-L: What was your main idea with your remix?

DM: For the remix, like I mentioned above, I had something big in mind, but I only had a very limited amount of time.
I was on vacation with my girlfriend and we had very specific plans for this time. I started the remix with this Imagine Dragons idea in mind and then send it off to my friend in NYC. She came back to me after a few days, telling me that she couldn´t work on it, so I had to finish it by myself. By that time I was in a very strange headspace, a lot of things went wrong on our vacation trip, so I was stressed out and I had to go see my mother.

So I actually finished the remix on the train to Bielefeld one morning, on the day of the deadline. Overall I had only 12 days to do the mix, Alex came basically in the last minute to ask me for it 😉 And my mother lives in the woods, so there was no good internet connections. I actually used the hotspot from my phone to deliver the remix to Norway! 😀

Check Daniel’s playlist of his remixes!

Listen to and buy the ‘Teminal Love’ EP from Spotify, Apple music and other services – click here!

Jan Ronald Stange

Sometimes – when I’m not cooking, biking, listening to music or attending concerts, I write stuff for Side-Line.com. Mostly about Norwegian bands, but it’s been some Swedish, English, American, Danish, German and others too… 😉

www.facebook.com/jrstange

The Prague (Czech Republic) based synthpop act Lakeside X have started work on a new album with Daniel Myer on production duties (Haujobb, Architect, Liebknecht). The release comes more than 10 years after their last studio record “City Of Red Lights”.

The band now consists of the trio Janne Marvannen, Robert Broj and Igor Dvorsky. On the previous records you could hear some guitars apart from just synthesizers, but after the departure of guitarist Vito Hayek the band now goes fully electronic.

Here’s what frontman Janne Marvannen says about the collaboration with Daniel Myer: “Daniel is really a very respected name on the european electronic scene and his work says it all. “We want to push ourselves forward and progress and work with such a top producer is just what we need for our new start. It is all a new additional experience for us, as we are working remotely. But we are having a very good feeling about it at the moment and I think that our fans and supporters may look forward to something special.”

The release date or a name of the album is not yet known. The band also plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support funding of the album production.

This is the teaser video for the new material.

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Industrial-Techno, Dark-Techno.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Rendered is a sonic meeting between Germany and France, between Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Architect, Liebknecht ao) and Clément Perez (14anger). Under the Rendered moniker they released multiple EPs on very different labels such as Omen Recordings, Aufnahme + Wiedergabe, Tripalium Records ao. This album is a fine selection of tracks that were originally released on different productions and, which are now for the very first time on CD. You’ll also find two previously unreleased songs.

Content: “Stonecoldsoul” takes off with heavy Industrial-like rhythms. The rhythm is ultra important in the band’s work and is progressively touching ground with Dark- & Industrial-Techno. But there also is something shamanic in some songs. Some of the Electronic arrangements are retro-like and reminding me of early Ministry and Revolting Cocks. A few vocal parts/effects have been mixed in some songs.

+ + + : The rhythm is an essential aspect of this band and clearly the main strength of the work. It will get you to dance, but also into trance! Rendered isn’t just Dark-Techno like; it’s more elaborated and I especially like some vintage Electronic sequences like on the title track. My favorite song is the extremely powerful “Girlscoutsinacoma”. The song is dark, elaborated and driven by a frenetic cadence. Rendered is one more great project from Daniel Myer, but the collaboration with Clément Perez from 14anger has something  visionary.

– – – : Both ‘new’ songs aren’t exactly the most efficient ones from the album; so no real bonus here.

Conclusion: Rendered stands for a solid and tenebrous Techno sound, the album featuring multiple outstanding cuts.

Best songs: “Girlscoutinacoma”, “Bendover”, “Stonecoldsoul”, “Puppetskin”, “Holeinthehead”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/rendered.audio

Label: www.audiophob.de / www.facebook.com/audiophob

About Rendered

Rendered pairs German musician Daniel Myer, also known for Haujobb, Architect and Liebknecht, with French artist Clément Perez of 14anger. The duo has released multiple EPs on labels including Omen Recordings, Aufnahme + Wiedergabe and Tripalium Records. “Stonecoldsoul” collects tracks from those earlier releases on CD for the first time, alongside two previously unreleased songs, released on Audiophob.

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

Clément Perez is a French DJ and producer who’s already active for several years now. He released an impressive number of EP’s on different labels such as Tripalium Records, Gobsmacked Records, i-Traxx Recordings, Green Fetish Records ao, but he this year joined hands together with Ant-Zen to unleash his first full length album. “The Poison Tree” is a hard-danceable work featuring a perfect harmony between Techno- and Industrial music. The album features twelve heavy cuts (revealing a song together with HYPNOSKULL) plus four remixes by ANTECHAMBER, SHROUDS, CRYSTAL GEOMETRY and MONO-AMINE.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’re involved with electronic music for years now, but who do you consider as your personal ‘Godfathers’; those who inspired you to DJ and make your own music? And how do you see yourself as musician/producer?

Clément: I have quite a list of ‘Godfathers’; from Aphex Twin to Jeff Mills or Converter to Ed Rush. I’m listening to a lot of different stuff and for each genres I have favorites for sure. I like artists that have their own visions and keep walking their own path all along their career. A lot of them don’t even tour or do gigs in fact.

DJing is maybe another thing as I have always liked the techniques of DJing itself. For example, I really like DJs like Jeff Mills, or The DJ Producer, Manu Le Malin or Stephanovitch back in the days; artists who are able to blend a real savoir-faire (playing on 3 decks, mixing tracks very quickly) with a great sense of tracks selection to tell their own story in a party. I try to keep it that way, even if it’s a very ‘90s’ attitude.

Speaking about that, that’s also how I see myself as a musician and producer. I’m trying to keep this very ‘hardcore’ and lowkey attitude from the 90s nowadays, moving forward with my own music, using the past without trying to recreate things from the past. Pretty difficult in fact when even kids are trying mostly to make 80s or 90s music.

Q: 14ANGER has released an endless list of EP’s, but “The Poison Tree” is your first album ever, released this year by Ant-Zen. What does this album mean to you and do you think there still a future for full length releases? How do you see things evolving?

Clément: It means quite a lot, as you said I’ve done a lot of EP’s along the years and it was a challenge for me to start doing a full LP. I’ve trying to make music in a different way, keeping things simple and with less editing than usual. Also doing a ‘real’ industrial album was something I wanted to do for a long time. I’m really happy with it and even happier to be featured on Ant-Zen, which is surely the label I’ve listening to the most in my life.

I’m sure full length releases have a future, as it’s (for me), the best way to listen to something seriously, to really enter into someone’s work. Maybe it’s a generational thing, but I listen to a lot of full LP and I will continue doing some in the future.

Q: You just said composing a full length was a challenge so what have been the main ideas and inspiration to compose this work? How did the writing of the songs happened and is there a different approach in writing an album or an EP?

Clément: The main idea behind the album was to focus on the relationship with nature and humans. I’ve spent a lot of time in the forests and mountains around the place where I’m living. I did that for some months, under the very hot sun of Southern France. That certainly shaped the sound of the album. I’ve worked and finished the album on a pretty short period of time, using a sound library I’ve made and using the same synths and FX to have a special sound overall. I also worked with a lot of audio samples, a bit like I was doing when I first started to produce as I was using audio trackers only. It was really different for sure to make a full album and not a Techno EP, it’s way more personal and demanding.

Q: The sound of the album is mainly dominated by a fusion between techno- and industrial music. What makes both genres complementary and how do you perceive both music styles?

Clément: Techno and Industrial are my roots, my 2 main and bigger influences. I basically can’t imagine Techno without Industrial sounds and Industrial music sometimes miss the energy of Techno. I just see the 2 styles fitting together even if the scenes were not the same. It’s less true nowadays though.

Q: You seem to like working with other artists, but especially with Dep Affect. What makes the chemistry between both of you and what did you learn and maybe discover from yourself throughout these collaborative productions? 

Clément: We started to work together 5 years ago and it  really happened naturally, fun and easy. Even if we’re living at the opposite sides of the planet (Dep Affect is Australian), we somehow have pretty close tastes in music, and a lot of common things in our backgrounds. I sure learned a lot of things working with him, and I can say exactly the same about working with Daniel Myer in RENDERED. That could be about mixing, sound design or working more on themes and arrangements – I can definitely say I’m much better in making themes and working on details now.

Q: I noticed you together with an impressive list of French electro/techno artists contributed to a statement about the danger to see electronic artists/music disappear. It’s all because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but can you give us more details and how do you as artist try to manage this situation?

Clément: I was part of the artists who signed this as it’s just hard to watch things disappearing now mainly because politicians are doing again such a bad work. The situation could be so much better right now if good things and preparations have been done. However, I have a fulltime day-job so I’m not really affected by the situation on a financial side, but I definitely miss gigs a lot. I hope things could be better soon with maybe quick tests at doors for gigs and concerts. We have to wait and see, hoping not too much people will struggle and just quit the scenes for good…

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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25 years after their debut studio album “Navigator”, the German electro-industrial music band Forma Tadre releases “Navigator Travelogue” on Bandcamp. The album is a collection of remixes, singles, demos and previously unreleased tracks from the years 1994-1997, a total of 17 tracks and 2 bonus tracks.

Forma Tadre was founded in 1986. The sole member is Andreas Meyer. Originally from the Lower-Saxon region of Germany, Andreas Meyer was heavily influenced by the electronic band Tangerine Dream. In fact, the name Forma Tadre is a sort of portmanteau from Tangerine Dream’s album Force Majeure.

Meyer has worked with Psyche and Haujobb, forming the side-project Newt in the late 1990s (with Haujobb’s Daniel Myer). Meyer also executed remixes for Coil, Joachim Witt, Wumpscut, Assemblage 23, Seabound and others.

In 2008, after 8 years of silence Forma Tadre returned with a new 13-track download-only album, “The Music of Erich Zann”.

Here’s what you can expect from the new album.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Genre/Influences: IDM, minimal-electronics.  

Liebknecht.jpg” alt=””/>

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Liebknecht is the meeting between Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Architect ao) and Rinaldo Bite (Destroid, Static sky). Both musicians already worked together under the Destroid moniker and are now joining hands back again.

Content: If Liebknecht has been introduced as an exposure of Daniel Myer’s numerous projects transposed into a technoid soundscape with analogue sequences made by Rinaldo Bite on top, it first of all appears to be truly vintage, IDM and minimal-electro work. There for sure is a link with techno music, which sometimes reminds me of some intelligent techno productions from the 90s and the ‘Frankfurter’-scene. The songs are carried by solid bass lines and icy, analogue sound treatments. Some arrangements remind me of Haujobb, but here stops any further comparison.

+ + + : I was deeply impressed by this new project. The genius of Daniel Myer is a point we no longer have to discuss, but Liebknecht is much more than simply a new project or challenge! This music reveals the magic of electronic music and reminds me why I like this underground scene. The production is the fruit of a creative and deeply, artistic process revealing outstanding sound treatments, great sonic manipulations and irresistible effects. This is a brilliant fusion between retro-elements composed with vintage electronics revealing a refreshing electronic work. The “Ursuppe Remix” sounds close to perfection!

– – – : Both last cuts are less powerful and reveal a rather electro-ambient direction. It still sounds minimal and accomplished, but can’t compete with the other tracks.

Conclusion: I think there’s no better way to launch a new project by unleashing such a sonic bomb!

Best songs: “Ursuppe Remix”, “ICE Over Erfurt”, “Danzig”, “Saint Pete”.

Rate: (9). 

Artist: www.facebook.com/LiebknechtOfficial

Label: www.ant–zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

About Liebknecht

Liebknecht pairs Daniel Myer, also known for Haujobb and Architect, with Rinaldo Bite of Static Sky. The two know each other from Destroid and formed Liebknecht for high-tech productions mixing techno, dancefloor elements and dark textures.

The project’s studio album “Produkt” was released on December 13, 2019, in a limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies with three bonus tracks over the digital version, and was supported by tour dates opening for Nitzer Ebb across Europe that November and December. A companion mini-album, “Produkt V1.2”, appeared the same period. “Produkt V1.1”, reviewed here, followed through Ant-Zen and Ván Records.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, minimal-electronics.  

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Architect ao) and Rinaldo Bite (Destroid, Static sky) released this EP together with “Produkt V1.1”.

Content: The debut EP already reveals an impressive exposure from both artists writing skills, but it all feels like this second EP simply moves a step further. The analogue treatments are somewhat reminding me of Front 242’s “Geography” with some extra Suicide on top. It also has a deeply minimal touch created by endless sound manipulations and effects. The retro style is omnipresent. The work is mainly instrumental although there’s one song featuring vocals with a space effect on top.

+ + + : It remains fascinating to see how good-old analogue sound treatments can be refreshing. It’s not about innovation, but creativity adding an extra dimension to the work. Liebknecht has accomplished a phenomenal work, which from start till finish held me in its grip. It’s not just the addition of analogue sounds, but also the way these sounds have been constructed. It feels like the songs have been meticulously created. There are feelings of passion and devotion emerging from this work. The songs are going further than electro-minimalism. There’re also melodic passages running through the songs. I was also impressed by the solid bass lines and the progression of the cuts.

– – – : I don’t see any single minus points to make about this work and I sincerely hope Liebknecht will move on composing new great work.

Conclusion: Daniel Myer has his hand in numerous outstanding productions, but Liebknecht instantly became my personal favorite! Perfection is just an illusion, but this work comes damn close to it.

Best songs: “Hamburg”, “White In Blue – Album Edit”, “Köln”, “Overwrite”.

Rate: (9½). 

Artist: www.facebook.com/LiebknechtOfficial

Label: www.ant–zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

About Liebknecht

Liebknecht is a collaboration between Daniel Myer, also known for Haujobb and Architect, and Rinaldo Bite of Destroid and Static Sky. “Produkt V1.2,” reviewed here, was released alongside the companion EP “Produkt V1.1.” The duo continued with the album “Fabrikat” in 2023, released via Ant-Zen.

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

Out on December 13 is the newest studio album by Liebknecht. “Produkt” comes in limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies and contains three additional bonus tracks compared to the digital version.

For the younger generation which probably doesn’t know who is behind this project, Liebknecht is the brainchild of Daniel Myer who is also the founder of Haujobb, Architect etc. and a member of the current line-up of Covenant. Via Liebknecht Myer brings a mix of techno, dancefloor elements and dark textures.

Below is the album teaser.

On tour with Nitzer Ebb

Liebknecht is the tour support of Nitzer Ebb during their European Tour. Below are the dates.

• 07.11.19 D-Berlin
• 08.11.19 D-Dresden
• 09.11.19 D-Hamburg
• 10.11.19 D-Magdeburg
• 12.11.19 D-München
• 14.11.19 D-Oberhausen
• 15.11.19 D-Oberhausen
• 16.11.19 D-Langen
• 17.11.19 F-Paris
• 18.11.19 F-Strassbourg
• 19.11.19 NL-Heerlen
• 20.11.19 B-Sint-Niklaas
• 22.11.19 GB-Glasgow
• 23.11.19 GB-Manchester
• 24.11.19 GB-London
• 13.12.19 E-Madrid
• 14.12.19 E-Barcelona

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Black Line, the project driven by Cyrusrex and Douglas J. McCarthy (Nitzer Ebb) plus the addition of several guests who are coming in and going out, have released this EP (also available as 7” featuring only two songs). “Sedition” was the opening song from the debut album “Treason, Sedition, And Subversive Activities” released in 2017.

Content: The title song brings us back to the album, which was a diversified opus mixing multiple genres. “Sedition” is a rather ‘calm’ song, which has something romantic-pop like and driven by the unique vocals of Douglas Mc.Carthy.

We next get a so-called “Sedated Remix”, which is more film-like. Next comes a minimal remix by Daniel Myer. Last, but not least, there also is a remix of the song “Go” (which didn’t appear at the album) by Ken Marshall (Scaremeister).

+ + + : I’m not a huge fan of this title song, but Douglas Mc.Carthy’s unique timbre of voice makes the magic of the track. The best part of the EP comes right at the end. The minimal-like remix by Daniel Myer has something intriguing and definitely minimal-like. The remix of “Go” by Ken Marshall has a strong club-appeal and is the unique high light from “Sedation”.

– – – : Speaking for myself there were much better songs featured at the band’s album instead of “Sedition”.

Conclusion: If you never heard of Black Line before, just discover the album first!

Best songs: “Go – Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall Remix”, “Sedition – Daniel Myer Remix”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www.blackline–black / www.facebook.com/BlackLineProject

About Black Line

Black Line began in 2016 as a continuation of DJM|REX, a project by Douglas J. McCarthy of Nitzer Ebb and Cyrusrex, before growing into a wider collective of musicians, producers and sound designers. The self-released debut album “Treason, Sedition, And Subversive Activities” (2017) featured contributions from Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall, Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb) and Paul Barker (Ministry, Revolting Cocks), among others. “Sedition” revisits the album’s opening track with new remixes, including one by Daniel Myer.

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.

Background/Info: Set up in 2008 the Hungarian duo Black Nail Cabaret aka Emese Arvai-Illes (vocals) and Krisztian Arvai (keyboards) are back on track. After having released 2 albums on Daniel Myer’s (Architect, Haujobb) label Basic Unit Productions, Black Nail Cabaret together with Ultranoire set up their own label: Dichronaut Records. “Pseudopop” is the bands third official full length –while they self-released the debut album “Emerald City” in 2012.

Content: If you’re familiar with the electro-pop sound of Black Nail Cabaret you know this band is an atypical formation in the genre. The new songs aren’t that different, revealing an intimate mood and precious song writing. A few tracks are a little bit more into ‘dance’, other passages are sensual, but globally speaking this is more the kind of pop music to dream away on.

+ + + : There where so many electro-pop bands are holding on to the same influences and standards, Black Nail Cabaret deals with an own approach. It’s pretty diversified, like reflecting multiple influences, but in the end I would say they’re composing intelligent electro-pop. Emese Arvai-Illes is a talented vocalist and not only for her sensual timbre of voice, but the vocals are in perfect osmosis with the music. I also have to say a word about the lyrics, which clearly seem to be important as well. Here again I noticed an unusual approach; this is an electro-pop band dealing with other subjects than the familiar electro-pop themes about lost relationships etc. Song-wise “Bête Noire” –which has been also released as EP-title song clearly is the most danceable cut and a real potential hit. I also have to mention the more groovy “Trigger-Happy”, the wafting “Rhythm X” and deeply sexy (just pay attention to the lyrics) “La Petite Mort”.

– – – : The album features 10 songs and there’s just one little piece (cf. “90s”) which couldn’t convince me. I think there’s no reason to complain.

Conclusion: The front cover of this album is clearly inspired by the famous Rorschach test; it’s intriguing and perfectly symbolizing the work of Black Nail Cabaret: unique, a bit mysterious and deeply artistic.

Best songs: “Bête Noire”, “Trigger-Happy”, “Rhythm X”, “La Petite Mort”, “Icarus”, “Resonance”.  

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.blacknailcabaret.com / www.facebook.com/bncband

Label: www.facebook.com/dichronautrecords

About Black Nail Cabaret

Black Nail Cabaret is Emese Árvai-Illés and Krisztián Árvai, formed in Budapest, Hungary in 2008. The duo self-released its debut album, “Emerald City”, in 2012, then issued two albums through Daniel Myer‘s Basic Unit Productions before co-founding Dichronaut Records with Ultranoire.

“Pseudopop” was the band’s third full-length. Black Nail Cabaret’s most recent album, “Chrysanthemum”, was released on 1 March 2024, and the duo confirmed 2026 tour dates across Hungary, Germany, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom in support of it.

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: IDM.

Background/Info: Architect (Daniel Myer) has already released an impressive discography since the very first productions in 1998(!). Daniel Myer is back again unleashing this new EP, which appears one year after his previous EP “Deconfiguration”.

Content: “Deconvolution” reveals 2 new tracks, which once again deliver the intelligent sound format of this artist. Heavy-banging beats mixed with overwhelming astral atmospheres and this very particular approach in sound treatments are here again characterizing the work of Architect.

Among the 3 remixes of the title song you’ll notice a real special one by Canadian sound-architects Orphx. There also is a remix of the previous EP title-track “Deconfiguration”, which once again reveals a technoid input mixed with the other influences of Architect.

+ + + : “Deconvolution” is an absolute smasher as the new title-song. It reveals Daniel Myer in good shape, once again mixing irresistible sound treatments and hard-bouncing kicks. Both new cuts stand for an impressive sound production. Among the remixes I have to tip the “Doggystyle”-edit of the title track. It’s a fascinating fusion between anguishing sound atmospheres and terrific beats. The “R Version” is another interesting remix for its acid sound treatments. Orphx did a great job as well transposing “Deconvolution” into a darker- and minimal approach.

– – – : This EP shows Daniel Myer at his best so no real reasons to complain here. This is a new masterpiece from Architect!

Conclusion: Architect never seizes to evolve and refresh its sound. This is a great and intelligent production, which will also get you into dance!

Best songs: “Deconvolution”, “Deconvolution – Doggystyle”, “Deconvolution – Orphx Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.architect-music.com / www.facebook.com/Architectband

Label: www.hymen-records.com / www.facebook.com/hymenrecords

About Architect

Architect is an IDM and electronics alias of German producer Daniel Myer, based in Leipzig, best known as the creative force behind Haujobb. Early Architect albums “I Went Out Shopping To Get Some Noise” (2004) and “The Analysis Of Noise Trading” (2005) were followed by the EPs “Deconfiguration” in 2017 and “Deconvolution” in 2018, reviewed here.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Background/Info: While you maybe heard of this ‘new’ band before (being featured on a label compilation “Dependence 2012”) “Radioakt One” is the debut full length of Krischan Wesenberg (Rotersand, Future Lied To Us ao), Frank Spinath (Seabound, Lionhearts, Edge Of Dawn, Ghost & Writer ao), Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Architect ao) and Sascha Lange (who seems to make his first steps as a band member). Notice by the way the album is also available as double CD format featuring extra songs and remixes.

Content: When some of the most genius artists from this scene come together with one of the most praised singers you only, but can expect a masterpiece. “Radioakt One” is a record on, which you can hear the input of the ‘three’ big names from the band. Some arrangements and sound treatments are clearly reminding to Rotersand while more evasive atmospheres sound like the trademark of Daniel Myer while Frank Spinath has this unique timbre of voice. The songs sound like a very personal and somewhat future-like vision of electro-pop.

+ + + : Radioaktivists clearly is the meeting between some of the biggest names active at the wider German fields of electro-underground music. And the good thing is that they clearly have injected their very own touch to the work, which resulted in a harmonious and accomplished work. The album sounds as a sonic exploration moving from evasive passages towards a few harder cuts. But in the end it all remains an album, which is more made to listen to instead of music for the dancefloor. I personally like the darker and even anguished parts such as the last track “Leere”. I also have to recommend “Radioactive” for the osmosis of Haujobb and Rotersand plus “I Want You”, which is the most accomplished and artistic piece of the work.

– – – : No doubt about it, this album will get a great response and especially in Germany, but it also is a rather complex piece of music. It’s not exactly the most accessible music, which also is hard to label.

Conclusion: The good thing is that Radioaktivists are playing live so this album might be more than a one-shot project. Let’s now hope that there’ll be a harmony between those artists instead of an ego-clash.

Best songs: “I Want You”, “Radioactive”, “Sinner”, “Leere”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Radioaktivists

Label: www.dependent.de / www.facebook.com/dependent.records

About Radioaktivists

Radioaktivists is a German electro-pop project bringing together Krischan Wesenberg (Rotersand, Future Lied To Us), Frank Spinath (Seabound), Daniel Myer (Haujobb) and Sascha Lange. “Radioakt One”, reviewed here, is the project’s debut album on Dependent Records, following its earlier appearance on the label compilation “Dependence 2012”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Background/Info:

About Wire Spine

Wire Spine is a dark electronic duo from Vancouver, British Columbia, formed by Robert Katerwol and Jesi Tekahionwake. Katerwol also records as Total Chroma and founded Verboden, a Vancouver festival for darkwave, post-punk and EBM acts. “Buy Me Here” was mastered by Daniel Myer and released on CD and vinyl through Negative Gain Productions.

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: Industrial-pop, experimental, EBM.

Background/Info: Haujobb celebrates their 25^th anniversary by a fine selection of 15 live songs that were recorded during different performances. German duo Daniel Myer – Dejan Samardzic have chosen some of their biggest hits and songs that have been always positively received during their numerous live shows.

Content: “Alive” is a kind of ‘best of’ selection getting back to some of the early successes of the band, and also to some of the most noticeable songs from their last studio album. The live recordings made sense and are perfectly transposing the studio work towards the stage performance. Music and vocals are in perfect harmony with each other.

It also is an opportunity to remind us of some of the band’s most famous hits, but first of all the exceptional sound intelligence of Haujobb. This band had something visionary and totally avant-garde like compared to the other bands from their early years. It’s impossible to label Haujobb as one particular music style, but it always has been intelligent music mixing different influences together.

+ + + : What especially impressed me is the production of the vocals. I was not a huge fan of Daniel Myer singing live during the early years of the band, but this album reveals the charisma of the singer merged with the sophisticated compositions. Haujobb are truly sound architects who have created an own and icy electronic genre, which has been less emulated. That’s probably because the sound is too complex and still very accessible. From songs such as “Eye Over You” to “Antimatter” to “Dead Market” to the more recently released “Produkt” and “Input Error” this work confirms the genius of Haujobb.

– – – : You can always discuss about the selection of the tracklist when it comes to release a ‘live’ album or a ‘best of’. I personally regret there are no more songs from the very first albums. I however think it could have been a better idea to release a CD-box including a ‘best of’ next to live tracks and eventually previously unreleased material.

Conclusion: It was high time a band such as Haujobb finally got a kind of ‘best of’ album. And even if it’s a live opus it will definitely remind you of the visionary side of this formation.

Best songs: “Eye Over You”, “Meltdown”, “Produkt”, “The Noise Institute”, “Renegades Of Noise”, “Machine Drum”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: http://haujobb–music.com / www.facebook.com/haujobbmusic

Label: www.metropolis–records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords

Read the news on ‘Alive’.

About Haujobb

Haujobb is a German electronic music project formed in 1993 by Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic. Initially influenced by the industrial sounds of the early ’90s, Haujobb became known for fusing electro-industrial and EBM with more experimental genres such as IDM, ambient and techno.

The band’s debut album, “Homes & Gardens,” was released in 1993, and later full-lengths “Freeze Frame Reality” (1995), “Solutions For A Small Planet” (1996), “Polarity” (2001), “Vertical Theory” (2003) and “New World March” (2011) each moved the project further from straightforward industrial structures. Daniel Myer has also worked in other projects, including Architect, Destroid and Covenant.

“Alive” was released in 2018 to mark Haujobb’s 25th anniversary, gathering live recordings from across the duo’s performances. The group has since continued with the album “The Machine In The Ghost” (2024) on Metropolis Records and Dependent Records.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Read the review of ‘Alive’.

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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11Grams saw the daylight thanks to the internet. This project is the  meeting between American Rob Early (Retrogramme) and Australian Simeon Fitzpatrick (Project K11). After a few self-released digital EP’s they got in touch with the Italian label EK Product, which appears to be a comfortable home for their sophisticated and intelligent EBM format. I got in touch with Simeon and Rob to get a bit more about their common project.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: How did you guys met and what incited you to set up 11Grams? Does it mean you’re now longer involved with your previous bands/projects?

Simeon: Rob and I met through DJ Wolf, a good mutual friend, He’s an Australian remixer known as Digital Anodyne. Rob and Wolf were chatting on social media about a certain defunct record label and I chimed in with a comment which Wolf replied, then introduced me to Rob. I think we started talking about music software, etc.  About a year later we decided to write a song together through the net, called “Immortal” which evolved into 11grams. We both still write for our own band projects.

Q: What’s the explanation behind the band name and what’s hiding behind the album title “Panacea” expect a link with the Goddess of medicines?

Simeon: Rob actually came up with the acronym combining both our band names Project K11 and Retrogramme making 11Grams. I was writing lyrics for the album, I have a dictionary at hand and just opened it to the word Panacea, the universal remedy. It seemed quite suitable for a futuristic album about transhumanism, Rob loved it.

Q: What kind of album and sound did you’d in mind when starting the writing of “Panacea” and how did the composition finally happen?

Rob: I am a big fan of late 80’s to mid 90’s industrial music and EBM.  In my teens, I always wanted to make this music, but didn’t have the resources. As time went by, I started Retrogramme with my close friend Nikk and I started producing others as well. I decided to go back to my roots and create something from the ideas I originally had. Simeon responded to my Facebook post looking for a like-minded musician and I primarily loved his basslines so we decided to give it a go. We are both easygoing people with a crude sense of humor so we got along great and decided to make a full album.

Q: I experienced “Panacea” as a sophisticated composition, which sounds as an antidote to all ‘average’ electro releases sounding pretty similar and without real sound DNA! Do you recognize 11Grams in this ‘statement’ and what’s your perception on contemporary electronic music?

Rob: As we set off to make an industrial/EBM album, we accepted that we were more diverse than just that style, so we decided to allow some of our other influences in while trying to maintain commonalities (complex and dense sound structures, melodies, powerful drums, etc)

As far as current music, there is so much out there that it can sometimes be hard to sift through it all because there isn’t a lot of free time. I depend on friends to introduce me to new stuff, and I also stumble upon it through Soundcloud or Facebook, so I am sure I don’t know all the different genres out there now. But I know there will always be great music regardless of genre and I am just happy when I can stumble upon something that I love.

Q: You invited multiple guest singers and also musicians to accomplish this album. Why did you ask several guest singers, which according to me is much more difficult to realize and especially if you’ve plans to play live?

Simeon: Rob and I are very pedantic about our music, so after I sang on “Machine Malfunction”, “Feel It Like A Drug”, and others that suited my vocal tone, we needed other singers to complement the diversity of the remaining tracks. Roy, Lisa, Chad, Woj all did amazing vocals. Playing live was always going to be a challenge for us, Rob being in Washington DC and me in Australia, but we figured out a set list and in February 2017 I flew over to DC, we practiced for 4 days and did our first show together. Rob previously played a DJ set on New Years 2015 and in November 2017 Roy Retrofit filled in for me on vocals and they played two more shows for 11Grams. Rob is planning to join me in Australia this year for a couple more shows.

Rob: I always find collaboration fun and inspiring. I will always collaborate. I find that collaboration helps build personal friendships and expand creativity, and that to me is very fulfilling.

Q: Daniel Myer seemed to have been really inspired, realizing a great remix of “The Stalker”. How did you get in touch with him and can you analyze his version of “The Stalker”?

Rob: Through label mate Niko Kötzsch of Leipzig-based electronic band Gimme Shelter, I established contact with Daniel Myer and asked if he’d be interested in remixing a song for our album. We were super happy when he said he liked the original and would love to remix it. I’ve been a fan of his music since the early 90’s so I was thrilled when he said yes.  We have since become friends through the internet and have met in the U.S.

I love his version.  To me, it encapsulates what I love about his music.  Very precise programming, powerful drums, interesting vocal effects, and fluid but dark synth sounds. Pure Daniel Myer.

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

German duo Robert Grolms – Niko Kötzsch are active under the Gimme Shelter moniker for a couple of years now. They signed to Space Race Records and have released 2 albums so far. The band doesn’t label their sound as any particular genre, but their audience will be mainly find among the lovers of electro-pop and EBM. A few months ago now they released the album “Kosmodrom” revealing great writing skills and a mature production process. This interview is a look back at this work.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Do you remember how you get contaminated by the electronic music virus and how did you come to set up Gimme Shelter?

Robert: Well, in 1990 I was ten years old and I became a great fan of Depeche Mode. Their music influenced me very much and I founded my first band at the age of twelve to emulate them. Afterwards, I was active in several bands and founded Gimme Shelter in 2008. A short time later, Niko joined in and since then we have released two albums and played some concerts. But not only electronic music has shaped me. For this reason, there is no electronic virus for me, but we make the music because we want to clean up our inner life. The fact that the music is very electronic is due to the fact that we are not so well trained on classical instruments.

Niko: I remember the first CD I bought was “Moosehair Underwair“ from Cat Rapes Dog. I next discovered artists like FrontLine Assembly, Front 242, And One and many many more (yes of course a little bit Depeche Mode but I wasn’t a huge fan ). I was 17 years old when I started going out in German Clubs to become a DJ. Ten years later I stopped DJ-ing. I experimented with some synthesizers and music programs. Robert came to me and asked me if I could help him to play live synths for the first Gimme Shelter live gig. I said to first have a listen at his stuff, but the problem was it sounded like a demo tape. I finally composed a demo for him and he liked it. That was the beginning of Gimme Shelter.

Q: For numerous people Gimme Shelter will for sure evoke one of the most famous Rolling Stones songs in history… or the cover version by The Sisters Of Mercy. What inspired you to choose for this band name and what can you say about potential sources of inspiration?

Robert: Well, the band name fits to the content of our music. I do not know what is so funny about being named after a title of the Rolling Stones. Their music is still very good and has shaped the music world enormously. We are included. We of course are also inspired by the life we live and the experiences we get. Love, relationships, desire, loss. All this flows into the music of Gimme Shelter. Musically, we are both very open-minded. We are inspired by a lot of things, but we do not jeopardize anybody, but create our own sound -regardless of whether we are successful or not.

Q: I experience your music as a mix between electro-pop elements and harder EBM influences. What do both genres evoke to you and how would you analyze your own sound?

Robert: This is hard to say. There probably is no other band that sounds like us. This is simply because we do not want to sound like other bands. We consciously allow all possible influences, from Depeche Mode to Johnny Cash. In general, a musician sees his own music quite differently than the listener conceives. We find -like every other band, that we naturally fit into no drawer. On the contrary, we think that we sound extremely independent and can only make comparisons with individual songs. The aforementioned influences play naturally also in it.

Furthermore, we have certainly also shaped Front 242, And One, Nitzer Ebb and above Kraftwerk. But that is only unconscious in us and we do not sit down and want to create a certain music style. We just do our thing. And what is going on here can be described as a whole. But generally, these whole subgenres do not matter.

Niko: I´ve many influences. I like artists like Royskopp or Deadmau5, but I like the sound of the 80s, too. I do not care how a song sounds. If I think that the sound fits the song then we go on working on it until we are both satisfied.

Q: You this year released your second full length album “Kosmodrom”. What is the album all about and what kind of work (sound-wise) did you try to accomplish?

Robert: Basically the answer is quite simple. The album is of course love. It is about, which forms of love exist and how they can develop. The title “Kosmodrom” is a good metaphor for this. It stands for the beginning of something great, just like at the beginning of a love. After the start, everything can develop well or badly. But the hope for something beautiful drives human beings. We also found that the cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who was the first human being to cross space, deserved to get an appreciation from us. In the Western world, his name often falls into oblivion; but he showed courage and opened a new door to humanity. But we also use his figure as a metaphor for the album “Kosmodrom”. It is only at first sight around the space on our current album. But the concrete content must be accessible to every listener himself. One’s own fantasy when listening to music is the great thing that music can do.

Niko: “Kosmodrom” is a bridge between the analog and digital world. We’ve worked a lot with analog synthesizers such as KORG MS20, NORD Modular, Yamaha Cs1x and many other synths. Each synth has its own flair and I like them all. Each song takes a lot of time to achieve. Robert writes  most of the melodies while. I’m more into the rhythm thing. When Robert comes up with a ballad I make a dance pop song out of it because I think it fits. You also have to try something different and not always repeatinbg yourself. That’s why we’re not letting anyone talk about how we should make our sound. I learned most of what I did from my friend Daniel Myer. He showed me programs and VST’s how they work. I thank him again and again that I can do what he showed me. That is why we decided to master the album by Daniel. He knows exactly what he’s doing and is worth every penny. I can only say to every musician to give away the mastering work. Do not be concerned with so many trifles. I had to learn that too. Therefore “Warnemünde” has lasted nearly 5 years (hahaha).

Q: Do you see main changes or an important evolution in the writing process and production from your debut album “Warnemünde” towards “Kosmodrom”?

Robert: Of course. “Warnemünde” has emerged in a much longer period of time. This is why the album is less self-contained -unlike “Kosmodrom”. But many bands like that. You need a few albums to find yourself as a band. Therefore, we would like to thank our fans, who have followed us through the early days and gave us the chance to further develop our music and bring it to a higher level. Of course, the process is not over yet. But “Kosmodrom” was already a real development in comparison to “Warnemünde”. The writing process has not really changed because we have a good view upon the tasks of each other. I usually write the songs and lyrics and Niko gives these songs a better and final touch. We keep on working until it sounds good for both of us. This can sometimes take a long time and a song can go through several versions until the final product is finished. But that is precisely the exciting thing about making music. It is very democratic, so it can be frustrating if your own idea is not implemented, because the other is not at all satisfied. But that’s exactly what a band does. In the end there is a work that took blood, sweat and tears.

Q: What means music generally speaking and Gimme Shelter more specifically to you and are there some plans/dreams you actually want to accomplish?

Robert: Music is a big part of our lives. We are fortunate that we have found a way to put our soul into music expression. This is a good valve. We also have a lot of fun and love to give concerts and get in touch with our fans. Gimme Shelter helps us giving our feelings a bit of air, and we can preserve beautiful and few situations with songs. At the moment, we are back in the studio and are working on new ideas and songs, because we are still not finished with Gimme Shelter, but we still have a lot to say and want to develop further. We hope that this year we can release some new songs on an EP and maybe release another album next year. But this also takes a lot of time and we are just at the beginning of another album. There are also new concerts planned. Next year Hannover and Hamburg will be on the agenda.

Niko: At my side I would like people understand what we want to express with our music. It always depends from the emotional state you’re going through when you’re listening to our music. And every time one understands and feels the songs different. Of course the goal is to reach more and more people with it. But I prefer 100 real fans than 2000 ‘likes’ at Facebook. We are available for everyone and are available for all questions to Gimme Shelter.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

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

picture by dark.edge photography

From 2nd-5th June 2017 the annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen takes place in the area of Leipzig, Germany. WGT focuses especially on the gothic, (steam)punk, new wave, electro, EBM, industrial and medieval music and (sub)culture. It is a total-concept world festival including exclusive concerts, renaissance fairs, viking and pagan markets, exhibitions, CD/DVD and film premieres, lectures, artist signing events, fetish events, and (late-night) parties.

Approximately 200 artists are on the list, spread over 52 locations and the festival has about 20.000 visitors. At this moment the program is not complete yet, but as usual some great names in the black scene are already confirmed, like: Cabaret Voltaire, Skinny Puppy, Revolting Cocks, The Mission, VNV Nation, Noisuf-X, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio, Peter Heppner, Pouppée Fabrikk, Amorphis, Rotersand, Sex Gang Children, Suicide Commando, The 69 Eyes, …

A lot of pre- and after-parties are organised as well on different locations with DJ’s from all over the world! On 1st June for example there is the “Elektro All Stars meets Schwarzes Leipzig Tanzt! – WGT PreOpening Party” in Moritzbastei featuring Adrian Hates (Diary of Dreams), Daniel Myer (Covenant, Haujobb, Architect, DSTR) and more. The next day (2nd June) our own Side-Line collaborator DJ Wildhoney will play at the same location in the Veranstaltungstonne as well!

Info and tickets for WGT can be found here.

Background/Info:

Read the news on ‘Sound Mirrors’.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Background/Info:

Read the news on ‘She Cried’.

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

1. She Cried (Single Edit)

2. The Black Hit Of Space

3. She Cried (Extended Club Remix)

4. 24/7 Mystery (Remix by Val Solo of S.P.O.C.K.)

5. She Cried (Zynic Remix)

6. Who Watches The Watchmen (Daniel Myer Remix)

7. She Cried (babyMax Remix)

Read the review of ‘She Cried’.

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!

side-line.com

(By our Norwegian correspondent Jan Ronald Stange) Poznan, Poland was the host for the Dark Sounds Festival on June 25th. The event was  held at Eskulap Akademickie Centrum Kultury, a great concert venue (panorama picture here).

The evening started with DJ James (Grzegorz Długoszewski) spinning various 80’s synth pop/new romantic music, then the Polish electro industrial/wave duo Dark Side Eons started the concerts of the evening.

They were followed by the German/Spanish futurepop act Mondträume, and Damasius Venys was for the occasion joined on stage by back up member Daniele Jaeger due to the illness of band member Pikotto VondMond.

Third act this evening was Electro Spectre from Norway, and all members of the band – Alexander Bjørneboe, Isak Rypdal and Marlina Bjørneboe – agreed this was probably their best concert to date. Great audience and atmosphere, their performance was top notch, and Polish fans have always treated them well.

Finally Covenant, the headliner of the festival, entered the stage, delivering a set full of hits and energy, one of the highlight probably being when Daniel Myer captured the stage and walked among the audience during a highly entertaining version of ‘Lightbringer.’

The evening ended with DJ Alex Hunter doing a dark wave/future pop set, and DJ James sent the audicence home with more 80’s ear candy 🙂

Big thanx goes to the organizer Anna Butkiewicz (SynthNoir Booking & Promotion) and her helpers; Aleksander Czichos (aka. DJ Alex Hunter), Joachim Andrzejewski (aka. the language wiz kid!) and Krzysztof “Karis” Kaszkowiak (technician)  for making this a great weekend for all of us – Norwegians, Swedes, Germans, Polish and others!

Jan Ronald Stange

Sometimes – when I’m not cooking, biking, listening to music or attending concerts, I write stuff for Side-Line.com. Mostly about Norwegian bands, but it’s been some Swedish, English, American, Danish, German and others too… 😉

www.facebook.com/jrstange

Content:

Read the news on ‘Blendwerk’.

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

Out now via Artoffact Records is the newest Haujobb album “Blendwerk” as double black vinyl. “Blendwerk” is Haujobb’s 8th studio album in 22 years and their 2nd in the last decade.

This 2LP vinyl comes in a deluxe textured gatefold vinyl sleeve including MP3 download codes. Side D includes 4 bonus tracks not available on the CD edition.

The black vinyl edition is available (right here).

Haujobb is the duo consisting of Daniel Myer and Dejan Samardzic.

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!

side-line.com

Read the review of ‘Blendwerk’.

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!

side-line.com