Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: German synth-pop duo Alex Pfahler – Andy Pfiefer are back on track unleashing their third full length album. “Traumfaenger” features ten songs plus four bonus cuts, which were originally released at the digital EP “Vierklangdimensionen”.

Content: If you’re familiar with previous albums released by Loewenhertz, “Traumfaenger” has nothing innovative to discover. The band remains driven by good-old electro-pop standards and sometimes again reminds me of their legendary compatriots and masters in the genre: De/Vision. The songs are alternating German and English lyrics. The debut cuts sound sweet and happy-like, but quite progressively Loewenhertz moved towards a more danceable electro-pop style recovered with sensibility and melancholia.

The 4 last cuts are cover versions from famous songs originally written by Rheingold, Hubert Kah, Nena and Snäp.

+ + + : The sound and influences haven’t really changed. I’m not saying that this album is a copy-paste from the previous one, but the main strength of this duo appears in the achievement of the songs and not in the originality of the sound. I definitely prefer the more danceable cuts and I have to say they accomplished a few noticeable songs in the genre. “We Regret”, “Closer”and “Truth In Me” confirm the potential of the band, which is not just a copyist, but has the skills to write captivating synth-pop music. I like the progression in the tracklist taking off in a rather sweet way and slowly evolving towards a more mature and efficient electro-pop music, sometimes carried by a harder bass line and/or aggressive sequence. Among the cover versions I recommend the cool version of “Dreiklangdimensionen” originally written by Rheingold. Loewenhertz found a perfect compromise between the vintage, original edit and some refreshing and more personal aspects.

– – – : The sweeter part of the album, which you’ll hear in the debut is not exactly relevant for being average-like and without a real spirit!

Conclusion: There are numerous electro-pop formations and especially a lot of copyists. I never have experienced Loewenhertz as the most original one in the genre, but this band simply confirms to have real potential. I’m waiting for an absolute hit pushing them in the spotlights of this scene.

Best songs: “We Regret”, “Closer”, “Truth In Me”, “We Regret”, “Dreiklangdimensionen”, “Elisabeth”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.loewenhertz–musik.de / www.facebook.com/loewenhertzmusik  

Label: www.echozone.de / www.facebook.com/EchozoneMusic

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: Industrial-pop, experimental, electro-punk, EBM.

Background/Info: Areana Peel and her gang are back on track unleashing album number five of her fetish-electro project Grausame Töchter (‘Cruel Daughters’). Notice by the way there also is a limited edition of this album available as DCD featuring numerous remixes.

Content: Grausame Töchter is a band that first gained a reputation by their fetish/BDSM image and live shows, but which next became more and more recognized. I must say that I noticed a constant evolution in the composition and, which seems to find a new apotheosis by this new work.

“Engel Im Rausch” (cf. “Intoxicated Angel”) features 18 songs covering different influences. The main themes remain characterized by explicit lyrics (you don’t even need to speak German to understand “Sex In Deutschland”, “Fickmaschine”…) and a versatile electronic sound moving from electro-rock and punk into industrial-pop into EBM.

The work also features cover versions from Joachim Witt and Hubert Kah plus a cover (or simply reworked version) of an early Graumsame Töchter-song (cf. “Beleidigte Engel”).

+ + + : Graumsame Töchter already had the image, but is progressively revealing a very unique sound approach. The songs feel like a truly electronic osmosis of styles. I noticed several clubby cuts such as “”Wildes Tier” and the more EBM-driven “Lila Katzen”. Areana Peel is not only a visual artist (referring to the live shows), but also a passionate singer with clearly a taste for theatrical performances. The songs definitely reveal cohesion between all influences, which also comes through in the electro- and guitar parts, which are complementary. Sometimes bombastic and even epic-like, the songs are accomplished with refined arrangements.

– – – : The versatility of the work is not only a strength, but still one of its controversial sides. Grausame Töchter can’t be totally labeled as one specific and established genre and the tracklist is pretty impressive.

Conclusion: Grausame Töchter is a kind of electronic alien still interested in fetishism; it sounds rather surreal, but this new work is worthy of examination and definitely the best I’ve heard from this artist.

Best songs: “Lila Katzen”, “Wildes Tier”, “Goldener Reiter”, “Sex In Deutschland”, “Beleidigte Engel 2020”, “..Und Ich Fühle Nichts”, “Fickmaschine”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.grausame-toechter.de / www.facebook.com/GrausameToechter

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

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

Available now on Spotify, iTunes and related platforms is the “Helden” EP by the German endzeit act Totem Obscura. For the occasion Nadine ‘Aengeldust’ Engel and Pedro ‘Acylum’ Engel have joined up with 80’s living legend Hubert Kah (known for his hit-songs and backing vocals for the 80’s icon Sandra).

“Helden” was already available from Bandcamp and now also has hit other platforms too as you can see below.

The EP itself holds 16 tracks including exclusive remixes of other album songs like “Blut Marschiert”, “Eisenmann” and “Bastard”. You can expect aggressive dark elektro with Middle-Age tonalities. Strongly recommended to fans of :Wumpscut:, Acylum, Heimataerde, Yelworc and Das Ich.

Check the EP on Bandcamp:

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.

side-line.com

Nadine ‘Aengeldust’ Engel and Pedro ‘Acylum’ Engel have joined up with 80’s living legend Hubert Kah (known for his hit-songs and backing vocals for the 80’s icon Sandra) to record the dowload Ep “Helden”. “Helden” is at the moment only available from Bandcamp, with other platforms to follow soon.

The EP itself holds 16 tracks including exclusive remixes of other album songs like “Blut Marschiert”, “Eisenmann” and “Bastard”. You can expect aggressive dark elektro with Middle-Age tonalities. Strongly recommended to fans of :Wumpscut:, Acylum, Heimataerde, Yelworc and Das Ich.

Check the EP on Bandcamp:

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.

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, medieval-(h)el(l)ectro.

Background/Info: Behind Totem Obscura is hiding Pedro ‘Acylum’ Engel and his wife Nadine ‘Croona’ Engel. They’re both known for their work under the Acylum moniker, but Nadine recently also released a harsh and industrial new album as Aengeldust. “Nordische Fest” is the second opus of Totem Obscura.

Content: Totem Obscura is a bit to Heimataerde, like Acylum is to Wumpscut! “Nordische Feste” mixes dark-electronic elements together with medieval atmospheres. The German lyrics bring a gothic touch to the work. But the album is not excelling in power and sonic violence, but reveals overwhelming atmospheres and even melancholia. I sometimes get the impression Totem Obscura got inspired by the imaginary world of “Game Of Thrones” and I think to have recognized samplings from this famous series running through the album.

The album also features a song featuring Cosmic Armchair, which logically resulted in a more danceable approach. Another noticeable cut is “Helden” for featuring Hubert Kah (who did some backing vocals in the 80s for Sandra). Last, but not least you’ll discover remixes by Ruined Conflict, Hell:Sector and Crytek.

+ + + : I really admire the work and genius of Pedro Engel who according to me is one of the most talented musicians of his era dealing with dark-electronics. But he also is a man of many talents, which can accomplish much more than only Acylum tracks. I have to admit I expected this album to be a bit harder, but globally speaking I like the medieval atmospheres this album has been made of. I like the bleak mood recovering the songs, which feel like announcing a nearby disaster. It all sounds raw and tormented. The famous EP-song “Eisenmann” remains one of the major cuts of this album, but I also have to mention “Blut Marschiert” for its coldness. The medieval chants running through a few cuts inject an extra touch of mystery and visual appeal. Among the remixes I want to mention a great contribution by Ruined Conflict.

– – – : I expected a harder and powerful album, but that says more about me instead of the band. “Nordische Feste” is not the kind of work that will put dancefloors on fire (like early Heimataerde) although it’s a fascinating experience.

Conclusion: Totem Obscura transforms dark-electronic music into a medieval voyage and other fantasy universes. This is the perfect alternative soundtrack for “Game Of Thrones” or “The Lord Of The Rings”.

Best songs: “Eisenmann”, “Blut Marschiert”, “Bluttanz”, “Blut Marschiert – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Gestandig”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/totemobscura

Label: www.alfa–matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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 is “Nordische Feste”, the 2nd full length album by the German duo Totem Obscura. The album is mixing harsh acylum-esque electronics with medieval sounds.

But what also caught our attention was the fact that the track “Helden” features the legendary German electropop act Hubert Kah aka Hubert Kemmler (known for a long range of successful hit-songs and backing vocals for the 80’s icon Sandra).

The album also holds collaborations with Ruined Conflict, Cosmic Armchair and new label mates Crytek, plus also a guitar driven version by Hell:Sector of the “Eisenmann”, the band’s recent club hit.

You can listen to the complete album via Bandcamp, or order it directly on CD. Highly recommended release !

Very much recommended to fans of Acylum, Heimataerde and of course Wumpscut!

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.

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Background/Info: Transponder is ‘Freund 242’ aka Stefan Rukavina (also known from Rhesus Factor and the industrial formation Bleiburg) plus ‘Hanz Acid’ (Werksfront). The band released an impressive number of productions in a rather short lapse of time while featuring Claus Larsen (Leather Strip, Klute) as guest singer on multiple songs. Notice by the way this album has been released already a few months ago now.

Content: The first disc features cover versions from Tragic Error, Depeche Mode, Front 242, Hubert Kah, 2 Live Crew and Leather Strip plus collaborations with Les Berrtas, Zynik 14 and Engelsstaub. All songs remain driven by good-old EBM power reminding to DAF, Pouppée Fabrikk ao. But there still is a solid flavor of minimalism recovering the composition plus some new-beat elements (and not even on the cover version of “Tanzen” by Tragic Error). The song “Good-Bye” reminds me a bit of early Praga Khan.

Lyrically Transponder mixes explicit lyrics with funny themes and even a somewhat cynical view on politics.

The second disc is mainly featuring Claus Larsen as the vocalist. We here get a kind of ‘best of’ from Transponder singles. Claus Larsen already collaborated with Freund 242 for Rhesus Factor. And here again the music remains driven by retro-inspired EBM. It remains pretty minimal-like and sometimes as a wink to new-beat. You’ll also discover remixes by Sixth Comm, Parralox and Bleiburg.

+ + + : Transponder probably is an EBM project deserving a wider recognition. It’s good-old EBM with a very personal approach resulting in great minimalism. But I also like the somewhat new-beat inspiration as well. The sound formula is pretty simple, but damned efficient. The lyrics also have this magical effect to get listeners singing. Just pay attention for songs such as “Bewegt Euch” or “Stomp The Cybers” and you’ll understand what I mean. Some of the cover versions on the first disc have been pretty well reworked into the Transponder EBM mould, but I especially recommend the collaborations with Les Berrtas and Zynik. Claus Larsen also feels really comfortable singing on Transponder. And here again you’ll discover many great songs!

– – – : I sometimes get the impression that Transponder is just a ‘fun’ band. It doesn’t always sound that serious and I refer to some of the cover versions, but at the other side I’ve to admit that this kind of EBM is really efficient.

Conclusion: Transponder is not reinventing the receipt of electronic body music, but it definitely is a great and contemporary ambassador of this music genre. This work is a must have for all EBM freaks!

Best songs: “Lerchenzungen feat. Les Berrtas”, “Auf Der Jagd feat. Zynik”, “Photographic – Original by Depeche Mode”, “When We Return To Bleiburg feat. Human Nihil & Leather Strip” + “Bewegt Euch feat. Leather Strip”, “Stomp The Cybers feat. Leather Strip”, “The Return Of The New Beat feat. Leather Strip”, “The Return Of The New Beat feat. Leather Strip – Remix by Parralox”, “Man Zane Iraniam”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.transponder–music.de / www.facebook.com/transponder242

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