Red Lokust &#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!

Red Lokust – Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying (Digital/CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The duo Red Lokust, made up of experienced musicians Lee Lauer (formerly of Aslan Faction, Killing Opherlia ao) and Jim Semonik (owner of Distortion Productions and member of [Rein]Forced ao), returns this year with their third album. Once again, they skillfully blend Dark-Electro and EBM to explore dark themes, creating a soundscape that’s both intense and atmospheric. The tracks are well-crafted, filled with cold, piercing sounds and leads that occasionally evoke comparisons to Suicide Commando. While the vocals are harsh and aggressive, some of the tracks may not be entirely convincing. Nevertheless, the album features several strong songs that fans of Dark-Electro are sure to enjoy. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “No War”:

No War by Red Lokust

Read the news on ‘Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying’.

About Red Lokust

Red Lokust is an American electronic music project from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2015 after Lee Lauer of Aslan Faction met Jim Semonik of Rein[Forced] at a KMFDM show. The duo blends industrial, EBM and synthpop influences drawn from the electronic scenes of the 1980s and 1990s.

Semonik, who owns Distortion Productions, is also known for the Electronic Saviors compilation series. Red Lokust debuted with a self-titled EP in 2015 and released its first full-length album, “The Repercussions of Shedding Your Skin”, in 2016.

“Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying” is the duo’s third album, released on digital and CD through Distortion Productions.

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.

Red Lokust is back with an all new album, ‘Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:46:52 +0000

Red Lokust have released a new album, “Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!”. “Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying!” is Red Lokust‘s third studio album and is released by Distortion Productions as a limited edition CD and through all digital and streaming platforms.

Lyrically the album deals with themes of loss, cancer survival, war, infidelity and a doomed future. Also featured on this album is a cover of Dramarama’s “Anything, Anything”.

Since their last studio material, the band has played shows all over North America with performances at the Mechanismus Festival (Seattle), Dark Side of the Con (New Jersey) as well as shows in Madison, Brooklyn, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC and Philadelphia.

Hope is the Last Refuge of the Dying by Red Lokust

About Red Lokust

Red Lokust is an American electronic music project founded by Jim Semonik in 2015. The band’s music blends elements of industrial, EBM (electronic body music), and synthpop, creating a unique sound that draws inspiration from the electronic music scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

Jim Semonik, known for his work as a musician, promoter, and organizer within the industrial music community, formed Red Lokust as a solo project to explore his creative vision in electronic music. Prior to Red Lokust, Semonik was involved in various musical endeavors, including serving as a member of the industrial rock band Rein[Forced].

Red Lokust made their debut with the release of their self-titled EP in 2015. Following the EP, Red Lokust released their debut full-length album, “The Repercussions of Shedding Your Skin”, in 2016. Read the review of ‘Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying’.

Jean-Marc Lederman Experience – Sci-Fi Revisited (Album – COP International)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Experimental, Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weathermen, Ghost & Writer, Gene Loves Jezebel ao)is back on track with a new and already conceptual work. The album title speaks for itself. The Belgian Electro pioneer has been assisted by Tom Shear (Assemblage 23), Christina Z, Jim Semonik (Red Lokust), Mari Kattman, Emileigh Rohn (Chiasm), Ken Magerman, Daz Sharp, Julianne Regan, Jim Marcus (Die Warzau) and Sapphira Vee.

Content: Lederman composed the music for the impressive list of guest singers. The music is filled with explicit astral sound treatments and -atmospheres. The slow rhythms together with the different singers make it more accessible while a few passages are more into Electro-Pop and danceable passages. The main characteristic of the work is the narrating format of the singers interpreting extracts of sci-fi stories.

+ + + : Jean-Marc Lederman moves on exorcizing his endless creative thoughts and concepts with one of his most creative and ambitious works ever. It’s not only about music -which totally stands for the concept of the album revealing a ‘space’-like dimension but also the accomplishment of a wider- and higher artistic goal. There’s a kind of cyber-puzzle wherein the listener/visitor has to unlock every single track.You really have to experience it on your own to realize what it’s all about.

– – – : The importance of the concept is maybe undermining a tiny bit the music itself.

Conclusion: Jean-Marc Lederman revisited sci-fi themes which must have been a piece of cake as he’s for sure the one and only sci-fi musician from the Electronic scene.

Best songs: “The Eyes Have It! Feat. Ken Magerman”, “Titanium Aegis feat. Christina Z”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.jmlederman.com / www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056370733178

Label: www.facebook.com/copint

Side-Line previously covered “Sci-Fi Revisited”, an audiobook and puzzle-game package accompanying the album, released via COP International.

Listen to “Sci-Fi Revisited”:

Sci-Fi Revisited by Jean-Marc Lederman

About Jean-Marc Lederman

Jean-Marc Lederman is a Belgian electronic musician known for his work with Fad Gadget, The The, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Weathermen, Ghost & Writer with Frank Spinath of Seabound, and Rohn-Lederman with Emileigh Rohn of Chiasm. Released under the Jean-Marc Lederman Experience name via COP International, “Sci-Fi Revisited” was produced, arranged and played by Lederman and features Tom Shear, Christina Z, Jim Semonik, Mari Kattman, Emileigh Rohn, Ken Magerman, Daz Sharp, Julianne Regan, Jim Marcus and Sapphira Vee, accompanied by a 12-page micro comic book and a computer puzzle game.

Jean-Marc Lederman presents audiobook of short sci-fi tales, ‘Sci-Fi Revisited’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 09:42:45 +0000

Jean-Marc Lederman, known for his work with Fad Gadget, The The, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Weathermen, Ghost & Writer (with Frank Spinath from Seabound), and Rohn-Lederman with Emileigh from Chiasm, presents an audiobook of short sci-fi tales, “Sci-Fi Revisited”. The book is narrated by various singers and musicians, and it is accompanied by a computer puzzle game. The package also includes a 12-page micro book with 11 pulp covers.

Released under the The Jean-Marc Lederman Experience moniker, “Sci-Fi Revisited” features Tom Shear (Assemblage 23), Christina Z, Jim Semonik (Red Lokust), Mari Kattman, Emileigh Rohn (Chiasm), Ken Magerman, Daz Sharp, Julianne Regan, Jim Marcus (Die Warzau), and Sapphira Vee.

This release is a co-production between Les Disques De La Pantoufle and COP International. It was produced, arranged, and played by Jean-Marc Lederman. The images for the website and cover were prompted by Kevin B. Lederman. The lab/vault website and video game were developed by Kevin B. Lederman, courtesy of https://blackfoot.io/.

The album is available through COP International and on their Bandcamp page. Note that the CD version comes in a limited edition of just 100 hand numbered copies. It holds a 12-page micro book on 230 gram paper. You also get access to a puzzle game to unlock the tracks.

Sci-Fi Revisited by Jean-Marc Lederman

Distortion Productions revisit cult classic film ‘The Lost Boys’ for 100th release ‘Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited’ – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:26:19 +0000

In a remarkable celebration of its 100th release, Distortion Productions has unveiled a unique homage to the 1987 cult classic film, “The Lost Boys”. The project, inspired by the film’s soundtrack, is a tribute by label owner Jim Semonik, who harbors a deep appreciation for the movie’s musical landscape.

Titled “Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited”, the album is a compilation of covers from various artists, each adding their unique spin to the iconic tracks. The album opens with a rendition of INXS’s “Good Times” by Chicago-based band Go Fight. The tribute includes other notable covers such as God Module’s “Lost in the Shadows”, Eva X’s take on Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, and The Battlefront’s version of INXS’s “Laying Down the Law”. Additionally, Adoration Destroyed X NØIR has revisited a The Doors classic, while Sapphira Vee has put a new spin on the Eddie & the Tide track “Power Play”.

The album also features Ashbury Heights’ cover of “Cry Little Sister”, Glass Apple Bonzai’s “I Still Believe”, Null Device’s interpretation of “Beauty Has Her Way”, and Red Lokust’s rendition of “To the Shock of Ms Louise”.

“Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited” is available on CD and across all digital streaming platforms including Bandcamp.

Be One of Us: 1987 Revisited by Various Artists

About ‘The Lost Boys’

Directed by Joel Schumacher, ‘The Lost Boys’ is a 1987 American film that blends supernatural elements with comedy and horror. The film, which was produced by Harvey Bernhard, features a screenplay penned by Jeffrey Boam, Janice Fischer, and James Jeremias, based on a story by Fischer and Jeremias. Its ensemble cast boasts notable names such as Corey Feldman, Jami Gertz, Corey Haim, Edward Herrmann, Barnard Hughes, Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, and Dianne Wiest.

Set in the fictional Californian town of Santa Carla, the plot centers around two teenage brothers who, along with their divorced mother, relocate to the town. They soon uncover a startling truth – Santa Carla is overrun by vampires. The film’s title draws inspiration from J.M. Barrie’s iconic characters in his Peter Pan and Neverland tales – the Lost Boys, who are eternally youthful, much like the vampires in the movie. The majority of ‘The Lost Boys’ was filmed in Santa Cruz, California.

‘Click Interview’ with Tragic Impulse: ‘I’ll Never Consider Myself A Finished Product’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000

American Paul M. Graham this year unleashed the fourth album of his Tragic Impulse sonic project. It’s the third opus released by Distortion Productions. “Distant Worlds” takes the listener away to visit a dark- and danceable experience of EBM empowered by Dark-Electronics and Industrial, but also polished with Pop elements. Most elements of the production process have been improved so in the end you get a varied, danceable and efficient work.

(Picture credits by Sergei Photography / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: I remember a previous interview you were talking about growing maturity and studio equipment, which both are essential aspects in the evolution and development of an artist. How did you see both elements evolving from your very first song till the new album?

Paul: I’ve definitely had growth in my production skills since the first album (“Machine Parts”). I felt great about the writing on the first album, but I just didn’t feel the mixing and such was at a similar level. I was still very much a newbie at the time. Rather than farm out that work to a more accomplished producer, I’ve stuck with it and feel pretty good about where things are now. There’s always lots of room for improvement though and I’ll never consider myself a finished product.

As for studio equipment evolution, almost all of that has happened in the form of soft-synths and software tools. I’ve found that I can create the music I want without the extra expense and physical space it takes to keep all the hardware. There are advantages to hardware for sure, but I’ve found that for my needs, I really don’t need that anymore. “Distant Worlds” was done entirely without any hardware synths.

Q: I can imagine “Distant Worlds” was mainly –or entirely, written during the ongoing pandemic. In which way did COVID affected your artistic activities and your mood plus creativity when composing the opus?

Paul: The album is definitely a product of the pandemic and the track “Oubliette” is a great example of that. The term by definition means: ‘a dungeon with the only entrance or exit being a trap door in the ceiling’. It’s a dark song that parallels the confinement, fear, and uncertainty we all felt/have been feeling during this time. Other tracks also have hints of this mood and feel as well.

Q: What have been the different stages from the moment you started writing the first song for “Distant Worlds” till the moment you got the production finished? What have been the main challenges when composing this album and what are your biggest points of satisfaction?

Paul: I tend to ‘nibble’ with my song creation, moving around from one song to the next and back again, and this album was no different. Sometimes everything falls into place with a song and I finish it in one pass but that’s rare. Giving me time between songs helps me prevent listening fatigue and keeps me inspired. My method might seem strange to some artists, but it works for me.

For “Distant Worlds”, the bulk of the album writing was done during the pandemic and since I had spent more time indoors, I created lot more material I considered viable for the album. At one point, I had considered doing a double-album but the ten I went with just felt right. Having all that material is both a blessing and a curse because while I had a lot to choose from, deciding what stays and goes is always hard.

I’d say the biggest point of satisfaction is that the album seems to have successfully provided a little something for everyone and avoids pitfalls like repetition and predictability. I asked fans shortly after the album was released what their favorite songs were, and the answers were all over the place. Hearing that kind of feedback is always very satisfying and rewarding.

Q: I experienced “Distant Worlds” as your most diversified album to date; from familiar EBM/Dark-Electro songs to sophisticated passages reminding me Clock DVA to a furious cover version of Ministry. Tell us a bit more about the content and different influences running through the work?

Paul: I touched on this a little bit in the last question, but I feel great about the diversification on this album and that’s probably because that’s an approach I favor in the artists I listen to as well. “Oubliette” is dark and brooding, “Failed Reality” up-tempo/high energy, and “Dance Till You Die” stompy so there’s some ground covered there. “Parasite” is also an interesting example of that diversification because it feels so very different than the rest of the album. It’s actually been a very popular track and that’s probably because of the throwback EBM vibe it has to it. As for the Ministry cover of “Just One Fix”, I really wanted to pay homage to a song that was a gateway for me getting into Industrial music. I was mostly into Metal music back-in-the-day and when I transitioned on from that I was looking for something with an edge to it and bands like Ministry, Front Line Assembly and KMFDM bridged that gap. To this day I’m still heavily influenced by those bands.

Q: I think you’ve live dates planned in the US so tell us a bit more about Tragic Impulse on stage? What might people expect when going to a live show and how do you transpose the studio sound to the stage? What about European shows?

Paul: Our live shows have always translated well from the studio and part of that is by design. For example, I never use too many FX or heavily process my vocals for that reason. When you hear me sing live, I want you to have a similar experience to our recorded material, so I put an emphasis on that. Also, I’m not sure why, but we tend to surprise people (in a good way) with our live shows. It’s happened so many times, we started referring to it as “The Response” lol. I think this may happen because we don’t have the same name recognition as some of the bigger bands so we surprise people when they see us. So while they expect someone like Suicide Commando to be amazing (and rightfully so), us…?, not so much. We’re working hard to change that however!

As for live dates, a few months ago we played the Dark Side of the Con festival and that was an amazing experience. We also just finished performing at the Distortion Productions (Jim Semonik) 200^th show extravaganza and we had an awesome and energized crowd for that one as well. Upcoming shows in 2022 include a date in New-York City with Rain Within, Red Lokust and Interface, and one in Pittsburgh with Solar Fake. We had hoped to tour more in support of the album this year but have had some unexpected interruptions in our schedules so we’re looking to hit that hard next year.

We haven’t played anywhere in Europe yet but that’s definitely on our ‘to-do’ list. Playing at something like WGT would be a dream for us. For you promoters out there, we can be contacted at info@tragicimpulse.com

Q: What place did Tragic Impulse take in your life? What are the further plans and ultimate goals?

Paul: Since the live show is my wife Heidi on keys, and me on vocals, it’s been a great way for us to travel and meet new people. The recorded music is great but the real thrill for us is live shows since we get to connect with fans, other bands, promoters, DJ’s, etc. We’ve been into the Goth/Industrial scene the entire time we’ve been together (almost 19 years) and the band is just another way we get to spend time together doing what we love.

As for the future, we’ll keep making music and keep playing shows with the intention of playing more gigs in more places. Hopefully we can keep that momentum going!

Sapphira Vee back with 5th album feat. members from Ministry, Pigface, and many more

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:36:13 +0000

Out now is the all new album “Aerial Human” by Sapphira Vee. This is already the 5th album by Sapphira Vee and her second release on the Distortion Productions label. You can expect a darkwave / trip-hop sound evoking 4AD acts like Lush . You will equally hear EBM touches recalling classic Chris & Cosey on for instance the first single “What Is This”.

For the album Sapphira joined forces with Houston hip-hop artist Pee Wee P on “Fools”, Blue Eyed Christ’s John Norten on “Let the Arrow Break”, and Veronica Tam on the opening “White Aura” which was written by Jean-Marc Ledermen of The Weathermen. Also included are the three original tracks from last year’s “Duet” EP, featuring Chris Connelly (Ministry / Pigface / Revolting Cocks / Cocksure, etc.), Mike Reidy (W.O.R.M. / The Joy Thieves /Dogtablet), and Jim Semonik (Jimmy Semtex / Red Lokust / Rein(Forced) / creator of Electronic Saviors). In addition, Roger Ebner (Roger Ebner Band / Bitter Elixir / Yeti Rain) played the saxophone on “This Gift Was Not Meant For Me”.

New York native Sapphira Vee has been active since 2018.

You can check out the full album right below.

Aerial Human by Sapphira Vee

Red Lokust – Whom The Gods Wish To Run, They First Drive Mad (Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:00:07 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Four years have passed since the promising debut album “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin”. Jim Semonik (label owner, creator of “Electronic Saviors”, member of /Rein[Forced]) and Lee Lauer (involved with Aslan Faction in a previous life) are back with a new opus inspired by paranoia, anxiety and insanity.

Content: The sources of inspiration clearly reflect the modern life of the Western world. The duo adapted these themes into a powerful electronic composition, where EBM and dark-electronics are constantly crossing each other. The vocals are rough and enraged, empowering the lyrical themes. The music is pumping from start till the end; the choruses are now carried by catchy tunes and then by harder, classical dark-electro leads. Some passages and even the production of the vocals are sometimes reminding me of Leather Strip. After the ten album track you’ll discover remixes by Inertia (Reza Udhin also did the mastering of the album) and 7^th Victim.

+ + + : The work takes off with the great “Lobotomy”, which is an absolute dancefloor killer. I especially like the EBM vibes running through this cut and the great chorus. Another essential song is “Point Of Healing (Antagonized)”. Globally speaking this work confirms the potential from the debut album and I must say that Red Lokust even improved most little details. This album is driven by power and would be the perfect club music.

– – – : In times of Covid-19 pandemic it must be very frustrating releasing such a danceable and powerful album while clubs are closed! About the content I just regret a few songs (like “Weep For Me” and “Madman”) which are driven by simplistic and ultra-cliché leads… while “Madman” has been released as a single! The remixes aren’t adding a real extra.

Conclusion: Red Lokust moves a step further with this new opus; this is a band to discover because it’s featuring two talented artists!

Best songs: “Lobotomy”, is “Point Of Healing (Antagonized)”, “The Way Back”, “I’m Not Here (Omnipresent)”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Red-Lokust-734889406642643

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Red Lokust

Red Lokust is an American electronic music project founded by Jim Semonik in 2015, blending industrial, EBM and synthpop influences drawn from the electronic music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Semonik, also active as a musician, promoter and organizer in the industrial scene, previously played in the industrial rock band Rein[Forced] before starting Red Lokust as a solo outlet; Lee Lauer, previously involved with Aslan Faction, later joined. The project released its debut album, “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin”, before returning with “Whom The Gods Wish To Run, They First Drive Mad” on Distortion Productions in 2020, and went on to release a third studio album, “Hope Is The Last Refuge Of The Dying!”, in 2024.

Deathline International – Spin Zone II (EP – Distortion Productions / COP International)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:31:55 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial, crossover.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: American formation deathline International gained a serious reputation during the 90s. I honestly didn’t know the band was still active, but I noticed they’re active again for a few years and have just released a single, which is a cover version of The Exploited’s “Troops Of Tomorrow”. This EP was released earlier this year and moves back to a song originally released in 2018 on the EP “Lip Service”.

Content: “Lip Service” has been exposed to the remixing skills of Solemn Assembly, 16 Volt, Tragic Impulse, GW4, Stoneburner and Red Lokust. The artists are rather diversified, which also resulted in a very varied work. From the future-pop like remix by Solemn Assembly to the darker electro approach of Tragic Impulse to the industrial driven remixes by 16 Volt and Stoneburner to the experimental approach of GW4 and a final dark-electro edit by Red Lokust, “Spin Zone” has been sonically re-adapted into something new.

+ + + : I have to say the future-pop driven remix by Solemn Assembly (a band from Texas, USA) is absolutely great; this is ‘the’ club edit of the EP. Another noticeable remix is the one made Tragic Impulse, which is a project I’ve always liked for its simplicity versus efficiency. Red Lokust did a cool job as well so in the end I’ve to say the electronic inspired remixes are definitely the best ones.

– – – : I honestly expected a bit more from the remixes by Stoneburner and 16 Volt. It could have been an idea to put the original song back on this record as well.

Conclusion: Deathline International is alive although on this EP the band is kicking thanks to some noticeable remixes from other artists.

Best songs: “Spin Zone – Solemn Assembly Remix”, “Spin Zone – Tragic Impulse Remix”, “Spin Zone – Red Lokust Remix”,

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/deathlineinternational

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Deathline International

Deathline International are Th3Count, SLam, James Perry, also of Ashes Fallen, and producer John Fryer. The Oakland, California, industrial rock group released four studio albums on COP International: “Reality Check” (1993), “Zarathoustra” (1995), “Arashi Syndrom” (1997) and “Cybrid” (2001), before a long period of inactivity. The band returned with the “Spin Zone” single in 2020, remixed here as the “Spin Zone II” EP, and went on to release the album “Pax Americana” with Fryer producing, followed by the “Parasite” EP featuring a Stabbing Westward remix in 2021.

V/A Respect The Prime – The Constructed Cold (CD EP – Distortion Productions / Electronic Saviors)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, electro-wave, EBM.

Background/Info: This compilation was already released a while ago, but is an interesting concept I’d like to talk about. Distortion Productions and Electronic Saviors (industrial music to cure cancer) joined together featuring the first limited edition EP in the “Respect The Prime”-series: “Constructed Cold!”. The concept deals with bands, which have been asked to pay tribute to the “Transformers”-comics books. They all have to first read a story from the comics and next to compose a song about it. This is a teaser to a full length album, which is in the pipeline.

Artists: Panic Lift, Tragic Impulse, ThoughtForm, Doors In The Labyrinth, Boxed Warning, Red Lokust.

Content: The concept is original resulting in a rather diversified EP of 6 songs. From the dark-electro and EBM driven Panic Lift (featuring Red Lokust), Tragic Impulse and Red Lokust to the more bombastic-ambient instrumental piece of ThoughtForm to the dreamy electro & guitar wave by Doors In The Labyrinth to another instrumental track by Boxed Warning, this compilation has something to offer for each of us.

+ + + : The concept is great, but there’s also a few cool songs featured. The collaborative efforts between Panic Lift and Red Lokust on “Constructed Cold” are really successful. The Red Lokust song is worthy of examination as well while Tragic Impulse confirms its growing status of promising and intelligent EBM band. It’s also an opportunity to discover rather unknown names such as ThoughtForm and Doors In The Labyrinth.

– – – : Unfortunately I can’t say that the bands I didn’t know have fully convinced me, but let’s not forget that this is just a compilation featuring one single song by each band.

Conclusion: Some compilations, especially with such a great concept, make sense!

Best bands: Tragic Impulse, Panic Lift feat. Red Lokust, Red Lokust.

Rate: (7).

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions / www .electronicsaviors .com

About Distortion Productions & Electronic Saviors

Distortion Productions is an independent industrial and electronic label run by Jim Semonik, who also compiles the Electronic Saviors series, a long-running charity compilation project supporting cancer research, aided by Chase Dudley. The series has grown across multiple volumes, including a 2018 six-disc fifth edition with Pig, Mindless Faith, Psy’Aviah and Red Lokust among more than a hundred tracks, and a 2025 seventh volume, “ReUnion.”

“Respect The Prime: The Constructed Cold” paired the two outlets for a Transformers-themed teaser EP ahead of a planned full-length follow-up, with songs from Panic Lift, Tragic Impulse, Red Lokust, ThoughtForm, Doors In The Labyrinth and Boxed Warning. Tragic Impulse discussed its approach to songwriting in a 2022 Click interview, and Red Lokust did the same in an earlier one, while Panic Lift returned in 2021 with the five-EP “Split” cycle on Distortion Productions.

Tragic Impulse – Space Force (CD EP – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 19:30:57 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, dark EBM.

Background/Info: The EP “Space Force” marks the return of Tragic Impulse. It’s a teaser to the third full length “Echoes Of The Unseen”.

Content: The EP takes off with the title track, which is a terrific piece of hard & dark-electro-body-music. This song is driven by icy sequences, an aggressive bass line and pumping kick. You’ll notice some spoken samplings from Donald Trump and the powerful charismatic vocals of Paul M. Graham.

“Space Force” has been remixed by Panic Lift, Third Realm, nTTx and Red Lokust. The B-side cut is a surprising cover version of Beborn Beton’s “Another World”.

+ + + : The least I can say is that the title song is the right track to get released on an EP. It simply is the best tragic Impulse-cut I’ve heard so far and I’m sure it will set dancefloors on fire! It’s an accomplished and sophisticated piece of modern dark-electro/EBM. Among the remixes I especially enjoyed the one made by Third Realm while red Lokust did a cool job as well.

– – -: I expected a bit more out of the remixes. None of the featured artists can really compete with the original version. The Beborn Beton cover is surprising, but not exactly a successful edit. It all feels like Paul M. Graham doesn’t feel comfortable singing on this track.

Conclusion: What I especially keep in mind from this EP is the impressive title track!

Best songs: “Space Force”, “Space Force – Third Realm remix”, “Space Force – Red Lokust Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .tragicimpulse .com / www .facebook .com /tragicimpulse

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions

About Tragic Impulse

Tragic Impulse is the solo dark-electro and EBM project of American artist Paul M. Graham, released through Distortion Productions. The “Space Force” EP served as the teaser single for Graham’s third album, “Echoes Of The Unseen”, also released in 2019. Graham continued the project with a fourth album, “Distant Worlds”, in 2022, discussing its production in a Side-Line Click Interview.

Cleopatra Records to release ‘The Unquiet Grave 2019’ compilation

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:07:18 +0000

In honour of the 20th anniversary of the first volume of “The Unquiet Grave”, Cleopatra Records presents “The Unquiet Grave 2019”, a compilation that features 25 international Post-Punk, Goth, Industrial, Darkwave and Experimental artists from across the dark music spectrum.

The label’s original concept behind “The Unquiet Grave” varied from other Cleopatra compilations they completed such as “The Goth Box” (1996) as well as “The Black Bible” (1998), that included legacy acts such as Bauhaus, Virgin Prunes and Legendary Pink Dots along with a variety of up-and-coming bands. On the other hand, “The Unquiet Grave” (1999) exclusively featured new artists that deserved the opportunity for exposure to a larger audience. That original 1999 edition would include such bands as Bella Morte, Diary of Dreams, Android Lust and Rhea’s Obsession, to name a few.

“The Unquiet Grave 2019” applies the same formula as that original volume by showcasing 25 artists that equally deserve your attention. “The Unquiet Grave 2019” will be available on June 14th via all digital and streaming outlets.

The Unquiet Grave 2019 features: The Ink Bats, Social Station, The Sedona Effect, Antidote for Annie, Silver Walks, New Zero God, The Long Losts, Schedule IV, Hypofixx, Lorelei Dreaming, Fear Incorporated, Metamorph, Angel Metro, Abbey Death, The Drowning Season, May May Graves, Red Lokust, Acclimate, Traumabond, ENGRAM, Tragic Impulse, Spider Lilies, RCH IV, Dreamchild, Moss Garten.

5th volume ‘Electronic Saviors’ 6CD set finally revealed – limited distribution, get yours here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:28:08 +0000

Out in June is the charity 6CD compilation set “Electronic Saviors 5: Remembrance”. Out via Distortion Productions, and not via Metropolis this time, this fifth volume this volume was again compiled by cancer survivor and industrial scene promoter and DJ, Jim Semonik aided by Chase Dudley.

The 6CD boxset can be ordered here – note that it only has a limited distribution.

On this 6CD set you’ll find tracks by coldwave and industrial rock greats such as Pig, Mindless Faith and 16Volt next to Psy’Aviah, FIRES, Esther Black, Encephalon, Ashbury Heights, Stoneburner, Ludovico Technique, Red Lokust and so and so on. 105 tracks in total.

The fifth edition will be available in a strictly limited edition boxset run on only 500 copies. It also includes a wristband, bumper sticker and autographed postcard.

Here’s the album teaser:

‘Click Interview’ with Tragic Impulse: ‘I Really Just Wanted To Make An Album That Had Good Dancefloor Appeal’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:15:10 +0000

Tragic Impulse is a rather new EBM-minded solo-project set up and driven by Paul M. Graham. The second album “Devil On Your Shoulder” released on Distortion Productions will be for sure an opportunity to discover this American artist dealing with a dark EBM format.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Tell us a bit more about your artistic background and activities, which finally brought you to set up Tragic Impulse?

Paul: I started experimenting with electronic music in the early-mid 2000’s and to be honest, I was pretty bad at. I remember getting a remix kit for one of Informatik’s songs and I gave up on it pretty quickly because I just didn’t have the skills to pull it off. I kept working at it though and in 2012 I submitted the song “Apocalyptic Visions” to the “Electronic Saviors 2”-compilation under the project name Eisengeist. The song had no lyrics/vocals and it was pretty raw from a production standpoint, but it got accepted and appeared on the bonus track section of the compilation.

Gaining confidence from the Eisengeist track, I decided to put more time and energy into making electronic music. However, I wanted to go in a different direction musically so Tragic Impulse was born.

Q: I guess you must notice a serious move in sound, writing and global production from “Machine Parts” (debut album released in 2014) towards the new work “Devil On Your Shoulder”?

Paul: I do feel that “Devil On Your Shoulder” represents a degree of maturation in my overall sound, writing and production. When I was working on “Devil On Your Shoulder”, I remember being very critical of the production value on “Machine Parts” because it felt so inferior to me at the time (still does). I think the biggest reason for this is that between albums I continue to get better at translating my ideas into finished and more refined products. New synthesizers, studio gear, and equipment upgrades always has some impact on this as well. I’ve already started working on the next album and feel that the sound, writing, and production is superior to “Devil On Your Shoulder” as well. I’m excited about it! I see all this as growth so it’s a good thing.

As far as sound goes, I dabbled with things like pitch-shifted vocals on “Machine Parts” (cf. “I’ll Be Your God” & “I Hear Footsteps”) but none of that appears on “Devil On Your Shoulder”. That’s something I probably won’t go back to but you never know. “Devil On Your Shoulder” is more representative of the vocal style/feel I’ll be using going forward. I do love a good vocoder though so that’s not going anywhere LOL.

Q: Tell us a bit more about the new work and especially the kind of album you’d in mind?

Paul: I originally considered making “Devil On Your Shoulder” a concept-album but it never really materialized. Although not electronic, I always loved Queensryche’s concept-album “Operation Mindcrime” and wanted to do something in that vein lyrically (I still might).

Beyond that, I really just wanted to make an album that had good dancefloor appeal. I love knocking back a pint or two at the local goth club to loud stompy music and Tragic Impulse I think reflects that. Otherwise, I tend to mix things up from song to song thematically.

Q: What’s the deeper meaning of the title “Devil On Your Shoulder” and what’s the importance of the lyrical content of your songs?

Paul: The song “Devil On Your Shoulder” is largely about temptation and schadenfreude. People do some horrible things at the expense of their fellow humans and the song explores that metaphorically. As for the title, I like albums with a title/track relationship and I thought “Devil On Your Shoulder” stood out so I went with it.

The rest of the album covers a lot of ground lyrically and thematically. “Flesh And Blood” is about how being different is OK. “Evolution Revolution” is about reinventing yourself and “Lightstpeed” is about the vastness and wonderment of our universe. Ultimately though, the songs are about whatever the listener wants them to be and I have to say nothing feels better than when a fan tells you a song resonated with them on a personal level. That’s happened more than I expected on this album and it’s always a delight to hear.

Q: Do you have some referential musicians, bands, producers… and what make them ‘special’ to you?

Paul: There’s so many artists and people who have influenced me that it’s a hard question to answer in this limited space. To pick a few though, I would say that Project Pitchfork – particularly their early works – has had a big influence on me. From the music to the lyrics to their live shows, everything that band does just resonates with me. I also love the way Daniel Graves (Aesthetic Perfection) works a stage. I’ve seen him play to both small and large crowds and he brings the same amazing energy and intensity each time. Claus Larsen is also a big influence. One of the highlights of my burgeoning musical career has been sharing a stage with him. He’s an incredible artist and an even better person.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Jim Semonik (Distortion Productions/Red Lokust) as a big influence as well. I don’t think I’ve met a person with as much perseverance, passion, and dedication to the EBM/Industrial scene as him. I feel pretty lucky to have him as a friend as well.

Q: Referring to live performances, Tragic Impulse doesn’t have a real live experience so far. How comes and what kind of show might the audience expect during the next months? How do you transpose the studio work on stage and will you get some help from extra members?

Paul: Although it’s taken a while to get going, the live show is actually up and running. Over the last year I’ve shared the stage with Leaether Strip, Ludovico Technique, and Kite to name a few. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive and future live performances, such as a “Distortion Prod”-tour in Summer and “Danse Macabre 2” in Pittsburgh around Halloween, are being planned.

The big reason the live show took a while to get going is that I wanted finished music I could put into the hands of people who wanted it after a live performance. I know a lot of bands get started doing live music before moving on to recording but I’ve always found this counter-intuitive. I’ve had people buy my music after every gig I’ve done so I think the strategy works. Another reason the live show took a while to get going was just translating the studio work to the stage. I had to invest in new portable gear and this took some time and money to sort out. It was time well spent however and I’m pretty happy with the results.

I’m definitely looking to add more people for live performances. At a minimum, I’d like to have someone on keys and maybe add a drummer for bigger gigs. I’ve talked to a few people about that so we’ll see how it goes. Other than that, I’d love to catch on with a festival or two as well. I went to WGT in Germany for the first time last year and all I could think about – other than Schwarzbier and bratwurst (yum!) – was how awesome it would be to perform there.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

‘Click Interview’ with Red Lokust: ‘Interpersonal Change Over The Years Is, In A Way, Like An Insect Shedding Its Skin’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:30:06 +0000

Red Lokust is a new dark-electronic formation featuring Distortion Productions owner Jim Semonik who’s also known from Rein[Forced] and the instigator behind the “Electronic Saviors”-concept and Lee Lauer who got some fame as member of Aslan Faction and later on Killing Ophelia. A few months ago now the duo released their debut-album “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin” on Jim’s label. This work reveals 10 tracks plus remixes by Leather Strip and Interface. Enough reasons to hook up with both musicians.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You guys both have been already involved in numerous bands so why did you feel the need to set up a new project and what makes Red Lokust different from earlier experiences?

Jim: I have always been a fan of what Lee has done with Aslan Faction and Killing Ophelia. So when he approached me at a Rein[Forced] gig about starting a project, I jumped at the chance. I instinctively knew that my chemistry with Lee would be very different than anything I’d ever done before. Luckily I was right because it was indeed very good chemistry and partnership.

Lee: Jim is seriously easy going to work with and I’m impressed with his ability to write lyrics under pressure.

Q: How did the writing and recording of the album happened and are there some specific experiences you’ll keep in mind?

Jim: Lots of emailing and uploading. Lee would bounce tracks my way just to see what I could do with them. Initially he gave me 6 tracks to work with. I remember listening to them in an airport for the first time and being blown away. I recorded my vox here in Pittsburgh at a studio. However, when it came time to mix, I traveled out to Lee’s place and we were on studio lockdown and we plowed through each track. I have fond memories of that weekend. I’ve never had such a productive time. But Lee’s cat bites.

Lee: This was the first time I’ve done a project remotely like this and was a little apprehensive doing it that way but it worked out perfectly. Jim and I work great together even if we are a 4 hour drive apart.

Q: You’re sharing a mutual love of industrial music so what’s your point of view about the current electro-industrial scene and do you have some kind of references (like bands, production, style…)?

Jim: I have a more American point of view of industrial. I like a lot of cold-wave and electro-industrial from the 90’s and early 00’s. We do have lots of common ground though. We both love FLA, but my songwriting is more influenced by bands like Chemlab, 16 Volt and Christ Analogue. I think when artists that work together have varying influence, it creates a special kind of diversity within the songs. I can hear all of our influences in our music. It is clearly electro-industrial but I like the punk edge within it.

Lee: I’ve been heavily influenced by a lot of ‘old-school’ stuff like Nitzer Ebb, Front 242 and of course the usual 80s suspects.

Q: I noticed you already did your first live shows with Red Lokust so how does it feel to be on stage with a new band and what’s your perception of playing live?

Jim: The “Electronic Saviors”-shows were tremendous. I absolutely loved playing these songs. I thought we were able to put together a cool light show (thanks to Lee) and put out an energy that we were hoping to achieve. This live show is only going to evolve over time and we can’t wait to get back out there. We are looking to tour next Summer.

Lee: I’m excited to once again get on stage and I couldn’t have asked for a better front man with Jim. It was a pleasure and an honor to support “Electronic Saviors”. Really looking forward to next year to get some more shows in and hopefully by then the second album will be ready!

Q: What is the title of the album all about and in, which way did it reflect the lyrical content and your personal perception of life and the world?

Jim: Life is change. Sometimes as we grow, our relationships with our loved ones grow or disintegrate. Some things that matter one year might not matter 5 years from then. So interpersonal change over the years is, in a way, like an insect shedding its skin. I wrote these songs from that perspective. You have to deal with the consequences of your decisions and in a nutshell, that is what the album is about. It’s about the mental struggle of dealing with personal evolution.

Q: I think Claus Larsen (Læther Strip) probably made one of his best remixes ever. How did you came in touch with him and what are the elements you like on his remix?

Jim: Oh man, I love how old-school it sounds. Leather Strip has always been a major influence. I got “Fit For Flogging” in 1995. Back then, it was a lot of fun to hunt down a catalog by an artist. I did just that. I had the pleasure of meeting Claus at his big show in Philadelphia for the first time so I asked him to be on the first “Electronic Saviors”-comp. Since that time, we’ve become friends and I put out his Am Tierpark project on my label, Distortion Productions. Claus is a sweet man and I am fortunate to be involved with someone of his talent. He knocked the remix out of the park. I especially loved the vocal effects.

Lee: Yeah that remix is amazing and what’s more, he knocked it out in like 24 hours. I’ve been a Leather Strip fan for many years and have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Claus many years ago with Aslan Faction so it was a no brainer to get a remix from him.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Red Lokust – The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin (CD Album – Distortion Productions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 18:27:34 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, dark-EBM.

Background/Info: Red Lokust is a brand-new duo set up by Lee Lauer (Aslan Faction) and Distortion Productions owner Jim Semonik (also involved in multiple bands like Electronic Saviors and Rein[Forced]). “The Repercussions Of Shedding Your Skin” is the debut album featuring 10 tracks plus 2 remixes.

Content: The sound clearly finds its inspiration in the darkest realms of electronics and EBM. The sound might appeal to lovers of Suicide Commando, Leather Strip and related formations.

The production reveals cool sound blasts and typical icy melodies while the enraged vocal parts clearly are another typical element for this kind of music. I can’t say that Red Lokust is an innovating formation, but definitely driven by experienced artists. The work features great sound treatments and rough, danceable cuts.

Interface and Leather Strip both accomplished great remixes, but especially the remix by Claus Larsen is absolutely phenomenal. He transposed “Speechless” in a terrific, spooky cut while adding his vocals on the song.

+ + + : Red Lokust will clearly seduce the dark-electronic community. This is album is the perfect stereotype of a well-crafted and efficient dark-electro production. “Mistakes Were Made” is one of the absolute highlights, while the remix of Leather Strip is in my opinion one of the best made by Claus Larsen.

– – – : The main and single reproach about this album is the lack of originality in sound. It’s a cool work, but maybe a bit too stereotypical.

Conclusion: You directly notice Red Lokust are not beginners, but a mature formation dealing with pure dark-electronics. This is an interesting band to keep an eye on!

Best songs: “Mistakes Were Made”, “Speechless – Leather strip Remix”, “Factionless”, “Perspective”, “When we Knew You – Interface Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .red –lokust .com / www .facebook .com /Red –Lokust -734889406642643

Label: www .distortionprod .com / www .facebook .com /distortionproductions