Pete Crane &#8211; SIDE-LINE

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!

Shiv-R – Kill God Ascend (Album – Blind Mice Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, Industrial, Crossover.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Four year have passed since the last full length by Pete Crane and Ben Bulig aka Shiv-R. They now strike back with their fifth album, which has been again released on their own label.

Content: “Kill God Ascend” probably is the most diversified and eclectic work of the duo. You’ll notice heavy, merciless Industrial cuts opening the opus with fury and bombast. Next there’s a softer and more atmospheric touch running through a few cuts, where Shiv-R even polished their chorus with a catchy touch. And last, but not least, they also reveal a few elaborated EBM cuts carried by solid bass lines and powerful sequences.

+ + + : Diversity makes the strength of this work. Shiv-R simply confirms to feel comfortable dealing with different –although related, influences. I have a preference for the elaborated and intelligent EBM pieces; “Empire” is the brilliant song in the genre, but I also have to mention “Stone And Skin” coming next. In the Industrial-driven cuts I especially recommend listening to the album’s openers “Kill God Ascend” and “Borne From Hate” mixing guitar riffs and electro.

– – – : I’ve always linked Shiv-R with harsh and powerful Electro/Industrial music and it’s not that different after having listened to this new work. That’s why the ‘softer’ pieces like “Blue Turns To Black” and “Valley Of Death” left me rather skeptical.

Conclusion: The new Shiv-R has a lot to offer and will therefore catch the attention of a wider audience.

Best songs: “Empire”, “Stone And Skin”, “Borne From Hate”, “Kill God Ascend”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.shiv-r.com / www.facebook.com/shiverindustrial

Label: www.blind-mice-productions.com / www.facebook.com/blindmiceproductions

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.

Australian electro-industrial act SHIV-R back with all new album ‘Kill God Ascend’ – check out the title track

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:13:30 +0000

“Kill God Ascend” is the fifth full-length album from Australian electro-industrial band SHIV-R. The album is the follow-up to their 2017 full-length album “Requiem for the Hyperreal”.

Here’s what frontman Pete Crane says about the concept behind the album: “What the killing of God means to each listener will be a unique and personal revelation. In a world full of gatekeepers and figureheads whose only interest in you is to tell you what to do, illusions will need to be shed and those who profess to have all the answers will need to be confronted.”

Since they formed in 2010, the Australian electro-industrial duo Pete Crane and Ben Bulge have now released five full-length albums and numerous EPs and singles.

Here’s the official video for the title track “Kill God Ascend”.

Shiv-R returns with an all new album, 4 years after last album

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:16:54 +0000

Out on June 18 via Blind Mice Productions is the new Shiv-r album, “Kill God Ascend”. The Sydney based electro-industrial act is again self-releasing this 6th album. The duo consisting of Pete Crane and Ben Bulig promised that the album will bury “any criticism that the band have gotten less heavy”.

The new album counts 10 tracks and will be out on CD in a clear jewel case with 6-page insert, with artwork by Natalie Shau and layout by Juan Espinosa.

You can already check 2 tracks.

Kill God Ascend by SHIV-R

About Shiv-r

Shiv-r was formed in 2008 in Sydney, Australia by Pete Crane, Lee Bulig and Wendy Leaver. The were signed in 2010 to Infacted Recordings (Germany), Metropolis Records (North America) and Deathwatch Asia (Japan/Oceania).

Lee Bulig was already known for his work with Stark, which released 2 albums and 1 EPCD on GUP, and Neon Womb, releasing 1 album on Cranial Fracture Recordings. Pete Crane from his side was responsible for creating all music for The Crystalline Effect, releasing 2 albums and 1 EPCD on different labels, and Plague Sequence, with 1 EP and 1 album released on digital labels.

After 4 albums on Infacted the band founded Blind Mice Productions to release their new material. The first 2 releases were the singles “Eye Of The Needle” (2015) and “Cheshire Grin” (2017) followed by the album “Requiem For The Hyperreal” (2017).

A Kiss To Resist EP by SUICIDAL ROMANCE Burning Love / Remember Me EP by SUICIDAL ROMANCE Whisper Goodbye EP by SUICIDAL ROMANCE

Cult electropop act Suicidal Romance re-releases 3 EPs which were unavailable for quite some time

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 12 May 2021 10:47:46 +0000

Good news for the Suicidal Romance fans, the Estonian dark electropop act has decided to re-release 3 of its EPs which have been unavailable for quite some time. Available right now via Bandcamp (and in 3 weeks from now on all other platforms) are the following EPs: “Whisper Goodbye” (2013), “Burning Love / Remember Me” (2012) and “A Kiss To Resist” (2008).

The cult dark pop duo Dmitry Darling and Viktoria Seimar recently returned with their rather stunning new EP “Runaways”, so the re-release of their older material does not come as a complete surprise.

“A Kiss To Resist” EP was originally released in November 2008. This 13-track EP was the follow-up release to the band’s debut album ”Love Beyond Reach”. Included is also an excellent cover version of Erasure’s “Always” and a collaboration with Lost Area’s singer Jan Moser. Next to this you got an acoustic version of “Call Me” next to various upbeat electro remixes from acts in the likes of Aesthetic Perfection, Massiv In Mensch, Syrian and many more.

“Burning Love / Remember Me” EP was originally released in October 2012. The 13-track EP came out after the release of the band’s 3rd studio album “Memories Behind Closed Curtains”. It featured two new tracks including the very first song ever sung in Russian by the band. Hovering between romantic synth pop and female-fronted dark elektro, these two cuts were accompanied by quite a diverse selection of additional remixes from acts like Diversant13, ES23, Kant Kino and many more.

The “Whisper Goodbye” EP was originally released in December 2013 and features 7 tracks revealing the harder side of Suicidal Romance. For the occasion the band teamed up with Pete Crane (SHIV-R) as guest vocalist on the club hit “Slave/Slave” as well as with remixers in the likes of Die Sektor, Reaxion Guerrilla, Incubite, CeDigest and Psy’Aviah.

You can check out these re-releases right below.

New episode (and EP) in X-RL7 animation series feat. Nyxx

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 06 May 2021 23:54:00 +0000

X-RL7, the animation series and music project, just dropped a new episode, the 14th already, and EP: “Under My Spell”. “Under My Spell” features Nyxx on vocals. For Nyxx it is her first musical release since 2018’s “Voodoo” with Aesthetic Perfection. Nyxx makes her voice acting debut as the character Luna X – a seductive, provocative alt-pop musician who is trying to snag the band X-RL7 for her agency using her feminine wiles.

The production was completed by Pete Crane of SHIV-R.

Here’s the 14th episode.

New episode (and EP) in X-RL7 animation series feat. SHIV-R, Amelia Arsenic, Aesthetic Perfection and more

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:03:19 +0000

X-RL7, the animation series and music project, just dropped a new episode (and EP) featuring appearances from the likes of Craig Owens (D.R.U.G.S., Chiodos), Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence), Daniel Graves (Aesthetic Perfection), Nyxx, Pete Crane (SHIV-R), Amelia Arsenic, Natasha Cox & Sasha Travis (AL1CE) and others from the scene.

X-RL7 Episode 12 covers a fictional fashion show in which we see eccentric designer Marcus D. Valla Berg showcasing his latest technology-inspired line and the main event – the first new music from industry icon The Duke (both voiced by Mikey AlterRed of the band AlterRed) in several years. Many celebrities are in attendance for the event, many characters whom have had appearances earlier in the series and some new faces.

Watch the episode below.

In addition, the “Gate Keeper” EP is also available featuring the music from the episode. The two Duke songs – the epic, theatrical electronic rock of the title track, the dark industrial metal vibes of The Conjuring and the electronic groove of the designer theme song – “Marcus Theme”.

The lyric video for the title track “Gate Keeper” is watchable below.

About the series

Pete Crane – XV (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:30:30 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, Cinematic-Body-Music, Industrial.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Shiv-R frontman Pete Crane released his debut-album earlier this year with the album “That Annihilated Place”. He also released the EP “You Are Not Your Body” and now strikes back with a new EP featuring four new tracks plus two remixes.

Content: The sound is somewhat comparable to Shiv-R, which is not that surprising, but the instrumental cuts create a different sensation. Pete Crane is mixing Industrial together with harsh EBM sounds resulting in a pure, dynamic Cinematographic style. The compositions are elaborated and sometimes driven by menacing bass lines and dark atmospheres with some extra Technoid elements on top.

Both remixes by Les Berrtas and Tragic Impulse are songs originally released on the album.

+ + + : If you don’t know this work has been composed by Pete Crane you would think it’s an instrumental album composed by Shiv-R. There for sure are common elements in the sound treatments and the sophisticated writing, but the instrumental edit creates a pure cinematographic style. And this composition is original as it creates a kind of Cinematic-EBM dimension. I like the filtered bleeping sequences running through “Total Annihilation” and the solid bass line –reminding Front 242, at “Numb”. Les Berrtas made a cool remix of “Fear”, but I prefer the powerful remix of “You Are Not Your Body” by Tragic Impulse. This EP is featuring 4 new cuts and that’s also a good reason to discover this work.

– – – : I’m sometimes expecting some vocals; just a few parts here and there, but that’s not the concept of this solo-work!

Conclusion: Pete Crane moves on composing well-crafted and modern electronic music; this is a unique, but cool imaginary Soundtrack for EBM freaks.

Best songs: “Total Annihilation”, “Numb”, “You Are Not Your Body – Tragic Impulse Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pete.crane

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

Xotox – Gestern (Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:30:05 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial, industrial-techno.

Format: Digital, CD & DCD.

Background/Info: “Gestern” is the first new studio album by Andreas Davids aka Xotox in six years. It also is the first full length released on Infacted Recordings. “Gestern” –which is available as a double disc, was preceded by two very different EP’s (cf. “UFO” and “Sorgenkind”).

Content: Xotox is a project I’ve always linked with an electro-industrial fusion. The first EP “UFO” revealed a more technoid/rave sound mixed with industrial music. That’s also the essence of “Gestern”. It sounds hard, sometimes merciless, but definitely danceable! The die-hard freaks will also get a few more old-styled cuts, but “Gestern” definitely stands for Xotox V.2! the sound has seriously evolved, becoming more modern although still harsh and sometimes unpolished. The songs remain instrumental edits, but you’ll notice numerous spoken samplings.

The second disc features remixes by a precious list of remixes; ES23, Krischan Wesenberg, MS Gentur, Probe, Pete Crane, Laermpegel, Autoclav 1.1, Distorted Reality, Stahlschlag and 480billion. You’ll also discover 2 more songs, which are alternative edits.

+ + + : It’s hard to say if Xotox has renewed its sound, but there definitely is a more toward a more technoid approach. But this rave influence has been mixed with the old industrial elements. It creates an irresistible sound, which was already exposed at the “UFO”-EP. “Zu Tief”, “Welt Alarm” and “Ein Tagtraum Im Regen” all are similar inspired cuts, which will bring you to dance. Andreas Davids also reveals great sound treatments like taking some distance with the brutal industrial style from the past.

The second disc features some essential remixes. “UFO” has been the main song exposed to the remixing skills of artists such as ES23 and Wesenberg both doing an extraordinary job. Krischan Wesenberg probably accomplished the most sophisticated and intelligent remix of the album. I also have to say a word about the devastating groovy-industrial remix by Probe and the raw edit by Pete Crane (Shiv-R). Last, but not least Autoclav 1.1 did a great job as well, transposing “Die Neue Normalität” into an intriguing sound experience.

– – – : A few songs are ending in a rather abrupt way. I’m not saying that I’m missing vocals on this album, but I would be curious to hear what it would sound like.

Conclusion: Xotox is back and the world will take notice! Watch out for “Gestern” means ‘yesterday’, but this album is the sound of the future!

Best songs: “UFO”, “Zu Tief”, “Welt Alarm”, “Ein Tagtraum Im Regen”, “Haunted” + “UFO – Wesenberg Rework”, “UFO – ES23 Remix”, “UFO – Probe Remix”, “UFO – Pete Crane Remix”, “Die Neue Normalität – Autoclav 1.1 Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.xotox.info / www.facebook.com/xotoxmusic

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

Members of Mindless Self Indulgence, Lights A.M, Aesthetic Perfection, … lend voices to new animated music series ‘X-RL7’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:29:11 +0000

The debut episode of ‘X-RL7’, a pixel-art cyberpunk animated series and music project featuring the voice acting skills of numerous alternative rock, metal and electronic musicians, is available today.

The series is free to watch. Check out the first episode below.

The series, created by Mike Evans of UK based electronic rock act MiXE1, chronicles the exploits of the fictional band X-RL7 in a mix of comedy, social commentary and original music. Fueled by mysterious dream-like visions, the show follows the X-RL7 frontman Omega as he navigates the trials and tribulations of the music industry alongside guitarist/producer PJ and flamboyant larger-than-life band manager Alfie in their journey to make it to the top of the musical food chain. Featuring a myriad of colorful characters and original electronic rock tunes set against a cyberpunk-inspired futuristic backdrop.

“I’m absolutely delighted (and terrified) to launch X-RL7 at last,” Evans says. “The series has been in development for over a year and a half and represents the amalgamation of so many of my passions – my love of pixel art, music, comedy, social commentary, romance, cyberpunk and conspiratorial themes all coming together in one unique pixelated cocktail.”

The origins of the X-RL7 project can be traced back to 2016 in the form of an unfinished point and click adventure game developed by Evans with the concept revolving around a music journalist and other fictional bands with original music. After moving on from this, Evans formed Youtube video series Project Anything, honing his animation skills, while still creating music with his band MiXE1. Still enamored by one of the songs he penned for the game (“Apotheosis Man”), Evans picked up the remnants of the project in late 2018 and started repurposing it as a video/music series with a brand new story, focusing largely around one specific band – X-RL7.

Guest voices from around the world

Along the way Evans approached musical friends and past collaborators to lend their voices to various characters and songs. As the series took shape, he approached others in the alternative music scene, some of whom he has been a fan of for many years, who kindly got involved and delivered fantastic performances as their animated counter parts. “I am very blessed that so many super talented artists have taken the time to lend their voices to the project, embracing the world of X-RL7 and the music,” says Evans.

Musicians who have lent their voices to the show so far include:

Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence)
Rob “Rawrb” Kersey (Psychostick)
Daniel Graves (Aesthetic Perfection)
Lauren Babic (Red Handed Denial, Crazy Eighty Eight)Nyxx (Nyxx)
Erlend Eilertsen (Essence of Mind, Lights A.M)
Mikey AlterRed (AlterRed)
Richard Kaltenhauser (Machine Rox)
Natasha Cox (AL1CE, Mankind Is Obsolete)
Sasha Travis (AL1CE)
Pete Crane (SHIV-R)
Lawrie Bayldon (Studio-X)
Bridgette Hill (Studio-X)
Mike Evans (MiXE1)
Lee Towson (MiXE1)
Chris Voigt (Greasy Tales, Sexual Lobster)
Michael Joseph (Rockstar Esoterica)

For a full overview of the series, including clips from all episodes and featuring the voices of all guest musicians, check below.

‘Click Interview’ with Moris Blak: ‘Music For Warehouse Raves In Towns Run By Esoteric Cults’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:00:52 +0000

Moris Blak started in 2016 after almost a decade of experimenting with electronic music production, and performing in metal bands. The name is actually a reference to a true crime documentary. The American solo-project released a few EP’s on Blind Mice Productions. The official debut album “The Irregularity Of Being”, released by the end of 2019 on Negative Gain reveals a solid mix between EBM and industrial sound treatments. The work has been accomplished by the addition of guest singers: Pete Crane, Amelia Arsenic, Angel Metro, Slighter and Noire Antidote & Johnny E. Veil. This interview is an introduction to the sonic universe of Moris Blak.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What have been the main ideas and influences to set up Moris Blak and what kind of sound did you want to compose?

MB:Moris Blak combines modern bass music and the cold aggression of the industrial genre. A typical studio session draws from unnerving atmospheres of horror films, the mechanical opera of cyberpunk, and walls of heavy bass from the main stage of an EDM festival. I like to say that I create music for warehouse raves in towns run by esoteric cults.

Q: I noticed you define your music/sound as ‘industrial bass’. The bass lines clearly are solid, but what’s the deeper significance and your own quest when it comes to sound creation?

MB: Historically, industrial has been a fairly insular scene. It’s influenced in large part by the early days of experimental electronic music, and most modern artists in the field are still paying tribute to those pioneers of noise.

I discovered new gods in the bone-rattling frequencies of bass music. There is a dark energy and ‘Lovecraftian’ dread that brews below 100hz. I fully indulge in the headiness of that, and encourage my listeners to do the same.

Q: You released a few EP’s and other digital productions before your debut album “The Irregularity Of Being”. In which way is the album the apotheosis of your earlier work and/or a kind of consecration for all your efforts. How do you see the evolution from the early work towards the album?

MB: My early EP’s were very experimental in their sound design, till trying to find their footing. A new artist’s first release often evidences a desire to break all the rules while at the same time wearing their influences prominently…

Although I’m proud of those releases, it wasn’t until my EP “Femmes d’le Obscurite” that I learned to use the proper tools to create the sounds I had been hearing in my head. This began a shift to much more heavily-distorted modulating basslines, and started collaborations with some incredibly talented vocalists and producers that I had been a fan of for years. It’s been a real honor working with them.

Q: What did you keep in mind from the writing and recording of the album? Did you have specific criteria and/or references to work with the different guest singers on the album?

MB: I chose my singers based on their exceptional catalogs, giving each full creative control with the lyrics. I gave them a mostly completed track, and let it guide them in how to create a complimentary vocal part in their own style. This lack of initial oversight helped the track to develop and grow naturally. I wanted each piece to be a true collaboration, and I believe this approach creates a much richer and more immersive environment.

Q: How did the recording and production of the vocals happen? What can you say about the lyrical content and the deeper significance of the album title?

MB: As I mentioned, these talented artists recorded their parts at their preferred studio space with little direction from me. It was really about trusting them to bring their own style and talent to the table. I’d give some insight into what I was aiming for in terms of lyrical content, but each artist’s words were their own response to the bleak soundscapes I provided.

The title of this album, “The Irregularity Of Being”,is sort of an acknowledgement of my own personal battles on the road to producing and releasing it. Writing my first full album took a decade of battling imposter syndrome, and questioning a lot about myself and the world I found myself in. It takes a while to find your voice, creatively, and your twenties is when many people find that existential bearing that will guide them into the future. “The Irregularity Of Being” is a reference to the book “The Conspiracy Against The Human Race” by Thomas Ligotti, a collection of grim, pessimistic examinations that acknowledged my own reflections on the nature of being.

Q: Live shows have been cancelled due to the Corona lockdown. What do you expect about further live shows and what are you actually doing during the lockdown (artistic wise)?

MB: Despite all the negatives of this situation, the isolation of lockdown has actually been an opportunity for me to dig deeper into creating music. I have been hard at work on two new releases for Negative Gain Productions. Both releases will be a collection of collaborations, remixes, and originals -details coming soon. Over the next couple of months, I’ll be releasing some new remixes as well. This pandemic has allowed me to produce some of my heaviest material to date.

2020 was the year that I had planned several tours, and planned on playing several festivals during the summer. Like most artists, I was disheartened by the sudden cancellations and the prospect of live performances completely drying up, but I’m taking this as an opportunity to refine my stage presence, produce new material, and continue planning a full tour of the U.S. and beyond when this is all over.

Moris Blak – The Irregularity Of Being (Album – Negative Gain Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 18:30:02 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Moris Blak is an American project that previously released a few EP’s on Blind Mice Productions. The official debut album “The Irregularity Of Being” has been released by the end of 2019 on Negative Gain.

Content: The album takes off with an overwhelming intro followed by an EBM driven cut featuring spoken samplings. The song is carried by a solid bass line, which is an aspect that comes through all over the work. The more you enter the world of Moris Blak, the more it sounds as an offspring between EBM and harder, industrial music. Some songs have been accomplished with icy tunes. Several guest singers (Pete Crane, Amelia Arsenic, Angel Metro, Slighter and Noire Antidote & Johnny E. Veil) have been invited to each sing one song.

+ + + : This debut album is absolutely worthy of examination. Moris Blak stands for an intelligent mix between EBM elements and industrial sound treatments. The songs are danceable, but diversified. The input of multiple singers accentuates the variety of the tracklist. I especially like the cuts featuring Pete Crane (cf. “Erase Displace”) and Amelia Arsenic (ex Angelspit). Next to these songs I also enjoyed the impressive intro-like cut (cf. “Every Limb Into The Bottomless Pit”) and the title song, which comes at the end of the ride. “The Irregularity Of Being” is an elaborated and intelligent writing!

– – – : I maybe regret Moris Blak has recorded this album with multiple vocalists instead of a real front man. It however never hurts!

Conclusion: This work is a noticeable debut standing for well-crafted, industrial EBM!

Best songs: “The Irregularity Of Being”, “Erase Displace feat. Pete Crane”, “Every Limb Into The Bottomless Pit”, “Upgrade Me feat. Amelia Arsenic”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /morisblakaudio

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

Xotox – UFO (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 18:30:28 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial, industrial-trance, IDM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Xotox is back on track unleashing its first new work from 2020. After numerous productions released by ProNoize (Dark Dimensions) Andreas Davids now joined hands together with Infacted Recordings. “UFO” features the title song plus six remixes and an instrumental extra song.

Content: “UFO” is an electro-industrial song featuring essential spoken samplings. It’s not the heaviest cut from the project nor a new industrial-techno song in the vein of the last EP “Paleodisco”.

Remixes have been accomplished by ES23, Wesenberg, MS Gentur, Probe, Pete Crane and Laermpegel. The remixes bring extra diversity; from the club-friendly remix by ES23 to the sound intelligence of Wesenberg to groovy-industrial work by Probe to some d’n’b elements added by Laermpegel.

The last cut is an instrumental outro.

+ + + : I can’t say “UFO” is the best song I’ve ever heard by Xotox, but it clearly inspired remixers to surpass themselves. Wesenberg did an astonishing job, transposing the original edit into intelligent sound treatments. ES23 realized a dancefloor stomper, but the best surprise comes from the unknown Probe project. This remix is a heavy danceable industrial-groove cut. Therefore, diversity definitely is the keyword for this great EP.

– – – : I have never been a huge fan of EP’s featuring a title song and an endless list of remixes. I however have to say this EP has something special because of the great remixes! Most remixes are more convincing than the original edit.

Conclusion: It’s not happening that often I recommend buying an EP filled with remixes, but “UFO” is a cool industrial dance-production!

Best songs: “UFO – Probe Remix”, “UFO – Wesenberg Rework”, “UFO – ES23 Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .xotox .info / www .facebook .com /xotoxmusic

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

SHIV-R’s Peter Crane goes solo on ‘That Annihilated Place’ – you can check some of the material here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:44:57 +0000

Out in early March is the solo album by the frontman of the industrial-electro outfit SHIV-R. SHIV-R has released 4 albums since 2010 and toured extensively since their formation. Pete Crane now presents a solo, self-titled project of instrumental industrial music. The album counts 12 tracks in total.

The album is the follow-up to the EP “You are not your body” released earlier this year. Check below if it’s your cup of tea…

Shiv-R – Interlace (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:30:10 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: While we’re waiting for a new full length album of Australian duo Shiv-R, Pete Crane (aka ‘Virul3nt’) and Lee Bulig (aka ‘Kong’) are back on track with two new songs. Both songs have been remixes as well.

Content: Even if “Interlace” is the title song, I think the other new cut (cf. “Annihilation”) could have been a title song as well. “Annihilation” sounds even harder, but both cuts feature the familiar energy and electronic rage we’re used to hearing from Shiv-R. It’s a rough production, which is refined by melodic passages.

Both songs have been remixed. Moris Blak remixes the title track while sHiFt remixed “Annihilation”.

+ + + : This is a tough production, which will fully satisfy all dark-electro and EBM lovers. I like the title track for its hard kick and melodic tune while the production of the vocals featuring some robotic parts is quite cool as well. “Annihilation” sounds more aggressive and powerful; it’s less refined, but perfectly complementary to “Interlace”. Among the remixes I especially enjoyed the one made by sHiFt.

– – – : I don’t see any real minor points to make about this production, which is the perfect appetizer to announce a new full length album.

Conclusion: Shiv-R are just doing what they’re good at; producing merciless electronics driven by furious beats and carrying melody lines!

Best songs: “Annihilation”, “Interlace”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .shiv –r .com / www .facebook .com /shiverindustrial

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

Shiv-R – Requiem For The Hyperreal (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 20:30:01 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, dark-electro.

Background/Info: Australian duo Pete Crane and Ben Bulig better known under the Shiv-R moniker originally released their fifth album “Requiem For The Hyperreal” back in 2017 on their own label Blind Mice Productions. Infacted Recordings released the album last year in Europe as CD format featuring 2 bonus cuts, which aren’t featured at the vinyl edition.

Content: The Australian duo became an instant success story and this new opus only confirms the potential of Shiv-R. The sound became more ‘personal’ throughout the years, reaching a harsh mix of EBM and raw, industrial sound treatments. I also noticed a few quieter cuts revealing moody atmospheres. Shiv-R has something unique sometimes accentuated by a punkish flavor on top of the production. Among the bonus cuts you’ll find one new song plus a remix by Leather Strip.

+ + + : What I especially like on this work is the personal approach of Shiv-R. They’ve found their own sound, inspired by familiar influences, but resulting in something different from the ‘traditional’ electro-underground release. Raw bass lines, fat sound treatments, cool effects, space-like sweeps and an industrial touch are the main keywords to define the global sound of this album. It has been carried by hard-pumping kicks and the alluring vocals of Pete Crane. I also noticed a more emotive side running through this work. It’s not my favorite part of the work although “Apples” is a real cool song.

– – – : I already mentioned I’m not totally convinced by some of the ‘softer’ cuts (by the exception of one song). Shiv-R sounds at their best when they’re composing hard-hitting songs!

Conclusion: Shiv-R confirms their leading status as Australian electro/industrial formation. This album has something more personal in sound, but also is a well-crafted piece of modern and powerful electronics.

Best songs: “Something To Say”, “Escape Velocity”, “Cheshire Grin”, “Disconnect”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .shiv –r .com / www .facebook .com /shiverindustrial

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

Shiv-R – Requiem For The Hyperreal (CD Album – Blind Mice Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 20:30:17 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial-EBM, EBM.

Background/Info: Pete Crane and Ben Bulig better known under the Shiv-R moniker are back on track and have unleashed their newest studio album. The album has been released on CD- and digital format on their own label Blind Mice Productions while I noticed there also is a digital format available in Europe via darkTunes Music Group.

Conclusion: Shiv-R confirms their leading status as Australian electro/industrial formation. This new album has something more personal in sound, but also is a well-crafted piece of modern and powerful electronics.

Best songs: “Something To Say”, “Escape Velocity”, “Cheshire Grin”, “Disconnect”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .shiv –r .com / www .facebook .com /shiverindustrial

Label: www .blind –mice –productions .com / www .facebook .com /blindmiceproductions

Extize – Redneck Industrial (CD Album – Dark Tunes Music Group)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:00:17 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM, indus-pop.

Background/Info: Extize started out as a real hot and promising newcoming band revealing a great body-techno sound and a cyberpunk look. “Redneck Industrial” is their fifth full length album to date, which has been released on a new label.

Content: The sound of Extize has simply evolved with the years, but remains strongly inspired by dark-electronics and EBM standards. The main innovation is a totally weird addition of ‘country’ and especially ‘Western’ sound influences, which both explain the title of the album. It’s really funny to hear hard electronics mixed with some (sampled) banjo riffs, but it simply makes sense because it works.

Next to the aforementioned influences “Redneck Industrial” also reveals some groovy industrial passages and even a kind of industrial-pop touch. I also noticed a kind of electro-ballad. But the craziest part consists of a few phone hoaxes by one of their members (Bill).

Last, but not least the final chapter of the album features remixes by Pete Crane (Shiv-R), Synthattack, Binary Division, Nitro/Noise and Omniwar.

+ + + : The sound is perfectly reflected in the artwork of this opus. Extize will have a serious chance to win the award for the weirdest electro-underground band, but you know what, I like those guys. They not only make great and original music –their ‘redneck industrial’ music sounds irresistible, but they also make me laugh. Those guys don’t take themselves too serious, but they’re serious in what they’re doing. The music mixes numerous influences and Extize has progressively reached a much more personal and mature sound.

I also noticed great remixes and I especially want to mention the ones made by Pete Crane, Synthattack and Binary Division.

– – – : I can imagine some people will absolutely not laugh with the hoaxes. The only song that couldn’t really convince me is the more ballad-inspired “Back To Home”.

Conclusion: “Redneck Industrial” is a work mixing fun and several potential hits so in the end we can speak about a sexy band… although I’m not sure John Wayne would have loved those guys!

Best songs: “Ride To The Dark”, “Redneck Industrial”, “Lawless Gringo”, “Guns, Gasoline & Cowbell”, Hillbilly Rage”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .extize .de / www .facebook .com /EXTIZE 666

Label: www .darktunes .com / www .facebook .com /darkTunesMusic