Genre/Influences: EBM, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: Berlin trio Any Second released in December 2022 their third album to date. Oliver Senger, Thomas Beschoner and Jan Kluge left Out Of Line and joined hands together with Infacted Recordings to unleash “Enemies”. The opus was preceded by the powerful EP-teaser “Scalpel”. “Enemies” is available as a double disc featuring remixes on the bonus disc.

Content: If you know the band from their previous works you immediately will recognize the perfect mix between EBM and Dark-Electro. Nearly all the songs have been sung in English but there’s also one track with German vocals. Any Second don’t reinvent the music genres they’re inspired by but they mix it in a unique way while adding a catchy touch now and then.

The bonus disc features remixes by Suicide Commando (same one as on the EP), Blutengel, Darkness On Demand, Trensity, Die Braut, Captive Of Society, Digital Energy, Seelennacht, Batavia, Ma=st+er and TerrorFrequenz. 

+ + + : The global production has been improved in comparison with previous works. There’s a perfect balance between all the different influences while in the end it remains an ultra-danceable work featuring noticeable songs. My absolute favorite cut is probably the most unusual one; “Cornered” is driven by an irresistible, catchy and Pop-driven lead. I also recommend “I Shout”, “Where Is God” and the Tyske Lüdder-sounding “Subtil 19”.

Among the remixes you’ll find great names like Suicide Commando and Blutengel but my favorite remix is the one by Die Braut.

– – – : I expected a bit more out of the bonus disc. Any Second has made a serious progression while I’m sure they still can do better.

Conclusion: A fully accomplished work featuring several, potential, dancefloor killers. 

Best songs: “Cornered”, “I Shout”, “Where Is God”, “Subtil 19”, “Enemies Among Friends” + “Scalpel – Die Braut Remix”, “Me And My Enemy – Suicide Commando Remix”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.anysecond.eu / www.facebook.com/anysecond.berlin

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

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.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: N-Frquency is a German formation, which is already active for a couple of years now. The band is now driven by the duo Nicky- and Rocco Schulschenk (both are also involved with a band called Stigma Souls). “Perfect World” is meant as an appetizer to announce the band’s official debut album “Signs Of Evolution”.

Content: This EP features the title song plus 3 remixes and a B-side cut. The music is clearly into the purest form of Electro-Pop. “Perfect World” is the kind of danceable music reminding me of Erasure. It has been remixed by the unavoidable Rob Dust while Wave In Head and Digital Energy accomplished a remix as well. “No Waste Of Time” is a sweet and evasive B-side song.

+ + + : “Perfect World” is a cool song to announce an album. It’s the kind of track that will make people happy –which is a welcome gift in this horrible year of pandemic! I personally prefer the remix by Rob Dust who once again shows his great remixing skills, boosting the song with some extra ‘dance’ effects and vibes. There’s also something to say about the minimal approach of the remix by Wave In Head.

– – – : “Perfect World” probably is the perfect song in a perfect world, but I’m a bit more demanding when it comes to original Electro-Pop music, which is not the main characteristic of this formation. That’s why I prefer the bouncing remix of Rob Dust and the minimalism of Wave In Head. But N-Frequency will for sure please the Electro-Pop audience.

Conclusion: This EP is an honest teaser to the album, but I reserve any further comment or conclusion before I’ve listened to the full length.

Best songs: “Perfect World – Rob Dust Remix, “Perfect World – Wave In Head Remix”, “Perfect World”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/nfrequency.de

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

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.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: German duo Digital Energy last year struck back with their first album (cf. “Tempest”) in eleven years. I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed by the album. They now move back to the album with the “Nostalgia”-EP featuring mainly remixes.

Content: Digital Energy is one of those Synth-Pop bands clearly inspired by Depeche Mode. The global approach and some of the treatments are clearly emulating the masters of the genre. Five songs from the last album have been exposed to the remix skills of other artists while there also is a remix of a song from their debut album (cf. “Interemotional”) and one exclusive song.

Remixes have been accomplished by Rob Dust, Wave In Head, Croona, People Theatre, The Psychic Force, AD:Key and S.E.Pell. Notice by the way the band made some alternative edits of a few songs as well.

+ + + : There’s an interesting diversity of remixes thanks to the different artists. One of the best songs however is the exclusive “Take A Ride” revealing a club-orientated format; danceable and catchy Electro-Pop! Another club-friendly song is the remix of “Nostalgia” by People Theatre. In an EBM driven direction you’ll hear the AD:Key remix of “Trust”. Another attention grabber is the “Club Version” of “Unite!”, which sounds much more convincing than on the album. The last song, which is a remix of “Nostalgia / Disease” is an original work by S.E.Spell featuring bombastic treatments and the perfect final song for the EP.

– – – : I’m less convinced by the melancholic pieces/remixes, which are closer in the vein of the original edits. I also expected a bit more out of the remixes from Rob Dust who’s normally featuring great, clubby remixes.

Conclusion: This EP reconciles me a bit with Digital Energy, “Nostalgia” being much more exciting than the album.

Best songs: “Take A Ride”, “Nostalgia – People Theatre’s Mirror Mix”, “Trust – AD:Key Remix”, “Unite! – Club Version”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/digitalenergymusic

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Pandoria is a new and rather surprising band. This is a brand new duo featuring Stephan Tesch (Paranoid) and Orange Sector singer Martin Bodewell. We in a way can speak about the return of Paranoid and I guess it’s not a coincidence  Pandoria is an anagram of Paranoid. “Crush” features the title song plus six remixes.

Content: “Crush” sounds like a truly resurrection of Paranoid. The global sound treatments, but especially the bass line brings this 90s German EBM combo alive. The main difference is Martin Bodewell singing, but he of course is a veteran in the genre. The song has a rather catchy tune, you’ll easily keep in mind.

Remixes have been done by Frozen Plasma, Digital Energy, Wellencocktail, Angriffspakt and Rob Dust (with 2 remixes).

+ + + : “Crush” is a great song, which will rapidly contaminate your mind. It also has this good-old Paranoid touch driven by a solid bass line while the catchy chorus makes it simply irresistible. And the more you’ll hear the song, the more difficult it will be to start listen to it again and again. The remixes are adding some diversity to the original edit. I especially recommend the first “Rob Dust Remix” with vocals (the second is an instrumental edit) for the high danceable energy emerging from this version. Another great remix is the one by Digital Energy, which sounds pretty catchy.

– – – : We only get one single song and even if it’s a great one, I prefer waiting for more stuff to really get an idea about Pandoria.

Conclusion: “Crush” is nothing less than an earworm! This is a great debut song for Pandoria!

Best songs: “Crush – Single Version”, “Crush – Rob Dust Remix”, “Crush – Digital Energy Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pandoriamusic

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

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.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: State Of The Union is already active for twenty years now. Driven by Johann Sebastian, the project has already released five albums and multiple successful electro-pop songs. “Bad Flower” is the band’s newest work featuring a title song, an extra B-side cut plus a load of remixes by other artists.

Content: “Bad Flower” is a rather ‘classic’ electro-pop song driven by hopping sequences and recovered with a cool lead. The song progressively evolves towards an approximate climax. Remixes have been accomplished by C-Lekktor, Ruined Conflict, Nordika, 64 Rockets, Digital Energy, DMT Berzerk and Aircrash Bureau. The bonus song –or B-side track, “Behind That Dress” is a sweet and evasive experience. The song has been remixed  by Ruined Conflict as well. 

+ + + : “Bad Flower” is a cool new song for State Of The Union. It also inspired some artists to accomplish great remixes. I first of all have to mention the great job done by C-Lekktor, boosting the original version into a darker dimension. Ruined Conflict is another band to mention, injecting an extra future-pop dose to the song. Mexican producer, DJ and label owner Dimitri Berzerk already did great remixes and this one of “Bad Flower” is another successful and danceable piece.

– – – : “Behind That Dress” is nothing more than a B-side song, but doesn’t really add a real extra to the EP. I also expected a bit more from the remix by an established formation like Aircrash Bureau.

Conclusion: “Bad Flower” will probably not become the biggest hit of State Of The Union, but it’s a cool song and teaser to the next album. 

Best songs: “Bad Flower – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Bad Flower – C-Lekktor Remix”, “Bad Flower – DMT Berzerk Remix”, “Bad Flower”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/StateOfTheUnionOfficial

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

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, body-pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This German duo saw the light of day in 2000 and self-released the album “Interemontional” in 2008. They split one year after and reactivated the band in 2014. They self-released a few singles and finally joined hands together with Infacted to unleash their official debut album.

Content: The album features 10 songs plus 3 remixes. The previous singles have been featured. After a somewhat Kraftwerk-ian intro cut, “Trust” (their last self-released single) reveals an overwhelming sound production mixing elements of EBM and electro-pop together. This song sounds a bit like the imaginary offspring between Covenant and Rotersand. It’s however not representative of the album, which is rapidly moving into evasive electro-pop compositions. The songs remain danceable and sometimes melancholic while the influence of Depeche Mode is easily recognizable. One of the last songs (cf. “Disease” is getting back to EBM elements.

Remixes have been accomplished by ES23, Outsized and Kaos!.

+ + + : The work takes off an impressive way by the outstanding “Trust”. This song stands for pure electronic sound intelligence, driven by aggressive sequences and great sound treatments while the clear, but charismatic vocals are the cherry on the pie. I also recommend the other ‘harder’ cut “Disease”, which might appeal to early And One fans. So Digital Energy clearly has potential, but they’ll mainly appeal to synth-pop lovers. “Mirror” is for sure their best song in the genre.

– – – : The Depeche Mode inspiration is too much at the forefront and that’s a pity as this band clearly has much more to offer. I expected a bit more out of the remixes.

Conclusion: Digital Energy is a band showing two faces. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I think they better have to leave the Depeche Mode inspiration a bit more behind.

Best songs: “Trust”, “Disease”, “Mirror”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/digitalenergymusic

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Background/Info: Ten years after the debut album “Thema Nummer Eins” (2008) the ex Armageddon Dildos live keyboardist Rene Nowotny and his wife Andrea are celebrating the 10^th anniversary of their AD:KeY EBM project with this album. The duo released 5 albums on the defunct labels Electric Tremor Dessau and Emmo.biz while their latest studio opus had been released on Alfa Matrix. This ‘retrospection’ is a selection of (reworked) hits, alternative versions, remixes and 2 new cuts.

Content: I’ve often considered AD:KeY as the only and single formation that moved on there where the original members of Armageddon Dildos decided to split. The songs are pure EBM-like, filled with energy, but still composed with intelligence. The ingredients are pretty familiar, but the result is absolutely great. This work is an invitation to rediscover some of the band’s finest hits, and also the cover version they made of Front 242’s “Kampfbereit”.

Remixes were accomplished by Brigade Werther, Digital Energy and last, but not least Armageddon Dildos.

+ + + : AD:KeY definitely belongs to the best contemporary EBM bands and this anniversary-album simply confirms it. From their very first album on which, they masterly accomplished alluring EBM carried by danceable kicks, elaborated structures characterized by solid bass lines, metallic percussion and cool strings. The vocals always felt like a kind of sonic intercourse between the sterile vocals of Andrea and the more testosterone vocals of Rene. This is powerful EBM, which also reveals a new cool song entitled “Pfeil In Den Hertz”. The cover version of “Kampfbereit” also remains a great piece of music. It sounds as this song was originally written by AD:KeY. They masterly transposed the 242-version into their own sound approach. I also want to say a word about the artwork and especially the funny pictures inside the booklet.

– – – : The sound formula is quite repetitive and after 10 years of involvement it no longer has any secrets. But in the end what we all want is to hear and enjoy good music!

Conclusion: This album is a well-deserved anniversary gift for this great contemporary EBM band.

Best songs: “Autodynamik – Edit”, “Elitär – 10^th Anniversary Version”, “Mein Weg – Extended Space-Version”, “Alte Geister – Vorwärts Mix”, “Mein Weg – Remix by Digital Energy”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/ADkeY–offical-106750002700971

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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