Kommando, a project conceived by Dan Courtman as the darker counterpart to his Thorofon alter ego, will release “Electronic Spasm” on November 11, 2026, through Ant-Zen. The eleven-track CD compiles the project’s earliest recordings, made in 1993 and 1994 and self-released at the time as two cassette albums.

Tracklist and credits for ‘Electronic Spasm’

The two source cassettes, “Electronic Fear” and “Funky Spasm,” were originally released in 1994. “Electronic Spasm” gathers the surviving recordings from both onto one eleven-track CD: “Spasm 1,” “Spasm 2,” “Mental Funkyard 1” through “Mental Funkyard 4,” “Fear 1” through “Fear 3,” and “Clinical Death 1” and “Clinical Death 2.” The material was recorded and produced by Kommando in 1993 and 1994, remastered in 2026, with layout by Salt. “Electronic Spasm” is available as a digital album and on CD in a matte six-panel digipak.

About Kommando

Kommando is a project of musician Dan Courtman, conceived as a darker, more anxiety-inducing counterpart to his better-known alter ego Thorofon. Its earliest recordings date to 1993, self-released the following year as the cassette albums “Electronic Fear” and “Funky Spasm.”

“Electronic Spasm,” out November 11, 2026, on Ant-Zen, compiles the surviving material from both cassettes, documenting the formative recordings behind a project that would continue under the Kommando name alongside Courtman’s work as Thorofon.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Dan Courtman, known for his work with Thorofon, has spent years refining his identity as Kommando. He concludes 2024 with a formidable album that pushes Industrial music to its very limits. The hard-hitting, unrelenting, and occasionally chaotic soundscape evokes the experimental spirit of early SPK, yet Courtman delves even deeper into the genre’s darker recesses. Industrial evolves into Death-Industrial, soaked in a Dark-Ambient undercurrent that adds an ominous, unsettling edge to the production. The atmosphere is cloaked in obscurity, heightened by loud, commanding vocals that intensify the sense of anxiety. Amidst the chaos, intricate Electronic manipulations emerge, showcasing Courtman’s mastery of sound design. For me, this stands as perhaps Kommando’s finest work to date. Raw, unpolished, and unapologetically aggressive, the album is an auditory assault that demands to be played at full volume. A truly remarkable achievement in extreme Industrial music. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Torrent Of Flesh Blood”:

About Kommando

Kommando is a German Death-Industrial and power electronics project of Dan Courtman, who also records as Thorofon. Kommando releases have appeared on Ant-Zen, including the albums “Kranial Klash” in 2014 and “Skull Snake” in 2015.

Under the Thorofon name, Courtman released the albums “Gladio” in 2022 and “Angor” in 2023. “Wage Of Wrath”, reviewed here, followed as a Kommando album on Ant-Zen in 2024.

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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Kiss Is Kill is an American solo-project driven by a certain James Chapple. He invited several guests to achieve this work; among them Seb Komor (Komor Kommando, Icon Of Coil and others). The opening songs bring a hard mix of Electro and guitar and may convince some KMFDM fans. Gradually the guitar parts start to sound duller and it all became more Industrial. I especially keep in mind  some strong opening songs. (Rate:7).

Listen to “How Can I Let You Know?”:

Read the news on ‘Anatomy Of Fear’.

About Kiss Is Kill

Kiss Is Kill is the solo industrial rock project of Seattle-based producer James Chapple, who also composes music for animated television shows including “PAW Patrol” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” under his own name. The project takes its name from a line in the Canadian film “Pontypool”.

Kiss Is Kill debuted with the album “Imposter Syndrome” on December 5, 2014, followed by “Progress” on January 31, 2020, and the single “100%” on July 4, 2020. The full-length “Anatomy Of Fear”, featuring the track “How Can I Let You Know?” and guest contributions from Seb Komor, followed on March 15, 2024.

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

More than a decade after his last release, Shaun Frandsen returns with a new album from Glis. The American artist enlisted Seb Komor (Komor Kommando, Icon Of Coil, among others) for collaboration, and even features a guest appearance by Jennifer Parkin (Ayria) on one track. Both in sound and influence, it feels as though Glis never left. This album delivers a solid mix of Future-Pop and EBM, enriched with a raw, Industrial edge. Glis retains its recognizable style, offering listeners several standout tracks. This is more than just a successful comeback; it’s a great album. (Rating: 8½)

Listen to “No Time To Sleep”:

Read the news on ‘Gateway To Oblivion’.

About Glis

Glis is the American Future-Pop and EBM project of Shaun Frandsen, releasing on Alfa Matrix. More than a decade after his previous release, Frandsen returned with the 20th-anniversary single “Sunrise Forever” in December 2023, followed by the album “Gateway To Oblivion” in May 2024, discussed in a Side-Line interview about industrial sounds and future-pop fusion the following month. “Gateway To Oblivion” was produced with Seb Komor of Komor Kommando and Icon Of Coil, and includes a guest appearance from Ayria’s Jennifer Parkin.

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

The debut album by the Greek industrial act Industrial Kommandos, titled “Marschieren,” is now available. The album delivers pure EBM (Electronic Body Music) with intense German vocals.

Industrial Kommandos is the creation of Ilefen, a transgender musician who has been contributing to various music projects for the past decade.

“Marschieren” is available on all major streaming platforms including 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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Genre/Influences: EBM, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: Together with Repo Records Funker Vogt moved on revisiting the band’s back catalogue. “Blutzoll” was originally released in 2010 by Synthetic Symphony and Metropolis records (for the USA). The “Collector’s Edition” features all original songs plus bonus disc with remixes and the EP “Arising Hero”. Three previously unreleased remixes have been featured as well. Back in time master mind and ‘machine man’ Gerrit Thomas was still accompanied by Jens Kästel on vocals -and the band’s original singer.

Content: No true surprises for the fans of the band but a remastered edition getting us back to this album. “Blutzoll” was the tenth studio album by Funker Vogt revealing a band in good shape, mixing EBM and Dark-Electro with the easy-recognizable bass lines, sequences, rhythms and arrangements of Gerrit Thomas and the harsh vocals of Jens Kästel. The first disc features next to the original “Blutzoll”-album the EP “Arising Hero”. The bonus disc brings us back to an impressive list of remixes and extra songs. Remixes were accomplished by FGFC820, Rotersand, Dopestars Inc, Vigilante, Eric Van Wonterghem (Monolith), Faderhead, Die Krupps, Punto Omega,  Noblesse Oblige, Komor Kommando and Mortiis. One of the previously unreleased songs is a “2021”-version of “Terroristen”. 

+ + + : Thirteen years after the original release this album still kicks ass. It sounds in the purest power tradition of Funker Vogt and featured great songs like “Arising Hero”, “Genozid”, “Terroristen” and “Bloodthirst”. Among the remixes I especially want to mention the diversity of the versions but as main attention grabbers the Komor Commando-remix of “Arising Hero” and the totally EBM adapted “Fire And Forget” by Die Krupps. The song “Urban War” was a cool bonus at this bonus disc and the song still kicks today.

– – – : From a very personal view I would say “Blutzoll” wasn’t exactly the best Funker Vogt-album in history and probably one with the least ‘hits’.

Conclusion: This is a great work for the world wide fan basis of this legendary formation.

Best songs: “Genozid”, “Arising Hero – Club Mix”, “Terroristen”, “Ariusing Hero” + “Arising Hero – Factory Mix by Komor Kommando”, “Fire And Forget – Die Krupps Remix”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.funkervogt.de / www.facebook.com/officialfunkervogt

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo-Records/119590774857404

About Funker Vogt

Funker Vogt is a German EBM and Dark-Electro band built around core member and producer Gerrit Thomas, formed in the 1990s. The group has worked with a series of singers over the years, including original vocalist Jens Kästel, who fronted the band for “Blutzoll”, its eighth studio album, released in October 2010 on Synthetic Symphony and Metropolis Records. Chris L. later took over vocal duties for three albums before Bastian Polak, also known from Intent:Outtake, joined for 2024’s “Final Construct” on Repo Records. Repo Records reissued “Blutzoll” as a remastered 2CD Collector’s Edition, pairing the original album and the “Arising Hero” EP with a bonus disc of remixes and previously unreleased tracks.

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

Alfa Matrix, the renowned Belgian label, commemorates its 22nd anniversary with yet another mastodont compilation on Bandcamp. The latest installment in the acclaimed “Matrix Downloaded” series, titled “Matrix+ Downloaded 011”, is now available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Packed with 60 tracks, including new signings and a preview of the upcoming Spleen+ label releases, this compilation showcases Alfa Matrix’s diverse music repertoire.

“Matrix+ Downloaded 011” soared to the top of the industrial Bandcamp charts within hours of its release, claiming the coveted number 1 position.

The collection holds 60 tracks in total including several new signings. These are the bands present on this brand new free download compilation: Hanging Freud, The Ultimate Dreamers, The Breath Of Life, Psy’Aviah Feat. Sorrow Stories, ImJudas, Star Industry, Halo In Reverse, Lovelorn Dolls, The True Union, Freakangel, Avarice In Audio, Siva Six, Alien Vampires, Synapsyche, Helalyn Flowers, Neuroactive, Elektrostaub Feat. Stefan Netschio, Technoir, Entrzelle, Llumen, Noemi Aurora, Aiboforcen Feat. Jan D., Reichsfeind, Mondträume Feat. N-Frequency, The Psychic Force, Digital Factor, Implant, Darkness On Demand, Aesthetische, Komor Kommando Vs. The True Union, Matthew Creed, C-Lekktor, First Aid Tech, Pouppee Fabrikk, ELM, Die Robo Sapiens, Plastic Noise Experience, Armageddon Dildos, Stahlgeist, AD:keY, Kant Kino, Suicidal Romance, Miseria Ultima, First Aid 4 Souls, Neikka RPM, Circumpolar, Venal Flesh, Helle9, Diffuzion, Acylum, Circuito Cerrado, Aengeldust, Studio-X, 808 Dot Pop, Cubic, Metroland, Rector Scanner, Elektroklänge, Cosmic Armchair, Lights A.M.

You can download “Matrix+ Downloaded 011” for free via Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Funker Vogt’s 8th longplayer “Blutzoll” (October 2010) is available again as a new collector’s edition via Repo Records from June 2nd on. The double digipak contains all the tracks and bonus tracks of the original CD, as well as the maxi CD “Arising Hero”. As a special extra there are 3 previously unreleased, exclusive remixes. Everything was remastered personally by Funker Vogt mastermind Gerrit Thomas.

Check out “Arising Hero” (Faderhead remix) right below.

Here’s the tracklist.

Tracks CD1:

1. Arising Hero
2. Genozid
3. The State Within
4. Fire and Forget
5. Robots
6. Hold my Ground
7. Terroristen
8. Krieger
9. My Innermost
10. Bloodthirst
11. Black Waters
12. Arising Hero – Forgiven
13. Arising Hero – Club Mix
14. Arising Hero – Redemption
15. Arising Hero – Revolution
16. My Innermost – Loop Mix

Tracks CD2:

1. Genozid (FGFC820 Remix)
2. Arising Hero (rotersand rework)
3. Fire and Forget (Remix by Dopestars Inc)
4. The State Within (Vigilante Remix)
5. Wake up
6. Genozid (Goldremix by Eric Van Wonterghem)
7. Arising Hero (Faderhead Remix)
8. Fire and Forget (Die Krupps Remix)
9. The State Within (Revolution Mix by Punto Omega)
10. Urban War
11. My Innermost (Noblesse Oblige Remix)
12. Arising Hero (Factory mix by Komor Kommando)
13. Fire and Forget (Mortiis Remix)
14. From the Flames
15. Terroristen (2021)
16. My Innermost (Demoversion)
17. Arising Hero (Minimix)

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Early December 2022, Komor Kommando, the industrial/EBM solo-project of Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl, Bruderschaft), released an all new 8-track EP. The EP came 9 years after his last release, the “Hail the rhythm” EP. This new EP, “One By One”, blends old and new, incorporating classic EBM vibes with a modern EDM inspired production.

The title song “One By One” features guest female vocals by Azul Far from The True UnioN. The song also comes in a remix by Brute Opposition and by Sebastian Komor himself who gave it a retro synth twist in its “xenomorph remix” version. Next to “One By One” the EP holds 2 other brand new tracks: “Get Off The X” and the instrumental “Brahmua”. “Get Off The X” was remixed as well, by C-Lekktor, Anthony (H) And Clockwork Echo.

One of the best modern EBM acts is back alive and kicking! So, I took my mobile and videocalled Sebastian.

SL: It’s good to have you back again with Komor Kommando. How does it feel after such a long break?

Seb: Thank you. It honestly doesn’t feel like a break as I have constantly been writing and producing music. Upon the release of One By One, it dawned on me it has been 9 years. Crazy how time flies.

SL: How different is it for you from producing other artists or making remixes for other bands?

Seb: It’s more personal. I get to do what I want and how I want it and explore the moment. It’s a great release of creativity, unbound by any set of ideas or “rules”. When I produce or remix for others, I have a different approach. One of course is giving the client the best I can with what I have to work with. I see it as an honor people come to me to help them out, no matter the level of involvement. Music unites.

SL: How much did your Komor Kommando sound evolve since the previous EP?

Seb: The same approach really. With new tools and skills to play with. My musical taste is all over the place. I like to not be bound by a genre or what a genre is supposed to sound like. Attitude and grit are always present.

SL: Is there any specific message you want to give behind this new EP release and these new songs?

Seb: There is definitely a theme hiding in there. Universal and personal at the same time.

SL: You also took us by surprise with these female guest vocals on “One By One”. Tell us more about this collaboration with The True Union?

Seb: I wanted more vocals on the new KK material. As Azul reached out to me regarding doing some mixing and co-production on some of her new material, I was exposed to her voice. Instantly I had to ask Azul if she was into doing vocals on this at the time, instrumental song. With the intent of having vocals in the song. Thankfully she was into it and the vocals you hear on the release are the original take I was sent. Needless to say, I was blown out of the chair. Her voice is ridiculously good.

SL: Can we expect more from you later this year? An album maybe? More collabs? Anything you want to reveal yet?

Seb: A new EP is being worked on as we speak. I was hoping to be done with it by March, however, due to some other projects needing my attention it has been pushed back a bit. However, it’s coming. Stand by!

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

The American (Denver-Colorado) female fronted industrial metal act The True Union, aka Azul Far, released the “Love Me Now” mini-album/EP in December last year. The new EP, released on the Belgian label Alfa Matrix , sees front woman Azul Far joined by producer Sebastian Komor and German metal producer Siggi Bemm and Travis Bacon who produced “Love Me Now”.

On the EP we also find a guest appearance of Jamie Cronander’s (Combichrist live guitarist) who appears on the track “Karma”. The EP also features a unique collaboration between The True Union (as guest vocalist) and her producer Sebastian Komor under the Komor Kommando moniker for the track “One By One”, which equally appeared on the Komor Kommando EP “One By One”. The EP also furthermore holds reworks by Alfa Matrix label mates Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum.

Time to sit around the table with Azul Far…

SL: Your “Love me now (not)” is surprising in, many ways I find! First of all by that intense diversity of sound displayed across these 9 tracks?

AF: I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the EP! I like to create the music organically. The songs on this EP have been created across the last few years while I was going through different life cycles and experiences. I think those life experiences reflected in the music and made the EP sound more dynamic. But although the songs might seem to be different genre or somewhat different from one another, they all have an order amongst the chaos. The music is just me. I let the music speak for itself. I don’t have categories. I just do what I do because I enjoy doing it and sharing it with the world.

SL: But also surprising for the multiple collaborations featured!? Tell us more about these?

AF: I have met a lot of great people in the last few years. It came down to networking and making new friendships during our shows and through the internet, especially from 2018-2020. People that heard the demos or saw us live really believed in the band. I am forever thankful for their support. For example, Attila (Mayhem) recommended me to producer/musician Travis Bacon. He polished the sound of the band, producing several tracks that ended at the ears of a few record labels. Shortly after, I got signed with Alfa Matrix. Once signed, I started talking with Sebastian Komor who’s also signed with the label. I have always enjoyed his work and really like the music he’s done (Komor Kommando, Zombie Girl, Icon of Coil +). He also produced a few tracks and we even did the “One By One” collab which has been one of the favorites for sure. I also had the opportunity to work with legendary Siggi Bemm. I had him on my radar ever since the release of “Animatronic” from The Kovenant. I recall being a very young teenager back then and thought to myself “one day I’m going to work with him!”. Years later…it happened. Crazy how life works! Siggi produced and recorded the drums for “Blinded”.These are the only live drums recorded in the EP. But I am happy to announce that i’ll have another special guest record the drums for an upcoming release. A very special guest and a friend for years. This guy’s name is Jan Axel Blomberg (AKA Hellhammer). Have you heard about this guy? 😉 hehe.

I also had the pleasure to have Jamie Cronander record the guitars for a few tracks. I met Jamie when we joined a regional tour with Psyclon Nine. Jamie’s band, Striplicker touring along as well. I had a blast watching his band perform live every night and we became really good friends. He was always very supportive and when the time came, he recorded some sick guitars for me. He’s a coveted motherf*cker who is now playing with Combichrist. I am very fortunate to have him as a special guest.

SL: You also shot a stunning video clip for “love me now”? I have the impression you are a multi-talented artist? How important is it for you to do all this on your own?

AF: Doing everything myself has been out of necessity and not by choice. I have adapted to my environment and have learned a lot of magic tricks along the way. Is it ideal? No, but sometimes it is. Working on everything by yourself gives you full control but it can also slow down the creative process. It can be very fulfilling but it can also be aggravating and you can end up feeling like you’ve “hit a wall”. The quote “If you want something done, do it yourself” comes to mind. But as time goes by I have tried to have more people involved in the music process and listen to their input. In particular for the video, I had my best friend invest a lot of her time and energy into this project. This took months of work, practice and lots of trial and error. If it wasn’t because of her, I would have not been able to make this happen. Doing things alone can be fun, but as you grow, I think it’s best to ask for as much input as possible from people that you trust.

SL: Can we expect The True Union on stage soon with these new songs?

AF: Live shows are on my radar but nothing set in stone yet. I think there will be a right time and place to do this. At the moment, I am focusing on new music and my personal life. Believe it or not playing live shows are mostly terrifying for me. They can also be fun sometimes and of course you get the exposure and ability to network.

But you have to consider there is a lot of planning and financial investment involved. I’m sure l’ll know if/when the time is right. For now it’s free time in the studio…

SL: What else can we still expect from you this year?

AF: A full album! I will get into details about the upcoming release with the label soon. We don’t have a set date yet but I’m sure we’ll let you know when this happens. We are also working on the last few details to release a couple of collaboration tracks I did for other artists. Be sure to check us out periodically because you never know ;).

Here’s the excellent video clip for “Love Me Now”.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

The post-punk scene has a new recordlabel with Alfa Matrix launching a sublabel created to accomodate this specific genre and its varieties including coldwave or even minimal synth. Called Spleen+ you can already find 2 bands signed to it, the Belgian post-punk act The Ultimate Dreamers, who launched their label debut with the EP “Polarized”, and the Italian new wave act ImJudas who presents 2 new EPs, “People Of The Blame” and “So Untrue”.

We sat together with Seba Dolimont who is the A&R behind Spleen+ (and Alfa Matrix).

SL: Congratulations Seba with the new endeavour. Why start a side label next to Alfa Matrix?

SD: Since 2001, Alfa Matrix has been showing a quite eclectic approach of our music repertoire and label artist roster. We release EBM music from FRONT 242, POUPPEE FABRIKK, ELM or DIE ROBO SAPIENS, but also harsh dark elektro with ALIEN VAMPIRES, ACYLUM or C-LEKKTOR, minimal vintage synth with METROLAND, future pop with REICHSFEIND, NEUROACTIVE, MONDTRÄUME, BRUDERSCHAFT… Modern avantgarde electro with RECOIL, IMPLANT, KOMOR KOMMANDO, PSY’AVIAH or yet CUBIC! But also without forgetting our darker acts merging industrial with goth darkwave guitars like STAR INDUSTRY, HELALYN FLOWERS or FREAKANGEL.

We have been toying with this idea for this Spleen+ division for many months. It’s not something that comes out on the spur of the moment, you need to prepare such additional activity within our whole Alfa Matrix Label Group concept. We have been following and enjoying this continuous resurgence of the cold wave / post punk / minimal synth scene for some time. We also noticed that new sub-scene walls started emerging from the ground where the fans do not look much over the walls. Dedicated events and festivals get organised. Dedicated blogs, playlists, etc. start gathering more and more dark souls… So the idea from our side is to simply contribute to this movement offering it some structured and more targeted approach cos there are so many talented artists out there in need of support in their DIY efforts. This focused approach should allow us better supporting artists playing this kind of sound and reaching out to a boiling sub-scene, enlarging our scope of activities and bringing complementary fanbases together because eclecticism remains a core value for our work… And this without bringing us too far away from our roots cos the label team is made of 3 friends born in the early 70’s who were fed on JOY DIVISION, THE CURE, SIOUXSIE, SISTERS OF MERCY and other GHOST DANCE, X-MAL DEUTSCHLAND and SKELETAL FAMILY and not only on 80’s synth pop and the Belgian Electronic Body Music movement!

SL: What (new) signings can we expect?

SD: The very active Belgian act THE ULTIMATE DREAMERS is our first new signing in the genre (see the number of concerts they already played this year only! They are amazing! Their new album comes out in March…) while some current Alfa Matrix artists are potential candidates for a next release on Spleen+ including IMJUDAS or yet STAR INDUSTRY for example. Together with Frédéric Cotton (known for decades of activities as concert & party promotor in Brussels behind the famous “Fantastique Nights” but also as lead singer of THE ULTIMATE DREAMERS) we will also release this year a mega compilation devoted to the cold wave/post punk genre showing how prolific this scene can be anno 2023! We are working on it as we speak…

Since the announcement of this new label division, I am also quite happy and positively surprised by the number of proactive connections we got from very great bands who showed interest in working with us. That’s really exciting. Of course some of them are cool Belgian bands, some being living legends, cos it’s always easier collaborating with a local label speaking your language, but we are also in contact with artists from the UK, Italy, South America, etc. Nothing I want to reveal yet, but we will do this on due time. Keep an eye on our pages at https://www.facebook.com/spleen.plus and https://spleenplus.bandcamp.com . A website will follow soon as well.

SL: Will this also mean extra vinyl releases?

SD: The vinyl format is part of the equation on today’s music market. A portion of music fans who are collecting physical products do prefer the vinyl format but not all of them. So already with Alfa Matrix we have been issuing vinyls for some time for selected bands with own fanclubs and/or who are touring a lot. The vinyl format is also very appropriate to the cold wave/post punk genre that is uniting past, present and future. So my answer is a big YES. Absolutely!

Below are the first releases from the brand new label:

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Metal, Electro.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Belgian label Alfa Matrix from time to time likes to think out of the box, signing heavier, Industrial- and Metal-driven artists to their roster. The True Union is an American project driven by female artist Azul Far. After having released works under The Union moniker this EP has been released under The True Union. Seb Komor (Komor Kommando) took care of the production.

Content: The True Union in a way stands for the mix between heavy guitar power and electronic treatments. One of the songs even features guitar playing by Combichrist live member Jamie Cronander. Multiple influences are running through the work. From Epic arrangements to D’n’B elements the songs are also featuring enraged, and possessed, vocals by Azul. It’s not a coincidence Seb Komor asked her to sing on the title song of his newest EP “One By One” -which by the way has been featured here as well. You’ll also discover remixes by Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum while there’s also an alternative edit of “Blinded” featured as well.

+ + + : The True Union definitely sounds as one of the most furious and ‘wild’ artists signed to Alfa Matrix. It’s a shock because of this artist’s uncompromised and totally enraged way of singing. The sound is not only powerful but also a bit anarchistic. The True Union is a bulldozer on speed provoking a sonic avalanche. I however have to say my favorite song is the Komor Kommando-track “One By One” while I also prefer the Dark-Electro accentuated remix of the title song by Acylum.

– – – : I don’t have anything against harsh and powerful music but The True Union is hard to label and hard to seize.

Conclusion: Merciless and without any possible compromises, The True Union exposes you to a true sonic outburst.

Best songs: “One By One”, “Love Me Now – Acylum Remix”, “Blinded”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.thetrueunion.com / www.facebook.com/thetrueunion

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix Read the news on ‘Love Me Now’.

Listen to “Love Me Now (Not)”:

About The True Union

The True Union is an American, female-fronted industrial metal project driven by Azul Far, released under the True Union moniker after earlier work as The Union. The EP “Love Me Now (Not)” was produced by Sebastian Komor of Komor Kommando alongside German metal producer Siggi Bemm and Travis Bacon, and features a guest guitar appearance by Combichrist live member Jamie Cronander on “Karma” plus reworks by Alfa Matrix label mates Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum. The release also marks a collaboration between Azul Far and Komor on his own Komor Kommando EP “One By One”.

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, Electro-Industrial.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Norwegian sound guru Seb Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl ao) is back on track. This is the first new Komor Kommando release since “Hail The Rhythm” (2013). “One By One” features three new songs plus five remixes.

Content: The title song features female guest vocals by Azul from The True Union (one of Alfa Matrix’ latest signings). The sound approach hasn’t changed over the years; solid, menacing, EBM driven bass lines mixed with danceable beats and industrialized sound treatments. Next to the title song there’s one track on which Seb Komor is singing himself while the other track left is a hard, instrumental, piece.

Remixes were provided by Xenomorph, C-Lekktor, Anthony H, Clockwork Echo and Brute Opposition.

+ + + : I’ve missed new stuff from Komor Kommando so it’s a damned good thing he’s back in business. The production remains powerful revealing the familiar sound treatments of the artist. The title song is a great piece of music. There’s a terrific twist between sound and the enraged female vocals. But I also discovered great remixes. I even prefer the Xenomorph remix to the original edit of “One By One” while Clockwork Echo empowered “Get Off The X” a considerable way.

– – – : For the very first time I heard a Komor Kommando release where some of the remixes -by other artists, are even better than the original versions. But believe me the original edits are great as well!

Conclusion: Komor Kommando is back with a bang and dancefloors gone know it.

Best songs: “One By One – Xenomorph Remix”, “Get Off The X – Xenomorph Remix”, “One By One”, “Get Off The X”, “Brahmua”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/komorkommando

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix Read the news on ‘One By One’.

Listen to “One By One”:

About Komor Kommando

Komor Kommando is the industrial/EBM solo project of Norwegian producer Sebastian Komor, also known for his work with Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl and Bruderschaft. The “One By One” EP, released via Alfa Matrix in December 2022, is the project’s first new release in nine years since the “Hail The Rhythm” EP in 2013. The title track features guest vocals by Azul Far of The True Union, and the eight-track release includes remixes by Xenomorph, C-Lekktor, Anthony (H), Clockwork Echo and Brute Opposition.

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

The female fronted industrial metal act The True Union is back with an all new video, “Love Me Now”, and a mini-album, released as an EP: “Love Me Now (Not)”.

The new EP is out on Alfa Matrix , the Belgian label that already nurtured other female talents as Zombie Girl, Under Null, Helalyn Flowers or Ayria to name just a few.

For this new release front woman Azul Far was joined by producer Sebastian Komor and German metal producer Siggi Bemm and Travis Bacon who produced “Love Me Now”. On the EP we also find a guest appearance of Jamie Cronander’s (Combichrist live guitarist) who appears on the track “Karma”.

Note that the “Love Me Now (not)” EP also features the unique collaboration between The True Union (as guest vocalist) and her producer Sebastian Komor for the release of his new EP under the Komor Kommando moniker.

The EP also furthermore holds reworks by Alfa Matrix label mates Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum.

Here’s the excellent video clip for “Love Me Now”. Read the review of ‘Love Me Now’.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Komor Kommando, the industrial/EBM solo-project of Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl, Bruderschaft), finally strikes back with an all new 8-track EP, 9 years after his last release, the “Hail the rhythm” EP. This new EP, “One By One”, blends old and new, incorporating classic EBM vibes with a modern EDM inspired production and is available now from Bandcamp.

The title song “One By One” features guest female vocals by Azul Far from The True UnioN. Sebastian explains: “I was doing the mixing and production for her new release and after hearing her vocals I just had to ask her to sing on one of my new tracks. I was simply blown away! Her vocals took the song to places I could not even imagine at the time…” The song also comes in a remix by Brute Opposition and by Sebastian Komor himself who gave it a retro synth twist in its “xenomorph remix” version.

Next to “One By One” the EP holds 2 other brand new tracks: “Get Off The X” and the instrumental “Brahmua”. “Get Off The X” was remixed as well, by C-Lekktor, Anthony (H) And Clockwork Echo.

One of the best modern EBM acts is back alive and kicking! You can check out and download the full EP below on Bandcamp before it hits the other platforms two weeks from now. Read the review of ‘One By One’.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro, Aggrotech.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Clockwork Echo is hailing from Denver (USA). It’s a solo-project driven by Gabriel Ryan. This is the newest work by the artist featuring nine songs plus two remixes.

Content: I honestly never heard of this project before. The work takes off with a mind-blowing piece, which sounds like the perfect offspring between Dark-Electro and Aggrotech. The harsh vocals inject an extra haunting and enraged touch to the production. This song is pretty representative for the rest of the work, which is however characterized by repetitive sequences and saturated vocal effects. Remixes have been accomplished by Alien Vampires and Komor Kommando.

+ + + : The opening song “Embrace The Silence So Cold” is a great cut and even a true smasher to take off. It’s just a pity this is also the best track from the opus. Clockwork Effect is a band that will find its way to underground dance floors. It’s also great to see this project got remixes done by great artists like Alien Vampires and Komor Kommando.

– – – : The sound is ultra-cliché, which is not really a point. But the main point that hurts is that songs are suffering from a lack of variation and elaboration. The sequences are constantly repeating themselves, which is a bit boring after a while. Even the remixes from established artists couldn’t totally convince me.

Conclusion: I heard an impressive debut song followed by stagnating and poorly inspired compositions. There’s more potential hiding behind this artist than what came out!

Best songs: “Embrace The Silence So Cold”, “No Quarter No Mercy”.

Rate: 6.

Artist: https://clockworkecho.com /  www.facebook.com/clockworkecho

About Clockwork Echo

Clockwork Echo is a Denver (USA) aggrotech project started by Gabriel Ryan in 2018. Earlier releases include the EP “Lest Hell Embrace You” (2018) and the album “Anti-Human Death Machine” (2020), self-released and composed and recorded entirely by Ryan. The project has toured with acts including Hocico, Psyclon Nine and SKOLD.

“Death Rebirth Repeat”, reviewed here, followed in 2022 with remixes from Alien Vampires and Komor Kommando.

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-Techno, Industrial, Techno-Body.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Vision” is the sixth full length album by Kolja Trelle aka Soman. It also is his third album released by Trisol.

Content: Soman sounds like he is digging a bit deeper in the world of Techno and Rave. The production remains however connected with dark- and raw sound treatments with spoken samplings on top. The leads have a transcendental effect while a few passages are arranged by heavier, Industrial, sound treatments.

+ + + : Soman is a pure challenge and especially being signed to a label like Trisol. You don’t exactly expect Techno-driven vibes released on Trisol, but on the other side it also reveals the wider sonic horizon of the German label. And Soman is not just dealing with ‘cheap Techno’ but is a true genius when it comes to infuse his sound with darker, rawer, and Industrial sound treatments. “Turning Things Off” might appeal to fans of Komor Kommando. I also have to mention “Now Listen” for its phenomenal Trance lead. Both debut tracks are also worthy of examination.

– – – : Some passages are just a little too Techno driven, but on the other side it also stands for the ‘no compromising’ attitude of Soman.

Conclusion: Dark-Techno music for Industrial club souls.

Best songs: “Turning Things Off”, “Now Listen”, “Generation”, “Vision”, “Now Listen”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/SOMAN.Musik

Label: www.trisol.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Trisol-Music-Group/104166526285471

About Soman

Kolja Trelle records as Soman. He released his debut album, “Sound Pressure”, on Out Of Line in 2003, followed by “Mask” (2007) and “Noistyle” (2010) on Infacted Recordings. After an eight-year break, Trelle returned with the digital EPs “N”, “O” and “X” and the album “NOX”, released on Trisol in 2019. “Vision” is his sixth full-length album and his third for Trisol.

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, Power-Electronics, Death-Industrial.

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Dan Courtman (Thorofon) strikes back with five new songs of his Kommando sound/noise-project.

Content: “Brutal Cell” sounds as brutal as its sound. We get a harsh melting pot of Power-Electronics/Noise and Death-Industrial. Heavy Noise blasts and harsh vocals are coming together in an unpolished and tormenting work.

+ + + : Kommando reminds me the ‘earlier’ years of Ant-Zen; call it the golden years of Power-Noise and related music styles. Dan Courtman sounds like claiming there’s still a place for this kind of music today. The sound makes me think of a bulldozer destroying everything in its way. I have a preference for “Evil Ota” which also is one of the heaviest cuts.  

– – – : Kommando stands for brutal energy and is not accessible for a wider audience.

Conclusion: Does Kommando be in charge of the machines or did the machines get full control over the operator? “Brutal Cell” must be an indication to find the answer…

Best songs: “Evil Ota”, “Sequester”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/dan.courtman.7

Label: www.ant-zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

About Kommando

Kommando is the noise and power electronics project of German musician Dan Courtman, who also records as Thorofon. Discogs describes Kommando as Courtman’s pre-Thorofon incarnation, reanimated in 2007.

Early cassette material was reissued in 1999 through We Don’t Need Distributors as “Funky Spasm” and “Electronic Fear”. “Necroinvasiv” appeared on L. White Records in 2007 and “Crimefactory” on UMB in 2009. Ant-Zen then released “Kranial Klash” in 2014, “Skull Snake” in 2015, the three-way split “Cold War, Hot Love” with Control and Geneviéve Pasquier in 2018, and the one-sided 7″ “The Golden Cage” in 2019.

Ant-Zen issued “Brutal Cell” as a 7″ EP on April 19, 2022, in a heavy grey cardboard sleeve with hand-printed artwork by Stefan Alt, alongside a concrete box edition and digital formats. Courtman has since returned with “Wage Of Wrath” on Ant-Zen in 2024 and “Bloodpinner” on Crimefactory in 2025.

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, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Clicks is back on track, unleashing the second full length album of the Polish project, which comes five years after the phenomenal “Glitch_Machine” (according to me the best Electronic album of 2016). The band is still driven by ex-Controlled Collapse frontman Kr-Lik.

Content: The title of the album is somewhat misleading as Clicks remain driven by pure Electronic music. It’s a kind of avant-garde EBM format based upon blasting sound treatments and solid bass lines. Most of the vocals are rather clear, but still getting back to some robotic effect we got used to hearing on the debut opus. From pure modern EBM towards Minimal-Electro, Clicks have seriously evolved in sound, but the result is still unique in its genre.

+ + + : Clicks took time to achieve its debut album and I think it hasn’t been that different for “G.O.T.H.”. It’s not a copy-paste of “Glitch_Machine”, but a band in progress. The songs are carried by impressive sound treatments and some mind-blowing bass lines. The songs are progressively built up and often resulting in a true climax by the choruses. Just as for the previous album, nearly all songs are worthy of examination. There are several potential hits and EP/Single title songs featured. The sound intelligence and sophistication of the global production reminds me of the shock I heard discovering early Combichrist and Komor Kommando; simply an impressive sound and top notch production! 

– – – : I don’t see any single minus point here, but I simply can’t understand why Clicks didn’t get more recognition. This project comes close to perfection!

Conclusion: If you’re in search of intelligent, efficient and visionary Electronic music, you better purchase this album touched by the genius of music Gods!

Best songs: “Clicks. Dead”, “Mr. Nevergonnabe”, “Past Of My Past”, “First World Problems”, “Thermostimportantperson”, “Every Bloated Muscle”, “Connection”.

Rate: 9½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/clicks.music

Label: www.dependent.de / www.facebook.com/dependent.records

About Clicks

Clicks is a Polish electronic project led by Wojciech Król, who records as Kr-Lik and previously fronted the electro-industrial band Controlled Collapse. Discogs lists Łukasz Klaus and Tomtylor as further members. Król also worked as a producer and remixer for Polish acts such as Agonised By Love and Deathcamp Project in the late 2000s.

Clicks issued the digital singles “This Is Jeopardy” (2012) and “Oh Lord” (2013) on Machineries and appeared on the Dependent samplers “Septic IX” and several “Dependence” compilations. In May 2015 Side-Line reported that Dependent sign Polish trio Clicks; the debut album “Glitch_Machine” followed in 2016 on CD and as a limited 2CD box set and was reviewed on Side-Line in March 2016.

“G.O.T.H.” was released on 16 April 2021 on CD and as a download by Dependent. Król wrote, produced, programmed and mixed the thirteen tracks; Vincent Uhlig mastered the album and Nico J. made the artwork, which comes with an interchangeable double-sided cover. The Dependent notes describe the title and the goth-styled cover as a deliberate joke, set up by the pre-release video for “I Dream”. The same year the project self-released the limited 12″ single “The Party” and the digital single “Dropdead”. “G.O.T.H.” is the second Clicks album.

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

It has been a hectic year, also for Alfa Matrix, but luckily their bands took the time to work in their studio to record new material. Out now via the Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page is the label’s 10th edition in the “Matrix Downloaded” compilation series, again offering you a – free – insight in what the Belgian label is all about. You can discover 64 tracks right here on Bandcamp.

The download holds tracks from Cubic, Psy’Aviah, Aesthetische, Digital Factor, Reichsfeind, Llumen, Zombie Girl, Diffuzion, Matthew Creed, Circuito Cerrado, Circumpolar, Venal Flesh, Mentallo & The Fixer, Freakangel, Alien Vampires, I:Scintilla, Schwarzblut, Totem Obscura, Reactor7X, First Aid 4 Souls, Lederman / De Meyer, Implant, AD:keY, Kant Kino, Die Robo Sapiens, ELM, Pouppee Fabrikk, Armageddon Dildos, Plastic Noise Experience, Synapsyche, Avarice In Audio, Elektrostaub, Junksista, First Aid 4 Souls, Benestrophe, Mental Exile, Star Industry, Halo In Reverse, Lovelorn Dolls, Helalyn Flowers, Essence Of Mind, Rector Scanner, Elektroklänge, Metroland, Lights A.M, Cosmic Armchair, Aiboforcen, H.O.W., 808 DOT POP, Suicidal Romance, Entrzelle, Technoir, Neuroactive, Mondträume, The Psychic Force, Studio-X, Studio-X Vs Simon Carter, Neikka RPM, Komor Kommando, Siva Six, Aengeldust, Acylum, Dunkelwerk and Növö.

Exclusive face masks

Next to that you can also get the download together with a face mask, out in a very limited series. You can either buy them separately or get all 3 in one. Check the set of 3 Face Masks (Blue Matrix + Endzeit + Red EBM Alert) or the separate masks.

Note that EVERY face mask order comes with a free compilation CD on top: “Sounds from the matrix 022” with 20 extra tracks.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Techno-body, body-funk.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Introspect is a French DIY project. “Redemption” is the project’s second album, which was inspired by the dream of dancing demons. The front cover is meant to illustrate this dream, which has been transposed in ten songs.

Content:  “Redemption” is an album mixing different styles together. The deep, resonating bass lines are somewhere in between EBM and dark-techno music. So there’s a part of EBM and a part of techno music running through the work, but as a surprise you also will hear multiple funky arrangements by guitar and bass. But that’s maybe not a coincidence as Introspect was previously involved as a bass player in black-metal bands… although I have to admit this style is miles away from funk music. You also gone hear multiple space-like sounds and atmospheres, which have something vintage sounding.

We can speak about an instrumental album although you’ll notice a few whispering passages (samplings?). 

+ + + : I didn’t know what to expect from this project, but I was flabbergasted. This is an overwhelming electronic production revealing impressive sound treatments carried by terrific, aggressive and low resonating bass lines. Most of the songs sound like a smack in your face! Just pay attention to “Come Up” and “The Agent” to realize the violence of this electronic composition. The addition of funky arrangements sounds a bit weird, totally unexpected, but simply cool and original. This is the kind of work that might remind me of Komor Kommando, but it even sounds more visionary!

– – – : I think it could be interesting to get some songs with some vocals or spoken samplings, but globally speaking I don’t have real minus points.

Conclusion:  Introspect tends to prove it’s still possible today to compose original and innovative electronic music. This album is brilliant, but it remains a challenge to conquer a wider audience with this hybrid sound.

Best songs: “Come Up”, “The Agent”, “The Flayed Dancer”, “Dance With Me”, “No Turning Back”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/introspect1990

About Introspect

Introspect is a French electronic project based in Orléans, run by a producer with a background as a bass player in metal bands. The project’s debut album, “Chicago Nights”, was self-released in 2017, followed by “Redemption”, reviewed here, in 2019.

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 for free (or pay-what-you-want) via Bandcamp is the 9th volume in the “Matrix Downloaded” compilation download series by the Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix. In the past these compilations have been downloaded by ten thousands of fans around the world and we don’t expect it will be different this year.

The label also announces that it will invest all donations in nurturing new bands and getting their careers launched.

Here’s what Seba Dolimont, A&R at Alfa Matrix, has to say about it: “The music market has shifted a lot over the years and in many ways losing its solid footing. CDs sales are collapsing entirely and the shift from downloads to streaming has not yet shown a revenue that is replacing what has been lost. (…) This evolution has created an environment where many labels have almost stopped playing their key-role of talent scouting, no longer daring to invest in new talents who deserve to be heard by you! Alfa Matrix is one of the very few record companies in this scene who try to keep the right balance between releasing renowned artists and supporting younger bands who still need to catch the attention and reach your ears.”

61 bands and tracks

The compilation holds the work by 61 label bands who joined hands to deliver you 61 songs representing the label’s most recent singles and albums while giving a preview of some promising forthcoming 2020 productions including announced new releases by POUPPEEE FABRIKK, NEUROACTIVE, ALIEN VAMPIRES, HELALYN FLOWERS, DIE ROBO SAPIENS, IMJUDAS, 808 DOT POP, ACYLUM, ARMAGEDDON DILDOS, PSY’AVIAH, AVARICE IN AUDIO, SIVA SIX, NEIKKA RPM, AESTHETISCHE, KANT KINO, KOMOR KOMMANDO, AD:KEY, H.O.W., CIRCUMPOLAR, SYNAPSYCHE, LLUMEN, ENTRZELLE, LIGHTS A.M, REACTOR7X, FIRST AID 4 SOULS, etc.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Background/Info: Greek musician Stelios Goulas started his activities under the Adsol moniker in 2012. Several EP’s/singles have been released. “Endzeit” is the newest work, which has been introduced as a move back to EBM.

Content: “Endzeit” is more a single format instead of an EP. We first get a cool intro-track. Next comes the title song, which is driven by ‘modern’ EBM vibes and great spoken samplings instead of vocals. The song might appeal to fans of Komor Kommando. The last song is a remix by Japanese project Human Boot Project.

+ + + : “Endzeit” is a real great song! It’s a well-crafted, elaborated piece of intelligent body-music. There’s a great and solid bass line joined by efficient sound treatments. This is pure avant-garde EBM!

– – – : The remix of Human Boot Project is not exactly adding a real bonus. The original version is definitely more exciting! I regret that there are no more songs featured at this EP/single.

Conclusion: “Endzeit” is an accomplished EBM song so let’s keep an eye on this band!

Best songs: “Endzeit”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/adsolmusic

About Adsol

Adsol is the project of Greek musician Stelios Goulas, active under the name since 2012 with several EPs and singles released. “Endzeit” marks a return to EBM, drawing comparisons to Komor Kommando, and closes with a remix from Japanese project Human Boot Project.

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, electro-industrial, techno-body, power-noise, IDM.

Background/Info: The first ‘act’ from this now legendary compilation was released in 2005. Fourteen years later Alfa Matrix released the eight edition of this series devoted to dark-electronics. The massive work features 72 songs on 4 discs and 40 extra songs available as download.

Artists: Suicide Commando, Blutengel, Zombie Girl, Funker Vogt, Komor Kommando, [SITD], Angelspit, Noisuf-X, Solitary Experiments, Ad:Key, Acylum, Phillip Münch ao.

Content: It’s impossible to go in detail when you’ve to review such a compilation featuring 112 songs! But “Endzeit Bunkertracks” remains faithful to a mix of music genres dealing with electronics and a fusion between great and established artists plus discoveries. No doubt about it, the some upcoming talents have been featured here. Next to a bunch of Alfa Matrix bands the compilation also features big names from other labels such as Out Of Line, Dark Dimensions, Infacted Recordings, Repo Records ao.

There’re a lot of exclusive cuts features and/or remixes while the best bands aren’t always featured on the discs.

+ + + : A great sampler and a hard copy means so much more than the digital version. The artwork by Japanse artist Tomoki Hayasaka is absolutely great and matching with the concept. Song-wise you’ll discover interesting young talents such as H.O.W., Complex Mind, Eexee, Suppressor, Playngrain, Pax Sono, Nitek, Fabrikmutter and C-Phalea. The diversity of the songs made this ‘sonic orgy’ more accessible then releasing such a box format with only dark-electronic bands.  

– – – : Even if this compilation remains a great and successful work, 112 songs is definitely too much so this is a compilation you’ve to listen spread over several days.

Conclusion: It has been my pleasure tipping some ‘unknown’ talents, which have been selected for the compilation while “Endzeit Bunkertracks” remains a sonic bible for all dark electronic souls!

Best bands: Komor Kommando, Implant, Noisuf-X, Electronic Frequency, Funker Vogt, [X]-Rx, Suppressor, Nitek, Ice Ages, Larva.

Rate: (8½).

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

About Endzeit Bunkertracks

Endzeit Bunkertracks is a compilation series released by Belgian label Alfa Matrix, devoted to dark electronic music including EBM, electro-industrial, and aggrotech. The first volume, “Act I”, was released on 21 March 2005 as a 4CD box limited to 1,666 copies, divided into four themed sessions titled Evil, Torture, Damage and Death; it reached number 1 on the German Alternative Charts and ranked 14th on that chart’s albums of the year.

Alfa Matrix continued the series with “Act II” in May 2006, “Act III” in November 2007, and “Act IV” in February 2009, each released in the same limited 4CD format. “Act VIII” follows fourteen years after the first volume, with 72 tracks across four discs plus 40 additional download-only songs, featuring artists including Suicide Commando, Blutengel, Zombie Girl, Funker Vogt, Komor Kommando, [SITD], Angelspit, Noisuf-X, Solitary Experiments, Ad:Key, and Acylum.

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, experimental, death-industrial, ambient.

Background/Info: “Cold War, Hot Love” resulted from the common efforts between three artists living in different countries, but sharing a common interest in music. They are all familiar with the Ant-Zen stable and decided after having met in person to set up a common project. It took a few years to get the work accomplished, but here it is.

Content: You perfectly can recognize the artists throughout some passages from the album. Globally speaking the work is a harsh industrial experiment revealing heavy sonic and noisy passages, freaky ambient atmospheres, tortured vocal parts alternated with the bewitching vocals of Geneviéve Pasquier and droning percussion parts.

+ + + : The mix between all different sound ingredients has been masterly accomplished. The tracks are diversified, but there’s a true cohesion between all the tracks. From the rather ambient noisescape opening the album to heavier industrial and freaky passages to pure sound terror and the heavy noise assault as final track, this work has a lot to offer. I especially like the tormenting character of the work, which is accentuated by the different vocal parts and the blasting noisy treatments. Last, but not least I also like the contrast between the somewhat disco-like front cover and the real content of the album.

– – – : Some parts are less accomplished, like less inspired and resulting in heavier experimental parts.

Conclusion: The least I can say is that this project is quite exciting. “Cold War, Hot Love” is a heavy, and successful work featuring a few great cuts.

Best songs: “Cold War”, “Never Regret”, “Guaranteed Mutual Destruction”.

Rate: (7).

Artists: www.facebook.com/Control-487467091325148 / www.facebook.com/genevieve.pasquier.35

Label: www.ant-zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

About Control / Geneviéve Pasquier / Kommando

“Cold War, Hot Love” united three power electronics and industrial projects: Control, the alias of Thomas Garrison; Geneviéve Pasquier, also known as Isabelle Wörner and a member of Thorofon, Jägerblut and UMB-Kollektif; and Kommando, a pre-Thorofon incarnation reanimated in 2007. The album was released on November 2, 2018, as a limited-edition vinyl LP jointly issued by Ant-Zen, Raubbau, UMB and Misanthrope Studio, mastered by Thomas Garrison.

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, industrial-techno, power-noise.

Background/Info: Hypnoskull (Patrick Stevens) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017 with the successful album “Die4.Generation”. One year later the Belgian sound terrorist is already back on track unleashing a work inspired by Pier Paolo Pasolini’s essay “Apology” (from 1968).

Content: It’s not evident to find back the inspiration of Patrick Stevens in his music, but without his ‘conceptual’ approach his music would be probably very different. “The Manichean Consciousness” gets back to the power-noise origins of the artist, but it also reflects his recent evolution in sound. The music is a perfect sonic cloning between power-noise and industrial-techno.

The tracklist moves quite progressively towards harder fields. The beginning cuts feature some epic arrangements while the shamanic rhythmic of the artist joins rapidly in. The last song “Der Neue Held” features a few German vocals.

+ + + : Hypnoskull moves on where his previous album stopped although I also experienced this new work as still being more inspired by the early work of the artist. It’s brutal, unpolished and sometimes simply straight forward. Most of the tracks are less sophisticated, but driven by irresistible hard-banging beats. But the main difference with ‘simply’ techno music is that you’ll notice cool, icy sounds in the background or bleeping sequences on a few cuts. I’ve a preference for “Distorted By Connotations” for its war-like atmosphere and “Kommando G Elser”, which has something inhibited.

– – – : This album is rather diversified in power and atmosphere, but I can’t say it’s the best I’ve heard from Hypnoskull. I personally prefer the previous work, which had something more ‘visionary’ and ‘innovative’.

Conclusion: “The Manichean Consciousness” is not the best album from Hypnoskull although it remains a fully enjoyable experience in modern industrial music and heavy industrial-techno.

Best songs: “Distorted By Connotations”, “Kommando G Elser”, “Bad Verses”, “Obfuscate Meanings”, “The Manichean Consciousness”, “Der Neue Weld”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/therealhypnoskull

Label: www.ant-zen.com / www.facebook.com/antzen.official

About Hypnoskull

Hypnoskull is the project of Belgian artist Patrick Stevens, founded in 1992. It merges raw analog electronics with harsh rhythm structures, blending industrial, rhythmic noise and techno-industrial. The original “Cyberpunisher” tape was recorded between December 16, 1993, and January 7, 1994, at Granite Side Studio in Beveren-Waas, and released by the Dutch label Hahamandad / Ha-Releases in 1994.

Hypnoskull released “Rhythmusmaschine 1-2” on Ant-Zen in 1998, and later marked 25 years of activity with the “die4.generation” 2CD album in 2017. “The Manichean Consciousness”, reviewed here, followed in 2019, inspired by Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1968 essay “Apology”. The 2025 CD reissue of “Cyberpunisher” on EE Tapes later returned the project’s earliest recordings to print.

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

With the 8th edition of their now classic free “Matrix Downloaded” label digital compilation, Belgium’s Alfa Matrix label presents a selection of 55 songs via Bandcamp.

The 55 songs represent the label’s most recent singles and albums while giving a preview of some promising forthcoming 2019 productions including announced new releases by Helalyn Flowers, Synapsyche, Avarice In Audio, H.O.W., Llumen, Mental Exile, SD-KRTR, Diffuzion, Reactor7X, Aesthetische, Armageddon Dildos, Die Robo Sapiens, Junksista, Imjudas, Alien Vampires, Mondträume, Aiboforcen, Dunkelwerk, Komor Kommando, Neikka RPM, Acylum, etc.

You can download it for free or as a what-you-want-to-pay from 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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Out now is the first official video for Die Robo Sapiens: “Tanz Mit Dem Roboter”. The track is taken from the project’s debut EP “Teufelskreis – Tanz Mit Dem Roboter”.

Die Robo Sapiens consists of the trio Jürgen Engler, Ralf Dörper and Marcel Zürcher and they have now released the download EP “Teufelskreis – Tanz Mit Dem Roboter” via the Bandcamp page of the Alfa Matrix label.

The EP sees the trio collaborating with the U.S. electro artist JG and the Robots, who also directed and can be seen in the Die Krupps video “Robo Sapien”. “Tanz Mit Dem Roboter” is a direct wink to the Düsseldorf synth origins of the band, reworked by label mates Rector Scanner, the vintage synth duo Metroland and the Swedish minimal electro pop talent of Elektroklänge.

“Teufelskreis” on the other hand got remixed by two other prominent figures from the EBM scene: Armageddon Dildos and Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Komor Kommando, …).

All in all 7 tracks which are clearly giving a foretaste of the band’s forthcoming album “Robo Sapien Race”. Check them out below or download them from 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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Read the review of ‘A Tribe Of My Own’.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Read the review of ‘Teufelskreis / Tanz Mit Dem Roboter’.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM, techno-body, industrial, experimental.

Background/Info: Belgian implant duo is back after a new hiatus of 4 years. “Oxynoxe-X” is the 10^th full length for mastermind Len Lemaire in 21 years.

Content: It remains a very hard job to define the sound of Implant and especially when the band accomplished one of their most diversified works in history. “Oxynoxe-X” rather sounds as the fusion between an impressive sonic canvas instead of a real music genre. From typical techno-body & trance-driven passages in the truest spirit of the band towards more minimal-like and industrial elements to sophisticated EBM treatments this work is bringing retro-like songs together with pure modernism. Implant still likes to work with guest singers and now invited Solitary experiments front man Dennis Schober to sing on one song.

The limited edition features a more conceptual work, which is inspired and driven by modular synths. It’s an instrumental album revealing the hidden, experimental side of the band.

+ + + : “Oxynoxe-X” sounds to me like the most versatile work of Implant, but still (one more) noticeable album on, which the band also sounds like experimenting with new ideas. One of my favorite cuts is the minimal-like “The Decay”, which makes me think of a sophisticated and elaborated version of Dive. The progression of the songs and especially the great sound treatments and numerous little effects remain the trademark of this band. Len Lemaire is one of those sound alchemists who create unique, ‘fat’ sounds. Just pay some attention for “The End”, which is a little sonic jewel and somewhat in the vein of Komor Kommando.

– – – : Implant always has shown certain experimental approach in their work, but what they’ve featured on the second disc is really surprising. It sounds more into pure sound creation resulting in a somewhat abstract composition. I like some of the tracks, but this album will definitely not enter into history for being too unsusal and less implant-like.

Conclusion: The limited edition of “Oxynoxe-X” stands for a great main disc confirming the endless creativity of Implant and a completely abstract bonus disc, which probably means more for the band than their fans. But this new opus however is one of their best albums!

Best songs: “The End”, “The Decay”, “I’m Not Your Enemy”, “The Taking”, “Images” + “I Sometimes Dream Of Imaginary Parties To Meet New People”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.implant–music.be / www.facebook.com/Implantmusic

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

Read the news on ‘Oxynoxe-X’.

About Implant

Implant is a Belgian electronic band founded in 1992 by Len Lemeire and Geert Machtelinck, with Jan D’Hooghe joining later; Lemeire remains the group’s mastermind. The band’s catalog includes “The Productive Citizen” (2013) and the “Oxynoxe” EP (2017) that preceded this release, followed later by “Phantom Pain” (2020) and the “Chaos Machines” trilogy, which closed with “Judging Sinners” in 2025.

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

Speaking of a big promotion campaign, the Belgian electrolabel Alfa Matrix has handed out over 4000 copies of the CD-sampler “Sounds From The Matrix 019” at the double concert of Front 242 this past weekend in Brussels. Also playing as support act were the electropop label mates of Front 242, Metroland.

On the CD sampler you find no less than 20 bands from the label’s roster with mostly new and/or exclusive material.

For those who missed the event, the compilation also comes as a free CD which each order that is placed on the label’s CD/DVD/vinyl webstore or as a download compilation at album price on Bandcamp. Each volume of the compilation series is a much sought after item as it regularly pops up on online auction sites reaching ridiculously high prices, especially when no longer available.

On this new volume you’ll find material from Elektroklänge, Metroland, Ad:Key, ELM, Mildreda, The Psychic Force, Star Industry, Crytek, Mondtraüme, Kant Kino, Junksista, Psy’aviah, Helalyn Flowers, Lovelorn Dolls, Sin.Sin, Imjudas, Komor Kommando, Mentallo & The Fixer, Implant and Schwarzblut. A very diverse compilation which showcasts very well the current line-up of the label.

You can stream the release below, or get it right here on Bandcamp. But if you place an order for a physical product, you’ll of course get it for free on CD!

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

The Belgian electrolabel Alfa Matrix has launched it’s 19th (!) volume in their popular ‘Sounds From The Matrix’ series. On “Sounds From The Matrix 019” you find no less than 20 bands from the label’s roster with mostly new and/or exclusive material. The compilation comes as a free CD which each order that is placed on the label’s CD/DVD/vinyl webstore or as a download compilation at album price on Bandcamp (and if you use the code november84546 you’ll instantly get 30% off on top).

Each volume of the compilation series is a much sought after item as it regularly pops up on online auction sites reaching ridiculously high prices, especially when no longer available.

On this new volume you’ll find material from Elektroklänge, Metroland, Ad:Key, ELM, Mildreda, The Psychic Force, Star Industry, Crytek, Mondtraüme, Kant Kino, Junksista, Psy’aviah, Helalyn Flowers, Lovelorn Dolls, Sin.Sin, Imjudas, Komor Kommando, Mentallo & The Fixer, Implant and Schwarzblut. A very diverse compilation which showcasts very well the current line-up of the label.

You can stream the release below, or get it right here on Bandcamp. But if you place an order for a physical product, you’ll of course get it for free on CD!

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

The official video for LCN’s “N’Ecoutez Pas Tous Les Conseils De Vos Amis” is out now. The track is taken from the 12″ EP “Autonomie” which is out now on Enfant Terrible/Gooiland Elektro.

LCN was present on the “Noblesse Oblige” compilation with an EBM influenced track. On the 4 track EP “Autonomie” you can expect dark and cold elektro sounds reminiscent of the Invasion Planete and Kommando 6 output “but with a cleaner and more modern sound” as the label points out . This EP follows up on the steady stream of releases LCN has been putting out lately, among them on labels such as Frigio Records and Return To Disorder.

Note that the 12” EP comes out in a very limited edition of only 200 copies, in screen printed sleeve. You can order it right here from the Enfant Terrible/Gooiland Elektro label! Recommended!

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, techno-body.

Background/Info: Electro Bromance is a Brazilian duo unleashing its debut full length. They previously released a self-titled and self-released EP. A few songs from the EP have been featured on the album as well.

Content: The opening cut reveals a solid techno-body sound mixed with some pop elements. Quite progressively the real source of inspiration emerges at the surface. Electro Bromance is dealing with electro-pop, which they mixed with other influences such as EBM and future-pop. You’ll also notice a few dance-pop cuts. The songs have been composed with electronics and guitar. I also have to mention the very efficient vocal parts. The singer’s timbre of voice sometimes reminds me of Robert Smith.

+ + + : This album is a nice surprise. It’s not that often we discover cool electro-pop from Brazil, but this album is worthy of examination. The opening song is something harder and somewhat into techno-body music, but it’s a phenomenal song. It sounds a bit like Syrian meeting Komor Kommando. The other cuts will appeal to nostalgic future-pop freaks. Electro Bromance feels comfortable experimenting with different influences, but in the end it all remains good underground-pop music. From danceable songs to other cuts supported with some melancholia to a kind of wave-pop music, this album is a real cool surprise.

– – – : I regret there’re no other songs than the opening cut in this harder techno-body style. But I have to admit Electro Bromance feels comfortable dealing with more familiar electro-pop fields as well.

Conclusion: Brazil and electro-pop music is not exactly a successful match, but Electro Bromance must be the exception to the rule. They’ve accomplished a sexy debut album featuring multiple great songs.

Best songs: “Euphoria”, “Dig Deeper”, “Erotic Playground”, “Beloved”, “Black Phillip”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.facebook.com/electrobromance

Label: www.facebook.com/DeeplandRecords

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-EBM, cyber-industrial music.

Background/Info: I discovered the French Horskh- duo (Bass and Briou) by the extended version of the “Dawn”-EP. The Frenchmen are back on track unleashing their debut album featuring 12 cuts.

Content: I’ve been totally addicted to the “Dawn”-EP and “Gate” only confirms the potential of Horskh. Their sound is an explosive fusion of EBM, industrial-music and techno. Electronics and guitar parts have been merged resulting in an overwhelming production carried by powerful sound blasts and deep resonating bass lines.

Horskh feels like a hybrid between Cubanate and Combichrist plus electronics treatments which might remind you of Komor Kommando.

+ + + : Horskh is not reinventing electronic or industrial music, but this band has a real creative spirit to mix genres together resulting in a heavy sound. Call it visionary industrial music or simply hard electronics mixed with powerful guitar riffs, the result is however mind-blowing. The electronic treatments are raw and sometimes joined by technoid elements. Heavy electronic blasts sound like real electroshocks! The guitar playing injects the industrial touch to the work and only increases the power running through “Gate”. The vocals are in perfect symbiosis with the rage animating this production.

– – – : Except the short “Sleep” intermezzo, this album has no real points I would imagine to improve! The main difficulty for Horskh will maybe to find the path leading them to a wider recognition.

Conclusion: In times where too many bands are sounding the same or simply like to sound as their idols, Horskh is a real relief! Power and rage both have been joined with great creativity resulting in this astonishing work! This already got my full support and I can only encourage you to discover the “Gate”-album.

Best songs: “Victim”, “Strayed Away”, “Engaged And Confused”, “Trigger”, “Against”, “Intruder”.

Rate: (9).

Band: www.facebook.com/Horskh

Label: www.audiotrauma.org / www.facebook.com/audiotrauma.records

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

Alfa Matrix has launched the 1st edition of its new compilation series: “Matrix​:​Reb00ted”. The 1st volume is entered around the remixes the Norwegian dark electro act Kant Kino completed over the years, hence the sub-title for the first volume: “Zion [EBM] Warfare [01] – the Kant Kino guerrilla”.

On the download compilation – which can be downloaded here – you find 15 songs from Alfa Matrix’s massive music repertoire which got mixed by Kant Kino. For those who are familiar with the band’s remix sound, you know you can expect a unique blend of EBM basslines, upbeat sequences and melodic synths.

The bands remixed by this duo include Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, Leather Strip, Bruderschaft, Pouppée Fabric, Amgod, Komor Kommando, Implant, Aesthetische, Essence Of Mind, Studio-X vs. Simon Carter, Kant Kino themselves, Junksista and the label’s most recent discovery from France Crytek.

Available now on Bandcamp, you can listen to the trackless below.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

It was Record Store Day this past weekend and for the occasion the Belgian label launched a special 30% discount code ( RSD2017 ) which is available to use until the end of this week. You can apply the code in the label’s webshop or on the label’s Bandcamp page. You will get 30% off on everything that is added in your basket (except on the forthcoming Metroland and Alien Vampires box sets).

Happy hunting!

Included in this massive discount action are releases by 32CRASH, Acylum, Aengeldust, Aesthetische, Agonised By Love, Aiboforcen, Alien Vampires, Ambassador21, amGod, Armageddon Dildos, Avarice In Audio, Ayria, Bruderschaft, Cosmic Armchair, Crisk, Cynical Existence, Depeche Mode (the tribute releases), Diffuzion, Diskonnekted, Dive, Dream Recall, Dunkelwerk, Elektroklänge, ELM, Entrzelle, Epsilon Minus, Essence Of Mind, Freakangel, Front 242, Gaytron, Glis, Halo In Reverse, HausHetaere, Headscan, Helalyn Flowers, Hungry Lucy, I:scintilla, Implant, Internal, Inure, Junksista, Kant Kino, Klutæ, Komor Kommando, Krystal System, Leaether Strip, Lovelorn Dolls, Malakwa, Male Or Female, Mari Chrome, Mentallo and the Fixer, Metroland, Mind:State, Mnemonic, Mondträume, Monolith, Nebula-H, Neikka RPM, Nitzer Ebb, Növö, O.V.N.I., Plastic Noise Experience, Pouppee Fabrikk, Prozium, Psy’Aviah, Razorfade, Recoil, Regenerator, Saeldes Sanc, Schwarzblut, Sebastian Komor, Seize, Sero.Overdose, Shaun F, Simon Carter, Siva Six, Star Industry, Stray, Studio-X, Suicide Inside, Tamtrum, Technoir, The Cure (tribute), The Psychic Force, Totem Obscura, Trisomie 21, Unter Null, Venal Flesh, Virgins O.R Pigeons, Virtual Embrace, XMH, Zombie Girl, … plus a long list of compilations.

And in order to save on shipping costs, it’s recommended to combine this with the label’s 2 newest releases although they are not discounted.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

“Today he has no means He’s alone and anonymous, but written in his cells he’s got the marks of a genius”, with these Front 242 lyrics (“Headhunter”) the Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix has launched quite an impressive EBM day action offering no less than a 30% discount on all of it’s physical (and download releases) including the much wanted Front 242 vinyls sets.

All you need to do is use the code ebmday242 to get 30% off on all of the labels releases (ltd editions, boxsets, t-shirts, vinyls, …) purchased via the Alfa Matrix webstore and the official Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page.

The code ebmday242 is only valid today and this weekend and will be applied on all products you have added in your basket.

And that’s not all! the label has also added a huge list of VERY low priced compilations right here.

Included in this massive discount action are all physical and download releases by 32CRASH, Acylum, Aengeldust, Aesthetische, Agonised By Love, Aiboforcen, Alien Vampires, Ambassador21, amGod, Armageddon Dildos, Avarice In Audio, Ayria, Bruderschaft, Cosmic Armchair, Crisk, Cynical Existence, Depeche Mode (the tribute releases), Diffuzion, Diskonnekted, Dive, Dream Recall, Dunkelwerk, Elektroklänge, ELM, Entrzelle, Epsilon Minus, Essence Of Mind, Freakangel, Front 242, Gaytron, Glis, Halo In Reverse, HausHetaere, Headscan, Helalyn Flowers, Hungry Lucy, I:scintilla, Implant, Internal, Inure, Junksista, Kant Kino, Klutæ, Komor Kommando, Krystal System, Leaether Strip, Lovelorn Dolls, Malakwa, Male Or Female, Mari Chrome, Mentallo and the Fixer, Metroland, Mind:State, Mnemonic, Mondträume, Monolith, Nebula-H, Neikka RPM, Nitzer Ebb, Növö, O.V.N.I., Plastic Noise Experience, Pouppee Fabrikk, Prozium, Psy’Aviah, Razorfade, Recoil, Regenerator, Saeldes Sanc, Schwarzblut, Sebastian Komor, Seize, Sero.Overdose, Shaun F, Simon Carter, Siva Six, Star Industry, Stray, Studio-X, Suicide Inside, Tamtrum, Technoir, The Cure (tribute), The Psychic Force, Totem Obscura, Trisomie 21, Unter Null, Venal Flesh, Virgins O.R Pigeons, Virtual Embrace, XMH, Zombie Girl, … plus a long list of compilations.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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We enter the final few hours to enjoy a 50% reduction on all of your purchases via the Alfa Matrix Bandcamp page. You get a discount of 50% when using the discount code january50432. Just enter it when checking out. The code is valid on ALL of the releases on the label’s Bandcamp page.

Included in this massive discount action are releases by 32CRASH, Acylum, Aengeldust, Aesthetische, Agonised By Love, Aiboforcen, Alien Vampires, Ambassador21, amGod, Armageddon Dildos, Avarice In Audio, Ayria, Bruderschaft, Cosmic Armchair, Crisk, Cynical Existence, Depeche Mode (the tribute releases), Diffuzion, Diskonnekted, Dive, Dream Recall, Dunkelwerk, Elektroklänge, ELM, Entrzelle, Epsilon Minus, Essence Of Mind, Freakangel, Front 242, Gaytron, Glis, Halo In Reverse, HausHetaere, Headscan, Helalyn Flowers, Hungry Lucy, I:scintilla, Implant, Internal, Inure, Junksista, Kant Kino, Klutæ, Komor Kommando, Krystal System, Leaether Strip, Lovelorn Dolls, Malakwa, Male Or Female, Mari Chrome, Mentallo and the Fixer, Metroland, Mind:State, Mnemonic, Mondträume, Monolith, Nebula-H, Neikka RPM, Nitzer Ebb, Növö, O.V.N.I., Plastic Noise Experience, Pouppee Fabrikk, Prozium, Psy’Aviah, Razorfade, Regenerator, Saeldes Sanc, Schwarzblut, Sebastian Komor, Seize, Sero.Overdose, Shaun F, Simon Carter, Siva Six, Star Industry, Stray, Studio-X, Suicide Inside, Tamtrum, Technoir, The Cure (tribute), The Psychic Force, Totem Obscura, Trisomie 21, Unter Null, Venal Flesh, Virgins O.R Pigeons, Virtual Embrace, XMH, Zombie Girl, … plus a long list of compilations.

The discount code only lasts till January 31st midnight, so make sure to use it asap!

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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For its 15th anniversary, the Belgian record label Alfa Matrix also celebrated the 35 years of existence of Front 242 and this with the Front 242 tribute album “Recovery >for you<” uniting 32 fellow label bands who have each covered one song from Front 242’s music repertoire.

The release is available on the Alfa Matrix webstore as a 2CD plus also on their Bandcamp page as a download.

You can preview the tracks right below:

The bands who collaborated to “Recovery >for you<” include Metroland, Komor Kommando, Ad:Key, Plastic Noise Experience, Imjudas, Sin.Sin, Cosmic Armchair, Neikka Rpm, Alien Vampires, Ayria, Implant, Avarice In Audio, Acylum, Schwarzblut, Star Industry, Regenerator, Elektroklänge, Elm, Kant Kino, Technoir, Diffuzion, Aesthetische, Circuito Cerrado Vs. C-Lekktor, Növö, Totem Obscura, Venal Flesh Feat. Chase Dobson, Llumen, The Psychic Force, Helalyn Flowers, Essence Of Mind, Armageddon Dildos and Xmh.

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

With “Recovery >for you<”, the Alfa Matrix label is closing this double-celebration year 2016 in beauty. For its 15th anniversary, the Belgian record label also celebrated in many ways the 35 years of existence of Front 242. Therefor the Alfa Matrix label family decided to pay homage to the band.

32 fellow label bands have each covered one song from Front 242’s music repertoire, picking songs from the full discography of the band, from “Geography” to “Pulse”. The release is already up for pre-order on the Alfa Matrix webstore plus also on their Bandcamp page.

“Recovery >for you<” resulted in a collection of 32 songs reflecting the Alfa Matrix band roster’s high diversity by bands such as Metroland, Komor Kommando, Ad:Key, Plastic Noise Experience, Imjudas, Sin.Sin, Cosmic Armchair, Neikka Rpm, Alien Vampires, Ayria, Implant, Avarice In Audio, Acylum, Schwarzblut, Star Industry, Regenerator, Elektroklänge, Elm, Kant Kino, Technoir, Diffuzion, Aesthetische, Circuito Cerrado Vs. C-Lekktor, Növö, Totem Obscura, Venal Flesh Feat. Chase Dobson, Llumen, The Psychic Force, Helalyn Flowers, Essence Of Mind, Armageddon Dildos and Xmh.

Classic Front 242 tunes covered include amongst others “Headhunter”, “Happiness”, “Lovely Day”, “U-men”, “Commando Mix”, “Masterhit”, “No Shuffle”, “Tragedy for You”, “Take One”, “Funkhadafi”, “Moldavia”, “Operating Tracks”, “Don’t Crash”, “Body To Body”, “Welcome To Paradise”, and many more. The full tracklist can be viewed here.

Below is a first exclusive preview which Front 242 have posted on their Instagram account earlier this evening.

#Front242 #tribute “Recovery>for you<” now available via www.alfa-matrix-store.com 32 tracks, this is an exclusive preview! @alfamatrix #alfamatrix

A video posted by Front 242 – Official (@front242official) on Nov 2, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

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. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Genre/Influences: EBM.

Background/Info: If you’re a fan of ‘242’ this special “Deluxe Anniversary”-box strictly limited to 1242 copies definitely is an item you better purchase. For their 35^th anniversary the band together with Alfa Matrix decided to re-release some of their albums plus a lot of extras, which you’ll find in this ‘box’.

The bonus of this box consists of the EP “Politics Of Pressure” (1985), one CD with rare material and one more CD with live material plus some cards and other fan material.

This album also was the first one featuring Richard Jonckheere (aka Richard 23) while Dirk Bergen had left the band. Richard 23 joined Daniel B., Patrick Codenys and singer Jean-Luc De Meyer.

Content: “Geography” definitely remains a real EBM-phenomena, but “No Comment” would definitely place the Belgian ‘body’ masters on the international map of underground electronics. The songs were less experimental and more into danceable vibes. Front 242 also confirmed their fascination for icy sound textures while they created some controversy with their ‘military’ look and enigmatic songs like “S.Fr. Nomenklatura <1&2> and the later on released “Funkahdafi” originally released on “Politics Of Pressure”.

‘242’ never has been into fast rhythms, but into powerful sound treatments accomplished with the genius production skills of Daniel B. “No Comment”. This album revealed several hits and it is still pure magic to discover “Lovely Day” and of course “No Shuffle”.

“Politics Of Pressure” was an essential maxi in history of the band as well. Songs like “Don’t Krash”, the already mentioned and tormenting “Funkahdafi” and the brilliant “Kommando <Remix>” simply became early hits of the band.

The next CD reveals live versions of a few songs and even a demo version of “Special Forces”, an alternative version of “Body To Body” and probably one of the  first remixes, which was one of “S.Fr. Nomenklatura” by Acurack.

The last CD is a live recording from a gig in Hamburg (Germany) in 1987! That’s the year the 3^rd full length “Official Version” has been released. You here will get the opportunity to discover some of the most famous early EBM-hits of the band.

+ + + : “No Comment” is definitely one of the ‘242’-albums that might symbolize their sound the most accurate way. There still is this experimental touch through most of the songs and, which reveal amazing and visionary sound treatments, but it was definitely the album that made the band call their music EBM! The songs reflect such an impressive energy and powerful icy sequences. The vocals of Jean-Luc Demeyer gained in charisma while Richard 23 did great backing vocals –which is especially true for the live performances of the band. The main strength of this early material is that it sounds timeless. The extra fan material featuring old official pictures and other stuff in the genre is really cool. The artistic package of this release is again absolutely outstanding.

– – – : Speaking for myself I regret the band hasn’t considered putting out some articles, reviews and a few words about this record. Front 242 were really shocking for a lot of people and there was a huge controversy about their sound and image. It would have been great to bring it back to life and especially when referring to a song like “Funkahdafi”.

Conclusion: Great songs, great package, great band! “No Comment” and “Politics Of Pressure” both still sound very hot today, which simply proves the avant-garde and visionary composition of this unique band!

Best songs: “No Shuffle”, “S.Fr. Nomenklatura <1&2>, “Lovely Day”, “Special Forces” + “Kommando<Remix>”, “Funkahdafi”, “Don’t Krash”.

Rate: (9).

Band: www.facebook.com/Front.242

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

Genre/Influences: Cyber-punk, electro-rock.

Background/Info: It’s now 10 years ago that Angelspit released their debut-album “Krankhaus”, which became an instant hit and the start of a successful career. The band from Sydney (Australia) found a new home at Negative Gain to unleash their new album.

Content: The sound formula of those cyber-punks didn’t really changed, but there’s no reason at all to change an efficient receipt. Angelspit remains animated by hard-driven electronics and muscled guitar riffs. Multiple electronic effects and raw sound manipulation both are the essence of “Cult Of Fake”. There’s a real impressive arsenal of sounds and noises that have been used. It sometimes sounds a bit anarchistic-like, but it also confirms a kind of sonic-punk attitude.

A few more elements like technoid passages, electroclash parts and a kind of industrial-pop touch can be noticed as well. I sometimes get the impression that Angelspit sounds like the offspring between Faderhead and Komor Kommando with an extra powerful boost on top. A few arrangements even move into pure epic bombast. On top of it all you get the alluring and diversified vocals of Zoog Van Rock.

+ + + : The main strength of Angelspit always has been their very unique electro-punk approach and “Cult Of Fake” simply holds on to that formula. There’s no other band like Angelspit. Their sound creation sounds weird and without any single compromise. They sound like they are living on a distant music planet and are mixing many different influences together. I especially get under the influence of the multiple and archaic-like sound manipulations.

– – – : If you’re into their cyber-punk sound you’ll not exactly find minus points at this new work. I just regret there are no more explicit hits featured on it. The sound formula of Angelspit is no longer surprising and that’s maybe an aspect they’ll have to work on for the future, but once again, there’s no real good reason to change a successful sound.

Conclusion: Angelspit is black or white; you’ll like or dislike their sound, but there’s no compromise! “Cult Of Fake” is a new solid piece of modern punk-music driven by furious electronics.

Best songs: “On The List, She’s Not”, “Happy Murderland”, “New Devil”, “Disaster Porn”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.angelspit.net / www.facebook.com/angelspitmusic

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984

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: Hard techno-body-music.

Background/Info: Stoppenberg is Jan Loamfield who we all know as one of the most famous and renowned contemporary trance-noise architect of the electro-industrial scene. Noisuf-X and X-Fusion both are his major projects, but he also started producing music under the Stoppenberg moniker. Earlier this year he released the kicking “Assault”-album. Stoppenberg is already striking back with this EP revealing 3 new cuts plus 13 remixes.

Content: The title song “I Am The Danger” clearly reveals the essence of this project. It sounds pretty similar to Noisuf-X, but in a more body-techno orientated style. There where Noisuf-X experiments with pure industrial-rave, Stoppenberg comes closer to a mix of EBM and hard-techno music. The songs are carried by a pumping kick and aggressive sequences confirming the production skills of this German genius.

Both other new cuts are quite similar in style and approach, but not as hard. It however remains a well-crafted and total party-music format made of great sound blasts and cool samplings.

We next get an impressive chapter featuring 13 remixes. Three songs of the album have been exposed to remix skills of bands like Destillat, Poltergeist, Benjamin’s Plague, Viscera Drip, Maschinengeits, Worsaw ao. Jan Loamfield clearly didn’t choose for the most famous and familiar names in the scene. He gave the opportunity to several promising bands to show their creativity in remixing the songs “Radioactive”, “Liberty” and “Unite!”. The main part of the remixes hold on to the Stoppenberg power while adding a personal touch to the original songs.

+ + + : “I Am The Danger” is for sure a potential hit featuring some elements of the Noisuf-X success formula, but transposed into a techno-body vein. I’m not comparing Stoppenberg with the sound of Komor Kommando, but there are some similarities in the global approach and production. I also noticed several cool remixes with a special mention for the work of Benjamin’s Plague and DJ Malkavian. It also is an opportunity to discover a nice selection of upcoming artists.

– – – : I think it’s a pity there’s not one single remix of the title song, which is one of the best Stoppenberg cuts so far. I also would have liked to hear a few remixes made by Jan Loamfield himself and it would have been cool to hear Stoppenberg remixes by Noisuf-X.

Conclusion: Stoppenberg is a strong sonic elixir that will bring you instantly in a frenetic dance mood!

Best songs: “I Am The Danger”, “Enemies” + “Radioactive – Remixed By Benjamin’sPlague”, “Unite! – Remixed By DJ Malkavian”, “Liberty – Remixed By Destillat”, “Radioactive – Remixed By Project Poltergeist”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/stoppenbergmusic

Label: www.x–beats.de

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