Fixt &#8211; SIDE-LINE

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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Mari Kattman releases ‘URGOD.AI’ 2-track single – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:05:46 +0000

Out now is the new single from Cop International signee Mari Kattman called “URGOD.AI”. “URGOD.AI” comes backed by the B-side “Lower Yourself”.

Mari Kattman has been self-recording, writing, composing, and live performing music since 2012. Currently, she operates under the Mari Kattman name as a solo artist and worked with Tom Shear, of Assemblage 23, on a project called Helix.

She has been collaborating with such artists as Mesh, Ivardensphere, Jean-Marc Lederman, Psy’Aviah, Aesthetiche, Neuroticfish BlackCarBurning, Cassetter, This Morn Omina, Solitary Experiments, Mephisto Walz, Aiboforcen, Interface and Comaduster. She also has worked on many other label releases including ones for Metropolis Records, Alfa Matrix, FiXT and will release her solo work on COP International.

You can check out the new 2-track single below.

URGOD.AI by Mari Kattman

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!

German duo Toxsyck unleashes new single ‘Death Wish’ on FiXT

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 06 May 2023 16:52:13 +0000

The German electronic duo Toxsyck has released a new single, “Death Wish”, through the US-based record label FiXT. The track is characterized by heavy industrial guitars and distorted rhythms. Toxsyck, a dubstep and mid-tempo producer duo from Germany, first emerged on the scene in 2021. Their music features a fusion of heavy bass, glitching synthesizers, and melodic synthwave chords. The duo’s futuristic and extravagant outfits and photos, associated with Techwear culture, have become popular content on Instagram.

“Death Wish” is one of Toxsyck’s first songs to blend mid-tempo with drum and bass elements. The duo describes the cyberpunk-esque vocals as drawing listeners into a soundscape where “you’re losing the traction in time and space while the hard-hitting drops let your whole body shiver.”

“Death Wish” can now be streamed on all platforms through FiXT, a label founded in 2006 by Klayton, known for his work with Celldweller, Scandroid, Circle of Dust, and FreqGen. You can watch the “Death Wish” video below.

More videos from Toxsyck can be found below:

Techwear: A Brief Overview

Techwear is a fashion style that marries functionality with style and aesthetics. This clothing features pockets, lockers, clasps, straps, and other practical accessories. Techwear is designed with special materials that offer breathability, freedom of movement, water resistance, and comfort.

Originating from the work of Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sachenbacher, the founders of Munich-based label Acronym, techwear gained traction when Hugh collaborated with Nike to relaunch their outerwear sub-brand ACG. Techwear’s aesthetics are influenced by the Karasu Zoku subculture, the Japanese Mode movement, and innovations from industrial, scientific, and military apparel.

While techwear does not have a clearly defined philosophy, its enthusiasts often share interests in cyberpunk media, futurism, climate change resilience, ecology, A.I, transhumanism, and the surveillance state. The techwear community aims to shift from a trend-driven culture to one that values durability, reuse, and repair. The monochromatic color palette, emphasis on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and relatively high cost reflect this commitment.

Mari Kattman signs with COP International

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 18:33:47 +0000

Mari Kattman has joined COP International. “Is It Really That Bad” will be the first EP on COP International and will be released on the 13th of May and will feature remixes by Neuroticfish, Rotersand and John Fryer.

Christian Petke / Founder COP International: “Mari brings incredible talent and drive to the table. I absolutely adore the fact that she is not just the singer but the principal songwriter and visionary in this project. She is a force to be reckoned with!”

Mari Kattman has been self-recording, writing, composing, and live performing music since 2012. Currently, she operates under the Mari Kattman name as a solo artist and works with Tom Shear, of Assemblage 23, on a project called Helix. In the past she has collaborated with many artists, including Assemblage 23, Mesh, Ivardensphere, Jean-Marc Lederman, Psy’Aviah, Aesthetiche, Neuroticfish BlackCarBurning, Cassetter, This Morn Omina, Solitary Experiments, Mephisto Walz, Aiboforcen, Interface and Comaduster.

She has worked on many label releases including ones for Metropolis Records, Alfa Matrix, FiXT and now she will call COP International her new home for her solo work.

Here’s the track “Objectified”.

The Anix – Revenge (Album – FiXT)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Brandon Smith is back on track, unleashing a new album of The Anix. The album features guest artists Inhuman, Blush Response, Julien K and Interlock.

Content: The Anix moves on exploring the boundaries of Industrial music. The production remains a mish mash of influences, which have been mixed in a coherent and powerful mold. Electronics and guitar are empowering each other while the different collaborations inject some extra influences. The Anix sometimes sound like an imaginary creation between Depeche Mode and Marilyn Manson.

+ + + : The songs are well-crafted and revealing a top notch production. It’s a powerful sound accentuated by guitar parts and refined by electronic arrangements. The collaboration with Blush Response on “Levitate” resulted in an alluring and modern piece of Industrial-Techno-Grunge. There’s also something to say about the dreamy, emotive and Cinematic acoustic version of “Where Is My Mind” composed together with Julien K. Another collaboration with American artist Julien K. (cf. “Your Lies Are Like Fire”) is another piece I recommended for its rough sound approach.

– – – : The Anix has this typical American sound, which is not always easy to grasp for Europeans. The multiple influences resulted in an original and very personal sound, which however remains hard to define. It’s sometimes a bit too Rock-driven.

Conclusion: “Revenge” is a diversified piece of music, which is hard to label, but easier to listen to.

Best songs: “Levitate”, “Don’t Let The Outside Win”, “Your Lies Are Like Fire”, “Where Is My Mind – Acoustic Live”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: http://theanix.com / www.facebook.com/theanix

Label: www.fixtmusic.com / www.facebook.com/fixtmusic

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The Anix launch ‘Die With You Remix Contest Compilation’ remix album – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 18:24:20 +0000

Out via FiXT is The Anix‘ “Die With You Remix Contest Compilation” album. The album features 14 mixes, including the top 3 winners from the contest, Kaixo, BassPanda, and Simdist, along with additional mixes by Ario, Cyborgdrive, Metarmonica, Rodria, Ephemeral Machine, and more. You can expect a range of genres, including drum & bass, house, synthwave, dubstep, industrial and more.

Originally founded in 2001 by Smith, and later joined by brother Logan Smith with longtime friend Chris Dinger, the group toured the Hollywood rock club circuit for several years. After writing hundreds of songs and playing countless shows, the band signed a deal in 2008 to record their first full-length studio album titled “Demolition City”. The band then landed a deal with The Diesel Management Group and toured throughout Europe on the “Rocket Science Tour” with Apoptygma Berzerk.

In 2011 The Anix signed a record deal with Cleopatra Records to record their second studio album titled “Sleepwalker”. In 2016, The Anix began the process of reinventing themselves, shifting away from a touring band into a studio project. After a full year of development, the group emerged with “Ephemeral” in March 2017 as their 2nd album on Cleopatra Records.

In 2018, The Anix completed their metamorphosis from band to solo project as front-man and songwriter Smith signed with FiXT. The Anix released the full-length album “Shadow_Movement” in 2018, “Hologram” in 2019, and “Graphite” in 2020, and has signed on for 3 more albums with FiXT in the years to come.

Here’s the video for “Die With You (Ario Remix)”.

Industrial metal act The Silverblack postpone new album but release new acoustic EP and video of the single ‘Retaliation’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:44:11 +0000

Industrial metallers The Silverblack have decided to postpone the release of their brand new album “Judgment” initially scheduled for a late 2020 release given the current logistical problems linked to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The album would feature Fear Factory’s Burton C. Bell doing guest vocals on the title track. The recordings are ready but you’ll have to wait a bit more.

Meanwhile, during the lockdown, the band has recorded an EP featuring reworkings of previously released songs in an acoustic version. The ep entitled “Lullabies For The Departed (Chapter I)” has been released by darkTunes Music Group on August 28th. Check out the video for the single “Retaliation”.

Italian industrial metal

The Silverblack was formed by multi-instrumentalist and producer Alessio NeroArgento (NeroArgento) and vocalist Claudio Ravinale (Disarmonia Mundi, 5 Star Grave). After releasing their self-titled debut album in 2014 via AExeron Media/FiXT divided into five monthly episodes of two songs each, the band quickly recorded 11 brand new tracks for the second album entitled “The Grand Turmoil” released via Sliptrick Records in autumn 2015.

After releasing a more experimental electro-driven EP entitled “The Industrial Chapters” under the monicker ‘The Silverblack Dj-Set’ and the stand-alone single “Alone” (both via Reload Music, powered by Sony Music Italy) the band finally completed the production of their third official full-lenght album “Rain On A Wedding Day”. It was released late 2018 via DarkTunes Music Group.

Rabbit Junk crafts industrial remix of Circle of Dust’s ‘Demoralize’ for 25th anniversary celebration of iconic album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:18:04 +0000

Circle of Dust’s debut album 25th anniversary celebration gets celebrated with Rabbit Junk’s remix of the track “Demoralize.” The duo’s new version pulls back the industrial roots of the track and infuses it with modern electronics for a genre-hybrid piece that is a fitting tribute to the Circle of Dust original.

Circle of Dust, the ’90s industrial project from Klayton (later known as Celldweller), celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1995 debut album this year, with every track featuring all-new mixes of the songs. The mixes were executed on original gear with separate audio tracks for the first time in over 20 years. Along with each original song being re-released with updated mixes, each will receive remixes from modern artists/producers.

Rabbit Junk’s remix is out now on all platforms from electronic rock label FiXT. Check out the video below.

Recovering album rights for Circle of Dust and Argyle Park

The project launched 4 full-length albums in the ’90s (“Circle of Dust”, “Brainchild”, “Metamorphosis” and “Disengage”). Klayton also created a side-project around that period under the name Argyle Park, which featured a vast collection of guest collaborators, including Tommy Victor of Prong, J.G. Thirlwell of Foetus and Mark Salomon (Stavesacre/Crucified).

The rights to the Circle of Dust and Argyle Park albums were unavailable to Klayton as the original labels they were signed to shut down in the mid-90s. After 2 decades of pursuing a deal to regain ownership of the albums, Klayton was finally able to reclaim the rights in 2015.

Circle of Dust made its return in 2016 as Klayton regained control of the entire Circle of Dust catalog, re-releasing each album with remastered audio and completely re-imagined art. Later the same year, with the project fully resurrected, the new album “Machines of Our Disgrace” was released followed by a feature-length documentary, “Full Circle: The Birth, Death & Rebirth of Circle of Dust”, and full-length remix album “alt_Machines” in 2018.

Now, in 2020, Circle of Dust is releasing a 25th anniversary edition of the 1995 debut album.

FiXT Neon releases 3rd single from Cyberpunk compilation ‘Altered’: ‘Man Or Machine’ (Feat. Megan McDuffee) by Extra Terra

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 11:39:46 +0000

Out now is the track “Man Or Machine (Feat. Megan McDuffee)” by Extra Terra. It’s the 3rd single from the label’s upcoming cyberpunk compilation album “Altered”.

For the occasion the cyberpunk act Extra Terra has combined its forces with synthwave vocalist Megan McDuffee on the new track, “Man or Machine”. “In the future, humans will probably fall in love with sentient machines. And this music is deeply connected to this theme”, says Extra Terra in a statement.

The upcoming cyberpunk synthwave compilation, “FiXT Neon: Altered” was already preceeded by 2 other singles by Signal Void and King Protea’s “Find You” and Deadlife’s “No Longer Human” on the path the album’s full release. “Man or Machine” is available now on all major platforms from the independent synthwave label FiXT Neon.

Here’s the track (backed by an instrumental version):

And here’s the video.

The Anix – Hologram (Digital Album – FiXT Music)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:30:16 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-pop, power-pop, wave-pop, electro-rock.

Background/Info: The Anix is now active for nearly twenty years and strikes back with a new album on FiXT. Driven by the creative mind of Brandon Smith, this work brings us ten new songs –except for those who already discovered the “Digital Bath”-single.

Content: The Anix remains a truly sonic enigma; their sound being more the result of multiple influences instead of a music style properly speaking. It for sure has something electro/wave-pop like, the songs are powerful and there’s also a kind of American industrial touch on top. You mix it all with sensual vocals and you maybe can get an idea of how “Hologram” sounds like.

+ + + : Diversity is the keyword to describe The Anix, but it also is the band’s main strength. The fusion between all their influences happened with meticulosity and the result is worthy of examination. From the brilliant opening cut “Renegade” featuring a great outburst during the chorus to the wafting and analogue sounding “Interference” to the somewhat grunge-driven “Digital Bath”, The Anix confirms their eclecticism.

– – – : The risk incorporating too many influences in your work is to get an album, which sounds like a compilation. That’s the single reproach I would make about “Hologram”.

Conclusion: The Anix remains a pretty singular project, which once again brings multiple, but related influences and styles together. This is the work of a sonic chameleon!

Best songs: “Renegade”, “Interference”, “Live Forever”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: http ://theanix .com / www .facebook .com /theanix

Label: www .fixtonline .com / www .facebook .com /fixtmusic

Check out the video for the new single.

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Industrial breakbeat act 3D Stas signs with FiXT and releases debut single – check out the video

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:32:19 +0000

“Dominant Paradigm” (feat. Charlie Bowes) is the brand new single by Industrial breakbeat act 3D Stas. With the single 3D Stas makes his FiXT label debut after signing a multi-album deal in late 2018. The track features vocal performances of Charlie Bowes, known as the front man of UK band Seething Akira.

With the release of “Dominant Paradigm”, composer/producer 3D Stas joins FiXT’s expanding roster of electronic-rock acts alongside Celldweller, The Anix, Raizer, Soul Extract, Comaduster, and Blue Stahli. The track marks the first in a series of singles from a full-length 3D Stas album coming later this year on FiXT, featuring a varied list of guest vocalists, including Charlie Bowes, Celldweller, The Qemists and more.

Among having produced more than a dozen albums and EP’s since the mid-90’s, 3D Stas also garnered prestige in the breakbeat stratum and is classical trained as a guitarist and pianist. His first release was a CD album “404” released in 1999; the artist has since topped the chart Beatport Breaks Top 100 on separate occasions with the EPs “Syndrome” and “C.L.A.W.”, taking a 1st place with “Syndrome” in 2014 and another 1st place with “C.L.A.W.” later the same year. At the beginning of 2015, 3D Stas was nominated for “Track of the Year” at The 14th International Breakbeat Awards Breakspoll 2015 with the track “Dying Light”. In 2018, 3D Stas released his most recent EP “The Heat” with Arya Recordings and has since been working on remixes and singles until signing with FiXT in late 2018.

Celldweller returns with ‘My Disintegration’ single in March

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 15:29:30 +0000

Celldweller returns with a new single, “My Disintegration”, from the upcoming 5th studio album, “Satellites”, on Celldweller’s owned/operated independent record label FiXT. On this new single mastermind composer/producer Klayton returns with an aggressive, modern metal sound mixed with his signature synth programming and melodic vocals.

“My Disintegration” follows 2017’s “Electric Eye” (yes, released almost 2 years ago!) as the 2nd single from the forthcoming album “Satellites”.

Scandroid – Scandroid (CD Album – FiXT Music)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:30:39 +0000

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

Background/Info: Behind Scandroid is hiding Celldweller’s mastermind ‘Klayton’. Scandroid is meant to be the ‘love letter’ of Klayton to the 80s. After a few EP’s he now unleashed the self-titled debut-album of Scandroid featuring 15 songs.

Content: From the very first notes and sequences you can hear the 80s inspiration, which is mainly characterized by vintage electronics and effects. It sounds a bit space-like, which is a sensation accentuated by numerous effects and sweeps. Most of the vocals are robotic-like, which is another link with the 80s electronics. The songs are carried by solid, melodic leads and dance kicks.

The cover version of Tears For Fears legendary “Shout” is the ultimate link with Klayton’s passion for early electronic pioneers. The songs are rather pop-like and the pop style is catchy and danceable. One song features Circle Of Dust, which is just another project Klayton is involved to while the final track is a remix by Waveshaper. I also noticed a few more cinematographic passages accomplished with orchestral arrangements.

+ + + : “Scandroid” is a successful exposure of good-old 80s electronics with a refreshing and more contemporary touch on top. The songs are well-crafted and you really can feel the musician’s passion and devotion for the 80s decade. There’re some details like a saxophone and somewhat nu-disco effects, which were typical in the 80s decade and, which have been reactivated on “Scandroid”. Next to the rather successful cover version of Tears For Fears’ “Shout” this album features numerous cool songs.

– – – : The originality is hard to find, but it’s really necessary when it concerns an ode of an artist to his favorite music. It definitely brings nothing new, but the magic of the 80s is still a matter of fact so you don’t hear me complaining.

Conclusion: “Scandroid” is a danceable ode to the 80s electronics, which are an important source of inspiration for Klayton. This work will awake some good-old memories and get you to dance!

Best songs: “Connection”, “Destination Unknown”, “Salvation Code”, “Shout”, “Empty Streets”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: http ://klayton .info / www .facebook .com /Scandroid

Label: www .fixtonline .com / www .facebook .com /pages /FiXT –Music /109713779047159