DWA &#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!

www.facebook.com/jrstange

Midgardsblot 2024: Viking metal festival with a touch of synth and goth too

Jan Ronald Stange — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:13:33 +0000

The Midgardsblot festival, held at Borrehaugene (old viking grave mounds), outside the city of Horten, Norway, is mostly known for hosting acts within the metal genre in addition to some folk and viking inspired music.

This year, the festival first caught our attention with the announcement of Bel Canto as one of the headliners, followed by Gåte, Seigmen, Karin Park, Ledfoot, and others—definitely worth reporting on for Side-Line Magazine. And who knows, we might even discover some new bands. We headed there in mid-August to check it out!

(By our Norwegian correspondent, Jan Ronald Stange. Photos by Einar Låker and Jan Ronald Stange. Additional Dwaal photos by Jon Julius Sandal @ helvetesindrekretser and Birgit Fostervold @ knipselyst)

Side-Line’s chief editor, Bernard Van Isacker, was supposed to join me for the festival, but couldn’t make it due to a family emergency. His replacement, Einar Låker, brought his cameras and joined me instead. Since we had to attend meetings and handle some work during the day, we skipped the tenting area and set up base at a nearby campsite in a mobile home borrowed from my parents (thanks, Sigrid and Carl Edvard!).

After settling in, it was time to head to the festival grounds, which required a short hike through historic Viking graves. We collected our passes and entered the blót, an ancient Norwegian/Norse sacrificial feast.

The first act we saw was Kalandra, a UK/Norwegian band blending Celtic and Norse folk with modern arrangements. They’ve been around for over a decade, gaining recognition with their cover of Wardruna’s “Helvegen”. Since then, they’ve released several albums and composed scores for TV shows and video games.

After Kalandra, we explored the rest of the area, visiting the trade section Kaupanger, the Viking tent area Folkvangr, and the indoor stage Gildehallen (the “Feast Hall”). It was a sight to see people fully embracing the chance to step back in time.

We wrapped up the first day by watching the Swedish Viking rockers Amon Amarth, who had their fans completely enthralled—even getting hundreds to sit down and row in the middle of a song! 😊

Thursday was a rainy day, so boots and jackets were a must. We caught a bit of the Norwegian thrash band Inculter and the Polish death metal band Vader before heading inside Gildehallen for something entirely different: Trio Oro, a Norwegian world-folk fusion group featuring flutes, guitars, and percussion. They delivered a diverse set with tunes from Irish, Bulgarian, Norwegian, and other traditions. It was original and unexpectedly entertaining!

One of the main attractions, Gåte, had to cancel due to a band member’s illness and was quickly replaced by Hindarfjäll & Peter Franzen, a Swedish project that uses modern instruments to recreate the ancient sounds and atmospheres of Scandinavian/Nordic folk music.

Next, we escaped the rain by heading back into Gildehallen, catching the last few songs from local thrash band Mortal Fear—three teenagers with the drummer’s father on vocals. It was very entertaining!

The day ended with thrash metal titans Testament from California, USA, closing out the main stage at Heiheim.

Day 3 was special, with two bands from my hometown, Tønsberg, performing. Seigmen headlined the Helheim stage, while newcomers Fabbrica 82 were about to play their first-ever show in Gildehallen. We spent an hour there beforehand, chatting with the band members, Knut Ove Hansen and Lars Anders Berg, before their soundcheck and concert.

S-L: How did you come up with the band name?

Knut Ove Hansen: We started high school in 1982, and we chose Fabbrica because we wanted a name that could be associated with new wave. We went with the Italian version because “factory” was already overused in English, and I have a personal connection to Italy.

S-L: What were your first attempts at releasing music?

KOH: One of my early bands made our first demo tape at the local radio station in Tønsberg in 1985—it was actually the first synth-related demo recorded in Tønsberg! We played three gigs the following year as the band Some Bizzare, named after the famous compilation album where Depeche Mode, among others, had their first track on vinyl. We also had a third member, Bjørn Arnesen, who now lives in Peru. Lars reached out to me several times, in 2020 and again in 2023, asking if we should give it another try. I was hesitant at first, but then we made “Darkness,” and we were back at it.

Lars Anders Berg: Over the years, I’ve composed hundreds of songs, and I always wanted someone to sing to my tunes. After years of talking about it, we finally made it happen. It’s been a lot of fun, and we’ve quickly released several singles!

S-L: Any album in the making?

KOH: Yes, it’s what we’re working on. We also got another gig in October in Tønsberg. This is not where we thought we would be just six months after our first release – feels quite surreal! All because of the word of mouth in Tønsberg’s small “synth underground”, and it also spread to Oslo where we’ve gotten good feedback.

S-L: What’s your inspiration?

Lars Anders Berg: I listen to a lot of music, not just old synth, but many electronic genres. So, the process of creating themes, melodies, and tweaking knobs is an inspiration in itself.

As the hall filled with people, we noticed at least a dozen audience members already wearing fan T-shirts, and the band was thrilled after their first show.

As we left Gildehallen, we caught a few songs from Nytt Land on the Valhalla stage—a Siberian shamanic act that blends the vocal traditions of Northern Europe with traditional Siberian throat singing. It was a stark contrast after a synth gig and truly highlighted the diversity of the festival!

The last show we attended on Thursday was Seigmen at the Helheim stage. It was a fantastic performance, featuring a new song with guest Espen Winther from the medieval/folk band Eldrim, playing his harp. It was magical—a gig that later received well-deserved praise in reviews!

Snifferdog reworks Don Juan Dracula comeback single 'Burn'

The last day of the festival started off relaxed, with a stroll around, soaking in the sights and atmosphere under the sun. Then Ledfoot (Tim Scott McConnell) took the Valhalla stage. This goth-blues phenomenon was someone I’d been wanting to see live for a while, and he didn’t disappoint. He delivered a set full of raw emotion—soreness, anger, longing—and impressive guitar playing.

I had been in touch with him before the festival, and we agreed to try for an interview. However, due to his soundman’s tight schedule, they had to leave the area minutes after the show, so we exchanged a few words via Messenger a few days later instead.

S-L: How was your gig at Midgardsblot?

Ledfoot: The audience was great, and there was such a good vibe there 🙏

S-L: Did the show or audience differ much from your solo gigs?

Ledfoot: No, it’s the same everywhere—I do my best and hope the audience appreciates it.

S-L: More music in the works?

Ledfoot: I’ve started on my new record, and hopefully it’ll be out by the end of the year.
And I’d like to say a big thank you to the audience and all the people working behind the scenes.
Hugs!

Next, we went to see Bel Canto, the pioneering Norwegian electronica band, performing a set that spanned their entire career, including a few new tracks from their latest album Radiant Green. As always, they delivered a top-notch performance, and Anneli’s voice remains as impressive as ever!

Making Bernard envious by sending him live photos was an obligatory part of attending Bel Canto 😉

I also managed to spend a few minutes in Gildehallen to check out another band with a Tønsberg connection, though mostly from Oslo—the doom-sludge-ultra-heavy Dwaal. The hall was packed, with a queue outside, clearly hitting their target audience perfectly. I later caught up with lead singer Bjørnar Kristansen to ask about their experience.

S-L: How did Midgardsblot treat you?

Bjørnar Kristansen: Midgardsblot was amazing. Right after the show, we said it was one of our favorite gigs, if not our favorite. The crowd’s energy from the first riff to the last deeply affected us. I asked for a ritual, and we got a ritual for sure. A true catharsis, both on and off stage.

S-L: How does playing at a festival like this compare to club gigs?

BK: Festivals are different from club gigs because the crowd is a more varied mix of people—those who already know Dwaal and those giving us a chance for the first time. Not to say anything bad about the Norwegian audience, but it seems like international music lovers are more open to discovering new music. They come from far away and want to engage with as much as they can, even if they’ve never heard us before. It makes for an intense experience in the best way.

S-L: Did you explore the festival area, try the Viking activities or food?

BK: Our drummer Anders went on Friday and had a great time at the Blot. The rest of Dwaal arrived on Saturday, and we had some time to explore the festival. It’s an incredible event. Everyone makes you feel so welcome and included. A huge recommendation from Dwaal!

S-L: Any upcoming releases, albums, gigs, or other news?

BK: As 2024 winds down, we’re hard at work on new music, with some exciting projects that push us out of our comfort zone, which we love. Our last regular concert of the year will be at Apollon Tønsberg on October 11th, with Uaar as support. On December 14th, we’re playing the Caliban Sessions, a yearly mini-festival hosted by Ole Petter Andreassen of Black Debbath, Thulsa Doom, and Cumshots fame. It will be a fantastic end to a great year for Dwaal, marking our tenth year as a band. There are plans for a gig in Oslo in 2025, so stay tuned for that announcement.

We’re also in talks for more live shows in Europe, though nothing we can confirm just yet. And of course, if Midgardsblot invites us back, we’d love to play again!

The last show in Gildehallen this time around was the one that probably impressed me the most—Karin Park from Sweden. Alone on stage, standing between two tables covered with synths, computers, and modular gear, she sounded and performed like a full band, delivering an incredibly energetic set. Crown her the Queen of Synth already! (go to https://www.facebook.com/748210539/videos/1540166493571503/ for videos, several in the comments!)

The Norwegian band Emperor, regarded as pioneers of extreme black metal, closed the festival on the main stage, Helheim, in front of a devoted audience.

To sum it all up: a festival well worth visiting! As they’ve expanded the musical genres in their lineup, there’s now something for everyone without losing their core purpose or audience. This approach also increases the chance to discover something new, which is always a plus!

A big shoutout to Runa Strindin, the driving force behind the festival, and her entire crew for making it such a success! Hopefully, they’ll continue for years to come, and perhaps the 10th anniversary next year will be even more special?!

PS: As a food enthusiast, I must mention the excellent variety of food, ranging from handmade hot dogs to Thai, Mexican, elk burgers, and elk kebabs! Most impressive was the food from the Norwegian Chefs National Association, Vestfold branch (Norske kokkers Landsforening, avdeling Vestfold)—their hot-smoked halibut dish was to die for! 😊

Jan Ronald Stange

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

Dero Goi (ex-OOMPH!) offers video single ‘Whistleblower’ ahead new album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:48:07 +0000

Former OOMPH! frontman Dero Goi has released the video single for his latest track “Whistleblower”, a tribute to whistleblowers who risk their lives and freedom to expose serious crimes. This track is from his forthcoming debut double album, “1984”, scheduled for release on November 29, 2024.

“The lyrics of ‘Whistleblower’ and the theme of the video are directly related to the title of the track,” Dero Goi explains. “Julian Assange’s release was a surprise and a relief, but there are still many whistleblowers who continue to suffer in silence. It’s shameful that the German government remains indifferent to Edward Snowden’s situation, a critical voice in our fight for truth and transparency.”

“1984” marks GOI’s first major project since his departure from OOMPH! in 2021. Known for pioneering the Neue Deutsche Härte genre with his former band, GOI has since taken a different creative path, embracing electronic influences. His vast array of inspirations, ranging from industrial legends like Front 242 to icons like Depeche Mode and ABBA.

PIG reissues ‘Sinsation’ in a remastered version – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 15:14:08 +0000

Raymond Watts, better known as PIG, has released a fully remastered version of his iconic 1995 album, “Sinsation“. Out via Metropolis Records (CD, digital) and Armalyte Industries (deluxe 2xLP vinyl), this reissue arrives nearly three decades after the original, just in time to coincide with Watts’ forthcoming North American tour.

Sinsation (Remastered) by PIG

“Sinsation” originally hit the scene on Nothing Records, the label spearheaded by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor. The album emerged shortly after PIG opened for NIN, and as a result PIG found himself labelmates of acts such as Marilyn Manson, Autechre, and Einstürzende Neubauten.

Watts says this about the actual album: “Every record I make is PIG through a different noose, and when I made ‘Sinsation’ the noose hung high. It was born at Ranch Apocalypse in London, a place where creation and cremation coexisted. I was locked inside both the studio and myself, with only [guitarist] Steve White and a large box of drugs for company. ‘Sinsation’ was the sound of the last card turning and burning. The only way out was through. I had to give birth to the noise inside my head and record it.”

The remastering process was an emotional experience for Watts: “I was surprised and saddened to revisit ‘Sinsation’. Surprised by the energy and invention and saddened to hear the pain. But, I was strangely glad to have visited hell, and blessed that I didn’t stay.”

The original ‘Sinsation’ was a collaborative effort, recorded and mixed by PIG and Helen Woodward, featuring contributions from Karl Hyde (Underworld), Jimmy Cauty (The KLF), Steve White (KMFDM), Carol Anne Reynolds (Sow), and Japanese artists Imai Hisashi (Buck Tick) and Hoppy Kamiyama.

Tears Run Rings debuts ‘Helios Helada’ ahead of new LP

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:44:57 +0000

Pacific Northwest shoegaze group Tears Run Rings has released their latest single and video, “Helios Helada”, from their forthcoming album “Everything In the End” out on Shelflife Records on September 6th, 2024.

Formed 15 years ago, Tears Run Rings consists of Matthew Bice (vocals, guitar), Laura Watling (vocals, bass), Ed Mazzucco (guitar), and Dwayne Palasek (drums). The band returns after a six-year hiatus since their last album.

“Everything In the End” is the result of the band’s renewed collaboration following their first live show in a decade back in 2018 and retains Tears Run Rings’ shoegaze roots. The double LP was conceptualized over several years with much of the album having been recorded in Portland and San Francisco home studios, making it a long-distance collaborative effort.

Below is the video for “Helios Helada”, the leading single.

Beatbox Machinery – Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers (Album – Digital/CD – Werkstatt Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers” is a new album released by ‘Toxic Razor’ (known from Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao) on his own label Werkstatt Recordings. The modus operandi continues to be supported by the use of only hardware synths. The genre and influences also remain quite space-like with elements of Electro-Pop and EBM. The biggest difference from previous works is the addition of vocals and that brings a real bonus to the work. (Rate: 7½ )

Listen to “Tele-Synthesized”:

Tele-Synthesized by BEATBOX MACHINERY

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The project’s modus operandi relies solely on hardware synthesizers.

“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers”, reviewed here, adds vocals to the hardware-only approach for the first time in the project’s catalog.

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.

Swedish industrial metal act Rave The Reqviem releases new song ‘Anti-Savior’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:18:29 +0000

Out via Out Of Line Music is the all new single by Sweden’s industrial metal act Rave The Reqviem: “Anti-Savior”. You may expect down-tempo industrial beats meet heavy guitars and catchy hooks featuring opera vocals by former lead singer The Holy Mother.

It was the Japan-based label DWA that first discovered the band and released their debut album in 2014. They signed with the German label Out Of Line Music in 2017. After gaining access to a wider audience with their albums “Fvneral [Sic]” (2018) and “Stigmata Itch” (2020), the band led by songwriter Filip Lönnqvist is now back with new material.

The band was formed in Kalmar, Sweden in late 2011 by lead singer and guitarist Philip Lönnqvist, who also provides the electronic elements.

Below is the band’s newest single, “Anti-Savior” featuring two other tracks as well.

Exclusive Side-Line premiere for new video by Melbourne cyberpunk act SIRUS: ‘Save And Suffocate’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:11:20 +0000

The Melbourne cyberpunk act SIRUS make a welcome return with a brand new single and promo video, “Save And Suffocate”, out to coincide with their appearance at Sheffield’s Resistanz Festival this Easter.

“Save And Suffocate”, out via the DWA label, finds the Australian trio of Josh, Keeva and Ryan combining bass music and progressive metal into a very attractive cocktail, in the tradition of their previous singles “Full Scale Revolt” and “Singularity”.

“Save And Suffocate” will be available both digitally and in an ultra-limited black-based CD edition from April 15 on, backed with the exclusive b-side “Shoot To Kill, Think To Win”. You can pre-order the single right now from Bandcamp. CD copies can be obtained exclusively at Resistanz Festival prior to the general release date for the CD which is May 6.

The video is released today in a premiere exclusive to Side-Line and was directed and edited by the band’s Josh Rombout.

Below is the Bandcamp pre-order!

Save And Suffocate by SIRUS

Lech Nienartowicz – Wzdłuż Pasma (CD Album – Kosmodron)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 20:00:49 +0000

Genre/Influences: Experimental, soundscape. Background/Info: Lech Nienartowicz is a Polish artist based in Toruń. He’s involved with different projects and is also running the small cassette label Pawlacz Perski. This work is his first solo-album featuring 3 tracks. Content: Lech Nienartowicz confirms that this work is one of his less experimental ones although it clearly remains driven by the taste to experiment with different noise sources. Field recordings are important in the work of the artist and you sometimes get the impression entering a cabaret of sonic rarities. Sometimes evasive and pretty space-like, the last cut is definitely darker and invites the listener to join in for a trip of more than 24 minutes. + + + : As the artist explains, his work is sometimes moving at the border of ‘music and non-music’, but the most accessible passages reveal a few great parts. I especially recommend the last track, which is progressively built up and featuring great, dark passages. – – – : I can’t say to have heard real highlights on this album. The sound creation and manipulation of noises clearly appear to be the main focus of the author. Conclusion: Experimental music always is something particular and definitely apart from the ‘common music standards’. It’s not that different for Lech Nienartowicz although “Wzdłuż Pasma” is a rather accessible piece. Best songs: “Dwa Kamienie”. Rate: (6½). Label: www .facebook .com /kosmodronelabel

About Lech Nienartowicz

Lech Nienartowicz is a Polish sound artist based in Toruń who also runs the small cassette label Pawlacz Perski. “Wzdłuż Pasma,” limited to 200 copies, was his first full-length solo release, following an earlier split release with fellow Polish artist Michał Wolski. His work is built from field recordings and noise sources, with the artist describing it as moving along the border of music and non-music.

Rave The Reqviem – Fvneral [Sic] (CD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 19:30:31 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial-metal.

Background/Info: Set up in 2011 by Filip Lönnqvist (aka ‘The Prophet’) Rave The Reqviem originally started as a dark-electronic formation. The band signed to DWA and released its first productions. The previous album “The Gospel Of Nil” (2016) saw the band dealing with a more metal-driven sound. The band now joined hands with Out Of Line to unleash their third opus. One major change happened in the line-up. Filip’s mother (aka ‘The Holy Mother’) who was the lead singer left the band and got replaced by Jenny Fagerstrandh (aka ‘The Seraph’).

Content: This album moves on there where “The Gospel Of Nil” ended. It’s a furious production carried by heavy, aggressive and pure metal-sounding guitar playing while electronic arrangements inject an epic touch to the work. The rhythms are furious and sometimes pretty hard-core like. The new female vocalist seems to feel perfectly comfortable and brings a heavenly and artistic touch to the album. There’re still multiple male vocal parts as well.

+ + + : This album stands for the ultimate fusion between metal- and industrial/electro music. Both genres are totally complementary, which is an essential element of this work you also will find back in the female- (leading) and male (backing) vocals. This work stands for power and harmony! The epic touch supporting the opus is also characteristic and accentuating a kind of drama. There’s multiple noticeable songs featured here and even potential hits. That’s also because of the fully accomplished and elevating choruses.

– – – : Rave The Reqviem hasn’t reinvented the industrial-metal style and that’s probably the single remark I can imagine about this album.

Conclusion: I personally consider Rave The Reqviem as one of the most promising bands in their genre. They’re constantly improving their sound and global production, which resulted in a brilliant opus! This band has the potential to become one of Out Of Line’s leading formations.

Best songs: “Saint Jvdas”, “Ghost Royale”, “Skydweller”, “Are Yov Happy Now, Fidelio”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www .facebook .com /ravethereqviem

Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel

About Rave The Reqviem

Rave The Reqviem was formed in Sweden in 2011 by Filip Lönnqvist, who performs as The Prophet. His mother, Carola Lönnqvist, known as The Holy Mother, was the project’s original lead vocalist before Jenny Fagerstrandh joined as The Seraph.

The band signed to Digital World Audio for its early releases before moving to Out Of Line for “Fvneral [Sic]”, its third album.

C-Lekktor sees ‘Animals’ single released on vinyl (sold out!) and CD (+ download)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:46:35 +0000

A new C-Lekktor single has just been released via the DWA label: “Animals”. The clear vinyl 7″ version sold out completely on pre-order so you’ll have to make sure to get the CD which is pressed on semi-transparent clear substrate CD which you can order right here. The new single by the Mexican outfitis taken from the album “Out Of My Way”, which just spent 7 weeks in the Top 10 of the Deutsche Alternative Charts. “Animals” comes in a Club Version exclusively for this single. Plus you get the brand new and previously unreleased track ”Cyborgs” as an extra. “Animals” also gets a slamming makeover for this single by Stoppenberg a.k.a. Jan L (X-Fusion/Noisuf-X).

Read the review of ‘Animals’.

The Faceless Aberration by RUINIZER

The new Ruinizer album (and single) are out now… and already half sold-out!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:57:16 +0000

Just released via the Japanese DWA label is the 3rd album from UK act Ruinizer, “The Faceless Aberration”. “The Faceless Aberration” was mastered by Jan L of NOISUF-X at his X-Fusion Music Production facility in Germany. The album is by far the hardest thing the project has released so far and returns almost full circle to the industrial black metal roots of Ruinizer’s original project Cedigest.

The first 100 copies of the physical edition of “The Faceless Aberration” come in a spot-gloss varnished double-disc digifile with integral bound-in lyric booklet and 5-track bonus disc as you can see below.

The bonus disc, “The Voiceless Augmentation”, is pressed on a semi-transparent clear substrate CD and comprises 3 non-album tracks sandwiched between 2 alternate orchestral arrangements of tracks from the album itself.

This ultra-collectible 2CD is already over half sold out on pre-order, with remaining copies available online on the DWA Bandcamp page.

Check the tracks out below:

Out now, the new Sirus single and video ‘Singularity’ + 3 physical formats – check it out

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 08:21:46 +0000

Having almost sold out all physical copies of both their albums and both previous singles for DWA, Melbourne-based cyberpunk act Sirus have returned with the new single and video “Singularity”. Initial physical copies come in 3 ultra-limited and ultra-innovative formats as you can see below:

single-track business card CD (“Singularity – Single Edit”): Clear plastic, printed in black, white and clear spot gloss finish
2-track transparent lathecut 7” vinyl (“Singularity – Single Edit”/ “Cycleheart”)
3-track 80mm vinyl-look mini-CD (“Singularity – Single Edit”/ “Cycleheart”/ “Singularity”): Basically looks like a miniature picture disc. As with the business card edition, printing has been done directly onto the jewelcase itself – negating any need for paper parts.

These collectibles are all already sold out on pre-order, with remaining copies available online here on the DWA Bandcamp page, so be very quick if you want one! The video – the follow-up to the band’s massively successful “Neon Dominion” can be viewed below:

Read the review of ‘Singularity’.

‘Click Interview’ with C-Lekktor: ‘I Don’t Compose Music For A Competition Or So’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 18:00:54 +0000

C-Lekktor progressively became one of the leading formations at the wider fields of dark-electronics. Master mind Marco Antonio Barrientos (Markko) has been busy experimenting and releasing music for his side-projects Circuito Cerrado and Kromak, but now strikes back unleashing the fourth official full length of C-Lekktor. “Out Of My Way” also is the first album released on DWA (Digital World Audio) and will ravish all electro heads and fans of the band. This album will only increase the status of the band. I got in touch with the always friendly and accessible front man to answer a few questions.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: After the previous C-Lekktor-album (cf. “Final Alternativo”) you were busy releasing material for Circuito Cerrado and Kromak. How does it feel to strike back with your ‘main’ project and the new album?

Markko: I really needed getting back to C-LEKKTOR, which really reflects a lot of very different feelings and thoughts from my daily life. This new album stands for the accumulated energy that was inside me. I feel alive!

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about that and are there some new music elements you tried to incorporate in the production?

Markko: Actually when Jorge and I started working on this new album, we talked about the idea to return to the old structure of the songs we like from the first albums, but we wanted to experiment with some fresh sounds. So this is the result of the ideas we got in mind. We wanted to please our fans all over the world who were missing the ‘old’ sound, but on the other hand we also tried to please the people who liked the sound of “X-Tension In Progress”. So I think we are somewhere in the midst (laugh)

Q: I experienced “Out Of My Way” as your most diversified work; moving from EBM to dark-electronics to industrial-trance. What have been the main sources of inspiration to compose this new work?

Markko: Thanx for the words, that’s really appreciated. The main basis for this new album definitely was our first two albums.. We somewhere changed ideas and technical skills on the latest album so we wanted to recover our old sound formula, but we love music and we enjoy listening to it; new and old music. So I guess we used different ingredients to get and different flavor on this new album (laugh)

Q: Next to the ‘regular’ edit, the album has been also released as a so-called ‘audio-book’ featuring a bonus disc. Tell us a bit more about this concept, the artwork and the bonus disc featuring hard-hitting songs?

Markko: Jamie from DWA is always putting great efforts and passion in everything he is doing. We didn’t only notice his interest in our music, but still a real friendship and total support in the products he is realizing. We already noticed it with the 7″ vinyl of “Radioakktivity” and now with this gorgeous version of the album on digibook. We feel so proud of it; the artwork was done again by DJ/VJ Psyklon and I can tell you this time it was not a deception at all. He immediately caught the idea and concept we were looking for and ‘bang’ there it was.

About the extra songs on the bonus disc the answer is quite easy. We had too much songs so they couldn’t all be released on one disc and decided to put the songs on a bonus disc.

Q: You in 2015 did a noticeable cover version of Kraftwerk’s “Radioactivity”, which I think is a real great dark-electro version of this legendary song. How did it feel to cover such a great band and do you’ve other songs in mind you would like to cover?

Markko: I can’t say if it is a good cover version or not, but I just wanted to pay tribute to one of the bands that changed my life and turned my way into the right music. I didn’t only make covers of Kraftwerk, but still a few more from bands like Depeche Mode, Suicide Commando, Front 242, Hocico and a few more… cause all these bands are in my mind and my ears… and now that you say it, I feel so honored that you like it… It means that not everything I’m doing is shitty (laugh).

Q: Together with Hocico and Amduscia, C-Lekktor is without a shadow of a doubt one of the leading dark-electro bands from Mexico. How does it feel to have reached this status and what’s the relationship with other Mexican artists?

Markko: Well to be honest, I’ve never thought about this, but thank you for this great compliment. I think every band or project has its own place and I don’t compose music for a competition or so, it was never my intention to get a place or number on anything… I’m actually not looking for fame, I’m just a guy trying to share the sounds that are living in my head and my heart. I’ve a lot of respect and admiration for each of my country mate musicians, but also for all the other artists all over the world.

Make sure to complete your collection of PreEmptive Strike 0.1 albums via this fine mail-order.

‘Click Interview’ with Preemptive Strike 0.1: ‘Preemptive Strike 0.1 Is A Band With A Split Personality’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:00:39 +0000

When you think about Greece and the beautiful island of Crete, you immediately get images of holidays in mind. But Greece also is a real prolific country when it comes to gothic music and dark-electronics. PreEmptive Strike 0.1 for sure is one of their most talented and recognized electronic ambassadors. After several noticeable albums released on Infacted Recordings they now joined hands with Digital World Audio to unleash their new full length “Through The Astral Cold”. I got in touch with George Klontzas and singer JIM.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Your sixth full length “Through The Astral Cold” has been released, but what is this new work all about and do you see main differences (technical- & sound wise) with your previous ‘electronic’ work?

George: First and foremost, we have, to a large degree, abandoned the traditional, folk instrumentation that was present on our previous 3 albums. I felt that after “EPOS V” (2015), I didn’t really want to continue in that direction. After doing that style for all those years I felt like using the traditional elements had become restrictive to me even though it was born out of a desire to ignore the conventions of the harsh EBM genre. It seemed I had built myself into a box that I had to ‘break’ in a sense. I don’t like to commit myself to making tracks that fit a certain mold. We have a number of influences on our music, from EBM to metal and trance, and making music with a specific recipe was not satisfying for me. That doesn’t mean that I wanted to completely abandon that aspect of our sound and if you listen to “Through The Astral Cold” you clearly see that it is still present there, just not on the driving force of each and every track.

“Through The Astral Cold” has been described as a ‘return to the roots’ but I’m not sure if that’s an accurate description. I would say that it is the accumulation of and combination of all our previous albums put together. “Through The Astral Cold” was actually the easiest of all our albums for me to write. I just wrote the songs naturally without much effort in a way that surprised even myself. In addition, because I have much less free time these days to devote to music I have become very efficient in making that time as productive as possible. In general, I feel much happier making music ‘unforced’.

Q: So what are the main themes of the new album and how do you try to transpose lyrical themes into music?

George: Well, continuing what I mentioned above, writing tracks in just one style restricts other aspects of the aesthetic of an album such as the artwork and lyrics. Especially when it’s such a specific concept as Greek mythology. So although Greek mythology is incredibly rich and we could find plenty of subject matter for lyrics again why be confined to making concept albums? Overall, “Through The Astral Cold” definitely has a more cyber/sci-fi atmosphere in a style similar to our first albums.

JIM: To be honest, it is easier for me to write sci-fi lyrics especially what concerns outer space and alien invasions than themes about Greek mythology! The B-movies of the 50-60s are an endless inspiration from me!

Q: “Through The Astral Cold” is your first album released on Digital World Audio while all previous full lengths got released on Infacted Recordings. Was it time for a new partner and what makes you sign to DWA?

George: In the process of making “Through The Astral Cold” and seeing the kind of music we were creating, especially the metal-tracks, we realized that it was just not a good fit for Infacted Recordings any more. Thus, although we were saddened since we had been there for about 10 years, we decided it was the best for both parties to seek out a different label. DWA was the perfect choice for us in that respect because they have a roster of both electronic and metal/rock bands. We have had a friendly relationship with Jamie, the DWA label boss, for 5-6 years now so we simply decided to join forces.

Jim: I would add that we always want to get ‘challenges’ from our label such as vinyl releases, compilations, covers of known bands from other genres, special DCD releases, digibooks, etc. I don’t think that the only option is to release a CD every 2 years and next to gain publicity for 1 month and then… again to wait for 2 years to release the next CD. It is not interesting anymore for me. Jamie and DWA know the way to keep a band on their roster ‘hot’ all the time.

Q: Before the new album you released 2 EP’s, which clearly were an experiment with metal music influences featuring a rather unexpected and unknown side of PreEmptive Strike 01. Where does this metal influence comes from and what have been the reactions plus impact of both EP’s?

George: All the guys in PES0.1 – Jim, Yiannis and I have a metal background so it wasn’t strange that at some point it would emerge at the surface of our music. We had one or two tracks with metal influences on our albums so at one point we said ‘Let’s do a whole EP in this style’. This is how the “Pierce Their Husk”-EP was made. The reception of both “Pierce Their Husk” and the “Eternal Masters” EPs has been very good from reviewers and fans alike. Some prefer one style to the other, but we have made it clear that PES0.1 is a band with a ‘split personality’ and people can understand what I think. Besides I believe people are much more open to a variety of genres these days.

JIM: We gained new fans and we spread our name outside the scene. You know there is a 10% of the black/death/extreme metal fans that like a blend of guitars and electronics. Their number is much more than all the dark-electro/ EBM scene. If someone can ‘gain’ this audience I think that the sales will increase very much.

Q: Why didn’t you consider to set up a side-project dealing with metal-music and is it an option for the future?

George: Originally, we weren’t really thinking about it to tell you the truth. We were just making tracks of both styles however we felt. But when it came time to think about how to release them it was a bit of ‘headache’ trying to figure out how to market these vastly different tracks which seemed to have a much different audience. Some ideas were to make “Through The Astral Cold” a DCD-release with the electronic tracks on one disc and the metal tracks on another. At one point, we even toyed with the idea of releasing them under different band names too. Ultimately, we decided release them separately but under the same band name. Besides most people are aware of both ‘sides’ of PES0.1 and this way we avoided having a disjointed or uneven album with an unlikely mix of genres.

JIM: Notice that we don’t have a guitarist in the band. All our metal releases are ‘vs…’ or ‘feat…’ The members from the collaborating metal bands contribute with the guitar parts. So I don’t think that we will ever set up a project dealing with Metal exclusively. Personally, I have the project Punishment Systems² (www.facebook.com/punishmentsystems) with the guy from the cult black-metal band AD HOMINEM so I don’t need to set up a new one!

Q: Artwork seems to take an important part in the work of PreEmptive Strike 0.1. Is it like a mirror reflecting the soul of your band and what do we have to find in it?

George: I think we have been lucky in always getting artwork that really reflects the tone of each album accurately. The artwork for “Eternal Masters” was done by Nikos Stavridakis, an up-and-coming artist from our home island of Crete. He has been a close friend since the very beginning of PES0.1 and you can expect more of his artwork to start appearing soon, especially in the metal scene. The artwork for “Through The Astral Cold” and the follow-up single “More Than Flesh” was done by Vlad McNealy who is already well-know in the electro-industrial scene for his artwork. Both did an amazing job of creating artwork that depicts exactly what we were aiming for and we will gladly work with both again in the future.

JIM: One thing I have to say is the front cover of “Through The Astral Cold” was the cover that I was always dreaming of for PES0.1! The work Vlad did left me breathless!

Thanks for the interview and greetings from Greece!

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Rave The Reqviem launches 3-track single ‘Mono Heart’ on 7inch, 2x 7inch and as download – listen now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 18:12:03 +0000

DWA signed act Rave The Reqviem have released a 3-track digital single, “Mono Heart”, taken from their forthcoming album. The single includes 2 non-album “b-sides” next to the title track. And good to know, the single is also available as limited edition lathe-cut transparent vinyl 7″ – or ultra-limited double-vinyl 7″ besides the regular download which you can get ahold of right here on Bandcamp. You can check the different trackless right here. “Mono Heart”, like the rest of the band’s upcoming second album, was mixed and mastered by André Alvinzi (of Swedish metal studio Fascination Street). Alvinzi ‘s previous credits include the mixing and mastering of albums by Insomnium and The Forsaken, keyboards and additional programming for bands such as Amorphis, Angra and Moonspell, and the 5.1 surround sound mix of the latest At The Gates album (assisted by Linus Corneliusson). Listen to the single below and download it here: Mono Heart by RAVE THE REQVIEM Regarding the 2 “b-sides”, first of all there’s the alternate mix of “Mono Heart” which was engineered by Johan Ramström of RamPac – the songwriting/production duo known for producing artists such as Swingfly and Crashdiet. Working primarily with top level Swedish mainstream artists, RamPac have been involved in several productions featured in the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest. The second non-album bonus track comes in the shape of symphonic ballad “The Antedilvvian Lvllaby” – which serves as a vehicle for both the melancholic side of Filip Lönnqvist’s songwriting and the solo vocal talents of Carola Lönnqvist. Co-produced by Egosoft GmbH video game music composer Alexei Zakharov (whose talents also feature on the upcoming second album),”The Antedilvvian Lvllaby” presents a very different sound of the band.

Read the review of ‘Mono Heart’.

Seraphim System just released new 4-track single ‘This Is Invasion’ including Noisuf-X and Iszoloscope remixes

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:19:09 +0000

Out now is the 4-track digital EP “This Is Invasion” by Seraphim System. “This Is Invasion” includes remixes by Noisuf-X and Iszoloscope next to the single edit and the alternate “Bass Invader Version”. Both the “Bass Invader Version” and the Noisuf-X remix are exclusive to this release. This is the first single to be taken from the forthcoming Seraphim System album “Automaton Assisted Annihilation”. You can order the single via Bandcamp or via iTunes. The band was originally signed to DWA on the strength of their remix for the fellow DWA act Rave The Reqviem’s debut album. Seraphim System’s own debut album for DWA, “Deadly Force”, was released at at the end of 2014. Sound wise Seraphim System mixes such genres as industrial, aggrotech, power noise, drum’n’bass, dubstep, glitch hop, hardcore, and even elements of metal. You can listen to the single below, and pick it up if you like what you here! This Is Invasion by SERAPHIM SYSTEM

Read the review of ‘This Is Invasion’.

Censorsh!t – The Remixes by NITRO/NOISE

Nitro/Noise hits back with ‘Censorsh!t – The Remixes’ as download and vinyl

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:34:54 +0000

Out now via DWA’s Bandcamp page is an 8-track digital EP by Canada’s Nitro/Noise featuring remixes from Zardonic, Dope Stars Inc., Faderhead, Rotersand, Raimon and Seraphim System. The track is taken from Nitro/Noise’s second album “No Cure For Apocalypse” which came out last year in conjunction with the band’s first EU tour.

A heavyweight 12″ vinyl version holding 4 tracks per side is also in the making (and can also be pre-ordered here) and will be released in a couple of weeks. Good to know, for the vinyl edition Krischan Wesenberg’s Rotersand rework, which first appeared on the CD2 of the now sold out 2CD edition of “No Cure For Apocalypse”, was remastered – alongside the different Rotersand redub version which was subsequently released on the special DWA compilation available with Orkus! Magazin’s summer edition last year. Bass metal act Zardonic offers the opening track, plus an instrumental version for DJs pressed on the B-side of the record.

The vinyl is strictly limited to 100 units only and comes complete with hand-numbered black outer sleeve screen-printed in yellow and white, matching black poly-lined inner sleeves for maximum protection, plus of course a download code for all 8 tracks. Front cover artwork comes, like the “No Cure For Apocalypse” album itself, from Estonian artist Darius Alas.

You can preview the release below.

New vProjekt album ‘Wounds In The Age Of Healing’ out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:50:59 +0000

A few weeks ago we reported on Australian act vProjekt who had just released the 4-track download EP “Parallel Commands”. Now we can announce the full info on the new album “Wounds In The Age Of Healing” which is available now on CD and as download. The CD first edition of “Wounds In The Age Of Healing” comes in a 4-panel digipak and features 4 remixes exclusive to this CD-version – by Haujobb, ESA, Iszoloscope and Wychdoktor – and is strictly limited to 250 units worldwide. Australian producer Eugene Nesci launched the project in 2011 with the “Exhilarate & Disgust” 15-track debut. After almost 3 years of total silence, Nesci has returned. Check the complete trackless right here.

Read the review of ‘Wounds In The Age Of Healing’.

Terrolokaust – Mix The Poison Up (Digital Album – Digital World Audio)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 15:33:24 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Content: Terrolokaust is a band I kept an eye on since their very first album (cf. “Gas”) released in their homeland by Mutant-E Records. They afterwards joined DWA releasing a few more albums and EP’s.

The digital edit of “Mix The Poison Up” and the CD-re-release of the album “Spit The Poison Out” (featuring the bonus CD “Mix The Poison Up”) got simultaneously released featuring 8 new remixes by iVardensphere, Phosgore, C-Lekktor, Retrogramme, Seraphim System, ESA, Ruinizer and Chainreactor.

The CD edit of “Mix The Poison Up” features 12 remixes while the digital version features a total amount of 15 remixes. It’s all a bit confusing when you realize that Vendetta Music released “Spit The Poison Out” for the American scene in 2013 with 3 remixes, but accomplished by other bands. The 3 extra remixes on the new digital edition originally appeared at the CD format of “Mix The Poison Up” released by Deathwatch Asia in 2013.

Terrolokaust got remixed by interesting names unleashing a quite diversified result. Rotersand remains a ‘Master’ when it comes to accomplish a remix and it’s one of the most noticeable bands. The remix of “Reversing In Circles” is a noticeable song.

My favorite remixes are those of Chainreactor, FGFC820, Phosgore, C-Lekktor, Modulate and ESA. “Pointless” was remixed by Chainreactor in a rather expected electro-industrial-rave featuring the harsh vocals of Javi Sasgittar on top. A somewhat similar remix is the one of “Two-Faced Leader” transposed by Phosgore into another great industrial-rave piece, which sounds hard and merciless.

FGFC820 remixed “The Way It Must Be” in a dark-EBM style, which is really boosting and reminding me a bit of early Inertia. C-Lekktor is once more convincing me that this project is slowly becoming one of the best dark-electro bands of the past few years. The remix of “Reversing In Circles” got a hard adrenaline injection, which is a real dancefloor killer.

Modulate did a great job as well remixing “The Way It Must Be” (a remix that was originally released as B-side of a 7″ vinyl single taken from the album) and I here especially want to mention the cool dark sequences running through the song.

Last, but not least there’s a more rough and industrial-orientated remix of “Addicted” by ESA.

Other remixes from bands like iVardensphere, Nitro/Noise, Sirus, Retrogramme, Ruinizer and Blackopz are not bad at all, but they can’t really compete with the aforementioned remixes.

Conclusion: This digital edition of “Mix The Poison Up” is interesting for all the fans of the band. There’s a great diversity in influences and an impressive selection of talented and established dark-electro acts.

Best songs: “Two-Faced Leader – Phosgore Remix”, “The Way It Must Be – Modulate Remix”, “Pointless – Chainreactor Remix”, “Reversing In Circles – C-Lekktor Remix”, “The Way It Must Be – FGFC820 Remix”.

Rate: (DP:8)DP.

Band: www.facebook.com/Terrolokaust

Label: http://dwa-digital.com / www.facebook.com/DigitalWorldAudio

CD and vinyl in one format? Yup, that’s what happened to ‘Is Apollo Still Alive?’, the new single from Rave The Reqviem

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:46:14 +0000

Here’s something really rare that turned up. For the 3rd and final single (“Is Apollo Still Alive?”) to be taken from Swedish industrial metal-step crossover act Rave The Reqviem’s self-titled debut album, DWA has taken full advantage of both the song’s length and the length of the 3 remixes presented alongside it to squeeze both 4 tracks of CD-audio and – on the first 100 copies only – to lathe-cut the title track for vinyl playback.

Yes – you read that correctly. The first 100 copies of the “Is Apollo Still Alive?” CD (available here) are in fact ‘a hybrid CD/vinyl’ – a format so rare that it doesn’t even really have a name and is only produced by one company on the planet.

Below you can see how that looks like as DWA provided us a picture of the final product.

The CD comes with a special plastic adaptor already inserted, in order to facilitate playback on a record deck. The vinyl track is lathe-cut around the outer-most part of the CD (see also the picture), with the regular CD-audio data occupying the remaining space inside creating a highly unusual and unique artefact.

“Is Apollo Still Alive?” is released on October 9th, and can be pre-ordered now. Be fast if you want to be sure of picking up one of the lathe-cut CD-vinyl hybrid disc versions.

Track listing:

Is Apollo Still Alive? (first 100 copies ONLY)
Is Apollo Still Alive?
Is Apollo Still Alive? (W.A.S.T.E. Remix)
Is Apollo Still Alive? (IVARDENSPHERE Remix)
Is Apollo Still Alive? (VPROJEKT Version 2)

Quite a nice stunt from DWA!

Damsels In Distress by TECHNOLORGY

2nd single for Technolorgy: ‘Damsel In Distress’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:52:30 +0000

Greek duo Technolorgy have released a second single from their “Dying Stars” album, the electroclash-flavoured “Damsel In Distress”. The single, out via DWA, was mixed and mastered as usual by Dimitris N. Douvras and with artwork by Vlad McNeally.

This 5-track EP version of “Damsel In Distress” adds the exclusive B-side bonus track “Femme Fatale” and 2 different versions of remix by Ukraine’s Ginger Snap5 – plus a digital release for the Cygnosic remix otherwise found only on the limited edition CD-version of the album.

“Damsels In Distress” is available now on DWA’s Bandcamp store.

Side-Line also covered Technolorgy’s ‘Inevitably Versatile’.

Technolorgy’s 4-track single ‘Crestfallen’ out as digital release

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:31:10 +0000

Out now is the 4-track digital EP “Crestfallen” Technolorgy by including remixes from Rotersand and Soman, plus an exclusive B-side “City Of Fallen Angels”. The Rotersand remix could already be found in the bonus section of the limited edition CD-version of “Dying Stars”. “Crestfallen” is the first single to be taken from the new Technolorgy album “Dying Stars”. You can get the EP right here. A preview can be heard here: Crestfallen by TECHNOLORGY The single comes accompanied by a full promo video which you can view below.

Read the review of ‘Crestfallen’.

Side-Line also covered Technolorgy’s ‘Damsel In Distress’.

vProjekt launches 4-track EP ‘Parallel Commands’ on DWA – get it now!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 16:43:16 +0000

Released digitally today on DWA is the 4-track EP “Parallel Commands” from vProjekt based on tracks from the upcoming album “Wounds In The Age Of Healing”. Doubling as both a debut single from and companion piece to the upcoming album, this EP version of “Strict Command” offers “Strict Command”, Eugene Nesci’s own ‘re-build’ of the track “Narrow Galaxy” from “Wounds In The Age Of Healing” (a different version from the album itself), a Ruinizer remix of “Strict Command” (exclusive to this release) and a digital release for the Haujobb remix of “Strict Command” (available only on the limited edition CD version of the album). “Parallel Commands” can be found now in DWA’s Bandcamp store and of course also on Spotify, iTunes etc from today on. The album “Wounds In The Age Of Healing” can also be pre-ordered and this from the DWA store directly. Tracklist:

Strict Command 04:25
Parallel Galaxy 07:30
Strict Command (Haujobb Remix) 04:24
Strict Command (Ruinizer Remix) 04:22

You can listen to the tracks below: Parallel Commands by VPROJEKT

Read the review of ‘Parallel Commands’.