Dusk &#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!

Ataraxia release new music video ‘The Source’ & announce 29th studio album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The Italian neoclassical and darkwave veterans Ataraxia will release their 29th studio album “Centaurea” on 22 May 2024 via The Circle Music. The album will contain eight original compositions and two previously unreleased bonus tracks (CD version only). You can place your pre-orders already right here from The Circle Music.

A music video to the first of the bonus tracks “The Source”, which will comprise part of the CD version, is available to watch now. “The Source” introduces uilleann pipes (played by Gregorio Bellodi) to Ataraxia’s music for the very first time.

Ataraxia explains the meaning behind the lyrics and the music video: ““The Source” is the origin from which everything flows, the focal point of the island of Centaurea, the energetic centre of that dimension. That place can only be accessed through a dimensional portal protected by three guardians of the threshold, three Priestesses who sway among the ice and snow-covered plants, looking into your eyes to understand if you are ready. “Viator – inquam – dignabere?” “Traveler – I say – are you worthy?”. Beyond the ice and snow, opens up the space of the sea in which everything turns purple and gold, dawn and dusk and the Mediterranean climate welcomes us, taking us on a white boat, in silence, to the sacred shores. As we access the dimensional spiral of the portal, the three Goddesses look at us with ineffable faces.”

About the “Centaurea” album

“Centaurea” is the 29th album from Ataraxia and is part of a trilogy which began with the previous album “Pomegranate”, a hymn to the elemental spirits, and which will end with a work inspired by the Elysian Fields passing through the Golden Age brought to light by “Centaurea”.

The lyrics of the songs are sung in several ancient and modern languages and are poems by Francesca Nicoli and Mara Paltrinieri who had already collaborated on the lyrics of the band’s first albums.

Totem Bara will also once again contribute to Ataraxia’s sound with his cello on three songs.

Each album format will have a different layout done by Nicolas Ramain. They each have their own imaginative history, therefore, the vinyl artbook contained in the limited box and the CD graphics are unique, original and not the same. Insetti Xilografi designed the Sacred Oak represented on the box and on the hoodie and Mary Vareli created the hieratic priestess present on the T-shirt.

The luxurious box embossed in gold is limited to 200 copies, the gold vinyl is limited to 500 copies, and the A5 digipak CD is limited to 1.000 copies.

The album will be preceded by three singles with three related videos portraying places and rituals of “Centaurea”.

Francesca Nicoli of Ataraxia explained the background behind the album: “On a Greek island of impressive neoclassical beauty, I lived and wrote the concept of the new Ataraxia album “Centaurea”. “Centaurea” is an island beyond the columns of time, still immersed in a golden age, it is a new Mediterranean Avalon whose name is a hundred times brighter than gold and that can only be accessed by dreaming and from which one leaves just sleeping.

Crossing the dimensional waters that lead to this magical circle, always immersed in the gold of the light of twilight and the flaming magenta of the dawn, we reach a dimension in which the principles of the Sacred Feminine and Masculine are embodied by heroes and maidens, priestesses and bards. The qualities of Courage, Audacity, Hospitality, Trust, Grace, intense spiritual values and the earthly representation of Beauty become flesh and accompany us while listening to the songs.

We participate in nocturnal rituals, dances at dawn, races across prairies and woads, flights overlooking the sea, celebrations of the primeval Sun, we meet wolves and Goddesses, we speak lunar alphabets, we cross woods of wild loves, enchanted bays where sweet scents are released, we sail wild blues and listen to the myths of the Oak. The beings who animate these places live destinies on a strand of splendour.”

About Ataraxia

Ataraxia is an Italian neoclassical dark wave band founded in 1985. Fronted by vocalist Francesca Nicoli, it combines modern technology with archaic instrumentation. Its lyrical themes are frequently drawn from nature and ancient cultures.

The band was founded by Francesca Nicoli and Michele Urbano in November 1985. In the first five years there were many musicians in the band, until finally Francesca Nicoli, Vittorio Vandelli, and Giovanni Pagliari became the basic line-up until today.

Swedish dark synth act Priest next one in covering Rammstein – Check their version of ‘Engel’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:56:44 +0000

Next to Laibach we also offer you Priest’s version of Rammstein’s “Engel” today, both of which will be feautred on the upcoming “A Tribute To Rammstein” compilation out soon via Cleopatra Records.

Rammstein’s “Engel” was released in April 1997 as the first single from their second album, “Sehnsucht”, along with a music video inspired by the 1996 Quentin Tarantino film, “From Dusk Till Dawn”. “Engel” made its own on-screen debut during the closing credits of November 1997’s “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation”. An English version of “Engel” can be found on US special editions of “Sehnsucht”.

The female part of song’s chorus in Rammstein’s own version is sung by Christiane “Bobo” Hebold of the German pop band Bobo in White Wooden Houses. Priest’s version features female vocalist (and the band’s visual artist) Greta Helling.

But let’s first check the new version by Priest.

Carl Eric – The Garden (Album – Studio Hagbyhemmet)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Italo-Disco, Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: “The Garden” is the debut full length of Swedish project Carl Eric. Some songs of the album have been previously released as singles and EP’s.

Content: The debut song is directly revealing the sound and influences of this artist who’s dealing with pure Italo-Disco. The production is touched by catchy and melodic structures carried by a danceable kick. The album features multiple cool, retro-tunes while I also noticed a few more Electro-Pop driven parts reminding me of OMD. The vocals have something sweet and sexy which is totally fitting with the sound.

+ + + : The opening cut “Lady Of Dusk” is a real great Italo-Disco song which could have been originally composed in the 80s. It’s a true earworm. “Beatbox Of My Heart” is another song in a similar vein. Globally speaking this is an accomplished production which especially for a debut album is a great surprise and discovery. This is music to make people happy.

– – – : I regret the album only features 9 songs; some pieces being a bit too sweet but there’s no reason to complain here.

Conclusion: Carl Eric is a new and sexy project which will appeal for lovers of Italo-Disco. Let’s keep an eye on this artist.

Best songs: “Lady Of Dusk”, “Beatbox Of My Heart”, “Close The Light”, “Hey You”, Fashion Blitz”.

Rate: 8.

Label: https://hyperfollow.com/studiohagbyhemmet

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.

Avant-garde acoustic doom act Forever Autumn signs with Epictronic and announces EP ‘Crowned in Skulls’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:21:00 +0000

The avant-garde/acoustic doom project Forever Autumn announces its recent signing with Epictronic Records for the 5-track EP “Crowned in Skulls”, set to be released worldwide on July 21st, 2023. The release follows their 2021 EP, “Hail the Forest Dark”. On the EP’s “The Forest and the Nyght” track we also find a guest appearance of Aaron Stainthorpe.

Founder of the project Autumn Ni Dubhghaill explains what the EP is about: “This record is an exploration of shamanism and witchery through the captivating fusion of Pagan Folk and Acoustic Doom, featuring five tracks that will transport listeners to mystical realms. This record is the most accurate, contemporary, and ancient portrait of Forever Autumn yet. It honors past works while moving forward with a more overt metal influence than Forever Autumn has seen in decades.”

The project started in 2000, with a self-titled demo following in 2001. That demo was followed by a series of demos throughout the following decade. In the 2010s, Forever Autumn made released a series of albums, including “Patience of ðm Fire-Keeper” (2014), the reborn version of their debut full-length “Waiting for Öktober MMXVI” (2016), “Howls in the Forest at Dusk” (2019), and the recent EP “Hail the Forest Dark” (2021).

For a taste of their fascinating sound, check out the audiostream video for “Under Shadows of Annwn” on YouTube.

Here’s a video for “Under Shadows of Annwn”.

Costa Rican industrial black metal band Dusk announces 4th album ‘Rethrenody’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:27:35 +0000

Costa Rican industrial black metal band Dusk has set May 5th as the international release date for their 4th full-length album, entitled “Rethrenody”.

Dusk is an atmospheric industrial black metal project formed as an official band in 2016 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The lineup consists of Dusk (programming synthesizers and effects), Shaman (vocals), Implacable (guitar) and Pàlak (bass).

“Eko”, the band’s debut EP, was released on September 30th, 2016. This was followed by their first full-length album, “Epoka”, which came out on September 4th, 2018. The band continued to make waves with their next EP, “Threnody”, released on September 16th, 2019. As they entered the new decade, they dropped their second LP, “The Hermit”, on January 1st, 2021. Their third LP, “The Relic”, was released on April 1st, 2022, and their most recent work, “Rethrenody”, was released on May 5th, 2023.

Here’s an idea how they sound.

Out Of Line announces signing of Stahlmann, first single ‘Tanzen’ out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:31:37 +0000

Out now via Out Of Line is the new single of the label’s most recent signing Stahlmann. The single “Tanzen” offers Neue Deutsche Härte blending various genres like new wave, alternative metal, groove metal, electro-industrial and techno.

The band has this to say about the new single: “It was important to us, especially after the whole Covid craze, to create something that would bring the world a little closer together again… And what is better suited than dancing? We are really proud of the thing and can’t wait to perform the new single live!”

Here’s the single:

The band starts a tour in March, here are the concert dates.

03.03.23 München – Backstage
04.03.23 Frankfurt – Nachtleben
09.03.23 Hannover – Musikzentrum
11.03.23 Weiden – DUSK TILL DAWN Rockfestival 2023
17.03.23 Berlin – FRANNZ Club
24.03.23 Dresden – Puschkin
25.03.23 Affalter – Zur Linde
31.03.23 Osnabrück – Bastard Club
14.04.23 Trier – Mergener Hof
15.04.23 Siegburg – KUBANA
20.05.23 Dark Horizon Festival

Kim Lunner – From Dusk To Dawn (Album – Scentair Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 29 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two years after the debut album “This Is Me” ScentAir Records has released the second album by Norwegian artist Kim Lunner.

Content: The style and influences haven’t really changed. Kim Lunner remains driven by good-old Electro-Pop standards while there also is an explicit Future-Pop element reminding me of bands like VNV Nation and Ruined Conflict. I also noticed a very few cuts which are darker and harder featuring solid EBM bass lines.

+ + + : If you already liked the debut album you’re going to like “From Dusk To Dawn” as well. This is a diversified production mixing harder and softer cuts together. I’m more into the ‘harder’ cuts for the cool bass lines like featured at “The Reason”, the darker approach running through “Time To Run” and “Holding Hands” which is my absolute favorite one.

– – – : The sweeter side of this work can’t convince me. It sounds more average like and without surprises.

Conclusion: A fully enjoyable and varied Electro-Pop production.

Best songs: “Holding Hands”, “The Reason”, “Time To Run”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/kim.lunner

Label: www.scent-air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

Dawn + Dusk Entwined unites ‘Fin de siècle’ releases on a 19 tracks album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 02 May 2022 11:14:12 +0000

For the 10th anniversary of the release of the final chapter in the neo-classical / ambient ‘Fin de siècle’ MCDr series by Dawn + Dusk Entwined, Twilight records (Argentina) proposes now the complete 74 minutes of the 19 tracks originally spread over 3 volumes on one volume. The tracks evoke the end of the 19th era, just before the WWI disaster struck.

The release regrouping the material released between 2010 and 2012 comes as a regular edition in a 2 panels digifile and in a strictly limited edition of 25 numbered copies with a 8 pages A5 booklet including original photos of the MCDr series.

You can check out the full release right below.

Fin de siècle by Dawn & Dusk Entwined

Industrial dark electro act Extize releases brand new video: ‘Boomstick’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 12:28:05 +0000

The 8th Extize album “MonStars” will be released in about 7 months from now, on September 30th. Leading up to the release the band is going to release 1 single and 1 video and here we go with their 3rd single and music video “BoomStick” which handles the cult horror comedy movie “Evil Dead”.

Here’s the video.

And if you want to download the track already, check below.

BoomStick by EXTIZE

Not surprising as the whole “MonStars” album is a tribute to the horror and sci-fi stories from the 80s all the way to the 2000’s which frontman Cyb3rella grew up with. The album will be out as a digipack with 3D glasses and 3D booklet to properly take you back in time and make your listening experience even more exciting. As a bonus, the band is also releasing a collector edition in the form of a VHS box with an audio cassette version of the album and many goodies from the movies that it’s about. A bonus track is also added to the cassette called “Dusk” inspired by the movie “From dusk till dawn”.

You can pre-order the album right here.

Industrial electro act Extize returns with 8th album, ‘MonStars’, and offers 1 single a month

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:45:36 +0000

The 8th Extize album “MonStars” will be released exactly in eight moths, on September 30th. 2022. The band will now release 1 new single and 1 new video each month till the album release. The first one is out now, “Pinheadbanger” which is about the first monster taken from the cult horror movie “Hellraiser”. Coming up next on February 11th is “Hot Like Carrie”.

The video for the first track features Mexico’s most famous female cosplayer Lorraine Cosplay and can be seen right below.

To download the track, check right below.

Pinheadbanger by EXTIZE

“MonStars” is a concept album which act as a tribute to the horror and sci-fi stories from the 80s all the way to the 2000, something which frontman Cyb3rella grew up with. The album will be released as a digipak with 3D glasses and 3D booklet to properly take you back in time and “make your listening experience even more exciting”, so the band’s label darkTUNES says.

As a bonus, Extize is also releasing a collectors edition in the form of a VHS box with an audio cassette version of the album and many goodies from the movies that it’s about. And added as well is a bonus track to the cassette called “Dusk” which was inspired by the movie “From Dusk Till Dawn”.

You can pre-order the album right here.

Kirlian Camera – Cold Pills / Scarlet Gate Of Toxic Daybreak (Album – Dependent Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Active under the Kirlian Camera moniker since 1980, the Italian formation driven by the creative spirit of Angelo Bergamini and the bewitching vocals of Elena Alice Fossi no longer has anything to prove. They now release albums on an irregular basis, but each new production reveals little surprises. This album has been released as a double album, but there also is a box for the fans featuring an extra disc with songs. Notice by the way the album is also available through Metropolis in the US.

Content: The first disc features 8 songs, which are mainly driven by dark electronic moods mixing a kind of ballad style together with Experimental/Wave-Pop. The angelic and sensual vocals are now driven by a psychedelic lead, but then by a more menacing, dark sphere with male backings. In the background. I also noticed the pretty Kraftwerk-ian debut of “Not True”.

The second disc reveals 8 more songs and similar influences, but sounds more into a kind of dreamy and beautiful Electro-Pop interpretation. I also noticed more Cinematographic passages. The song “Apophenia” features Blank and that’s interesting as Blank also released this song last year on its own album “Drifting Slowly”.

+ + + : Kirlian Camera is a band I’ve always linked to a kind of ‘freestyle’; disconnected from established genres and trends. A pure creative process resulting in a sound, which is hard to label, but definitely related with Dark-Wave and Electro-Pop. The first disc sounds softer and also more space-like accentuated with some Psychedelic touches. You however can feel a dark sphere hanging over the songs, which is more accentuated on the second disc. And I personally prefer this second album. Especially the second part of the disc is absolutely magic. The songs are refined and blessed by a dark, artistic touch creating an ultimate match between music and vocals. The song “Apophenia” featuring Blank is a little sonic jewel, but I also have to mention “LSDay” and “Dusk Religion”.

– – – : The first disc is an easy listening experience, but not exactly the kind of music getting me wild. It has a relaxing effect, but with a soporific touch on top while the second disc has a similar relaxing, but elevating effect.

Conclusion: Kirlian Camera remains a unique experience in sound, a kind of sonic poetry with dark notes and sexy vocals.

Best songs: “Apophenia”, “LSDay”, “Dusk Religion”, “Dreamlex”, “Not True”, “I Became Alice”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.kirliancamera.com / www.facebook.com/kirliancamera.official

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

Solventis – Of Dusk And Dawns (Album – Steelwork Maschine)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Folk, Chanson.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Solventis is a solo-project from Toulouse (France), which self-released a debut EP called “Wintersongs” in 2018. This debut album was released at the end of 2020 on Steelwork Maschine.

Content: This project is driven by ‘Sol’ who’s playing all instruments and singing. He got a helping hand from a few guests. The songs are rather short and carried by a dark Folk-like approach. The rather typical guitar playing creates this Folk basis, which is accentuated by some violin play, creating an emotional side to this work. The vocals have something heavenly, but still fragile and sometimes feel like an invitation to dream away.

+ + + : I like the dreamy side of the production, which appears to be the main characteristic of this production. The darker side of the sound however has something ominous; like an imminent, invisible danger. I like the violin parts for the magic and especially emotional touch they inject. “The Night Is Gone” and “Grey Dawn” both are excellent cuts illustrating this sonic grace. But my favorite song is “The Peaceful One”, which simply sounds right and beautiful. The somewhat fragile timbre of voice creates a perfect twist with the reverie of the work.

– – – : I just regret the songs aren’t more diversified and especially the violin play could have brought the work to a higher level.

Conclusion: Solventis is an interesting discovery, which brings a new dimension of Neo/Dark-Folk music.

Best songs: “The Peaceful One”, “The Night Is Gone”, “Grey Dawn”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/solventis

Label: www.steelwork.fr / www.facebook.com/pages/Steelwork.Maschine

This Stranger Within – Terms And Conditions (Album – Chaostrophy)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:30:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This Stranger Within is a side-project of Dawn + Dusk Entwined. Where the reactivated Dawn + Dusk Entwined mixes Dark-Ambient and 80s Electro-Wave influences, This Stranger Within is digging a bit deeper in the exploration of good-old 80s music. This debut album features ten songs inspired by ‘our contemporary apathy towards the invading technology, and the economical powers behind it’.

Content: “Terms And Conditions” indeed sounds pretty 80s-driven. It’s an Electronic composition, which however and for some songs reminds me of The Cure and Trisomie 21. It’s a cold, synthetic creation wherein the atmospheres are more important than items such as power and danceable vibes. One of the last songs is a cover version of Joy Division’s “Insight”. The vocals are perfectly emulating the sterile way of singing from the 80s.

+ + + : This Stranger Within brings a very personal and intimate exposure of the 80s, which have been very important to the artist. The Joy Division cover is one of the best illustrations to hear this approach. The cold mood supporting the songs is the main characteristic and still strength of the work. “Freak” is my favorite song as it sounds a little bit more sophisticated and therefore more accomplished than the rest.

– – – : I would have liked to hear more elaborated compositions, the main part of the tracklist remaining pretty rudimentary. It all sounds like there’s less variation in the song writing.

Conclusion: This Stranger Within tries to bring the 80s New-Wave alive with a simple, moody production.

Best songs: “Freak”, “Choices”, “Dream Of Heroes”.

Rate: (6).

Artist & Label: www.facebook.com/This-stranger-within-101441078333703

Dawn + Dusk Entwined – Crossed Paths (Album – Aube Et Crépuscule)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 21:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Dawn + Dusk Entwined has been active in between the late 90s and 2013. Driven by David Sabre, the project was mainly devoted to music styles such as Dark-Ambient and Martial music, releasing works on famous labels such as World Serpent and Cold Meat Industry. After a break of seven years the project unleashed a new opus in 2020, which has been introduced as totally different.

Content: David Sabre moved back to the 80s influences of his teen years. And that’s an element you directly recognize in the work. The strings supporting the production are pretty 80s like. The global production has something 80s Electro-Wave while the artist held on to his cinematographic approach. Both influences together create a minimal style with half-spoken like vocals on top.

+ + + : If David Sabre stopped composing it was because he was tired of the scene and the direction of his project. He in a way reinvented Dawn + Dusk Entwined, which is always a challenge. He not only reinvented the sound and approach of the project, but I think he also experimented mixing different genres together. The main influence remains Ambient/Cinematographic like, but with this Electro-Wave flavor on top. I enjoy the half-spoken like production of the vocals, which is totally matching with the sound.

– – – : The global production however sounds a bit simplistic. Film-related music doesn’t have to feature an endless number of layers, but a little bit more elaboration would have been a bonus.

Conclusion: Dawn + Dusk Entwined seems to have started a second life. I’m not totally convinced by this new work although I like the music approach.

Best songs: “The Breath Of Ishtar”, “Dédales”.

Rate: (6).

Artist & Label: www.facebook.com/Dawn-Dusk-Entwined-159502797406125

The neoclassical act Dawn & Dusk Entwined is dead, long live Dawn + Dusk Entwined – check the new album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:16:14 +0000

The French neoclassical act Dawn & Dusk Entwined aka David Sabre is back, albeit under a slightly different name: Dawn + Dusk Entwined. The project had been silent for over 7 years but is now returning with a brand new album: “Crossed paths” to be released on October 25.

Whereas in the past you could expect heavily atmospheric and dynamic soundscapes, mixing cinematic dark ambience with rhythms and orchestrations, musically Sabre decided to leave the martial rhythms away and welcome some kind of ‘new wave’ feeling.

You can listen to the tracks below.

Crossed paths by Dawn & Dusk Entwined

Dawn & Dusk Entwined debuted on World Serpent in 1999 and then was signed to Cold Meat Industry before taking a pause in 2013. Sabre was basically tired of the musical scene and unsatisfied with the direction his project was going. This is now the first full length album since “A l’aube des jours anciens” was released in november 2011.

Alphaxone + ProtoU + Onasander – Shadows Of Forgotten Legends (Album – Cryo Chamber)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 20:00:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient, dark-cinematographic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: We’re used to hearing collaborative efforts from Cryo Chamber artists. This new opus, which is a conceptual release inspired by the legendary Kraken has been accomplished between Alphaxone (Mehdi Saleh) and ProtoU (Sasha Puzan), who both are familiar artists from the Swedish label plus Onasander (Maurizio Landini). The Italian project Onasander is less renowned while the Iranian Alphaxone and Ukrainian ProtoU projects both gained some recognition.

Content: The Kraken was a creature living in the water, which might explain the numerous ‘aquatic’ field recordings running through this work. It has been supported with an intimate, cinematographic atmosphere, which I recognize in the work of Alphaxone and ProtoU. Both projects share a very personal approach in sound, but they also have this subtle touch you don’t find in other projects. It’s hard to say what has been the input of the different artists, but their common efforts resulted in a compact, ghost-like sonic voyage.

+ + + : I like the intimacy of this production, but also the coherence of the work. You can’t feel at any single moment that this is a collaboration between different artists. The album reflects maturity and stands for a great work. There’s a strong visual appeal emerging, diving the listener into a tormenting and haunting atmosphere. “Thoughts Of Ancient Gods” is a brilliant exposure, but I also have to mention the somewhat more into ritual sounding “Northern Waves”.

– – – : This album is probably my favorite collaboration among the numerous Cryo Chamber collaborations. I didn’t hear real minus points and I can only encourage this trio to renew the experience.

Conclusion: “Shadows Of Forgotten Legends” is a great work and totally stands for the style and influences of Cryo Chamber!

Best songs: “Thoughts Of Ancient Gods”, “Northern Waves”, “Dusk Wings”, “Scourge Of The Seas”.

Rate: (8½).

Artists: www .facebook .com /alphaxone / www .facebook .com /protoudrone / www .facebook .com /onasander

Label: www .cryochamberlabel .com / www .facebook .com /CryoChamber

Extize – Hellcome To The Titty Twister Club (CD Album – darkTunes Music Group)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:30:07 +0000

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

Background/Info: This is the sixth full length by the French-German combo Extize. This album has been inspired by the legendary “Dusk Till Dawn”-movie from Quentin Tarantino.

Content: Extize is not what I would call a ‘stereotypical’ formation. It’s not that about the influences, which are mixing dark-electronics together with EBM and techno music, but it’s their global approach. Extize likes to make fun, which is an important element and trademark running through their sound. Crazy titles, funny lyrics and weird artwork, but at the other side it’s still alluring music. There’s a perfect mix between all influences, but the second part of the album reveals the better cuts.

The songs become more powerful and more technoid as well. There’s a track they did together with label mates SynthAttack and there also is a remix by Grendel.

+ + + : I first of all like the funny side of this band. It’s so different from the average dark-electro groups, which are always serious and dark-minded. Extize stands for pure party. They don’t take themselves too serious although composing serious and well-crafted music. There’s a perfect twist between all different influences. They’re experts in crafting carrying choruses. The last part of the album reveals different noticeable cuts. I’ve to mention the great track they did together with SynthAttack, which is pure violence and power. “The Devil Is A DJ” is a kind of hard-techno music with a little wink to Faithless. I also have to mention the more industrial-driven “KillEmAll” and the ultra-danceable bonus cut “Alles Was Ich Will”. Last, but not least “Angels Are Blind” has something refreshing.

– – – : There are 17 cuts features on this album so it’s quite understandable a few of them are a little less inspired.

Conclusion: Extize doesn’t stand for innovation and yet they’ve something really apart from other bands: a great sense of humor. This is one of the single formations I know dealing with dark-electro music that will make you dance, but also feeling good because of their sense of humor. Respect guys, you definitely rock!

Best songs: “Midnight feat. SynthAttack”, “Angels Are Blind”, “KillEmAll”, “Alles Was Ich Will Bonus Track”, “The Slut With 3 Tits”, “Rockbitch”, “Follow The Soulless – Grendel Rmx”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .extize .com / www .facebook .com /EXTIZE 666

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

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

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

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

The limited CD-single can be ordered right here.

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

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