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

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: The seventh full length album of the German ‘icemen’ was released at the end of 2023and is featuring eleven songs.

Content: Neither real surprises nor innovation at “Götter Weiss”; Eisfabrik brings a new and fine selection of danceable Electro/Future-Pop songs conceived by the knowledge of Gerrit Thomas and sung by the charismatic ‘Dr. Schnee’. It remains a cold Electro-Pop experience mixing danceable cuts and melancholic, reverie, pieces. Most of the songs have been sung in English.

+ + + : Eisfabrik don’t really change the successful formula to compose alluring and personal Electro-Pop music. This band remains driven by themes referring to ‘ice’ while the music is still ultra-danceable and featuring elevating choruses. The typical arrangements of Gerrit Thomas are still there and accentuate the sound DNA of this band. I’m still more into the danceable side of the band.

– – – : The album is cool but doesn’t bring anything new; it even feels a bit like on automatic-pilot.

Conclusion: Eisfabrik fans will be not disappointed to see their favorites striking back with new danceable assaults but even they will have to admit this is not the best album in the band’s history.

Best songs: “Götter In Weiss”, “If All This Is True”, “Dark Life”, “All My Life”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.nocut.de / www.facebook.com/NoCutEntertainment

Side-Line covered the album announcement when the title track was released as the first single.

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik, a German electro and future-pop band, emerged in the winter of 2011/2012, formed by Charly Barth-Ricklefs (formerly of Shadow-Minds) and Gerrit Thomas (formerly of Funker Vogt). The band made its public debut on 4 October 2014 at the 7th Darkflower Live Night in Leipzig. Early 2015 saw the establishment of their own label, Eismusik, and the release of debut album “When Winter Comes” on 13 February 2015, which introduced Jan Bertram as a member. Eisfabrik supported Project Pitchfork on the Blood Tour that year.

By the end of 2015 the band signed with the label NoCut, releasing the album “Eisplanet” that same year. Touring with Project Pitchfork and Mono Inc. led to their first headline tour, the “Nichtsommer” tour across seven cities, which coincided with third album “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren”. Their second headline tour, “Kaltgebiete”, ran into spring 2018 and was marked by fourth album “Null Kelvin”.

Eisfabrik signed to RepoRecords in 2019 for the EP “Rotationsausfall in der Eisfabrik”. Fifth studio album “Kryothermalmusik aus der Eisfabrik” followed in 2020 and charted in Germany. The band returned to NoCut for sixth album “Life Below Zero” in winter 2021/2022, and seventh album “Götter In Weiss” followed on NoCut/SPV at the end of 2023.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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Out via Infacted on March 1st is the 2nd album by Alex Braun (singer of the German electro-pop band !Distain), “Dreamland”. The album is the follow-up to his debut album “reCOVER” (ScentAir 2021).

Unlike the debut, “Dreamland” only contains Braun’s own compositions, without any cover versions. Production-wise he teamed up with Gerrit Thomas (Eisfabrik/Funker Vogt). Note that some of the demo material for this release (“I can’t dance tonight” for example) dates back from the !Distain time period, while most others are newly composed and produced with Gerrit.

The album features all digital single releases such as “Traumfänger”, “Der Gedankensammler” and “Room of Silence“.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Out now is “Götter in Weiß”, the first single from the new Eisfabrik album of the same name which will be out on 29th December via the NoCut label (SPV). The music video for the single is available as well, you can watch it below.

The song describes the situation of doctors. On the one hand, they bear a great responsibility and are often faced with decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. On the other hand, they are exposed to clichés and prejudices.

The album will be released as a digipak, vinyl and a limited fan box and is now available for pre-order.

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik, a German electro and future-pop band, emerged in the winter of 2011/2012, and was formed by Charly Barth-Ricklefs (formerly of Shadow-Minds) and Gerrit Thomas (notably from Funker Vogt). They marked their public debut on October 4, 2014, during the 7th Darkflower Live Night in Leipzig. Early 2015 saw the establishment of their music label, Eismusik. Their debut album “When Winter Comes” was released on February 13, 2015, introducing Jan Bertram as a key member of the band. That year, Eisfabrik supported Project Pitchfork on their Blood-Tour.

By the end of 2015, the band signed a takeover contract with the label NoCut, releasing the album “Eisplanet” within the same year. Their touring ventures with Project Pitchfork and Mono Inc. garnered a wider audience, leading to their first headliner tour, “Nichtsommer-Tour,” across seven cities. The release of their third studio album “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” coincided with the tour’s commencement. The latter half of the year saw the inception of their second headliner tour, “Kaltgebiete,” which stretched into spring 2018, marked by the release of their fourth album “Null Kelvin”.

Signing with RepoRecords in 2019, they released the EP “Rotationsausfall in der Eisfabrik.” The following year, their fifth studio album “Kryothermalmusik aus der Eisfabrik” made its debut in the German album charts. Winter 2021/2022 marked their return to NoCut label, with the release of their 6th studio album “Life Below Zero”.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: German based Intent:Outtake released this new EP three years after their last full length album “Days Of Doom” (2019). The EP reveals three new songs plus seven remixes.

Content: Intent:Outtake moves on mixing powerful and well-crafted Electronics mixing influences of EBM and dark-Electro together. The title song was sung in German while both other songs feature English vocals. And here again the band stands for power but also for more moody passages. You next will discover alternative edits and remixes by Eisfabrik, Diverje, Chainreactor, Damascus Knives and Fractal Age.

+ + + : Intent:Outtake is a band I’ve always supported. I like the powerful sound which is often reminding me of In Strict Confidence. It stands for power and intelligence plus charismatic vocals. The title song is a great piece of music but the “Club Edit” sounds even better. I also recommend the heavy, pumping, dancefloor driven remix of “Tabula Rasa” -a song I don’t know, by Chainreactor.

– – – : There clearly is a gap between the title song and the other two new songs which clearly seem to be B-sides -but cool ones!

Conclusion: “Tic Toc Tod” is a punching title song to announce a new album.

Best songs: “Tic Toc Tod – Club Edit”, “Tic Toc Tod – Single Edit”, “Tabula Rasa – Chainreactor Remix”, “Immoral Traitors – Eisfabrik Remix”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: https://linktr.ee/intentouttakeofficial /  www.facebook.com/INTENTOUTTAKE

Label: www.darkdimensions.de /  www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Dimensions-Label-Group/486014725206

About Intent:Outtake

Intent:Outtake is a German EBM and dark-electro duo formed in 2014 in Leipzig by Andreas Engleitner (vocals) and Bastian Polak (music, production). The band builds its releases on Dark Dimensions / Scanner, and its discography includes the full-length album “Days Of Doom” (2019) and “Der Stille Tod” (2023), the band’s second album for the label. “Tic Toc Tod” served as the title-track EP previewing “Der Stille Tod”, pairing the German-language lead song with two additional tracks and remixes from Eisfabrik, Diverje, Chainreactor, Damascus Knives and Fractal Age.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, Body-Pop, Cinematic, Punk.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Fusspils 11 is a project driven by Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik, Ravenous, Fictional). Two previous albums were released by Fusspils 11 while this is the first new work since 2005. The work features three original songs and a majority of surprising cover versions featuring guest singers/artists. The contributors are Bastian Polak (Intent:Outtake), Andreas Engleitner (Intent:Outtake), Charly Barth-Ricklefs (Eisfabrik), Tim Schulschenk (Alienare), Dirk Scheuber (Scheuber, Project Pitchfork), Jan Bertram (Eisfabrik), Alexander ‘Fischy’ Fischer (Tourmanagement, Yeti), Stefan Winkel (Gecko Sector), René Dornbusch (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik) and Stephan Herrmann (J-SOC, Scheuber).

Content: Soundwise this work has less in common with previous Fusspils 11 albums except Gerrit Thomas is the steersman. The cover versions are pretty diversified ranging from Rammstein to Kraftwerk to Bots to Torfrock. Most of those bands are pretty popular in Germany and inspired Gerrit Thomas to achieve an own interpretation. The original songs by Fusspils 11 are easier to recognize. Gerrit Thomas’ typical sound arrangements reminding Funker Vogt but still his other projects are coming through while these songs are more powerful as well. He sings on two of these songs. 

+ + + : This work was for sure pure fun; working on some funny- and other unexpected German covers while joined by some mates. I however prefer the original Fusspils 11 songs which are probably not as fun but definitely more powerful. It’s however cool to hear Gerrit Thomas transposing “Haifisch” (Rammstein) and “Das Modell” (Kraftwerk) into his own sound and approach. One of the most funny cuts might become a hit. I’m referring to the legendary “Sieben Tage Lang” originally written by Bots. If you remember the free adaptation of this song by Scooter (cf. “How Much Is The Fish?”) which became a famous hit you never know where the Fusspils 11-cover will end.

– – – : This album is fun and featuring some cool dancefloor cuts but it’s the less convincing work I ever heard from Gerrit Thomas -who I still consider as one of the greatest artists from this scene.

Conclusion: Definitely fun and something different from Gerrit Thomas’ studio but not totally convincing!

Best songs: “Die Drei Säulen Des Wahnsinns”, “Zombiewelt”, “Bambule In Kindergarten”, “Schwartz Zu Blau”, “Sieben Tage Lang”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Fusspils11

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo-Records/119590774857404

“Halbwegs verpeilt” was released on 29 April 2022 by RepoRecords as a digital album and a CD, running sixteen tracks and just over an hour. The video for the album track “Die drei Säulen des Wahnsinns” is on YouTube.

About Fusspils 11

Fusspils 11 is the German side-project of Gerrit Thomas, who is also active in Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik, Ravenous and Fictional. The project has a thin discography: “Gib ihr einen Namen” appeared in 1998 and “Elektro-Polizei” in 2005, after which Thomas left the name dormant for seventeen years.

“Halbwegs verpeilt” is the third Fusspils 11 release. It was announced through the pre-single “Haifisch”, a Rammstein cover sung by guest vocalist Bastian Polak of Intent:Outtake, with a video produced by Gerrit Thomas. The album pairs three original Fusspils 11 songs with covers drawn from Rammstein, Kraftwerk, Bots and Torfrock, and lines up guest singers from Eisfabrik, Intent:Outtake, Alienare, Scheuber, Gecko Sector, Funker Vogt, J-SOC and Yeti.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Photo: picture alliance/dpa, Alexander Prautzsch

After a two years break, due to Covid-19, the annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2022 (29th edition) will take place from 3rd-6th June in the Agra-Halle and surrounded area of Leipzig, Germany.

WGT focuses especially on the gothic, (steam)punk, new wave, electro, EBM, industrial and medieval music and (sub)culture. It is a total-concept world festival including concerts, renaissance fairs, viking and pagan markets, exhibitions, CD/DVD and film premieres, lectures, artist signing events, fetish events, and (late-night) parties.

Approximately 200 artists are on the list, spread over more than 50 locations and the festival has about 20.000 visitors. As usual a lot of names out of the dark scene will play WGT: Lacrimosa, IAMX, Clan of Xymox, Combichrist, Rabia Sorda, Corvus Corax, VNV Nation, Orange Sector, Tanzwut, Xotox, Eisfabrik, Unzucht, Nachtblut, NNHMN, Linea Aspera, Minuit Machine, Dark, Fïx8:Sëd8, Letzte Instanz, Nosferatu, …

Tickets for WGT soon can be ordered here (entrance tickets purchased in the years 2020 or 2021 remain valid for the WGT 2022).

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

Format: Digital, 2CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: For their sixth full length album German formation Eisfabrik moved back to NoCut. The work features twenty songs.

Content: The sound of Eisfabrik remains the same as on previous works. It’s a constant powerful mix of stumping kicks and carrying choruses. You recognize the typical Gerrit Thomas arrangements and effects reminding me of Funker Vogt but this project is more polished and ‘softer’. On top of it all you once more will notice the charismatic vocals of Charly Barth-Ricklefs aka ‘Dr. Schnee’.

+ + + : Releasing an album of twenty songs from a high qualitative level is a true tour de force. Behind this great writing process Gerrit Thomas once more reveals his endless skills. Eisfabrik sounds pretty Funker Vogt like -just like all previous works, but the production is more polished and Pop-driven. It however remains a solid power-pop format exposed on songs like “Mirror”, “One More Tale”, “White Wings” and “Choose”. You now and then will notice a few harder EBM bass-driven bass line and aggressive sequences. But everything remains in balance by the carrying choruses.

– – – : The global production remains constantly improved but the sound becomes a little bit predictable. The few softer songs bring a break but aren’t the most convincing songs.

Conclusion: Eisfabrik remains a band with a weird image, a solid Future-Pop sound, and multiple great songs.

Best songs: “Mirror”, “One More Tale”, “White Wings”, “Choose”, “Life Below Zero”, “Lost In Endless Ice”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: http://nocut.de / www.facebook.com/spventertainment

NoCut and SPV released “Life Below Zero” on 25 February 2022 as a double CD digipak, as a vinyl LP, as a limited box set adding a bonus EP, and digitally. Disc one runs “Mirror”, “Saving Shore”, “Eins Mit Dem Wind”, “Wait For A Sign”, “Neurodämon”, “Lost In Endless Ice”, “7even Days Of Darkness”, “White Wings”, “Choose”, “Energie”, “Glück Auf!”, “Lost Control” and “One More Tale”. Disc two runs “Life Below Zero”, “Ain’t Gonna Lie”, “Over And Done”, “Wages Of Sin”, “Zeit Und Meer”, “Wake Up!” and “Alles Still”.

Gerrit Thomas wrote, recorded and produced the album, with the songs written in summer 2021. VDPictures supplied the artwork. NoCut released “7even Days Of Darkness” as a single in 2021 and “Lost Control” and “Saving Shore” as singles in 2022. The album is not carried on Bandcamp.

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German future pop and EBM project built around producer Gerrit Thomas, also known for Funker Vogt, with vocals by Charly Barth-Ricklefs under the name Dr. Schnee. The project runs a consistent visual concept of ice and cold, which the band discussed in the 2017 Click Interview with Eisfabrik.

The catalogue opens in 2015 with “Eisplanet” and the singles “Ice Crystal”, “When Winter Comes” and “Maschinen”. “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” followed in 2016 and “Null Kelvin” on NoCut in 2017. The project then moved to RepoRecords for “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik” in 2019, “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik” in 2020 and “Automatisierung In Der Eisfabrik” the same year.

Gerrit Thomas set out the project’s working plan in a second Click Interview in April 2020. “Life Below Zero” marked the return to NoCut, and the next album, “Götter In Weiss”, arrived on the same label in 2023.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Out now via RepoRecords is the brand new video by Fusspils 11 for the cover version of “Haifisch” which is originally from Rammstein. “Haifisch” as a pre-single for Fusspils 11’s new album “Halbwegs verpeilt”, which will be released on April 29th, 2022. On this track you will hear guest singer Bastian Polak (Intent:Outtake).

“Halbwegs verpeilt” is the third release for this project by Gerrit Thomas (Eisfabrik, Funker Vogt, Ravenous, Fictional) after “Gib ihr einen Namen” (1998) and “Elektro-Polizei” (2005).

On this new album you’ll find a long list of collaborators like Bastian Polak (Intent:Outtake), Andreas Engleitner (Intent:Outtake), Charly Barth-Ricklefs (Eisfabrik), Tim Schulschenk (Alienare), Dirk Scheuber (Scheuber), Jan Bertram (Eisfabrik), Alexander „Fischy“ Fischer (Tourmanagement, Yeti), Stefan Winkel (Gecko Sector), René Dornbusch (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik) and Stephan Herrmann (J-SOC, Scheuber).

The video for “Haifisch” was produced by Gerrit Thomas.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

side-line.com

Ravenous got some fame in the 90s. The German formation released three albums in between 1996 and 2000; “Mass Mental Cruelty” (1996, on Off Beat), “No Retreat And No Surrender” (1998, on Zoth Ommog) and “Phoenix” (2000, on Bloodline). The band next took a long break and got finally reactivated this year to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of their debut album. Björn Böttcher, Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik ao) and Tim Fockenbrock joined back hands together and released the ‘new’ album “Forward To The Roots” on RepoRecords. The band’s fourth album is a mix of new songs, previously unreleased tracks and rarities and the never released single “Frozen Tears”. The work remains a danceable mix between EBM and Electro-Pop. I got in touch with the band’s singer Tim Fockenbrock.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: After more than twenty years of silence, Ravenous has been recovered from dust. What have been the triggers and motivation to bring the project alive?

Tim: That´s pretty simple. We had our first CD-release in 1996 and so we´ve got our 25th anniversary in 2021. So Björn asked me, if I was interested to release some old Mix-Versions and unreleased material. I agreed and we took that chance to make some new stuff.

Q: What did you guys keep in mind from the early years, the ‘old’ releases and their sound approach and what does the band stands for today?

Tim: We were and still are incorrigible believers in hope and justice and that everything will turn out good in the end. We became older and wiser and our new songs are representing the powerful and uncomplicated faith in ourselves and our sound. 

Q: The album “Forward To The Roots” is a melting pot of new songs, rarities, remixes and even a previously unreleased single. What can you say about it?

Tim: We are all different characters in our band. We´ve got different stories to tell. We have internalized and accepted our past and our shadows. Now we are in peace with ourselves. Now the circle closes and we are ready to look forward without forgetting where we came from. “Forward To The Roots” reminds us of our strength and power.

Q: How comes the single “Frozen Tears” –meant to be released in 2001, never saw the daylight? And how comes Ravenous finally stopped its activities after three rather successful albums?

Tim: It´s because I started to make experiences in different bands. I was always open for good music, no matter what genre. So we had a break which took longer than we thought.

Q: How was it working on the new songs of the album? What’s the input of the different members and did you notice main changes with the old albums?

Tim: It was great to feel the power and inspiration again. In my opinion, the way we create our music, is now more effective. Gerrit creates the sound and I translate this on my piano to find the right melody. Afterwards we turn it back into the Electronic sound. This is a very special mix and typical for the Ravenous-sound. By writing the lyrics I also got another option to speak about my feelings, which is great.

Q: I noticed the single “Roots” has reached the Deutsche Alternative Charts while speaking right now, the album will probably enter as well. What does it mean to reach the DAC? What’s the true impact of these charts? And what brings the future for Ravenous?

Tim: It´s always good news if a lot of people recognize our music. Especially fans, DJ`s and Radio-Stations. There is no pressure and we will see what the future brings.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: “666 Degrees Below” was a solid teaser to Agonoize’s seventh album to date. The Berlin-based combo released their second album on RepoRecords and again asked Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik) to mix and master the album. The album again included a second disc featuring six extra tracks.

Content: The influences and sound formula of the ‘Hellectro’ band hasn’t changed. Frontman Chris L. seems to be warding the sound formula to remain the same. The sonic universe of Agonoize is made of provocation, which you can notice in the titles, artwork and of course the songs versus lyrics. The sound remains driven by furious beats overloaded by dark strings and carried by heavy, melodic sequences. On top of it all you’ll hear Chris L.  singing in his familiar enraged way. The songs are sung in German, but some choruses feature English words while there also is one song in English. Some of the melodies are reminding me of Suicide Commando, but where Johan Van Roy also likes calmer, moody songs, Agonoize holds on a constant and merciless power. The album features 13 songs and among the tracklist you’ll recognize the already familiar “666 Degrees Below” plus the original edits of “Komakind”, “Angst Ist Macht”, “Faux Amis” and “Dein Gott”, which were featured in an alternative- and/or remixed version at the EP.

The bonus disc brings a bit more diversity revealing a few ‘softer’ songs, but the main trend remains harsh and merciless. The tracklist features and “Frozen”-edit of “666 Degrees Below” plus alternative edits of “Mststck” and “L.ove I.s L.ost” plus 3 real new songs. One of these songs (cf. “Every Day, I Die”) is a kind of hell-electro ballad while both other cuts are pure rage.

+ + + : I think it was not easy releasing a new album after the successful“Midget Vampire Porn”, released in 2019. But Agonoize seems to like challenges and did it again. The work doesn’t innovate, but the band simply becomes better and better. The songs are just what you might expect from Dark-Electro music; harsh, dark, powerful and provocative. Agonoize brings all these ingredients together in a perfect, balanced work. “666 Degrees Below” remains an absolute hit, but I also want to mention “Faux Amis”, the English sung “Love To Hate”, which is a song that will appeal to Suicide Commando fans and “The Age Of Depression”. On the bonus disc I recommend “Tease & Denial” and Krank”, the last cut featuring cool epic chants. “Mststck – Sucht” sounds also more convincing than the original version on the main disc. The nearly constant power of this album is great. I also highly recommend the CD-version for its –once again, great, artistic digipak and artwork.

– – – : You get a total amount of 19 songs and there’s only one single piece –the atypical ballad-like “Every Day, I Die”, which couldn’t convince me. So you’ll have to agree there’s no reason to complain.

Conclusion: Agonoize moves on there where the previous album stopped, and it’s again an undeniable masterpiece and for sure what will become one of the best Dark-Electro albums of 2021!

Best songs: “666 Degrees Below”, “Love To Hate”, “Faux Amis”, “The Age Of Depression”, “Mststck”, “A Hole” + “Krank”, “Tease & Denial”, “Mststck – Sucht”.

Rate: (9).

Artist: www.agonoize.berlin / www.facebook.com/AgonoizeOfficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo-Records/119590774857404 Read the news on ‘Revelation Six Six Sick’.

About Agonoize

Agonoize is a Berlin-based Dark-Electro/’Hellectro’ band fronted by Chris L. The group released the EP “666 Degrees Below” as a teaser before this seventh studio album, “Revelation Six Six Sick”, which followed 2019’s “Midget Vampire Porn” on RepoRecords. As with the prior album, Gerrit Thomas of Funker Vogt and Eisfabrik handled mixing and mastering. Agonoize marked the album’s release with a streaming concert on 1 May 2021.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two years after the outstanding “Midget Vampire Porn”, Berlin-based (Germany) Agonoize strikes back. This EP is an appetizer to the seventh full length album of the band.

Content: The title song also is the opener of the EP revealing Agonoize is in good shape. They remain driven by this dark and freaky (h)el(l)ectro style. All aspects are dark and I even dare to say tormented. The songs are hard and bouncing, mixed with melodic sequences and leads while frontman Chris L. is still singing as a possessed soul.

Next to the title song we get 4 more cuts from the upcoming album, but only as remixes. The “Short Cut” of “Angst Ist Macht” is probably pretty close with the album edit and remains pure Agonoize-like. Eisfabrik and Nachtmahr have remixed each one song. The track “Komakind” has been remixed by Nachtblut while there also is a pretty clubby-sounding “Klubkind Mix”.

+ + + : There’s no better way than introducing your new full length album with such a great EP-title song. “666 Degrees Below” simply confirms the status of Agonoize; there’s no other band able to push the boundaries of Dark-Electro to this degree of terror and hell… It’s an extremely powerful song filled with anger and rage, but still masterly controlled. Both remixes by Eisfabrik (cf. “Faux Amis”) and Nachtmahr (cf. “Dein Gott”) are brilliant. Notice by the way Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik) again did the mixing and mastering of the album. I also have to mention the dancefloor-driven “Komakind”-edit, which is another potential hit. When discovering this EP you can only, but be prepared to welcome the new Agonoize-album.

– – – : I was less inspired by the Nachtblut remix of “Komakind” revealing guitar riffs on top. It all sounds like taking a distance with the Agonoize-sound –however that’s precisely what remixes stand for.

Conclusion: Dark-Electro terror that opens the gate of hell!

Best songs: “666 Degrees Below”, “Komakind – Klubkind Mix”, “Dein Gott – Nachtmahr Remix”, “Faux amis – Eisfabrik Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.agonoize.berlin / www.facebook.com/AgonoizeOfficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo-Records/119590774857404

About Agonoize

Agonoize is a German aggrotech band from Berlin, founded in 2002 around core member Gerrit Thomas, with Chris L. on vocals and Oliver Senger, according to Discogs.

Side-Line covered the band in a 2020 Click Interview. “666 Degrees Below” served as the appetizer EP for the band’s seventh full-length, “Revelation Six Six Sick”, whose release Side-Line reported on in a 2021 news item on the streaming release concert and later reviewed in full.

The EP’s remixes were handled by Eisfabrik and Nachtmahr, with Funker Vogt also crediting the mixing and mastering of the coming album to Gerrit Thomas, who works across both bands.

“666 Degrees Below” was released via RepoRecords.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: It seems that there’s no rest in the Eisfabrik. Gerrit Thomas and his gang are back on track revealing an EP with six new songs and four remixes released a few months after the last album “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”

Content: The new tracks are moving on the carrying, emotional and powerful style of the band. The new songs are switching from pure danceable killers like “Free 2020” and Sorrow Face” to more melancholic passages. The songs are mainly driven by danceable kicks, carrying leads and the typical Gerrit Thomas arrangements, which are reminiscent of Funker Vogt.

We also get a few remixes from songs featured on the last album. ES23 remixed “We Don’t care” while this song has been also reworked into an acoustic ballad featuring guitarist Hemke Kay. There also is a remix of “Grim Reaper” and one of “Friends” (featured at the band’s debut album) by Petone.

+ + + : Eisfabrik is constantly switching dancefloor- and evasive tracks. It’s great to get an EP with multiple new songs and even if these cuts aren’t maybe not the best of the band, “Free 2020” and “Sorrow Face” are however powerful cuts carried by strong leads and the charismatic voice of ‘Dr. Schnee’. Gerrit Thomas remains a truly sound guru transforming every single note into a magic moment. Eisfabrik made a great remix of “Grim Reaper”. But I also have to mention the surprising, original and sensitive acoustic version of “We don’t Care” featuring Hemke Kay. This is much more than simply an EP abusing remixes; this is what we in the past would have called a mini-album!

– – – : Eisfabrik has its own sounds and always the same kind of ‘conceptual’ lyrics, which makes this band easily recognizable although it sometimes becomes a little repetitive and predictable.

Conclusion: After their great last album “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”, this EP is a great little extra for the fans. The Future-Pop sound of Eisfabrik rules!

Best songs: “Grim Reaper –  No Crop Without Seeds Mix”, “Free 2020”, “Sorrow Face”, “We Don’t Care – Acoustic Guitar Mix”, “Cold As Ice”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo-Records/119590774857404

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German future-pop act founded in the winter of 2011/2012 by singer Charly Barth-Ricklefs (‘Dr. Schnee’) and producer Gerrit Thomas (‘Der Frost’), who is also involved with Funker Vogt. Jan Bertram (‘°Celsius’, also known for his work with Lost Area and Paragon) joined the band in 2015, followed by René Dornbusch (‘Fahrenheit’, also of Funker Vogt).

The band released its debut album “Eisplanet” in 2015, followed over the years by titles including “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” (2016) and “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik” (2019), before its fifth full-length, “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”, in 2020. “Automatisierung In Der Eisfabrik” gathers new songs alongside remixes of tracks from that album.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Mondträume singer Damasius Venys moves on with his solo-project Mental Exile. After a successful EP “Exile Nights” and an accomplished debut album “Ride The Madness” he strikes back with the second volume of “Exile Nights” featuring four new songs plus two remixes.

Content: The global sound approach remains totally faithful to the sound of the album. This is electro-pop music with a look at the past; a retro-driven electro style, which is mainly created by the melody lines and some arrangements plus effects. “Quarantine” definitely appears to be the ultimate song in the genre, reminding me of New Order for some of the sound arrangements. The composition is mainly electronic, but still achieved with guitar play.

Remixes have been made by ES23 and Eisfabrik. We here get a song that was originally released at the debut EP (cf. “One Of Us”) remixed by ES23 and another track from the album (cf. “The Night Is Mine”) remixed by Eisfabrik.

+ + + : First of all there’s the voice of Damasius Venys who clearly is one of the most talented singers from this underground scene; not typically electro-pop like, but a powerful and charismatic timbre of voice that can be put on different styles. Next there’s the sound approach, which is clearly vintage-like and yet accomplished with a personal-, contemporary touch on top. I like this EP for featuring 4 brand-new songs and especially “Quarantine” is a true masterpiece for its melody, arrangements and danceable vibes. I also have to say a word about both remixes, which are adding a real bonus.

– – – : Two from the new songs (cf. “Streets On Fire” and “Stronger Than Time”) can’t totally convince, being more the B-side cuts of the EP. The melody lines are a little less repetitive here.

Conclusion: This EP is one more nice addition to the album, Mental Exile preferring to bring new songs instead of an endless number of remixes. I like this spirit, which also is pretty 80s like!

Best songs: “Quarantine”, “The Night Is Mine – Eisfabrik Remix”, “Out Of My Life”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/mentalexileproject

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix Read the news on ‘Exile Nights II’.

About Mental Exile

Mental Exile is the solo project of Mondträume singer Damasius Venys.

The project released the “Exile Nights” EP before its debut album, “Ride The Madness”, in 2019 per Discogs, and now follows up with the “Exile Nights II” EP featuring remixes by ES23 and Eisfabrik.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

(Photo by Lydia Solans) The debut album “Ride The Madness” (available here on bandcamp) by the electro pop act Mental Exile, a side-project from Mondträume’s Damasius Venys, has been extremely well received. From that album, released in October last year, you could already enjoy the “Exile Nights” EP (available here on Bandcamp) , and now part 2 is also available: “Exile Nights II”.

The EP features 4 brand new songs plus 2 bonus remixes by Eisfabrik and ES23. The EP was once again mixed and mastered by Italian synthwave artist and producer Vincenzo Salvia.

Check out the EP below which is now exclusively available via Bandcamp. Read the review of ‘Exile Nights II’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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German combo Eisfabrik was set up by singer Charly Barth-Ricklefs (‘Dr. Schnee’) and operator/producer Gerrit Thomas (‘Der Frost’; also involved with Funker Vogt ). The duo got completed on stage by Jan Bertram  (Lost Area, Paragon) and René Dornbusch (Funker Vogt). The ‘icemen’ already released noticeable albums (mainly on NoCut/SPV) and has now unleashed their fifth opus “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik” on RepoRecords. The songs are driven by ultra-danceable beats, elevating future-pop choruses and charismatic vocals on  top. I asked a few questions about it to Gerrit Thomas.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Eisfabrik is now active for several years, having released its first album in 2015. So what’s the balance sheet regarding aspects like albums, live shows and global evolution of the band & sound?

Gerrit: It‘s a straight process from the beginning to the present. Everything is very precisely coordinated and has always had a common thread and certain short-term goals. There had been no coincidences happening to Eisfabrik until now. So, ask me five years later for another balance sheet, I think I would tell you the same: We‘re not getting finished!

Q: The album got preceded by the EP “And Nothing Turns”, which was a rather surprising title song for being a kind of slow future-pop ballad. What made you chose this song as title track and tell us a bit more about the origin and ideas behind this song?

Gerrit: The EP is called “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik“ – “And Nothing Turns“ is just the most remixed song of this EP. So, both songs had very strong effects on all of us and it was easy to choose them for the first EP according to this release era.

“And Nothing Turns“ should show that Eisfabrik is also able to produce songs beside  all the typical club stuff. And “White Sheet”, on the other hand, should be exactly that.

Q: What have been the main ideas and eventually references during the writing and recording of the new album “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”? What have been the main difficulties you encountered, eventually some songs, which didn’t work the way you wanted?

Gerrit: There had been only difficulties in the German songs we produced this time. They became extremely soft or a kind of silly or infantile. So, in the end we decided not to release them -never and anywhere! Everything else worked as we expected.

Q: You guys clearly like releasing video clips, but what’s the importance and impact of releasing clips today? What are the different stages to release a clip?

Gerrit: I think, nowadays you need a clip for presenting your actual work and to promote it. There are many platforms where you can publish your clips and do promotional ads like on Facebook, YouToube, SoundCloud or whatever. It really helps a band or a musician to get published.

Q: Gerrit, you definitely are a musician with a very own sound DNA; a very own touch you can directly recognize in the arrangements, the leads and the programming of the kicks. But what are the main differences for you composing new songs for Funker Vogt or Eisfabrik? Do you use different equipment, other tricks etc?

Gerrit: There are some secrets in the notation of the basic sequences and the drum sounds which are typical for Eisfabrik or Funker Vogt. I think you can hear them…lol.

Also there are some kinds of songs like “Gladiator“, “Bloodsucker“ or “Thor‘s Hammer“ which I wouldn‘t offer Charly to sing for Eisfabrik. They are only produced for shouters what Chris perfectly does.

Q: I always got the impression Eisfabrik ever started as a pure fun project with a crazy concept. What was it really all about and how did you see Eisfabrik evolving from album to album? And what’s the next step now? 

Gerrit: Well, as I already said in the beginning of this interview, there is a certain process over the entire existing of Eisfabrik. And this will never end. For sure there are always some short-term goals. The last one for example was to enter the Official German Album Charts, the next one is to get a certain average number of ticket sales on our next tour. And so on and on. But you always have to do something for that and shouldn’t leave your aims! It’s really hard work…

Next step in order to get a bigger fan base all over the world is to play more shows in other countries. So, there’s still a lot of work to reach the next goals.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

André Lellitko, Kay Lipka and Casi Kriegler set up Rroyce a few years ago now. The band’s debut album “Dreams & Doubts & Fears” got released in 2014 on Thexoomo.net. The second full length “Karoshi” got released two years later on Kayal Records and got re-released in 2017 on Infacted Recordings. The growing enthusiasm in their homeland, Germany, brought the band to perform at bigger festivals. The electro/future-pop sound of the band stands for the revival of future-pop. Their newest album “Patience” only confirms the growing talent of the trio. This work has been again released on Infacted Recordings, which is a label with a nose for talented electro-pop music. The songs remind me to an imaginary hybrid between Mesh, OMD and Beborn Beton. I asked Casi Kriegler for more info.  

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: How did the story of Royce all started and what have been the main facts in this story so far?

Casi: Our journey started exactly seven years ago, where we participated in a band contest, which was called ‘UNBACO’. We won the contest out of  numerous bands coming from the wave- and synth-pop-genre and we played the fifth gig in the band’s history at the ‘WGT 2013’, which was quite impressive for us. Later on we went on tour by supporting great bands like Eisfabrik, Solitary Experiments and Welle:Erdball.

We are glad to work together with our label Infacted Recordings. Our booking agency is Eisland Entertainment, which provides us with memorable festival appearances, like ‘Amphi Festival’, ‘E-tropolis’, ‘Plage Noire’, ‘NCN’ and many more. We´re glad that we found reliable partners to work with on our way whatever the future will bring.

Q: You’ve already released three full length albums so what’s your personal analysis from the evolution in sound and production from the debut album “Dreams & Thoughts & Fears” to “Karoshi” to “Patience”?

Casi: Our first album was self-produced, which was quite exciting as we didn´t know the people´s reaction on that. Okay, at that time our fanbase was quite small, but we already set ourselves high standards in the production.

For the 2^nd album we convinced Dirk Riegner to work with us as a producer. The outcome was fantastic and we decided to rerun the collaboration for the 3^rd album. Our success confirms that this was the right approach.

I think the evolution is quite obvious, because we always want to improve ourselves as musicians and our products and we´re working every day to achieve that.

Q: “Patience” has been preceded by the EP “Parallel Worlds”, which can be easily considered as your biggest ‘hit’. Tell us a bit more about this song, its writing, the lyrical content and the clip that has been made?

Casi: The song is based on our private experiences in keeping up the balance between the daily routine on the one hand and being a musician on the other hand. Sometimes it´s hard to switch from one world to the other, especially when you spent a weekend on stage and you´ll find yourself exactly 24 hours later, sitting in an office, in front of a computer and you ask yourself: ‘What the heck I am doing here’??!

So I had the idea to point out the inner struggle in a visual way by setting up two dancers dressed in black and white, fighting with each other –but also in very close interaction to underline how close the feelings and emotions are linked together, while hopping in between these two worlds. We wanted to produce a very clear and stylish video. We are grateful that we could achieve these visions with our friends from Tiefgang Erleben, who realized this lovely video project.

Q: When you listen to “Patience” right now, what are your biggest satisfactions and do you also notice some elements you want to improve?

Casi: We’re satisfied with all the different aspects from the album, otherwise we wouldn´t have released it. As I said, there are always aims for improvement, in song writing and in setting up the lyrics, as well. When you are not constantly moving, you might get fat and dull. That´s not our intention.

Q: So far you did interesting tours, but always as support band from a bigger name like the aforementioned bands Eisfabrik, Solitary Experiments and Welle:Erdball. How do you look back at these tours and live experiences generally speaking? How do you see yourself as stage band?

Casi: We love being live on stage. I love to see these faces, the reactions, the smiling people having fun. For us it has been a great honor to perform on huge stages, in front of hundreds of people. The number of supporters is steadily increasing and we are grateful for every occasion to present RROYCE live on stage. When I think of all these special tour-life/live-moments, I can say that we made friends with the bands. One could even go so far as to say we became good friends. Without exception. memories, that will stay with me forever.

Q: I noticed you already did an impressive number of live performances during the past years, but mainly in Germany! What about RROYCE and live shows abroad Germany? Do you feel to be unknown or misunderstood outside Germany? What brings 2020?

Casi: We already played in Switzerland, The Netherlands and England and we would love to play wherever you can imagine. Every gig abroad was a big success. If there´s any promoter, who wants to see us on its stage, feel free to contact our agency. But to see it realistic and considering the costs (flights, hotels, fees) it´s not that easy for a quite unknown band to realize these dreams –apart from their outstanding live qualities (lol).

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Here comes the fifth full length album by the German trio Eisfabrik. The work features twelve songs including “And Nothing Turns” and “White Sheet” which already appeared at the EP “Rotationsausfall in Der Eisfabrik”.

Content: ‘Dr. Schnee’, ‘Der Frost’ and ‘Celsius’ are moving on their exploration of poppy-body music. It remains a unique experience, this band being much more than guys with a crazy image. The music is danceable, worked out and always danceable. You clearly can hear the touch of Gerrit Thomas throughout the leads, arrangements and even the way the kicks have been programmed. But Eisfabrik is of course more ‘pop’-driven. The vocals are sung in English come as a contrast to the German title of the album.

You’ll recognize both songs that were originally released on the EP, but are different edits. “White sheet” for example is a quite dreamy outro to the album.

+ + + : The EP was a promising teaser to the new Eisfabrik opus and I’m sure “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik” will not disappoint you. There’s enough great stuff featured at this work. The songs are driven by ultra-danceable beats, but especially the elevating choruses –which you sometimes can sing along, are pushing the song to an unseen apotheosis. The Eisfabrik-sound formula remains exactly the same, but it also remains a great and professional production!

– – – : This album sounds cool, but no longer surprising. The albums and songs are pretty similar so the magic from the first albums is a bit gone.

Conclusion: If you already liked previous Eisfabrik works, you for sure are going to like this new opus as well. Eisfabrik remains to me the future-pop exposure from Funker Vogt.

Best songs: “And Nothing Turns – Extended”, “We Don’t Care”, “Opposites Collide”, “Journey Of Oblivion”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.eismusik.de /  www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo–Records/119590774857404

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German future-pop/body-pop act built around vocalist Charly Barth-Ricklefs (‘Dr. Schnee’) and producer Gerrit Thomas (‘Der Frost’), who is also linked to Funker Vogt. The band released its debut album in 2015, followed by “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” in 2016 and “Null Kelvin” in 2018. “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”, reviewed here, is Eisfabrik’s fifth full length, preceded by the “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik” EP and followed by “Automatisierung In Der Eisfabrik” (2020), “Life Below Zero” (2022) and “Götter In Weiss” (2024).

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This new EP by the German Eisfabrik is meant as an appetizer to their new full length album. ‘Dr. Schnee’, ‘Der Frost’ and ‘Celsius’ are back on track unleashing a main song plus a bunch of remixes and a B-side cut. The EP also is their first work released by RepoRecords –which has also been joined earlier by Funker Vogt (featuring Gerrit Thomas aka ‘Der Frost’).

Content: The main song “And Nothing Turns” is a somewhat surprising piece by the Eisfabrik gang. It’s a slow cut, which is driven by solid electro-pop arrangements and dreamy passages. It has something of a future-pop song. The “Club Version” boosted the song to a harder dancefloor edit. Remixes have been accomplished by Covenant, Schattenmann (adding guitars), Beyond Obsession, Robotiko Rejekto and Rob Dust. The remixes bring a real diversity to the song.

“White Sheet” is not what I would call a B-side cut, but a solid body-pop song getting you to dance. The arrangements are once more typically Funker Vogt-like –or should I say typically Gerrit Thomas-driven. Frozen Plasma made a remix of the song as well.

Dr. Schnee is still singing a rather clear and charismatic way.

+ + + : I have to admit the title song didn’t convince me with the first listen. It has something surprising, a bit reminding me of these songs the audience spontaneously put their lighters on in the air (today their mobiles) and sing along. But the track has something elevating due to the heavenly lead and the crescendo like music. Most of the remixes are adding a little extra like the minimal version by Covenant or the empowered with guitar remix by Schattenmann. Beyond Obsession injects some reverie, Robotiko Rejekto brings a retro touch to the work while Rob Dust gets you to dance. I can’t say this EP features a B-side as “White Sheet” is a solid body-pop stomper. Eisfabrik remains inspired creating great sound treatments, elevating leads and danceable rhythms.

– – – : “And Nothing Turns” needs a few listenings before you really get into the song and start to sing along.

Conclusion: This is a perfect way to announce a new full length; releasing a great song with cool remixes and an extra danceable cut.

Best songs: “And Nothing Turns – Club Version”, “White Sheet”, “And Nothing Turns – Schattenmann Version”, “And Nothing Turns – Covenant Version”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.eismusik.de /  www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo–Records/119590774857404

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German future-pop/body-pop act built around vocalist Charly Barth-Ricklefs (‘Dr. Schnee’) and producer Gerrit Thomas (‘Der Frost’), who is also linked to Funker Vogt. The band released its debut album in 2015, followed by “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” in 2016 and “Null Kelvin” in 2018. The “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik” EP, reviewed here, served as an appetizer for the band’s fifth full length, “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”, followed later by “Automatisierung In Der Eisfabrik” (2020), “Life Below Zero” (2022) and “Götter In Weiss” (2024).

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

German dark-electro formation Agonoize last year unleashed their sixth full length album. “Midget Vampire Porn” released by RepoRecords, reveals thirteen new songs filled with rage and sonic terror. I consider their new work as one of their best albums to date; maybe the best one! The constant energy carried by pumping rhythms, elevating choruses and harsh vocals made from this opus one of the best dark-electro productions from 2019. I’d a chat with the band’s captain Chris L. (still involved with Darkness On Demand, Funker Vogt, The Sexorcist).

(Picture credits by Kevin Stevens / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Agonoize is back with a new album, but still with a somewhat different line-up and on a different label. How did these changes happened and what has been the impact of the ‘new’ line-up on the composition process?

Chris: The contract with Out Of Line was fulfilled so it was time to find a new home for Agonoize. RepoRecords are doing amazing work for Funker Vogt, so it was the best choice. 

Our ‘beast’ on the drums was planned as a live-drummer for already a  long time and Sam jumped in as live-keyboarder when Oli took a step back from the live shows because of health Issues. So not  that much changed in the end.

Q: Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt, Eisfabrik) also joined in for some additional programming and mastering. What has been his real input and maybe that little ‘extra’ he added to the work?

Chris: I am a musician and a performer and to be honest, I don’t have a clue about mixing and mastering and I don’t want to be able to do it at all. But Agonoize needs a fat mix and a brilliant mastering, which is important for the typical sound. Gerrit is a genius when it comes to that and he added some sounds, which made the whole sound more bombastic in the final mix. We work very close together on Funker Vogt and our old friendship became a lot deeper, so he was my first choice. In the beginning we both didn’t knew if he could give Agonoize the needed punch, without sounding like Funker Vogt. But he got into the sound very fast and I think the credits for the ‘killer sound’ goes to him. 

Q: “Midget Vampire Porn” sounds to me as the most accomplished and successful Agonoize-album ever. How do you perceive the album in the band’s discography and tell us a bit more about the ideas, sound treatments and lyrical content of the work?

Chris: I think the lyrics are pretty typical for Agonoize. Maybe the music sounds more evolved because this time I didn’t had any ‘leftover’ songs from Mike like on the “Apokalypse”-album. There I used 8 songs from Mike and just had to fill in with the missing songs.

I wanted Agonoize to became a bit more mature, but without changing it too much for now. So in the end we added some new sounds to the songs, but kept the basics. And after 5 years I had a lot of rage to get rid of. Also I wanted to experiment with slower, really dark, depressive songs from the deepest dark of my soul. We did that already with, for example, songs like “My Battlefield” or “Drowning In Isolation”, “Unchained” and so on, but “True Blood” and “The Fall”, which is from the upcoming EP, are different from what we did before. 

I think when I finished the “Apokalypse”-album I was at a turning point; not a 100% into what I’m doing, tired and disappointed. Now I’m back with full energy and I think everyone can hear that. And thanks for the compliment  😉

Q: The song “Blutgruppe Jesus (-)” clearly is an important song from the album and has been first released as EP-title track. You also (self)made a clip of that song so what’s the deeper meaning behind and what did you try to express by the clip?

Chris: As usual, mankind is looking for a savior, someone who takes the blame for our failure and sins. We think ‘Hey, let someone else suffer for our mistakes’ never willing to take the blame ourselves. But only you can change your life, your fate. We think we only have to pray 3 The Lord’s Prayer and everything is forgiven, or we just pay for our sins. But in the end that would mean, if Jesus existed, he would have died for nothing. The church is using our fears against us, but in my opinion religion and especially the catholic Church should be well known by now.

Church is oppression, religion the reason for war. Believe in yourself in the first place!

Q: When you’re listening to the new album (and EP) right now, what are the elements of the writing/production getting you proud and are there some aspects you would have done differently?

Chris: I would always do things a difficult way; I’m too self-critical.  But after 1,5 years delay with the album I’m happy that it’s finally on the market. When it came out I already had 6 new songs done, so the next release will not take another 5 years and on new EP “A Vampire Tale” you’ll find 3 exclusive songs as a bonus track meant as a gift for all the fans who were waiting.

Now that the album got an unexpected, overwhelming good response I start to be proud of it, but it always takes a while for me to realize it. 

Q: I often get the impression bands are putting more efforts in their image and artwork than in the music while with Agonoize, every aspect seems to be important! What does it really mean to you and what do you try to express with the imagery (live) and artwork?

Chris: Thanks, indeed it was always very important for me that the videos, the artwork and the stage presence all fit with the songs. I don’t like to give the job to an outsider who doesn’t has a clue or feeling about what I want to express. I was never too much into looking pretty on stage, but more into doing a good and freaky performance. I always created the stage shows myself.

 I am going back to my roots now also, directing, filming and cutting the videos myself. For the artwork I’m very happy to have Sam as part of the band. He is a genius with Photoshop and understands my ideas very fast and he has also very good ideas which fit with the project. It’s similar to Funker Vogt right now; we all work very well together as a team, ideas become a concept and especially live I love to entertain and gladly everyone plays along with my stupid ideas for shows 🙂

It’s slowly getting better and better and I look forward to present my newest ideas to a bigger crowd 🙂

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: This year Mind Machine released their first album in more than twenty years, this way pleasing all lovers of ‘classic’ electro-pop music inspired by bands such as Depeche Mode, New Order ao. This album is revisiting ten from the eleven album songs. Only a remix of “Decade”! We get a total amount of 16 remixes.

Content: This album is a different way to discover the work of Mind Machine; it’s the interpretation of other artists transposing the original electro-pop sound of “Return To The Machine” into their own approach. There’s an interesting twist of remixers featuring familiar, famous names such as Parralox, Frozen Plasma, Eisfabrik and People’s Theatre next to less familiar and/or renowned names such as Darwinmcd, Nature Of Wires, Fused, Provision, Mda, The Frixion, The New Division, Uncreated, Zoon Politicon, Graflex, The Grey Disorder and Circuit3.

+ + + : There’s an interesting diversity featured by the remix artists. It also is another way to get back to the band’s album. My favorite song from the ‘original’ album was the song “Here And There” and here again I have to say it’s a pretty cool track, which has been re-boosted by Parralox into a great retro-styled remix. Another cool song was “We Keep Walking” and here again I discovered a cool remix made by The New Division”.

– – – : I expected a bit more out of the remixes by Eisfabrik and Frozen Plasma.

Conclusion: Remixes are cool for DJ’s and die-hard fans. I discovered some cool remixes, but I prefer the original songs.

Best songs: “Here And There – Parralox Remix”, “We Keep Walking – The New Division Remix”, “The Pain You Feel – Scars Of Anguish by Provision”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/mindmachineband

About Mind Machine

Mind Machine is a Los Angeles-based synthpop duo of vocalist Brian Belknap and multi-instrumentalist Brian Olsen, established in 1989 and originally active through the mid-1990s, a period later collected on “Movement: The Very Best Of Mind Machine 1990-1995”. The band returned in 2019 with the album “Return To The Machine” after a 24-year hiatus, followed the same year by the companion remix set “Remix The Machine” and the EP “Clouds Of Doubt”, reviewed separately on Side-Line.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Swedish Machinista duo is back on track unleashing their third full length in history. The first album “Xenoglossy” was released in 2014 on Juggernaut Music Group, the second one “Garmonbozia” in 2015 on Analogue Trash Records while they now joined hands together with Infacted Recordings.

Content: Machinista remains faithful to their electro-pop sound formula, which they demonstrated with real talent on songs such “Arizona Lights” and “Salvation”. If you’re familiar with the band’s discography you’ll easily recognize this efficient and danceable electro-pop style. But I also noticed a few ‘harder’ cuts revealing bass lines reminding me to Eisfabrik. Next to the most danceable cuts, “Anthropocene” also brings a few softer, reverie-like songs.

+ + + : Machinista has for sure gained some maturity. The song writing remains interesting and even efficient at different songs, but the global sound production is much better now. The work reveals several beautiful songs for their emotional aspect –which is also noticeable in the vocal parts, but especially for their power to get people dancing! If you like Eisfabrik I highly recommend discovering “Let Darkness In” and “The Scare – Version”. The title song is also worthy of examination and reminds me a bit of early Apoptygma Berzerk. And if you prefer ‘traditional’ Machinista songs you for sure are going to like “Seconds Minutes Hours” and “Pain Of Every Day”.

– – – : I’m not that fond and less convinced by the softer passages from the album. There’s nothing wrong with softer cuts, but songs such as “Astrid” and “Universe Is Here” don’t belong to the band’s best exposures.

Conclusion: Machinista has signed a deal with a major label from the electronic alternative scene and that’s for sure an opportunity for this interesting band to gain a wider recognition.

Best songs: “The Scare – Version”, “Let Darkness In”, “Anthropocene”, “Seconds Minutes Hours”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.machinistamusic.com / www.facebook.com/machinistamusic

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

About Machinista

Machinista is a Swedish synth-pop duo of John Lindqwister and Richard Flow. Lindqwister also records as Cat Rapes Dog, while Flow is also a member of Vision Talk. The duo’s discography includes the album “Garmonbozia” (2015, AnalogueTrash) and the “Black Tide” EP (2018, Infacted Recordings), which preceded “Anthropocene”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Frozen Plasma strikes back with a particular album; kind of ‘featuring’-releasing on, which the German duo invited 10 guest singers to sing each a favorite Frozen Plasma song.

Content: You’ll easily recognize songs such as “Foolish Dreams”, “MurderousTrap”, “Hypocrite”, “King Of Pain”, but the vocals are different and sometimes surprising. For this concept “Pakt” features Thomas Lecszenski (SITD), Xavier Morales (Ruined Conflict), Paul (The Saint Paul), Casi (Rroyce), Charly-Barth Ricklefs (Eisfabrik), Jimmy Machon (Lights Of Euphoria), Dennis Schöber (Solitary Experiments), Daniel Pad (ES23), André Steinigen (Versus) and Nihls Uppahl (Beyond Obsession).

+ + + : The songs remain driven by the electro/future-pop style of Frozen Plasma. The guest singers inject some extra diversity to the sound. Songs such as “Murderous Trap” feat. Xavier Morales, “Hypocrite” feat. Daniel Pad and “Faith Over Your Fear” feat. André Steinigen work really well. It’s an original way to revisit 10 songs from the band.

– – – : A few songs can’t convince me and that’s maybe because some of them aren’t my favorites. I’m missing some of the band’s biggest hits –like “Herz”, “Crazy”, “Tanz Der Revolution”).

Conclusion: The idea behind this album also is a way to connect people with each other. It’s an original way to bring some old songs back to life.

Best songs: “Murderous Trap”, “Hypocrite”, “Faith Over Your Fear”, “Foolish Dreams”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.frozenplasma.de / www.facebook.com/FrozenPlasma

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

About Frozen Plasma

Frozen Plasma is a synth-pop duo from Hanover, Germany, formed in 2005 by Vasi Vallis and Felix Marc, the latter also known for his self-titled solo project and for his work in Diorama. “Pakt,” reviewed here, revisits ten of the band’s songs with guest vocalists drawn from the wider electro-pop and EBM scene.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark electro-pop.

Background/Info: Set up in 2017 by Liss Eulenherz (Intent:Outtake, Project Snowflake), Clodi Korzin (La Magra, Mental Defect) and ‘machinist’ Daniel Korzin (Mental Defect) this German trio already got a very positive response in their homeland and this before unleashing this official debut album.

Content: The work is driven by both female vocalists while Daniel Korzin is doing some backing vocals as well. I sometimes got the impression the music was composed to accompany both singers. The sound has something electro-wave and dark-pop like. It’s the kind of work that might appeal for lovers of early L’Âme Immortelle.

The album features 10 songs plus 5 remixes by Eisfabrik, ES23, Rabia Sorda, Mechanical Moth and Rroyce.

+ + + : The main strength of the album is emerging from the great vocals, which in a way inject some melody to the music. Sound-wise “Acid Pops” caught my attention with some filtered electro treatments. The best part for sure is the last one revealing great remixes by Eisfabrik and Rabia Sorda.

– – – : I can’t get away from the idea there’s something wrong with an album when you prefer the remixes instead of the original versions. Well, that’s precisely what I experienced listening to “Acid Pops”. The original edits are missing punchy choruses and a bit more elaboration in the composition.

Conclusion: There are some good ideas running through the work, but I’m afraid that’s not enough to speak about a successful album. But let’s not forget this is just the first album from a new band!

Best songs: “Incendio – Remixed by Eisfabrik”, “Breathe Me In – Remixed by Engel / Rabnia Sorda, Palast”, “Wasteland”, “Finite Incantatem”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www.sonorus7.com / www.facebook.com/Sonorus7

Label: www.dansemacabre–group.de / www.facebook.com/dansemacabrerec

About Sonorus7

Sonorus7 is a German trio formed in 2017 by singers Liss Eulenherz and Clodi Korzin together with producer and self-described “machinist” Daniel Korzin. Eulenherz previously recorded as Intent:Outtake and as Project Snowflake, while Clodi and Daniel Korzin also record together as Mental Defect, and Clodi Korzin separately as La Magra.

Before releasing a full album, Sonorus7 contributed tracks to several Sonic Seducer “Cold Hands Seduction” compilations between 2017 and 2018. “Acid Pops” is the trio’s debut album, released on Danse Macabre with five remixes by Eisfabrik, ES23, Rabia Sorda, Mechanical Moth and Rroyce.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Background/Info:

Read the news on ‘Awakening’.

About Unity One

Unity One is the futurepop/synthpop project of Mike-E and vocalist Rush, known for his work with Alpha Point. “Awakening” followed a handful of digital EPs as the duo’s first official full-length release.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, body-pop.

Background/Info: Known and adulated in a former life as Dance Or Die, the German trio resurrected as Darkness On Demand. After an interesting debut full length “Post Stone Age Technology” the band strikes back with a second EP taken from the album. The title song of course is a wink to an early Dance Or Die major song (cf. “Psychoburbia”).

Content: The title song wasn’t my favorite from the album although it’s filled with great nostalgia. It however is a dark, melodic and alluring EBM-driven song. Next to the “Album Version”, this EP reveals remixes by Eisfabrik, Agonoize and DoD (which stands for Dance Or Die and Darkness On Demand).

The EP also features 2 extra (new) songs and I here especially recommend “Quicksand”.

+ + + : You can’t expect much more from an EP; a cool title song, interesting remixes and especially the one made by Eisfabrik. But you’ll also discover two new cuts. “Quicksand” is a nice surprise. Darkness On Demand moves on there where Dance Or Die stopped so in the end it’s all a bit the same band. The fans will be ravished.

– – – : I still don’t consider “Back To Psychoburbia” as the best song from the album, but it for sure remains an important song (also because of the link with Dance Or Die). The new track “Never Too Late” is just a B-side track without real consistence.

Conclusion: Dance Or Die is still hiding behind this new band name so the fans will be not disappointed discovering that this legendary formation is still alive and kicking.

Best songs: “Back To Psychoburbia”, “Back To Psychoburbia – Eisfabrik Remix”, “Quicksand”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/darknessondemand

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo–Records/119590774857404

About Darkness On Demand

Darkness On Demand is the dark electro project of Wagner and Falgalas, former members of Dance Or Die, the Berlin band formed in 1988 whose 1992 album “Psychoburbia” this EP’s title track references. Darkness On Demand released its debut album “Post Stone Age Technology” before this follow-up EP, and went on to issue a fourth studio album, “Panic In Reserve”, in 2024.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Rroyce is a German trio, which released their first length album on Thexoomo.net and the second one Kayal Records. The second work entitled “Karoshi” refers to ‘a Japanese term for death by a sacrifice job’. This album got originally released in 2016 and has been re-released as “Deluxe Edition” on Infacted Recordings.

Content: Infacted Recordings is a good sonic platform for Rroyce to gain a wider popularity and especially abroad from Germany. The songs are clearly inspired by electro-pop influences. The songs are pretty elaborated and there’s some ‘drama’ emerging at the surface. You’ll hear some piano arrangements injecting a refined and somewhat melancholic flavor on top of the work. The songs have been accomplished by the deep timbre of voice of the singer.

The “Deluxe Edition” features some extra cuts consisting of two acoustic versions and 4 remixes by Beborn Beton, Neuroticfish, Rotersand and Eisfabrik.

+ + + : I’m not used to starting with the remixes, but I have to admit that when a less familiar formation got remixes from Beborn Beton, Neuroticfish, Rotersand and Eisfabrik you can only be intrigued by this album. The remixes are pretty cool by the way, but I prefer the original songs revealing the very own ‘pop’ approach of Rroyce. The songs have been built up meticulously, now and then reaching a truly climax. I also like the kind of dramatic expression of this work, which is mainly noticeable at “The Dying Of Your Pride”.

– – – : Because Rroyce doesn’t sound like a ‘classical’ electro-pop band they for sure will catch the attention of ‘fine-pop-tasters’, but at the other hand they also will maybe a little less ‘complicated’ for the average electro-pop lovers. The acoustic versions aren’t my favorite cuts while I also expected a bit more out of the remixes by such great artists.

Conclusion: Rroyce is an interesting formation, with a very own sound revealing different ‘shades of electro-pop music’.

Best songs: “Running With The Sheep”, “The Principle Of Grace”, “I Like It, When You Lie”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/RROYCE.official

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

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, future-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: Eisfabrik is a funny, but great project driven by the genius of Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt). It’s ‘funny’ because of the concept around ice, snow… but still a band with a very own image and also live show performances. The members also have funny nicknames such as Dr. Schnee, Der Frost and Celsius. “Null Kelvin” is already the fourth album by Eisfabrik, which wants to bring us towards the ultimate point below zero degrees Celsius.

Content: Everything looks ‘cold’ and ‘icy’ when it concerns Eisfabrik, but the sound is definitely hotter and even sexy! “Null Kelvin” holds on the familiar sound formula revealed on previous albums. You can easily recognize the typical sounds and arrangements with the stamp of Gerrit Thomas on top, but now in a softer and even pop-driven approach. The vocals are pure electro-pop like and once again reminding me of Ronan Harris. So in the end “Null Kelvin” already sounds like the imaginary offspring between Funker Vogt and VNV Nation, Neurotichfish and related formations.

+ + + : Eisfabrik is something apart from the classical electro/future-pop scene and not really an EBM formation. This formation operates somewhere in between and that’s precisely what makes the attraction of the music reinforced by an original image. It’s the kind of music that might appeal for a wider audience, but first of all to music lovers who like to dance. If you consider Eisfabrik as an electro-pop formation they definitely belong to the most powerful acts in this scene. The pumping kicks, icy sequences and carrying leads reinforced by great vocals make this album hot and sexy. There are several noticeable songs featured here, but I especially want to mention the somewhat disco-pop driven “Too Many Miles”.

– – – : Eisfabrik hasn’t changed its sound formula and I think there’s no reason for that, but the initial magic is a bit gone. The songs become a bit predictable and that’s an aspect this prolific formation (4 albums in 3 years) maybe has to reconsider on future productions.

Conclusion: If you like snow and ice and you like to go on Winter sports, you better try Eisfabrik, which is an energetic sonic dance unity that will get you into a frenetic dance!

Best songs: “Too Many Miles”, “Brother”, “Schneemann”, “Soon Enough”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.spv.de / http://de–de.facebook.com/spvhannover

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German project built around Gerrit Thomas of Funker Vogt, performing as Der Frost, alongside members known as Dr. Schnee and Celsius who joined around 2011. The band’s third album, “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren,” appeared in 2016 on NoCut/SPV.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Out of the blue the belgian Alfa Matrix label releases the 2nd volume in their massive ‘Electronic Body Matrix‘ series. The first volume of this compilation series (check the release here) got qualified by many as the ultimate anthology of the EBM / electro-industrial scene. The 2nd edition of the “Electronic Body Matrix” compilation box once again manages featuring a real “who is who” artist selection bringing all new, exclusive or rare tracks.

This 2nd edition presents some 76 bands across 4 CD’s plus an exclusive download link giving you access to another 40 additional bands for a total music play of 116 songs (over 70% rare or previously unreleased tracks), an astounding 10 hour sonic journey! Marketed as a deluxe carton box with an extensive 28-page booklet with band pictures and credits.

All together on one same compilation, the leaders of the electronic scene of yesterday and tomorrow come together and include: FRONT 242 (exclusive mix), NITZER EBB (exclusive mix), FIXMER/MC CARTHY, RHYS FULBER, DANIEL B. PROTHESE, DIVE, BRUDERSCHAFT, POUPPEE FABRIKK, ARMAGEDDON DILDOS, KOMOR KOMMANDO, ELEGANT MACHINERY, AYRIA, FUNKER VOGT, PLASTIC NOISE EXPERIENCE, NOISUF-X, NEUROTICFISH, AESTHETISCHE, THE PSYCHIC FORCE, IMPLANT, [SITD], ALIEN VAMPIRES, HOCICO, ORPHX, NÖVÖ, METROLAND, PITCH YAR OF MATTER, MONDTRÄUME, CULTURE KÜLTUR, TOLCHOK, DEUTSCHE BANK, AVARICE IN AUDIO, THE SEXORCIST, PSY’AVIAH, AIBOFORCEN, ELEKTROKLÄNGE, R.I.P. (ROPPONGI INC PROJECT), ENTRZELLE, and many more, without forgetting the impressive remix work contributions of bands like EISFABRIK, FADERHEAD, ORANGE SECTOR, NZ, ELM, etc.

Add to this all hardcore ambassadors of today’s pure EBM league in the likes of SPETSNAZ, ELM, NZ, AD:KEY, AUTODAFEH, AGREZZIOR, ORANGE SECTOR,KANT KINO, CELLULOIDE, LIGHTS OF EUPHORIA, DIFFUZION, PATENBRIGADE: WOLFF, ACCESSORY, CEPHALGY, AMORPHOUS, VENAL FLESH, PROTECTORATE, STOPPENBERG, CENTHRON, LLUMEN, CARDINAL NOIRE, MILDREDA, CRYTEK, KONER, etc.

The exclusive bonus download link included in this 4CD box also gives you access to some 40 additional songs from artists like MENTALLO & THE FIXER, ACYLUM, SERPENTS, ZOMBIE GIRL, AENGELDUST, EQUITANT, NETZ, STUDIO-X, SIVA SIX, NEIKKA RPM, ESSENCE OF MIND, DEKAD, INTERFACE, NEUTRAL LIES, CIRCUITO CERRADO, TRAGIC IMPULSE, WANT/ED, HELALYN FLOWERS, DIVERJE, SCHWARZBLUT, TOTEM OBSCURA, DIGITAL GEIST, KILMARTH, SIGNAL OPERATOR, ELECTRO SYNTHETIC REBELLION, DIGITAL GEIST, TECHNOID, DEN C.T. BUG, and many more!

The full track listing can be checked right here.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-rock, metal, gothic.

Background/Info: Singer Martin Engler and his acolytes are back on track unleashing the ninth studio album of Mono Inc. The German formation became one of the most noticeable bands from the German goth-metal & alternative rock scene. The new work features a new opus with 12 songs and an extra disc featuring surprising remixes.

Content: Mono Inc. never stopped their progression throughout the years. “Together Till The End” is an invitation to embark on a powerful and melodic trip constantly mixing elements of dark and alternative rock, metal riffs and melodic gothic melody lines. The overwhelming choruses are one of the main characteristics of this new opus, while in a way being the band’s trademark.

The power has been mixed with delicate arrangements and charismatic vocals, but still feature a few surprising contributions from Ronan Harris (VNV Nation) and another tracks featuring Tilo Wolff (Lacrimosa), Joachim Witt and Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost).

The bonus CD mainly consists of some surprising remixes by bands such as Palast, Solitary Experiments, Faderhead, Eisfabrik and Blitzmaschine. It’s quite surprising to discover the original songs transposed in mainly pop-orientated versions. You also will discover a live, unplugged song plus the original versions of both songs featuring the aforementioned guest singers.

+ + + : “Together Till The End” is a true masterpiece revealing a perfect balance between power, melodies and sensibility, but still a perfect match between orchestral/epic arrangements and subtle sound treatments. Mono Inc. realized a tour de force inviting Ronan Harris to sing on the beautiful “Boatman” and a trio of famous guests on “Children Of The Dark”. The global production is absolutely amazing while the album is filled with numerous potential hits. “Together Till The End” is an accomplished piece carried by great musicians and a charismatic singer.

The bonus disc transposes most of the original songs into a surprising electronic-pop approach. Most of the remixes have been made by label mates. I was deeply impressed by the remixes of Eisfabrik and Blitzmaschine.

– – – : This album will become without a shadow of a doubt one of the best productions of 2017 so I don’t have any negative points. I just can imagine that some fans will be a bit disappointed by the electronic remixes from the bonus disc.

Conclusion: You have numerous great albums, but not many outstanding pieces. “Together Till The End” is an album I can’t get enough from so it definitely is a masterpiece!

Best songs: “There Comes A Time (Back to Life)”, “Children Of The Dark”, “Boatman”, “Out In The Fields”, “The Banks Of Eden” + “Across The Waves – Takatiktok Mix by Eisfabrik”, “This Is My Life – Kondensat Remix by Blitzmaschine”.

Rate: (9).

Band: www.mono–inc.com / www.facebook.com/monoinc

Label: http://nocut.de / www.facebook.com/spvhannover

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Background/Info:

Read the news on ‘Welcome To ScarCity’.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

First time I heard Eisfabrik I got instantly seduced by their powerful mix of dark-electronics and future-pop. Regarding to their concept it for sure is one of the craziest bands I’ve seen in years, but still one of the most original ones composing great music. They have released their third album  “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” on NoCut/SPV a few months ago, which was a very good reason to get in touch with ‘Der Frost’.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Let’s start with a traditional question, how did you get in touch with each other and decided to set up Eisfabrik?

Der Frost: Dr. Schnee and me know each other since 2011. He was the lead singer of a band with which I was on tour with my own band. We kept our contacts, so once during the next Winter he sent me a song with his vocals. The original song was an old instrumental one from one of my former bands. I was very impressed what he made out of this, so we started to make some songs together.

We both knew Celsius from different activities in the past and noticed that he left his old band. A third guy who likes stage performing, managing and all the organization stuff he uses to do, could be very useful for us. Furthermore he’s a very nice and cool guy! So Eisfabrik was found.

Q: When I first heard Eisfabrik I thought it was a new band set up by… Funker Vogt and Assemblage 23! What are the real sources of inspiration and what kind of sound did you have in mind?

Der Frost: I always try to make a kind of dance music with a cool sound and catchy melodies. My roots are in the electronic scene since over 25 years. That’s why it’s not surprising that our sound may offer some similarities to any other band. But I think that our sound has its own face, also because of Dr. Schnee’s voice which is very unique, I think.

Q: There clearly is a kind of original concept behind Eisfabrik, which we find back in your nicknames, but still in most of the titles. Where did you get this idea from and is there any deeper meaning?

Der Frost: As we were searching for a name for this band, we just listed up what we thought about our sound and our whole impressions to this. We thought that the sound had a certain coldness which made us think about words like ‘snow’, ‘ice’ and so on (German = ‘Schnee’, ‘Eis’). And the fact that everything is made with machines made us recalling the term ‘factory’ (German = ‘Fabrik’). So it ended in the very suitable name Eisfabrik. All the image and lyrics are built on this.

Q: The concept is also present on stage, which I think is important for the show and the audience! What did you try to express on stage and can you already reveal some details about the upcoming tour?

Der Frost: We certainly want to enforce our own image by different visual effects. Therefore everything looks cold and somehow futuristic. Beside some basic light stuff there are effects like for example a walking robot which is about 2.5 meters high. A Yeti is running and dancing on stage. It also may snow, if we’re in the house. And also a few things more which will give our show this icy feeling.

Q: How do you look back on the albums “When Winter Comes”, “Eisplanet” and “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren”? Do you see an evolution in sound & production?

Der Frost: Of course, our sound has become more dense and even more compact over the years. It seems that everything does fit perfectly together at the moment. But I think I will say this in two years again and in four years also and so on…

Q: The new album “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” has been released a few months ago now so do you see some elements in the production you want to improve or maybe arrange a different way on the further album?

Der Frost: I think every musician becomes gradually more professional sounding song by song he or she creates. You don’t notice these very little steps by yourself. Maybe not even from album to album. For the moment I don’t know what I will improve in the future. But I’m sure there will be something.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Read the review of ‘Welcome To ScarCity’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

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Genre/Influences: Dark-electro & future-pop.

Background/Info:  Last year the German band Eisfabrik took me by surprise unleashing a phenomenal album entitled “Eisplanet”. ‘Dr. Schnee’, ‘Der Frost’ and ‘Celsius’ sounds like a crazy trio, but composing great electronics. We now welcome “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” revealing 12 new songs.

Content: The sound formula of Eisfabrik hasn’t changed and once again mixes elements of dark-electro and future-pop. Sound-wise I would swear to have heard a new project of Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt) while some vocal parts remind me of Ronan Harris (VNV Nation). Eisfabrik composes a mix between hard electronics and a more melodic side empowered by alluring vocals.

They have this strange fascination for ‘ice’, ‘frost’ and ‘cold’, but the music will push you to dance and to get warm. There are multiple outstanding pieces, which have been accomplished by solid rhythms, little, icy bleeps, carrying leads and charismatic vocals.

+ + + : Eisfabrik doesn’t reinvent any electro-underground style, but has found a secret recipe to mix Funker Vogt together with VNV Nation. In the end it’s just Eisfabrik! I was impressed by the songwriting built up with numerous noticeable sounds and a nearly constant danceable cadence. The vocals by Dr. Schnee add a powerful and somewhat pop-minded touch to the composition. The debut part is absolutely sensational revealing multiple potential hits and the noticeable “Hell Is Made Of Ice” revealing a kind of visionary acid-pop sound.

– – – : There’s no real evolution compared to their previous work, but it here consists of a rather ‘new’ band so there’s no real reason to complain. I just regret a few softer cuts, which are cool, but are not an added value.

Conclusion: After their previous great opus I was rather wondering how this new work of Eisfabrik would sound like and the least I can say is that I haven’t been disappointed. The ‘icemen’ from Hannover simply confirms to be one of the ‘hottest’ electro formations of the past 2-3 years.

Best songs: “Hell Is Made Of Ice”, “A Murdered Love”, “Sensations Of Pain”, “Millenium Find”, “The Coldest Summer”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.spv.de / http://de–de.facebook.com/spvhannover

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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

Background/Info: Last year Eisfabrik took the electro-pop community with a surprise unleashing of the magnificent “Eisplanet”-album. I experienced this opus as the offspring between VNV Nation and Neuroticfish for the future-pop implementation and Funker Vogt for the harder sequences and danceable kick.

Content: The title song of the EP was one of the highlights from the album while the B-side cut “Cry For You” was another attention grabber.

The “Single Mix” doesn’t deliver anything new, but it’s an opportunity to get back to this kicking song driven by danceable vibes, a typical future-pop lead and charismatic vocal parts.

Among the 3 remixes there’s a noticeable version by Project Pitchfork and a harder guitar-driven “Hell Boulevard Version”. The least I can say is that there’s an interesting diversity between the remixes.

The “Frosty’s Minimix” of “Cry For You” is another smashing cut, which reminds me of Funker Vogt for the solid lead and stumping cadence.

+ + + : “Walking Towards The Sun” is the right song to get released as the EP-title song. The Project Pitchfork-remix will for sure catch the attention of numerous music lovers. This EP reveals a great diversity.

– – – : I can’t really say to have discovered new things. This EP is an item for the biggest fans.

Conclusion: If you don’t know Eisfabrik, this EP will for sure give you a good idea of the band’s potential. This is great contemporary future-pop music.

Best songs: “Walking Towards The Sun – Single Mix”, “Walking Towards The Sun – Hell Boulevard Mix”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.eismusik.de / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.spv.de / http://de–de.facebook.com/spvhannover

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

(By Stéphane Froidcoeur aka Deranged Psyche) 2015 has been already a prolific year for the section Side-Line Reviews. As head of the Side-Line Reviews section I can only, but be extremely satisfied with the huge amount of promo material we got. Over the 700 (!) releases were selected while nearly 550 (!) have been reviewed thus far. I take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all labels, promoters and bands considering and respecting our work and efforts and this for years now.

But I also have to thank all of our readers because for their interest, support, trust and consideration. It’s a very important source of motivation to keep me moving on trying to support our lovely underground scene the best I can.

A review of course remains always ‘subjective’ and a source of discussion, but keep in mind it will be always the perception of the reviewer, but I can assure you we always try to argue our reviews the best as possible. I noticed multiple great releases during 2015; from EBM to dark-electro to IDM to synth-pop to ethereal, to dark-ambient to industrial to gothic and a few related genres I made a TOP 20 of the best albums of 2015! This selection has been made with the promotional material we got while compilations and EP’s were not selected for this ‘best of’.

Stéphane Froidcoeur (aka Deranged Psyche)

01 Irfan – The Eternal Return (CD Album – Prikosnovénie)
02 Neuroticfish – A Sign Of Life (CD Album – NOR)
03 Acylum – Pest (DCD Album – Alfa Matrix)
04 Eisfabrik – Eisplanet (CD Album & EP – SPV/NoCut)
05 Senking – Closing Eyes (CD Album – Raster-Noton)
06 Ah Cama-Sotz – State Of Mind (CD Album – Hands)
07 Karjalan Sissit – …Want You Dead (CD Album – Cyclic Law)
08 Alien Vampires – Drag You To Hell (DCD Album – Alfa Matrix)
09 Supersimmetria – Kosmogonie (CD Album – Hands)
10 Johan Baeckström – Like Before (CD Album – Progress Productions)
11 Hearts Of Black Science – Signal (CD Album – Progress Productions)
12 Dear Strange – Lonely Heroes (CD Album – Out Of Line)
13 IAMX – Metanoia (CD Album – Caroline International)
14 Legiac – The Faex Had Decimated (CD Album – Tympanik Audio)
15 Grand((Ø))Signal – Aktivation (Digital Album – Grand((Ø))Signal)
16 Encephalon – Psychogenesis (CD Album – Dependent)
17 Noisuf-X – 10 Years Of Riot (DCD Album – ProNoize)
18 Star Industry – The Renegade (DCD Album – Alfa Matrix)
19 Chainreactor – Dirt (CD Album – ProNoize)
20 Frozen Plasma – Dekadenz (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

side-line.com

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

Content: Eisfabrik is a new band active in the scene. The German formation has been set up by Dr. Schnee, Frost and Celsius. The nicknames of the members, and the name of the band and the title of their work clearly refer to extreme coldness like frost, ice and snow.

The pictures I’ve seen reveal a rather identical image reminding me of some passages of “Game Of Thrones”. So I expected a rather cold and icy sound, but instead I discovered a future-pop influenced composition. Eisfabrik already received a real enthusiastic response in their homeland, which I think is totally understandable.

The opening (title-) song reveals elements of dark-electronics joined by the melodic and danceable side of future-pop music with clear and captivating German vocals on top. The song perfectly illustrates both main ingredients and influences of this band. I was especially fascinated by the dark-electronic arrangements, which remind me of the genius of Gerrit Thomas (Funker Vogt). You’ll hear it on most of the songs, but at the other hand there also is a well-crafted and efficient future-pop input, which might remind to VNV Nation for its melancholia and its efficiency.

Eisfabrik doesn’t really deal with new ideas, but the originality is the way they’ve merged those influences together. It creates a new kind of future-pop dimension, which is more ‘muscled’ through the dark-electro elements. “Eisplanet” also reveals a succession of great songs and I can assure you there’s nothing to throw away. Eisfabrik apparently knows the secret formula to compose brilliant songs while alternating German and English vocals. This band also seems to have a passion to create and manipulate sounds injecting an extra sound DNA to their work.

There clearly is a kind of symbiosis between melodic and carrying choruses on one side and manipulated, icy sound treatments on the other side. I noticed multiple potential hits on this album, but my preference goes to I Don’t Miss It”, which sounds like the ultimate song of progressive future-pop music. “Walking Towards The Sun” and “Far Away” both are noticeable songs as well.

The extra disc is an EP called “Maschinen”. This is one more great song, which doesn’t appear on the album. It again sounds in the line of the other songs mixing dark-electronics à la Funker Vogt together with future-pop and body-pop elements reminding me of bands like VNV Nation, And One ao. I don’t want to make too many comparisons as Eisfabrik clearly created their very own style.

We get numerous remixes at this EP by great artists like [:SITD:], Rob Dust, BhamBhamHara, Mono Inc and even T.O.Y.
There also is a kind of exclusive B-side song called “Polar Mission” revealing a softer and definitely more explicit pop side of the band. And here again Eisfabrik reveals to be a real talented formation accentuating the moody and melancholic side while holding on danceable vibes.

Conclusion: Eisfabrik is one of the hottest revelations on planet electro-underground! This is a true masterpiece!

Best songs: “I Don’t Miss It”, “Far Away”, “Strom”, “Walking Towards The Sun”, “White Storm”, “Cry for You” + “Maschinen – Single Version”, “Maschinen – Rob Dust Version”.

Rate: (DP:9)DP.

Band: http://eismusik.de/eisfabrik / www.facebook.com/eisfabrikofficial

Label: www.spv.de / http://de-de.facebook.com/spvhannover

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Out via KL-Dark-Records is the new album “Seasons” by German electro pop act evo-lution. The album is available both as a download and on CD (you can order both right here).

Included also on the album are bonus remixes by Beborn Beton, !distain, Eisfabrik, Leichtmatrose, Per Anders Kurenbach and Rob Dust.

A preview teaser for the album can be viewed below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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

side-line.com