Out now is the new – very catchy – Metamorph single “Cauldron Bubble Pop”. The song tells the tale of “a wickedly fun night where we taste pixie sticks and drink potions, where magic cauldron bubbles meet matrix glitches.”

“Cauldron Bubble Pop” is available on all major digital platforms including Bandcamp and Spotify and has a video to accompany it as well.

About Metamorph

Metamorph was founded in 2016 and stars native New Yorker, multi-range vocalist, flute player and songwriter, Margot Day, who was an integral part of the 80’s NYC goth scene while fronting the legendary band, The Plague with drummers Nick Ferrell (Spahn Ranch) and Damian (Misfits).

Margot Day was bandmates with Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys in her first band Slow Walk 13 and later with Joey Smur Kryzwonski (Motograter) in her project Sacred.

Alongside her in Metamorph are Kurtis Knight and Thaliana. The band recently released a new album titled “HEX” on March 8, 2024, through Distortion Productions.

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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London Records has released the Superchumbo remix of the Bronski Beat hit “Why” featuring Pet Shop Boys frontman Neil Tennant. This is the third remix from the upcoming 40th-anniversary deluxe reissue of Bronski Beat’s 1984 album “The Age Of Consent”, out October 18th. It follows reworks of the classic queer anthem “Smalltown Boy” by producers Absolute and Planningtorock.

The song, originally recorded at RPM Studio in New York City and mixed at Townhouse Studios in London, features lyrics that focus centrally on anti-gay prejudice. The song was written for Martin, a friend of the Bronskis who was hounded out of the country by his boyfriend’s irate and violent parents. You could say it was a sequel to their debut single “Smalltown Boy”, continuing the tale of a young gay man suffering humiliation and animosity as he tries to live his life.

The song opens with a questioning vocal by Bronski Beat frontman Jimmy Somerville and the sound of shattering glass. It was the trio’s second Top 10 success in the UK, throughout Europe, and in Australia, and is considered a popular gay anthem today.

The drawing for the original single cover, depicting a man with his head in his hands, was created by Glasgow artist Robert McAulay, who was associated with the band at the time.

Here’s what Jimmy Sommerville says about the collaboration with Tom Stephan (aka Superchumbo) on this new mix: ”I’ve known Tom for a good few years now and when I asked him if he’d like to do a remix of ‘Why?’ he said yes straight away. The song is a part of his story. I was so moved when he shared that story with me. The lyric is our shared experience as it is for so many others…and forty years later the lyric still tells the story of LGBTQi+….the hate, the violence, the discrimination, the imprisonment and state sanctioned murder of those who dare to be their true selves and it’s happening somewhere right now as I write this.”

Speaking on the rework, Tom explains: “My goal was to create an updated mix that fits well with contemporary sounds while preserving the original intensity and energy. After I submitted the mix, Jimmy asked me if I could include a few more lyrics from the original song. I had recently watched a Pet Shop Boys documentary where Neil Tennant read some of his lyrics, which moved me to tears,” he continues. “I imagined Neil speaking these lyrics, creating a powerful contrast. I left Neil a voicemail on my way to a gig abroad and by the time I reached Heathrow I had his vocals on my phone, added them to the track on my flight, and played it that night! It is a great honour to work on this iconic song with two legends who were lifelines to me while growing up gay in a small town.”

“I was fucking whooping like a banshee round my kitchen when Tom told me Neil would like to contribute! ” adds Jimmy. “To speak the lyrics of ‘Why?’ and to hear Tom’s musical reworking of the track is fucking mind-blowing. So to hear Neil, one of our greatest pop lyricists, speaking my words… It brings it into the here and now and also retains its history with my original vocal. I genuinely felt moved.”

4CD+DVD deluxe set tracklisting

The 40th-anniversary reissue of “The Age of Consent” will be available in a variety of physical and digital formats, including a 5-disc deluxe edition (4CD+DVD): featuring 4 essays by Tom Rasmussen, Lesley Chow, Lucy Robinson, and Barney Ashton-Bullock, the original album, bonus tracks, remixes, rarities, early versions, and rare radio sessions. Its DVD comes with restored promo videos, Top of the Pops performances, and original TV adverts.

Other formats include 2CD with new reworks, 2LP (with “The Age of Consent” and its neighbouring remix album “Hundreds & Thousands”), a yellow 1LP edition (Lexer Music Exclusive), and a super deluxe edition exclusive Blu Ray edition featuring “The Age of Consent” and “Hundreds & Thousands” in Dolby Atmos & 5.1 mixes.

Disc One

The Age Of Consent – The Album Plus

1. Why?
2. It Ain’t Necessarily So
3. Screaming
4. No More War
5. Love And & Money
6. Smalltown Boy
7. Heatwave
8. Junk
9. Need A Man Blues
10. I Feel Love / Johnny Remember Me
11. Smalltown Boy (Dj 7” Edit) – Bonus Track
12. Why? (Remix) – Bonus Track
13. It Ain’t Necessarily So (7” Version) – Bonus Track
14. I Feel Love (7” Version) With Marc Almond – Bonus Track
15. Run From Love (Radio Version) – Bonus Track
16. Hard Rain (Nme 7” Version) – Bonus Track

Disc Two

Hundreds & Thousands – The Remix Plus

1. Heatwave (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
2. Why (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
3. Run From Love (Dominic Maita Remix)
4. Hard Rain (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
5. Smalltown Boy (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
6. Junk (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
7. Love And Money (Hundreds & Thousands Remix) * – Bonus Track
8. Infatuation / Memories – Bonus Track
9. Close To The Edge – Bonus Track
10. I Feel Love (Cake Mix) With Marc Almond – Bonus Track
11. Cadillac Car (Extended) – Bonus Track

Disc Three

Consent Extended – The 12 Inches Plus

1. Smalltown Boy (12” Version)
2. Why? (12” Version)
3. It Ain’t Necessarily So (12” Version)
4. I Feel Love (12” Version) With Marc Almond
5. Run From Love (Us Club Remix ‘85) *
6. Smalltown Boy (Us Club Remix ‘84) *
7. Red Dance
8. The Potato Fields
9. Puit D’amour
10. Signs (And Wonders)
11. I Feel Love (Fruit Mix)

Disc Four

Ignore At Your Peril – The Rarities Plus

1. Smalltown Boy (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84) *
2. Heatwave (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84) *
3. Hard Rain (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84 )*
4. Why? (Early Version, March ‘84) *
5. Crazy Maraquitta (Studio Session) *
6. It Ain’t Necessarily So (Early Version) *
7. Upside Down (Studio Session) *
8. Screaming (Early Version, March ‘84) *
9. The Power Of The Gold (Studio Session) *
10. Love And Money (Early Version) *
11. First Church (Feel Love) (Studio Session) *
12. Junk (Early Version 2) *
13. Walking (Studio Session) *
14. No More War (Early Version) *
15. Go (You & Me) (Studio Session) *
16. Close To The Edge (Early Alternate Extended Mix) *
17. Heatwave (Early Version) *
18. The Other Side Of The Tracks (Studio Session) *
19. Smalltown Boy (Early Version, March ‘84) *

Disc Five

The First Chapter – The Videos Plus [Dvd]

1. Official Music Videos
2. Smalltown Boy (Restored Promo)
3. Why? (Restored Promo)
4. It Ain’t Necessarily So (Restored Promo)
5. I Feel Love (Restored Promo) With Marc Almond
6. Top Of The Pops Performances
7. Smalltown Boy (Bbc ‘Top Of The Pops’, June ‘84)
8. Why? (Bbc ‘Top Of The Pops’, September ‘84)
9. It Ain’t Necessarily So (Bbc ‘Top Of The Pops’, December ‘84)
10. I Feel Love (Bbc ‘Top Of The Pops’, April ‘85) With Marc Almond
11. Original Tv Adverts
12. The Age Of Consent – Tv Advert #1 (December ‘84) *
13. The Age Of Consent – Tv Advert #2 (January ‘85) *

* Previously Unreleased

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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LA-based collective Beauty In Chaos has released their fourth album, “Dancing With Angels”, via 33.3 Music Collective. The album, featuring eight tracks, comes hand in hand with the video for “Holy Ground“, featuring Patrik Mata of Kommunity FK.

Formed in 2018 by guitarist Michael Ciravolo and Grammy-nominated producer Michael Rozon, Beauty In Chaos is a revolving collective of artists. The new album features contributions from returning members and new collaborators, including Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Ashton Nyte (The Awakening), Kat Leon (Holy Wars), Cinthya Hussey, William and Sarah Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate), Leo Luganskiy (Strangelove), Julian Shah-Tayler (The Singularity), Cynthia Isabella, and Patrik Mata (Kommunity FK).

Ciravolo describes the album as both a “sonic regression and a sonic progression,” blending elements from their previous works with new influences. The album includes unique interludes, or “Halos”, that connect the tracks.

The lead track, “Diving For Pearls“, features Wayne and Cinthya Hussey, with a single version mixed by Tim Palmer. As of July 24, ‘Dancing With Angels’ is available on limited edition multi-color vinyl and CD from the Beauty In Chaos store, where the ‘Diving For Pearls’ limited edition CD single is also available. Digitally, the album can be found on Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify. The first 100 vinyl copies come with two posters signed by the artists. Vinyl and CD purchases also include the full digital version of the album (with Halos and two bonus tracks).

Track List:

1. Present Tense ft. William Faith and Sarah Rose Faith
2. The Devil You Know ft. Kat Leon
3. Diving For Pearls ft. Wayne Hussey and Cinthya Hussey
4. Echoes and The Angels ft. Leo Luganskiy
5. Kiss Me (Goodbye) ft. Julian Shah Tayler
6. Hollow ft. Cynthia Isabella
7. Holy Ground ft. Patrik Mata
8. Made of Rain ft. Ashton Nyte

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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(Photo by Kevin Estrada) Los Angeles-based collective Beauty In Chaos has released the music video for “Holy Ground” featuring Patrik Mata of Kommunity FK. This track is part of their upcoming fourth album, “Dancing With Angels”, set to be released on July 24, 2024. “Holy Ground” showcases a departure from BIC’s usual goth rock/post-punk sound, diving into the darkwave genre.

Here’s the video for “Holy Ground” featuring Patrik Mata of Kommunity FK.

“Dancing With Angels” includes contributions from artists such as Wayne Hussey of The Mission, Kat Leon of Holy Wars, Ashton Nyte of The Awakening, and more. The record follows the release of the single “Diving For Pearls”, which also features Wayne Hussey.

Beauty In Chaos was formed in 2018 by guitarist Michael Ciravolo, known for his work with Human Drama and Gene Loves Jezebel, alongside producer Michael Rozon. The collective has involved various prominent musicians from bands like The Cure, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails.

Track Listing

1. Present Tense ft. William Faith and Sarah Rose Faith
2. The Devil You Know ft. Kat Leon
3. Diving For Pearls ft. Wayne Hussey and Cinthya Hussey
4. Echoes and The Angels ft. Leo Luganskiy
5. Kiss Me (Goodbye) ft. Julian Shah Tayler
6. Hollow ft. Cynthia Isabella
7. Holy Ground ft. Patrik Mata
8. Made of Rain ft. Ashton Nyte

The album will be available on limited edition multi-color vinyl, CD, and digital formats. The first 100 vinyl copies include two signed posters.

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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(Photo via London Records) London Records will mark the 40th anniversary of the iconic Bronski Beat debut album, “The Age of Consent”, with a series of deluxe reissues available on October 18, 2024. Fans can pre-order these reissues at bronskibeat.tmstor.es.

In conjunction with the reissue, London Records has released a new remix of “Smalltown Boy”’” by Planningtorock. This artist, known for queering sound and visual art, has previously collaborated with Lady Gaga, Robyn, and Christine and The Queens. The remix can be listened to below.

Jimmy Somerville, reflecting on the album, said, “When there is something we do in our life that can have such an impact on other peoples’ lives, and to be told this by others, it’s humbling. ‘The Age of Consent’ is, and always will be, such a special part of my life.”

Planningtorock shared their thoughts on the remix as well: “I first saw ‘Smalltown Boy’ on telly back in 1984 when I was twelve. I remember it having a big impact on me even then. Just loved how it told the story so directly like a mini documentary but as a music clip sharing a gay experience that was sad to watch but at the same time so empowering. Those early years as a queer trans kid were so lonely for me and Bronski Beat made me feel less alone showing me how music can help you translate a painful experience into something liberating.”

Released in 1984, “The Age of Consent” was a pioneering album addressing LGBTQ+ rights and struggles. The album remains relevant today, reflecting ongoing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Its original release included a listing of ages of consent worldwide, symbolizing both the progress made and the challenges still ahead.

The 40th-anniversary reissue will be available in various formats, including a 5-Disc Deluxe Edition (4CD+DVD), a 2CD set with new reworks, a 2LP set, a yellow 1LP edition, and a Super Deluxe Edition exclusive Blu-Ray. The deluxe edition features essays, remixes, rarities, and restored promo videos.

Tracklisting for the 4CD+DVD Deluxe Edition

Disc One: The Age of Consent – The Album Plus

1. Why?
2. It Ain’t Necessarily So
3. Screaming
4. No More War
5. Love and Money
6. Smalltown Boy
7. Heatwave
8. Junk
9. Need a Man Blues
10. I Feel Love / Johnny Remember Me
11. Smalltown Boy (DJ 7” Edit) – Bonus track
12. Why? (Remix) – Bonus track
13. It Ain’t Necessarily So (7” Version) – Bonus track
14. I Feel Love (7” Version) with Marc Almond – Bonus track
15. Run from Love (Radio Version) – Bonus track
16. Hard Rain (NME 7” Version) – Bonus track

Disc Two: Hundreds & Thousands – The Remix Plus

1. Heatwave (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
2. Why (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
3. Run from Love (Dominic Maita Remix)
4. Hard Rain (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
5. Smalltown Boy (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
6. Junk (Harvey Goldberg Remix)
7. Love and Money (Hundreds & Thousands Remix) – Bonus track
8. Infatuation / Memories – Bonus track
9. Close to the Edge – Bonus track
10. I Feel Love (Cake Mix) with Marc Almond – Bonus track
11. Cadillac Car (Extended) – Bonus track

Disc Three: Consent Extended – The 12 Inches Plus

1. Smalltown Boy (12” Version)
2. Why? (12” Version)
3. It Ain’t Necessarily So (12” Version)
4. I Feel Love (12” Version) with Marc Almond
5. Run from Love (US Club Remix ‘85) – Bonus track
6. Smalltown Boy (US Club Remix ‘84) – Bonus track
7. Red Dance
8. The Potato Fields
9. Puit D’Amour
10. Signs (And Wonders)
11. I Feel Love (Fruit Mix)

Disc Four: Ignore at Your Peril – The Rarities Plus

1. Smalltown Boy (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84) – Bonus track
2. Heatwave (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84) – Bonus track
3. Hard Rain (Capital Radio Session, May ‘84) – Bonus track
4. Why? (Early Version, March ‘84) – Bonus track
5. Crazy Maraquitta (Studio Session) – Bonus track
6. It Ain’t Necessarily So (Early Version) – Bonus track
7. Upside Down (Studio Session) – Bonus track
8. Screaming (Early Version, March ‘84) – Bonus track
9. The Power of the Gold (Studio Session) – Bonus track
10. Love and Money (Early Version) – Bonus track
11. First Church (Feel Love) (Studio Session) – Bonus track
12. Junk (Early Version 2) – Bonus track
13. Walking (Studio Session) – Bonus track
14. No More War (Early Version) – Bonus track
15. Go (You & Me) (Studio Session) – Bonus track
16. Close to the Edge (Early Alternate Extended Mix) – Bonus track
17. Heatwave (Early Version) – Bonus track
18. The Other Side of the Tracks (Studio Session) – Bonus track
19. Smalltown Boy (Early Version, March ‘84) – Bonus track

Disc Five: The First Chapter – The Videos Plus [DVD]

1. Official Music Videos
   • Smalltown Boy (Restored Promo)
   • Why? (Restored Promo)
   • It Ain’t Necessarily So (Restored Promo)
   • I Feel Love (Restored Promo) with Marc Almond
2. Top of the Pops Performances
   • Smalltown Boy (BBC ‘Top of the Pops’, June ‘84)
   • Why? (BBC ‘Top of the Pops’, September ‘84)
   • It Ain’t Necessarily So (BBC ‘Top of the Pops’, December ‘84)
   • I Feel Love (BBC ‘Top of the Pops’, April ‘85) with Marc Almond
3. Original TV Adverts
   • The Age of Consent – TV Advert #1 (December ‘84) – Bonus track
   • The Age of Consent – TV Advert #2 (January ‘85) – Bonus track

About Bronski Beat

Formed in 1983 in London, Bronski Beat was an influential British synthpop trio known for their groundbreaking music and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The original lineup included Steve Bronski (keyboards, percussion), Larry Steinbachek (keyboards, percussion), and Jimmy Somerville (vocals).

Their debut single, “Smalltown Boy”, released in 1984, became an instant hit. The song’s poignant narrative about a young gay man facing homophobia and isolation resonated deeply with listeners. It climbed the charts, reaching number three in the UK. Later in 1984, Bronski Beat released their debut album, “The Age of Consent”. The inner sleeve listed the ages of consent for homosexual acts worldwide. The album produced other hits like “Why?” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So”.

In 1985, lead vocalist Jimmy Somerville left Bronski Beat to form The Communards with Richard Coles. Despite his departure, Bronski Beat continued, recruiting John Foster (also known as Jon Jon) as their new lead singer. The band released the album “Truthdare Doubledare” in 1986, which included the hit single “Hit That Perfect Beat”.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bronski Beat underwent several lineup changes, with the late Steve Bronski remaining the constant member. They continued to release music, though with less commercial success than their early years. In the 2010s, Steve Bronski reformed the band with new members and continued to perform and release new music.

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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(Promotional picture by Laibach) We have more details of the reissue of Laibach’s debut album “Laibach” originally released in 1985. You can expect a vinyl and CD box set release featuring a remastered and expanded edition of their 1985 debut album.

The deluxe box set presents 3 albums: a newly remastered edition of the debut “Laibach” with bonus tracks; “Revisited” holding new interpretations of songs from the debut and first half of the 80s, with two live tracks, recorded with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra; and “Underground” which is an unreleased live document of their 2012 concert recorded 200m below the surface of the earth, in the Velenje Coal Mines, Slovenia.

The 3x CD box set and 5x vinyl box also hold “Terror Of History”, a 160-page book with 69 linocuts, an essay on Laibach written by Marcel Štefančič Jr. and additional text by the former President of Slovenia, Milan Kučan, as well as “Booklet” a catalogue with “Laibach Revisited” project information and foreword by Igor Vidmar, who released the original debut on Škuc / R.o.p.o.t..

Watch the video for a live version of “TI, KI IZZIVAŠ”.

Laibach, from dissidents to national icons

Laibach was formed in the mining town of Trbovlje (at the time in Yugoslavia) in 1980 and represents the musical wing of the Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK) collective, a group which Laibach helped found in 1984.

Early Laibach albums were pure industrial, with heavy rhythms and roaring vocals. Later in the mid-80s, the sound became more richly layered, featuring samples from classical music. They also recorded several cover versions of popular songs, often turning light melodies into sinister-sounding Gothic tunes.

The band has seen numerous line-up changes, with Dejan Knez, Milan Fras, Ervin Markošek and Ivan “Jani” Novak forming the best-known line-up. They have worked with a number of collaborators and guest musicians. Over the years Laibach has also recorded film soundtracks, theatre music, produced works of visual art, and band members have embarked on a number of side projects.

Listen to “SMRT ZA SMRT”, recorded live in Brussels with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra.

Watch “Kohle ist brot”, recorded 200m underground in a coal mine.

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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I will always link Peter Elm to Restricted Area. This Swedish EBM and body-pop project released a few great productions from the midst of the 90s till the early millennium years. The last productions were released on EK Product in 2010 and 2011. After a break of several years Peter Elm got back into business, setting up ELM and signing to Alfa Matrix. The album “Hardline” released in 2016 revealed a hard and pure old-school EBM. Three years later ELM strikes back with a new opus entitled “Extreme Unspoken Tension”. The album was preceded by the great EP “Death Of The North” revealing the raw power of ELM. This production is for sure one of the EBM high lights from 2019 and will appeal for all retro-EBM lovers. This is what Peter Elm has to say about it.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’ve just released the second Elm-album “Extreme Unspoken Tension”. What have been the main triggers and influences to start writing this work and did you’d a specific focus in the composition/production process?

Peter: It’s just honest self-expression and reflections about ’the world we live in and life in general’. If you’re pissed off, the music you make will naturally reflect that. Anyone with some integrity and sensitivity left will know what I mean and feel my sincerity in the songs. I’m not trying to fit into any genre or to be cool.

Q: “Extreme Unspoken Tension” is an intriguing title, which clearly has a deeper significance. What’s hiding behind the title and what have been the main lyrical themes you tried to express?

Peter: Yes. I like the title and the sound of it. I also find that the artwork adds yet another dimension and enhances the meaning of the title. Anyone not entirely brainwashed knows there are severe problems in Europe. Political correctness is badly disguised fascism and there are more and more restrictions about what you are allowed to say and how you are allowed to behave. There is an underlying tension. And all along Big Brother watches closely. Of course the whole atmosphere is soaked with hypocrisy. It’s disgusting. The development on a moral and philosophical level is quite devastating and is slowly and effectively removing charm and humor from our society. And the sheep follow. Nice.

Q: What did you try to achieve sound- & song-wise? Did you try to incorporate new elements in the production? What have been the main challenges?

Peter: The main challenge is achieving a solid, high-quality production and of course you need to have good songs to start with.

Sound wise I will always go towards and develop a sound that I personally am passionate about. Solid synthetic bass sounds and well-crafted bass-lines combined with honest aggression. The songs and lyrics need to be there though and need to find their place in the right musical environment.

I think there is a lot of variation on ”Extreme Unspoken Tension” and I don’t like albums where all songs sound the same. There are a lot of quite alternative song structures on the album such as ”Altitude 100”, ”Apocalypse” or ”Redemption”…

I also find that the album also has quite a more modern and fresh sound.

Q: The limited edition of this album became something very special; a great concept featuring alternative edits from every song. How did you get this idea? What did you try to accomplish with this disc and alternative edits and how did you get in touch with Rummelsnuff?

Peter: Thank you. Yes, it was a lot of work. It started with the feeling that I actually always preferred when bands did their own remixes as opposed to letting other artists do them. I used to love the 12 inch-style remixes of bands like Depeche Mode or Nitzer Ebb. I also thought it would be an easier and smoother process if I just did the remixes myself… Although fun, it turned out to be rather tedious…

In the end I found that I could have more fun and relax more for the disc B songs since they were ’only’ remixes/bonus versions. I actually prefer some of these to the originals.

I’m a big fan of Rummelsnuff and had a chat with him when he had a gig in Brussels a few years back. I contacted him about doing a translation/poem with one of my songs and we came up with ”Distracted”. Personally I find that the song suits his vagabond-style of storytelling. I also tried to make the song a bit more ’German sounding’ and stomping. Rummelsnuff is really cool since he always did his own thing. I respect that. Honest self-expression.

Q: Image is an essential item when it comes to EBM; bodies have to be muscled and sculptural while clothing is important as well! It sometimes even becomes more important than the music properly speaking. Is it an aspect you’re taking care about and where do you place image in the story of ELM?

Peter: Images and concept need to go esthetically well with the music. Once again, this is all about the art and the expression. In the case of both ”Hardline” and ”Extreme Unspoken Tension” the artwork combined with the music form a fist forged by fire from the heart. The artwork should be like a statement. This is what I have to say. Join in or fuck off.

I’ve always been a huge fan of NSK, Laibach and totalitarian art so my covers will naturally have influences from them. When it comes to superficial image or clothing I really don’t give a fuck.

The music is what is important.

Q: You’re based in Brussels since a couple of years. How does it feel living in the center of Europe and does this town and/or Belgium have a real impact on you as musician?

Peter: I like Brussels a lot because of its diversity, movement and international feel. I love the mix of languages. It’s easy to travel anywhere and I’ve come to get great friends here. There is a lot of music going on also, in a sense even more than in Berlin where I also used to live. In a way it’s like a mix between Paris and Berlin.

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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Laibach have released the video for “Vor Sonnen-Aufgang”, taken from their latest album “Also Sprach Zarathustra”, out now and available here on vinyl too. The video is directed by the German visual artist Michael Saup and you can watch it here.

Laibach will be touring Also Sprach Zarathustra in November this year – starting in Budapest on November 4.

In further news, the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid is currently hosting a retrospective of Laibach art and the NSK. “Laibach Kunst 1980 + Neue Slowenische Kunst 1984 – 1992: From Kapital to Capital” will run until January 8, 2018. Watch a short film below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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