Distortion Productions &#8211; SIDE-LINE

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!

Inertia are back with a brand-new album, ‘Estranged Icon’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:30:23 +0000

Inertia are back with a brand-new album, “Estranged Icon”. Fronted by Reza Udhin (Killing Joke / Black Volition / The Devout), Inertia’s new album offers singles like “New Format” with Seiben’s Matt Howden on violins along with “Scowl” including guitar work from Steve White of KMFDM and PIG.

“Estranged Icon” is the band’s 14th studio album, and was just released by Distortion Productions on all digital and streaming platforms along with a limited edition CD. Inertia will soon be announcing North American and European tour dates.

Estranged Icon by Inertia

About Inertia

Inertia is a UK-based industrial/electronic band known for their fusion of darkwave, industrial, and electro sounds. Formed in 1992, the band was created by vocalist and musician Reza Udhin, who is also known for his work with the gothic rock band Killing Joke. Over the years, Inertia has become a staple in the UK industrial music scene, releasing a series of albums and EPs.

Inertia’s discography includes albums such as “Negative Prime”, “Deworlded”, and “Universal Blood”, showcasing their evolution from raw industrial sounds to more complex and polished electronic arrangements.

The Russian White launch ‘Funeral Art’ album and start tour

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:50:00 +0000

The Russian White joins Distortion Productions for their new album “Funeral Art” that has just been released, featuring mixing and production work by Tim Heireth of silver walks.

Funeral Art by The Russian White

The Russian White vocalist Tom Rhymer says, “I feel like this is our most pure TRW album where Mike and I didn’t have to make any compromises. We have a good mix of club bangers and cinematic and emotional tracks here.”

The Russian White is a dark electronic and deathwave band based in Pennsylvania, USA, formed in 2011. Known for blending genres such as post-punk, synthwave, and witch house, the band has a distinct, haunting sound reminiscent of 80s horror film soundtracks. Their music often features electronic beats, eerie atmospheres, and lush vocals, telling stories of obsession, beauty, and the unknown.

The band gained recognition with their debut self-titled album in 2015, followed by their sophomore release “The Haunted Beach” in 2019. They have also contributed to various compilations and performed alongside acts like Aesthetic Perfection and Thrill Kill Kult.

Look for The Russian White on tour with Solemn Shapes. Read the review of ‘Funeral Art’.

The Russian White – Art of Darkness Tour 2024 (w/Solemn Shapes)

10/10 Rochester, NY – Bar Bad Ending
10/11 Pittsburgh, PA – Cattivo
10/12 Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl
10/13 Chicago, IL – Fallen Log
10/15 Iowa City, IA – Gabes
10/16 Madison, WI – Crucible
10/17 St. Louis, MO – – Mosh Mellow
10/18 Cincinnati, OH – Oddfellows (No Shapes)
1018 Bloomington, IN – Gallow Dance (No TRW)
10/19 Indianapolis, IN – Longshot (No TRW)
10/20 Memphis, TN – Growlers
10/22 Dallas, TX – Renos
10/23 San Antonio, TX – The Mix
10/24 Houston, TX – Black Magic Social Club
10/25 New Orleans, LA – Dark City Fest
10/26 New Orleans, LA – Dark City Fest
10/27 Atlanta, GA – Boggs
10/28 Charlotte, NC – Milestone
10/30 Lancaster, PA – Little Mutants (No Shapes)
11/10 Millersville, PA – Phantom Power (No Shapes)

Metamorph offers electropop single ‘Cauldron Bubble Pop’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:03:10 +0000

Out now is the new – very catchy – Metamorph single “Cauldron Bubble Pop”. The song tells the tale of “a wickedly fun night where we taste pixie sticks and drink potions, where magic cauldron bubbles meet matrix glitches.”

“Cauldron Bubble Pop” is available on all major digital platforms including Bandcamp and Spotify and has a video to accompany it as well.

About Metamorph

Metamorph was founded in 2016 and stars native New Yorker, multi-range vocalist, flute player and songwriter, Margot Day, who was an integral part of the 80’s NYC goth scene while fronting the legendary band, The Plague with drummers Nick Ferrell (Spahn Ranch) and Damian (Misfits).

Margot Day was bandmates with Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys in her first band Slow Walk 13 and later with Joey Smur Kryzwonski (Motograter) in her project Sacred.

Alongside her in Metamorph are Kurtis Knight and Thaliana. The band recently released a new album titled “HEX” on March 8, 2024, through Distortion Productions.

Dichro drops full-length debut album, ‘Stained Glass’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:06:28 +0000

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based darkwave band Dichro has just released its debut full-length album, “Stained Glass”, under the Distortion Productions label. “Stained Glass” is available now on CD through Distortion Productions and can be streamed or purchased on all major digital platforms.

The album has been four years in the making and covers a wide array of themes, ranging from raw, unfiltered anger to contemplative reflections on past mistakes and future aspirations.

Stained Glass by dichro

The band consists of Charmaine Freemonk, the band’s frontwoman, Tracey Whorton on drums, Dirk Miller on guitar, and Peter Guellard on bass and programming. The band’s debut was preceded by two singles, “The Ubiquitous Mr Lovegrove (Cover) (August 2020) and “Mercy” (May 2024).

Everything Goes Cold offers new single and video: ‘Nadir’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:51:22 +0000

Ten years after the release of “Black Out the Sun” (Metropolis Records, 2014) the San Francisco, California-based act Everything Goes Cold returns with a brand new single, “Nadir”.

“Nadir” was released today on all digital and streaming platforms through Pittsburgh’s own Distortion Productions. Everything Goes Cold worked with Inhalt’s Matia Simovich to produce the
single. A remix by Susan Subtract of Physical Wash is also included next to an instrumental version.

A new music video to complement the single is out as well and was directed by Gabriel Roland, longtime live visualist for Everything Goes Cold.

You can download the 3-track single right below from Bandcamp.

Nadir by Everything Goes Cold

Dichro launches new single and video: ‘Mercy’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:28:40 +0000

Pittsburg-based darkwave band Dichro has released its latest single and video, “Mercy”, taken from the forthcoming full-length album due out in August via Distortion Productions. The song carries the message that we should have mercy not just in our every day encounters, but free one another from judgement for choosing how to believe, if we believe, and what we believe. “If we can start seeing one another with empathic eyes and hearts, perhaps we can rid our global atmosphere of so much fear and uncertainty,” so the band adds.

Vocalist Charmaine Freemonk comments: “We are reaching out to ask that everyone calm down a bit, take a breath, and be more conscientious of our actions. It is a heartfelt plea that we consider whether we are helping or harming one another, practice empathy, and if we cannot help, to at least not harm.”

Here’s the full single on Bandcamp.

Mercy by dichro

About Dichro

Dichro was formed in April 2020 when Peter Guellard, bassist of Pittsburgh’s industrial rock act Venus in Furs and former member of Mace and The Electric Hellfire Club, attracted some local musicians to release an online cover of the “industrialized” folk classic “Man of Constant Sorrow”. August 2020 marked their official debut with a cover and accompanying music video of Dead Can Dance’s “The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove”.

Guellard is joined by guitarist Dirk Miller (Rusted Root, Uprooted), drummer and an percussionist Tracey Whorton (Venus In Furs, Jenn Wertz Band),and singer/songwriter Charmaine Evonne.

The debut album “Stained Glass” recorded at The Church Recording Studio and later in the Psychotribe Studio in Pittsburgh was already announced by the band’s debut single, “One Lane Bridge” followed by “Strangled” and now “Mercy”.

Signed to Distortion Productions label in March 2024, Dichro will release its debut album “Stained Glass” in August 2024.

Darkwave band Dichro releases new single & video: ‘Mercy’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 27 May 2024 15:30:51 +0000

The Pittsburgh-based darkwave band, Dichro has released its latest single and video, “Mercy”. “Mercy” is taken from their forthcoming full-length album “Stained Glass” due out in August via Distortion Productions. The song carries the message that we should have mercy not just in our every day encounters, but free one another from judgement for choosing how to believe, if we believe, and what we believe. “If we can start seeing one another with empathic eyes and hearts, perhaps we can rid our global atmosphere of so much fear and uncertainty,” the band says.

Vocalist Charmaine Freemonk adds: “We are reaching out to ask that everyone calm down a bit, take a breath, and be more conscientious of our actions. It is a heartfelt plea that we consider whether we are helping or harming one another, practice empathy, and if we cannot help, to at least not harm.”

About Dichro

Guellard is joined by guitarist Dirk Miller (Rusted Root, Uprooted), drummer and an percussionist Tracey Whorton (Venus In Furs, Jenn Wertz Band),and singer/songwriter Charmaine Evonne.

Signed to Distortion Productions label in March 2024, Dichro will release its debut album “Stained Glass” in August 2024.

Red Lokust is back with an all new album, ‘Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:46:52 +0000

Red Lokust have released a new album, “Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!”. “Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!” is Red Lokust‘s third studio album and is released by Distortion Productions as a limited edition CD and through all digital and streaming platforms.

Lyrically the album deals with themes of loss, cancer survival, war, infidelity and a doomed future. Also featured on this album is a cover of Dramarama’s “Anything, Anything”.

Since their last studio material, the band has played shows all over North America with performances at the Mechanismus Festival (Seattle), Dark Side of the Con (New Jersey) as well as shows in Madison, Brooklyn, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC and Philadelphia.

Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying by Red Lokust

About Red Lokust

Red Lokust is an American electronic music project founded by Jim Semonik in 2015. The band’s music blends elements of industrial, EBM (electronic body music), and synthpop, creating a unique sound that draws inspiration from the electronic music scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

Jim Semonik, known for his work as a musician, promoter, and organizer within the industrial music community, formed Red Lokust as a solo project to explore his creative vision in electronic music. Prior to Red Lokust, Semonik was involved in various musical endeavors, including serving as a member of the industrial rock band Rein[Forced].

Red Lokust made their debut with the release of their self-titled EP in 2015. Following the EP, Red Lokust released their debut full-length album, “The Repercussions of Shedding Your Skin”, in 2016. Read the review of ‘Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying’.

Sensuous Enemy announces new album ‘The Awakening’ on Distortion Productions

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:42:01 +0000

(Photo by Grant Griffiths / Artwork by Katy Sewell) Distortion Productions announces the release of the new Sensuous Enemy album “The Awakening”.

Located in Madison, WI, the darkwave electronic industrial band Sensuous Enemy signed to Distortion two years ago with the “Rebirth” EP along with the “Fire in the Dark” single. Having recently returned to the stage, the band describes the album as follows: “‘The Awakening’ is a concept album and an ongoing journey of the dark side of the soul. It covers experiences ranging from death, to accepting who we are, to the light that emanates from inside all of us. This album has been a collective effort from Sensuous Enemy as we fought through many trials over the past couple of years. We hope this album touches our fans and brings them the comfort and understanding that we have all been seeking.”

“The Awakening” is available today as a limited edition CD from Distortion Productions and through all digital and streaming platforms.

The Awakening by Sensuous Enemy

Glass Apple Bonzai back with 5th album: ‘Brother Bones’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:52:58 +0000

Distortion Productions has announced the new album from the synth post-punk band Glass Apple Bonzai, “Brother Bones”. “Brother Bones” is the Niagara Falls, Ontario based project’s fifth full-length and the first one for Distortion.

The project was originally started as a tradition 80’s synthpop throwback, but gradually turned into a mix of synth pop, darkwave, gothic rock, post-punk and even power pop. Their previous album was 2016’s “Perpetuum Nocturna Diaboli”.

Frontman Daniel Belasco: “’Brother Bones’ is, quite honestly, the most personal album Glass Apple Bonzai has ever released. Acting not only as a vehicle for a noted change in direction musically but serving as a work of catharsis while dealing with the passing of my oldest brother in 2021, to whom the album is dedicated. I am proud of all that Brother Bones is and happy to share it with existing fans and new listeners around the world.”

‘Brother Bones’ is available today from Distortion Productions on CD and through all digital and streaming platforms. You can check out the release on Bandcamp.

Brother Bones by Glass Apple Bonzai

Third Realm – Into Oblivion (Album – DistortionProductions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro, Industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Nathan Reiner is active for more than twenty years under the Third Realm moniker. The American has released multiple works and moved back to Distortion Productions to unleash his newest opus.

Content: Third Realm remains faithful to its dark approach of Electronics although the songs have been boosted with heavy, Industrial guitar play. The hardest parts are possibly appealing for KMFDM-fans but you’ll also discover a ‘softer’ although powerful Dark-Pop touch.

+ + + : There’s a well-balanced production between electronics and guitar sounds. Reiner is a talented and experienced musician who has accomplished his Electro sound with great sequences and solid bass lines. The vocal production is totally matching with the power of the sound.

– – – : The album is maybe missing an absolute hit song although you get several cool tracks instead.

Conclusion: Third Realm strikes back with one of its most powerful productions so far.

Best songs: “Hell On Earth”, “Blow & Kissing”, “Be Mine”, “Where Shadows Speak”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/ThirdRealm

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions Read the news on ‘Into Oblivion’.

About Third Realm

Third Realm is the dark electronic project of Nathan Reiner, founded in 2000 in Buffalo, New York. The project signed to Distortion Productions for the albums “The Suffering Angel” (2017) and “Dystopian Society” (2018), before returning to the label for “Into Oblivion”, reviewed here. The current line-up features Reiner on vocals, production and songwriting, alongside Arrow Fitzgibbon on guitar, keyboards and backing vocals, Melanie Beitel on keyboards and backing vocals, and Mike Reiner on live drums.

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.

Trade Secrets launches all new album ‘Escaping History’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:05:32 +0000

The Los Angeles-based Trade Secrets returns with “Escaping History”, a “new collection of stories about life, love and loss” as they call it. And more precisely, “this release is a reflection of the substantial emotional, artistic and existential growth that each of us as band’s members have experienced since the release of ‘These Other Lives’.”

The band themselves describe their sound as ‘future synth’ and was founded by machine rock veteran F.J. DeSanto (Hypefactor, the aggression) alongside longtime musical partners Mike “Ash” Venezia (Baye, 4th level) and multi-instrumentalist Charles LaBarbara. Joined by Peter Riley and John Kunkel, Trade Secrets blends multiple sounds and genres as you check out below.

Escaping History by Trade Secrets

“Life threw a few curveballs at us,” says the band’s F.J. DeSanto, “but when we finally got our shit together, it became clear that those challenges galvanized us and made us eager to dive into uncharted territory. That unity and desire to shake up how we operate has resulted in what could quite possibly be the best album we have ever made.”

“Escaping History” is available today from Distortion Productions on CD and through all digital and streaming platforms.

Metamorph returns with all new album ‘Hex’ – Video out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:45:27 +0000

Goth pop act Metamorph has a new album out, “Hex”. “Hex” is out via Distortion Productions and comes with the video for the title track.

Thematically the album handles love, personal empowerment and the hidden secrets of sacred geometry. Margot Day adds: “‘Hex’ is like a lover slowly undressing, revealing the secrets of the universe encoded in melodies, seducing you to unlock the enchanting mysteries of your being.”

“Hex” was produced by the band and Cleopatra recording artist, Erik Gustafson. The album is available on CD and on all digital platforms via Distortion Productions. Also included on the album are remixes by Grendel (“Veridia”) and Moris Blak and Assemblage 23 who tackled “Woo Woo”.

Margot Day was bandmates with Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys in her first band Slow Walk 13 and later with Joey Smur Kryzwonski (Motograter) in her project Sacred.

Next to Margot we also find Kurtis Knight and Thaliana.

Here’s the full album to check out.

HEX by Metamorph (Margot Day)

IIOIOIOII – Dreaming (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: After a self-released debut album and next albums on Juggernaut Music Group and Analogue Trash Records IIOIOIOII stroke back by the end of 2023 unleashing a new opus on Distortion Productions.

Content: Chris Gurney remains faithful to his dark format of Electro-Pop music. The sound remains pretty evasive, spiced with a melancholic touch and some carrying choruses.

+ + + : There’s a noticeable improvement in the global writing- and production process of this work. IIOIOIOII (pronounced ‘eye o’) became more mature while holding on its original influences. I like the darkness and melancholia of the songs but I especially recommend listening to “Until I’m Free” and “Carousel”.

– – – : The album is missing a true, potential’ hit.

Conclusion: IIOIOIOII don’t release new albums at regular basis but “Dreaming” is a fully appropriated title for a noticeable new work.

Best songs: “Until I’m Free”, “Carousel”, “Into The Night”, “Legacy”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.iioioioii.com / www.facebook.com/IioIndustrial

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

Dreaming by IIOIOIOII

About IIOIOIOII

IIOIOIOII is the electropop project of Christopher Gurney, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and started in 2012 in his home studio. The debut album “Reflect” was self-released, followed by “Sun” in late 2013 through Juggernaut Music Group and the EP “Post Brimstone” in 2015. Further albums followed on Analogue Trash Records.

IIOIOIOII returned in August 2023 with the single “Frozen Sea”, followed by the album “Dreaming” on Distortion Productions at the end of 2023.

Sapphira Vee presents all new single and video for ‘Stand Together’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:47:39 +0000

“Stand Together” is the new remix single by Sapphira Vee that is accompanied by a video that was assembled by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau/Go Fight).

The new 6-track single was taken from the album “Fortune” and features remixes from LGBTQ and women artists that include Eva X, Morgue VVitch, Stabbed by Prongs and Wandering Whispers. Sapphira Vee recently said: “No matter which oppressed group with which you most closely identify, we get nowhere if we can’t stand together.”

“Stand Together” features Veronica Tam and was intentionally released today on Martin Luther King Jr Day, 2024 through Distortion Productions on all digital and streaming platforms.

You can download the release right below from Bandcamp.

Stand Together by Sapphira Vee

Metamorph signs with Distortion Productions and releases brand new LP, out in March 2024

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:44:52 +0000

Distortion Productions has announced the signing of Vermont/NYC goth pop band, Metamorph. The label will release the brand new full length album, “HEX” on March 8th, 2024 with a remix from Grendel.

Label owner, Jim Semonik first recalls meeting Metamorph’s Margot Day at The Unconvention in 2022: “I immediately got a friendly vibe from her and knew there was something special going on. My interest was peaked. Her collaboration with Erik Gustafson makes this a no-brainer. You guys are gonna love this project!”

“HEX” will be available on CD and also on all major digital platforms on March 8th.

Here’s the video for “Woo Woo”.

Margot Day, who was an integral part of the 80’s NYC goth scene while fronting The Plague with drummers Nick Ferrell (Spahn Ranch) and Damian (Misfits). She was actually also bandmates with Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys in her first band, Slow Walk 13 and later with Joey Smur Kryzwonski (Motograter) in her project, Sacred. In Metamorph she is joined by Kurtis Knight and Thaliana.

Amulet presents all new single and video: ‘When Winter Comes’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:08:09 +0000

Out now via Distortion Productions is the latest single and video by the Washington, D.C.-based act Amulet.

The single, “When Winter Comes”, comes along with the original mix next to remixes supplied by William Faith (Faith and the Muse, The Bellwether Syndicate), Dan Milligan (The Joy Thieves), Rob Early (11 Grams) along with Amulet’s own MJ Parr.

Amulet was founded by bassist MJ Phoenix and vocalist Stephanie Stryker. The band’s lineup is rounded out by guitarists Bob Carr and Mark Schramm, keyboardist Alison Frane, and drummer Thomas Grothe.

You can download the single via Bandcamp or check it on all other platforms.

When Winter Comes by Amulet

Here is the video.

Distortion Productions revisit cult classic film ‘The Lost Boys’ for 100th release ‘Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:26:19 +0000

In a remarkable celebration of its 100th release, Distortion Productions has unveiled a unique homage to the 1987 cult classic film, “The Lost Boys”. The project, inspired by the film’s soundtrack, is a tribute by label owner Jim Semonik, who harbors a deep appreciation for the movie’s musical landscape.

Titled “Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited”, the album is a compilation of covers from various artists, each adding their unique spin to the iconic tracks. The album opens with a rendition of INXS’s “Good Times” by Chicago-based band Go Fight. The tribute includes other notable covers such as God Module’s “Lost in the Shadows”, Eva X’s take on Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, and The Battlefront’s version of INXS’s “Laying Down the Law”. Additionally, Adoration Destroyed X NØIR has revisited a The Doors classic, while Sapphira Vee has put a new spin on the Eddie & the Tide track “Power Play”.

The album also features Ashbury Heights’ cover of “Cry Little Sister”, Glass Apple Bonzai’s “I Still Believe”, Null Device’s interpretation of “Beauty Has Her Way”, and Red Lokust’s rendition of “To the Shock of Ms Louise”.

“Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited” is available on CD and across all digital streaming platforms including Bandcamp.

Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited by Various Artists

About ‘The Lost Boys’

Directed by Joel Schumacher, ‘The Lost Boys’ is a 1987 American film that blends supernatural elements with comedy and horror. The film, which was produced by Harvey Bernhard, features a screenplay penned by Jeffrey Boam, Janice Fischer, and James Jeremias, based on a story by Fischer and Jeremias. Its ensemble cast boasts notable names such as Corey Feldman, Jami Gertz, Corey Haim, Edward Herrmann, Barnard Hughes, Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, and Dianne Wiest.

Set in the fictional Californian town of Santa Carla, the plot centers around two teenage brothers who, along with their divorced mother, relocate to the town. They soon uncover a startling truth – Santa Carla is overrun by vampires. The film’s title draws inspiration from J.M. Barrie’s iconic characters in his Peter Pan and Neverland tales – the Lost Boys, who are eternally youthful, much like the vampires in the movie. The majority of ‘The Lost Boys’ was filmed in Santa Cruz, California.

Third Realm returns with all new album: ‘Into Oblivion’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:16:34 +0000

The dark electro act Third Realm is back with an all new album, entitled “Into Oblivion”. Out via Distortion Productions it is available now as a limited edition CD and through all digital and streaming platforms.

The prolific Buffalo, New York-based project first began in 2000. Third Realm first signed with Distortion to release both “The Suffering Angel” (2017) and “Dystopian Society” (2018).

After reconnecting with label owner, Jim Semonik, the two decided to partner up again for the new album. Third Realm mastermind, Nathan Reiner explains: “We got to chatting, and it was a no-brainer to return to the Distortion family. The loyalty, transparency and dedication Jim demonstrates is unmatched, so I am highly grateful to be releasing the new album with his support.”

As far as what the album is about Nathan says: “Darkwave Industrial is all about pushing the boundaries of sound and emotion. With ‘Into Oblivion’, I’ve delved deeper into the shadows to create a musical landscape that immerses the listener in a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking experience.”

You can check out the album on Bandcamp. Read the review of ‘Into Oblivion’.

Into Oblivion by THIRD REALM

Dogtablet – Black Spaced Dust & Memories (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial-Pop, Electro, Experimental, Chanson.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Black Spaced dust & Memories” is the new album by the duo Martin King (Test Dept.) – Roberto Soave. They invited singers Frankie Nardiello aka ‘Groovie Mann’ (My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult), Jared Louche (Chemlab, Prude), Steven Archer (Ego Likeness, Stoneburner), Coral Scere (Scere, Silver Walks), Cat Hall (Dissonance), Daz Sharp and Melodywhore. Side-Line previously covered the album’s announcement in a news article listing the full Dogtablet discography.

Content: This album covers a wide range of influences which have been mainly carried by Industrial sound treatments and slow rhythms. It’s quite surprising discovering Chanson and Minimal-Pop driven by Industrial sound treatments. Dogtablet brings different genres together, sometimes connecting totally unexpected elements with each other. I also noticed several sensual passages because of the deep vocals and cadence. It might appeal to lovers of Massive Attack. I don’t know if the last cut “Back To Black” might be seen as a free, instrumental, adaptation of the famous Amy Whinehouse song but it clearly sounds like a cool wink.

+ + + : This album took me by surprise. It took me a few seconds to realize I was listening to something totally different from what I’m used to. The dark sound treatments and Industrial sphere caught my attention -so you’ll not be surprised that a Test Dept. member is hiding behind this project. But I’m totally devoted to this creative process revealing a brilliant and challenging approach. It sounds minimal and somewhat inhibited on one side but also features heavy, blasting, Industrial sound treatments on the other side. There also is a very nice selection of vocalists which really adapted themselves to the music. I definitely like the Massive Attack inspired “Fall Panic” feat. Jared Louche but also “Tar Pit” feat. Daz Sharp, “Profiler X&Y” feat. Melodywhore, “These Remains” feat. Steve Archer and the already mentioned, instrumental, “Back To Black”.

– – – : The single cut that couldn’t convince me is “The Dreamer” feat. Catt Hall. This one sounds as if there’s no real match between music and vocals.

Conclusion: This work sounds totally out of the box but it’s the kind of challenge I fully support; original and efficient featuring a few beautiful cuts.

Best songs: “Fall Panic”, “Tar Pit”, “Profiler X&Y”, “These Remains”, “Back To Black”, “Even & Only”, “Desire”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Dogtablet

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Dogtablet

Dogtablet is the London-based industrial project of Martin King, formerly of Test Dept and Pigface, working here with Roberto Soave. According to Side-Line’s prior coverage, the project’s discography runs from “Outlaws & Strays” (2017), “Double Thirty” (2018) and “Feathers & Skin” (2019) through “Muscle & Bone (The Remixes)” and “Tales From The Outlaw” (both 2020) and “Pearldrop Blue” (2021), all self-released, before “Feathers & Skin/Pearldropblue” (2022) and the current album moved to Distortion Productions.

Darkwave artist Sapphira Vee presents ‘What it Was’ video ahead of new ‘Fortune’ album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:20:17 +0000

The Rochester, New York-based darkwave artist Sapphira Vee has just released a video for “What it Was”, the first taste of the forthcoming album entitled “Fortune”. The new release is the follow-up album to her Distortion Productions’ debut album, “Aerial Human”.

Musically Sapphira Vee makes dark, trippy music with an industrial edge heavily influenced by her industrial roots.

“Fortune” will be released on September 8th on CD as well as through all digital and streaming platforms.

The video for “What it Was” was created by James Marcus of Die Warzau.

You can pre-order the album below.

Fortune by Sapphira Vee

The dark atmospheric synthpop act IIOIOIOII is back with an all new 3-track single ‘Frozen Sea’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 08:11:40 +0000

The dark atmospheric synthpop band, IIOIOIOII, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has unveiled a new 3-track single titled “Frozen Sea”.

This single has been released through Distortion Productions and is accompanied by a music video. It offers a glimpse of their upcoming album, “Dreaming”, set to launch in autumn 2023 via the same label.

Pronounced as IO or eye-oh, IIOIOIOII has been producing music since 2012. Their most recent album, “Chroma + Chromatic”, came out in 2019 under AnalogueTrash Records.

Frozen Sea by IIOIOIOII

Distortion Productions, the band’s current label, initially aimed to spotlight both national and local talents within the Pittsburgh Industrial/Goth community. By 2013, it transitioned into a record label, featuring artists such as En Esch, Dope Stars Inc., Tenek, Am Tierpark, Null Device, and others.

You can watch the “Frozen Sea” video below.

Dogtablet back with all new album feat. members of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Chemlab, Ego Likeness, Dissonance and more

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 09 May 2023 09:10:39 +0000

Out via Distortion Productions is the all new album by the London-based industrial act Dogtablet, “Black Space Dust & Memories”. Behind Dogtablet we find Martin King who was a member of the legendary industrial band Test Dept. as well as Pigface.

This time, Martin has enlisted the vocal talent of Frankie Nardiello (Groovie Mann from My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult), Jared Louche (Chemlab & Prude), Steven Archer (Ego Likeness & Stoneburner), Coral Scere (Scere/silver walks), Cat Hall (Dissonance) and more. The album also holds Roger Ebner on sax (“Diamonds”) and Phil Moseley on guitars (“Ashes”).

“Black Space Dust & Memories” is out on compact disc as well as through all digital and streaming platforms.

Check out the “Down in Flames” video below.

For the fans, here’s the discography so far from Dogtablet.

2017: “Outlaws & Strays”, Self-released
2018: “Double Thirty” , Self-released
2019: “Feathers & Skin”, Self-released
2020: “Muscle & Bone (The Remixes)”, Self-released
2020: “Tales From The Outlaw”, Self-released
2021: “Pearldrop Blue”, Self-released
2022: “Feathers & Skin/Pearldropblue”, Released by Distortion Productions
2023: “Black Space Dust & Memories”, Released by Distortion Productions

Black Space Dust & Memories by Dogtablet

MissFit Toys – The Nine (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: MissFit Toys is a band based in Florida (USA). Active since 2007 they already self-released different productions and finally signed to Distortion Productions to unleash this official debut album at the end of 2022.

Content: From the very first notes and vocals you clearly will recognize the Dark-Electro approach. The cadence and cold melody lines are mainly reminding to Suicide Commando but I can also mention early Grendel as a potential source of inspiration. The work is characterized by carrying, linear, leads and bombastic drum sections.

+ + + : MissFit Toys sound to me as belonging to the class of Suicide Commando. The songs are well-crafted and efficient. There’s nothing truly original but it’s an efficient and noticeable production in its genre.

– – – : The main strength of the album also is its major minus point; no real innovation or originality. The songs are sometimes a bit too linear and predictable after a while.

Conclusion: If you like good-old Dark-Electro style MissFit Toys and “The Nine”-album will definitely catch your attention. This is a band with potential.

Best songs: “Blithe Din”, “Binary Binding”, “Red Dragon”, “Tulpa”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/MissFitToys

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions Read the news on ‘The Nine’.

Listen to “The Nine”:

The Nine by MissFit Toys

About MissFit Toys

MissFit Toys was formed in Orlando, Florida in 2007 by Richie V. Suriv. The aggrotech/industrial act self-released a string of productions before signing to the Pittsburgh-based Distortion Productions for its official debut album, “The Nine”, released December 9, 2022. The band has played live with Dope, Pig, Skold, Psyclon Nine, Combichrist, Grendel and Wednesday 13, and served as direct support for Hocico in spring 2022, with additional Hocico support dates in Mexico announced for 2023.

Null Device – The Emerald Age (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This is the eighth official album by American trio Null Device. It’s their third album released on Distortion Productions.

Content: The sound universe of Null Device remains inspired by Electro-Pop. They achieved an interesting work which reminds me of bands like Beborn Beton and Mesh with bombastic arrangements on top. One of the (best) tracks sounds a bit different for being harder and into Techno-Body music.

+ + + : You rapidly hear this band is an experienced combo but the main strength is for sure the personal approach in sound. Even if passages remind me of aforementioned leading Electro-Pop formations, Null Device has something unpolished and ‘naughty-pop’ like on top. The work is diversified which is also an aspect you’ll find back in the male-female vocals. “Interrobang” is the most unique cut but the harder and darker Techno-Body style sounds irresistible.

– – – : I regret that the album only features 8 songs. The song “(Not) Sorry” sounds definitely mellifluous and isn’t the best exposure from “The Emerald Age”.

Conclusion: Definitely an Electro-Pop experience which sounds as an antithesis to all Depeche Mode clones. Nevertheless nothing groundbreaking but fully enjoyable.

Best songs: “Interrobang”, “Flags”, “Unsafe And Sound”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.nulldevice.com / www.facebook.com/NullDeviceMusic

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions Read the news on ‘The Emerald Age’.

About Null Device

Null Device was founded in 1995 by Eric Oehler, William Annis, and Tom Lawrence, students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After Annis and Lawrence left the project, Eric Goedken became the band’s full-time lyricist and producer, and the sound moved toward a more straightforward synthpop direction. The band’s album chronology includes “The Year in Pixels” (1999), “Sublimation” (2002), “A Million Different Moments” (2004), “Excursions” (2007), “Suspending Belief” (2010), “While You Were Otherwise Engaged” (2013), “Perihelion” (2016), and “Line Of Sight” (2019). “The Emerald Age” followed in 2022 as the trio’s eighth official album and third release on Distortion Productions.

Eva X – I Dream Of Reality (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Industrial-Pop, Indie-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Eva X is the sonic brainchild of Canadian female artist Gaby Gustafson. After having released a few singles she signed to Distortion Productions unleashing her official debut album “I Dream Of Reality”.

Content: The work sounds like the offspring between different but related influences. It creates a naughty Pop sound driven by passionate vocals. Broken rhythms are one of the album’s trademarks while there’s an interesting twist between electronics and guitar parts.

+ + + : Eva X reveals a very own approach in sound. This girl has something from her own which I like. The sound is hard to define but definitely ‘Pop’ related; somewhat in between Industrial and Indie-like. The timbre of voice is sometimes reminds me of Gaby’s compatriot Jennifer Parkins (aka Ayria).

– – – : The work features remixes by Adoration Destroyed, Nebulae complex and Spank The Nun. I personally prefer the remixes to the original edits.

Conclusion: Eva X is a name to keep in mind; this artist is not dealing with the most accessible kind of Pop but the work resulted from a true creative process I can only but support.

Best songs: “Wipping Girl”, “Machine”, “Control – Spankthenun Remix”, “Machine – Adoration Destroyed Remix”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/evaxband

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

Side-Line first covered the release on September 9, 2022, when Eva X released the album through Distortion Productions on CD alongside digital and streaming platforms.

Listen to “I Dream of a Reality”:

I Dream of a Reality by Eva X

About Eva X

Eva X is the solo Gothic pop project of Gabrielle Gustafson, based in Vancouver, Canada, blending dark electro, industrial pop, synthwave and hyperpop. She released the singles “Whipping Girl” and “Machine” ahead of her debut album, issued by Distortion Productions on September 9, 2022. The label and Side-Line list the album as “I Dream of a Reality”, while this review carries the title “I Dream Of Reality”.

Eva X later released the single and video “Dopamine Blind” in April 2024.

US dark electro act MissFit Toys returns with all new album, ‘The Nine’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:53:20 +0000

December 9th marked the release of “The Nine”, the new album by MissFit Toys on the Pittsburgh-based Distortion Productions label. MissFit Toys was formed in Orlando, FL in 2007 by Richie V. Suriv.

After a string of releases and live shows (with Dope, Pig, Skold, Psyclon Nine, Combichrist, Grendel and Wednesday 13) this aggrotech/industrial band was direct support for electro act Hocico in Spring of ’22.

“The Nine” is available via Distortion Productions on all streaming and digital platforms along with a compact disc. MissFit Toys will be announcing 2023 tour dates that include shows in Mexico supporting Hocico. Read the review of ‘The Nine’.

The Nine by MissFit Toys

Electropop act Null Device returns with all new – 8th – album, ‘The Emerald Age’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:45:08 +0000

Null Device is an electronic band from Wisconsin, USA in 1995 by Eric Oehler, William Annis and Tom Lawrence, all who were students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Named after /dev/null, an IT term where a device file discards all data written to it but reports that the write operation succeeded, the group was originally an informal project for members of the university’s Undergraduate Projects Lab who are interested in techno music during the burgeoning rave scene.

Through connections to Stromkern’s Ned Kirby and a variety of DJs from local clubs, the project slowly became more focused on vocal-oriented industrial music, using Lawrence’s experimental audio software. After the departures of Annis and Lawrence, Eric Goedken became the band’s full-time lyricist and producer. By this time, the band shifted to a straightforward synthpop sound. After some local and underground success, they were signed to Nilaihah Records in 2002 and have been a Side-Line favorite ever since.

Null Device’s eighth album, “The Emerald Age”, finds the band moving into darker, more cinematic territory that is clearly showcased in the video for “Snake Eyes” which you can view below. “The Emerald Age” was released today by Distortion Productions on CD and is available via all streaming and digital platforms. The band’s previous album was 2019’s “Line Of Sight”.

Here’s the video for “Snake Eyes”.

Check out the full album below. Read the review of ‘The Emerald Age’.

The Emerald Age by Null Device

‘Click Interview’ with Tragic Impulse: ‘I’ll Never Consider Myself A Finished Product’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000

American Paul M. Graham this year unleashed the fourth album of his Tragic Impulse sonic project. It’s the third opus released by Distortion Productions. “Distant Worlds” takes the listener away to visit a dark- and danceable experience of EBM empowered by Dark-Electronics and Industrial, but also polished with Pop elements. Most elements of the production process have been improved so in the end you get a varied, danceable and efficient work.

(Picture credits by Sergei Photography / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: I remember a previous interview you were talking about growing maturity and studio equipment, which both are essential aspects in the evolution and development of an artist. How did you see both elements evolving from your very first song till the new album?

Paul: I’ve definitely had growth in my production skills since the first album (“Machine Parts”). I felt great about the writing on the first album, but I just didn’t feel the mixing and such was at a similar level. I was still very much a newbie at the time. Rather than farm out that work to a more accomplished producer, I’ve stuck with it and feel pretty good about where things are now. There’s always lots of room for improvement though and I’ll never consider myself a finished product.

As for studio equipment evolution, almost all of that has happened in the form of soft-synths and software tools. I’ve found that I can create the music I want without the extra expense and physical space it takes to keep all the hardware. There are advantages to hardware for sure, but I’ve found that for my needs, I really don’t need that anymore. “Distant Worlds” was done entirely without any hardware synths.

Q: I can imagine “Distant Worlds” was mainly –or entirely, written during the ongoing pandemic. In which way did COVID affected your artistic activities and your mood plus creativity when composing the opus?

Paul: The album is definitely a product of the pandemic and the track “Oubliette” is a great example of that. The term by definition means: ‘a dungeon with the only entrance or exit being a trap door in the ceiling’. It’s a dark song that parallels the confinement, fear, and uncertainty we all felt/have been feeling during this time. Other tracks also have hints of this mood and feel as well.

Q: What have been the different stages from the moment you started writing the first song for “Distant Worlds” till the moment you got the production finished? What have been the main challenges when composing this album and what are your biggest points of satisfaction?

Paul: I tend to ‘nibble’ with my song creation, moving around from one song to the next and back again, and this album was no different. Sometimes everything falls into place with a song and I finish it in one pass but that’s rare. Giving me time between songs helps me prevent listening fatigue and keeps me inspired. My method might seem strange to some artists, but it works for me.

For “Distant Worlds”, the bulk of the album writing was done during the pandemic and since I had spent more time indoors, I created lot more material I considered viable for the album. At one point, I had considered doing a double-album but the ten I went with just felt right. Having all that material is both a blessing and a curse because while I had a lot to choose from, deciding what stays and goes is always hard.

I’d say the biggest point of satisfaction is that the album seems to have successfully provided a little something for everyone and avoids pitfalls like repetition and predictability. I asked fans shortly after the album was released what their favorite songs were, and the answers were all over the place. Hearing that kind of feedback is always very satisfying and rewarding.

Q: I experienced “Distant Worlds” as your most diversified album to date; from familiar EBM/Dark-Electro songs to sophisticated passages reminding me Clock DVA to a furious cover version of Ministry. Tell us a bit more about the content and different influences running through the work?

Paul: I touched on this a little bit in the last question, but I feel great about the diversification on this album and that’s probably because that’s an approach I favor in the artists I listen to as well. “Oubliette” is dark and brooding, “Failed Reality” up-tempo/high energy, and “Dance Till You Die” stompy so there’s some ground covered there. “Parasite” is also an interesting example of that diversification because it feels so very different than the rest of the album. It’s actually been a very popular track and that’s probably because of the throwback EBM vibe it has to it. As for the Ministry cover of “Just One Fix”, I really wanted to pay homage to a song that was a gateway for me getting into Industrial music. I was mostly into Metal music back-in-the-day and when I transitioned on from that I was looking for something with an edge to it and bands like Ministry, Front Line Assembly and KMFDM bridged that gap. To this day I’m still heavily influenced by those bands.

Q: I think you’ve live dates planned in the US so tell us a bit more about Tragic Impulse on stage? What might people expect when going to a live show and how do you transpose the studio sound to the stage? What about European shows?

Paul: Our live shows have always translated well from the studio and part of that is by design. For example, I never use too many FX or heavily process my vocals for that reason. When you hear me sing live, I want you to have a similar experience to our recorded material, so I put an emphasis on that. Also, I’m not sure why, but we tend to surprise people (in a good way) with our live shows. It’s happened so many times, we started referring to it as “The Response” lol. I think this may happen because we don’t have the same name recognition as some of the bigger bands so we surprise people when they see us. So while they expect someone like Suicide Commando to be amazing (and rightfully so), us…?, not so much. We’re working hard to change that however!

As for live dates, a few months ago we played the Dark Side of the Con festival and that was an amazing experience. We also just finished performing at the Distortion Productions (Jim Semonik) 200^th show extravaganza and we had an awesome and energized crowd for that one as well. Upcoming shows in 2022 include a date in New-York City with Rain Within, Red Lokust and Interface, and one in Pittsburgh with Solar Fake. We had hoped to tour more in support of the album this year but have had some unexpected interruptions in our schedules so we’re looking to hit that hard next year.

We haven’t played anywhere in Europe yet but that’s definitely on our ‘to-do’ list. Playing at something like WGT would be a dream for us. For you promoters out there, we can be contacted at info@tragicimpulse.com

Q: What place did Tragic Impulse take in your life? What are the further plans and ultimate goals?

Paul: Since the live show is my wife Heidi on keys, and me on vocals, it’s been a great way for us to travel and meet new people. The recorded music is great but the real thrill for us is live shows since we get to connect with fans, other bands, promoters, DJ’s, etc. We’ve been into the Goth/Industrial scene the entire time we’ve been together (almost 19 years) and the band is just another way we get to spend time together doing what we love.

As for the future, we’ll keep making music and keep playing shows with the intention of playing more gigs in more places. Hopefully we can keep that momentum going!

One-woman Gothic pop Eva X releases album ‘I Dream of a Reality’ today

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:50:15 +0000

Eva X is a one-woman Gothic pop project from Vancouver (CA) who blends elements of dark electro, industrial pop, synthwave and hyperpop.

The project is the brainchild of Gabrielle Gustafson, who previously released the singles “Whipping Girl” and “Machine” which are also both included on her new album “I Dream of A Reality” released today by Distortion Productions on compact disc along with all streaming and digital platforms.

You can check the new release below.

I Dream of a Reality by Eva X

And here are the video for “Whipping Girl” and “Machine”.

Silver Walks – Various Positions (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: We welcome the debut album of American project Silver Walks. Guest singers Stella Soleil, Eva X, Coral Scere + Tim Heireth and Marc Heal (Cubanate) contributed to the opus.John Fryer did the mixing.

Content: This work covers different influences, which have been masterly adapted into a very own creation. Most of the songs are powerful and mainly carried by Electro-Industrial sound treatments, but there’s also a pop touch emerging now and then. Most of the songs are cold and danceable. The different vocalists are adding diversity to the work; from pure sensuality to total rage.

+ + + : This is a well-crafted work with a very own approach. I like when a band is trying to do things a different way. The contribution of different singers brings different accents to the work, but I have to admit I remain impressed by the violence and rage by Marc Heal singing on “In Consequence”. This song is comparable to Industrial-Pop music. Another great cut is “Mirrortowne” featuring Industrial guitar riffs and cool electronic sequences.

– – – : There are no major minus points, but I got the feeling this project has the potential to do even better. But it’s a successful debut!

Conclusion: Distortion Productions has a nose for interesting, new, artists and Silver Walks definitely is one to keep an eye on.

Best songs: “In Consequence”, “Mirrortowne”, “Tear Me Down”, “Albatross”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: http://silverwalks.net / www.facebook.com/silverwalks

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Silver Walks

Silver Walks is a Philadelphia-based (USA) act blending EBM, industrial music, electronic psychedelia, punk and analog noise. The project’s debut LP “Various Positions” was mixed by John Fryer, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Stabbing Westward and Depeche Mode.

The album was preceded by the single “In Consequence”, featuring guest vocals from Marc Heal of Cubanate, and was released on Distortion Productions, reviewed here as the project’s debut full-length.

Tragic Impulse – Distant Worlds (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, dark-Electro, Industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: American Paul Graham is back on track unleashing the fourth album of his Tragic Impulse project.

Content: The work takes off with the previously released single title-track “Oubliette” reminding us of the main influences of Tragic Impulse: EBM empowered with Dark-Electro and Industrial elements. The songs also reveal a catchy touch emerging at the choruses. I also noticed a few unexpected songs reminding the Industrial fury of Ministry or the Electronic sound intelligence of Clock DVA. You’ll also discover other tracks with Technoid elements.

+ + + : Tragic Impulse has evolved in the global writing- and production process. The composition is more elaborated and intelligent -especially when listening to “Parasite”. But the main approach remains a perfect sonic symbiosis between EBM and Dark-Electro with catchy elements on top. Sometimes the work reminds me of the imaginary offspring between God Module and Assemblage 23. The opening cuts of the album are mind-blowing and featuring the best exponents I’ve ever heard from Paul Graham.

– – – : The Ministry-like “Just One Fix” is a cool song, but not exactly fitting among the tracklist.

Conclusion: I’ve always supported the work of Tragic Impulse which has achieved its most mature production to date.

Best songs: “Parasite”, “Failed Reality”, “Oubliette”, “The Beast Within”, “Energy”, “Singularity”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/tragicimpulse

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Tragic Impulse

Tragic Impulse is the EBM and industrial project of American musician Paul M. Graham. It grew out of his earlier project Eisengeist, whose track “Apocalyptic Visions” appeared on the extended version of the compilation “Electronic Saviors 2: Recurrence”. Graham retired that project to work in a more club-oriented direction.

The independently released debut album “Machine Parts” came out on Hyperreality Records in 2014, followed by the self-released track “Mr. Stompy” in 2015. Tragic Impulse began playing live in 2016 and signed to Distortion Productions, which issued “Devil On Your Shoulder” in 2017, “Echoes Of The Unseen” and the “Space Force” EP in 2019, and “Distant Worlds” in 2022. The project has also contributed to the “Electronic Saviors 3” and “Electronic Saviors 4” compilations and to remix EPs for artists including Interface and Sonik Foundry.

Graham told Side-Line that “Distant Worlds” was made entirely with software: “There are advantages to hardware for sure, but I’ve found that for my needs, I really don’t need that anymore.” The full conversation is in the ‘Click Interview’ with Tragic Impulse.

Sapphira Vee back with 5th album feat. members from Ministry, Pigface, and many more

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:36:13 +0000

Out now is the all new album “Aerial Human” by Sapphira Vee. This is already the 5th album by Sapphira Vee and her second release on the Distortion Productions label. You can expect a darkwave / trip-hop sound evoking 4AD acts like Lush . You will equally hear EBM touches recalling classic Chris & Cosey on for instance the first single “What Is This”.

For the album Sapphira joined forces with Houston hip-hop artist Pee Wee P on “Fools”, Blue Eyed Christ’s John Norten on “Let the Arrow Break”, and Veronica Tam on the opening “White Aura” which was written by Jean-Marc Ledermen of The Weathermen. Also included are the three original tracks from last year’s “Duet” EP, featuring Chris Connelly (Ministry / Pigface / Revolting Cocks / Cocksure, etc.), Mike Reidy (W.O.R.M. / The Joy Thieves /Dogtablet), and Jim Semonik (Jimmy Semtex / Red Lokust / Rein(Forced) / creator of Electronic Saviors). In addition, Roger Ebner (Roger Ebner Band / Bitter Elixir / Yeti Rain) played the saxophone on “This Gift Was Not Meant For Me”.

New York native Sapphira Vee has been active since 2018.

You can check out the full album right below.

Aerial Human by Sapphira Vee

The Russian White premiere their music video ‘Stalker’ exclusively on Side-Line

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:19:56 +0000

Today we can you present in all exclusivity the brand new video from The Russian White. “Stalker” was originally released on the annual Electronic Saviours compilation, where all the sales are donated to cancer research.

The initial inspiration for “Stalker” stemmed from vocalist Tom reading, “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara.

Tom: “When I was a kid, I experienced two failed home invasions. We were watching Terminator 2 Judgement Day and a masked intruder tried coming through the sliding glass door on our porch. Then a few years later another interloper tried to enter through a kitchen window while I was home alone. We all grew up in small towns where violent crimes were the exception rather then the norm. People weren’t afraid of everyone around them.

While we were producing The Haunted Beach, Sean was awakened and held at knife point while his studio was ransacked. I started to empathize with the targets of the Golden State Killer. We could of easily become victims ourselves. Jay Arch our amazing videographer helped us visualize these experiences in the video.

We tried to turn something traumatic into something positive by including the track on the Electronic Saviors | Industrial Music to Cure Cancer compilation out on Distortion Productions. Jim Semonik from Distortion has been absolutely amazing in giving his charities the support they need.”

Here is the video, enjoy this mix of industrial, darkwave, and deathwave!

Third Realm – The Art Of Despair (Album – darkTunes Music Group)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:30:37 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, dark-electro, dark-wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Nathan Rainer is active under the Third Realm moniker since 2000. He released multiple albums on labels such as Radio-Active Music and Distortion Productions plus self-released different works as well. He last year joined hands with darkTunes to unleash this new work.

Content: Third Realm moves on mixing EBM and dark-electro music. The album takes off with hot female moans while the harsh vocals of Nathan Rainer are joining in. This song is one of the two cuts featuring Chiasm, but is pretty representative of the album, revealing a hot and club-driven sexy EBM format. Some songs are darker and more dark-electro orientated while other passages are getting back to the dark-wave style of the project. Songs with clearer vocals are once again reminding me of Diary Of Dreams; there’s a natural power and charismatic interpretation of the songs.

The final part of the work features remixes by Aesthetic Perfection, Subliminal Code and Panic Lift.

+ + + : Third Realm moves on experimenting with different –although related, influences, but this album reveals a truly cohesive result. There’s a harmony between all songs, which naturally resulted in a few brilliant songs such as “Passion” and the dance-wave driven “Gazing At The Stars”. Third Realm has found the right balance between catchy choruses, danceable kicks and EBM power. Both songs featuring Chiasm are also noticeable parts revealing a hot balance between both singers. Last, but not least there’s also a great remix by Aesthetic Perfection.

– – – : Third Realm remains a project mixing multiple genres together so in the end you often get the feeling of hearing different bands, but I have to admit it’s not really the point of this work.

Conclusion: It’s hard to say if this is the best work ever composed by Third Realm, but it for sure is a very efficient mix between different, although related genres.

Best songs: “Passion”, Bipolar Pop feat. Chiasm”, “Gazing At The Stars”, Tides Of The Sea feat. Chiasm”, “Bipolar Pop feat. Chiasm – Aesthetic Perfection Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: https://thirdrealm.org / www.facebook.com/ThirdRealm

Label: www.darktunes.com / www.facebook.com/darkTunesMusic

About Third Realm

Third Realm is a dark electronic project founded in 2000 by Buffalo, New York-based musician Nathan Reiner. The project signed to Distortion Productions for “The Suffering Angel” (2017) and “Dystopian Society” (2018), before moving to darkTunes Music Group for “The Art Of Despair” (2019/2020) and the compilation “Decadence – The Best Of” (2019).

After further self-released work through Morbid Attitude Records, Third Realm reconnected with Distortion Productions owner Jim Semonik for the 2023 album “Into Oblivion”.

And Void – And Void (album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:30:06 +0000

Genre/Influences: Experimental-pop, industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: And Void is a new project featuring some very famous names from the industrial scene. This is the meeting between Scott Fox (iVardensphere, This Morn ‘Omina), Mika Goedrijk (This’Morn Omina, Pow[d]er Pussy, Sygo Cries, Nebula-H…) and singer Mari Kattman (Helix, Mari And The Ghost).

Content: This self-titled album is characterized by the grace of Mari Katmann’s vocals, now injecting sensuality and later on an ethereal touch to the work. Sound-wise the tracks have been mainly written by Scott Fox, but Mika Goedrijk wrote a few songs as well. You can’t really recognize both artist’s trademarks on this album, which has something pretty experimental, driven by down tempo and sometimes moving on the path of cinematographic music. But there also is something pop-like supporting the production, becoming a sort of industrial- or experimental-pop music. Notice that Jamie Blacker (iVardensphere) and Andy Deane have been invited to do some guest vocals on one song each.

+ + + : And Void appears to be a truly challenge! The songs have something avant-garde like, mixing different elements and styles together with on top the graceful vocals of Mari Kattman. The song “Ideal Prey” appears to be the most accessible one and eventually a kind of potential hit. I especially like the slow rhythm mixed with the sensual, somewhat whispering vocals. Mari Kattman definitely remains a great singer, but the duo Scott Fox – Mika Goedrijk has something visionary like. You don’t exactly expect both artists composing this kind of stuff, but they did it!

– – – : The experimental approach of the album is for sure the biggest challenge to catch the attention of a wider audience. This is not the most accessible production and is not something for ‘classical’ electro-pop lovers.

Conclusion: I’ve always liked bands thinking out of the box and this trio definitely belongs to that category; this could be the future sound of electro-pop music!

Best songs: “Ideal Prey”, “Midnight Blac”, “October Lullaby”, “Unsung”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/andvoid

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About And Void

And Void pairs Scott Fox (iVardensphere, This Morn Omina) and Mika Goedrijk (This’Morn Omina, Pow[d]er Pussy, Sygo Cries, Nebula-H) with singer Mari Kattman (Helix, Mari And The Ghost), released via Distortion Productions. The self-titled debut album, a ten-track release issued as a digipak CD in 2020, features guest vocals from Jamie Blacker (iVardensphere) and Andy Deane, with “Ideal Prey” among its key tracks.

Red Lokust – Whom The Gods Wish To Run, They First Drive Mad (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:00:07 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Four years have passed since the promising debut album “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin”. Jim Semonik (label owner, creator of “Electronic Saviors”, member of /Rein[Forced]) and Lee Lauer (involved with Aslan Faction in a previous life) are back with a new opus inspired by paranoia, anxiety and insanity.

Content: The sources of inspiration clearly reflect the modern life of the Western world. The duo adapted these themes into a powerful electronic composition, where EBM and dark-electronics are constantly crossing each other. The vocals are rough and enraged, empowering the lyrical themes. The music is pumping from start till the end; the choruses are now carried by catchy tunes and then by harder, classical dark-electro leads. Some passages and even the production of the vocals are sometimes reminding me of Leather Strip. After the ten album track you’ll discover remixes by Inertia (Reza Udhin also did the mastering of the album) and 7^th Victim.

+ + + : The work takes off with the great “Lobotomy”, which is an absolute dancefloor killer. I especially like the EBM vibes running through this cut and the great chorus. Another essential song is “Point Of Healing (Antagonized)”. Globally speaking this work confirms the potential from the debut album and I must say that Red Lokust even improved most little details. This album is driven by power and would be the perfect club music.

– – – : In times of Covid-19 pandemic it must be very frustrating releasing such a danceable and powerful album while clubs are closed! About the content I just regret a few songs (like “Weep For Me” and “Madman”) which are driven by simplistic and ultra-cliché leads… while “Madman” has been released as a single! The remixes aren’t adding a real extra.

Conclusion: Red Lokust moves a step further with this new opus; this is a band to discover because it’s featuring two talented artists!

Best songs: “Lobotomy”, is “Point Of Healing (Antagonized)”, “The Way Back”, “I’m Not Here (Omnipresent)”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Red-Lokust-734889406642643

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Red Lokust

Red Lokust is an American electronic music project founded by Jim Semonik in 2015, blending industrial, EBM and synthpop influences drawn from the electronic music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Semonik, also active as a musician, promoter and organizer in the industrial scene, previously played in the industrial rock band Rein[Forced] before starting Red Lokust as a solo outlet; Lee Lauer, previously involved with Aslan Faction, later joined. The project released its debut album, “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin”, before returning with “Whom The Gods Wish To Run, They First Drive Mad” on Distortion Productions in 2020, and went on to release a third studio album, “Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying!”, in 2024.

Deathline International – Spin Zone II (EP – Distortion Productions / COP International)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:31:55 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial, crossover.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: American formation deathline International gained a serious reputation during the 90s. I honestly didn’t know the band was still active, but I noticed they’re active again for a few years and have just released a single, which is a cover version of The Exploited’s “Troops Of Tomorrow”. This EP was released earlier this year and moves back to a song originally released in 2018 on the EP “Lip Service”.

Content: “Lip Service” has been exposed to the remixing skills of Solemn Assembly, 16 Volt, Tragic Impulse, GW4, Stoneburner and Red Lokust. The artists are rather diversified, which also resulted in a very varied work. From the future-pop like remix by Solemn Assembly to the darker electro approach of Tragic Impulse to the industrial driven remixes by 16 Volt and Stoneburner to the experimental approach of GW4 and a final dark-electro edit by Red Lokust, “Spin Zone” has been sonically re-adapted into something new.

+ + + : I have to say the future-pop driven remix by Solemn Assembly (a band from Texas, USA) is absolutely great; this is ‘the’ club edit of the EP. Another noticeable remix is the one made Tragic Impulse, which is a project I’ve always liked for its simplicity versus efficiency. Red Lokust did a cool job as well so in the end I’ve to say the electronic inspired remixes are definitely the best ones.

– – – : I honestly expected a bit more from the remixes by Stoneburner and 16 Volt. It could have been an idea to put the original song back on this record as well.

Conclusion: Deathline International is alive although on this EP the band is kicking thanks to some noticeable remixes from other artists.

Best songs: “Spin Zone – Solemn Assembly Remix”, “Spin Zone – Tragic Impulse Remix”, “Spin Zone – Red Lokust Remix”,

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/deathlineinternational

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Deathline International

Deathline International are Th3Count, SLam, James Perry, also of Ashes Fallen, and producer John Fryer. The Oakland, California, industrial rock group released four studio albums on COP International: “Reality Check” (1993), “Zarathoustra” (1995), “Arashi Syndrom” (1997) and “Cybrid” (2001), before a long period of inactivity. The band returned with the “Spin Zone” single in 2020, remixed here as the “Spin Zone II” EP, and went on to release the album “Pax Americana” with Fryer producing, followed by the “Parasite” EP featuring a Stabbing Westward remix in 2021.

Blue Eyed Christ – World On Fire (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 19:30:47 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, electro-rock, industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: John D. Norten is a veteran from the underground scene. Mainly active as a producer and mixer he’s also the creative spirit behind Blue Eyed Christ. The American formation got its success releasing on the Belgian KK Records the debut album “Leaders + Followers” in 1991. The song “Catch My Fall”, later on released as the EP title song, remains Norten’s biggest hit. A few more albums followed on an irregular basis. “World On Fire” is Blue Eyed Christ’s fifth opus and the first new one since “A Rush And A Thrill” (2014).

Content: The album takes off with an intro followed by a heavy piece of music mixing electronics and guitar. It’s hard to define the style of the album, Blue Eyed Christ mixing multiple influences with each other. Experimenting with good-old EBM reminiscences –connected with the old hit “Catch My Fall”, other songs are more into speed rhythms empowered with meowing guitar parts. En Esch and Mea Fisher (Lords Of Acid) got featured at the title track, which is for sure one of the album’s most noticeable cuts.

The album sounds diversified in sound while pretty engaged when it comes to the lyrical content and sampled passages. John D. Norten clearly has a severe view upon his country. Why am I not surprised about this?!

+ + + : The least I can say is that Blue Eyed Christ achieved an album without real compromises. It’s a diversified work, becoming a sonic mishmash. Every song sounds different and driven by other influences. From this melting pot I personally like “Massive React” for its slow cadence and the kind of choir part. Another attention grabber is the already mentioned title song featuring En Esch and Mea Fisher. The song is carried by a great male-female duo. Last, but not least “The System Pt.2” is my personal favorite track for its electronic modernism.

– – – : Diversity is okay, but too much diversity resulted in a somewhat disjointed result. It probably explains why songs like “America H”, “Manic Adderall” and “The Slow Reverse” couldn’t convince me.

Conclusion: I got a similar feeling as with the previous album; I expected Blue Eyed Christ getting back to the early danceable EBM formula of “Catch My Fall” while getting something pretty different and not entirely convincing instead!

Best songs: “The System Pt.2”, “World On Fire”, “Massive React”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/blueeyedchrist

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Blue Eyed Christ

Blue Eyed Christ is the creative outlet of American producer and mixer John D. Norten. The band’s debut album, “Leaders + Followers”, was released on the Belgian label KK Records in 1991, and its title track “Catch My Fall” later became Blue Eyed Christ’s best-known song when issued as a single. Further albums followed on an irregular basis, including “Crash” (1995) and “American Whore” (2002), with “A Rush And A Thrill” arriving in 2014. “World On Fire”, the band’s fifth album, was released via Distortion Productions in 2020 and features guest vocals from En Esch and Mea Fisher of Lords Of Acid on its title track.

Interface – Where All Roads Lead (CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 19:00:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, electro-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: This is the’ sixth studio album for American formation Interface. After having released their work on Tinman and Nilaihah Records they now joined hands with Distortion Productions.

Content: I always have experienced the work of this band as an electronic melting-pot, mixing EBM together with electro-pop influences. “Where All Roads Lead” doesn’t sound that different, becoming an eclectic work filled with danceable songs, but still short –and mainly, instrumental cuts. I experienced some songs as driven by future-pop and even referring to Neuroticfish. I also noticed a few minimal passages.

+ + + : Interface is a band I’ve always liked and this new work only confirms the bands skills for composing an accomplished electro production. I have a preference for the most danceable –and ‘hardest’, pieces such as “If Not Now, When?” or the darker “Not With Me”. In the future-pop style I recommend “Fire In The Sky”. This band has a kind of natural talent to compose carrying choruses recovered with great melody lines. This album sounds pretty open-minded and the more minimalistic “We Will Never Be Together” is also worthy of examination.

– – – : The album features 12 songs and only one single cut (cf. “Northpark – Only A Memory”) left me unmoved. Interface remains a band that deserves more recognition and especially here in Europe. I also have to say that “Outside Looking In” released as single title-song is not my favorite exponent from the work.

Conclusion: “Where All Roads Lead” only confirms the talent of Interface, which is an underrated electro formation appealing for lovers of future-pop and body-pop music.

Best songs: “If Not Now, When?”, “Not With Me”, “Ghosts Of Your Ambition”, “Fire In The Sky”, “We Will Never Be Together”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .interfacemusic .net / www .facebook .com /interfaceofficial

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

About Interface

Interface has been producing electronic music since 1993, founded and led by programmer, keyboardist and vocalist Eric Eldredge, merging industrial elements with trance and future-pop. “Where All Roads Lead” was the band’s sixth studio album and its first for Distortion Productions after releases on Tinman and Nilaihah Records; a seventh album, “Zero-Sum Equation”, followed via the same label in 2024.

Silver Walks – Songs Of Love And Hate (CD EP – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 18:00:14 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, body-pop.

Background/Info: Silver Walks is an American solo-project driven by Daniel McCullough. I found out that a single (cf. “Tidal”) got released in 2017 while this EP is preceding the debut album planned for the end of the year.

Content: It’s not that easy to define the precise ‘style’ of this project. I clearly noticed some future-pop elements, but also more minimalistic parts and punching electro-pop. The EP features 5 songs plus 2 remixes by Solve and Alizza (from Vore Aurora).

+ + + : One of the main strengths of this EP clearly appears to be the strings injecting a melodic touch to the work. I like the opening cut “Rearview (Adrienne’s Mirror)” for its future-pop approach, but still the more minimalistic “Black Doves” is worthy of examination. If you want to label Silver Walks as ‘pop’-like it for sure has something atypical and that’s precisely what I like in the icy sound treatments emerging at “Timebomb”. The remix of “Black Doves” by Solve is a dark and interesting cut.

– – – : One of the few, but essential aspects that hurt at a few songs (and especially at “Our Season On Fire”) is the production of the vocals.

Conclusion: Silver Walks appears to be a formation with an interesting approach and good ideas, which I hope will serve as basis for the debut full length (which must be probably achieved in the meantime).

Best songs: “Black Doves”, “Rearview (Adrienne’s Mirror)”, “Black Doves – Solve Remix”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www.facebook.com/silverwalks

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Silver Walks

Silver Walks is the solo project of Daniel McCullough, based in Philadelphia. A single, “Tidal”, appeared in 2017 ahead of the “Songs Of Love And Hate” EP reviewed here. The project later signed to Distortion Productions for the full-length “Various Positions” (2022), mixed in part by John Fryer and mastered by Eric Oehler. In September 2025, McCullough paired with NOIR’s Athan Maroulis for a collaborative cover of Cyberaktif’s “Nothing Stays”, also issued on Distortion Productions.

V/A Respect The Prime – The Constructed Cold (CD EP – Distortion Productions / Electronic Saviors)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, electro-wave, EBM.

Background/Info: This compilation was already released a while ago, but is an interesting concept I’d like to talk about. Distortion Productions and Electronic Saviors (industrial music to cure cancer) joined together featuring the first limited edition EP in the “Respect The Prime”-series: “Constructed Cold!”. The concept deals with bands, which have been asked to pay tribute to the “Transformers”-comics books. They all have to first read a story from the comics and next to compose a song about it. This is a teaser to a full length album, which is in the pipeline.

Artists: Panic Lift, Tragic Impulse, ThoughtForm, Doors In The Labyrinth, Boxed Warning, Red Lokust.

Content: The concept is original resulting in a rather diversified EP of 6 songs. From the dark-electro and EBM driven Panic Lift (featuring Red Lokust), Tragic Impulse and Red Lokust to the more bombastic-ambient instrumental piece of ThoughtForm to the dreamy electro & guitar wave by Doors In The Labyrinth to another instrumental track by Boxed Warning, this compilation has something to offer for each of us.

+ + + : The concept is great, but there’s also a few cool songs featured. The collaborative efforts between Panic Lift and Red Lokust on “Constructed Cold” are really successful. The Red Lokust song is worthy of examination as well while Tragic Impulse confirms its growing status of promising and intelligent EBM band. It’s also an opportunity to discover rather unknown names such as ThoughtForm and Doors In The Labyrinth.

– – – : Unfortunately I can’t say that the bands I didn’t know have fully convinced me, but let’s not forget that this is just a compilation featuring one single song by each band.

Conclusion: Some compilations, especially with such a great concept, make sense!

Best bands: Tragic Impulse, Panic Lift feat. Red Lokust, Red Lokust.

Rate: (7).

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions / www .electronicsaviors .com

About Distortion Productions & Electronic Saviors

Distortion Productions is an independent industrial and electronic label run by Jim Semonik, who also compiles the Electronic Saviors series, a long-running charity compilation project supporting cancer research, aided by Chase Dudley. The series has grown across multiple volumes, including a 2018 six-disc fifth edition with Pig, Mindless Faith, Psy’Aviah and Red Lokust among more than a hundred tracks, and a 2025 seventh volume, “ReUnion.”

“Respect The Prime: The Constructed Cold” paired the two outlets for a Transformers-themed teaser EP ahead of a planned full-length follow-up, with songs from Panic Lift, Tragic Impulse, Red Lokust, ThoughtForm, Doors In The Labyrinth and Boxed Warning. Tragic Impulse discussed its approach to songwriting in a 2022 Click interview, and Red Lokust did the same in an earlier one, while Panic Lift returned in 2021 with the five-EP “Split” cycle on Distortion Productions.

Trade Secrets – Before We Vanish (CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 20:00:32 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, dance-pop, lounge-pop.

Background/Info: Set up in 2017 in Los Angeles (USA) by F.J. DeSanto, Trade Secrets became a so-called ‘future-synth’ collective featuring several members. After a previously released EP, “Before We Vansih” is the collective’s debut full length.

Content: The album reveals 9 songs, which are constantly supported with a poppy touch, but clearly mixing different influences with each other. Sometimes groovy and dance-like (cf. “Broken Instincts”, “Your Heaven”), I also noticed some sweet 80s reminiscences reminding me Spandau Ballet (“Games”), but also a more club-orientated passage (cf. “Wish For The Rest”).

+ + + : “Before We Vanish” has something atypical, which in a way makes the originality of the work but also the challenge. “Broken Instincts” perfectly symbolizes this approach by a mix of groovy elements and something lounge-minded. There also is a more sensual touch coming through at “Ultra Devil” while my personal favorite is the dancefloor friendly “Wish For The Rest”.

– – – : I can’t get away from the feeling there also is certain ‘commercial’ approach hanging over the songs. Trade Secrets might appeal for a wider audience, which is fine for me, but I prefer a darker and more underground-inspired production.

Conclusion: “Before We Vanish” sounds as a sweet lounge’n’pop production for the Summer.

Best songs: “Wish For The Rest”, “Broken Instincts”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www .facebook .com /Trade –Secrets -256437681172862

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

About Trade Secrets

Trade Secrets is a Los Angeles-based “future-synth” collective founded by machine-rock veteran F.J. DeSanto (Hypefactor, the aggression) together with longtime musical partners Mike “Ash” Venezia (Baye, 4th Level) and multi-instrumentalist Charles LaBarbara, later joined by Peter Riley and John Kunkel. “Before We Vanish” was the group’s debut full length, following an earlier EP. Trade Secrets returned on Distortion Productions in 2024 with “Escaping History,” which F.J. DeSanto described as reflecting the growth the band had been through since its album “These Other Lives.”

Tragic Impulse – Echoes Of The Unseen (CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 18:30:10 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, dark EBM.

Background/Info: Two years after the excellent album “Devil On Your Shoulder” American artist Paul M. Graham strikes back with the third album of his sonic brainchild Tragic Impulse.

Content: The first 3 songs will clearly give you an idea about the sound and potential of this work. It’s a dark and somewhat frightening electro sphere carried by hard-beating kicks, aggressive sequences, some Trump-samplings and anguished vocals. The format creates a sonic bridge between dark-electronics and EBM. Some of the bass lines remind me a bit of Leather Strip. Most of the songs are pretty hard and danceable, but you’ll also discover a few softer cuts where the atmospheric content is emerging.

+ + + : I first of all noticed a great evolution and improvement in the global writing process and sound production. The songs are well-crafted, elaborated and clearly reflecting some maturity. The first part of the album reveals astonishing tracks, “Space Force” being the potential hit! The songs have been progressively built up with cool sound treatments. It’s a powerful release and definitely an album to watch out for! I also have to say a word about the cool artwork of this digipak.

– – – : The ‘softer’ cuts aren’t bad at all, but they can’t convince me a similar way. They’re just adding a little break in the midst of the tracklist.

Conclusion: “Echoes Of The Unseen” sounds a bit like entering a sonic danger zone! Get ready to hear one of the most promising dark-electro/EBM projects from the moment. Tragic Impulse simply confirms the potential that was already shown at previous albums.

Best songs: “Space Force”, “Unseen”, “Skin Deep”, “Painbringer”, “Down In Flames”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www .tragicimpulse .com / www .facebook .com /tragicimpulse

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

About Tragic Impulse

Tragic Impulse is the solo dark-electro and EBM project of American artist Paul M. Graham. After the debut album “Machine Parts”, Graham released two further albums on Distortion Productions, including “Devil On Your Shoulder”. “Echoes Of The Unseen” followed in 2019, preceded by the “Space Force” EP, which was remixed by Panic Lift, Third Realm, nTTx and Red Lokust. Graham continued the project with a fourth album, “Distant Worlds”, in 2022, discussing its all-software production in a Side-Line Click Interview.

Tragic Impulse – Space Force (CD EP – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 19:30:57 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, dark EBM.

Background/Info: The EP “Space Force” marks the return of Tragic Impulse. It’s a teaser to the third full length “Echoes Of The Unseen”.

Content: The EP takes off with the title track, which is a terrific piece of hard & dark-electro-body-music. This song is driven by icy sequences, an aggressive bass line and pumping kick. You’ll notice some spoken samplings from Donald Trump and the powerful charismatic vocals of Paul M. Graham.

“Space Force” has been remixed by Panic Lift, Third Realm, nTTx and Red Lokust. The B-side cut is a surprising cover version of Beborn Beton’s “Another World”.

+ + + : The least I can say is that the title song is the right track to get released on an EP. It simply is the best tragic Impulse-cut I’ve heard so far and I’m sure it will set dancefloors on fire! It’s an accomplished and sophisticated piece of modern dark-electro/EBM. Among the remixes I especially enjoyed the one made by Third Realm while red Lokust did a cool job as well.

– – -: I expected a bit more out of the remixes. None of the featured artists can really compete with the original version. The Beborn Beton cover is surprising, but not exactly a successful edit. It all feels like Paul M. Graham doesn’t feel comfortable singing on this track.

Conclusion: What I especially keep in mind from this EP is the impressive title track!

Best songs: “Space Force”, “Space Force – Third Realm remix”, “Space Force – Red Lokust Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .tragicimpulse .com / www .facebook .com /tragicimpulse

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

About Tragic Impulse

Tragic Impulse is the solo dark-electro and EBM project of American artist Paul M. Graham, released through Distortion Productions. The “Space Force” EP served as the teaser single for Graham’s third album, “Echoes Of The Unseen”, also released in 2019. Graham continued the project with a fourth album, “Distant Worlds”, in 2022, discussing its production in a Side-Line Click Interview.

Stoneburner – The Agony Box (CD Album – Negative Gain Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 14 May 2018 18:30:24 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-tribal, trance, rhythmic-ambient, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Steven Archer (Ego Likeness) strikes back with the fifth full length of his electro-tribal side-project Stoneburner. This album also is the first one released on Negative Gain Productions while previous productions were released on Distortion Productions.

Content: “The Agony Box” moves on there where previous album stopped. It’s a new exploration of electro-tribal music fields featuring bombastic drum sections, mystic chants and Eastern sound atmospheres. The work –and especially the final part, sounds more cinematographic. It’s not really a new aspect in the sound of Stoneburner although this element is more accentuated than before.

+ + + : Stoneburner deals with a music genre we all know, but where only a few numbers of artists are involved with. You can hear the tribal and especially dark side of the work, which might remind This Morn’Omina and the cinematographic plus Eastern mystic sound approach reminding me of Juno Reactor. Stoneburner is somewhere in between and has never disappointed. The songs are well-crafted revealing great sound treatments and a hypnotic trance feeling. The cinematographic approach is also worthy of examination and is carried by some overwhelming epic arrangements (which might also remind you of Juno Reactor).

– – – : I prefer the tribal-trance approach instead of the soundtrack cuts, but that’s just a personal point of view. The only single aspect I’m missing in the global production is the use of authentic instruments (like conga’s ao), which would inject a more authentic touch.

Conclusion: “The Agony Box” is the perfect album moving in between film music and tribal-trance electronics. Stoneburner became a reference in this music genre although this project is mainly known in the USA and rather unknown in Europe.

Best songs: “Tales Of The Great Cryptogram”, “Osafa Charm”, “Saint Alia Of The Knife”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .stoneburnerband .com / www .facebook .com /stoneburnerofficial

Label: www .negativegain .com / www .facebook .com /pages /Negative –Gain /212061438836984

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is the Tribal/Industrial project of American musician Steven Archer, also known for his band Ego Likeness. Archer launched Stoneburner in 2012. The project’s sound continued to evolve in the years that followed, moving toward a more overtly Industrial approach on later albums such as “Post.Industrial.Occult,” released on COP International.

5th volume ‘Electronic Saviors’ 6CD set finally revealed – limited distribution, get yours here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:28:08 +0000

Out in June is the charity 6CD compilation set “Electronic Saviors 5: Remembrance”. Out via Distortion Productions, and not via Metropolis this time, this fifth volume this volume was again compiled by cancer survivor and industrial scene promoter and DJ, Jim Semonik aided by Chase Dudley.

The 6CD boxset can be ordered here – note that it only has a limited distribution.

On this 6CD set you’ll find tracks by coldwave and industrial rock greats such as Pig, Mindless Faith and 16Volt next to Psy’Aviah, FIRES, Esther Black, Encephalon, Ashbury Heights, Stoneburner, Ludovico Technique, Red Lokust and so and so on. 105 tracks in total.

The fifth edition will be available in a strictly limited edition boxset run on only 500 copies. It also includes a wristband, bumper sticker and autographed postcard.

Here’s the album teaser:

Trade Secrets – Golden Life (CD EP – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 20:30:28 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electronic, lounge-pop.

Background/Info: Trade Secrets released a few productions in the late 90s, but 2017 appears to be the year of resurrection for this formation driven by F.J. DeSanto, John Glenn Kunkel, Mike ‘Ash’ Venezia and Charles LaBarbara. Most of those members are still involved in many other projects. A few guest musicians also contributed to this EP, which more appears to be a mini-album featuring 6 songs.

Content: “Golden Life” is not exactly the kind of work I expected to get released on Distortion Productions. The songs are into groovy sequences and mainly featuring a kind of lounge approach mixed with some elements of pop music. Some passages are quite sensual and especially when joined with some spoken like vocals.

+ + + : The least I can say is that “Golden Life” is a well-crafted piece of music. It also is the kind of sound you can fully enjoy when sitting in a lazy chair and enjoying sunshine and drinking a cocktail in good company. The sensuality running through this work is pleasant. Trade Secrets also reveal the open-minded spectrum of Distortion Productions which has used to get us familiar with other –and more underground-like productions.

– – – : I’m not that convinced this is the right label for Trade Secrets or the right band for the label.

Conclusion: The production is not bad at all, although it feels a bit like going to the movies to watch a horror movie but getting a romantic picture instead.

Best songs: “Deaux”.

Rate: (6).

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

Third Realm – The Suffering Angel (CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:30:01 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM, electro-wave.

Background/Info: Third Realm is an American formation, which has already been active since the early millennium years. Driven by the creative spirit of Nathan Reiner, the band gained some recognition through a few productions released on Radio-Active-Music. The band also self-released a few more albums and now joined hands together with Distortion Productions to unleash this new opus.

Content: Third Realm is a band dealing with different genres. The opening cuts reveal a harsh and alluring dark-electro format mixed with some EBM elements. The vocals are harsh and distorted. But quite progressively the influences evolve towards other music fields, becoming more electro-wave and feature clearer vocal parts. There are several cuts in this genre, which remind me a bit of Diary Of Dreams. And just at the point I got the impression this album become more gothic, Third Realm again experiments with harder electro-driven cuts.

One of the last songs is a remix by label mate Tragic Impulse.

+ + + : This is an album featuring 2 different sides. Speaking for myself I was more impressed by the harder and dark-electro/EBM style, which doesn’t bring that much new, but clearly reveals an accomplished and intelligent writing. The songs have been composed with cool sound treatments and carrying leads. I also like the hard, spooky vocals running through the songs. But Third Realm also feels comfortable experimenting with dark-wave music. One of the biggest potential ‘hits’ (cf. “Neon Lights”) is a song in this genre.

– – – : You quicky get the impression that there are 2 bands hiding in Third Realm. This versatility is somewhat schizophrenic and a bit like a challenge as I can easily imagine all listeners will not necessarily love both sides.

Conclusion: “The Suffering Angel” is an album switching from dark-electro and EBM driven cuts into electro-wave/gothic pieces. It’s all about a choice and artistic freedom, but I think it could be an idea to simply run 2 separate bands instead of one album with 2 faces.

Best songs: “Neon Lights”, “Bringer Of Evil”, “Command And Conquer”, “Prisoners Of Life”, “Closing Time”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .facebook .com /ThirdRealm

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions