“Physical Touch” is another album by the Greek Electro project Beatbox Machinery. Operator ‘Toxic Razor’ asked his Paradox Obscur mate Kriistal Ann to sing along on a nice selection of songs. It is pure synth music that combines EBM and Electro-Pop elements with astral atmospheres on top. The magic of Kriistal Ann’s singing adds a cold, sensual touch. The work is available from Werkstatt Recordings. (Rate: 7).

Listen to “High On Drugs”:

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The sound combines hardware-synth EBM and Electro-Pop with space-like textures.

“Physical Touch”, reviewed here, features Kriistal Ann of Paradox Obscur on vocals across a selection of 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

Genre/Influences: EBM, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, EBM.

Background/Info: After having released five albums on Infacted Recordings and next three albums on Digital World Audio PreEmptive Strike 0.1 moves back to Infacted to unleash their ninth full length to date. The work comes four years after the amazing “Progeny Of The Technovore”-album. George Klontzas left the band and was replaced by Yiannis Chatzakis (Degenerated Sequences) who was a live member. Jim ‘The Blaster’ remains the band’s singer.

Content: The album sounds a bit like moving back to the ‘roots’ of the band; a perfect sonic match between elaborated EBM and Dark-Electronic atmospheres. You however will notice Technoid elements as well and even a few Cinematic parts plus a cover version of a Manowar-song. Kriistal Ann (Paradox Obscur) and Cleopatra Caido have been invited to sing each on one song. Last but not least there’s also a remix accomplished by Seven Trees.

+ + + : This album isn’t exactly a new beginning but there’s a different approach in the writing process and injected influences. I however think that there’s a chemistry between both members and the move back to the roots of the band will be noticed by fans. The songs are elaborate and I like the uplifting and somewhat Technoid sequences running through most of the songs -but especially during the second half of the album. “Pause In Chaos/Stop The Madness” is a true masterpiece but I also have to mention “State Of War – Defcon 1 Edit” and “Resurrective Hunger” featuring the emblematic vocals of Kriistal Ann. “Beyond Reality” featuring Cleopatra Caido sounds more Cinematic but is another attention grabber.

– – – : I still consider “Progeny Of The Technovore” as the band’s magnum opus so it’s not an easy thing moving on after such a blasting piece of music. Some tracks are a little less hesitant but I’m confident for the further evolution of the Greek duo.

Conclusion: PreEmptive Strike 0.1 is back and still stands for attractive EBM.

Best songs: “Pause In Chaos/Stop The Madness”, “Resurrective Hunger”, “State Of War – Defcon 1 Edit”,  “Beyond Reality”, “Lunacy Stimulator”, “Marauders From Earth”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.preemptivestrike01.com / www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046294873850

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

About PreEmptive Strike 0.1

PreEmptive Strike 0.1 is a Greek duo fronted by vocalist Jim “The Blaster”. The band released five albums on Infacted Recordings before moving to Digital World Audio for three further albums, then returned to Infacted Recordings for “Defence Readiness: Condition 1”, the follow-up to “Progeny Of The Technovore”. Yiannis Chatzakis, also active with Degenerated Sequences, joined as a full member after previously performing live with the band, replacing George Klontzas. Kriistal Ann of Paradox Obscur and Seven Trees both contributed to “Defence Readiness: Condition 1”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro/Wave-Pop.

Format: Digital, CDR.

Background/Info: Greek duo Kriistal Ann – Toxic Razor strike back with five new songs. “Audio reverse” also is their first work released by Parisian (France) label Warriorecords.

Content: Paradox Obscur strike back with their familiar Electro/Wave-Pop which remains pretty minimal and driven by Kriistal Ann’s cold timbre of voice. She sings in English but there’s one piece she also experiments with French language. One of the songs has been sung by Toxic Razor. The main evolution -which might be coincidental and/or the result of simple evolution, is the more explicit ‘danceable’ side of the work -which mainly comes through at both debut tracks. Both songs are driven by big kicks accentuating the danceable power of the songs.

+ + + : Paradox Obscur remains extremely prolific but it never affect the quality of the work. This new work even reveals some of their best cuts in history. “Hot Test” and “Desire” both are impressive, cold cuts with a strong dancefloor potential. The vintage sound treatments create the magic of the production while Kriistal Ann’s voice injects a touch of mystery. This band is never repeating itself but remains in constant progress while holding on the main ingredients of their success formula.

– – – : The song sung by Toxic Razor is the single one that couldn’t completely convince me. No reason to complain as the work features 5 new cuts.

Conclusion: Paradox Obscur remains a warrant for simple but intelligent Minimal-Electro.

Best songs: “Desire”, “Hot Test”, “Présage”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: www.warriorecords.com / www.facebook.com/WARRIORECORDS

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is the Greek duo of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor, formed in Athens in early 2014. The project records in real time using vintage hardware synthesizers and drum machines, without sequencing or editing software, a method the duo has kept throughout its catalog. Its first two albums and an EP were released via the UK label Peripheral Minimal, including the 2016 album “Anacrusis”.

By 2021 Paradox Obscur had released four full-length albums and five EPs before signing to Metropolis Records, which issued the compilation “Singles & Rarities” on 12 March 2021. Metropolis also released the duo’s “Morphogenesis” album on 6 May 2022, a nine-song set on CD, vinyl, VHS, and digital formats. The duo’s sixth album, “IKONA”, followed via Metropolis in September 2025. “Audio Reverse” marks Paradox Obscur’s first release for the Paris-based label Warriorecords.

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

Grey Gallows is a Greek duo hailing from Patras. The band is driven by Konstantin (vocals & keys) and Dionisis (guitar, bass & keys). They this year released their fourth full-length album “Strangers” which also is the second one released by Cold Transmission Records. The band take us back to the darkest hours of Dark-Wave and Post-Punk while adding a personal touch on top of the composition. “Strangers” deals about different themes which can be summarized to human psyche, love, pain, alienation, and the redemption of the individual, concerning social issues that plague the modern era. I got in touch with Konstantin to know a bit more about this cool formation.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Grey Gallows is now active for a couple of years. How did the band saw the daylight and what do you consider as your main accomplishments so far?

Dionisis: We formed as a band in 2016 when I moved to live in Patras and met Konstantin. We became close friends and as we understood that we shared the same taste in music, we decided that we would like to make our own band and express ourselves.

I believe that signing with a label like Cold Transmission and be given the opportunity to perform abroad and especially at WGT is something that we didn’t expect back then and that makes us really proud.

Q: I think your music sounds obviously 80s Dark-Wave / Post-Punk inspired with something extra on top which makes me think to an imaginary hybrid between The Sisters Of Mercy and She Passed Away. Does this description fits to your own perception of sound and what have been the main sources of inspiration?

Konstantin: Well, this is an interesting description, we definitely love The Sisters Of Mercy and we have high respect for She Past Away. We are obviously into 80s Dark-Wave / Post-Punk, listening all those great bands of the past, such as The Cure, Joy Division and Deine Lakaien, but we also like more recent bands, like Lebannon Hanover.

Τhe latest years, being on Cold Transmission, I think that we have been influenced by its distinctive sound and musical approach in general.

Q: You already released several albums but especially both last productions released by Cold Transmission Music give you a wider exposure. How do you analyze the evolution of the band and what’s the impact to be signed on a leading label of the Dark-Wave / Post-Punk scene?

Konstantin: Signing to Cold Transmission gave us both the artistic freedom to express ourselves musically without limits and, on the other hand, to have the chance to reach a broader audience, especially in Germany and central Europe. So, being on a label as supportive as Cold Transmission, is very benefic for us.

We share with Suzy and Andreas our music ideas, discuss the evolution of the band which resulted in friendship.  Moreover we are now family, we belong to the Cold Transmission family and we are very happy and proud of it.

Q: Tell us a bit more about your new album “Strangers”. How did this album saw the daylight and what did you try to express by its lyrical themes?

Konstantin: Some of the songs, for example “Strangers”, were written during the pandemic, so in one aspect they reflect a state of sentimental and social isolation we found ourselves being into those days.

Musically, we tried to evolve our sound, combining a traditional Dark-Wave sound with Cold-Wave and experimenting with more Electronic elements than our previous albums.

Of course we had the honor to have two great female singers in two songs, Kriistal Ann from Paradox Obscur and Irini Tiniakou from Incirrina, a fact that we believe gave a different kind of emotional approach to our songs.

Lats but no least, we had the opportunity to work again with Nick ‘TheMute’ Chalntoupis, our sound engineer, who gave to ‘’Strangers’’ its distinctive sound.

Q: I experienced “Strangers” as your most accomplished and best work to date. Do you think the last album is always the best one? Do you handle specific criteria and/or references when it comes to composition and production?

Dionisis : For Grey Gallows I think that this is true. “Strangers” is our most complete work until now in terms of composition and production. We tried to add more elements in our sound and explore more genres and so we loved that we were able to do different things in each song of this album.

We try in every release, to have let’s say a ‘pallet’ of songs that shows our influences and in “Strangers” we experimented more so that we could broaden our musical horizons.

Q: I noticed you last year also released a live EP/mini-album featuring five songs. How important are live shows to you -and especially after the lockdowns all over Europe? How do you look back at WGT you played this year?

Dionisis: These songs were recorded during the last lockdown for a stream event and later on we came up with the idea to release it as EP.

It was a strange and hard era during the covid for every musician and for their fans also, because gigs are the best way to share your energy and feelings with people who support you and listen to your music.

WGT was an amazing experience and I would say that it was the best gig we had until now. The feedback that we got and the support during the show was something that we really hadn’t expected so we couldn’t be happier. It was a really memorable experience.

Q: What comes next for Grey Gallows?

Dionisis: We are currently working on some new songs for our next album, this is our fuel that keeps us evolving and moving forward.

Furthermore, we have scheduled some live gigs for September, we are a band who loves playing live. In one of those we are supporting the mighty Covenant in Athens on December, along with our friend Night In Athens. So we would like to thank you for this interview, it was a real pleasure and honor for us.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Wave, Post-Punk.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: “Strangers” is the fourth official studio album by Greek formation Grey Gallows. It also is their second opus released by German label Cold Transmission Records.

Content: The work reflects the darkest hours of Dark-Wave music and especially the opening cut sounds like emerging from the grave. Guitar and singing are once again reminding me of The Sisters Of Mercy but the production also features very explicit electronic sound treatments. In the end you get a perfect twist between guitar and electronics; between dark power and melody lines. The work also features interesting collaborations with guest singers Kriistal Ann and Incirrina.

+ + + : This is a great dark production revealing a band which has seriously improved most aspects of their production. They first of all found a better balance between typical Dark-Wave guitar playing and elevating, melodic, Electronics. The low singing vocals only accentuate the darkness of the work while female guest singers -and especially Kriistal Ann, injects her familiar cold, sterile, and sensual way of singing.

– – – : Both last songs aren’t my favorites and a bit like an antithesis to a great piece of music.

Conclusion: Grey Gallows reinvents the 80s Dark-Wave spirit; kind of imaginary hybrid between The Sisters Of Mercy and She Passed Away.

Best songs: “Strangers”, “Lies”, “Spirits Feat. Kriistal Ann”, “Dying Light”, “Bare Inside Featuring Incirrina”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/greygallowsband

Label: www.darkdimensions.de /  www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Dimensions-Label-Group/486014725206 Read the news on ‘Strangers’.

Listen to “Strangers”:

About Grey Gallows

Grey Gallows is a Greek dark wave duo from Patras, formed in 2016 by Konstantin (vocals, keys) and Dionisis (guitar, bass, keys). The band signed to German label Cold Transmission Records, which gave them a wider audience across Germany and central Europe and led to a performance at Wave-Gotik-Treffen. “Strangers”, released in 2023, is the band’s fourth full-length album and its second for Cold Transmission Records. Partly written during the pandemic, the record combines the duo’s Dark-Wave and Post-Punk foundation with Cold-Wave and electronic elements, and features guest vocals from Kriistal Ann of Paradox Obscur and Irini Tiniakou of Incirrina, mixed by longtime sound engineer Nick “TheMute” Chalntoupis.

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, Cold-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: After having released last year their fifth full length album (cf. “Morphogenesis”) Greek male-female duo Paradox Obscur strike back with a new self-released single/EP. Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann like to release new material which isn’t always published by a label.

Content: The work takes off with the title song revealing the familiar cold, sterile sound approach composed with hardware equipment and recorded in real time. You’ll notice retro-like techno sounds running through the song featuring Kriistal Ann’s cold timbre of voice on top. Both other cuts are instrumentals.

+ + + : This band remains very unique in its genre; for the sound and global approach of production. Total minimalism has been adapted into a band with a very own sound DNA -which is also true for the vocals. The sound remains magic and the vocals bewitching. There’s a cool title song next to two fully enjoyable instrumentals which are much more than B-side cuts. “Nyx” is a more elaborated piece while “Western Decline” still has this retro Technoid underground touch.

– – – : Despite the two cool instrumentals, I’m missing a few vocals lines on it.

Conclusion: Definitely not the best Paradox Obscur but still very cool and highly recommended for Minimal-Electro lovers.

Best songs: “Afterhours”, “Nyx”, “Western Decline”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.paradoxobscur.com / www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is a Greek duo of Kriistal Ann and Kostas Stavropoulos, known as Toxic Razor, who also records as Metal Disco. The pair build their Minimal-Electro sound exclusively on hardware synthesizers and drum machines, with every track recorded in real time rather than assembled with software instruments.

Their fifth full-length album, “Morphogenesis”, was released in May 2022. The duo went on to release their sixth album, “IKONA”, via Metropolis Records at the end of 2025, described by the band as their most electronic work to date.

The self-released “Afterhours” EP reviewed here followed “Morphogenesis”, continuing the duo’s practice of putting out material outside their album cycle without a label.

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

Grey Gallows, the Patras, Greece-based darkwave duo (Konstantin and Dionisis), are back with “Strangers”, their fourth full-length album. The album will be released tomorrow, 5th May. With this album, the band has experimented with both hardware and software analogue synths, incorporating more electronic elements than in their previous albums.

Participating on the album are two female singers, Kriistal Ann (Paradox Obscur) and Irini Tiniakou (Incirrina). Also involved in the production and mixing of the release is sound designer Nick “The Mute” Chaldoupis, with whom Grey Gallows also collaborated on their last album “Garden of Lies”.

Lyrically, the album addresses both experiential and fantastical narratives about the human psyche, love, pain, alienation, and the redemption of the individual, concerning social issues that plague the modern era.

The album will be available on CD, vinyl, and digitally.

Grey Gallows released their first self-financed mini-album “Beyond Reflections” in September 2017. One year later, they released “Tears” via In Club Records on tape. Having spent almost a year producing their new material, they joined forces with the German label Cold Transmission Music to release their third album “Garden of Lies” in spring 2021.

Now, they are back with their fourth album, “Strangers”. Read the review of ‘Strangers’.

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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The Greek duo Paradox Obscur is driven by Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann. In less than ten years they never stopped to take me by surprise. First there’s this sterile, Cold/Wave-Pop sound and next there’s the magic of Kriistal Ann’s unique timbre of voice. Great albums have been released on different labels like Peripheral Minimal, Young & Cold Records and now Metropolis Records. “Morphogenesis” sounds to me as their most accomplished piece of music although holding on the minimalism which makes this band that particular. I asked a few questions to both protagonists.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You released an impressive number of productions (albums & singles) since 2014. How would you analyze the evolution of the band, your way of working and the global production?

TR: All releases reflect a corresponding period for Paradox Obscur as we always try to take it one step further from previous works and delve into new things.

KA: I believe that it takes strong principles to survive in the music industry and to keep your dignity as an artist. The age of hyper-consumerism has turned art into an inferior product. An artist is forced to become a production machine in order to keep his work relevant and sustainable. This is how we often see the phenomenon of saturation, endless new musical imitations and productions that have nothing to do with music but image, publicity in social networks and the plastic ephemeral quality to which the system and by extension humanity has fallen.

Q: What makes the chemistry between both of you? And can you enter into details about your way of working together and the different stages to achieve an album?

TR: Working together is an exchange of ideas and thoughts when it comes to composing new material, it always depends on the nature of each track and what vibes we need to express, but eventually a tune shapes its form on its own and from there we follow.

KA: We are one of the lucky cases as our needs go hand in hand in a wider framework of creative expression. We broadcast on the same wavelength and each gives form to the other’s ideas.

Q: What did you try to express by the title of the new album “Morphogenesis”? It’s interesting to consider this title as a metaphor to your music and especially the way of composing music in real time. What is it all about?

KA: The choice of the title “Morphogenesis” was made due to its Greek root (from the Greek morphê shape and genesis creation, literally ‘the generation of form’).

In recent years we have been trying to use Greek words for our album titles, because we admire ancient philosophies and de-symbolisms. Essentially, the meaning of the title here is not so much based on common scientific terminology as on Morphogenetic Fields (which are invisible blueprints for the forms embodied in the material world) as we are all part of this system, exchanging information and experiences.

The songs step on the structure of successive phases where one takes elements from the other, but retains their own character as they reflect musically and lyrically the modern society which completely devalues the spiritual power as it goes to its complete robotization.

Q: I experienced “Morphogenesis” as your most elaborated album to date. How do you look back at the composing process? What have been the main challenges and difficulties plus the main points of satisfaction? And are there still aspects you would like to change/improve at the next work?

TR: “Morphogenesis” is the follow up to “Synθesis”-LP, a natural progression with an updated production, however, I don’t believe that the band’s sound is reflected 100% to any of our releases since we always want to try different things under the Paradox Obscur prism.

We are already working on some new material and we want to pursue with more groove in our compositions while maintain a more organic essence to the sound, underlined by eerie analog textures.

Q: Two months before the album you self-released the single “Intercourse” which I think is an essential production and still fully representative for the duo you are. Two great and exclusive songs but what make them different from the album? And what means this DIY (do it yourself) approach to you?

TR: “Intercourse” was composed after the “Morphogenesis”-recording sessions were finished and “Glow” wasn’t intended to be listed as a Paradox Obscur song, but after the warmth recommendation from Kriistal Ann we decided to include it as a B-Side.

DIY to us simply means that we can release whatever we feel to without any deadlines.

A reason also for working on these small EPs in between the albums is to explore new sounds and aesthetics and try different ways of orchestration.

KA: The economic and cultural hardship forces you to get used to doing almost everything alone. What is certain is that if you want to have your own recognizable and characteristic sound, you should be on top of your work constantly with the corresponding passion.

Q: I think you were looking forward to get back on stage again. How important are live shows to you and how do you transpose the ‘in real time’ writing process from the studio to the stage?

KA: The live performance is essentially the last process of productive creation from which a band receives its reward from the interaction with the audience. It is an important point that can lift you up or bring you head-on with the result of your project.

TR: Live shows differ a lot from the studio sessions where we can have all our gear at our disposal, while playing live it makes it harder to carry all the equipment we’d like to. In the studio things can be shinier though we prefer to add a bit of dirt from time to time, evoking a blaze of raw emotions which tend to fall next to our live performances.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette.

Background/Info: Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor strike back with the fifth album of their sonic brainchild Paradox Obscur. They also released the “Singles & Rarities”-album (2021) which was their first work released on Metropolis.

Content: The modus operandi hasn’t changed; Paradox Obscur working only with hardware equipment so there is no software editing and other tricks. The work remains minimal-like, definitely reminding me of 80s Electro-Minimalism accentuated by low bass line resonation, icy sound sculptures and the bewitching vocals of Kriistal Ann. Toxic Razor is singing on a more EBM-driven piece. All songs have been sung in English except “Stellaire” sung in French while you’ll also notice some German passages.

+ + + : Paradox Obscur is a band I’ve always supported. I remain addicted to their raw and ‘no-nonsense’ sound. It remains pure and powerful while the global writing became more elaborated. The work appears to be a true sonic bridge between 80s influences and a more personal touch. I like the cold and aggressive sequences, the deep bass lines, the production of the vocals and the sexy accent of Kriistal Ann (especially when singing in French on vocals written by François Ducarn from Factice Factory and Sine Silex.  

– – – : I realize I’m always complaining about the rather short tracks composed by the projects Toxic Razor is involved with. It’s not that different for “Morphogenesis” while there are only 9 songs featured. That’s also positive as it means the work is good!

Conclusion: Hard to say if Paradox Obscur has achieved their best work to date but it clearly is a great album and for sure their most accomplished one to date.

Best songs: “Evo-Devo”, “Animal Reactor”, “Stellaire”, “Cocoon”, “Krankes Herz”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.paradoxobscur.com / www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords Read the news on ‘Morphogenesis’.

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur formed in Athens, Greece, in 2014 and consists of vocalist and composer Kriistal Ann and producer Toxic Razor. The duo work exclusively with hardware and record in real time, without software editing.

Early releases appeared on Peripheral Minimal and Young & Cold Records, including “Anacrusis” (2015) and “Artifact” (2017). “SYNTHESIS” followed in 2020, after which the duo began their Metropolis Records period with the compilation “Singles & Rarities” in 2021.

“Morphogenesis” is their fifth album and their second release for Metropolis Records. The duo self-issued the “Attention” EP in 2024 and returned to Metropolis for their sixth album “IKONA” at the end of 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: Gothic, Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette. 

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor made a selection of nine bands from the label’s roster. Notice by the way he’s involved with several of the featured projects.

Artists: Ceremonial Doom Hex, Eerie Sopor, Body Expander, Harsh Aesthetics, Paradox Obscure, Beatbox Machinery, Vanity Drum, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat.

Content: The common thing between all these bands is the minimal approach of the composition. It’s that characteristic for the label’s owner and some of his most renowned projects like Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. Minimalism is the red line throughout the compilation while the influences are moving  from Gothic and Dark-Wave to EBM and Minimal/Electro-Wave. I also noticed all the songs featuring male singers (even for Paradox Obscur with a song Kriistal Ann is not singing).

+ + + : This is a perfect compilation to get more familiar with the Greek label which has already released an impressive catalog. But it also is a way to realize this pure underground label has some great bands which don’t always get the deserved recognition. And it also is a way to discover some unknown projects like Ceremonial Doom Hex and Harsh Aesthetics.

– – – : My only regret is that there are only 9 bands featured while Werkstatt Recordings has much more to offer.

Conclusion: If you like underground music and especially Electro and you would like to discover cool artists you better get in touch with Werkstatt Recordings.

Best bands: Paradox Obscur, Vanity Drum, Eerie Sopor, Metal Disco.

Rate: 7½.

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Werkstatt Recordings

Werkstatt Recordings is an Athens label started in 2009 and run by Toxic Razor. Its catalogue covers minimal electro, synth wave, EBM and related electronic music, issued on digital, CD and cassette.

Several projects on this compilation are run by the label owner, among them Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse. Side-Line covered his hardware-only working method in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

“Toxic Razor Selections” gathers nine acts from that roster and was released on digital, CD and cassette.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, Cassette.

Background/Info: Released earlier this year “Intercourse” features two new songs by the Greek duo Toxic Razor – Kriistal Ann aka Paradox Obscur. The single was released before their newest album “Morphogenesis” (released by Metropolis Records).

Content: The title song speaks for itself, a true sensual piece of electronics animated by sexy male vocals and the colder but hot female vocals. It’s a danceable cut. The B-side song is another dance piece revealing the charismatic vocals of Kriistal Ann.

+ + + : Paradox Obscur is a formation that often took me by surprise and they did it again. The title song is one of their best songs I’ve heard. I like the danceable side of the track but also the gimmick and the low, vibrating, bass line. The vocals sound like an imaginary intercourse. The B-side is another cool song and I especially like the impressive production of Kriistal Ann’s vocals.

– – – : A great single so no true minus points to mention.

Conclusion: “Intercourse” is a great Minimal-Electro smasher and I can only hope the new album will sound the same way.

Best songs: “Intercourse”, “Glow”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.paradoxobscur.com / www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is a duo from Athens, Greece, formed in early 2014. Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor work with hardware synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers, and record in real time rather than with software instruments.

Toxic Razor also runs the Athens label Werkstatt Recordings and the projects Metal Disco, Beatbox Machinery and Hardware Pulse. Kriistal Ann reissued her solo album “Cultural Bleeding” on vinyl in 2016 and sang on Aidan Casserly’s album “Incubus” the same year.

Metropolis Records issued the compilation “Singles & Rarities” in 2021. “Intercourse” appeared as a digital and cassette single ahead of “Morphogenesis”, which the label released in May 2022.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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Out via Metropolis Records on the 6th of May is the all new album by the Greek dark electronic duo Paradox Obscur. The band has the habit of recording in real time, utilizing hardware synthesizers and drum machines without the aid of sequencing and editing software.

The new album, “Morphogenesis” again offers minimal electro-wave-pop and consists of nine songs. The release will be out on CD, VHS and vinyl next to download.

Paradox Obscur consists of Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann who formed the band in Athens, Greece in early 2014.

You can check a first track below. Read the review of ‘Morphogenesis’.

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: Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, Cassette.

Background/Info: “Voxiter” is an EP featuring three songs released during the last days of 2021 by the Greek duo Toxic Razor – Kriistal Ann aka Paradox Obscur. They’ve already released great works and collaborated with labels like Peripheral Minimal, Young & Cold Records and Metropolis.

Content: The title song is an instrumental one getting us back to the cold, sterile and retro-like Electro of the duo. Both next cuts are moving in a similar style with robotic vocals on top. The sound remains driven by an icy mood and is accentuated by melodic parts.

+ + + : I remain addicted to the Electro-Minimalism of this formation, which composes their music in real time and with hardware equipment. No tricks and sophisticated effects, but just a cold Electronic ‘purity’. I especially recommend listening to the last cut “Digital Law” for its extra melodic touch on top.

– – – : This EP experiments with robotic vocals while Paradox Obscur got us used to the enigmatic, cold and 80s like vocals of Kriistal Ann. That’s for sure an element I’m missing here.

Conclusion: “Voxiter” isn’t my favorite Paradox Obscur-production although it still has this very personal and magic sound.

Best songs: “Digital Law”, “Universe”.

Rate: 7.

Listen to “Voxiter”:

Artist: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is a Greek synth duo made up of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor. The pair works exclusively with hardware synthesizers and drum machines, arranging and recording in real time on a multi-track recorder.

The “Noir” EP and the self-titled album “Paradox Obscur” both appeared in 2014, followed by “Anacrusis” in 2015, “Ατραπός” in 2016 and “Artifact” in 2017. Their catalogue has been carried by Peripheral Minimal, Young & Cold Records and Metropolis Records. “SYNΘESIS” followed in 2020, and 2021 brought the boxed set “The EPs History”, “Inferno (Remixes)”, “Singles & Rarities” and the “Voxiter” EP.

The duo released “Morphogenesis” in 2022 and the 10-inch EP “Attention” in 2024. Their sixth album, “IKONA”, was issued by Metropolis Records on September 12, 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: Electro-Pop, Wave-Pop, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Beatbox Machinery is the project of Greek composer Toxic Razor -also known from Paradox Obscur and owner of Werkstatt Recordings.

Content: Ten songs mixing different Electro influences, but the main source of inspiration clearly moves back to the 80s. The multiple effects and drum patterns this album has been composed are reminding me of the old-school Electro. A few songs feature collaborations with Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and last, but not least Kriistal Ann.

+ + + : The retro-style and approach of Beatbox Machinery has been empowered by the use of analogue sound treatments. It creates this little part of magic. I especially recommend listening to the final part of the album, revealing more elaborated and harder EBM passages. “Omicron Metallogirls” and especially “Cyber Techno Programmer” (for its great bass line) are cool pieces. I also have to mention “Cities Of The Future” featuring Kriistal Ann.

– – – : Beatbox Machinery has already released an impressive discography. I sometimes get the impression some of the songs were made in a hurry, kind of speed writing, while some songs could have been a bit more elaborated.

Conclusion: Beatbox Machinery doesn’t bring the original magic of the 80s alive, but this album is a cool wink.

Best songs: “Omicron Metallogirls”, “Cyber Techno Programmer”, Cities Of The Future – Re_Edit”, “Computerized Transmitting Heart”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is the solo project of the Greek producer Toxic Razor, formed in February 2010 according to Discogs. Toxic Razor founded Werkstatt Recordings, records with Kriistal Ann as Paradox Obscur, runs the harder project Metal Disco and launched Hardware Pulse in 2023.

The project started with a run of CD EPs on Werkstatt Recordings in 2010 and 2011, among them “Factory Of The Godless Recoil”, “Destroy The Art Of Construction” and “Drum Machine EP”, and the first album “Drone Electricity” (2011). “Mercury Land” (2012) and “Panther Vehicle” (2013) followed, along with the “Vs Series” split EPs. From 2014 onward most releases came out as limited cassettes, including “Disco Warrior” (2014), “Retrospective 2010 – 2012” (2015), “Glam Nights” (2017) and “Canadian Metal” (2019). The album “Hours” was released on CD in 2020.

“2014 (A New Resistance)” was released on 14 March 2021 as a limited CDr, cassette and download on Werkstatt Recordings. Its ten tracks include guest contributions from Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and Kriistal Ann. The project continued with the “Synthetic Heart” EP (2022), the cassette album “Retrogamer” (2023) and “Physical Touch” (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

Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Ohnenomen

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

About Ohne Nomen

Ohne Nomen is an Italian project formed in 2020 by Fra ‘AngeNoir’ Marlat and Filippo Marlat of Iamnoone, both previously members of Marlat, an Italian dark-wave and gothic-rock band active since 2010. The lyrics are written by Stephan Seth, also of Iamnoone. The band describes its sound on Bandcamp as “witch wave”, mixing dark wave, electro wave and EBM with occult-themed lyrics. Discogs lists the members as Francesca Mora and Philippe Marlat.

“Nightflower” was released by Cold Transmission Music on 2 April 2021 on CD and as a download. The ten tracks are “The Fire Within”, “Ishtar”, “Fell (Nightflower Remix)”, “Feel The Breath”, “City Of The Dead”, “Alice In The Moonlight”, “Dance Of Death”, “Creatures Of The Night”, “The Call” and “The Fire Within (Loberg Dark Disco Remix)”. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at La Maison Diev. The duo spoke with Side-Line in the ‘Click Interview’ with Ohne Nomen: ‘Our Project Is Conceived To Make People Dance’ in September 2021.

The digital singles “No Lights” (2022) and “Darkness” (2023) preceded the second album The S-Witch, reviewed on Side-Line in November 2023, all on Cold Transmission Music. “Nightflower” is the project’s debut 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

Paradox Obscur is a Greek duo driven by ‘Toxic Razor’ and ‘Kriistal Ann’. They’re composing a kind of Electro/Wave-Pop characterized by the use of only hardware equipment. After four noticeable albums they signed to Metropolis unleashing the album “Singles & Rarities’. The work sounds as a new exploration of Minimal-Electronics and will appeal for all lovers of vintage electro.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: How did you guys meet and what incited you to set up Paradox Obscur?

Paradox Obscur: We first met quite a few years ago at a student event. It was the period when we were looking to expand our horizons through concerts and contacts with like-minded people. Somewhere there, situations connected us and we discovered many commonalities in matters of interest in art. A few years later, life brought it like this, in a second meeting of ours, being now settled in our directions in life, we decided to follow a common project for our own personal pleasure and experimentation. Then things developed without any backward disposition on our part. It was what we call the right place, at the right time.

Q: You clearly have a very personal and retro-like approach in the composition and recording of your music; only hardware equipment while the songs are recorded in real time with a good-old multi-track recorder. Tell us a bit more about this way of working and in, which way do we have to see it as an antithesis to ‘modern technology’?

Toxic Razor: We are really into recording in real time, it enables us to give a live feeling to the compositions. We never use software synths, somemething that sounds too sterile and clinic.

Kriistal Ann: I do not believe that technology can work wonders on its own if I do not have the flame that feeds inspiration as well the perseverance to work on my idea. Okay, in many cases it loosens your hands, but what is the point if I do not identify, I do not become familiar with the theme I am composing. To play my theme so many times until I perfect it, to search for appropriate sounds, this time consuming process that merges me with my idea and makes me genuinely creative.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the equipment you’re using and in, which way does a lack of equipment affect your creative process (pros and cons)?

Paradox Obscur: Depending on the occasion it’s something that changes from time to time, but gear like the Virus TI Polar, the Korg MS2000 or the Roland JD-Xi are great to work with.

Q: You recently signed to Metropolis Records, which I can imagine must be a kind of consecration. How did you get in touch and what do you expect from a ‘bigger’ label?

Toxic Razor: Of course, our connection to Metropolis was something that brought us great joy and satisfaction. It’s the moment when more opportunities come your way; larger audiences can listen to your music and there is more interest from media.

Kriistal Ann: Our first contacts started with Metropolis was somewhere in 2018 where I was asked to participate with my personal project Kriistal Ann on a compilation called “Why Kill Time (When You Can Cover Cabaret Voltaire)” which was original idea by Mr. Chris Halstead, with the help of Mr. Athan Maroulis, who recommended me to Chris to participate in this.

A second contact was made in 2019 when Paradox Obscur was proposed to participate in an equally wonderful Metropolis compilation called “Dark Nouveau,” which was also compiled by Athan Maroulis.

All of these small steps contributed to the big leap. It is this well-known pattern of life that demands from us stoicism and patience, work and passion to eventually lead us further.

Q: Your new album is entitled “Singles & Rarities” so what are the singles and rarities all about? How did you achieve this work?

Paradox Obscur: Just to clarify that “Singles & Rarities” is not a best of compilation. “Singles & Rarities” is a collection of individual songs that we had written throughout the journey, with the aim to support some small exclusive compilations that had been released by independent blogs, labels and online magazines, with the exception of song “Tranquil” which is an unreleased track. There were fans that were asking where they can find these songs so it was about time to have them all gathered in one release. All of this was synchronized with the moment of the proposal from Metropolis and we decided to make this our initial release until we complete our next album.

Q: You’ve been involved together with Resistance Of Independent Music and are still active with other projects as well. What makes the difference with Paradox Obscur? And what are the further plans?

Toxic Razor: Side-projects are always a nice escape where I can try other things. For example, Deathfiend Baphomet is a project where I work in more blackened Industrial soundscapes under Metal influences that are both brooding and menacing.

Kriistal Ann: I believe that through our solo projects we have a greater freedom to express ourselves depending on the moment and the mood. I do not expect to get it somewhere or follow a line. I place all my influences; I experiment with sounds or instruments. My own work as Kriistal Ann is based on a variety of forms, filtered through my personal prism and a more internal vision.

Paradox Obscur: As for Paradox Obscur, we are already working on the next studio album and looking forward to doing some live shows once the Covid restrictions end.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Paradox Obscur strikes back with a new full length, which as the title indicates is a kind of compilation. The Greek duo driven by Toxix Razor and Kriistal Ann have been active as Paradox Obscur since 2014. They released four albums on Peripheral Minimal and Young And Cold Records. For “Singles & Rarities” they joined hands together with Metropolis Records, which will for sure create a wider impact.

Content: If you’re already familiar with the sound of the duo, this album doesn’t reveal real surprises. Paradox Obscur composes their songs in a totally vintage-devoted way; not only by the use of hardware equipment (analog), but also by the way of recording their music (in real time). Sound-wise the songs are bringing us back to the magic of 80s Electro-Wave music. Simple, but efficient tracks, which are carried by great synth lines, low resonating bass lines and a good-old rhythm box. Both protagonists are singing, but Kriistal Ann’s unique and sterile timbre of voice remains the main characteristic. 

+ + + : The songs sound simplistic, but you don’t always need sophisticated and elaborated song structures to create great songs. That’s exactly what this project and the album try to remind us of; simplicity versus efficiency! The icy atmospheres recovering the songs are essential to catch the sound of the duo. Especially the second part of the work reveals a few pearls, “Resurgence” and “Superbia” being both favorites. This album brings the magic of early 80s productions to life. It’s not only about the music production, but also the vocals reflecting a kind of sterile approach and Kriistal Ann definitely remains a reference in the genre.

– – – : This is not my favorite album from the duo; I definitely prefer works like “Artifact” and “SYNΘESIS”. The first part of the album sounds a bit hesitant.

Conclusion: Paradox Obscur stands for top notch Electronics for old-school lovers.

Best songs: “Resurgence”, “Superbia”, “Perpetual”, “Boulevard Voltaire”, “Fatal”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.paradoxobscur.com / www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords Read the news on ‘Singles & Rarities’.

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is the Athens, Greece duo of Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann, formed in early 2014. The pair record their albums in real time on vintage synthesizers and drum machines rather than relying on sequencing software, according to the label’s Bandcamp notes. Discogs lists four albums preceding “Singles & Rarities”: “Noir” (2014), “Anacrusis” (2015), “Artifact” (2017, reviewed by Side-Line in 2018) and “SYNΘESIS” (2020, also reviewed by Side-Line), both on Young And Cold Records (Discogs).

“Singles & Rarities” marks the duo’s debut on Metropolis Records, released 12 March 2021. Paradox Obscur continued on the label with “Morphogenesis” (2022) and “IKONA” (2025), both reviewed by Side-Line, and gave a Side-Line interview in February 2026.

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 Athens, Greece-based dark electronic duo Paradox Obscur aka Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann) formed in early 2014. One of their trademarks is that they are one of the few electronic ensembles to record their albums in real time without the aid of pc and editing software utilizing vintage synthesizers and drum machines to create their raw sound.

Paradox Obscur so far released 4 full-length albums and an additional 5 EPs and will now make their Metropolis Records debut with the release “Singles & Rarities” on March 12th, 2021. This collection will be available via compact disc along with all digital and streaming platforms. Read the review of ‘Singles & Rarities’.

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: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Irish singer Aidan Casserly has been very busy during the past few years. Next to his involvement with Empire State Human, which released their last album in 2019 and the new project Ferrochrome he set up together with ex-Armageddon Dildos member Dirk Krause, he also released an album together with Kriistal Ann while working on solo-material. “Ballads Of Sorrow” is a work wherein the artist tries to travel through the sorrows of the human condition without giving up and finding an exit.

Content: Aidan Casserly first of all remains a ‘voice’, one of the most special and enigmatic, androgenic voices from this music scene. It’s a timbre of voice you’ll like, or not, but you directly recognize it! The sound properly speaking is driven by good-old Electro-Pop stereotypes and you for sure are going to recognize the wink to Fad Gadget’s “Back To Nature” when listening to “Pins To Close”. But the work has much more to offer, revealing several sensual and evasive passages. I also noticed a few saxophone parts injecting a warming effect to the work. The songs are mainly melodic. I’ll end with the debut song featuring his friend Kriistal Ann singing together on the opening song “World Will Kill”.

+ + + : I’ll never become a huge fan of Aidan Casserly’s timbre of voice, but I have to admit he has a very special voice. That for sure makes the strength of his creation and is the for sure one of the reasons other artists like to work with him. But this album is also a well-crafted work mixing retro Electro-Pop elements carried with great melody lines together with a more contemporary and refreshing approach. It’s interesting to see the way he adds some sensuality in an album dealing with the sorrow of other people. You feel some consolation listening to this album.  

– – – : The work features 10 songs, which will accompany you for a voyage of only 36 minutes. There are several cool songs featured, but maybe not a potential hit.

Conclusion: This is an Electro-Pop album that will ravish all fans of the genre; it has something old-school like and yet stimulating.

Best songs: “World Will Kill feat. Kriistal Ann”, “Steal For Love”, “Slip Away”, “The Dead Bell”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/aidancasserly

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

About Aidan Casserly

Aidan Casserly is an Irish singer known as the voice of Empire State Human, who released their last album in 2019. In 2016 he teamed up with ex-Armageddon Dildos member Dirk Krause to form Ferrochrome, with Krause handling the music and Casserly the vocals on a debut recording titled “Under The Tongue”. Casserly has also recorded together with Kriistal Ann, and “Ballads Of Sorrow” continues his run of solo output alongside these ongoing collaborations.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-electro, electro-wave, wave-pop.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Greek duoKriistal Ann – Toxic Razor is back on track, unleashing the fourth opus of their sonic brainchild Paradox Obscur. It also is the second album released on Young And Cold Records, which comes three years after the magic “Artifact”. The work is also available on vinyl format and features six songs while the other formats are featuring three extra tracks.

Content: This album moves on where “Artifact” stopped. The songs have this vintage sound color reminding me of the electro-wave from the 80s. Cold synth lines, space-like bleeping sequences together with the very unique timbre of the voice of Kriistal Ann create a somewhat sterile and tormenting music. The songs have this 80s spirit we’re used to hearing from analogue sound treatments. Most of the songs are sung in English, but there also is the French sung “Réflexe”.

The digital- and CD format are featuring an “Alternative Mix” of “Fester” plus a remix of the same song by Protector 101 and a remix of “Réflexe” by Tanya Baltunova.

+ + + : If you liked previous Paradox Obscur releases, you for sure are going to like this new work as well. There’s again this magic analogue sound production resulting in a great minimalistic creation. But the magic also operates when Kriistal Ann starts to sing. This artist has one of the most enigmatic voices in the electro-alternative scene. Her English- and especially French accent both have something sensual and yet cold! It creates a perfect symbiosis with the music. The coldness of the songs also has something anguishing, which mainly comes through on “Réflexe”. 

– – – : Paradox Obscur is maybe missing ‘the’ absolute hit to get a world-wide recognition, but it however remains a band to discover. The only single aspect of the work that couldn’t totally convince me are the remixes, which don’t exactly add a bonus.

Conclusion: If you like electro-minimalism with a strong 80s flavor on top, Paradox Obscur is a band to discover while “SYNΘESIS” will bring you joy!

Best songs: “Réflexe”, “Fester”, “Inferno”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: https://youngandcold.de /

www.facebook.com/youngandcoldrecords

About Paradox Obscur

Paradox Obscur is the Greek duo of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor, working in an artisanal, real-time-recorded style of minimal-electro. Their discography includes “Artifact” (2018, Young & Cold Records), “SYNΘESIS” (2020, Young And Cold Records), “Morphogenesis” (2022, Metropolis Records), the “Voxiter” EP (2022) and “Singles & Rarities” (2021). Their sixth album, “IKONA”, followed in 2025 via Metropolis Records. Discussing that album in a Side-Line interview, Toxic Razor described it as born “out of a desire to create something uplifting and melodic”, while Kriistal Ann said the duo has “never worked in a conventional way or adhered to predictable musical paths” – a description that already applied to “SYNΘESIS”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-wave.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This is a Brazilian project driven by Hélio Peixoto joined by Australian singer Michael Aliani (Chiron, ex-Ikon). After some digital EP’s, this album is the official full length by this duo who got some assistance as guest singer from Greek femalevocalist Kriistal Ann (also involved with Paradox Obscur, Sine Silex ao) and bass player Dino Molinaro (Ikon, Chiron).

Content: Some previously EP-tracks like “Colours Of Pain” and “Darkness” are featured on this album as well. The Colours Of Silence is clearly inspired by the darkest hours of the 80s dark-wave movement. Some of the vocal parts remind me now and then of Ian Curtis. The songs have been accomplished with electronics and guitar plus bass guitar. The electronic parts inject a melodic trace while the guitar is clearly awakening the good-old 80s spirit. The last song features Anna Michailidou aka Kristall Ann while Aliani is doing the backing vocals. Notice by the way there’s one more ‘hidden’ track coming right after this duo. 

+ + + : Michael Aliani once more confirms his amazing vocal skills. He injects the spirit into this album. Sound-wise the work doesn’t bring that new, but it’s a well-crafted and successful 80s inspired production. The tracklist is diverse, but especially the melodic side and carrying choruses make this album worthy of examination. I noticed great songs such as “A Light In The Dark” and “Darkness”. “Burn” is another attention grabber for its Eastern-sounding melody line. But “Dreams And Desires” featuring Kriistal Ann sounds like the cherry on the pie. This song also features a pop touch while the both vocalists sing in a passionate way. Last, but not least I also have to say a word about the cool artwork of this digipak format.

– – – : The album is maybe missing a few more highlights, but this is more than a honest debut album!

Conclusion: If you don’t yet know The Colours Of Silence, their debut album will for sure convince you. This is a promising debut featuring many noticeable songs appealing to dark/cold-wave lovers.

Best songs: “Colours Of Rain”, “A Light In The Dark”, “Darkness”, “Angels Of Desire”, “Burn,”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/thecoloursofsilence

Label: www.waverecordsmusic.com / www.facebook.com/waverecords

About The Colours Of Silence

The Colours Of Silence is a Brazilian project driven by Hélio Peixoto, based in Rio de Janeiro, joined by Australian singer Michael Aliani, known for his work in Chiron and formerly Ikon. The duo’s back catalogue includes the “Illusions” and “Phantom” releases in 2016, the “Darkness” single in 2017 and the “Colours Of Rain” single in 2018, before “Between The Darkness And The Light” arrived as their first full-length album in 2019 on Wave 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.

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Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, jazz-pop, experimental.

Background/Info: Greek artist Anna Michailidou strikes back as Kriistal Ann. She’s also involved with other electro projects such as Paradox Obscur and Sine Silex and now unleashes her fifth solo-album. She also released an album together with Aidan Casserly.

Content: “Touched On The Raw” is different from previous solo albums. It remains a minimal electro & pop experience, but several songs are also feature jazzy influences. It brings me to say that this album comes closer to her work with Aidan Casserly (cf. “Muse”), which was pretty jazzy inspired as well.

The songs are into darkness and melancholia while saxophone parts inject a warm breeze to the work. One song features S.H. Salvatori and F. Conte from Spiritual Front. Both last tracks are bonus remixes.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann remains first of all driven by the strength of Anna’s unique and bewitching timbre of voice. There’s a kind of mysterious power emerging from her vocals although the main characteristic of “Touched On The Raw” is the evolution in sound. I’ve always supported artists who don’t repeat themselves and that are precisely what this work stands for. It’s a more personal composition although I prefer the more danceable remixes at the end of the album.

– – – : This album is not exactly a new beginning, but takes some distance with previous productions. I’m missing the minimalism from the previous works, which had something magic.

Conclusion: No doubt about it, this is the most atypical Kriistal Ann album to date, like an artist who decided to experience a new sonic path. I prefer her previous works.

Best songs: “Touched On The Raw”, “Black Art – Black & White Remix”, “Talking To The Beast – Soundscape Remix”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www.facebook.com/kriistalann2

Label: www.waverecordsmusic.com / www.facebook.com/waverecords

About Kriistal Ann

Kriistal Ann is the solo project of Greek artist Anna Michailidou, also a member of Resistance Of Independent Music and Paradox Obscur. The name combines the word “crystal” with her own first name, inspired by Annihilator’s song “Crystal Ann.” Her third solo album, “Cultural Bleeding” (2015, Wave Records), was reissued on vinyl in 2016, and she also recorded the acoustic album “Muse” with Aidan Casserly. “Touched On The Raw,” reviewed here as her fifth solo album, moves toward jazz-influenced arrangements and features S.H. Salvatori and F. Conte of Spiritual Front.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Out now is a brand new video for the synth duo Paradox Obscur: “Afterlife Effect”. On this track the duo is again using real hardware synthesizers and drum machines setting them apart from many other synth based projects.

You can watch the video below:

Paradox Obscur were formed in January 2014 by Toxic Razor and Kriistal Ann in order to step into a more minimal direction than their previous projects. Their debut album was published by Peripheral Minimal (UK) in June 2014 and was followed by the 4-track “Noir” EP in the same year.

A second album entitled “Anacrusis” was released in November 2015 again on Peripheral Minimal, with the band recording the “Atrapos” EP and self-releasing it in July 2016.

The band is currently signed with Young & Cold Records (DE) and has released a new third album entitled “Artifact”.

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: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Irish synth-pop formation Empire State Human was set up in 1999 and driven by Aidan Casserly. “Romo” released in 2017 is the first new opus of the band since 2009. In the past years we discovered a few other projects featuring Aidan Casserly; he released together with Kriistal Ann the “Muse”-album (2015) and more recently joined hands with ex-Armageddon Dildos member Dirk Krause on the Ferrochrome project. You maybe also remember him from The Garland Cult he set up together with Empire State Human founding member Lar Kiernan.

Content: It’s not that useful talking first about the Casserly’s very unique timbre of voice, which is easy recognizable. It’s a particular experience, somewhat androgenic, but very recognizable. It also is the right singer to get involved with electro-pop music. The music is quiet vintage-like revealing solid bass lines and fine, precious bleeps.

+ + + : The vocals remain one of the main characteristics and strengths of this project. It’s the kind of ‘voice’ you are either going to like or not; there’s no way in between, but one thing is for sure, the vocals are making the specificity of this band. The music is well-crafted and I especially like the delicate bleeps, and especially the good-old analogue sound construction, which remains something apart and definitely magic-like! “Future Sex” is the absolute highlight of the work.

– – – : The main strength of an album often is the weakest point for other music lovers. Even if I recognize the talent of Aidan Casserly as a singer I never have been a huge fan of his so unique timbre of voice. I would like to love his voice, but as I said, there’s no real way in between: you like it or not. It often starts to bore me after a while and it’s not that different on this work.

Conclusion: Don’t get me wrong, it’s not because the timbre of voice doesn’t fit with my personal taste and expectations that this is not a good album. Not at all, “Romo” is a well-crafted opus revealing impressive analogue sound treatments.

Best songs: “Future Sex”, “Nomophobia”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/empirestatehuman

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

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Minimal-electronics, electro-wave.

Background/Info: Greek duo Kriistal Ann –  Toxic Razor is back on track unleashing their third album. “Artifact” is available as vinyl format and on digital platforms.

Content: The work moves on with similar influences revealed on previous recordings. The inspiration brings us clearly back to the 80s electronic experiments in early EBM and electro-wave. It’s pure vintage electro featuring the magic and dry sound of old rhythm boxes and the minimalism reminding me of artists such as Chris & Cosey and early Fad Gadget. The cold and emblematic timbre of voice from Kriistal Ann is one of the band’s main characteristics.

+ + + : If you’re into vintage electronics, this is an album you definitely have to discover. There’s the magic of good-old analogue equipment, which also is one of the trademarks of Toxic Razor (active with different elector projects). The sound is minimalistic, icy and totally fitting with the cold vocals of Kriistal Ann. She definitely remains one of my favorite contemporary singers for this kind of music. The male backing vocals bring a nice bonus.

– – – : The final cuts of the album can’t totally convince me. This was the right place for an apotheosis, which unfortunately is missing.

Conclusion: Paradox Obscur feels a bit like the Anubis of electronic minimalism; the guardian opening the gate from contemporary electronics towards the 80s electro ancestors.

Best songs: “Afterlife Effect”, “Enhancer”, “Ashes”, “Desert Of Distress”, “Twilight”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: https://youngandcold.de / www.facebook.com/youngandcoldrecords

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: Electroclash, EBM, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Behind this funny band name is hiding Greek artist Toxic Razor. If the name of this artist doesn’t make ring a bell, you maybe know Paradox Obscur in, which he’s involved together with Kriistal Ann. Metal Disco has already released a few productions on Werkstatt Recordings, which is the label of Toxic Razor and on which he also released several productions as Beatbox Machinery. This EP rather looks like a mini-album featuring 6 songs.

Content: The main link between Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco is the ‘love’ and passion for retro-electronics. The sound is totally devoted to the 80s spirit, somewhere in between good-old wave-pop music and electroclash with some extra EBM elements on top. The vocals are quite sterile-like, which appears to be a cool match with the music.

+ + + : Metal Disco is a pretty cool discovery. It sounds old-school like and yet refreshing. This is because of the great sound treatments featuring dry bass lines and analogue melodies. The EBM touch on top of the work injects a naughty, danceable touch. I also like the tracks for their melodic approach. “Destroyer” is a potential hit for dancefloors.

– – – : The main difficulty with such a fascinating release is to catch the attention of a wider audience. Promotion will be really important, but the band gets my full support!

Conclusion: “Devil Explicit” sounds sexy and retro, but it first of all reveals a new promising project featuring Greek artist Toxic Razor.

Best songs: “Destroyer”, “Serial Killer”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.detonicrecordings.com / www.facebook.com/detonicRecordings

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-wave, minimal-electronics.

Background/Info:  Greek artist Kriistal Ann released “Delirious Skies” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2014. From the very first time I heard the minimal-electro-wave style of this artist with a very particular timbre of voice I get totally seduced by her minimalism in sound. I also discovered great side-projects such as Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur and Sine Silex.

“Delirious Skies” has now been re-released on Wave Records featuring the original tracklist plus one bonus song.

Content: Kriistal Ann deals with electronic minimalism and sterile electro-wave music. The song structures are quite simple while composed with less material, but the simplicity remains the main strength of this artist’s work. The vocals are bewitching for the mix of sensuality and coldness. Anna Michailidou’s (real name) timbre of voice is sometimes reminding me of Elena Alice Fossi (Kirlian Camera). The bonus song stands for a dreamy final.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann remains an artist I fully support and encourage listeners to discover. She’s animated and inspired by great vintage electronics creating a sterile and yet sexy electronic style. The sweeps and icy leads together with the way of vocals create the magic of the sound. One of the songs (cf. “Remembrance”) reminds me a bit of one of the absolute hits of Belgian formation Bedtime For Bonzo (cf. “The Bloody Violation Of Mickey Mouse’s Virginity On 59th St.”) while “Ashes Of Hope” is another cool song and pretty intriguing because of the Greek lyrics.

– – – : The album “Cultural Bleeding” remains my personal reference from this artist’s discography. You can hear this album has been composed before. There’s not the same impact and elaboration.

Conclusion: This re-release is a good opportunity to get more familiar with Kriistal Ann although if you don’t know her music yet, you’d better discover “Cultural Bleeding” first!

Best songs: “Remembrance”, “Aches Of Hope”, “Punisher”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.facebook.com/kriistalann2

Label: www.waverecordsmusic.com / http://pt–br.facebook.com/pages/Wave–Records/110635789015082

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-wave & pop.

Background/Info: Sine Silex is the meeting between Greek artist Kriistal Ann (also active under her own moniker and member of Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur) and Swiss artist Chroma Carbon. This debut album features 10 songs, which have been released on Werkstatt Recordings, which is a quite familiar label to all lovers of vintage electro sounds. Notice by the way that the album is also available on cassette format strictly limited to 12 copies!

Content: Kriistal Ann is an artist devoted to minimal electronics featuring typical vintage synth sounds while she also is a singer with a particular and bewitching timbre of voice. Sine Silex sounds a similar way, but reinforced by the Chroma Carbon. Both protagonists bring an interesting symbiosis between French and English vocal parts.

As already mentioned the electronic format of this work is minimal and clearly evoking good-old 80s electro-wave and pop influences. The sounds are cold and atmosphere pretty evasive-like. Sine Silex deals with this typical ‘sterile’ sound atmosphere from the 80s.

+ + + : I’m not going to say that Kriistal Ann transforms all projects she’s involved with into gold, but the magic of her voice and the old-school minimalism of her music both remain pure magic. And that’s precisely what “Schachmatt” stands for. But next to this vintage approach, there’s a perfect complementarity between both singers. Chroma Carbon sings in a particular and somewhat sterile way, reinforcing the 80s feeling. One of the most noticeable songs from the album is “Modeliste” on, which Kriistal Ann sings in French with a real sexy accent. It also is a specific track as the title and the lyrics clearly sounds like an ode to Kraftwerk’s “The Model”. I fully enjoyed the minimalism of the songs and the harmony between both vocalists.

– – – : My only regret is that the album only features 10, rather short, cuts. It’s in the 80s tradition, but this work appeals for more.

Conclusion: Sine Silex has accomplished a great retro-like electronic album, which will definitely please all nostalgic electro-lovers.

Best songs: “Modeliste”, “Operative”, “Les Nimbes”, “Antidote”, “Rifle”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/pg/sinesilex

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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

Aidan Casserly (Empire State Human & KuBO) has just released an album called “Spoken”, which contains 15 new poems of Aidan’s, spoken by several artists, which Aidan then put to electronic/organic music backing.

Among those featured are Martin Bowes (Attrition), Monica Brito (poet, artist), Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weathermen, Fad Gadget), Maggie K. DeMonde (Scarlet Fantastic), Kriistal Ann (Paradox Obscur), Brian O’Malley (director of “Let Us Prey”, starring Liam Cunningham from “Game of Thrones”), Caesar Gergess (jazz singer and member of Billie Ray Martin’s live band), Clayton Littlewood (writer of “Dirty White Boy” & “Goodbye to Soho”), Ginnie Watson (actor) and Ruby Lorcan (model).

Aidan Casserly says: “Working in such a unique area and with such a diverse group of friends really brought something fresh to my working method. Having to create, to a voice only, was a wonderful opportunity to serve the words only, as opposed to a vocal melody and chord, song structure. I am deeply passionate about the written word, and discovering ways of making something beautiful with them. I hope I did justice to each amazing artist and friend of mine, who gave of the time, talent and expression. I will be forever in their debt”

You can preview the release right below and order your copy right here on iTunes.

The album was mastered by Martin Bowes at The Cage, with artwork by Monica Brito.

For more on Jean-Marc Lederman, see Brand new album by Jean-Marc Lederman available now on Side-Line.

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: Cinematographic, new-wave, electronics, ambient.

Background/Info: This Makes Me… is not a band, but a kind of conceptual release created by Wave Records owner Alex Twin to celebrate the 50^th release of the label. The concept consists of an endless list of artists who contributed together while the profits of the sales will be given away for a charity project helping poor people who need medicine, surgery ao.

Content: It will bring me too far away giving you the entire list of artists who contributed, but you get a real nice cocktail and especially occasionally bands like Chiron together with Auroram, Collection D’Arnell-Andréa and Opera Multi Steel, Cinemascope and Scarlet Leaves, Pitch Yan Of Matter and Bleib Modern, Lost Elegy and Scarlet Leaves, 3 Cold Men and Twilight Ritual, Psyche and Bleib Modern, Haujobb and Data-Bank-A/Dominion.

The result is diverse and absolutely eclectic.

+ + + : The concept is the original and I think the scene really needs more similar ‘occasional’ bands working together for a great goal. I noticed different cool songs and even a few master songs like the dark and mysterious sounding “Departure” from Kriistal Ann and Martin Bowes (Attrition) or “Decent” by Haujobb (on vocals) and Andrew S. Kovats. Another attention grabber is “Falling From Skies” featuring Darrin Huss (Psyche) singing and Bleib Modern. There also is the beautiful song composed by Opera Multi Steel, which will appeal to lovers of heavenly voices.

– – – : I can only, but totally support this kind of great and original concepts. The only thing I would have (maybe) changed is to create a more noticeable cover artwork.

Conclusion: Charity releases are quite common, but the concept of ‘creating’ bands is absolutely genius!

Best songs: “Departure”, “Desolation”, “Javelots Acérés”, “Decent”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/thismakesme

Label: www.waverecordsmusic.com / http://pt–br.facebook.com/pages/Wave–Records/110635789015082

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, dark-pop, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings is a small and independent Greek label active since 2009. Kriistal Ann definitely is the most famous artist of the label, but I also have to mention one of her side-projects Paradox Obscur while the label owner’s own band Beatbox Machinery is another familiar name. This compilation is a perfect opportunity to get a bit more familiar with the independent label. Seven bands have been selected each featuring  two songs.

Bands: Kriistal Ann, Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat, Obsidian Radioactive, Dawnrazor.

Content: The featured bands move from EBM elements into dark and minimal pop, to electro-wave and pop. There clearly is a fascination for vintage electronic music, but the common element between all of the bands is their pure underground addiction. We don’t get famous bands with ultra professional productions, but a fascinating underground sound that will appeal to lovers of retro electro sounds.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann and Paradox Obscur both are for sure the most mature and ‘advanced’ formations, which will remind you of late 80s music. Kriistal Ann has a unique timbre of voice, which sometimes reminds me of Kirlian Camera. Another interesting band is Metal Disco, which sounds more inspired by EBM, but adapting the body style into an own approach. Another name to keep in mind is Geometry Combat, which is also inspired by EBM ideas.

– – – : I mostly mainly regret there’s no info available about the bands on this CD version. That’s a pity especially because it consist of lesser known bands. Production-wise the mastering could have been better, but let’s keep in mind it all remains an independent and pure underground work.

Conclusion: If you’re in search of less familiar bands dealing with vintage electronics this sampler can be worthy of examination.

Best bands: Metal Disco, Kriistal Ann, Paradox Obscur.

Rate: (6).

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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-electronics, cold-wave electro.

Background/Info: “Anucrusis” is the 2^nd full length album for the duo Kriistal Ann –  Toxic Razor, which has been released again on the British label Peripheral Minimal. The songs have been composed with good-old analogue equipment and released on vinyl format, strictly limited to 300 copies.

Content: Paradox Obscur sounds totally devoted to the vintage electronic style and quickly awakens good-old memories from the 80s electronic cold-wave scene. It sounds pretty cold and into minimalism. I noticed a few EBM influences, and also space-like bleeps and evasive passages carried by great synth sounds.

It’s a pure old-school minded compositions, which might remind you of a band like Absolute Body Control. There also is this typical 80s production in the vocals, which sounds sterile and without real emotion.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann more and more becomes a reference for fascinating vintage electronics. “Anucrusis” has been accomplished with a real passion for vintage electronics. The songs are carried by irresistible retro-like sound treatments and cold, bewitching vocals. This album only features 10 songs, but has several great cuts. Paradox Obscur has brought this typical 80s spirit back to life.

– – – : There are no real minus points about this album, but I’m just afraid it’s the kind of minimal production that will only catch the interest of a restricted number of people and that’s really a pity because this is a great piece of work.

Conclusion: “Anucrusis” is an album that clearly does not have the pretention to innovate in sound rather than a successful ode to early electronic pioneers experimenting with minimal EBM and related genres.

Best songs: “Shock”, “Hot Steel”, “Drone”, “Coal And Dust”, “Spectral Isis”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur

Label: www.peripheralminimal.co.uk /  www.facebook.com/PeripheralMinimal

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

Aidan Casserly (KuBO, Glass Dancer, Empire State Human) has a brand new album “Incubus” out via Werkstatt Recordings. It’s fully electronic and features two duets with Kriistal Ann (whom Side Line interviewed and featured recently).

This is the 5th Aidan Casserly album and he describes it as being “an electronic, dark, and at times synthpop one”. The whole album holds 10 songs with artwork by Philippe Laurent. The whole was mastered by Pete Maher.

You can already preview one track with Kriistal Ann right below.

And for those interested to have a short preview of all the tracks, here it is:

Casserly is currently recording a brand new album of original songs called “Creatures”, dedicated to his icon and inspiration David Bowie.

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

Kriistal Ann refers to the word ‘crystal’ and the real forename Anna of this Greek artist. The name was invented by Anna’s partner who got inspired by Annihilator’s  song “Crystal Ann”. Anna is involved in different bands, but her solo-project caught my attention for its versatile aspect when it comes to mention all influences. The album “Cultural bleeding” released on Wave Records revealed a fascinating electro-minimalism, which made me decide to know a bit more about this artist.

The blue vinyl version of “Cultural bleeding” can be bought here, the normal black version right here.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You were involved as singer in Resistance Of Independent Music and Paradox Obscur so what were the reasons and maybe the sound you’d in mind that pushed you to set up Kriistal Ann?

Anna: I remain a main member of both aforementioned bands. And we’re still making music.

Creating Kriistal Ann project was a need for something purely personal; a self appraisal of my abilities, self-expression, my placement in time… a reflection of my being.

Q: Kriistal Ann is a solo-project, but you clearly seem to like working with other artists and I refer to Aidan Casserly (Empire State Human, The Garland Cult) on your latest album “Muse”. Tell us a bit more about it and especially the kind of sound you’d in mind?

Anna: I love working together with like-minded people. With Aidan we have a deep friendship. We have common views and share the same love for art in general. So this collaboration came naturally, so instantaneously!

He suggested us to do an acoustic album which does not resemble anything of what we have done so far… where we will unite our sensibilities, our mutual passion for music as a means of emotion, which one will be inspired by the other to create a unified whole. It’s an acoustic bed, which we would expand and add more ambient-, dark and acoustic vocal genres over sonically. There’s a jazz edge as well as a pop and ballad influence. These musical roads, where the beginning points into the songs and then into this, we poured our own hearts and souls and our poetry too.

Q: “Muse” indeed sounds pretty jazzy compared to an album like “Cultural Bleeding”, which is into minimal-electronics. What does it say about your influences and how did you manage the move from one album to another?

Anna: My first influence in music was classical music. I started playing piano when I was 5 years old. I grew up in an art-loving environment and this has fostered in me the need to follow these paths.

I never adhered to a particular genre of music, I love contemporary jazz, rock, soundtracks for movies etc. So it was something familiar for me to point retraction in such a musical environment like “Muse” album.

Over the last 10 years, I engaged myself in electronic music. My mentor ‘Toxic Razor’ learned me a lot about this genre and I combine all elements with some concrete knowledge I had about the orchestration.

The truth however is that most fans of my music come from different scenes such as metal- & rock music, despite both from minimal electronic, which for them may seem strange or perhaps not so familiar with the experiments and intense vocals.

Q: Tell us a bit more about your way of working and more especially about the creation of sounds, equipment, recording and mixing?

Anna: Obviously we belong to the few last ones, my solo-work and the bands I run with my partner, where we maintain the traditional way of recording. Using hardware synthesizers and recording in real time.

Life maybe gets more difficult so, but the result always justifies me/us, because the sound retains its naturalness, spontaneity, raw beauty and feel of vintage..

Usually there first is a rough planning of drums and tempo, then I try finding a suitable and satisfactory bass line, which I played live until the end of the song. After this process I moves on building the basic melody by selecting a suitable sound and so on… At the end framed vocals, preceded the writing of the lyrics. The final mix is made in the console, without any use of software.

Q: I noticed you’re not only involved into music so tell us a bit more about the other artistic projects you are dealing with?

Anna: Art is a soul retreat. It is an instrument that ennobles people. However, to enable you to enjoy it, you should be trained in this and has to devote time to develop the aesthetic criteria.

I dig out beautiful things by reading literature and poetry. Learning to flee the center of myself. I entered the process to write some short stories and poems which I usually do the setting to music. One of which has been issued, in short stories collection. But all this more for personal pleasure and to have to share with like-minded people in my life. To share our views…

I deal with photography as well, loving the B&W analog photography. I especially like the portraits, when I find people who are willing to offer me a little of their personal lives and their time, I capture them… Someone can find a small sample of my work , in my Flickr page as Kriistal Ann.

One art form is capable of affecting the other and function as a means of inspiring. As well the acts and human’s life..

Q: Do you already have new work in the pipeline?

Anna: I’m currently working on the completion of two new albums, this time for one of my new projects that is called Sine Silex, where I undertake the music production. It will be released by the end of the year. This will have the taste of dream-pop with intense atmospheres and transitions, with French – English lyrics.

Next there’ll be the third album of Paradox Obscur revealing dark, cold-wave and minimal 80s synth-wave influences. This album is planned to be released for next year.

And there’s more; my last solo-album “Cultural Bleeding” has just been re- released on vinyl edition by Wave Records.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

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

Those who follow our Spotify playlist probably noticed that we added the track “Fail of Misery (feat. Schonwald)” by Kriistal Ann earlier today. It’s taken from the 2015 album “Cultural Bleeding” which now sees a reissue on vinyl (blue and black that is).

The blue version can be bought here, the normal black version right here.

“Cultural Bleeding” is the third full-length solo album by this minimal synth artist and presents excellent dark melodies crafted with synthesizers performed in real-time action, some kind of an exception these days.

We have been following this artist closely for a couple of years and she is quite sure one of those lovely pearls out there which the ‘mainstream’ magazines and DJs in this scene still need to discover. At Side-Line we have already done that years ago, and never looked back. Highly recommended!

Check “Fail of Misery (feat. Schonwald)” or yet “She Walks In Beauty” (taken from the album “Delirious Skies”) and decide for yourself.

Read the review of ‘Cultural Bleeding’.

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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Background/Info:

Read the news on ‘Cultural Bleeding’.

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-electronics, wave-pop, cold-wave.

Background/Info: I honestly never heard of Factice Factory before this album, which is their second. Behind this French-Swiss formation is hiding Fabrice Lefebvre who’s the front-man of the ethereal-ritual Rajna. One of the other members is his son Théotime Lefebvre.

Content: I’m an early adapt of Rajna, but all I can say is that Factice Factory has nothing in common with Rajna. This is a totally different band with other influences, which brings us back to the 80s. “Nada” sounds like pure nostalgia, mixing elements like electro-pop, minimal-electronics, cold-wave and a few more elements for the ride.

The typical cold and icy atmospheres clearly evoke the tormented 80s decade, which however remains one of the most creative periods in music history. The songs have been carried by sober and obscure resonating bass lines and the typical sound of an old rhythm box. The analogue electronics are awakening some 80s ghosts while the somewhat sterile way of singing only reinforces the magic of the new/cold-wave genre. There’s a nice and typically French accent emerging from the vocals, which are sung in English and German.

A few female backing vocal guest singers contributed to the album as well and we here can hear Jeanne Lefebvre (the beautiful Rajna voice) among other singers.

+ + + : The Lefebvre clan took me by surprise releasing a meaningful and well-crafted work totally devoted to the 80s. It’s absolutely well-crafted and credible.

– – – : The only element this album is maybe missing is a kind of hit!

Conclusion: The 80s remain a never-ending source of inspiration, but not all the bands have enough genius to bring it to life with the real true spirit. Factice Factory did it in style!

Best songs: “Lodged feat. Kriistal Ann”, “L’Aurore”, “Mask feat. Lisette Schoenly”, “Tonband”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/facticefactory

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