Ruined Conflict &#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!

Cold Black Room (Deluxe Edition) (VUZ 030) by Dark Minimal Project

Dark Minimal Project, reissues extended edition debut album – Out now on VUZ

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:45:43 +0000

(Photo by Erik Jarrigeon) Out now on the VUZ label is an extended reissue of the debut album from Dark Minimal Project, “Cold Black Room”. The release comes out in a deluxe edition digipak with additional tracks and artwork.

Dark Minimal Project was formed in 2022 by the Lille (France) based duo Guillaume Vanderosieren and Ange Vesper. Their first material was produced by the French producer and musician Peter Rainman (People Theatre) and released as a collection which soon sold out.

Their music is influenced by Depeche Mode, Psyche and other darker synth bands. The band recently released a 10-track strong remix album featuring tracks from their 2023 album “Ghost Of Modern Times”. This remix album features remixes by People Theatre, Krieg-B, Front 242 / Patrick Codenys, Ruined Conflict, Dominatrix, XMS, Fatherless Child, Dark State, Ethan Wood and Résilience.

Check out the tracklist of this deluxe edition of their debut album below on Bandcamp where you can download the album or buy the CD version.

Dark Minimal Project returns with ‘Remixes’ incl. reworks by Dominatrix, Patrick Codenys, XMS, … – Out now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:08:23 +0000

(Photo by Erik Jarrigeon) Dark Minimal Project is a French electro cold wave act consisting of Ange Vesper and Guillaume VDR, augmented with producer Peter Rainman. They formed in 2022 in Lille (France) and is currently signed to Infacted Recordings.

The band recently released a 10-track strong remix album featuring remixes by People Theatre, Krieg-B, Front 242 / Patrick Codenys, Ruined Conflict, Dominatrix, XMS, Fatherless Child, Dark State, Ethan Wood and Résilience. You can still get the vinyl version on Bandcamp too.

Remixes by Dark Minimal Project

The tracks are taken from the band’s 2nd LP “Ghost Of Modern Times” released in May 2023.

A new video clip was also launched for the track “Ordinary Man” remixed by Ruined Conflict.

Ruined Conflict – The Experiment (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Xavier Morales strikes back with four new songs of his sonic alter-ego Ruined Conflict. The work comes after the great “God & Sinners”-albums released in 2021 and 2022.

Content: Ruined Conflict moves on from where previous releases stopped; a harder and rougher sound. The debut cut however sounds as a ‘quieter’ intro-cut. We next get pure, danceable songs but especially the more EBM driven “Get In The Epicenter” sounds as the main cut. Last but not least the last track featuring vocals by Fredrik Croona is mixing Metal guitar riffs together with Future-Pop.

+ + + : I don’t know where Ruined Conflict will stop but this artist is taking me by surprise work after work. The sound became harder throughout the years, taking some distance with the Future-Pop sound from the early productions while holding on to a danceable side and melodic choruses. This EP is absolutely phenomenal as there’s something to say about each single track; from the great opening piece with a carrying chorus to the danceable “Artificial Intelligence” featuring great lyrics to the very hard and club-minded “Get In The Epicenter” to the surprising Metal-driven “Amen” featuring Fredrik Croona.

– – – : I don’t see true minus points here. I just can’t get enough of it!

Conclusion: There where renowned Future-Pop artists are somewhat stagnating in their approach or simply lost their inspiration, Ruined Conflict moved on withy time and never stop exploring new sonic horizons while holding on some essential elements of the early productions;

Best songs: “Get In The Epicenter”, “Artificial Intelligence”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.ruinedconflict.com / www.facebook.com/RuinedConflict

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

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.

Argentina based dark electropop act Hidden Souls releases new single and video for ‘Loreley’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:49:19 +0000

Echozone announces the single and video release by Hidden Souls’ “Loreley” featuring nine remixes of the song and two versions of a B-side track.

“Loreley” is an 80s synthpop style track originating from the German Loreley myth from the 19th century.

The band precises the sound on the single as follows: “From the very beginning of the song, an analogue synthesizer provides a hypnotic, catchy and warm sound throughout the pop dance beats. From the famous poem / song “Die Lorelei” and the myth to the urban legend from the Rhine, the lyrics were written from the lover’s point of view. The aristocratic man who fell in love with Loreley and who he allegedly betrayed.”

The single contains remixes from Ruined Conflict (USA), L_igh_T (Spain), Elektrostaub (Germany), People Theatre (France), Device not Ready (Germany), Real Eraser (Argentina), VDOC (Germany) and Glasnost (Argentina). The single also features a non-album track called “The Court Of The Beyond” and is offered in two different versions. The original one is a dark synthpop song with a synthwave touch, whereas the alternative version has a goth feeling with an intense dark atmosphere.

The single will be available on all relevant streaming services and download stores.

Here’s the video for the track.

The track is taken from the band’s recently released album “All That We Destroy”. In 2018, the Argentinian band released their debut album “The Incorruptible Dream”. Now, they are back with new material after touring in Europe for the first time.Hidden Souls are Leo Carden (vocals / guitars), Guillermo “William” Pardo Neira (keyboards / songwriter / programming) & Alex Visoná (keyboards / composer). The album was produced & mastered by Fernando Sande Dallas.

Here’s the previous single “I Was There…”.

Ruined Conflict – God & Sinners Part 2 (Mini-Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-Pop, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Second mini-album in the “God & Sinners” series by Ruined Conflict. We get six new songs, two remixes and one reworked edit from an early song.

Content: This second part moves on in the line of the first one. Ruined Conflict becomes harder, harsher, and colder. It however remains very accessible music reminding the glorious days of Future-Pop. There are songs reminding me of the power of Leather Strip and yet it remains very Ruined Conflict-like. One of the main songs entitled “We’Ve Comde” has been remixed by Anthony H and SpankTheNun. Last but not least there’s a ”2022”-edit of “Defiance” which was originally released at the debut album “A.R.M.O.R.” (2013).

+ + + : Where will Xavier Morales stop? I’m simply impressed by the way he non-stop improves his work, the global production becoming harder and more professional. The way he mixes harsh and powerful sound treatments and solid bass lines together with the melodic side of Future-Pop is simply impressive. “Anarchy”, “We’ve Come”, “Switch”, “Defiance 2022” and “Miracle” left me breathless. Power and melody are in pure harmony becoming a true Electronic symphony. On top of this production there still is the captivating vocals of Xavier Morales.

– – – : This is simply the best Ruined Conflict work to date. Both remixes are the less convincing part although these remixes aren’t bad at all.

Conclusion: The point has come Ruined Conflict simply excels in its art becoming one of the leading projects in contemporary Future-Pop music.

Best songs: “Anarchy”, “We’ve Come”, “Switch”, “Defiance 2022”, “Miracle”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.ruinedconflict.com / www.facebook.com/RuinedConflict

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

Mondträume – The Unknown Path (EP – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Mondträume strikes back with a new line-up. Singer Damasius Venys is no longer on board (he’s also busy with his solo-project Mental Exile) so Pikotto VonMond joined hands with Ivan Derbenev (Antilav, Himmash) and Madil Hardis (who already collaborated with Ashbury Heights, Psy’aviah ao).

Content: Sound-wise the work is still driven by dark and melancholic Dark-Pop vibes. The EP features 4 songs plus 3 remixes. Madil Hardis’ classically trained voice injects a dreamy, elevating effect to the work. Both singers also performed as a duo. Remixes have been accomplished by Ruined Conflict, Elektrostaub and Aiboforcen.

+ + + : It’s not an easy thing and even a big challenge replacing Damasius Venys but the new vocalists did a great job. It however sounds like a new beginning for Mondträume and especially the female vocals are quite surprising. There’s something to say about each new track but I especially recommend “Something” for its danceable loops and kick plus “Loss” which is a refined and still danceable cut with a perfect match between male- and female vocals. Among the remixes I especially salute the great work of Ruined Conflict injecting an extra Future-Pop touch to “Something”. I also like the Aiboforcen remix of the same song.

– – – : The sound, melancholia and danceable vibes of Mondträume remain all intact but it’s not an easy thing to get used to hearing new singers. Damasius Venys definitely was the soul of this formation.

Conclusion: If you like to dance to melancholic songs you better play Mondträume.

Best songs: “Loss”, “Something – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Something”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Mondtraeume

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

Kim Lunner – From Dusk To Dawn (Album – Scentair Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 29 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two years after the debut album “This Is Me” ScentAir Records has released the second album by Norwegian artist Kim Lunner.

Content: The style and influences haven’t really changed. Kim Lunner remains driven by good-old Electro-Pop standards while there also is an explicit Future-Pop element reminding me of bands like VNV Nation and Ruined Conflict. I also noticed a very few cuts which are darker and harder featuring solid EBM bass lines.

+ + + : If you already liked the debut album you’re going to like “From Dusk To Dawn” as well. This is a diversified production mixing harder and softer cuts together. I’m more into the ‘harder’ cuts for the cool bass lines like featured at “The Reason”, the darker approach running through “Time To Run” and “Holding Hands” which is my absolute favorite one.

– – – : The sweeter side of this work can’t convince me. It sounds more average like and without surprises.

Conclusion: A fully enjoyable and varied Electro-Pop production.

Best songs: “Holding Hands”, “The Reason”, “Time To Run”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/kim.lunner

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

Spanish electropop act Mondträume returns with an all new EP: ‘The Unknown Path’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 09 May 2022 13:06:06 +0000

Since 2010, the Spanish act Mondträume has been seducing the dark souls with their somber synth pop music with an edge. After two successful full length albums and several charting EP’s the band’s founding member Pikotto (aka Jose Ignacio Castaño Marquinez) returns with the new 7-track EP “The Unknown Path”.

You will discover a brand new line-up including the new band members Ivan Derbenev (Antilav, Himmash) and Madil Hardis (who also recently collaborated with Ashbury Heights, Psy’Aviah, etc.). The EP holds 4 new songs plus 3 remixes by Ruined Conflict, Aiboforcen and Elektrostaub.

The EP is available for immediate download via Bandcamp with other platforms to ofllow in the next few weeks.

The Unknown Path EP by MONDTRÄUME

Here’s the video trailer for the new EP.

Ruined Conflict – God & Sinners Part 1 (Mini-Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: American project Ruined Conflict strikes back with six new songs. Xavier Morales is actually already busy achieving the second part of this work.

Content: Ruined Conflict brings what the fans expect; powerful and danceable Electro, which is clearly infused by Future-Pop reminiscences. The songs have been achieved with bleeping sequences and carrying melody lines, but I also noticed a naughtier touch featuring more aggressive bass lines, which even have something Martial driven. Both last songs are softer and more into an emotional style.

+ + + : I like the diversity of this work. It moves from the ‘traditional’ Ruined Conflict style, which I’ve always linked to good-old Future-Pop, to more harder cuts. “Cries Of The Fallen” is definitely one of the hardest cuts I’ve heard from this artist. If you prefer the ‘emotional’ side of the artist I can only recommend “Prayer” although this is not my favorite cut as I prefer the ‘danceable’ side of the artist. Last, but not least –and without again making comparisons with Ronan Harris, Xavier Morales remains a charismatic singer for this kind of music.

– – – : The work is totally enjoyable, but maybe missing an ‘absolute’ hit.

Conclusion: Ruined Conflict remains a guarantee for powerful Electro/Future-Pop music.

Best songs: “Breath Of Life”, “Cries Of The Fallen”, “God And Sinners”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/RuinedConflict

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

Labels Interviews: File 6: Torben Schmidt / Infacted Recordings: ‘It Was Always A Moving Experience To Be Part Of Creating Something’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 22 May 2021 18:30:00 +0000

Torben Schmidt gained some experience about label activities working as A&R manager for the legendary Zoth Ommog and Bloodline. He set up Infacted Recordings in 2001 and signed bands like Orange Sector, Namnambulu, Frozen Plasma, Reaper, X Marks The Pedwalk, Prager Handgriff, Heimataerde, Grendel, ES23, Ruined Conflict, Xotox, NZ, Aircrash Bureau, PreEmptive Strike 0.1, Shiv-R, Torul, IC434, Vanguard… but still the own bands he’s involved with Lights Of Euphoria and Binary Park. Twenty years later Infacted Recordings became a reference when it comes to EBM, Electro-Pop and Dark-Electro artists.

(Stéphane Froidcoeur / Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Was there a kind of ‘philosophy’ when you set up your label and did it evolve over the years? How would you define your label activities today?

Torben: My main aim and intention when I started Infacted Recordings back in 2001 was to get independent and release/support the music I love, whenever possible detached from the economical side (which of course is not always possible). I was working for other people/companies before I started my own record company and experienced many good, but also quite some things, which were to be improved. I think the big advantage I had from the start was that I knew both sides, working in a record company and being an artist, producer myself.

Q: I can imagine you must have specific and explicit criteria to sign an artist/band. Can you give us more details about this aspect and how important is it for you to know the person(s) hiding behind the ‘artist(s)’?

Torben: Well, to be honest, for me it is basically a matter of personal taste. One rule I had from the start was to get to know the human behind every band/artist whenever possible to make up my mind about the individuals. If there is a good chemistry in between label and band/artist, that’s the most solid base you can get for a strong work together.

Q: You are already active for numerous years now so you must have seen a lot of things changing and evolving; think about social media, streaming platforms, Youtube channels… but also economic crisis etc. What are the pros and cons of these changes/evolutions and in, which way did you had to adapt/change your strategy and activities?

Torben: I think you already hit the point with the question. Time changes and we, as the motors and creators of this scene had the task to step up with the changes. We are innovators to a certain point, always at the pulse with being DJs, musicians, producers, people who initiate ideas and start projects. For me personal it was always a moving experience to be part of creating something. I think you really have to be where the heart of the scene is, at clubs, at festivals at concerts, meeting fans and supporters and have a good communication.

Q: The ongoing pandemic has affected all artistic life and activities so what’s the true impact on your label activities and do you think it will also affect your long term objectives?

Torben: The main problem we all seek is that one big part of our scene is missing, that’s the live/club thing we have with our bands and our supporting DJs. Many plans we had with touring and release events for 2020 and 2021 had to be shifted. There are fresh ideas with streaming events, but this rarely compensates the feeling most of our scene loves and lives. So well, we honestly hope that there will be perspectives again soon. On the other side I am very happy to have so many supporters out there who continuously aid me/us as a label and the bands and DJs directly.

Q: Do you think media (magazines, online platforms etc…) still have an impact and a role to play today? What’s your relationship with ‘journalists’ and how important is their work?

Torben: I can only speak for me personally here, but I think that print media is losing more and more of its impact due to various factors. Time is running fast and news are spread way more easily digital then in print media. It’s not really blaming, but print magazines concentrate too much on the same bands over and over again (of course often due to demand).

There are exceptions of course and I truly appreciate the support we get and a lot of still really enthusiastic journalists, but I experienced so many people stop buying magazines in the last years and change to digital media to get there information. For me as a label, social media and online media in general is an important key for my promotional work.

Q: What do you consider as your biggest accomplishment(s)? Do you have specific goals/dreams you want to achieve and how do you prepare and see the future of the label(s)? And what are your biggest regret(s)?

Torben: During the years I had the opportunity to work with so many talented artists, known/not so knows, small/big, which is/was truly an honor. So many relationships were started, collaborations occurred and friendships actually did result. My dream to live & work with music did already happen, so I am pretty thankful for this. I have to say that I do not really regret anything. Being in the music scene was great in almost all time periods and every phase had it great moments. Even on bad experiences you grow and make internal progress.

Birthday And Death (feat. !Distain) EP by ELEKTROSTAUB

German synth pop act Elektrostaub signs to Alfa Matrix and releases brand new EP feat. Henrik Iversen (Namnambulu) + full back catalogue available again

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:43:34 +0000

Over 3 years after the release of his successful debut album “Birthday And Death”, German synth pop act Elektrostaub is back with a brand new EP, “Wake Up” and announces the release of his second album “Reliance” in 2021 on his new label Alfa Matrix.

For the new EP – out now on all platforms including Bandcamp and Spotify – Patrick Knoch was joined by Henrik Iversen (Namnambulu). A second A-side song is also added to this EP with the harder and darker EBM song “Futurism” featuring the vocals of Norderney’s frontman Jan Dieckmann.

The EP features in total 11 songs, offering 9 bonus remixes going from moody synth pop to upbeat electro dance through EBM and modern electro wave remakes by artists in the likes of Aiboforcen, The Second Sight, Aesthetische, Culture Kultür, Digital Factor vs Margaret Street, Versus, DJ Thommy, Nordic and DMT Berzerk.

Wake Up (feat Henrik Iversen) EP by ELEKTROSTAUB

Back catalogue re-released

For the occasion of the signing of the German act Elektrostaub on the Belgian Alfa Matrix label, the complete back-catalogue was also re-released.

“Birthday And Death”

Originally released on 17th November 2017, “Birthday And Death” is the first album of Elektrostaub that was then much anticipated thanks to the resonant success of the two previous club hit singles “Also Without You” featuring Anne Goldacker (ex-Obscyre, Wintry) and especially “Unforgotten” featuring a collaboration with Namnambulu’s frontman Henrik Iversen.

This 13-track debut album also includes 5 songs made together with his long-term friends of !Distain but also a second song “Prediction” together with Henrik Iversen as well as additional guest vocal collaborations with artists like The Eternal Afflict, Datasushi or yet Roberto Lindner.

Birthday And Death by ELEKTROSTAUB

“Unforgotten” (feat. Henrik Iversen) EP

Originally released on 21st July 2017, “Unforgotten” is the debut single of Elektrostaub and features guest vocals by singer Henrik Iversen (from Namnambulu fame). The EP holds some 12 various versions of the song.

Unforgotten (feat. Henrik Iversen) EP by ELEKTROSTAUB

“Also Without You” (feat. Anne Goldacker) EP

Originally released on 22nd September 2017, “Also Without You” is the second single of Elektrostaub and features guest vocals by female singer Anne Goldacker (ex-Obscyre, Wintry). The EP holds some 13 various versions of the song.

Also Without You (feat. Anne Goldacker) EP by ELEKTROSTAUB

“Funeral Of Love” EP

Originally released on 16th February 2018, “Funeral Of Love” is the third single of Elektrostaub taken from the debut album “Birthday And Death”. It reveals this time a harder side of Elektrostaub closer to EBM and perfectly matching with the powerful vox of Ruined Conflict’s frontman Xavier Morales. This track was also sung in Spanish by Nordika’s singer offering a more synth pop dimension to this very melodic song.

Besides 5 other versions / remixes of the title song, this EP also features an exclusive remix of the slower and poppy song “2806” featuring vocals by !Distain and Seyhan.

Funeral Of Love EP by ELEKTROSTAUB

“Birthday And Death” (feat. !Distain) EP

Originally released on 1st June 2018, “Birthday And Death” was the 4th and last single to be released from Elektrostaub’s same titled debut album. The EP features !Distain on vocals. The EP holds some 11 various versions of the song.

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

God Module – The Unsound Remixes (Album – Metropolis)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:30:54 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: God Module last year unleashed the successful opus “The Unsound”, which has been now revisited by an impressive list of artists remixing most of the songs from the album. “The Unsound” was God Module’s eighth official album.

Content: From the 10 original songs of the album only 2 (cf. “Behind The Curtain” and “One Last Wish”) haven’t been remixed. We get a total of seventeen (!) remixes by Iris, Amnestic, ESA, Baby Magick, Ruined Conflict, ES23, System Syn, Wolftron, Reichsfeind, Absynthe Of Faith, “Finite Automata, Ghostfeeder, Invalid, Velvet Acid Christ, Funker Vogt, Aircrash Bureau and Rodney Anonymous.

The selection of remixers is pretty diversified resulting in a true sonic cocktail. It’s pretty surprising to hear God Module being remixed by Iris for example. But I can also mention the heavier and industrial work by Amnestic and the melancholic Pop of System Syn. The album ends with heavy dance cuts by Funker Vogt and Aircrash Bureau.

+ + + : It’s cool to nearly get all songs from the album being remixed. It creates a cool diversity and I’m sure we all will find some favorite cuts. I have to mention ES23 transforming “Cross My Heart” into a powerful, melodic edit. Funker Vogt did a great job remixing “Unconscious” while I also have to mention “Déjà vu” remixed by Aircrash Bureau. Ruined conflict is another great name and the remix of “Display” definitely belongs to the best of this opus. So in the end it’s quite interesting to see that some of the best songs from the original album didn’t become my favorites now.

– – – : When you get 17 remixes you for sure will always have a few forgettable ones; some of the less famous artists unfortunately also deliver the less inspired remixes.

Conclusion: This album is a perfect item for die-hard fans and DJ’s, but I still prefer the original album.

Best songs: “Cross My Heart – ES23 Remix”, “Unconscious – Funker Vogt Remix”, “Display – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Déjà Vu – Aircrash Bureau Remix”;

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.godmodule.org / www.facebook.com/godmodule

Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords

Ruined Conflict – Dying Light (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 19:30:11 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Xavier Morales aka Ruined Conflict clearly is a prolific artist. While his last full length album was released in 2019 he’s already back on track unleashing new stuff. “Dying Light” features four new songs plus two remixes.

Content: The title song opens the EP in a rather solid way, mixing the power of EBM and the melodic side of future-pop music. The vocals are a bit harder than what we’re used to hearing while there’s an elevating choir passage joining in at the end of the song. The next song is pure future-pop while “Solitude” coming up is what I should call a ‘classical’ Ruined Conflict song.

“Solitude” has been remixed by Rob Dust and Lykard. The last cut is the instrumental “6.000 Miles From You”. This song reveals a pure atmospheric approach with a melody line reminding me of OMD.

+ + + : I often compared Ruined Conflict to VNV Nation, but let’s be serious; this band sounds in constant progress while VNV Nation is clearly over its top. This EP confirms a great song writing, mixing harsher EBM elements together with the typical, elevating melody lines in the future-pop vein. The title song is a perfect exposure of this sonic fusion, but the real title track is “Solitude”. It sounds darker and menacing while still holding on to the melodic side. Both remixes by Rob Dust and especially the darker, bombastic approach of Lykard both are noticeable cuts.

– – – : Ruined Conflict doesn’t really change its sound formula so it’s the single reproach I can make… but who cares when the result is constantly progressing.

Conclusion: If you like solid and modern future-pop music you for sure like this new Ruined Conflict EP!

Best songs: ‘”Solitude”, “Dying Light”, “Solitude – Lykard Remix”, “Solitude – Rob Dust’s Big Beatz Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.ruinedconflict.com / www.facebook.com/RuinedConflict

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

Menschdefekt – Cursed (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 18:30:52 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, industrial-pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Six years have passed since the last Menschdefekt-album “Touch Of Madness”. “Cursed” might be seen as the comeback for this German-Swedish formation featuring Fredrik Croona as singer. This album comes as an appetizer to the new opus “Empty World”.

Content: “Cursed” takes off with the title song as “Single Version”, which is a kind of dark-electro song accomplished with a catchy, poppy chorus. The vocals are harsh, but the melodic lead has something elevating. This is a song to all together sing and dance to.

We next get 8 remixes by Ruined Conflict, Frame Of Mind, Reichsfeind, X-Horize, BloodConnek7ion, DV8R, Nine Seconds and Mechanical Moth.

+ + + : There’s no better way announcing a new album by such a sonic bomb! “Cursed” is a song you’ll rapidly keep in mind and before you realize it, you’ll be contaminated. You’ll spontaneously start to sing the chorus again and again to finally repeat the song again. I also heard several cool remixes like the more poppy- and minimal like one by Ruined Conflict. I also like the job done by Frame Of Mind, DV8R and Mechanical Moth.

– – – : It’s just a pity this EP only features one song and an endless list of remixes; good for the DJ’s, but I’m expecting a bit more so let’s wait for the album.

Conclusion: Menschdefekt strikes back with a dancefloor killer!

Best songs: “Cursed – Single Version”, “Cursed – Ruined conflict Remix”, “Cursed – Frame Of Mind Remix”, “Cursed – DV8r Remix”, “Cursed – Mechanical Moth Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.menschdefekt.com / www.facebook.com/official.menschdefekt

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

State Of The Union – Bad Flower (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 31 May 2020 19:30:19 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: State Of The Union is already active for twenty years now. Driven by Johann Sebastian, the project has already released five albums and multiple successful electro-pop songs. “Bad Flower” is the band’s newest work featuring a title song, an extra B-side cut plus a load of remixes by other artists.

Content: “Bad Flower” is a rather ‘classic’ electro-pop song driven by hopping sequences and recovered with a cool lead. The song progressively evolves towards an approximate climax. Remixes have been accomplished by C-Lekktor, Ruined Conflict, Nordika, 64 Rockets, Digital Energy, DMT Berzerk and Aircrash Bureau. The bonus song –or B-side track, “Behind That Dress” is a sweet and evasive experience. The song has been remixed by Ruined Conflict as well.

+ + + : “Bad Flower” is a cool new song for State Of The Union. It also inspired some artists to accomplish great remixes. I first of all have to mention the great job done by C-Lekktor, boosting the original version into a darker dimension. Ruined Conflict is another band to mention, injecting an extra future-pop dose to the song. Mexican producer, DJ and label owner Dimitri Berzerk already did great remixes and this one of “Bad Flower” is another successful and danceable piece.

– – – : “Behind That Dress” is nothing more than a B-side song, but doesn’t really add a real extra to the EP. I also expected a bit more from the remix by an established formation like Aircrash Bureau.

Conclusion: “Bad Flower” will probably not become the biggest hit of State Of The Union, but it’s a cool song and teaser to the next album.

Best songs: “Bad Flower – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Bad Flower – C-Lekktor Remix”, “Bad Flower – DMT Berzerk Remix”, “Bad Flower”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /StateOfTheUnionOfficial

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

Nine Seconds – Love Will Tear Us Apart (EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 30 May 2020 19:30:07 +0000

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Three years after their third full length (cf. “Agent Provocateur”) Nine Seconds (the members of No Comment plus Ex-Sleepwalk singer Oliver Spring) are back on track unleashing this new EP as a teaser to their upcoming album “That Perfect Beat Will Tear Us Apart”.

Content: The title of the EP directly will ring a bell. Nine Seconds are going back in time, and accomplished cover versions from what probably are some of their favorite 80s songs. You for sure remember the most legendary Joy Division hit, which has been also remixed by Mind.In.A.Box and Ruined Conflict. Bronski Beat’s “Hit That Perfect Beat” has been covered as well, but you’ll discover the Nine Seconds version on the album. We here get a remix framework. Next comes another cover version, but a less famous one this time. “Victim” originally composed by Starter is also a 80s song. The version features disco effects. We next get a remix of “Living On Video”. The original cover edit will be featured on the album as well. The main- and most famous original songs are easily recognizable for their melody line.

+ + + : Nine Seconds did a cool ode to some legendary artists and simply to songs they seem to love. The main strength of the songs is the melodic aspect, but No Comment and later on Nine Seconds have always been talented melody makers. I personally like the “Victim”-song, and the Italo-disco homage to Trans-X’ “Living On Video”.

– – – : This kind of cover concept is pure fun, but it has no real effect of surprise. I think some songs would for sure have their impact during a live show, but aren’t always convincing when you have the original versions in mind. It remains a challenge and covering an iconic song such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is somewhat tricky.

Conclusion: This EP is a perfect teaser to the new Nine Seconds album, which will bring us only cover versions. It’s not exactly the best way to discover Nine Seconds, which has previously released their own and original electro-pop music.

Best songs: “Victim”, “Living In Video – Remix”.

Rate: (6½).

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

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

Toal lands ‘Trapped Heart’ single on darkTunes – and it’s a fine tune!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:56:46 +0000

Out now is the brand new single by Toal, the follow-up to last year’s “Timeless”. The female fronted electropop act is blessed with a great vocalist aka Luzi Lacole and on this single she reminds us of some of the best material recorded by Technoir.

The single itself has 4 tracks including the title track and 3 remixes by Jan C. Hoffmann, Ruined Conflict and Stahlklang.

Toal is a quartet hailing from Braunschweig and Herford and started as a band in Autumn 2017. The band’s frontwoman Luzi Lacole entered the electronic music scene in 2017 as keyboarder, dancer and singer of the band Synth Attack. Next to her we find Rob Gee, Oak, and Tian who all have served in other bands and projects before.

You can listen to the single below.

State Of The Union – Industrial Slither / Remixes (Digital EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 19:30:35 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Johann Sebastian moves back to the last year released album of State Of The Union “Indupop”. It was the fifth album of the L.A. based artist. “Industrial” and “Slither” both were originally released on “Indupop” and now exposed to the remixing skills of other artists.

Content: Both songs have been released as “Original Single Remix” revealing the pleasant and happy-like synth-pop music from this artist. “Slither” has been remixed by ES23 and Assemblage 23 while “Industrial” has been remixed by [SITD], Frozen Plasma and Ruined Conflict.

+ + + : You’ll have to agree that the chosen remixers are quite interesting names for an EP. I especially like the work of Assemblage 23 and Frozen Plasma. Another noticeable cut is the remix of “Industrial” by [SITD], which seem like having accentuated the lead of the song. No doubt about it, this is the kind of EP that will please to the fans of the band.

– – – : Both title songs weren’t exactly my favorites featured at “Indupop” so I’m not totally convinced by the EP.

Conclusion: State Of The Union has already composed better songs than “Industrial” and “Slither”, but the great list of remixes makes this EP interesting.

Best songs: “Industrial – Frozen Plasma Remix”, “Slither – Assemblage 23 Remix”.

Rate: (6).

Artist: www .facebook .com /StateOfTheUnionOfficial

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

[:SITD:] – Sturmlicht (CD EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 19:25:20 +0000

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

Background/Info: [:SITD:] which released their last work on Frank D’Angelo own label Scanner has now moved to Infacted Recordings to release this new EP and the upcoming full length “Stunde X”.

Content: [:SITD:] has used to bringing us dark-electronics and now took me by surprise delivering a rather dark-pop electro title song. The song reveals certain club-power. Remixes have been accomplished by label mates Frozen Plasma, Ruined Conflict and Shiv-R.

The B-side song entitled “Miscreed” is definitely darker and featuring vocals by the one and only Johan Van Roy (Suicide Commando).

+ + + : The title song isn’t exactly my favorite cut from [:SITD:], but I have to admit it has a real strong club-feeling. It sounds danceable and the chorus has been polished by a somewhat pop-like touch. I especially like the remixes by Ruined Conflict, which has something EBM-like on top and the harsher approach of Shiv-R. It’s hard to say if “Miscreed” is a real B-side song, but having Johan Van Roy on board is a real interesting element to catch the attention of the fans –and all Suicide Commando freaks as well.

– – – : As I already said, the title song is okay, but not what I’m used to hearing from this band.

Conclusion: I’m really wondering about the new album, which will give us more information about a possible evolution of [:SITD:] towards dark electro-pop fields.

Best songs: “Sturmlicht – Ruined conflict Remix”, “Sturmlicht – Shiv-R Remix”, “Sturmlicht – Single Version”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /SITDofficial

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

Frozen Plasma – Pakt (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 18:30:05 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Frozen Plasma strikes back with a particular album; kind of ‘featuring’-releasing on, which the German duo invited 10 guest singers to sing each a favorite Frozen Plasma song.

Content: You’ll easily recognize songs such as “Foolish Dreams”, “MurderousTrap”, “Hypocrite”, “King Of Pain”, but the vocals are different and sometimes surprising. For this concept “Pakt” features Thomas Lecszenski (SITD), Xavier Morales (Ruined Conflict), Paul (The Saint Paul), Casi (Rroyce), Charly-Barth Ricklefs (Eisfabrik), Jimmy Machon (Lights Of Euphoria), Dennis Schöber (Solitary Experiments), Daniel Pad (ES23), André Steinigen (Versus) and Nihls Uppahl (Beyond Obsession).

+ + + : The songs remain driven by the electro/future-pop style of Frozen Plasma. The guest singers inject some extra diversity to the sound. Songs such as “Murderous Trap” feat. Xavier Morales, “Hypocrite” feat. Daniel Pad and “Faith Over Your Fear” feat. André Steinigen work really well. It’s an original way to revisit 10 songs from the band.

– – – : A few songs can’t convince me and that’s maybe because some of them aren’t my favorites. I’m missing some of the band’s biggest hits –like “Herz”, “Crazy”, “Tanz Der Revolution”).

Conclusion: The idea behind this album also is a way to connect people with each other. It’s an original way to bring some old songs back to life.

Best songs: “Murderous Trap”, “Hypocrite”, “Faith Over Your Fear”, “Foolish Dreams”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www .frozenplasma .de / www .facebook .com /FrozenPlasma

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

‘Click Interview’ with Ruined Conflict: ‘The New Album Was Supposed To Be My Last Work In This Scene’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:00:15 +0000

Set up in 2011 by Xavier Morales, Ruined Conflict got rapidly signed to Infacted Recordings. The electro/future-pop style directly reminded to VNV Nation, but aside of any further comparison, Ruined Conflict also revealed great composition skills. Early 2019 saw Ruined Conflict releasing its fifth full length album entitled “Valediction”. The work remains faithful to the band’s usual sound formula, but also appears to be the most intimate and definitely most accomplished album of Xavier Morales to date. I’ve been in touch with Xavier who revealed some surprising details about this work.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: The story of Ruined Conflict started in 2011 and now, early 2019, you’ve released your fifth full length album. What have been according to you the main changes, evolutions and accomplishments over these years and the different releases?

Xavier: The music development has always been to push myself to a higher limit on each album no matter the outcome, whether good or bad. As a composer my goals have always been to reflect on my thoughts whether in Politics, Religion or Humanity. I try my hardest to write honestly and create the music to follow the message.

I think the music has come a long way especially in production. From the first album “ARMOR” the music and lyrics in my opinion where armature and production could of been throughout more during the final stages, but that album along with “Revolutionary Mayhem” had a lot of soul and stuck out to get attention from labels. The new album was supposed to be my last work in this scene and I planned on moving on and quitting at a going through a difficult time. I knew I had much to say and wanted to make my peace before leaving, but I had no idea the outcome would of been overwhelmingly positive.

I never held any regret on my work, but felt reaching above the level I remained in during the past years that it would seem unlikely to reach the top or success. See I became this product and lost my way trying to become someone I was not. The new album helped me realize being myself and reaching back to my roots gave me a chance to overcome the emptiness I had gained and the people around me given me a new look on what it means to be a musician and the point of why I became a musician in the first place. Ruined Conflict will continue on and I plan on developing further from where the “Valediction” album left off.

Q: Your new album “Valediction” has been preceded by the EP’s “Farewell” and “Sequencer”. I experienced “Sequencer” as your ‘hardest’ EP ever on, which you also experienced with other influences. Tell us a bit more about it?

Xavier: I use mainly Modular Synthesizers to create sound and sequences in the new music. Growing up I was a huge fan of Kraftwerk and admired everything they did. They are the reason I became such a big fan of electronic music. I wanted to add more of that classic sound in the music. The album “Triumphant” was the beginning of the analog sounds that would lead way to all the new music that we have done since then. “Sequencer” was created with a Emw Modular synth that I had accidentally patched the settings and ended up patching the LFO to a sample and hold and with the sequencer applied it made that sound that you hear in the beginning. After that the ideas basically just came along to how I would make the EP “Sequencer” onto the making of the album “Valediction”.

Q: Over now to “Valediction”. What means this fifth opus to you? What have been the main ideas you would like to accomplish (lyrical- and song wise), and what have been the main challenges of this work?

Xavier: “Valediction” is probably the most well throughout album I have made lyrically and musically. The writing of this album allowed me to release everything that was on my mind, from my path of lies to how criticism hit me hard to the point I wanted nothing to do with music or the project anymore. Once you step into the mentality that it was all about to be over you start to feel the weight lifted as you move on. This was extremely challenging for me since at the time I thought this was going to be it and I was simply going to walk away after it was over.

Emotionally this was difficult, once the song “Goodbye” was written it was that moment I just felt numb and just cold. I didn’t really know how to feel, just that I had finished and it was time to shut the studio down. I have received a second wind as our label, friends and fans reached out to this idea of leaving. I never really thought about how people would be affected or how it would affect me if I would of simply walked away. I talk a lot about achieving personal goals and never holding back on anything in our music. I felt like I needed to listen to my own lyrics and not just settle with failure or who I had become

Q: I know for a lot of artists writing and recording an album always is a very busy and stressful job so holding the album in your hands must feel like a relief. What’s your personal experience about it and can you briefly resume the different stages and difficulties you’d to gone through?

Xavier: Writing an album for any musician is challenging and a long process. I normally begin with writing lyrics and then singing the melody in my head and thinking of what sounds I would need to create to fit the lyrics. Many have different ways of creating music this is just how I create it.

The mood of the music is the second thing that is challenging when creating any album. We all want it to perfect even though a lot of time the music can swing into something else, at that point is when making the album gets frustrating and I start the changing process. The album the music varies in different styles of music, but somehow I feel that I all still sat well during the last stages.

I think most musician can tell you the worst part is not really making the tracks, but mixing and mastering to make the album whole and sit well from beginning to end. I have adapted well after years of developing the proper skills for mixing and mastering but even then it still become a challenge.

Q: You last year got featured at the “Funeral Of Love”-EP by German artist Elektrostaub. How do you look back at this experience and is it something you maybe would like to accomplish for Ruined Conflict?

Xavier: I work with as many musicians as I can whether well-known or local to me it is very enjoyable to do any separate project outside of my own. I have a large number of remixes and features, but this “Funeral Of Love” was different of my ordinary work, which is why I enjoyed it. Plus a lot of bands were involved and that to me is the most important thing there is. The more musicians that work together the more the scene grows and excitement happens. Eventually I would like to do something similar with Ruined Conflict and I think that time will come.

Q: I noticed most critics always link your music and your timbre of voice to VNV Nation. Ronan Harris is a real reference to get compared with, but at the other side it also must be a bit boring for you, right? What’s your real feeling about it and where do you place Ruined Conflict when it comes to music genre and other bands sharing similar influences?

Xavier: At first I didn’t really care or mind it since I was new and I knew criticism comes with the territory of music. After a while it just seem like no matter what I did the name just remained like a cloud over my head. I guess now more and more people realize this is just how I sound and know I’m not trying to sound or imitate anyone. I think as long as I remain Ruined Conflict we will always be linked to VNV Nation. I mean it could be worst I could of been compared to NickelBack. Ronan is a highly respected figure in this scene, and I am sure he knows I am my own person and I will always be myself no matter what gets said about me. This is just part of the job being in the music industry.

Unity One premiere music video for ‘Leave Me Confined’ – watch it here

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:56:19 +0000

The futurepop / synthpop act Unity One has released the official music video for the track “Leave Me Confined”. The track is taken from their well-received debut album “Awakening” released in April 2018 via SkyQode.

You can watch the video below.

The band is currently actively working on their new album and plan to release a new single later this Spring. In April, they will also join Frozen Plasma and Ruined Conflict for their first ever German shows in Oberhausen (April 5) and Frankfurt (April 6).

You can download Unity One’s debut album right here via all the different platforms or via Bandcamp below.

Ruined Conflict – Valediction (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:30:47 +0000

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

Background/Info: “Valediction” is the fourth official full length album for Xavier Morales and his Ruined Conflict project. Set up in 2011, the American project became a recognized name active in the wider fields of future/electro-pop music.

Content: After the astonishing “Sequencer”-EP I was wondering about the content of this opus. The song “Sequencer” remains the absolute highlight while the other cuts bring us back to Ruined Conflict’s signature sound. This music moves on there where previous albums stopped. It remains a post-future-pop style, which once again might remind you of VNV Nation –but that’s rather a reference, mixing more danceable- and softer, melancholic cuts. The vocals are exactly in the same line; now a bit more passionate and enraged and then more sensitive and emotional.

+ + + : The EP was a surprising exposure of the artist’s ‘darker’ side, but “Valediction” brings us back to the familiar sound of Ruined Conflict. It’s a well-crafted composition, mixing danceable pieces together with sensitive tracks. I prefer the danceable tracks although I noticed a few cool ‘emotional’ cuts.

– – – : The comparison with VNV Nation –especially for the timbre of voice, comes back again. Some will say it’s genius while other will say they are hearing a copyist. I think Ruined Conflict has enough talent to create a more personal sound and that’s something he has proven with the “Sequencer”-EP.

Conclusion: Ruined Conflict remains faithful to his successful sound formula so “Valediction” will ravish all electro- and future-pop lovers.

Best songs: “Sequencer”, “Colony”, “Fellow Craft”, “Cast In Stone”, “Amaranthine”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .ruinedconflict .com / www .facebook .com /RuinedConflict

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

ES23 – Taking Me Down (CD EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 19:19:19 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Background/Info: Set up in 2004 by Daniel Pad, ES23 self-released its debut work and released 3 official full lengths on Infacted Recordings. “Taking Me Down” is the German project’s newest EP (or single if you prefer; the work features the title song plus 4 remixes and an alternative version of the latest album title-song).

Content: “Taking Me Down” is less dark-electro driven than what I’m used to hearing from ES23. It remains a ‘cold’ electro driven piece, but it still sounds pretty EBM-like while the vocals are rather ‘clear’ compared to earlier work.

Remixes were made by Frozen Plasma, Ruined Conflict, Synthattack and State Of The Union. The last song is a “Classic Version” of “Erase My Heart”.

+ + + : The title song is the right track for an EP; it’s a perfect danceable cut driven by cool, cold sequences and an efficient lead. The song moves crescendo, which creates a certain feeling of climax. Among the remixes I especially recommend the transcendental approach by Frozen Plasma and the more pop-sounding one by Ruined Conflict.

– – – : The remixes are okay, but speaking for myself I expected a bit more out of remixes and especially on an EP. The “Classic Version” of “Erase My Heart” is surprising, light and wafting, but doesn’t bring anything really extra to the work.

Conclusion: ES23 strikes back with an efficient song for the dancefloors!

Best songs: “Taking Me Down”, “Taking Me Down – Frozen Plasma Remix”, “Taking Me Down – Ruined Conflict Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .es 23.de / www .facebook .com /ES 23 official

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

Ruined Conflict – Sequencer (Digital EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 09:00:23 +0000

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

Background/Info: There’s no better way to introduce a new album than releasing an EP as an appetizer. Ruined Conflict (aka Xavier Morales) has a new full length in the pipeline –which will be the fourth official one, and here brings a few new songs.

Content: “Sequencer” can be easily considered as the hardest ‘hit’ from Ruined Conflict. It remains carried by future-pop elements, but the lead sounds a bit raw and metallic, which totally matches with some robotic vocal parts –while you also will hear a ‘normal’ way of singing. There also is a “Club remix” available, which is kicking hard.

We next get two instrumental pieces from 2 different songs. And here again Ruined Conflict will take you by surprise. Both cuts are driven by EBM vibes revealing devastating bass lines and great danceable sequences.

+ + + : What happened to Ruined Conflict? Xavier Morales literally boosted his sound by powerful EBM elements and raw sound treatments while holding on the melodic approach of his composition. He in a way reinvented Ruined Conflict and “Sequencer” is definitely his best and most accomplished song to date. But I also have to mention both other tracks, which are even more powerful!

– – – : I don’t have any minus point about this release although I can imagine some fans will not be entirely satisfied discovering this ‘harder’ work.

Conclusion: “Sequencer” appears to be a kind of sonic metamorphosis for Ruined Conflict or at least a serious evolution in sound.

Best songs: “Sequencer – Club Remix”, “Sequecncer”, “War Sequencer – Studio Version”, “Wave Structure”.

Rate: (9).

Artist: www .ruinedconflict .com / www .facebook .com /RuinedConflict

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

State Of The Union – Mindless (Digital EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 20:30:29 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Background/Info: Californian based Johann Sebastian is back after a hiatus of four years. While we’re eagerly expecting the new full length album entitled “Indupop”, we here already get an appetizer. This EP features the title song plus 7 remixed songs.

Content: “Mindless” is a catchy, melodic electro-pop song like we’ve been used to hear from this band. Remixes have been done by Accessory, Ruined Conflict (2x), ES23 (2x) and DJ Dominatrix (2x). You’ll hear remixes of the title song plus other cuts.

+ + + : “Mindless” is not the best cut I’ve heard from Johann Sebastian although it’s a cool and well-crafted piece of synth-pop. Among the remixes I especially recommend the somewhat EBM flavored remix of the title track by DJ Dominatrix. Ruined Conflict also did a great job remixing “Encore”.

– – – : I would have liked to hear at least one extra song instead of this endless list of remixes. While Ruined Conflict did a great job on “Encore” they also featured a rather poorly inspired remix of “Industrial”.

Conclusion: This EP is food for DJ’s and the biggest fans of the band, but I prefer to discover the album to get an idea about State Of Nation ano 2018!

Best songs: “Mindless – Logic-A Remix by DJ Dominatrix”, “Mindless – Original Mix”, “Encore – Mix by Ruined Conflict”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .state –of –the –union .info / www .facebook .com /StateOfTheUnionOfficial

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

System Noire – Do Not Pass That Door (CD Album – Danse Macabre)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:30:13 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Background/Info: Björn Miethe (vocals) and Daniel Gosewisch (machines) are System Noire. This German duo previously released a few EP’s (“On The Other Side” was released on DarkTunes Music group) and has now unleashed their official debut full length.

Content: The music is clearly inspired by dark-electro standards. They clearly pay some attention to achieve simple, but carrying melody lines. The album is alternating mainly dark-electro driven cuts and a few softer cuts. I also noticed a few instrumentals.

System Noire also likes to work with guests. They already did it on their debut single “On The Other Side” featuring Henrik Iversen (NamNamBulu) and now composed a song together with SynthAttack while other songs are featuring Unterschicht and Alien Nation. Remixes have been done by Ruined Conflict, XMH and ES23.

+ + + : This band deals with a rather easy and somewhat simplistic dark-electro format, which is however rather pleasant to listen to. The harder cuts definitely are the best ones and I especially want to mention “Voices” featuring Unterschicht and “Viaie Introspectivo feat. Alien Nation”. The melodic side of the songs is a noticeable element. I here want to tip “I Believe” as most essential piece. The remixes of Ruined Conflict and ES23 both are attention grabbers.

– – – : The few softer cuts can’t really convince me. But the main element the band maybe has to reconsider is to elaborate their songs. It sometimes sounds a bit too simple-minded.

Conclusion: System Noire’s debut album is not what I would call a fully successful opus although there are a few interesting cuts that will get you dancing. I think there’s more potential in this band than what came out on this work.

Best songs: “I Believe”, “Voices feat. Unterschicht”, “Viaie Introspectivo feat. Alien Nation”, “Voices – ES23 Remix”.

Rate: (6½).

Artist: www .facebook .com /SystemNoire

Label: www .dansemacabre –group .de / www .facebook .com /dansemacabrerec

Suicide Commando – Death Will Find You (CD EP – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:30:59 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Background/Info: Last year Suicide Commando released the album “Forest Of The Impaled”, which Johan Van Roy introduced as his most personal and intimate album to date. “Death Will Find You” moves back to this album featuring several remixes of 2 songs originally featured on the album plus 2 new cuts.

Content: Let’s start with both new cuts, which perfectly stand for the ‘obscure’ sound of Suicide Commando. One of the songs (cf. “Black Hole”) was written together with Mario Vaerewijck (live drummer and ex-Insekt). Both songs totally fit with the inhibited style of the full length.

Among the remixes you’ll get an interesting selection of bands (The Firm/E-Craft, Ruined Conflict, Binary Park and Bornless Fire). Notice by the way Suicide Commando made a remix of each song as well.

+ + + : It’s quite interesting to get 2 new songs featured on this EP although the best exponents are 2 remixes by Binary Park and Ruined Conflict, both reworking the original versions of “We Are Transitory” and “Death Lies Waiting” into cool dancefloor-killers. There also is a cool remix of The Firm/E-Craft.

– – – : I’m disappointed by the new cuts, which don’t sound like the best and most inspired work I’ve heard from Suicide Commando. I think this EP was the right place to put them on.

Conclusion: This EP is a nice addition to the latest Suicide Commando-album. It first of all is an item that will be purchased by the heaviest fans of the Belgian master of dark-electronics while it doesn’t bring that new for the others.

Best songs: “Death Lies Waiting – Binary Park Remix”, “We Are Transitory – Ruined Conflict Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .suicidecommando .de / www .facebook .com /IIXIII

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

Fredrik Croona – This Is Goodbye (CD Album – Advoxya)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:30:54 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark future-pop, dark-electro.

Background/Info: We all know Fredrik Croona from his involvement with Cynical Existence, Project Rotten and even Menschdefect, but the Swedish musician is also gaining more recognition for his solo-project. Fredrik Croona released his third full length album in 2017 and has invited several guest singers to achieve this work.

Content: The debut album of Fredrik Croona took me by surprise for its future-pop approach, which he confirmed on the next work. “This Is Goodbye” again is strongly inspired by the melodic side of future-pop music, but globally speaking the sound becomes darker and even a bit closer to dark-electronics.

It also is the most diversified work of the artist today and that’s maybe due to the guest artists. Worm Of The Earth, Ruined Conflict, Adoration Destroyed and Cold Therapy contributed each to one song on the album.

+ + + : “This Is Goodbye” sounds in the line of the previous albums and yet it’s somewhat different. So I would say that Fredrik Croona is not repeating himself and that’s a damned good thing. He has mixed the future-pop basis of his sound with darker elements while the different guest musicians/singers inject some extra diversity to the work. I’m thinking to Xavier Morales (Ruined Conflict) who with his timbre of voice reminding Ronan Harris gives another dimension to this work. The melodic side of the album remains however its main characteristic and strength. Fredrik Croona has created a more personal future-pop sound on this album.

– – – : Even if this artist still takes me by surprise singing in a rather clear and passionate way, you can hear on some of the songs he’s not a typical and experienced ‘pop’ singer, but in the end it’s not a typical ‘pop’ album… I however believe it’s one of the few elements of the album that could be improved.

Conclusion: “This Is Goodbye” is an entertaining work, which might appeal for lovers of the good-old future-pop movement and still darker electro-heads.

Best songs: “What Are You Waiting For”, “My Bleeding Heart”, “As I Open My Eyes feat. Ruined Conflict”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /fcroona 84

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

Top 10 best-selling labels in the industrial music world in 2017 were…

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:17:29 +0000

The biggest distributor for the industrial electro scene, Audioglobe, has announced its Top 10 in best selling industrial music labels. The numbers were already out there for the labels to look at it, but here they are also for the regular fans. Note that with 2018, Audioglobe also enters it’s 25th year of existance as the distributor set up shop on 6 December 1993. We will of course have a big extended interview and more with Sebastian Koch regarding this great achievement in a very tough market.

But now the numbers many of you have been waiting for!

The Top 3

First the Top 3. The number 1 label in sales is Trisol which has bands such as Clan of Xymox, Rome, Project Pitchfork, Sopor Aeternus, Nachtmahr, Rotersand, Asp, Mantus etc. under contract. The second label in the list is the Belgian based Alfa Matrix which nurtures the talent of Front 242, Underviewer, Daniel B Prothèse, Metroland, Alien Vampires, Ayria, Leatherstrip, Psy’Aviah, Kant Kino and so many other acts. Note that this label also has a very strong e-shop presence (direct sales are not included in this Top 10 list). The 3rd label is Out Of Line with Blutengel, Combichrist, Hocico, Solar Fake, Heimataerde, Unzucht, Solitary Experiments. Also this label has an own e-shop.

The rest of the Top 10

The 4th label is Fabrika/Dead Scarlet (She Past Away, Lebanon Hanover, Selofan, Kaelan Mikla, M!R!M, Doric…) followed by ArtOfFact (Legend, Frontline Assembly, Haujobb, Psyche, Noise Unit, Dead When I found her, Pankow…) and Metropolis (Birthday Massacre, Aesthetic Perfection, God Module, Lords of Acid, Skinny Puppy, Delerium…). The 7th place is occupied by Rustblade (Morricone, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, Leaether Strip, Lydia Lunch, Legendary Pink Dots, Merzbow…). Also Dependent is still in the Top 10, namely on spot 8 with their label roster (Covenant, Mesh, Pride & Fall, Beborn Beton, Seabound, Encephalon, Frontline Assembly, Clicks..). Place 9 and 10 finally are for Manic Depression (Winter Severity Index, Ash Code, Schonwald, Box and the Twins, Sjoblom, Dear Deer…) and Undo (Marsheaux, Girl One and the Grease Guns, Mesh, Fotonovela, OMD, Nikonn, Mikro, Vienna, Liebe…).

And on spot 11 and 12…

2 labels didn’t make the Top 10, namely Hall Of Sermon (Lacrimosa, Snakeskin, Black Moon Secret, Eyes Shut Tight) and Infacted (NamNamBulu, Grendel, Torul, Reaper, Frozen Plasma, Ruined Conflict, Orange Sector, Syntec…). Both labels ended on place 11 and 12.

Here’s the complete list again. The bands next to the label are listed in order of sales results/total turnover per band in 2017 via Audioglobe.

01 TRISOL (Clan of Xymox, Rome, Project Pitchfork, Sopor Aeternus, Nachtmahr, Rotersand, Asp, Mantus…)
02 ALFA MATRIX (Front 242, Underviewer, Daniel B Prothèse, Metroland, Alien Vampires, Ayria, Leatherstrip…)
03 OUT OF LINE (Blutengel, Combichrist, Hocico, Solar Fake, Heimataerde, Unzucht, Solitary Experiments …)
04 FABRIKA/DEAD SCARLET (She Past Away, Lebanon Hanover, Selofan, Kaelan Mikla, M!R!M, Doric…)
05 ARTOFFACT (Legend, Frontline Assembly, Haujobb, Psyche, Noise Unit, Dead When I found her, Pankow…)
06 METROPOLIS (Birthday Massacre, Aesthetic Perfection, God Module, Lords of Acid, Skinny Puppy, Delerium…)
07 RUSTBLADE (Morricone, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, Leaether Strip, Lydia Lunch, Legendary Pink Dots, Merzbow…)
08 DEPENDENT (Covenant, Mesh, Pride & Fall, Beborn Beton, Seabound, Encephalon, Frontline Assembly, Clicks..)
09 MANIC DEPRESSION (Winter Severity Index, Ash Code, Schonwald, Box and the Twins, Sjoblom, Dear Deer…)
10 UNDO (Marsheaux, Girl One and the Grease Guns, Mesh, Fotonovela, OMD, Nikonn, Mikro, Vienna, Liebe…)
11 HALL OF SERMON (Lacrimosa, Snakeskin, Black Moon Secret, Eyes Shut Tight)
12 INFACTED (NamNamBulu, Grendel, Torul, Reaper, Frozen Plasma, Ruined Conflict, Orange Sector, Syntec…)

Totem Obscura – Nordische Feste (CD Album – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 19:15:13 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, medieval-(h)el(l)ectro.

Background/Info: Behind Totem Obscura is hiding Pedro ‘Acylum’ Engel and his wife Nadine ‘Croona’ Engel. They’re both known for their work under the Acylum moniker, but Nadine recently also released a harsh and industrial new album as Aengeldust. “Nordische Fest” is the second opus of Totem Obscura.

Content: Totem Obscura is a bit to Heimataerde, like Acylum is to Wumpscut! “Nordische Feste” mixes dark-electronic elements together with medieval atmospheres. The German lyrics bring a gothic touch to the work. But the album is not excelling in power and sonic violence, but reveals overwhelming atmospheres and even melancholia. I sometimes get the impression Totem Obscura got inspired by the imaginary world of “Game Of Thrones” and I think to have recognized samplings from this famous series running through the album.

The album also features a song featuring Cosmic Armchair, which logically resulted in a more danceable approach. Another noticeable cut is “Helden” for featuring Hubert Kah (who did some backing vocals in the 80s for Sandra). Last, but not least you’ll discover remixes by Ruined Conflict, Hell:Sector and Crytek.

+ + + : I really admire the work and genius of Pedro Engel who according to me is one of the most talented musicians of his era dealing with dark-electronics. But he also is a man of many talents, which can accomplish much more than only Acylum tracks. I have to admit I expected this album to be a bit harder, but globally speaking I like the medieval atmospheres this album has been made of. I like the bleak mood recovering the songs, which feel like announcing a nearby disaster. It all sounds raw and tormented. The famous EP-song “Eisenmann” remains one of the major cuts of this album, but I also have to mention “Blut Marschiert” for its coldness. The medieval chants running through a few cuts inject an extra touch of mystery and visual appeal. Among the remixes I want to mention a great contribution by Ruined Conflict.

– – – : I expected a harder and powerful album, but that says more about me instead of the band. “Nordische Feste” is not the kind of work that will put dancefloors on fire (like early Heimataerde) although it’s a fascinating experience.

Conclusion: Totem Obscura transforms dark-electronic music into a medieval voyage and other fantasy universes. This is the perfect alternative soundtrack for “Game Of Thrones” or “The Lord Of The Rings”.

Best songs: “Eisenmann”, “Blut Marschiert”, “Bluttanz”, “Blut Marschiert – Ruined Conflict Remix”, “Gestandig”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .facebook .com /totemobscura

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

Ruined Conflict – Triumphant (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 18:30:43 +0000

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

Background/Info: American artist Xavier Morales, better known as Ruined Conflict, is already back on track. This is the fourth full length of artist who has been often compared to VNV Nation.

Content: The title of the album could have been a VNV Nation title as well. The sound and Morales’ timbre of voice once again reminds me of the work of Ronan Harris. VNV Nation clearly sounds as the main source of inspiration although Ruined Conflict experimented with something more personal on the previous work “A Voice For The Voiceless” (2016). This album revealed furious guitar playing on top of the future-pop approach.

“Triumphant” rather sounds as a move back to the ‘sources’. The songs are pure future-pop driven mixing danceable rhythms and melodic passages. The vocals are passionate. I also notice an instrumental piece, which is more evasive and into the vintage electro-style of Jean-Michel Jarre. Another interesting cut features some psychedelic guitar passages.

+ + + : Speaking for myself I definitely prefer this new work instead of the previous album. It’s not as original, but more efficient. This is the contemporary future-pop style, which remains somewhere in between EBM, electro-pop and a very personal and somewhat old-school approach by Xavier Morales. The album is produced in a professional way while you also will notice several brilliant and efficient songs. This album stands for passion and a great writing.

– – – : The only and probably single reproach I can imagine is the lack of originality. It’s not exactly a copy-paste edit of VNV Nation, but Ruined Conflict is pretty close in sound and vocals.

Conclusion: I guess there’ll be always a discussion and controversy about so-called ‘copyists’, but the main thing is to get a good and accomplished work. That’s precisely what “Triumphant” is all about and the title speaks for itself: this is the best Ruined Conflict album to date!

Best songs: “Electronic Wave”, “Divide And Conquer”, “Last Empire”, “Fallen Champions”, “Horizon”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .facebook .com /RuinedConflict

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

Exclusive preview complete new ‘Free’ EP Mondträume on Side-Line – listen now

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 19:00:35 +0000

The Spanish dark electropop act Mondträume return with a brand new EP, “Free”, on November 4. Today Side-Line offers you a preview of the complete 5-track EP (which you can download right here on Bandcamp)! The material is the first new work from the band now that they are working on a new album, “Lovers, Liars & Sinners”.

Note that the Mondträume duo (Pikotto Vond Mond and Damasius Venys) have also decided to make this EP available as a (very limited!) physical release (available here). The CD version comes with a rather excellent bonus, the previously released digital EP “Still Beating” which will be available on CD for the very first time. That digital EP featured collaborations with Rotersand, Avarice In Audio, Aesthetische and Nordika.

But here’s already the exclusive preview of the digital version of the “Free” EP. The EP is out on November 4.

Free EP by MONDTRÄUME

In The Voice Of Others by Kromak

Kromak releases new 5-track EP including a cover of Depeche Mode’s ‘Sister Of Night’ in 2 different versions

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:40:31 +0000

Out now via SkyQode (Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify) is the 5-track EP “In the Voice of Others” by Kromak, a side-project of Markko B., who is better known as the mastermind behind C-Lekktor and Circuito Cerrado.

With Kromak, Marrko explores the vast territories of trance music. The EP follows up Kromak’s excellent debut album “Trance It” which was released in October 2015. For the occasion Markko has teamed up with several vocalists. If you missed this album, you can get it via Bandcamp, iTunes or Spotify.

The EP contains an extra surprise for all Depeche Mode fans as Kromak offers a rendition of “Sister Of Night” in two different versions, one featuring Xavier Morales (Ruined Conflict) and the other a duo of Alexander Gladky (Unity One) and Suede Flores (Carved Souls).

Apart from that, there are two original tracks with the voices of Pao Manriquez (Dying 4 U) and Alla Reizenfeldt (Spread your wings) and a remix done by the Mexican DJ / producer DMT Berzerk. Like the debut album, “In the Voice of Others” was mastered by Jan L of X-Fusion Music Production.

The tracklist:

Sister Of Night (Feat. Ruined Conflict)
Dying 4 U (Feat. Pao Manriquez)
Spread Your Wings (Feat. Alla Reizenfeldt)
Sister Of Night (Feat. Unity One & Carved Souls) (Uplifting Version)
Dying 4 U (Feat. Pao Manriquez) (DMT Berzerk Remix)

Here is another preview:

Ruined Conflict – A Voice For The Voiceless (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 21:55:12 +0000

Genre/Influences: Future-pop, industrial-pop-rock.

Background/Info: Xavier Morales is the hidden force behind Ruined Conflict. This American artist has released his 3^rd album since “A.R.M.O.R.” (2013). Ruined Conflict has been often considered as a copy of VNV Nation and other future-pop groups so I was wondering what the new work would sound like.

Content: The future-pop inspiration remains intact, but we no longer can speak about pure future-pop music or a copy of a bigger band in the genre. The melodic and well-crafted ‘pop’ sound has been once more joined by guitar playing, but this time it becomes really hard and industrial-minded.

It sounds a bit like Combichrist and KMFDM have been mixed together with a strong future-pop taste. The guitar riffs are really tough and a bit mad. It creates a strong contrast with the electronic arrangements, which remain pretty pop-minded. Morales’ way of singing still sounds pretty Ronan Harris-like, but the vocals production became more enraged. This is future-pop with a real naughty flavor on top. “A Voice For The Voiceless” is the meeting between power and melody, between rage and sentiment.

+ + + : Not many bands have experimented with the mix of future-pop and furious guitar riffs. It all sounds like a pure sonic challenge, but in the end Ruined Conflict is a band daring to enlarge its musical horizon and the least I can say is that there are a few cool songs featured on this album. The harder body-like “Thumb War” is something special as the vocals have been replaced by great samplings in the genre of Noisuf-X.

– – – : The main force of the album also is its main minus point. Some of the songs are maybe moving a bit too far in the guitar adrenaline creating a severe duality with the electronic layers and the vocals.

Conclusion: “A Voice For The Voiceless” is a creative and I dare to say ambitious piece of work. It’s hard to classify and is clearly no longer belonging to the established future-pop standards. This is pure electro-rock or industrial-pop music.

Best songs: “Prolonged Detention”, “Thumb War”, “Diversify”, “After The Storm”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www .ruinedconflict .com / www .facebook .com /RuinedConflict

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

Requiem4FM – Epik (CD Album – SkyQode)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 23:02:24 +0000

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, electro-rock.

Content: Requiem4FM is not exactly the most famous and common name active in the wider fields of electro-pop music. The band was formed in 2003 and had the opportunity to join Shadowplay Records to release 2 albums. The band seems to have gained some recognition in their homeland, but remains rather unknown to the international scene.

I was wondering what this band would sound like as I already discovered excellent bands on the SkyQode roster. “Intravenous” is a kind of intro song, but which already gives us an indication about the sound and style. The psychedelic guitar sounds are quite surprising here. “Once And 4 All” coming up next is an interesting take off revealing a more electronic composition mixed with technoid elements. I got the impression that this song was composed by an experienced producer. The vocals are rather clear, but not fully convincing. I’m missing some passion in the vocals. I personally prefer a song like “You Coloured My Dreams” featuring vocals by ex-Dual Density singer Tess Fries. She literally injects passion and reverie to the music, which makes it all more accomplished.

Mastermind Dim Semeny4 asked a few more guests to join in. Xavier Morales (Ruined Conflict) is the most famous name, but there also is Roman Ryabtsev (Technology). Xavier Morales has a real particular timbre of voice reminding me of Ronan Harris and that’s precisely what you can hear on “Epik”. The title song also is one of the best tracks of the work.

A few songs move into pure electro-rock vein. “The Screens” is characterized by a furious guitar solo, which I didn’t exactly expect. It clearly shows that Requiem4FM tries to create some distance from established electro-pop standards, but for some reasons the guitar passages are not the most convincing aspect of the work. I prefer “Rain Factory” (featuring backing vocals by Roman Ryabtsev) where the guitar passages match with the reverie touch of the song.

Conclusion: I was not really impressed by this album, which is missing noticeable songs and where the main element to reconsider appears to be the production of the vocals. Tess Fries would be a great addiction to this band.

Best songs: “Minutes Of Madness”, “You Coloured My Dreams”.

Rate: (DP:6)DP.

Band: www.requiem4fm.com / www.facebook.com/requiem4fm

Label: http://skyqode.com / www.facebook.com/skyqode