paul barker – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com Industrial, electro, EBM, post-punk, darkwave news Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:41:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 https://www.side-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-side-line-logo-png-32x32.png paul barker – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com 32 32 Skinny Puppy to split up for good after 41 years according to new interview https://www.side-line.com/skinny-puppy-to-split-up-for-good-after-41-years-according-to-new-interview/ Sat, 02 Dec 2023 17:24:11 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=47249 According to an interview with the Canadian industrial music pioneers, Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key,...]]>

According to an interview with the Canadian industrial music pioneers, Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key, in LA Weekly (published on November 30), Skinny Puppy will split up after this tour. Skinny Puppy formed in Vancouver in 1982. The group is among the founders of the industrial rock and electro-industrial genres. Initially envisioned as an experimental side-project by cEvin Key (Kevin Crompton) while he was in the new wave band Images in Vogue, Skinny Puppy evolved into a full-time project with the addition of vocalist Nivek Ogre (Kevin Ogilvie).

Key acknowledges internal conflicts but emphasizes the joy and special nature of their last performances. Ogre from his side dismisses any notions of a future reunion: “People thinking that we’re gonna come back for a money grab in 10 years – it’s not gonna happen. In 10 years, I’ll be 70, so it’s definitely not gonna happen. But in five years or three years or whatever, it’s not gonna happen.”

The interview also reveals the complex dynamics between Ogre and Key, hinting at strained relations despite their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. In the interview Key reflects on the band’s journey, expressing surprise at their longevity and satisfaction with their final tour. “I clearly remember saying in interviews back in the ’80s that there’s no way we’re gonna be doing this when we’re 60. So now we’re 60-plus, and it’s bizarre that we’re still going. (…) We have spent 40 years running that fine line between acrimony and getting work done.”

Talking about the past Key is quoted saying this about his work with the late Dwayne Goettel: “I only got to work with Dwayne for nine years, but we did manage to make a number of albums through that time. But the memory of working with him is unsurpassed.” As for highlights he mentions albums like “VIVIsectVI,” “Too Dark Park,” and “Last Rights” as creative high points.

Discomfort with the ‘industrial music’ label

Ogre shares his evolution as an artist and person since the band’s inception in 1983. Discussing the authenticity of his early work, he seems to be disillusionised with the current state of music, which he feels often prioritizes commercial success over genuine emotion.

Ogre and Key also discuss their discomfort with the ‘industrial music‘ label, noting how the genre has evolved and diverged from its original ethos. Ogre says more precisely this: “As far as the scene goes, it seems to have devolved into more of a metal vibe, for the most part. All of the stuff that I loved about industrial music that came out of Genesis, with industrial records, or even going back to Stockhausen, all of that kind of, just freedom to do whatever with whatever. That’s the thing that’s missing in industrial music.”

Despite their imminent split, both Ogre and Key have future projects lined up. Ogre is collaborating with Paul Barker and others on a new project, while Key has completed scoring for the video game “Silent Hill: Ascension” and is working on a new album with Bill Leeb.

About Skinny Puppy

Skinny Puppy formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1982, originally a side project of cEvin Key (drums, electronics), then a member of the band Images in Vogue. Vocalist Nivek Ogre joined shortly after, and the pair’s self-financed 1984 cassette EP “Back & Forth” drew Vancouver label Nettwerk to sign them. Bill Leeb (bass synth, performing as Wilhelm Schroeder) joined in 1984 and left in 1986 to found Front Line Assembly, replaced by Dwayne Goettel (keyboards, sampling).

Key albums include “Bites” (1985), “Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse” (1986), “VIVIsectVI” (1988), “Rabies” (1989, with Ministry’s Al Jourgensen as producer and guitarist), “Too Dark Park” (1990) and “Last Rights” (Nettwerk/Capitol, 1992). Ogre left the band in June 1995; Goettel died of a heroin overdose two months later. Key and Ogre reformed in 2003 with producer Mark Walk, releasing “The Greater Wrong of the Right” (2004), “Mythmaker” (2007), “HanDover” (2011) and “Weapon” (2013).

The band announced its Final Tour in February 2023, coinciding with its 40th anniversary, and played its last show on 5 December 2023. In a November 2023 interview, Key and Ogre confirmed the split was permanent after 41 years, with Ogre stating: “People thinking that we’re gonna come back for a money grab in 10 years – it’s not gonna happen.” Skinny Puppy played its final show on 5 December 2023, ending a 41-year run that Nivek Ogre has said will not be followed by a reunion.

]]> Paul Barker (Ministry) returns with a new Lead Into Gold album: ‘The Eternal Present’ https://www.side-line.com/paul-barker-ministry-returns-with-a-new-lead-into-gold-album-the-eternal-present/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:13:21 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=41924 Out on April 21st is the all new album by Paul Barker’s (Ministry) project Lead...]]>

Out on April 21st is the all new album by Paul Barker’s (Ministry) project Lead Into Gold. “The Eternal Present” is the first Lead Into Gold album since 2018. A limited edition vinyl will be released later on this spring/summer. No final release date has been set yet. This version has the same tracks as the CD.

Lead Into Gold was created by Paul Barker in the late 1980s. It originated as a side project during his time with Ministry, where he served as the bassist and co-producer for several albums. The project’s name, “Lead Into Gold,” refers to the alchemical concept of transforming base metals into noble metals, like gold. This name might be seen as a metaphor for the creative process of transforming raw ideas and emotions into musical art.

The music of Lead Into Gold can be characterized as a mix of industrial, electronic, and experimental sounds, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and groove. The project allowed Barker to explore his musical interests outside the scope of Ministry, resulting in a somewhat different sonic aesthetic.

Lead Into Gold released its first EP, “Idiot,” in 1988, followed by a full-length album, “Age of Reason,” in 1990. “Age of Reason” featured several noteworthy tracks, including “Faster Than Light” and “A Giant on Earth,” which showcased Barker’s songwriting and production talents. However, the project was short-lived, as Barker continued to focus on his work with Ministry.

In 2018, after a long hiatus, Paul Barker revived Lead Into Gold, releasing a new album titled “The Sun Behind the Sun.” This release signaled a return to the project’s industrial and experimental roots, while incorporating modern production techniques and influences.

Check out the album teaser below.

]]> NIN’s Trent Reznor re-surfaces on deluxe vinyl reissue of 1990 debut album Pigface https://www.side-line.com/nins-trent-reznor-re-surfaces-on-deluxe-vinyl-reissue-of-1990-debut-album-pigface/ Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:07:28 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=41918 After parting ways with the post-punk powerhouse Public Image Ltd. in 1985, drummer Martin Atkins...]]>

After parting ways with the post-punk powerhouse Public Image Ltd. in 1985, drummer Martin Atkins found himself in high demand, collaborating with numerous bands such as NIN, Killing Joke, and notably, William Rieflin of Revolting Cocks and Ministry. Together, Rieflin and Atkins embarked on their most ambitious project to date: an industrial music supergroup called Pigface, bringing together the talents of their various associates.

In 1990, Pigface released their debut album “Gub,” which includes the original version of “Suck” featuring Trent Reznor. Reznor later re-recorded this track for the 1992 NIN EP “Broken.” With contributions from artists such as Chris Connelly of Revolting Cocks, David Yow of The Jesus Lizard, Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy, Paul Barker of Ministry, En Esch of KMFDM, and Steve Albini, “Gub” has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most daring sound recordings ever created.

Atkins reflects on the album, saying, “This was such a liberating time-bringing together this extraordinary group of musicians and not worrying about the outcome (although, of course, we did). We had the luxury of working in the legendary Chicago Trax studios with the talented Steve Albini to capture and convey it all. It’s fascinating to think that Trent’s involvement was even a topic of debate-NIN wasn’t well-known yet, and some suggested we could save $150 on a round-trip airfare from Cleveland by not involving him. I vetoed the idea. Bill Rieflin and I came up with the concept for the project during warm-ups for Ministry’s cage tour, and the immense contribution of Francesca Sundsten’s iconic artwork to the project cannot be overstated.”

The album is now receiving a deluxe reissue from Cleopatra Records, showcasing Francesca Sundsten’s restored artwork and a gatefold image of Pigface’s original promotional picture, assembled by Chris Connelly. This reissue also offers bonus remixes and extra track versions for the first time in a single release. The CD edition comes in a premium digipak, while the vinyl version is available in an array of colors.

The tracklist:

  1. Tapeworm with Steve Albini
  2. The Bushmaster with Trent Reznor & David Yow
  3. Cylinder Head World
  4. Point Blank with Steve Albini, Chris Connelly
  5. Suck with Trent Reznor & Paul Barker
  6. Symphony For Taps
  7. The Greenhouse with Chris Connelly
  8. Little Sisters with Chris Connelly, William Tucker
  9. Tailor Made with Steve Albini, Paul Barker
  10. War Ich Nicht Immer Ein Gutter Junge? War Ich Nicht Immer Schoen Und Nett? Ich Zerpfluckte Niemals Eine Spinne-War Neimals Frech Und Stahl with En Esch
  11. Blood and Sand with Chris Connelly, Matt Schultz
  12. Weightless with Chris Connelly
  13. Tonight’s The Night (Little Sisters Remix)
  14. Winnebago (Induced Tapeworm Remix) with Nivek Ogre
  15. The Bushmaster (Bushmaster Remix)
  16. War Ich Nicht Immer Ein Gutter Junge? War Ich Nicht Immer Schoen Und Nett? Ich Zerpfluckte Niemals Eine Spinne-War Neimals Frech Und Stahl (Remix)
  17. Suck (VX Remix)
  18. Suck (Reverse Sitar Mix)

About Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1988 as the recording project of Trent Reznor. Working as an assistant engineer at Right Track Studios and inspired by Prince’s practice of playing every instrument himself, Reznor recorded demos alone, programming drums and playing the rest, and performed under a band name despite being its sole permanent member. Nine Inch Nails played its first live show on 27 October 1988 in Pittsburgh, and released its debut album, “Pretty Hate Machine,” through TVT Records in 1989.

After a contractual dispute with TVT, Reznor signed with Interscope Records and founded his own imprint, Nothing Records, releasing “The Downward Spiral” in 1994 and “The Fragile” in September 1999. The band left Interscope after “Year Zero” (2007) and self-released the instrumental “Ghosts I-IV” (2008) through the Null Corporation before returning to major-label releases with “Hesitation Marks” (2013), “Bad Witch” (2018) and the companion albums “Ghosts V: Together” and “Ghosts VI: Locusts” (both 2020).

English musician Atticus Ross became an official member in 2016 after years of production work with Reznor, including their Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning score for David Fincher’s “The Social Network” (2010). Guitarist Robin Finck first joined in 1994 and has rejoined the touring band multiple times since; drummer Josh Freese first joined in 2005. Nine Inch Nails was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 7 November 2020, alongside Ross, Finck and other past members. Trent Reznor founded Nine Inch Nails in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1988.

]]> INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT: The Story Of Wax Trax! Records (DVD – Wax Trax! Records) https://www.side-line.com/industrial-accident-the-story-of-wax-trax-records-dvd-wax-trax-records/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:43:23 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=23570 Genre/Influences: Industrial-metal, industrial-rock, EBM Background/Info: The famous Wax Trax! Records label was originally much into...]]>

Genre/Influences: Industrial-metal, industrial-rock, EBM

Background/Info: The famous Wax Trax! Records label was originally much into new wave and punk music and was founded by Jim Nash and his partner Dannie Flesher in Denver in 1975. In 1978 the independent label moved to Chicago and became the most important record label and store/boutique for industrial music in the US that served as the headquarters of underground electronic and industrial bands in the eighties and nineties. The strong brand Wax Trax! offered record deals to the artists they liked (as fans) and also licensed European artists in America. The very impressive Wax Trax! catalogue featured well-known bands like Ministry, Front 242, Revolting Cocks, KMFDM, Front Line Assembly, Coil, Chris & Cosey and more!

Content: Industrial Accident has contributions of Al Jourgensen (Ministry/Revolting Cocks), Paul Barker (Ministry/Revolting Cocks), Chris Connelly (Ministry/Revolting Cocks), Luc Van Acker (Ministry/Revolting Cocks), Richard23 (Front 242/Revolting Cocks), Patrick Codenys (Front 242), Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Bill Leeb (Front Line Assembly), Groovie Mann (Thrill Kill Kult), David J. Haskins (Bauhaus), Sascha Konietzko (KMFDM), En Esch (KMFDM), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Steve Albini (Big Black), Cosey Fanni Tutti (Throbbing Gristle), Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) and more. It explains the rise and fall of an important musical movement as well as the details and artifacts of this entire Wax Trax! Records history that was nearly lost forever.

A lot of hilarious anecdotes are explained by the contributing artists which makes it fun to watch! Al Jourgensen: “I played in Divine’s band by the way, playing guitar for Divine was … bizarre!”. Luc Van Acker, when speaking about Laibach: “How provocative can you be? It takes intelligent people to understand that! Wax Trax! created a space where we could do whatever we wanted!”. Unfortunately the label without business model (operating on trust, without contracts with their artists) declared bankruptcy in 1992 and Jim and Danny sold it to TVT Records. Jim Nash passed away on October 10, 1995 and Dannie Flesher deceased on January 10th, 2010.

+ + + : This 94 minutes (+ 75 extra minutes bonus material) documentary was directed by Julia Nash (daughter of Jim Nash) and won awards on the Santa Cruz Film Festival and Chicago Underground Film Festival. It is also available on Blu-Ray and as download on AppleTV, Amazon Prime and Google Play/YouTube Streaming.

– – – : Just one minor point: to make the circle complete, maybe an interview with some licensed European bands that were released by Wax Trax! (The Neon Judgement, The Young Gods, A Split Second, Laibach and more) would have been interesting, to hear their point of view.

Conclusion: Although it’s a huge story to tell the complete Wax Trax! history, this documentary gives a pretty good overview of what happened in the old days. Jim and Dannie “accidentally” built up the industrial scene in the US due to their passion and love for this music and bands and will never be forgotten!

Label: www.waxtraxchicago.com / www.facebook.com/WaxTraxRecords.Chicago/

About Wax Trax! Records

Wax Trax! Records was founded by Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher, first in Denver in 1975 as an outlet for new wave and punk records. The label moved to Chicago in 1978 and grew into the main hub for industrial music in the United States through the 1980s and 1990s, signing and licensing acts on both sides of the Atlantic.

The label ran without contracts, on trust between Nash, Flesher and their artists. It filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and was sold to TVT Records. Nash died on October 10, 1995, and Flesher died on January 10, 2010.

“Industrial Accident: The Story Of Wax Trax! Records” is directed by Julia Nash, Jim Nash’s daughter, and gathers the artists who built the label’s catalogue to tell that history on screen.

]]> Douglas J. McCarthy (Black Line / Nitzer Ebb) interview: ‘It was something we never planned to do’ https://www.side-line.com/click-interview-with-black-line-douglas-j-mccarthy-black-line-is-a-typographic-legal-term-similar-to-red-line/ Fri, 06 Oct 2017 17:00:00 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=12525 Black Line is fascinating concept, which was originally set up in 2016 as a continuation...]]>

Black Line is fascinating concept, which was originally set up in 2016 as a continuation of DJM|REX, a project by Douglas J. McCarthy (Nitzer Ebb) and Cyrusrex. It became ‘a diverse collective of musicians, producers, and sound designers, free to come and go as they please. With various production and remix projects in the pipeline, the self-released album “Treason, Sedition And Subversive Activities” offers up the first taste of what’s to come’. Among the artists who contributed to Black Line you’ll find Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall (co-producer & engineer), Zack Meyers (co-producer), Brad Apodaca, Anthony Baldino, Michael ‘prophei’ Dietel, Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb), Baseck, Jon Bates (Big Black Delta), Paul Barker (Ministry and REVCO), Christian Eigner (Depeche Mode), Mark Walk (Skinny Puppy), Maria Lui and of course singer Douglas J. McCarthy. I’d a chat with Douglas J. McCarthy.

You can download the “Treason, Sedition And Subversive Activities” album right here.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Hi Douglas, Black Line has been introduced as ‘a diverse collective of musicians, producers, and sound designers, free to come and go as they please’. How did this concept saw the daylight and how did it really happened to make it come true?

Douglas: Hello, nice to speak to you. The project started after Cyrusrex and myself were finishing up the third of 3 DJMREX EP’s. We still had some ideas for tracks and Christian Eigner, Depeche Mode’s drummer, was in LA and offered to record some live drums. We went to a studio with a few basic bass line concepts and Christian played a variety of different takes as I wrote lyrics and melodies. It was an excellent days work and got us thinking about working with other friends to explore their take on DJMREX.

It soon expanded into being quite a lot more people including Bon (Nitzer Ebb) and Paul Barker (Revolting Cocks, Ministry etc) and we started working with producer Zack Meyers. We soon realized that this was actually more complicated than DJMREX so decided to give it a new name. Black Line is a typographic legal term, similar to ‘red line’, that means all previous drafts of a document are included. It seemed to fit the process.

Q: I can image it first of all is a damned crazy, but original way to bring ‘friends’ together or at least musicians who respect each other? What does it really mean to you and the others?

Douglas: It was pretty relaxed. Most of us live quite close to each other and Cyrus’ studio where we worked. The main core of the people on the album were myself, Zack and Cyrus. Other people would drop by as they wanted and in the case of Michael who lives in San Francisco or Paul who lives in Portland, we would send tracks we thought they’d enjoy working on. We had a lot of song ideas and sometimes they’d reach an impasse so we’d move on to another idea. There are a couple of songs that made it to the album that started life as a different song or different songs that we’d skim the best ideas from to form a complete song.

In terms of what it means to myself and all those involved, I think it was something we never planned to do so in some ways it was a surprise to be working in this way, at other times it could be frustrating to have so many ideas springing forth and it took quite a bit of discipline, especially from Zack to filter the good from the bad.

Q: What are your personal experiences about friendship and respect between artists? Is it really possible?

Douglas: Hmmm, the old friendship and being artists conundrum! I have had the pleasure of working and collaborating with a variety of artists over the years. Dropping in and out of essentially someone’s project is a lot easier than ‘being in a band’. I think Black Line inadvertently blurred that definition and so poignantly now it is the time to tour the album it has, inevitably, been hard to make the decisions about whom will play live. We did a celebratory show in LA earlier this year where we invited all the players on the album and also Jason Payne from Nitzer Ebb, but we knew moving forward having 9 people on stage would be simply unsustainable. So with the Depeche Mode tour being announced there are unsurprisingly some hurt feelings right now.

On a more general level, I have a good quantity of friends who are fellow artists and there is a very high level of respect and nothing but good will to one another.

Q: Back to Black Line and the album “Treason, Sedition, And Subversive Activities”. Was there a kind of concept or guiding line(s) for the artists to compose their song(s)? How did it happened and who has been responsible for the coordination between all contributors?

Douglas: There was no overview going into the project we just relied on our taste. But inevitably after listening to more tracks there seemed to be clear moods that were necessary for us to convey the whole project. The normal (for me) mixture of sadness, anger and humor. I wrote the majority of the lyrics and melodies but Zack was definitely involved and at times would originate lyrical ideas. Jon Bates (Big Black Delta) also had a role.

Sonically, Cyrus would set a mood for the most part using an extensive array of modular synthesis that would be the basis of a lot of the tracks that eventually made it to the album. I would then bounce off those to begin the lyrical and melodic content. Others would potentially add a level of additional musical mood and Zack would reign it in to be more honed in as a song.

Q: The songs are pretty diversified, but it feels a bit like your vocals are the cement between all of the songs to get the album compact and cohesive. Do you agree on this point and tell us a bit more how it was for you singing on such a diversified composition?

Douglas: We used layers of other people singing… Jon, Zack, even Ken Marshall, but there was never any thought of not having me sing and I agree with you that it creates the sound of an album to have a lead singer. But I would say that wouldn’t I?

I have a diverse taste in musical styles and have never felt inhibited by having to be ‘true’ to one thing or another in terms of lyrical or vocal performance. I react to the actual elements I am dealing with with each track. It is a lot of work and at times I simply didn’t have anything to say for a few days so we’d rework older tracks. Eventually the ideas are forthcoming or not. It’s a creative process that is not something you can turn or off as you wish.

Another point is that we are using quite complicated time signatures that do not necessarily stay the same throughout the song so it was challenging at times.

Q: Can you imagine Black Line playing any kind of charity performance? It would be something unique or am I just dreaming..? It also is another way to ask you about further plans for Black Line? 

Douglas: I better be able to imagine it as we are opening for Depeche Mode! Although I’m pretty certain that doesn’t qualify as a ‘charity performance’. We are planning on adding as many live shows as we can over the coming year.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

]]> Nitzer Ebb / Depeche Mode / Skinny Puppy personnel powered Black Line to open for Depeche Mode’s forthcoming winter European Global Spirit Tour https://www.side-line.com/nitzer-ebb-depeche-mode-skinny-puppy-personnel-powered-black-line-to-open-for-depeche-modes-forthcoming-winter-european-global-spirit-tour/ Wed, 20 Sep 2017 07:20:42 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=12365 Black Line are opening for Depeche Mode for their forthcoming winter European Global Spirit Tour...]]>
Nitzer Ebb / Depeche Mode / Skinny Puppy personnel powered Black Line to open for Depeche Mode's forthcoming winter European Global Spirit Tour

Black Line are opening for Depeche Mode for their forthcoming winter European Global Spirit Tour dates passing through Poland, Belarus, Russia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Black Line is the collective consisting of cyrusrex, Douglas J McCarthy (Nitzer Ebb), Jon Bates (Big Black Delta) , Anthony Baldino, Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb), Zack Meyers (Fear Of Ghosts), Brad Apodaca (Fear Of Ghosts), Paul Barker (Ministry), Baseck, Michael Dietel (annodalleb), Ken Marshall (Skinny Puppy), Mark Walk (Skinny Puppy, Ohgr), and Christian Eigner (Depeche Mode).

Listen to “Snap” from the band’s debut album “Treason, Sedition And Subversive Activities”.

Side-Line also covered Depeche Mode’s ‘Mute: A Visual Document’.

]]> Black Line – Treason, Sedition, And Subversive Activities (CD Album – Black Line) https://www.side-line.com/black-line-treason-sedition-and-subversive-activities-cd-album-black-line/ Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:30:20 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=12276 Genre/Influences: Experimental, EBM, industrial, cinematographic. Background/Info: Black Line is a crazy, but fascinating concept, which...]]>

Genre/Influences: Experimental, EBM, industrial, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Black Line is a crazy, but fascinating concept, which was originally set up in 2016 as a continuation of DJM|REX, a project by Cyrusrex and Douglas J. McCarthy. It became ‘a diverse collective of musicians, producers, and sound designers, free to come and go as they please. With various production and remix projects in the pipeline, ‘Treason, Sedition And Subversive Activities’ offers up the first taste of what’s to come’. Among the artists who contributed to Black Line you’ll find Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall (co-producer & engineer), Zack Meyers (co-producer), Brad Apodaca, Anthony Baldino, Michael ‘prophei’ Dietel, Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb), Baseck

Jon Bates (Big Black Delta), Paul Barker (Ministry and REVCO), Christian Eigner (Depeche Mode), Mark Walk (Skinny Puppy), Maria Lui and of course singer Douglas J. McCarthy.

Content: It’s not an easy thing to define the sound of Black Line. Because of the numerous artists involved with the composition process the album sounds pretty diversified, but carried by the charismatic and unique vocals of Douglas McCarthy. There however is an intelligent approach in the global writing of the songs.

From EBM-inspired cuts towards more industrial parts to soundtrack inspired (instrumental) cuts, the album really has a lot to offer. The last song is a remix by Venetian Snares.

+ + + : I think it’s really important such kind of project has a ‘main’ singer. Douglas McCarthy not only is a genius vocalist with a unique timbre of voice, but the vocals feel a bit like the cement between all of the songs. Using different singers would have created the impression listening to a compilation.

Sound-wise the songs were accomplished with an artistic taste. Sometimes evasive and even cinematographic-minded and then hard and into a kind of industrial-EBM this album is featuring multiple surprises. The songs were accomplished with great sound treatments and I especially like the icy passages. I prefer some of the harder cuts such as “Snap” and “Losing You”.

– – – : You sometimes get the impression it’s basically a project between friends… just for fun although great and recognized artists. I’m missing a bit cohesion between the harder, industrial & EBM driven tracks and the totally into ambient-like other cuts.

Conclusion: “Treason, Sedition, And Subversive Activities” feels a bit like there’re multiple bands hiding behind Black Line and that’s precisely what it is all about. But at the other side it also is an album featuring several cool tracks.

Best songs: “Snap”, “Losing You”, “Shut It Down”, “Changed – Venetian Snares Mix”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/BlackLineProject

 

]]> Ministry sees reissues of ‘Sphinctour’, ‘Houses of the Molé’ and ‘Animositisomina’ as ltd. digipaks https://www.side-line.com/ministry-sees-reissues-of-sphinctour-houses-of-the-mole-and-animositisomina-as-ltd-digipaks/ Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:00:38 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=10409 Out in a few weeks are brand new reissues of the following Ministry albums in...]]>

Ministry sees reissue of 'Sphinctour', 'Houses of the Molé' and 'Animositisomina' as ltd. digipaks

Out in a few weeks are brand new reissues of the following Ministry albums in limited edition digipaks: “Sphinctour”, “Houses of the Molé” and “Animositisomina”. You can order these very limited releases right here.

Here’s a reminder what these albums are all about. “Sphinctour” is a live CD released in 2002 by the industrial act. It contains various tracks recorded on their 1996 world tour in support of the 7th album “Filth Pig”.

“Animositisomina” was the band’s 8th studio album and originally released in 2003. It is notable for being the last album with Paul Barker, as well as being the last by Ministry album to play in their traditional industrial metal style before switching to a more thrash-oriented style with their next album, “Houses of the Molé”.

“Houses of the Molé” was the band’s 9th studio album, originally released in 2004. The album is the first part of the band’s anti-Bush trilogy, followed by “Rio Grande Blood” (2006) and “The Last Sucker” (2007). It was released in the run up to the 2004 American presidential elections, with George W. Bush being president at the time of its release.

Here’s a live track:

]]> ex-Revolting Cocks members reunite for 6 USA dates as The Cocks https://www.side-line.com/ex-revolting-cocks-members-reunite-for-6-usa-dates-as-the-cocks/ Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:52:34 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=6775 Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the Wax Trax! release “Big Sexy Land”, several ex-Revolting...]]>

ex-Revolting Cocks members reunite for 6 USA dates as The Cocks

Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the Wax Trax! release “Big Sexy Land”, several ex-Revolting Cocks members will reunite under the The Cocks flag to start a very short tour through 6 US-cities. The Cocks are Front 242’s Richard 23, Luc Van Acker, Chris Connelly and Paul Barker. Barker played bass, keyboards and did programming for Revolting Cocks between 1987 and 1993.

“Big Sexy Land” was originally released in 1986 and was the band’s first major release. At that time Revolting Cocks were Luc Van Acker, Richard 23 and Alain Jorgensen. Make sure to check these other Revolting Cocks related releases.

The band will play the following 6 dates in the USA:

  • September 16 New York – Stimulate
  • September 17 Houston – Numbers
  • September 18 San Fran – DNA
  • September 20 Tampa – Orpheum
  • September 21 Baltimore – Ottobar
  • September 24 Chicago – Metro/CWV

Revolting Cocks was founded by Richard 23 and Luc Van Acker with Al Jourgensen as their producer. Their first release was “No Devotion” on Wax Trax records in 1985. The single was quickly followed by an album, “Big Sexy Land” (1986), featuring a mix of Wax Trax-industrial, hard rock, and EBM with dominating sampling and strong synthesized beats. Richard 23 quit in 1986 due to creative differences, but joined the band on stage on April 17 2011 during the “Wax Trax! Records Retrospectacle: 33 1/3 Year Anniversary”.

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