Rob Dust &#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!

Gleaming – We Dissolve (EP – Gleaming)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Wave-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Gleaming is an Austin (Texas, USA) based project which released a few singles thus far. “We Dissolve” features five songs.

Content: This work is definitely driven by good-old Electro-Wave influences. The composition isn’t sophisticated but efficient through simple tunes and retro-strings. I also noticed a more EBM driven bass line in one of the tracks. The vocals are half spoken – half sung.

+ + + : Gleaming is a cool discovery dealing with a simple but efficient sound approach. Both debut songs are cool exponents carried by dark bass lines and efficient, vintage sounding string parts. I think this is the kind of project that might be signed to Negative Gain Productions or at least it will catch the attention of the fans of this label.

– – – : The work is maybe missing a little extra like a more explicit melody line or a club mix by Rob Dust.

Conclusion: This is a project I want to keep an eye on; great Electro-Pop with a personal touch.

Best songs: “The Voyager”, “Run Faster”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/gleaming.atx Read the news on ‘We Dissolve’.

About Gleaming

Gleaming is an electronic project based in Austin, Texas, fronted by a musician who previously drummed in screamo and indie/dream-pop bands before moving into synth-driven, wave-influenced solo work. The project released the single “Run Faster” in 2022 ahead of its debut EP.

“We Dissolve,” reviewed here, arrived in February 2023 as Gleaming’s debut EP, followed by further singles including “Prancing” (2023) and “Head Shot” and “Bleed” (2025).

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.

Click Interview with Vanguard: ‘We Have Always Wanted To Evolve And Find New Ways In Our Music’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000

Jonas Olofsson and Patrik Hansson (still involved with Uncreated) last year released the fifth official Vanguard-album. “Spectrum” released by Infacted Recordings became a new accomplished, successful work in the band’s history. Vanguard is much more than simply Electro-Pop but a band band with an own, powerful, sound. “Spectrum” is the perfect illustration of the constant progression in writing and production. This work became one of the best Electro-Pop releases of 2022. I asked a few questions about it to Patrik.

(Picture credits by Peter Engman / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: The new album “Spectrum” has been released exactly ten years after your debut full length “Sanctuary”. How do you perceive the evolution of Vanguard from the very first album till “Spectrum”?

Patrik: Since the day we started to work together we have always wanted to evolve and find new ways in our music. We have found our own sound and it has been a challenge not to be too comfortable and just walk the same path. Rob Dust has also influenced us and put his sound into our music the last three albums.

Q: I already experienced your previous album “Manifest” as your most mature work to date but “Spectrum” even moves a step further; what an accomplishment! Is it just a growing experience or also the will to experience with new techniques and put more efforts in sound production? Do you think by the way the last album is always the best one and how do you look back at it a few months after the release?

Patrik: I guess it is us getting better writing and producing music as we gain more experience. Then we always fine tune every part of the production together with Rob. Sometimes it feels like we are not moving forward during the process, but in the end all those small steps matters. When it comes to me, I did not have the feeling that “Spectrum” was the best album so far when we released it. It had to do with some personal issues I have been battling. But ever since the release it has been growing and now I can be proud and say that I really like what we accomplished!

Q: What have been the main sources of inspiration when writing “Spectrum” and what do you try to express by its “lyrical content?

Patrik: Our inspiration has always been life and feelings and how it affects us all in different ways. It is a challenge to put it into words and music in new ways but with new experiences and events in life it seems to come out different each time.

Q: Tell us a bit more about the writing of this album? What have been the main stages and difficulties you’d to go through to accomplish this opus?

Patrik: When we started to pick out songs that would actually be on the album we focused all on those tracks. Most of the time the songs are not ready at all at that stage. The difficult part of the songwriting/production starts and turning good and cool ideas into a complete track is one of the big challenges. On an album you want them to be connected to each other in one way or another, which is also something that makes it a bit hard. We have had tracks that are done, but then we feel like it is not suitable for the album and we cut it out.

Q: When listening to Vanguard I often think to Mesh. What I like with both bands is a very own approach and sound DNA which sounds like an antithesis to all Electro-Pop bands driven by Depeche Mode. What makes this sound DNA and how do you perceive the Electro-Pop scene?

Patrik: I have heard before that we have some ‘common things’ with Mesh and I don´t mind that but I leave that up to the listener to decide. Me and Jonas have different backgrounds when it comes to music, although our taste in music cross ways and we have both listened to bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure etc in the 80s and 90s. Since me and Jonas met I have been listening more and more to the ‘harder’ part of the Electronic genre. It shows in the way we have evolved in writing music. Though we are still making melodic Electronic music the foundation of the tracks are a bit darker and harder. I always try to find new acts that inspire me to make new music. That is a good way of not getting stuck in old habits making the same four beats over and over again.

Q: How does it feel to play back live again and how do you transpose “Spectrum” to the stage? What are the further plans for 2023?

Patrik: We have had the privilege and opportunity to play live at good stages and with good bands. We have Markus Schmidt at Epicentre Booking to thank for that. We are really greatful to be able to play live in front of people, let it be they already know about us and our music or just found out about us coming to the gig. We are looking forward to continue the tour with Solitary Experiments and Mental Exile during this spring. “Spectrum” was well received during the autumn leg of the tour and we hope that people that join us for the spring leg will like it too.

Belgian dark electro pop act Psy’Aviah launches all new EP feat. Marieke Lightband: ‘My Secrets’

Eldrina Mich — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:24:06 +0000

Out now is an all new 8-track EO by the Belgian dark electro pop act Psy’Aviah. On this new EP Yves Schelpe has put his live vocalist (and partner in crime for the last few albums) Marieke Lightband in the spotlight.

“My Secret” was co-written with Lightband and describes the perception duality she herself experienced when she suffered from a burnout and where the girl she pretended to be in front of others had nothing to do with the “real her” in the bathroom mirror.

“We all have our secrets and there is always a point in time we need and want to share them,” she says.

The track is originally taken from the “Bittersweet” album. Besides the exclusive radio edit of the song, the EP features additional exclusive bonus remixes by Rob Dust, Entrzelle, Junksista, Digital Factor and Rool. The EP is at the moment exclusively available via Bandcamp with other platforms to follow in the next two weeks.

My Secrets EP (feat. Marieke Lightband) by PSY'AVIAH

Check the official music video for “My Secrets”.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

Solitary Experiments – Transcendent (Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-Pop, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, DCD & 3CD.

Background/Info: “Transcendent” is the eighth studio album by Berliner group Solitary Experiments. The album features an extra disc with remixes and guest singers while there’s also an extra disc available -which is an audio book.

Content: The main disc features 10 songs in the purest and unique tradition of the band. The Electro sound remains always catchy and danceable but still featuring ‘evil’ or call it darker parts. So there’s a song featuring Dirk Ivens (Dive, The Klinik, Absolute Body Control). But there’s also a totally evasive song featuring Elena Alice fossi (Kirlian Camera, Spectra*Paris) reminding me of an imaginary mix between Delerium and Push.

The bonus disc features a few more guest singers. Among others you’ll discover songs with Patrik Hansson (Vanguard, Uncreated), Gabriella Aström (Me The Tiger) and Nina De Lianin (In Strict Confidence) while remixes have been accomplished by Supreme Court, Rob Dust, Grendel, MC1R, Run Level Zero, Controlled Fusion and Massiv In Mensch.

+ + + : Solitary Experiments remains an established name in Germany and according to me is still recognized enough abroad. The band however remains a great project when it comes to combining danceable vibes, melodies, darkness and Pop singing. The addition of Dirk Ivens and Elena Alice Fossi as guest singers accentuates the diversity of the album. I’ve been impressed by the somewhat Dance/Trance “The Great Unknown” featuring Elena Alice Fossi. Another great piece is “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy” which clearly sounds as a potential hit. Other noticeable cuts are “Wonderland” and “Heart Of Stone” but also the menacing sphere running through “Zeitgeist” featuring Dirk Ivens. The bonus disc brings a nice extra with more guest singers and a great selection of remixers.

– – – : You can’t really blame Solitary Experiments for holding onto their sound which hasn’t changed throughout the years however the initial magic is a bit gone.

Conclusion: Solitary Experiments stands as an established value; you’ll be never disappointed as they’ve an imaginary qualitative label!

Best songs: “The Great Unknown”, “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy”, “Wonderland”, “Heart Of Stone”, “Zeitgeist”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.solitaryexperiments.de / www.facebook.com/solitaryexperiments

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel Read the news on ‘Transcendent’.

About Solitary Experiments

Solitary Experiments formed in 1994 in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and later settled in Berlin-Friedrichshain. Founders Michael Thielemann and Dennis Schober initially recorded under the name Plague before adopting the Solitary Experiments name. Vocalist Dana Apitz featured on the band’s first two demo tapes, “Risque De Choc Electrique” (1996) and “Death in Small Doses” (1998), before Steve Graeber joined on keyboards; Frank Glassl serves as live e-drummer.

The band signed to Maschinenwelt Records in 1999 and released its debut album, “Final Approach”, the same year. It was followed by “Paradox” (2000), “Advance Into Unknown” (2003), and “Mind Over Matter” (2005).

Solitary Experiments released its eighth studio album, “Transcendent”, via Out Of Line in 2022, featuring guest vocalists Dirk Ivens and Elena Alice Fossi alongside additional singers and remixers.

Menschdefekt feat. J:Dead – Secular Days (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 26 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Pop, Industrial-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: While Menschdefekt is actually achieving their new full length, we get this EP featuring UK artist Jay Taylor aka J:Dead.

Content: The title song is a harsh approach of Electro-Pop empowered with guitar playing and carried by a solid chorus featuring powerful vocals by J:Dead. We next get two pumping tracks, kind of hard Electro-Pop power. One of the songs features vocals by Fredrik Croona. The last track is a remix of the title track by Rob Dust.

+ + + : The choruses of the songs -but especially the title song, have an elevating effect. This is a cool international collaboration resulting in a complementary production. Next to the original song both other cuts left could be title songs as well. I like the heavy resonating “Not The Hate” featuring a great production of the vocals. Rob Dust did a great job remixing “Secular Days” which sounds even better than the original edit.

– – – : Only cool, danceable songs but maybe not the ‘ultimate’ hit.

Conclusion: This is a successful collaboration which will appeal for lovers of naughty Electro-Pop sounds.

Best songs: “Not The Hate”, “Secular Days – Rob Dust Remix”, “Flames”.

Rate: 7.

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

About Menschdefekt

Menschdefekt started in Aschaffenburg, Germany in 2004 as the solo project of Dominik R. The sound moves between electro, industrial and gothic, with lyrics written around the social criticism the project name points to. In February 2009 Swedish vocalist Fredrik Croona, also active in Cynical Existence, Croona and Project Rotten, joined as permanent singer and lyricist.

The band works with Infacted Recordings, which issued the digital single “Cursed” on 8 May 2020 and the album “Empty World” on 19 June 2020. That record held nine new songs plus seven remixes on CD and a track featuring German forensic biologist Dr. Mark Benecke.

The “Secular Days” EP reviewed here preceded the fourth studio album Recombination, released on 25 November 2022 with ten new songs and four remixes on CD; the title track appears there as well. Croona announced his departure in October 2022 after fifteen years and four albums with the band. Menschdefekt continued with the EP “Rays Of Light” in August 2024, and Alex Erbacher of District 13 joined as singer with the single “Black As Black Can Be” in May 2025.

Orange Sector – The Work Is Done (Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 22 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: German EBM cult band Orange Sector strikes back with a new EP following their successful last opus “Alles Wird Gold”.

Content: “The Work Is Done” was one of the most noticeable songs from their last opus; pure old-school EBM reminding me of DAF but also Nitzer Ebb. Orange Sector accomplished a hard remix of the song while Rob Dust and Puppenjungz remixed it. You’ll also notice two remixes of “Angstmann” which is another song from the album and previously released as an EP-title track. One remix has been made by Kreign. “No Justice – No Peace” is one more song taken from “Alles Wird Gold” which has been transposed into a darker edit. The exclusive “Blood Brothers” is an extra-smashing cut of EBM.

+ + + : The EP will bring no surprises for the fans but it however confirms the leading status of the German EBM formation. This is solid and hard-danceable retro-EBM; no tricks but just a pure sound! “The Work Is Done” is a perfect mix of old DAF and Nitzer Ebb with this little extra personal touch on top. I also enjoyed the “Short Aggression Mix”. The previously unreleased “Blood Brothers” is a cool new song holding on to the ‘aggressivity’ of the album stuff.

– – – : Nothing that new, but the fans don’t need innovation!

Conclusion: “The Work Is Done” is an appropriate title for this new release by Orange Sector.

Best songs: “The Work Is Done”, “The Work Is Done – Short Aggression Mix”, “Blood Brothers”, “Angstmann – Angstfrau Club Mix”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/OrangeSector

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

About Orange Sector

Orange Sector formed in Hannover, Germany in 1992, when Martin Bodewell and Lars Felker met at the club Index and found a shared interest in DAF, Extrabreit and Nitzer Ebb. Their demo tape “The War Comes Home” reached Zoth Ommog, whose label head Andreas Tomalla signed the duo. The albums “Faith” in 1993 and “Flashback” in 1994 followed, both produced by André Schmechta of X Marks The Pedwalk at his T.G.I.F. Studio, along with the 1994 EP “Kids In America”.

Felker left in 1997 and Bodewell continued alone through “Love It!” on Synthetic Symfony and “Scars Of Love” and “Masquerade” on Zoth Ommog in 1998, after which the project stopped. In 2004 Torben Schmidt of Lights Of Euphoria and Infacted Recordings approached Felker about a compilation of early material, which led to “Here We Are (Back Again)” in 2005 and a restarted band on Infacted.

Infacted issued “Bassprodukt” in 2006, “Profound” in 2007 and “Mindfuck” in 2009. “Krieg & Frieden” arrived in 2010 on Infacted and, in the United States, on Metropolis Records. “Vorwärts Nach Weit” followed in 2013 and “Night.Terrors” in 2015, framed by the EP trilogy “Glasmensch”, “Monoton” and “Farben”. René Nowotny of AD:keY joined as third member in 2018 for live support and studio backing vocals, and the trio released “Alarm” in 2019.

The single “War Of The Religions” with Armageddon Dildos appeared in 2021, the same year as the album “Alles Wird Gold”. Its track “The Work Is Done” was lifted into the 2022 EP reviewed here, with a remix by the American act Kreign. Bodewell went on to form the side project Kanka Bodewell with Uwe Kanka of Armageddon Dildos in 2022, and Orange Sector returned to album work with “Feuer & Flamme” in 2024.

Click Interview with Uncreated: ‘Vanguard Has A Tendency To Go Towards A Darker Atmosphere Whilst Uncreated Feels More Optimistic’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 05 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Swedish Electro-Pop formation Vanguard became a familiar and recognized name in the Electro-Pop scene. One of the band’s members Patrik Hansson decided to start a side-project called Uncreated. Several EP’s were released revealing a catchy, powerful, sound. This is danceable Electro-Pop getting people happy. The debut album “Eternal” released in 2019 was a successful production. By the end of 2021 Uncreated unleashed its second opus “Symbiosis” featuring an impressive list of guests singers. Mark Hockings (Mesh), Björn Marius Borg (Xenturion Prime), Louise Marchione (Planet R/Thermostatic), Mikael Engström (Covered In Snow), Richard Flow (Machinsta) and Arielle Andersson (Octolab) contributed to this fascinating album released by Conzoom Records.

(Picture credits Peter Engman / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What made you start next to Vanguard a solo-project? How do you differentiate both projects in sound, influences and production?

Patrik: I have always wanted to work with other singers. That was actually one of the reasons I looked for a companion back when I met Jonas and we started Vanguard, but it turned out that I was the one grabbing the microphone. So, the dream to work with other singers lived on and Uncreated is the result of that.

When it comes to differentiate the projects it has become easier the more I have worked with both Vanguard and Uncreated. One obvious thing is the singers ofc, but also the production differs more and more. Vanguard has a tendency to go towards a darker atmosphere whilst Uncreated feels more optimistic so to speak. I don’t know in what direction it will go from here though.

Q: A solo-project smells like ‘total freedom’; to do what you want without any compromises. But what are the main difficulties and challenges you encounter when being the single member at board? Do you have external critics and/or advisors?

Patrik: I always try to get input from people I trust when it comes to songwriting and production. Rob Dust has always been kind enough to help me out when it comes to production.

The co-writers/guest-singers have a lot to say as well. It is important that all involved are as satisfied as possible. I know I have some limitations when it comes to production etc, but the more I work with it, the better I become.

Q: How did this ‘symbiosis’ between you and the singers happen? Did you handle specific criteria to choose the singers to work with? What have been the different stages you’d to go through to get the job done?

Patrik: I simply choose to ask singers whose voices I really like. Not all accepted but I am really happy that so many wanted to join me as well on “Symbiosis” as on all earlier releases. In some cases I had a song ready for the guest to record and in some cases I only had an instrumental track. On most instrumental tracks I had an idea of a melody, but I let the guest decide if they wanted to write something themselves or not, both lyrics and melody.

Q: How did the transition happen between your debut album “Eternal” and “Symbiosis”? What aspects of the production did you try to change and/or improve?

Patrik: With “Eternal” I created a small foundation to grow from so to speak. I only had one guest on the album (Mel Guntzelsson). I wanted to spread the word just a little bit before I invited more guests. I guess it worked out quite well since I have been joined by great singers since then. Each release has helped me to spread the word about Uncreated to a bigger audience. After every release I let the songs ‘rest’ for a while before I listen to them again. In that way I have managed to take small steps in the right direction after every release.

Q: “Hand Grenade” featuring Mark Hockings rapidly became one of Uncreated’s most successful songs. Tell us a bit more about this song and the collaboration with Mark properly speaking? How did you know it was a song for him?

Patrik: Mark did a remix of “Break Free” (feat. Dennis Schober from Solitary Experiments) and that is how I got in contact with him. It was during that process that I told him I had a free spot for the upcoming album. I was really surprised that he accepted to join. I sent him an instrumental track and gave him time to work with lyrics and melody. The result was beyond my expectations. He also added a few elements to the production which really improved the impact of the song.

Q: What are your further plans with Uncreated? How do you expect the project evolving and what are you actually working on?

Patrik: At the moment I’m gathering inspiration to do more tracks. I still have a list of singers I want to work with. Actually Magnus Dahlberg from the Swedish band More is currently working on lyrics for a track. Let’s see where that ends! But I have no release with Uncreated planned in the near future.

Vanguard will release “Spectrum” this spring and then we have some gigs coming up too. I want to focus on that. But if I know myself, I will probably get in one of my ‘zones’ when I least expect it. In that case things can go fast.

HELLO DESTINY by BLIND PASSENGER feat. DENNIS SCHOBER (SOLITARY EXPERIMENTS)

Blind Passenger returns with all new album ‘Teamwork’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 03 May 2022 12:02:27 +0000

The German electronic-pop act Blind Passenger has released their new album, “Teamwork”, last week. For this album Nik Page and Sebastian Arp invited quite a few friends from the dark scene, such as Dennis Schober (Solitary Experiments), Leæther Strip, Rob Dust, Outsized and Syntec.

Recently released was the new single from the album: “Hello Destiny”.

Blind Passenger is the follow-up band of Blind Passengers (mark the plural) and was the solo project of Nik Page soon joined by Sebastian Arp.

Alex Braun – ReCover (Album – ScentAir Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: After having released the EP’s “Eiskalt” (2018) and “Chasing Cars” (2019) Alex Braun (!Distain singer) has released all the songs from these EP’s on the debut album “ReCover”. This work has been released in Russia by ScentAir and features a few extra songs. The title of the album is an indication of the concept of cover songs.

Content: The work features a varied selection of cover songs, which have been transposed into the Electro-Pop approach of Alex Braun. From Kim Wilde to Lou Reed to Depeche Mode to Snow Patrol to Black ao, the songs are easily recognizable. The opening track “Male Stripper” is a cover from Man 2 Man and features vocals by Madil Hardis (who already did some vocals for Nature Of Wires and Ashbury Heights). The last songs are remixes by Rob Dust (who did 2 remixes), Parralox and Elmodic. There’s also a cover of “Hallelujah” featuring female vocals by Alex’s daughter.

+ + + : Alex Braun seems to be fond of covering songs he likes. The work confirms the great vocal skills of Braun. It’s not an easy thing adapting famous songs like “Wonderful Life”, “Perfect Day”, “Cambodia” or yet “Somebody”, but he did it with natural grace. “Kim Wilde’s “Cambodia” remains my favorite one, which is the perfect song for Electro-Pop -the original version being pretty Pop as well. But my favorite song is the ‘new’ one; the opening piece featuring Madil Haris is driven by an excellent poppy tune and is one of the most danceable cuts. When it comes to composing ‘club music’ you better ask Rob Dust to remix some songs. He did a great job remixing “Cambodia” and “Chasing Cars”.

– – – : It remains a challenge to cover famous songs and artists. Alex Braun accomplished an honest work, but I’m missing some extra danceable vibes in most of the songs.

Conclusion: This work is mainly meant for the fans of the !Distain singer although I’m sure others will be surprised to discover a few cover versions.

Best songs: “Male stripper”, “Cambodia”, “Wonderful Life”, “Perfect Day” + “Cambodia – Rob Dust Remix”, “Chasing Cars – Rob Dust remix”.

Rate: 7.

Listen to “reCOVER”:

reCOVER by Alex Braun

Artist: www.facebook.com/alex.braun.313

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

About Alex Braun

Alex Braun sings in the German electro-pop band !Distain. He started issuing music under his own name through Echozone, which released the CD EP “Eiskalt”, reviewed on Side-Line in October 2018, and the EP “Chasing Cars”, reviewed in January 2020.

Discogs catalogues “ReCover” as ScentAir Records SA164, a limited CD released in Russia on 2 July 2021, and lists an identical sixteen-track digital edition issued by Echozone on 23 July 2021. The running order opens with the Man 2 Man cover “Male Stripper” and ends with four remixes.

Braun’s second solo album, “Dreamland”, appeared on Infacted on 1 March 2024. It drops the cover concept for his own compositions and was produced with Gerrit Thomas of Eisfabrik and Funker Vogt.

N-Frequency – What I Say (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: German formation N-Frequency released their official debut album “Signs Of Evolution” in 2020 and last year struck back with this totally new work featuring next to the title song three more songs and four remixes.

Content: N-Frequency moves on dealing with ‘classical’ Electro-Pop. The songs are easy listening pieces carried by catchy lyrics and strong leads. Nex to the “Club Version” of the title song they again asked Rob Dust to make a remix. Some passages remind me a bit of Elegant Machinery. Other remixes have been made by Mental exile and Technomancer while there’s also a remix of “Precious Live” (originally released at the debut album) by British formation Promenade cinema.

+ + + : It’s cool to get an EP featuring 4 different new songs plus a couple of remixes. The title song is a cool one -and especially the “Club Version”, which sounds a bit harder, but I prefer “I’m Not Sorry” for its elevating chorus while there are also cool sweeps and bleeps. Among the remixes I have a preference for the ‘power-pop’, boosted version of Technomancer.

– – – : This is a pleasant listening featuring cool songs -which is promising for the band’s next full length, but I can’t get away from the idea there’s nothing really new and original running through this work.

Conclusion: If you like typical, well-crafted Electro-Pop music you for sure are going to like this new N-Frequency work.

Best songs: ‘I’m Not Sorry”, “What I Say – Club Version”, “What I Say – Rob Dust’s New Single Mix”.

Rate: 7.

Listen to “What I Say”:

What I Say by N-Frequency

Artist: www.facebook.com/nfrequency.de

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

About N-Frequency

N-Frequency is a German electro-pop act from Nordhausen. Discogs lists Nicky Schulschenk, David Erdmann and Rocco Schulschenk as members.

The band first appeared with “Let Love Be Your Guide” in 2013 and “Monomatic” in 2014. The single “Perfect World” and the debut album “Signs Of Evolution” both followed in 2020, after which the group signed with Infacted Recordings.

The “What I Say” EP was released on October 22, 2021 with eight tracks: “What I Say (Rob Dust’s New Single Mix)”, “I’m not sorry”, “Here We stand”, “Non Believers”, “What I Say (Club Version)” and remixes of the title song by Mental Exile and Technomancer, plus “Precious Live” reworked by Promenade Cinema.

Excubitors – Another Dimension (Album – Excubitors)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Dark-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The fifth album by the German Viereck brothers is meant as an escape to the world we’re living in; it’s an open door to another dimension.

Content: Excubitors holds on their atypical Electro-Pop approach, which has something personal and not always easy to catch. Some darker and melancholic passages might appeal for Blutengel fans, but other pieces are away from established standards and cliché Electro-Pop. The tracklist is mixing danceable- and dreamy pieces. Most of the songs have been sung in English, but there’s also a few German sung tracks.

+ + + : “Another Dimension” sounds to me as the most mature and accomplished work by Excubitors. Most of the songs have something emotional and touching, the title track being for sure the reference to illustrate this approach. I’ve a preference for the more danceable cuts and I especially recommend the “2021 Re-Edit”s of “Command And Conquer” and “The Blue Lights”. Another attention grabber is “I Don’t Care” which is carried by a cool melody line. “Stranger” might appeal for Blutengel fans and is another song to discover. Last, but not least, Rob Dust also made a great remix of “Stranger” in an extra danceable/clubby style. Last, but not least I also have to say a word about the artistic digipak of this album.

– – – : I’m just missing an extra catchy touch on a few songs, but then the album would maybe become more cliché. Speaking for myself I prefer the English sung tracks.

Conclusion: The dystopian world we’re living in has inspired Excubitors to compose their best work to date; this is pretty cool Electro-Pop.

Best songs: “Command And Conquer – 2021 Re-Edit”, “I Don’t Care”, “The Blue Lights – 2021 Re-Edit”, “Stranger”, “Stranger – Rob Dust Remix”.

Rate: 7½.

Another Dimension by eXcubitors

Artist: www.excubitors.de / www.facebook.com/excubitors

About Excubitors

Excubitors is a German electronic group from the Marburg region, described by Discogs as working in darkwave and synth-pop. The line-up lists the brothers Sascha, Thomas and Stephan Viereck together with Heiko Schwab.

Lukotyk Records released the first album, “Auferstehung Aus Ruinen”, in 2007 and “Operation Observation” in 2009. The group then moved to 4eck-Studios for “Wächter” in 2014, “In Aeternum” in 2018 and “Another Dimension” in 2021, all on CD. “Beyond The Silence” followed on the same label in 2025, with a separate special edition.

Orange Sector Feat. Armageddon Dildos – War Of The Religions (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: This new EP by German EBM legend Orange Sector was accomplished together with another legend of the genre, Armageddon Dildos. Both bands remind us of the great Zoth Ommog label.

Content: The title song is pure EBM adrenaline, carried by a solid bass line, dancefloor rhythms and charismatic vocals. There also is a cool spoken sampling. The song has been remixed by Rob Dust, TC75 and Puppenjungz. The B-side song is heavier than the “War Of The Religions”, sung in German, but with a less carrying chorus.

+ + + : To see both EBM Grandmasters united is a pretty cool thing and for sure a very good reason for EBM fans to purchase this work. The title song also is a great piece of music, which is the right song as the EP title track. Among the remixes I heard a cool contribution by Rob Dust and a short, but powerful EBM remix by the unknown Puppenjungz.

– – – : The B-side song “Alles Ist Grau” is nothing less than an EP-filler with less substance.

Conclusion: Orange Sector had a great idea to ask Armageddon Dildos to work together; this is good-old EBM.

Best songs: “War Of The Religions”, “War Of The Religions – Puppenjungz Remix”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/OrangeSector

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

War Of The Religions by Orange Sector feat. Armageddon Dildos

About Orange Sector and Armageddon Dildos

Orange Sector is a German EBM band founded in Hannover in 1992, with Martin Bodewell, Lars Felker and Rene Nowotny listed as members. Discogs traces the band from "Faith" in 1993 and "Kids In America" and "Flashback" in 1994 through "Love It!" in 1997 and "Masquerade" in 1998, then a second run that includes "Bassprodukt" in 2006, "Der Maschinist" in 2012, "Endzeit" in 2017, "Die Fahne" in 2018, "Alarm" in 2019 and "Zerstörer" in 2020.

Armageddon Dildos is a German EBM duo founded in Kassel in 1990 around Uwe Kanka and Dirk Krause. Their catalogue runs from "East West" in 1990 and "That’s Armageddon" in 1991 through "Homicidal Dolls" in 1993, "Unite" in 1995 and "Speed" in 1997, with later returns on "Untergrund" in 2011, "Herbstzeitlose" in 2018, "No Pain Forever" in 2019 and "Dystopia" in 2020.

"War Of The Religions" was issued by Infacted Recordings in 2021 as a digital single credited to Orange Sector feat. Armageddon Dildos. Uwe Kanka set out the two bands’ shared history with Side-Line in the ‘30 Years Of Journalism – Celebration Interview’ with Uwe Kanka / Armageddon Dildos, and Kanka and Bodewell were later interviewed together in the Click Interview with Kanka Bodewell.

Gunmaker – The Third (Album – Advoxya Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 18:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Metal-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The Hungarian band Gunmaker has been active for a few years and released their third opus at the end of 2020. This new work features eight songs plus nine remixes. The album has been again produced by Rob Dust.

Content: The least I can say is that Gunmaker never repeats itself. From a rather Metal-driven debut album towards a more Electro/Indie-Pop next album they now strike back with a kind of Metal-Pop offspring. The songs have something Electro-Pop/Wave driven while being empowered by guitar riffs. Some of the most refined cuts remind me a bit of Apoptygma Berzerk.

Remixes have been made by Numb Haze, Rob Dust, Monolith, Human Vault, Dark Control Operation, Implant, Southern Pines, Cyberbob, Jihad, Angst Pop & Technomancer and Linda Daemon. The last song is an alternative mix of an album song by the band themselves.

+ + + : I can’t say that Gunmaker is constantly reinventing their sound, but at least they don’t get stuck in one specific sound formula. The mix of Metal driven riffs and Electro-Pop works pretty well, but I have a preference for one of the most Pop-driven cuts (cf. “Dreams And Desires”). Among the remixes I noticed a brilliant remix of “Wherever You Go” by French formation Dark Control Operation. I especially like the Gary Numan spirit emerging from the strings. Another cool remix is the one by Monolith.

– – – : I still think the production of the vocals could be better. It remains the main point of the band to improve.

Conclusion: Gunmaker moves on composing a very personal interpretation of different, but related music genres.

Best songs: “Dreams And Desires”, “Wherever You Go”, “Wherever You Go – Dark Control Operation Remix”, “Wherever You Go – Monolith Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Gunmaker-474227946012195

Label: www.advoxya-records.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Advoxya-Records/265765706059

The Third by Gunmaker

About Gunmaker

Gunmaker is a Budapest-based duo of János “Headfield” Erdei (vocals, guitar) and Andrew “Gunhead” Maker (synths), according to Discogs and the band’s Bandcamp credits. Gunhead had previously been involved in Impact Pulse and Nothing Nada. The debut album Headmaker (Advoxya Records, 2015), recorded with a female singer, was reviewed on Side-Line in March 2016, and the successor Daymaker (2017), produced by Rob Dust with Erdei on vocals, in June 2018. The band also appeared on the Advoxya compilation Hungarian Allstars Synthpop Compilation Volume 1 (2020).

“The Third” was released by Advoxya Records on 28 October 2020 on CD and as a download, with a limited double-CD edition in a carton jacket that adds a 3-inch maxi-single titled “B-side”. The eight songs are “I Wanna Feel”, “Wherever You Go”, “Your Own Star”, “Dreams And Desires”, “Give Me Your Life”, “Last Song”, “A Book” and “Take Me Into The Dark Night”, followed by nine remixes by Numb Haze, Rob Dust, Monolith, Human Vault, Dark Control Operation, Implant, Southern Pines, CyberBob and Jihad. Gunmaker wrote the words and music, Rob Dust produced, mixed and mastered the album and The Borg made the artwork.

Gunmaker has also remixed other Advoxya acts, including Stupre on You Are Made For Me and The Quinsy on To Feed Your Fever. “The Third” is the band’s third album and third Side-Line review.

Sea Of Sin – The Remixes II (EP – 7us Music)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: The ongoing pandemic inspired German Synth-Pop duo Sea Of Son to release a bunch of singles. Most of the songs were taken from the band’s last studio album “Unbroken” released in 2019, but there was also a single/EP featuring the new song “Turn Back Time”. This EP brings a fine selection from these Single/EP songs together featuring a total amount of seventeen tracks.

Content: Sea Of Sin stands for ‘classical’ Electro-Pop featuring well-crafted songs and carrying choruses. They selected songs like “Naked”, “Immaculate”, “Floating Away”, “Unspoken Words” and “Valentine”, which were all originally featured on the “Unbroken”-album. We here get “Single”- and “Radio”-edits plus a few alternative mixes, but also remixes by Rob Dust, Man Without Country, Nature Of Wires, Mesh, Covered In Snow, Paralyzed, Nite, Blume, Soni Code, Mindbeat, Rotoskop and Promenade Cinema.

+ + + : This EP is an opportunity to rediscover some of the “Unbroken”-songs reworked/remixes by other Electro-Pop artists. Mesh has remixed “Turn Back Time” and you’ll rapidly recognize the unique stamp of the British Masters of Electro-Pop. This is a terrific remix. I also have to mention the remix of “Floating Away” by Paralyzed and the boosted remix of “Floating Away” by Blume.

– – – : The remixes of “Unspoken Words” couldn’t really convince me. I also expected a bit more from Rob Dust’s work, which nearly always guarantees great remixes. I personally regret that all remixes have been made by Electro-Pop artists; even if they all inject their own touch it would have been cool to get remixes by bands from other music genres.

Conclusion: Electro-Pop freaks will for sure discover some cool songs/remixes at this EP.

Best songs: “Turn Back Time – Mesh Remix”, “Floating Away – Paralyzed Remix”, “Floating Away – Blume Remix”, “Immaculate – Nature Of Wires Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/seaofsinGER

Label: www.facebook.com/7usMusic

The Remixes II by Sea of Sin

About Sea Of Sin

Sea Of Sin is a German synth-pop duo from Hamburg formed in the mid-1990s by Frank Zwicker (vocals, lyrics) and Klaus Schill (synths, guitars, production), who had both played in Covent Garden before. The debut album “Watch Out!” appeared on Subtronic Records in 1995, followed by the EP “Illuminate” (1997), produced by Heiko Maile of Camouflage, and the album “Urban Chemistry” (2000).

After a long hiatus the duo returned in 2018 with “Future Pulse”, built largely from re-edited earlier material, and in April 2019 issued “Unbroken”, its first album of new songs after the break. The Remixes (7US Music), reviewed on Side-Line in January 2020, collected the remix work of 2018 and 2019 and added the previously unreleased “Only The Memory Remains”. Singles for “Unspoken Words”, “Floating Away”, “Turn Back Time” and “Immaculate” followed in 2020, and the band remixed Covered In Snow’s “Romeo” in early 2021.

“The Remixes II” was released on 26 March 2021 as a download and on CD through 7Us Music, according to Bandcamp and Discogs. Its seventeen tracks gather single and radio edits of “Naked”, “Turn Back Time” and “Floating Away” (the latter featuring Andrew Montgomery), the “Hanseatic Dark Mix” of “Unspoken Words” and the “Crashed Wires Mix” of “Valentine”, plus remixes by Rob Dust, Man Without Country, Nature Of Wires, Mesh, Covered In Snow, Paralyzed, Nite, Blume, Soni Code, Mindbeat, Rotoskop and Promenade Cinema.

The album “Tired Of Chasing Ghosts” arrived on 21 April 2023, the duo marked its thirtieth anniversary with live dates in 2024, and The Shape Of A Lonely Soul was released on 13 March 2026 and reviewed on Side-Line in August 2026. “The Remixes II” is the band’s second remix collection and its second Side-Line review.

Form – This World Is Ours (Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 21 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Three years after the debut album “Defiance + Entropy” Keith Trigwell (The Devout), Mark R Bebb (Shelter) and producer Rob Dust aka Form, strikes back with this new opus. This European formation –hailing from England, Wales and Germany, brings us ten new songs.

Content: The album takes off with a song featuring a kind of introduction and progressively evolving into the Electro-Pop style of Form. The songs are clearly inspired by bands such as Depeche Mode, but I also have to mention IAMX. Some parts are danceable while other cuts are more into a melancholic, dreamy format. There for sure is an emotional touch running through the work, which is accentuated by piano arrangements.

+ + + : There clearly is a harmony between the ‘softer’ pieces at one side and the more ‘danceable’ cuts at the other side. I personally prefer the ‘heavier’ side of the work, illustrated at “Glitter” and “Hazed”. But I also like the way the opening song “You” has been built up and will appeal to Depeche Mode fans. The last track is also worthy of examination for its catchy chorus. I also want to say a word about the mature production of the vocals. Form is clearly taking care of every single detail in sound and vocal production.

– – – : I was less impressed by the softer side of the work illustrated at songs like “Succumb” and “Protector”.

Conclusion: Form stands for ‘classical’ Electro-Pop music with a personal touch on top.

Best songs: “Glitter”, “Hazed”, “You”, “World”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: http://formofficial.com / www.facebook.com/formhq

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

About Form

Form is a European Electro-Pop project uniting Keith Trigwell (also known for The Devout), Mark R Bebb (Shelter) and producer Rob Dust, based respectively in England, Wales and Germany. The band released its debut album, “Defiance + Entropy”, on Infacted Recordings in 2019, followed by “This World Is Ours” on the same label in 2021.

Blutengel & Massive Ego – Nothing But A Void (EP – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 19:30:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This EP is the result of a friendship collaboration between Chris Pohl and Mark Massive. Blutengel and Massive Ego went on tour together; the front men became friends and finally wrote a song together.

Content: The title song is a catchy, danceable Electro-Pop/Wave cut with both artists singing together. The chorus has something elevating. We next get six remixes by Alex VRT (Omnimar), Auger, Omnimar, Rob Dust and Scot Collins (Massive Ego). There also is an “Alternative Version” accomplished by Blutengel and Massive Ego.

+ + + : I have endless respect for Blutengel and Massive Ego so seeing both front men working together can be only result in a great song. That’s also what happened on “Obscured”; an EP released earlier this year as collaboration between Blutengel and Hocico. “Nothing But A Void” is a catchy, danceable song with a cool chorus. Chris and Mark create a perfect duo singing. Among the remixes Rob Dust is once more the one that caught my attention, boosting the original edit to a harder and somewhat Trance-like remix. I personally prefer the “Alternative Version” instead of the original edit; this version is also a bit harder and clubbier.

– – – : “Nothing But A Void” is a good song that you’ll easily keep in mind, but it’s absolutely not what both artists have done as best thus far. It sounds a bit easy and the chorus line has something predictable. I also expected a bit more from the remixes.

Conclusion: I have some mixed feelings with this EP; it’s an honest song, but it doesn’t stand for the real talent of both artists. I’m afraid friendship is not enough to create great music.

Best songs: “Nothing But A Void – Rob Dust Remix”, “Nothing But A Void – Alternative Version”.

Rate: (7).

Artists: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial / www.massiveego.co.uk / www.facebook.com/massiveego

Label: www.outofline.de / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

Nothing But A Void by Blutengel & Massive Ego

About Blutengel & Massive Ego

Blutengel is fronted by Chris Pohl, while Massive Ego is the project of vocalist Marc Massive, with Oliver Frost on drums and Scot Collins on synths. The two acts had previously toured together, which led to the collaboration on this single.

“Nothing But A Void” followed Blutengel’s 2020 collaboration EP “Obscured” with Hocico and was released in November 2020 on Out Of Line as a limited, hand-numbered CD single including six remixes.

Beyond Obsession – Speaking Of A Devil (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 19:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Speaking Of A Devil” is a song taken from the fourth full length album “Revolution From Below”, released earlier this year by the project, German Beyond Obsession. They exposed this song to other artists for a real ‘remix festival’!

Content: The tracklist of the CD is different from the digital one. The CD takes off with the “Album Version” reminding us of the Depeche Mode influence. It’s a melodic and danceable song. You also will find the demo song at the end of the EP. In between “Speaking Of A Evil” has been remixed by 9 artists. Rob Dust, Ruined Conflict, Hartung & Schleinitz, Thomas Gaarn (Lights Of Euphoria), Ten after Dawn, Hidden Souls, Rroyce, Beyond Border and Missing In Stars remixed the original edit with their own touch and influences.

+ + + : “Speaking Of A Devil” is a real good choice as EP-title song; it simply is one of the best tracks from the band’s last album. It’s a melodic Electro-Pop song clearly evoking bands such as Depeche Mode and Erasure. It especially inspired artists such as Rob Dust, Hidden Souls (Electro-Pop formation from Argentina) and especially Ruined Conflict to achieve some real great mixes. The remix of Hidden Souls is a harder one. I also noticed a cool Techno inspired remix by Hartung & Schleintiz, which is not exactly the most familiar project from the list of remixers.

– – – : I never have been a huge fan of EP’s with an endless number of remixes from just one single song. Among the nine remixes you for sure will find some favorites, but 9 is maybe a bit too much.

Conclusion: If you’re a fan of Beyond Obsession, this EP will for sure find its place among your collection. I would advise listening to the album from the other music lovers.

Best songs: “Speaking Of A Devil – Album Version”, “Speaking Of A Devil – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Speaking Of A Devil – Hidden Souls Remix”, “Speaking Of A Devil – Rob Dust’s 20 -> Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.beyondobsession.de / www.facebook.com/beyondobsessionofficial

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

About Beyond Obsession

Beyond Obsession is a German electro-pop project that self-released “On My Way” (2012), “Tokio Underground” (2013) and “Listen, Learn And Speak” (2013) before the “Listen – The Remixes” set of 2014. The project signed to Popgefahr Records for “Black White Hearts” in 2015, followed by “Pieces Of Machinery” (2015), “Moments Of Truth” (2016) and “Pure & Naked” (2017). “Revolution From Below”, released via Infacted Recordings earlier in 2020, supplied the title track remixed on the “Speaking Of A Devil” EP.

N-Frequency – Perfect World (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 08:30:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: N-Frquency is a German formation, which is already active for a couple of years now. The band is now driven by the duo Nicky- and Rocco Schulschenk (both are also involved with a band called Stigma Souls). “Perfect World” is meant as an appetizer to announce the band’s official debut album “Signs Of Evolution”.

Content: This EP features the title song plus 3 remixes and a B-side cut. The music is clearly into the purest form of Electro-Pop. “Perfect World” is the kind of danceable music reminding me of Erasure. It has been remixed by the unavoidable Rob Dust while Wave In Head and Digital Energy accomplished a remix as well. “No Waste Of Time” is a sweet and evasive B-side song.

+ + + : “Perfect World” is a cool song to announce an album. It’s the kind of track that will make people happy –which is a welcome gift in this horrible year of pandemic! I personally prefer the remix by Rob Dust who once again shows his great remixing skills, boosting the song with some extra ‘dance’ effects and vibes. There’s also something to say about the minimal approach of the remix by Wave In Head.

– – – : “Perfect World” probably is the perfect song in a perfect world, but I’m a bit more demanding when it comes to original Electro-Pop music, which is not the main characteristic of this formation. That’s why I prefer the bouncing remix of Rob Dust and the minimalism of Wave In Head. But N-Frequency will for sure please the Electro-Pop audience.

Conclusion: This EP is an honest teaser to the album, but I reserve any further comment or conclusion before I’ve listened to the full length.

Best songs: “Perfect World – Rob Dust Remix, “Perfect World – Wave In Head Remix”, “Perfect World”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/nfrequency.de

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

About N-Frequency

N-Frequency is a German electro-pop duo of brothers Nicky and Rocco Schulschenk, also active as Stigma Souls. The project released “Let Love Be Your Guide” in 2013 and “Monomatic” in 2014. “Perfect World” arrived in 2020 via Infacted Recordings as the lead single for the debut album “Signs Of Evolution”, released later the same year, and N-Frequency followed up with the “What I Say” EP in 2021.

Pandoria – Clean (Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 19:30:26 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, Body-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Stephan Tesch (former Paranoid) and Martin Bodewell (Orange Sector) earlier this year released the impressive “Crush”-EP. They’re now unleashing Pandoria’s debut album featuring ten songs plus two remixes.

Content: Pandoria, which is an anagram of Paranoid, clearly sounds as the resurrection of Paranoid, but with another singer. “Clean” clearly reminds us of the icy EBM of the 90s Paranoid sound. The bass lines, cadence and arrangements are bringing real good souvenirs alive. “Crush” remains ‘the’ song of the resurrection, but also the start of a new and hopefully successful start. Martin Bodewell sings a ‘softer’ way than on Orange Sector although a few songs are expressing rage. The main difference with Paranoid is that the songs are more ‘poppy’-like. It sounds like catchy and accessible EBM symbolized by “Crush”. The album comes to an end with a “Single Version” of “Crush” and a remix by Rob Dust.

+ + + : “Crush” remains a phenomenal song; great EBM vibes mixed with a carrying chorus. It still is the best cut of the work, but “Clean” has much more to offer. “Natural” sounds harsher and I also have to mention “What Is Love”. Both songs could be potential singles. Next to the ‘hard’ side I also enjoyed listening to the catchier side reaching its top with “Chain Around My Heart”. The remix of “Crush” by Rob Dust is a bit more Trance-driven, but an excellent way to conclude this great EBM piece.

– – – : My expectations were maybe too high after the “Crush”-EP; I expected more songs from similar level, but none is really better. Anyway, no reason to complain.

Conclusion: No doubt about it, “Clean” is one of the best EBM productions from 2020. Pandoria is a band you have to discover!

Best songs: “Crush”, “What Is Love”, “Natural”, “Déjà Vu”, “Clean”, “Chain Around My Heart”, “Crush – Rob Dust Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pandoriamusic

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

About Pandoria

Pandoria’s name is an anagram of Paranoid, the German EBM band set up in 1987 by Michael Formberg and Stephan Tesch that released the albums “Strain” (1991) and “Sweat Blood & Tears” (1992) before splitting in 1993. More than two decades later, Formberg returned under the Paralyzzer moniker while Tesch teamed up with Orange Sector singer Martin Bodewell to form Pandoria. Signed to Infacted Recordings, the duo released the “Crush” EP earlier in 2020 before following it with the debut album “Clean”.

Reichsfeind – Living In Space (Album – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:00:02 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: The Belgian label Alfa Matrix recently signed Reichsfeind. The German project driven by Timo Revna is already active for a couple of years now. “Living In Space” was the German artist’s debut album released in 2017 on E-Noxe. Alfa Matrix is now releasing the back-catalogue of the band at their Bandcamp site. So this is an opportunity to (re)discover the twelve original songs plus four remixes of this work.

Content: There’s a manifest difference –or should I say evolution, between this debut album and the later released “Chasm Walk”. “Living In Space” sounds definitely more electro-Pop like, although always moving on the edge of darker sounds and effects. The sound production has something overwhelming, sometimes moving into harder cuts, which become more Aggreppo-like. But you’ll also notice a few softer pieces.

Remixes have been made by Rob Dust and Maneater while Kayfabe LaNoise made two remixes.

+ + + : The opening cut is the title song characterized by a true overwhelming production and a cool chorus. The tracklist is switching between Dark-Pop songs and a few heavier pieces moving on the edge of Aggreppo. “Detox” remains one of the absolute smashers of this work and in a way, showing the sonic path Reichsfeind should hold on its second album. Another attention grabber is “Carrousel”, which remains danceable, but still evasive. But the main strength from the album is for sure the very own approach in Electro-Pop music by this artist.

– – – : I’m not into the softer pieces of the album while the remixes don’t exactly add a bonus.

Conclusion: This work is a way to get an idea about how it all started for Reichsfeind, but I can already tell you that the best is yet to come…

Best songs: “Detox”, “Living In Space”, “Carrousel”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Reichsfeind

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

About Reichsfeind

Reichsfeind is the solo project of German musician Timo Revna, set up in 2011. The project self-released demos before the debut album “Daydream” in 2014, followed by “Living In Space” in 2017 on E-Noxe and the companion “Living In Space – The Remixes” EP in 2018.

Later releases include “Chasm Walk” (2019), the “Persona” EP (2020) and, following the 2020 signing to Alfa Matrix, “Darken” (2022), the “This” EP (2022) and the single “The Beauty Of Blur” (2023). Alfa Matrix’s reissue of “Living In Space” makes the back-catalogue of Reichsfeind’s 2017 debut available again.

Reichsfeind – Persona (EP – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:00:26 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Timo Revna set up Reichsfeind in 2011. Two albums were released thus far, but especially the self-released second one “Chasm Walk” caught my attention for its Electronic eclecticism. The German artist from Frankfurt now joined hands together with Alfa Matrix to unleash his new album. “Persona” is the first teaser to announce the upcoming opus.

Content: The title song featured as “Single Edit” reveals a great duality between rough sound treatments and a carrying chorus. It’s an ultra danceable song with the particularity of robotic vocal effects. Rob Dust accomplished a more pronounced ‘dance’ remix.

We next get remixes from songs that were originally released on the “Chasm Walk”-album. The “Club Mix” of “Retox” remains a smasher driven by a hopping cadence. This song has also been remixed by [Aesthetische] and Hydroxie. Last, but not least there also is a remix of “Anti” by ES23.

+ + + : The title song confirms the strong potential of the “Chasm”-album. It remains hard to define, but Reichsfeind sounds more like the fusion between different influences instead of belonging to a proper music genre. I like the rough sound treatments of “Persona” mixed with a solid chorus. It creates a heavy Dark-Pop effect symbolizing the very personal sound approach of this artist. But there’s also something to say about the great “Club Remix” of “Retox” and the harder edit by [Aesthetische].

– – – : It’s hard to find a minus point here; this is the perfect EP to get dancefloors on fire!

Conclusion: Reichsfeind is a very promising new comer to the Alfa Matrix roster and the great “Persona”-song will for sure become a hit!

Best songs: “Persona – Single Edit”, “Retox – [Aesthetische Remix]”, “Retox – Club Mix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pg/Reichsfeind

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

About Reichsfeind

The self-released “Chasm Walk” album followed in 2019, catching Side-Line’s attention for its electronic eclecticism, ahead of the December 2020 signing to Alfa Matrix. “Persona”, reviewed here, is the debut Alfa Matrix EP and first teaser for the album that followed on the label.

Blutengel singer Chris Pohl and Massive Ego frontman release joined EP ‘Nothing but a Void’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:44:56 +0000

It was written in the stars this would happen some day after Blutengel singer Chris Pohl and Massive Ego frontman Marc Massive went on tour together. The duo has now collaborated on a new single/EP, “Nothing but a Void” to be released on November 13th.

Chris: “Marc and me are not only colleagues. On our tour together we realized that we have a lot of interests and views in common. Plus he became one of my favorite singers. So it was just a matter of time to create something together, and the time was just right now.”

Marc: “Whilst we’ve all been unable to play live it was cool to be contacted by Chris who suggested we work together as a way to beat the pandemic blues with creativity. And it is this creativity that brings together the punching Future Pop of Massive Ego with the dark romantic of Blutengel – a collaboration on one level unifying the best of two worlds.”

Tracks:

Nothing but a Void (Original)
Nothing but a Void (Alex VRT Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Auger Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Alternative Version)
Nothing but a Void (Omnimar Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Rob Dust Remix)
Nothing but a Void (Scot Collins Remix)

About Massive Ego

Massive Ego are a British darkwave musical group formed in 1996 by singer and ex-model Marc Massive (also the owner of the Public Disordar label) and Andy J Thirwall. The band has changed its sound and image since its formation. The original releases being mostly covers in a Eurodance, Hi-NRG style.

Massive and Thirwall later parted ways, and Massive searched for a new musical direction for the band. Collaborations with Empire State Human and Lia Organa & Electric Prince were the start of a darker sound for the band. The band joined alternative German label Out of Line Music in 2015 with the line-up; Marc Massive, Oliver Frost, Lloyd Price and Scot Collins.

Their debut album for Out of Line was released on 17 February 2017. In 2017, the band became a trio due to Lloyd’s departure.

Digital Energy – Nostalgia (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:30:08 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: German duo Digital Energy last year struck back with their first album (cf. “Tempest”) in eleven years. I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed by the album. They now move back to the album with the “Nostalgia”-EP featuring mainly remixes.

Content: Digital Energy is one of those Synth-Pop bands clearly inspired by Depeche Mode. The global approach and some of the treatments are clearly emulating the masters of the genre. Five songs from the last album have been exposed to the remix skills of other artists while there also is a remix of a song from their debut album (cf. “Interemotional”) and one exclusive song.

Remixes have been accomplished by Rob Dust, Wave In Head, Croona, People Theatre, The Psychic Force, AD:Key and S.E.Pell. Notice by the way the band made some alternative edits of a few songs as well.

+ + + : There’s an interesting diversity of remixes thanks to the different artists. One of the best songs however is the exclusive “Take A Ride” revealing a club-orientated format; danceable and catchy Electro-Pop! Another club-friendly song is the remix of “Nostalgia” by People Theatre. In an EBM driven direction you’ll hear the AD:Key remix of “Trust”. Another attention grabber is the “Club Version” of “Unite!”, which sounds much more convincing than on the album. The last song, which is a remix of “Nostalgia / Disease” is an original work by S.E.Spell featuring bombastic treatments and the perfect final song for the EP.

– – – : I’m less convinced by the melancholic pieces/remixes, which are closer in the vein of the original edits. I also expected a bit more out of the remixes from Rob Dust who’s normally featuring great, clubby remixes.

Conclusion: This EP reconciles me a bit with Digital Energy, “Nostalgia” being much more exciting than the album.

Best songs: “Take A Ride”, “Nostalgia – People Theatre’s Mirror Mix”, “Trust – AD:Key Remix”, “Unite! – Club Version”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/digitalenergymusic

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

About Digital Energy

Digital Energy is a German synth-pop duo founded in 2000 by David Erdmann (vocals, music) and Bernd Kupke (words, music). The band released its debut album “Illusion” in 2000, followed by “Interemotional” in 2008, before taking a hiatus from 2009 to 2014. Digital Energy returned with the album “Tempest” in 2019 through Infacted Recordings, its first full-length in eleven years, and “Nostalgia” collects remixes of that album’s tracks alongside one new song.

Dark synth pop act Reichsfeind inks deal with Alfa Matrix – releases brand new single/video and back catalogue on Bandcamp

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 08:16:18 +0000

After the well received second album “Chasm Walk”, Frankfurt-based mastermind Timo Revna aka Reichsfeind has joined the well-known Belgian electronic music label Alfa Matrix. Immediately available via Bandcamp is the brand new electro pop single “Persona” which is an instant ear worm as you can hear below.

Many readers will also remember Reichsfeind from his participation on our most recent Face The Beat compilation with the track “Mute”.

But that’s not all, next to a new single, the label has also made available the entire back catalogue of Reichsfeind via Bandcamp exclusively which will please fans of bands like Seabound, X-Marks The Pedwalk, Elderbrook, Beborn Beton or yet De/Vision.

First of all there’s the new single “Persona”. The 6-track EP holds the title track next to an upbeat remix by Rob Dust, reworked mix of the project’s club hit “Retox” and a selection of remixes of “Anti” and “Retox” by artists in the likes of Aesthetische, ES23 and Hydroxie.

Persona EP by REICHSFEIND

Additionally there’s also a video launched for the single’s leading track.

Entire back catalogue also released on Bandcamp

For the occasion of the arrival of Reichsfeind in the Alfa Matrix roster of artists, the Belgian label is releasing the band’s back catalogue exclusively on its Bandcamp page.

“Daydream” EP

Initially released in July 2014, “Daydream” is the first official self-released EP by the German act Reichsfeind. It holds 6 tracks which set the sonic foundations of the band revealing synth melodies layered across darker electro arrangements with upbeat rhythm patterns with vocoded male vocals. The label perfectly describes it as “synth pop music with an edge and a darkish dimension.”

Daydream EP by REICHSFEIND

“Living in space” download album

Initially released in November 2017, “Living In Space” is not only the first official full length CD of Reichsfeind but it’s also their breakthrough album. The album includes club hits like “Soulpaint” and “Detox”. The album features bonus remixes by Rob Dust, Maneater and Kayfabe Lanoise.

Living in Space by REICHSFEIND

“Living in space (the remixes)” EP

Initially released in January 2018, “Living In Space (the remixes)” is the complementary EP release of Reichsfeind’s debut album. Opening with the exclusive non-album track “Mute”, this 4-track EP showcases 3 selected album songs from a different sonic perspective going from the upbeat club mix of “Detox (Desastroes remix)” to the more laid-back version of the “Soulpaint (Kennedy remix)”.

Living in Space (The Remixes) EP by REICHSFEIND

“Chasm walk” download album

The 14-track album “Chasm Walk” was originally released in November 2019. With his second album, Reichsfeind showed a matured songwriting and production level merging modern electronics, driving rhythms, dark atmosphere, meaningful lyrics, rolling basslines and addictive melodic sounds.

The album is also released with 4 bonus remixes by Kennedy, Maneater, Kayfabe, Lanoise and Chadouze.

Chasm Walk by REICHSFEIND

Pandoria – Crush (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:30:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Pandoria is a new and rather surprising band. This is a brand new duo featuring Stephan Tesch (Paranoid) and Orange Sector singer Martin Bodewell. We in a way can speak about the return of Paranoid and I guess it’s not a coincidence Pandoria is an anagram of Paranoid. “Crush” features the title song plus six remixes.

Content: “Crush” sounds like a truly resurrection of Paranoid. The global sound treatments, but especially the bass line brings this 90s German EBM combo alive. The main difference is Martin Bodewell singing, but he of course is a veteran in the genre. The song has a rather catchy tune, you’ll easily keep in mind.

Remixes have been done by Frozen Plasma, Digital Energy, Wellencocktail, Angriffspakt and Rob Dust (with 2 remixes).

+ + + : “Crush” is a great song, which will rapidly contaminate your mind. It also has this good-old Paranoid touch driven by a solid bass line while the catchy chorus makes it simply irresistible. And the more you’ll hear the song, the more difficult it will be to start listen to it again and again. The remixes are adding some diversity to the original edit. I especially recommend the first “Rob Dust Remix” with vocals (the second is an instrumental edit) for the high danceable energy emerging from this version. Another great remix is the one by Digital Energy, which sounds pretty catchy.

– – – : We only get one single song and even if it’s a great one, I prefer waiting for more stuff to really get an idea about Pandoria.

Conclusion: “Crush” is nothing less than an earworm! This is a great debut song for Pandoria!

Best songs: “Crush – Single Version”, “Crush – Rob Dust Remix”, “Crush – Digital Energy Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pandoriamusic

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

About Pandoria

Pandoria‘s name is an anagram of Paranoid, the German EBM band Stephan Tesch and Michael Formberg ran through the early 90s, releasing the albums “Strain” (1991) and “Sweat Blood & Tears” (1992) before splitting in 1993. More than 25 years later, Tesch teamed up with Orange Sector singer Martin Bodewell to form Pandoria, signing with Infacted Recordings for the “Crush” EP before releasing the debut album “Clean”.

Eisfabrik – Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik (EP – RepoRecords)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 20:03:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, body-pop, electro-pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This new EP by the German Eisfabrik is meant as an appetizer to their new full length album. ‘Dr. Schnee’, ‘Der Frost’ and ‘Celsius’ are back on track unleashing a main song plus a bunch of remixes and a B-side cut. The EP also is their first work released by RepoRecords –which has also been joined earlier by Funker Vogt (featuring Gerrit Thomas aka ‘Der Frost’).

Content: The main song “And Nothing Turns” is a somewhat surprising piece by the Eisfabrik gang. It’s a slow cut, which is driven by solid electro-pop arrangements and dreamy passages. It has something of a future-pop song. The “Club Version” boosted the song to a harder dancefloor edit. Remixes have been accomplished by Covenant, Schattenmann (adding guitars), Beyond Obsession, Robotiko Rejekto and Rob Dust. The remixes bring a real diversity to the song.

“White Sheet” is not what I would call a B-side cut, but a solid body-pop song getting you to dance. The arrangements are once more typically Funker Vogt-like –or should I say typically Gerrit Thomas-driven. Frozen Plasma made a remix of the song as well.

Dr. Schnee is still singing a rather clear and charismatic way.

+ + + : I have to admit the title song didn’t convince me with the first listen. It has something surprising, a bit reminding me of these songs the audience spontaneously put their lighters on in the air (today their mobiles) and sing along. But the track has something elevating due to the heavenly lead and the crescendo like music. Most of the remixes are adding a little extra like the minimal version by Covenant or the empowered with guitar remix by Schattenmann. Beyond Obsession injects some reverie, Robotiko Rejekto brings a retro touch to the work while Rob Dust gets you to dance. I can’t say this EP features a B-side as “White Sheet” is a solid body-pop stomper. Eisfabrik remains inspired creating great sound treatments, elevating leads and danceable rhythms.

– – – : “And Nothing Turns” needs a few listenings before you really get into the song and start to sing along.

Conclusion: This is a perfect way to announce a new full length; releasing a great song with cool remixes and an extra danceable cut.

Best songs: “And Nothing Turns – Club Version”, “White Sheet”, “And Nothing Turns – Schattenmann Version”, “And Nothing Turns – Covenant Version”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .eismusik .de / www .facebook .com /eisfabrikofficial

Label: www .reporecords .de / www .facebook .com /pages /Repo –Records /119590774857404

About Eisfabrik

Eisfabrik is a German future-pop/body-pop act built around vocalist Charly Barth-Ricklefs (‘Dr. Schnee’) and producer Gerrit Thomas (‘Der Frost’), who is also linked to Funker Vogt. The band released its debut album in 2015, followed by “Achtzehnhundertunderfroren” in 2016 and “Null Kelvin” in 2018. The “Rotationsausfall In Der Eisfabrik” EP, reviewed here, served as an appetizer for the band’s fifth full length, “Kryothermalmusik Aus Der Eisfabrik”, followed later by “Automatisierung In Der Eisfabrik” (2020), “Life Below Zero” (2022) and “Götter In Weiss” (2024).

Uncreated – Evolve (CD EP – Conzoom Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 31 May 2019 18:00:56 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Uncreated is a new Swedish solo-project set up by the singer of Vanguard Patrik Hansson. He released a few EP’s to announce the debut album “Eternal”.

Content: You for sure will rapidly recognize Hansson’s typical timbre of voice so comparisons with Vanguard will be unavoidable, but sound-wise Uncreated reveals a different approach. “Evolve” sounds closer to ‘typical’ electro-pop music although driven by a hard, danceable kick. The title song is melodic, danceable and featuring a chorus you’ll rapidly start to sing along. There also is an “Extended Remix” and a remix by People Theatre.

Other songs are “You Know Nothing”, which is also remixed by Rob Dust plus a remix of the song “In this World”.

+ + + : Honestly, “Evolve” is a great and accomplished song! This is the kind of track you’ll spontaneously start to listen to again and again. It’s well-crafted, carried by a solid bass lines and an efficient melodic tune plus featuring great vocal lines. The “Extended Remix” is a welcome last track while the People Theatre remix is also a noticeable edit. And if “You Know Nothing” is a B-side cut I can assure you it’s a real great one as well. The remix of Rob Dust is also a highlight.

– – – : I don’t see any minus point here!

Conclusion: I can only say that I’m deeply impressed by this EP and especially its title track! This is great, danceable electro-pop!

Best songs: “Evolve”, “Evolve – Extended Remix”, “You Know Nothing – Rob Dust Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /uncreatedofficial

Label: www .conzoomrecords .de / www .facebook .com /conzoomofficial

About Uncreated

Uncreated is the solo project of Swedish musician Patrik Hansson, previously known for his main act Vanguard. “Evolve,” reviewed here, is one of two 2019 Conzoom Records EPs – alongside “Not Your Soldier” – that fed into Uncreated’s debut album, “Eternal.”

Torul – Ausverkauft (CD EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:30:17 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Slovenian Torul are already back on track unleashing a new title-song that will be probably featured at the next full length album they’re actually finishing.

Content: “Ausverkauft” is a rather ‘classical’ Torul-song featuring astral bleeps, a slow, danceable cadence, feelings of evasion and a sensual timbre of voice.

The title song has been remixed by Frozen Plasma, Rotoskop, Into The Knot, Rob Dust and Soni Code.

+ + + : There are not many Torul EP’s that have disappointed me. I can’t say “Ausverkauft” is a new ‘major’ song in their discography, but it remains a cool and delicate track. This delicacy is accentuated by the sensual way of singing. Among the remixes I want to mention the great job done by Rob Dust. Frozen Plasma did a cool remix as well, bringing some fragility to the surface.

– – – : I was never a huge fan of EP’s featuring one title song and a list of remixes. I would have preferred discovering an extra- and why not an exclusive song.

Conclusion: Torul remains faithful to their personal electro-pop style, which is subtle, refined and sensual. Time for the new album now!

Best songs: “Ausverkauft”, “Ausverkauft – Rob Dust Remix”, “Ausverkauft – Frozen Plasma Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .torul –recordings .net / www .facebook .com /torul

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

About Torul

Torul is a Slovenian project originally set up as a solo outlet by Borut Bernik, known as “Torulsson”, in 2010, mixing Dance, Techno and Electro/Indie-Pop; the band’s line-up also includes Borut Dolenec and vocalist Maj Valerij.

“Ausverkauft” was one of several singles Torul released in 2019, ahead of the project’s next full-length albums, “End Less Dreams” in 2023 and “Superposition” on Infacted Recordings in 2025. Torulsson discussed the band’s history and line-up changes in a 2023 Side-Line interview.

Form – Defiance + Entropy (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 08:00:25 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Set up in 2017 by Keith Trigwell, Mark Bebb (Shelter) and producer Rob Dust, Form last year released the successful EP “Poison”. By the end of 2018 they released their official debut album “Defiance + Entropy”.

Content: If you already discovered the “Poison”-EP you for sure got an idea about this band’s potential. The songs are clearly inspired by electro-pop music, but it also moves from power-pop towards bombastic passages to vague future-pop reminiscences. There also is a nice match between vintage sound treatments and modern dance music. Another noticeable aspect is the production of the vocals. Form not only has a talented singer, but the different ways of singing add extra diversity to the work.

+ + + : From a pure technical point of view this is a high-tech production work. Music and vocals are fully complementary. The songs are driven by carrying leads and an obvious melodic touch. The EP-title song “Poison” remains the absolute hit of the work; it’s the kind of song that will appeal to fans of Rotersand. If you’re more into the ‘classical’ electro-pop format I recommend “Everlasting” while songs like “Fire” and “Sugar” both have this typical British dance-pop touch.

– – – : From a very personal point of view I regret there are no more songs in the vein of “Poison”; a kind of electro-power pop with a dark touch. Some songs are maybe a bit too far in the ‘commercial’ dance-direction.

Conclusion: Electro-pop music is such as numerous other electro-related genres quite similar and without real innovation. I can’t say Form is totally innovative, but their approach is for sure somewhat different. That’s what I like.

Best songs: “Poison”, “Fire”, “Sugar”, “Everlasting”, “Addict”, “Surrender”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /rob .dust .72

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

About Form

Form was set up in 2017 by Keith Trigwell, Mark R Bebb and producer Rob Dust, pooling members based in England, Wales and Germany. After the 2018 EP “Poison”, the group released its debut album, “Defiance + Entropy”, by the end of 2018 on Infacted Recordings.

Form released a second album, “This World Is Ours”, on Infacted Recordings in 2021.

‘Click Interview’ with Solitary Experiments: ‘The Feedback From The Audience Is The Biggest Thank You We Can Think Of’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:00:13 +0000

Solitary Experiments is a band I’m following from their very early debut. The German formation was set up in 1994 releasing their debut work on Maschinewelt Records. They later on joined hands together with the major company Out Of Line. Solitary Experiments never stopped increasing recognition and popularity. All over the years their music has evolved from dark EBM to future-pop and electro-pop. They last year released new opus “Future Tense” reveals a new vintage of great, danceable and melodic songs. I asked a few questions to singer and head of the band Dennis Schober.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Solitary Experiments will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2019! What have been the most important facts, songs & records, events ao you kept in mind and how do you see the future of the band?

Dennis: None of us would have believed that we would even get as far as the 25th anniversary. So many things have happened and it is hard to focus on one thing. I can definitely say that it wasn’t an easy path. We will always remember the foreign shows, beginning with Arnhem in Holland in 1999. Then our record deal with Out Of Line was the next milestone and then it went steadily uphill. The resulting album “Advance Into Unknown” which is still praised by critics must be mentioned, but it was the next one which included some of our biggest hits like “Delight” or “Pale Candle Light” that really brought us forward.

Next to seven studio albums, we also released some collaborative compilations, a retrospective box set and a live DVD for our 20th anniversary, plus the symphonic CD to the “Gothic Meets Klassik” event, which we are all very proud of. I also need to mention the jubilee shows (which started with our 10th anniversary celebration) and for which we always release a free compilation featuring all collaborating artists and friends. As you can see, there have been quite a lot of releases and we are planning to continue down this path.

Q: When I go back to the early work released on Maschinenwelt Records I first of all remember a band, which was more involved into EBM-influences although there was already an electro-pop touch on top. The style became more future-pop like throughout the years, but how do you perceive the evolution in sound and as musicians over the years?

Dennis: In the beginning we tried to sound like our idols. But we soon found our own stylistic path and through the growing experience we have learned to concentrate on what suits us best. This best explains the logical development of our music. We always put a focus on melodies and I have always tried to improve and develop my vocal skills. Throughout the years, we have noticed that the style that has changed has become increasingly popular with audiences.

Q: Your new album “Future Tense” took me by surprise; the sound and influences aren’t that new, but especially the global production process sounds to me as one of your most accomplished works in history. What can you say about the writing of this work and what has been the main focus in the production process?

Dennis: I take this as a compliment. What I can say is that we have been mastering the CDs in the same studio since “Phenomena”. With that album, we were overlooking the entire process and have been working with the producer to give it just the right sound. We have learned a lot from this, also in regard to pre-production. Michael has put all this collected knowledge into the production of the new album. It is good to hear that it was worth it.

Q: The title of the album “Future Tense” has something intriguing, even a bit symbolic and in a way related to the main source of inspiration, which remains future-pop music. What is it really all about and what did you try to accomplish releasing this album?

Dennis: We only tried to keep the standard of the last release, as we knew that it would be hard to top. We didn’t want to create a masterpiece, but just another waypoint on our journey. The main topic was clear from start on with the title and lyrics deliberately chosen to make you think about them. Basically, it’s about life and its transience. There is also an in-depth description to find in the booklet of the CD.

Q: The second disc reveals an impressive list of remixers. Did you have personal criteria to ask and/or choose bands to get remixed by and what have been the most surprising remixes from the album (which according to me are Empirion and Mono Inc.)?

Dennis: We always choose remixers with care. A lot of them have been on our wish list for a long while, like British act Empirion. I have to like the remixer’s style… like with Rob Dust or Raul Parra. Other mixes were part of an exchange with the artist. We wanted to give some newcomers a chance, as well, like German band ES23. Their track was a pleasant surprise, but I also have to mentions the versions of L’Âme Immortelle and the superb interpretation of Mono Inc.

Q: Solitary Experiments also became an experienced- and popular live band in the electro-pop scene. What makes the magic of playing live and what do you need, to speak about a successful concert?

Dennis: Being on stage is most important thing to us, as we have a direct feedback from the audience and are able to interact with them. A good show must include a solid stage performance, next to professional lights and sound. That is why we are using live drums, for instant. But one of the most important things is that we are all having fun. The feedback from the audience is the biggest thank you we can think of. The next big party is already booked – we will celebrating on November 8th and 9th in Berlin… with anybody who wants to attend.

Solitary Experiments – Future Tense (DCD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 21:00:51 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, electro-pop.

Background/Info: Solitary Experiments is a band I’m keeping an eye on since their very early years. The German formation became a recognized band dealing with electro/body-pop. “Future Tense” is their newest studio album, which was released 3 years after “Heavenly Symphony”.

Content: “Future Tense” is an interesting album title for featuring songs and a sound, which clearly bring us back to the past… This work isn’t retro-like, but seems to shout hard and loud that ‘future-pop’ is alive more than ever before. The album reveals a succession of great and carrying future-pop pieces, which will clearly appeal for the fans of VNV Nation and co. Sometimes a bit more dreamy-like, but mainly danceable, “Future Tense” is a noticeable album in its genre.

The second disc features remixes by ES23, Mental Discipline, Empirion, Binary Park, Freunde Der Technik, Mono Inc, People Theatre, Rob Dust, L’Âme Immortelle, Beborn Beton, Paul Parra, Hartung & Schleinitz and Uniik.

+ + + : You immediately will notice the maturity of this band. They’ve accomplished a major album, which –even if doesn’t bring anything new, maybe is one of their best productions in history. It’s a melodic and danceable piece of work, but still a work filled with sensibility and emotions. There are several songs illustrating the talent of the band. I for sure can refer to the already know “Crash & Burn” (featuring female vocals by Tea F? Thimé from Ashbury Heights), but also “Brace Yourself!”, “Shelter”, “I Am”, the harder sounding “Double Dealer” and my personal favorite one “Every Time”.

Among the remixes I especially recommend the harder and darker sounding remix of “Double Dealer” by Empirion, but I also noticed cool contributions from Mental Discipline, Rob Dust, People Theatre, Paul Parra and a surprising acoustic remix by Mono Inc.

– – – : I don’t see real minor points although Solitary Experiments became a little bit predictable in their composition while a few songs are moving on the ‘commercial’ edge of dance music.

Conclusion: Solitary Experiments have already released great and noticeable productions, but I consider “Future Tense” as one of their best in history. Future-pop is alive and this album clearly symbolizes this fact.

Best songs: “Every Time”, “Brace Yourself!”, “Shelter”, “I Am”, “Crash & Burn”, “Double Dealer” + “Double dealer – Empirion Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www .solitaryexperiments .de / www .facebook .com /solitaryexperiments

Label: www .outofline .de / www .facebook .com /outoflinelabel

About Solitary Experiments

Solitary Experiments is a German band formed in 1994 around singer Dennis Schober, releasing its debut material on Maschinewelt Records before signing to Out Of Line for the 2003 album “Advance Into Unknown”. The band’s sound evolved from early EBM influences toward the future-pop and electro-pop style of later albums including “Cause & Effect” (2004), “Immortal” and “The Beauty Lies…” (both 2009), and “Phenomena” and “Trial And Error” (both 2013). “Future Tense”, reviewed here, arrived as a double-CD in 2018 alongside the single “Crash & Burn”, three years after “Heavenly Symphony”. Solitary Experiments marked its 25th anniversary in 2019 and returned in 2022 with the album “Transcendent”, preceded by the single “Wonderland”.

Form – Poison (Digital Single – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 20:30:40 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Behind the Form-project is hiding Rob Dust. He gained a serious reputation as producer and remixer, having worked with some real famous names.

Content: The title song is a catchy and carrying piece of electro-pop music with a little trace of melancholia on top. The vocals are rather clear. Next to the “Album Version” you also will discover a “Club Version”. There also is an extra (kind of B-side) song entitled “Going Under”.

+ + + : “Poison” is a great title song featuring all requested ingredients to get perfect electro-pop music. The “Club Version” is logically driven by club-orientated elements like an empowering beat. Both versions make me curious to discover the full length album.

– – – : I’m not into the B-side cut, which is less inspired and rather average-like.

Conclusion: “Poison” is exactly what you might expect from a single format: a cool title song and a B-side one without that much interest… although some B-side cuts became real hits, but not this time…

Best songs: “Poison – Club Version”, “Poison – Album Version”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www .facebook .com /rob .dust .72

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

About Form

Form is an electro/synth-pop band from England, Wales and Germany built around Rob Dust, together with Mark R. Bebb and Keith Trigwell. Dust has also built a career as a producer and remixer for other artists. “Poison” arrived on Infacted Recordings in 2018 and was followed the same year by “Defiance + Entropy”.

GunMaker – Daymaker (CD Album – Advoxya Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 19:30:01 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, indie-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: GunMaker is a Hungarian trio which released their debut-work “Headmaker” in 2015. This album revealed an electro-metal sound with some pop influences. The successor “Daymaker” was released in 2017 revealing a male vocalist instead of the female singer who has left the band. Notice by the way this album was produced by Rob Dust.

Content: “Daymaker” is a different album, which is more carried by pop elements. I can’t speak about a ‘typical’ electro-pop album as “Daymaker” goes much further. The songs are sophisticated, catchy and empowered by guitar riffs. Solid bass lines and impressive electronic treatments (which even remind me of Sebastian Komor) are the main electronic ingredients of this work.

The album also features a rather surprising Covenant cover (cf. “Like Tears In Rain”) plus a few remixes by Rob Dust, Atomzero, Strongmaker and Diskonnekted.

+ + + : “Daymaker” reveals a great evolution compared to the debut work. The songs have been composed with intelligence. I like the carrying- and melodic aspect of the songs while the guitar play inject some extra power. There’s a real great balance between all the different layers and especially between electronics and guitar. I also like the vocals when produced with some minimalistic, robotic effect on top.

– – – : The only single point that can be improved are the vocals on a few songs. There’re missing conviction and especially passion. That’s maybe because of the line-up change.

Conclusion: “Daymaker” is a real interesting album for avoiding the big electro-pop cliché. It also reveals a band that has made an interesting move towards more indie-pop driven influences.

Best songs: “I Swear”, “I Swear – Rob Dust 80s Forever Mix”, “Trust Me Or Lie”, “Like Tears In Rain”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /Gunmaker -474227946012195

Label: www .advoxya –records .com / www .facebook .com /pages /Advoxya –Records /265765706059

About Gunmaker

“Daymaker” follows with Erdei now on vocals, produced by Rob Dust. Gunmaker went on to appear on the Advoxya compilation “Hungarian Allstars Synthpop Compilation Volume 1” in 2020 and returned with the album “The Third” in 2021.

Lederman / De Meyer – A Tribe Of My Own (Digital EP – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:30:59 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, body-pop.

Background/Info: This project is the surprising meeting between two Belgian electronic pioneers and ‘Godfathers’ of EBM. Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weathermen, Ghost & Writer, Polyphonic size ao) and singer Jean-Luc De Meyer (Front 242, Under Viewer, 32 Crash, Cobalt 60, Modern Cubism ao) joined hands for a new sonic experience. This is the debut EP from the duo.

Content: First of all don’t expect to discover a sonic hybrid between The Weathermen and Front 242. You for sure will directly recognize Jean-Luc Demeyer’s unique timbre of voice and some typical Jean-Marc Lederman arrangements, but the sound became a new challenge instead of a ‘cheap’ EBM format.

The title song mixes elements of EBM and electro-pop. It’s a rather ‘soft’ song carried by a noticeable melodic aspect. The 4 songs left are remixes made by other formations. Next to a hard remix of the title song by Sebastian Komor you’ll discover remixes of “Back To nature” (a cover of the legendary Fad Gadget song) by Edge Of Dawn and Coldkill plus a remix of another song by Rob Dust.

+ + + : This is a fascinating project for seeing 2 electronic veterans joining hands for a new sonic challenge. It simply reveals their love and passion for music while holding on the EBM roots. Even if both versions of “Back To Nature” are remixes, I think it’s an interesting cover version. The title song has some potential, but I think Lederman / De Meyer can do better and that’s what I expect from their debut album. Last, but not least Jean-Luc De Meyer once again reveals to be a talented singer, as well as with writing intelligent lyrics. The remixes by Sebastian Komor and Coldkill both are terrific songs.

– – – : The title song is missing a truly apotheosis, which has been reached on Seb Komor’s version. But my single regret is that this EP only features one original song by Lederman / De Meyer as all other tracks are remixes.

Conclusion: I can’t say that I was totally convinced by the single, original song featured on this EP, but I’m really wondering what the album of this legendary duo will sound-like.

Best songs: “A Tribe Of My Own – Sebastian Komor Remix”, “Back To Nature – Coldkill Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /Ledermandemeyer

Label: Label: www .alfa –matrix .com / www .facebook .com /Alfa .Matrix

Read the news on ‘A Tribe Of My Own’.

About Lederman / De Meyer

Lederman / De Meyer pairs two Belgian electronic veterans: Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weathermen, Ghost & Writer) and vocalist Jean-Luc De Meyer (Front 242, Cobalt 60). In a Click Interview with Side-Line, Lederman recalled how the project began: “It actually started with an English label wanting to do a Fad Gadget covers album. They contacted me and I thought I should try this. I thought about a singer and it seemed to me Jean-Luc De Meyer would be great at that.”

The debut EP “A Tribe Of My Own” (2018, Alfa Matrix) was followed that same year by “Atoms In Fury” and the full-length “Eleven Grinding Songs”.

Front 242 side-project Lederman / De Meyer launches debut download EP ‘A Tribe Of My Own’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 16:57:36 +0000

The first release from Lederman / De Meyer is a fact! Out now – and available only on Bandcamp for now – is the debut EP “A Tribe Of My Own”. The project is the union of 2 legendary musicians from the electro movement in Belgium: Jean-Marc Lederman (The Weathermen, Fad Gadget, …) and Jean-Luc De Meyer (Front 242, Underviewer, 32CRASH, …) who offer dark and danceable material on their debut EP “A Tribe Of My Own”. On the EP you’ll get the title track in an album edit plus also a remix by Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Komor Kommando, …). But that’s not all. Also included is the duo’s own cover version of the Fad Gadget cult hit “Back To Nature” which got a very nice future pop remake by Edge Of Dawn. Coldkill from their side turned the track into a darkwave industrial mix. Last but not least, you’ll also get a 3rd song with “Dots, Circles And Lines”, a more sarcastic introspective song in a remix version by Rob Dust known for his cult remix work for bands like Camouflage, Alphaville, Joachim Witt, etc.. A very promising 5-track EP which you can download right now from Bandcamp. A Tribe Of My Own EP by LEDERMAN / DE MEYER

Read the review of ‘A Tribe Of My Own’.

Vanguard – Never Surrender (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 18:48:44 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, body-pop. Background/Info: Vanguard is back on track with their 3^rd full length album to date. Jonas Olofsson and Patrik Hansson are a Swedish duo I’ve been keeping an eye on since their early debut. They got signed to Conzoom Records on, which they released great work. They last year moved to Infacted Recordings unleashing the EP “I Want To Live” which got enthusiastic reactions. Content: Vanguard didn’t spare any effort to bring their sound to a higher level. They asked Rob Dust to produce the new work and the least I can say is that the addition of an experienced and talented producer can only improve your work. The sound remains pretty faithful to the original sound of Vanguard. It’s a kind of powerful electro-pop style, which reminds me –once again, of Mesh. There’s this similar nose to create carrying choruses driven by lyrics you’ll rapidly keep in mind to sing along with Jonas Olofsson. The songs are elaborated and characterized by bouncing kicks. I however discovered a few calmer and more moody cuts. There definitely is some variation in the songs and this diversity makes the album more accessible. You sometimes need a kind of ‘intermezzo’ before getting back to the powerful cuts. + + + : I had to listen a few times to this work before I really caught the essence made of little sound details, hopping rhythms and some subtle arrangements. The global structure of progression of the songwriting is admirable and fully accomplished. The elaboration of some songs is even leading towards a kind of climax. The song “I Want To Live” is a real hit! A last, but essential aspect of Vanguard remains the great singing skills of Jonas Olofsson. – – – : Vanguard will maybe get bored with all the possible comparisons with Mesh, but I simply experience their sound as the ‘Swedish Mesh’. The only point that makes the difference between both formations is that they still have to go a long way before reaching the same level. Conclusion: After having released 3 albums and an impressive number of EP’s we definitely might affirm that Vanguard is one of the hottest electro-pop bands from the past years while “Veritas” can be easily considered as their opus-magnum. Best songs: “I Want To Live”, “A Different Story”, “Friends”, “Move On”. Rate: (8). Band: www .vanguardofficial .com / www .facebook .com /vanguardofficial Label: www .infacted –recordings .de / www .facebook .com /pages /Infacted –Recordings /124099254321690

Read the news on ‘Never Surrender’.

Vanguard returns with ‘Never surrender’ – pre-orders available now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 09:14:40 +0000

Out in June is the newest Vanguard album “Never surrender”. The album is the follow-up of the teaser single “I want to live” which was released in late 2015. For their 3rd studio album, Jonas Olovsson and Patrik Hansson asked the help of producer Rob Dust who is probably known to some for his remix and production work for Camouflage, NamNamBulu, Chrom, Frozen Plasma, Visage, Torul, Joachim Witt and so on.

Because of delays the band’s new album “Never surrender” has taken more time than expected so the band told a while back. Not that the band didn’t tease their fans in the meantime as you can see/hear below. The album is now up for pre-order right here!

Pre listening the new album in the car. Soon.. ? #vanguard #synth #synthpop #electropop #neversurrender

A photo posted by VANGUARD (@vanguardofficial) on Feb 18, 2016 at 9:58am PST Read the review of ‘Never Surrender’.

The new album will have 12 tracks and you can view a preview below.

And here’s a video for “I Want To Live” in a KC Killjoy Vs ExoSun Starsign Mix.

Gunmaker – Headmaker (CD Album – Advoxya Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 21:48:59 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-metal, metal-pop.

Background/Info: Behind this new Hungarian band is hiding ‘Gunhead’ who was previously involved in Impact Pulse and Nothing Nada. After the split of those bands Gunhead was joined by a female singer and a guitarist to set up Gunmaker.

“Headmaker” is the debut album, which was already released a few months ago now.

Content: This band has less in common with the aforementioned formations of their creator. The songs are clearly driven by empowering guitar riffs, which are somewhere in between metal and gothic music. The electronic parts are much softer and even exploring realms of pop music, which is the only link with Nothing Nada.

The result is rough exposure of pop, which is unusual and raped by heavy guitar play. This is an antidote for classical electro-pop music although accomplished by efficient arrangements. The female vocals by Zsófi add some angelic grace to this album.

The work features 8 songs plus 5 noticeable remixes. Gunmaker made an outstanding selection asking great producers and I here especially have to mention People Theatre and Rob Dust bringing the sound into great dance-pop music. I also have to mention a harder, but excellent remix by Dolls Of Pain.

+ + + : “Headmaker” is a pleasant debut featuring a surprising, but exciting mix of electro-pop and metal-guitar music. There are a few noteable remixes at the end of the album.

– – – : I always feel a bit sorry for a band when some of the remixes made by other formations are better than the original songs and that’s exactly what this album is all about. The potential hits have been accomplished by other bands instead of Gunmaker.

Conclusion: This is a new formation showing interesting ideas, which have been transformed into gold with the remixes by People Theatre and Rob Dust.

Best songs: “Love Me – Rob Dust Remix”, “No Chance – People Theatre Remix”, “Shiny Stars”, “No Chance – Dolls Of Pain’s Nicht Unterkriegen Mix”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www .facebook .com /Gunmaker -474227946012195

Label: www .advoxya –records .com / www .facebook .com /pages /Advoxya –Records /265765706059

evo-lution back with new album ‘Seasons’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 08:29:19 +0000

Out via KL-Dark-Records is the new album “Seasons” by German electro pop act evo-lution. The album is available both as a download and on CD (you can order both right here).

Included also on the album are bonus remixes by Beborn Beton, !distain, Eisfabrik, Leichtmatrose, Per Anders Kurenbach and Rob Dust.

A preview teaser for the album can be viewed below.