Philippe Marlat and Stephan Seth founded Iamnoone in 2019. Since their debut, this Italian duo has been remarkably prolific, releasing four official albums to date, all under the Cold Transmission Music label—a partnership that perfectly reflects their sound. Drawing inspiration from Dark-Wave and Cold-Wave, Iamnoone’s music delves into haunting atmospheres and emotive depths, a hallmark particularly evident in their most recent release, “The Joy Of Sorrow”. Iamnoone’s work is a profound exploration of self-discovery, inner struggles, and the search for light amidst darkness. Intrigued by the evocative themes and soundscapes of their latest album, I reached out to both members of the duo to learn more about “The Joy Of Sorrow”—an album I highly recommend discovering. (Picture credits by Regina Zverkova – Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: With four official albums under your belt, it’s easy to say you’ve accomplished a lot as a band. How do you reflect on this incredible journey so far, and how do you feel you’ve evolved since the founding of Iamnoone? 

Phil: It really seems we’ve been at it for ages, but it’s only been six years since we became Iamnoone. This shows how much we’ve worked, pouring passion into everything we did. We always feel the need to create. As artists, we feel the necessity to grow, and we try to add something new—something we’ve learned—to every song we compose. I still remember 2023, when we were waiting to hit the stage at WGT, sipping tequila. We said, ‘Four years ago, we were no one, and now (we’re still no one, but we’re here’. It’s an incredible journey, driven by creativity. 

Stephan: The journey of Iamnoone mirrors the journey we had as friends in life: always trying to become better versions of ourselves and always aiming at growing as persons and as musicians. Since its inception Iamnoone showed us new ways to work together and offered us a lot of occasions to reason about our lives and the messages we wanted to convey through our music. I’m very grateful for the opportunity this project offers me as a person.

Q: Your latest album, “The Joy Of Sorrow”, has been highly anticipated. Can you share how this project came to life? What was the composition process like, and were there any significant innovations or unexpected challenges along the way?

Phil: During the “Dead Season” and “Together Alone” sessions, we had to work separately because of the lockdown. However, when we started composing “The Joy Of Sorrow”, we decided to write the songs together in the studio. In the end, we composed twelve songs together, while another 12–14 songs came from demos we had composed individually. From the very beginning, we chose to incorporate a lot of electronics into this album and to experiment with it. Before the mixing process, we had extensive discussions with our label about what we were working on and, together with them, we selected the final tracklist. 

Stephan: We’re constantly writing new music. When ‘it’s time’ to release an album, we develop our demos and record the parts. We usually decide beforehand which are the components of our previous works we want to keep and which ones to let go. 

Q: How did you collaborate on this album? Can you walk us through your typical creative process; -who takes on which roles, and how do you complement each other as a team?

Stephan: Usually we send each other embryos of songs, the one who receives the demo comes up with ideas on how to develop the song and we go back and forth until we’re satisfied with the result. Then it’s time to record and add spices. Of course each of us has its strengths: Phil for example is a great sound engineer and has super clear ideas on how to infuse a track with ‘atmosphere’… and I usually mind the harmonies or come up with suggestions for melodies… yeah one might say we complete each other.

Phil: We both write the lyrics, depending on who feels more inspired in a particular moment. For us lyrics are a very important part of the song. The concept of the album, defined by its title, starts taking shape when we add the words to the music.

Q: The title, “The Joy Of Sorrow”, is intriguing. What deeper meaning does it hold, and how does it connect to the album’s lyrical themes? From what I understand, the lyrics also carry a positive message so can you elaborate on that?  

Stephan: Sorrow is sometimes a state in which one can find some sort of quiet melancholic peace. In fact we believe the light does not go out in times of sadness, it’s just hidden. We also believe darkness is a natural element of life and should be understood, more than avoided, because when it comes to pass, we can grow a lot as person. 

Phil: We believe that life is a balance of opposites. Nature teaches us this, sometimes in a harsh way. Artists often find inspiration to create masterpieces during periods of suffering. They find joy in sorrow. In this album, we deliberately balanced darker aspects with brighter ones. An example is a track like “This Is Forever” compared to a song like “The Age Of Sadness”, which are thematically at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Q: Your work has always carried clear influences from the 80s, and this album is no exception. What makes that era so special to you? Are there any specific artists or producers from that time who have inspired you, and why? 

Phil: I don’t know why, perhaps due to childhood memories, but the sound of the 80s has something comfortingly melancholic about it… a kind of sweet melancholy that’s lovely to get lost in. I’ve also always loved the sound of synthesizers and electronic drums, even though my main musical reference period is more the 90s, when I started making music actively. As a music listener, I also prefer discovering new things, especially from the independent scene.

Stephan: To me music is like a tongue. And influences are like accents. If you ask me why I have that accent, well that’s because I grew up there… in terms of music, my main musical education took place in those years… then of course I studied and added lots of other ingredients to my musical background, but my musical roots are deep in the ‘80s 

Q: Do you believe that the newest album is always your best work? How do you view your discography as a whole, and what can fans expect in the coming months in terms of new releases, live performances, or other projects? 

Phil: We like to live in the here and now. The latest album is always a step forward, but we’re also deeply connected to our past work. Playing or listening to our older albums takes me right back to the moment we were working on them. It reminds me of what season it was, what our expectations were, what the air smelled like… our old records are a sort of a time machine. As for the future, we have a few live shows to play here in Italy. We’re mixing some tracks that didn’t make it onto “The Joy Of Sorrow”, but most importantly, we’re discussing putting down some of the ideas we have in mind for a new album. 

Stephan: I believe the last album is the one that mirrors more accurately the present of the project. Listening to the old songs it’s like looking at pictures from the past: even though a lot of those old tracks still have resonance and meaning, to us , it is the new ones that represent us closer.

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

This marks the fourth album from the Italian project Iamnoone, and it radiates a sense of optimism, embracing the belief that there’s always a light amidst the darkness. This concept is beautifully translated into a blend of Electro-Wave, enhanced by layers of guitar. The songs are undeniably catchy, featuring a unique combination of melancholic melodies that simultaneously invite you to dance. Certain tracks evoke an extra-catchy iteration of The Cure, particularly evident in their memorable choruses. Throughout the album, listeners will discover several standout tracks that are both remarkable and enjoyable. For me, this album represents my personal favorite work from Iamnoone, showcasing their artistic evolution in a truly compelling way. (Rating:8½).

Listen to “The Age Of Sadness”:

https://iamnoone1.bandcamp.com/track/the-age-of-sadness

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-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two years after their excellent debut-album “Nighflower” Italian Ohno Nomen duo strike back with their second album. Francesca ‘AngeNoir’ Marlat and Filippo Marlat (Iamnoone) have written eleven songs to this album.

Content: The songs move on there where “Nightflower” stopped. There’s a similar source of inspiration which directly evokes 80s Electro-Wave music. Dark, and minimal, sound treatments have been mixed with danceable rhythms with on top Francesca’s sterile, sensual, timbre of voice. 

+ + + : Ohne Nomen confirm with “The S-Witch” the potential of the debut work. The songs became more danceable while the tracklist reveals a succession of cool songs. I also like the progression of the global production process. There’re less songs which couldn’t convince me. We get an accomplished production featuring danceable vibes, easy, enjoyable, melody lines and the singular vocals of Fra Marlat. She’s injecting a touch of icy, sensuality but still a more passionate approach at “Cold Sadness” -which by the way is driven by a great 80s-like melody line. I don’t want to compare Ohne Nomen to another formation but I think it might appeal for lovers of Paradox Obscur.

– – – : I noticed a very few cuts -which are the softest ones, which couldn’t totally convince me.

Conclusion: “The S-Witch” stands for great, alluring, Electro-Wave music while I hope Ohne Nomen will progressively reach a wider audience.

Best songs: “Darkness”, “Cold Sadness”, “Crystal World”, “Deep Hole”, “Thelema”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Ohnenomen

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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: Wave-Pop, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Together Alone” is the third official album by Italian formation Iamnoone. The work is directly inspired by the psychological consequences of the pandemic and lock-down; how difficult it feels to get back in touch and interact with others.

Content: This work sounds a bit different to previous releases. It’s still driven by good-old 80s elements but the global production now moves into a darker approach of Wave-Pop. The songs are sweet although dark and sometimes into melancholia. The very last song is an alternative version of the song originally featured on the previous album.

+ + + : Iamnoone don’t repeat themselves and that’s very appreciable. I also like the evolution towards a more personal kind of Electro Wave-Pop style. I especially recommend the 3 last cuts of the album which are beautiful songs driven by sweet vocals.

– – – : Despite of the band’s evolution in sound I’m still missing potential hits. It sounds entertaining but a bit flat.

Conclusion: I think there’s more potential hiding inside this band than what came out.

Best songs: “The Broken Spell”, “Falling On My Knees”, “Rain – Ta Version”, “Together Alone”.

Rate: 6½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/iamn8ne

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: “Dead Season” is the second official opus by Italian Dark-Wave duo Iamnoone. The title of the work is a kind of metaphor to the terrible period we all had to go through… a dead season…

Content: The sound of Iamnoone is definitely inspired by 80s formations reminding me of Trisomie 21 and Dominion. The work is written by guitar, typical low resonating bass lines and electro arrangements. The production of the vocals sounds more connected with Wave-Pop productions.

+ + + : “Dead Season” is an enjoyable work for its global atmosphere evoking 80s memories of Cold-Wave music. But it also sounds like ‘sweet melancholia’ refined with electronic arrangements. I like the delicacy of the production of “No God” and the spooky-like “The Need”. I also recommend listening to “Pieces” which has this good-old retro feeling.

– – – : Despite of the fully enjoyable tracks I’m missing a true highlight.

Conclusion: “Dead Season” sounds styled and enjoyable but is a bit more passionate.

Best songs: “No God”, “Pieces”, “Maya”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/iamn8ne

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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

Italian project Ohne Nomen is driven by Francesca ‘AngeNoir’ Marlat and Filippo Marlat (Iamnoone). They this year released the debut album “Nightflower” on Cold Transmission Music. The songs are mixing elements of Electro-Wave and Minimal-Electro reinforced by guitar play. It’s a cold and 80s influenced composition, which I can only, but recommend. I got in touch with Francesca and Filippo.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: How did Ohne Nomen saw the daylight and what’s the music background of the members –thinking of other bands you’re involved with?

Francesca: Ohne Nome was born in 2020, but Filippo and I were part of Marlat, an Italian band active since 2010 and devoted to Dark-Wave and Gothic-Rock music. Our background is varied, but focused around dark, legendary bands like The Cure and Siouxie And The Banshees_, but also new and contemporary Dark-Wave and Electronic projects.

Q: What kind of band and sound did you’ve in mind when setting up Ohne Nomen? Do you’ve specific references when composing your music?

Francesca: Our project is conceived to make people dance. We’re trying to bring some vital energy with our music, which we think it’s important in a strange period like the one we’re living in. We love Electronic music and Dark-Wave music. We love bands with a sound featuring atmosphere and a lot of Electronic energy.  

Q: You this year released your debut album “Nightflower”, which is clearly inspired by ‘creatures’ of the night. Is it a kind of conceptual album? What fascinates and inspires you in this theme and how do you transpose it into music?

Francesca: “Nightflower” is not a conceptual album, but the lyrics are inspired by occult- and magic themes. The creatures of the night are both the creatures who live in this world, but also the people who attend the clubs and who are part of the Goth club culture. Our album is dedicated to both.

Q: How did you experience the writing of this debut album? What’s the input of each member and what have been the main difficulties –and eventually challenges, you encountered in the writing of the album?

Filippo: The album was composed, recorded and produced by Francesca and me. The lyrics were written by our brother Stephan Seth, who is able to transpose our vision into words. The song writing happened easily because we got inspired and we had the sound in mind we wanted to give to the album.

Q: What did you try to express by the clips you made for the album? What do you expect from music videos today and do you think it still has an impact?

Filippo: Also the videos were  shot by ourselves. We like to keep control of every aspect from our work. For example, the clip for “The Fire Within” is an invitation to dance and express our energy. The fire is an active- and energetic symbol. We wanted to invite everyone to dance and spread the fire they keep inside.

Q: What has been the impact  of Covid-19 on the writing of your album and the activities of the band? What are the further plans regarding live performances? 

Francesca: Despite the hard times we’re all living in, the album gave us the possibility to have a perspective. It helped us to feel alive and we’re grateful for that. By the way we did not have the possibility to organize a tour or live performances. We just did a very fun live streaming of three songs from our studio for the lovely ‘Luna Negra. So we’re thrilled by the idea to play those songs live because we’re sure we will get people dancing. News about  further shows will be announced soon.

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: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Ohne Nomen is an Italian project driven by  Fra ‘AngeNoir’ Marlat and Filippo Marlat (Iamnoone) while Stephan Seth (still involved with Iamnoone) wrote the lyrics of this debut full-length. 

Content: I never heard of this formation before and discovered an 80s inspired production. The songs are mainly into Minimal/Electro-Wave music, some passages becoming pretty minimal-like while other parts have been reinforced by guitar sounds. Fra ‘AngeNoir’ Marlat sings with a sexy accent, her rather cold expression sometimes reminding me of Kriistal Ann. The song “Fell”, which was previously released as a single has been remixed while there’s another song remixed as well.

+ + + : This work is a pretty cool discovery and an album I would recommend without hesitation. First there’s this sexy accent of the singer, which together with the 80s flavored music has something cool. The first half of the work is a succession of great songs accomplished with efficient choruses. The remix of “Fell” is a potential club-killer.

– – – : The second part of the album is just a tiny bit under the level of the other tracks although “Nightflower” remains a great piece of music.

Conclusion: Ohne Nomen is an interesting newcomer, which I can only, but recommend if you’re into Electro/Wave music.

Best songs: “Fell – Nightflower Remix”, “City Of The Death”, “Feel The Breath”, “Ishtar”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Ohnenomen

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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-wave, cold-wave, minimal-electro, post-punk.

Format: 2CD.

Background/Info: In a rather short lapse of time Cold Transmission Music has released an impressive number of qualitative bands and productions. The German label based near Frankfurt am Main released this label compilation as a double album featuring a total of twenty seven bands. The label is devoted to post-punk, cold-wave, shoegaze, new-wave and dark-wave.

Artists: SYZYGYX, ELZ And The Cult, Kiss Of The Whip, Hallows, Bedless Bones, La Mécanique, Dilk, Iamnoone, Icy Men, White Mansion, Iamtheshadow, Clone Culture, Control Room, The Gathering, Palais Ideal, Mark E Moon, Mary, The Bluebeard’s Castle, The Secret French Postcards, Vastron Vulture, Silent Runners, Pusu Button Press, Carlo Onda, Rosi, Monographic, Paradise Cove, Reconverb.

Content: “Spotlight” covers a rather diversified-, but related number of music styles. The main source of inspiration brings us the dark hours of the 80s music. This is an opportunity to discover young and upcoming talents in the genre while some other artists are composing a more contemporary- and personal sound, but still connected with new-wave music.

The album has a lot to offer and will therefore appeal to a wider audience; from minimal-electronics to pure post-punk and dark/cold-wave, “Spotlight” will for sure ravish all 80s lovers.

+ + + : A label compilation always is a kind of sonic window to discover the real potential and scope of a record company. I already discovered some talented artists on the German label (SYZYGYX, Mark E Moon, Bedless Bones ao), but this compilation also is an opportunity to discover some bands you maybe didn’t get the chance to hear before. The album’s diversity also is one of the main strengths. I especially want to mention the great opening, minimal-electro/wave cut by SYZYGYX and the more EBM-wave work of Bedless Bones –both confirming their potential. From the first disc I also recommend the powerful song by Elz And The Cult and the guitar-wave by Dilk. At the second disc I discovered great songs by Mark E Moon (also confirming to be one of the newest dark-wave sensations), the speed of Mary, the melancholia exposed by Push button Press and the brilliant cold-wave from Paradise Cove. Notice by the way that several songs are previously unreleased.

– – – : I don’t have any real minus points about this compilation, which perfectly illustrates the welfare of talented bands of this label.

Conclusion: I can only, but highly recommend buying this compilation, which will not disappoint you giving you the chance to discover a very international label roster!

Best bands: Paradise Cove, SYZYGYX, Mark E Moon, Bedless Bones, Mary, Dilk.

Rate: (8).

Label: www.coldtransmission.com / www.facebook.com/coldtransmissionmusic

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