It’s been years since I last heard of Gaping Chasm. Driven by Czech artist Roman Petro, aka ‘Ergo’—also known from Anima Mundi and once a journalist for Crewzine—this album compiles a selection of older demo recordings and rare tracks.

The album plays like a trove of unearthed, long-forgotten pieces. Its style and influences strongly recall the early years of Skinny Puppy, but especially Mentallo & The Fixer. Expect dark EBM built on relentless sequences and pounding rhythms, layered with distorted vocals. Among the chaos, there are truly brilliant moments to be found, including a striking instrumental piece reminiscent of Benestrophe.

This release offers several outstanding examples of high-caliber EBM, though it also includes a few less essential tracks that feel more like they round out the collection. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “Are You Ready Follows”:

https://aliensproduction.bandcamp.com/track/are-you-ready-follows-2

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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