The German duo Akalotz doesn’t frequently release new albums, but when they do, it’s worth the wait. Active since 2007, their third album, “Angry Body Machine,” marks their first new release since 2017 and their debut on the Scanner label. Akalotz stays true to their EBM roots, but they skillfully elevate the genre by infusing a darker, more sophisticated edge. While the sound is familiar, this is far from a typical EBM record. The album feels like a fusion of old-school EBM with bombastic arrangements reminiscent of Vomito Negro. It’s brutal, raw, yet incredibly effective—a gastronome’s choice in EBM. (Rate:8½).

Listen to “Aktivate You”:

https://scanner-dd.bandcamp.com/track/aktivate-you

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 now on limited clear transparent vinyl (500 copies) is “Kaputt gehen”, the first (7-track) album for Gast on Z Pop-Records. Z Pop-Records is the new sister label of Young & Cold Records and with “Kaputt Gehen” the label shows its concept of being a home for modern, German-language music that has roots in the Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) from the early 80s.

The label offers bands and projects that don’t clearly fit into the darkwave/postpunk fields of the main label and appeal to a broader audience. Gast presented its first songs digitally in autumn 2022 and has now, around a year later, completed its debut mini-LP. Note that he track “Boxer” was produced with special guest Traumatin, another German New Wave artist.

Below are two videos to check out, “Boxer” and “Fallen”.

The mission of Z Pop-Records

Interesting to see is that the new label has also published a proper mission statement:

“Z Pop Records represents a new record label that has emerged within the framework of the “New German Wave”, capturing the musical diversity and cultural expressions of the German-speaking Generation Z. This movement is characterized by its adaptability, creativity, and individual expression.

The artists and bands united under Z Pop Records are inspired by a wide range of musical styles, incorporating both modern electronic sounds and influences from genres like Coldwave, Metal, and classic NDW. This versatile mix creates a musical landscape that stands out for its energy, innovation, and honesty.

Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, significantly shapes “Z Pop”. This generation is marked by its digital savvy, openness to diversity, and social activism. The lyrics and messages of Z Pop Records’ artists reflect the issues that move Generation Z, such as self-discovery, social justice, mental health, and the challenges of modern life.

The music of Z Pop Records is not only an artistic expression but also a platform for the voices and experiences of Generation Z. It serves as an outlet for their hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations. The artists of this movement use their music to connect with their generation, explore identity, and share common experiences.

Z Pop Records acts as a link between the artists and their audience by making the music accessible through digital platforms, social media, and live performances. It allows Generation Z to identify with their own culture and identity and to find a sense of belonging.

Overall, Z Pop Records represents an emerging movement that captures the diverse musical landscape of the German-speaking Generation Z, while also serving as a voice and platform for their unique experiences and forms of expression.”

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.

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