Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The fourth album of Stupre was already released a while ago; by the end of 2021 to be exact. “Make Nazareth Great Again” is a free-interpretation of bible themes by this French project. Notice by the way a double album has been released as well featuring songs from two unreleased EP’s. Multiple guest singers contributed to the album.

Content: Stupre moves on exploring paths of Dark-Electronics. The bible themes are easily recognizable throughout the song titles, samplings and atmosphere hanging over the work. The sound reveals a haunting Electro-format featuring, hard, pumping, kicks and enraged vocals in French and English. This is the kind of music appealing for fans of Hocico and Suicide Commando. The last 3 songs are remixes by Gunmaker, Larva and Suspifun.

+ + + : I’ve been never a huge Stupre fan but this work took me by surprise. The artist isn’t reinventing Dark-Electro but clearly transformed its own sound into a mature, elaborated, and efficient production. This is powerful and haunting dancefloor stuff driven by pumping kicks and icy, elevating, leads. I like the bible sphere running through the work like a red line. It injects a particular touch to the album. There are numerous attention grabbers featured but I’ll recommend listening to “Mathieu 23.10.2” which is the absolute club-song featuring an irresistible, cold, lead. Other essential cuts are “Corinthiens 10.3.5”, “Galates 5.19” and “Galates X Mathieu 2.0”.

– – – : The remixes don’t exactly add a bonus to this cool work.

Conclusion: Stupre has accomplished a great piece of work which is an album Dark-Electro fans need in their collection.

Best songs: “Mathieu 23.10.2”, “Corinthiens 10.3.5”, “Galates 5.19”, “Galates X Mathieu 2.0”, “Psaumes 90.12.4”, “Proverbes 18.3”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/STUPREofficial

Label: www.advoxya-records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya-Records/265765706059

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: Pop-Rock, Indie, Punk-Rock.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The Quinsy is a Russian formation originally set up in 2001. They released a debut album (cf. “The Violet Day) in 2012 on Afmusic. They now strike back with a new opus featuring eleven songs plus six remixes.

Content: This work is a mishmash of influences which can be related to Pop, Rock, Post-Punk and Indie. Diversity comes also back in the male- and female vocals and in the languages as well. The Quinsy is singing in Russian, English and also one song in French. Remixes were made by Gunmaker, 2 by TemnaVoda, 2 more by DiarBlack and one by The Quinsy.

+ + + : Diversity makes each of us will find one or more cool songs. Some will be convinced by harder guitar play and others by electronic pieces. My favorite song is “Le Vide” sung in French by the female vocalist. It has a sensual touch emerging at the vocals and electronic treatments. But my favorite songs are the remixes made by GunMaker -mixing hard guitar riffs with sensual female vocals, and one remix of TemnaVoda for its minimalism.

– – – : Several songs sound unaccomplished and revealing a true chaos of influences. I get the feeling The Quinsy could better focus on one specific genre instead of experimenting with an endless list of genres.

Conclusion: This album features interesting passages, but can’t convince me globally.

Best songs: “Le Vide”, “The Power” + “Не Хочу – КалиЮга версия by TemnaVoda”, “Dark Sun – Aurora Gun remix by Gunmaker”.

Rate: 6.

Artist: www.facebook.com/The.Quinsy

Label: www.scent-air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

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: Metal-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The Hungarian band Gunmaker has been active for a few years and released their third opus at the end of 2020. This new work features eight songs plus nine remixes. The album has been again produced by Rob Dust.

Content: The least I can say is that Gunmaker never repeats itself. From a rather Metal-driven debut album towards a more Electro/Indie-Pop next album they now strike back with a kind of Metal-Pop offspring. The songs have something Electro-Pop/Wave driven while being empowered by guitar riffs. Some of the most refined cuts remind me a bit of Apoptygma Berzerk.

Remixes have been made by Numb Haze, Rob Dust, Monolith, Human Vault, Dark Control Operation, Implant, Southern Pines, Cyberbob, Jihad, Angst Pop & Technomancer and Linda Daemon. The last song is an alternative mix of an album song by the band themselves.

+ + + : I can’t say that Gunmaker is constantly reinventing their sound, but at least they don’t get stuck in one specific sound formula. The mix of Metal driven riffs and Electro-Pop works pretty well, but I have a preference for one of the most Pop-driven cuts (cf. “Dreams And Desires”). Among the remixes I noticed a brilliant remix of “Wherever You Go” by French formation Dark Control Operation. I especially like the Gary Numan spirit emerging from the strings. Another cool remix is the one by Monolith.

– – – : I still think the production of the vocals could be better. It remains the main point of the band to improve.

Conclusion: Gunmaker moves on composing a very personal interpretation of different, but related music genres.

Best songs: “Dreams And Desires”, “Wherever You Go”, “Wherever You Go – Dark Control Operation Remix”, “Wherever You Go – Monolith Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Gunmaker-474227946012195  

Label: www.advoxya-records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya-Records/265765706059

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, dance-pop, body-pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This compilation will reveal to the international electro-pop community there’s a synth-pop scene in Hungary! The idea started with the Facebook page “Hungarian Synthpop Allstars”-community. It’s quite interesting to see Advoxya Records –indeed an Hungarian label, but mainly devoted to dark-electronics, to release this work featuring nineteen artists from the Hungarian electro-pop scene.  

Artists: Plazmabeat, Apsür.de, Gunmaker, Syntax Error, 8BIT, Analog Puzzles, PopFilter, Ian, Clayfeet, ION Projekt, Ed Ruspa, Pixelplants, Flow, LED, Ügynökség, DeWolf, Müller, Avantgarden, B Machina & Ian.

Content: The least I can say is that there clearly is a synth-pop scene in Hungary. The sampler is quite diverse, moving from dance-pop –sometimes on the edge of commercial pop music, to harder body-pop to traditional electro-pop –often inspired by the Masters themselves: Depeche Mode. Most of the bands are singing in their Mother tongue, which is somewhat weird if you’re not familiar with this language, but the other side it also makes the originality and specificity of the compilation.

+ + + : I’m always open for compilations, which can make me discover new names and especially when hailing from a country I’m not used to hearing electro-underground music. So you can imagine how lucky I was as I only knew Plazmabeat, Apsür.de and Gunmake. The other bands were new to me and I discovered some promising songs. Especially the last part of the work is impressive; from the heavenly melancholia of Flow to the body-pop driven Ügynökség to the dance-pop of DeWolf to the power emerging from Müller to the melodic melancholia of Avantgarden and somewhat And One reminding B Machina & Ian those artists reveal a real potential. I also have to mention the very Depeche Mode driven 8BIT and the dark, danceable Syntax Error.

– – – : Some of the most familiar bands aren’t delivering the best cuts and that’s just fine proving there’s more big fish in the Hungarian pond.

Conclusion: I had some serious reservations when starting the listening of this work, but this is a compilation I highly recommend.

Best bands: Avantgarden, Flow, DeWolf, Müller, Syntax Error.

Rate: (7½).

Label: www.advoxya-records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya-Records/265765706059

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, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This is the third full length by the French project Stupre. It was released ten years after their debut opus “Priceless” (2009) on Cortex Records. “Das Ist Electro Dark” should be released in 2013 on Advoxya Records. Six years later Stupre front man ‘NarCis Prince’ invited Dolls Of Pain singer ‘Nore Guide’ to sing on six songs from this album.

Content: I remember Stupre as a band with a sophisticated electronic sound. I dare to say this album sounds a little bit more accessible. The compositions have been supported with dark atmospheres while the songs are driven by cold sequences. Several songs are sung in French. Globally speaking the production of the vocals seems to express rage. One of the songs (cf. “Ton Chemin”) has a minimal touch on top. The last track is a remix of “You Pay You Play” (one of the best cuts from the album) by Gunmaker.

+ + + : I can’t say Stupre totally reinvented its sound, but this album sounds ‘different’. I like bands daring to evolve and experimenting with different ideas. I especially enjoyed the atmospheric side hanging over the album. It creates a right balance with the dark-electro- and EBM influences. Most of the sharp sounding leads reinforce the cold sphere of the album. “Le Monstre” is according to me the highlight from this work. 

– – – : It’s maybe a detail, but I’m not a huge fan of the album’s artwork, which has something psychedelic/punk/cartoon like. Sound-wise I don’t consider this album as an absolute ‘must have’ although an interesting experience.                                                              

Conclusion: Stupre is not ready to become a leading formation from the dark-electro scene, but it brings some diversity to the genre!

Best songs: “Le Monstre”, “Ton Chemin”, “Un Dieu Etrange”, “Fou”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Stupre-282239884184

Label: www.advoxya–records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya–Records/265765706059

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: Peruvian duo Arian 1 strikes back with a new EP featuring the title song plus 5 remixes.

Content: If you’re already familiar with the work of Arian 1 you’ll rapidly recognize the essence of their work. “Spend The Night” is a very efficient piece of EBM with a poppy touch on top. The vocals are rather clear.

Remixes have been accomplished by Reaxion Guerilla, Die Braut, Gunmaker, Bleeding Corp. and Struck 9.

+ + + : The title song is cool and danceable piece of fresh EBM. The carrying chorus creates a little climax. Among the remixes I especially want to mention the very clubby edit of Reaxion Guerilla and Bleeding Corp. which has accentuated the lead of the song.

– – – : I’m always a bit disappointed getting EP’s with one single song followed by a load of remixes.

Conclusion: Arian 1 confirms their potential and simply talent to compose efficient EBM-driven music. This is a band that deserves more recognition!

Best songs: “Spend The Night”, “Spend The Night – Reaxion Guerilla Remix”, “Spend The Night – Bleeding Corp. Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/ARIANUNO

Label: http://insane–records.com /  www.facebook.com/InsaneRecordsEU

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, indie-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: GunMaker is a Hungarian trio which released their debut-work “Headmaker” in 2015. This album revealed an electro-metal sound with some pop influences. The successor “Daymaker” was released in 2017 revealing a male vocalist instead of the female singer who has left the band. Notice by the way this album was produced by Rob Dust.

Content: “Daymaker” is a different album, which is more carried by pop elements. I can’t speak about a ‘typical’ electro-pop album as “Daymaker” goes much further. The songs are sophisticated, catchy and empowered by guitar riffs. Solid bass lines and impressive electronic treatments (which even remind me of Sebastian Komor) are the main electronic ingredients of this work.

The album also features a rather surprising Covenant cover (cf. “Like Tears In Rain”) plus a few remixes by Rob Dust, Atomzero, Strongmaker and Diskonnekted.

+ + + : “Daymaker” reveals a great evolution compared to the debut work. The songs have been composed with intelligence. I like the carrying- and melodic aspect of the songs while the guitar play inject some extra power. There’s a real great balance between all the different layers and especially between electronics and guitar. I also like the vocals when produced with some minimalistic, robotic effect on top.

– – – : The only single point that can be improved are the vocals on a few songs. There’re missing conviction and especially passion. That’s maybe because of the line-up change.

Conclusion: “Daymaker” is a real interesting album for avoiding the big electro-pop cliché. It also reveals a band that has made an interesting move towards more indie-pop driven influences.

Best songs: “I Swear”, “I Swear – Rob Dust 80s Forever Mix”, “Trust Me Or Lie”, “Like Tears In Rain”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Gunmaker-474227946012195

Label: www.advoxya–records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya–Records/265765706059

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-metal, metal-pop.

Background/Info: Behind this new Hungarian band is hiding ‘Gunhead’ who was previously involved in Impact Pulse and Nothing Nada. After the split of those bands Gunhead was joined by a female singer and a guitarist to set up Gunmaker.

“Headmaker” is the debut album, which was already released a few months ago now.

Content: This band has less in common with the aforementioned formations of their creator. The songs are clearly driven by empowering guitar riffs, which are somewhere in between metal and gothic music. The electronic parts are much softer and even exploring realms of pop music, which is the only link with Nothing Nada.

The result is rough exposure of pop, which is unusual and raped by heavy guitar play. This is an antidote for classical electro-pop music although accomplished by efficient arrangements. The female vocals by Zsófi add some angelic grace to this album.

The work features 8 songs plus 5 noticeable remixes. Gunmaker made an outstanding selection asking great producers and I here especially have to mention People Theatre and Rob Dust bringing the sound into great dance-pop music. I also have to mention a harder, but excellent remix by Dolls Of Pain.

+ + + : “Headmaker” is a pleasant debut featuring a surprising, but exciting mix of electro-pop and metal-guitar music. There are a few noteable remixes at the end of the album.

– – – : I always feel a bit sorry for a band when some of the remixes made by other formations are better than the original songs and that’s exactly what this album is all about. The potential hits have been accomplished by other bands instead of Gunmaker.

Conclusion: This is a new formation showing interesting ideas, which have been transformed into gold with the remixes by People Theatre and Rob Dust.

Best songs: “Love Me – Rob Dust Remix”, “No Chance – People Theatre Remix”, “Shiny Stars”, “No Chance – Dolls Of Pain’s Nicht Unterkriegen Mix”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.facebook.com/Gunmaker-474227946012195

Label: www.advoxya–records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya–Records/265765706059

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