Genre/Influences: Neo-Folk, Chanson.

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Based in Seattle (USA) Headstone Brigade call themselves Dark-Folk,  Neo-Folk, Pagan-Folk, Melodramatic-Pop and Depressing-Polka. Driven by core member Egan Budd they’ve already released a few albums this year unleashing the newest opus “Victory & Defeat”.

Content: The album features ten songs revealing an impressive mix of influences. It sounds definitely as Dark-Folk and Neo-Folk but there’s also a true sensibility running through the work reminding me of Chanson but also to the ambiance of Fanfare and that much more. The play of real instruments like guitar, trumpet, accordion, cello ao inject an authentic touch to the work.

+ + + : I like this album for its varied compositions; the mix of influences and play of different instruments create an eclectic composition which is however based upon a solid Neo-Folk and Dark-Folk sound. But I like the addition of trumpet and especially accordion adding an extra touch of Folk and sensibility. Headstone Brigade can get you happy at one song and melancholic at another one. Some passages are truly elevating which according to me reveals the talent of the project.

– – – : There’s just one single song (cf. “The Flooded Mausoleum”) which sounds totally different to the rest of the work; it feels a bit like a lost Ambient/Cinematic cut in a Neo/Dark-Folk universe. The song however evolves into accordion play which makes it hard to catch.

Conclusion: This band and album sounds as a true revelation; it’s an artistic and accomplished production from a band you’ve to discover. .

Best songs: “We Set Sail”, “Victory & Defeat”, “Fall Of The Colosseum”, “As Mother To Sun”, “Samhain Reign”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/headstonebrigade

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-Electro, EBM, IDM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: After having released three albums on Aliens Production, the Slovakian Samhain project strikes back with their new opus which is the first one released on Electrofrequent. The Samhain members are still involved with the pure EBM project Last Influence Of Brain.

Content: This work is a true sonic symbiosis between EBM (mainly reminding me of Frontline Assembly), Dark-Electro and IDM. The composition features vintage sound treatments and is mainly driven by a slow cadence. There’s a mix of instrumental- and sung tracks.

+ + + : Just imagine a sonic offspring between Frontline Assembly, Front 242, Yelworc and Lassigue Benthaus and you might have an idea about Samhain’s new opus. The dark atmospheres are immensely powerful. The sound treatments are unpolished, raw, and yet subtle. This is a new masterpiece by this Slovakian combo but I especially recommend listening to “The Hole – Stanford Experiment”, “Project 4.1”, “Black Sun 731 – Unit 731” and “Monstrum”. I also have to say a word about the industrial-like and metallic front cover.

– – – : Those guys have accomplished a new masterpiece so no minus points to mention.

Conclusion: Samhain stands for intelligent Electronics with a vintage flavor and yet that visionary.

Best songs: “The Hole – Stanford Experiment”, “Project 4.1”, “Black Sun 731 – Unit 731”, “Monstrum”, “Guatemala Experiment”, “Project MK Ultra”.

Rate: 8½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Samhain-music-1072520006194485

Label: www.electrofrequent.com / www.facebook.com/Electrofrequent-102179464888936

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Eclipsed has already been active for several years and have previously released an album on Vendetta Music (2008) and another one on Aliens Productions (2018). The project is collaboration between Last Influence Of Brain (still involved with Samhain) and Kneel In Front Of The Executioner. “Holyiens” was released by Electrofrequent. The four (!) members also invited Don Gordon (Numb) who’s featured on the first song.

Content: The first song featuring Don Gordon is an overwhelming piece of music, which has something Industrial-like and still a bit epic. I can’t say it’s an intro, but it clearly sounds different from the other songs, which are definitely driven by the ghost of Frontline Assembly. The songs are sophisticated, elaborated and mainly instrumental edits although featuring spoken samplings. There are a few passages with vocals, but it clearly isn’t the main focus of the band. One of the most noticeable cuts (cf. “Infinite Slavery”) reveals an intelligent approach, which is more into a fusion of EBM and IDM, appearing the imaginary hybrid between FLA and Clock DVA. Last, but not least the work also features a surprising cover version of Gaping Chasm.

+ + + : This album is just great, featuring a few outstanding pieces. I especially recommend listening to “Infinite Slavery”, which is a sonic diamond. “Anal Probe Installation” is another is another great piece of music mixing power and intelligence. “Apollo Space Program” sounds like it was touched by the hand of FLA and is just another attention grabber driven by a solid, deep resonating bass line. The cover version of Gaping Chams’s “Angels” is also worthy of examination while the last track –being one of the single cuts with vocals, is a cool song. The great, analogue sound treatments inject some magic to this opus, which stands for high tech sound production.

– – – : Even if I’m not missing vocals on this work, a few more vocals would be a true bonus.

Conclusion: If you don’t know Eclipsed, I can only but highly recommend this formation to you, “Holyiens” is a great piece of space-inspired EBM!

Best songs: “Infinite Slavery”, “Anal Probe Installation”, “Angels”, “Holyiens”, “Cursed Sharpened Needles”.

Rate: 9.

Artist: www.facebook.com/solobobblazenakhead

Label: www.electrofrequent.com / www.facebook.com/Electrofrequent-102179464888936

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, EBM, Electro-Ambient, Experimental, Industrial, Minimal-Electronics.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: Slovakian label Aliens Production is already active for numerous years now and became one of the labels dealing with ‘intelligent electronic music’ I deeply respect. This compilation features twenty six bands perfectly illustrating the sonic approach of the record company.

Artists: =mp45=, Stairway Maze, Alienated Entity, Jihad, Human Vault, Media Data, Disharmony, Mortal Constraint, Mortaja, mulpHia, Amnistia, Spherical Disrupted, ISH, INABLVCKDOG & Jash Teua, Noire Antidote, Sunao Inami, Holon, Samhain, Headdreamer, Na-Hag, Huron, KeyHead, Nadragea, Cyclotimia, Oxyd.

Content: The compilation features a number of familiar artists from the label’s roster plus a selection of ‘guests’. The compilation perfectly stands for the IDM and Minimal-Electro style of Aliens Production, which has been masterly exposed by Alienated Entity, Jihad, Disharmony, Mortal Constraint, Holon and Nadragea. But there also is a solid EBM school represented by Mortaja, mulpHia and Amnistia. Na-Hag brings a hard Industrial-Tribal touch to the work while other artists are more into the Ambient/Cinematic style.

+ + + : This is the kind of compilation, which will give an opportunity to music lovers to discover this great label. The tracklist brings a fine selection of ‘intelligent’ Electronic craftsmen who aren’t always the most famous names although dealing with sophisticated and original music. The album brings a nice selection of visionary artists. Mortal Constraint is a rather surprising and unexpected feature although you’ll discover an old song from 1999. Canadian project Holon probably deserves a nomination for the award of most subtle song from the album while Na-Hag will be the uncontested winner of power and Industrial-Tribal creativity. I also have to mention =mp45”, which is the single artist featuring 2 tracks. I especially enjoyed the pure IDM-opener.

– – – : I maybe expected a bit more from tracks by artists like Disharmony, ISH, Spherical Disrupted and Oxyd, but you don’t hear me to complaining. 

Conclusion: Aliens Production is a label that will always get my full support! It remains a total guarantee for high-qualitative Electronic music.

Best bands: Holon, Na-Hag, Mortaja, Amnistia, =mp45=, Human Vault, Samhain, Headdreamer.

Rate: (8).

Label: www.label.aliens.sk / www.facebook.com/pages/Aliens-production-label/200028820052578

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: EBM.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Last Influence Of Brain is back on track after a hiatus of eleven years. The Slovakian trio consisting of ‘Solo’, ‘Bop’ and ‘Blazena’ remained active during the past few years with their Samhain side-project. “Insomnicons” is the return of this EBM combo and is the band’s fourth full length. Notice by the way the album has been mixed by  Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall (Skinny Puppy, F.L.A.).

Content: This work is a perfect opportunity to rediscover the somewhat forgotten Last Influence Of Brain. The songs remain inspired and driven by good-old EBM, which is rapidly evoking Frontline Assembly. There’s a similar sophisticated EBM sound, which has been now and then boosted by guitar playing. The rough vocals create a perfect match with the powerful and dark composition. The last song “Twone” has been remixed by Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall.

+ + + : First of all the CD format will catch your attention by its great artwork and digipak format. Sound-wise the music brings good-old EBM influences back to life. The powerful work and intelligent approach are clearly awakening old EBM demons and especially Frontline Assembly’s “Hard Wired” period. The most powerful cuts are the best ones; I have to mention “Binarea” and “Idolatry” are true masterpieces. The power and quality of the songs both remain pretty constant.

– – – : It’s a bit surprising to hear this kind of EBM work released by the IDM-driven Aliens Production, but on the other side it’s not that surprising as the last album was already released on the Slovakian label while Samhain is another label’s band. I’m a bit less convinced by the few softer cuts (like “Khonsu – Again On His Eternal Path”).

Conclusion: This album stands for a great comeback and definitely is a must-have for all EBM fans in search of great music.

Best songs: “Binarea”, “Idolatry”, “Hypnosphere”, “Invasion/Introverted”, “Necroptica”.                                         

Rate:  (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/lastinfluenceof

Label: www.label.aliens.sk / www.facebook.com/pages/Aliens–production–label/200028820052578

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, dark-electro, IDM.

Background/Info: Slovakian Samhain trio struck back last year with a noticeable work entitled “One Minute To Twelve”. The album revealed a fascinating exploration of IDM, experimental- and industrial music. “Blind Devotion” is their newest opus, which is inspired by ‘the souls of innocent victims and their executors’.

Content: The sound of this album has evolved in a noticeable way. It’s less IDM-driven and more into a sophisticated industrial format mixed with dark-electronic atmospheres reminding to late Yelworc. It’s still very Klinik-al. Heavy sound blasts and overwhelming atmospheres are the main essence of “Blind Devotion”.

+ + + : It’s not that easy to define this work, but it clearly tastes like an intelligent industrial sound format. The tracks are sophisticated mixing pomposity and refinement. There are a few spooky vocals, which are totally matching with the sound approach. It all together creates a tormented atmosphere, which excels at a few cuts like “Commandments For The Restoration”, “Spahn Ranch” and “Aum Supreme Truth”.

– – – : I’m somewhat missing the more explicit IDM-side from the previous work, but I’ve to say this album remains characterized by impressive sound treatments.

Conclusion: Samhain has released two fascinating albums in two years time. The explicit care for great sound treatments and anguishing sound atmospheres both make this band worthy of examination. This is a project, which clearly deserves a wider recognition.

Best songs: “Commandments For The Restoration”, “Spahn Ranch”, “Aum Supreme Truth”, “The Narcosatanists”, “Ant Hill Kids”.

Rate: (8).

Artist:  www.facebook.com/Samhain–music-1072520006194485

Label: www.label.aliens.sk / www.facebook.com/pages/Aliens–production–label/200028820052578

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, experimental, industrial.

Background/Info: Slovakian trio Samhain saw the light of day back in 1996 and released their official debut work (cf. “Violent Identity”) in 2006 on Aliens Production. It took them 10 years to accomplish this new opus, which is available as limited edition featuring a bonus disc.

Content: This work sounds like a new start. After a pure industrial and experimental-like intro, the real sound and influences of Samhain are progressively coming through. The band clearly deals with IDM mixed with some extra influences such as industrial sound treatments, dubstep passages and electronic experimentation.

The work is characterized by overwhelming sound treatments mixed with diversified effects and some bombastic parts. Notice by the way that the titles of this album somewhat refer to political- and social topics (cf. “Democracy”, “Islam Perversity”, “Great Country”, “Horror Madness”…).

The bonus disc features 2 extra songs plus 5 remixes by Waldrick, WIOB, TOD, Zetatech and Samhain.

+ + + : When you think IDM you clearly expect a real sound intelligence in the creation and manipulation of sounds. That’s precisely what this album stands for. This is a diversified intelligent electronic trip carried by slow, danceable rhythms, but also with bombastic passages. The impressive sound effects and heavy sonic blasts are progressively leading the work towards multiple climaxes. There’s a delicious contrast between heavy elements at one side and refined bleeps and arrangements at the other side.

– – – : No doubt about this work: I like the sound and album of Samhain and yet I’m sure this combo has the potential to do even better. I sometimes get the impression that they don’t reach the absolute climax in the progression of their songs. But that’s not really a minus point. The only single thing maybe is that I expected a bit more out of both extra songs on the bonus disc while I noticed a few cool remixes.

Conclusion: Samhain strikes back with a rare sonic elegance mixed with intelligence and knowledge. This album sounds typically Aliens Production-like getting an ‘old’ label servant back in the spotlights.

Best songs: “Islam Perversity”, “Population”, “Industry”, “Six Angels”, “Democracy” + “Population – TOD Rmx”, “Population – Waldrick Rmx”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/pg/Samhain–music-1072520006194485 

Label: www.label.aliens.sk / www.facebook.com/pages/Aliens–production–label/200028820052578

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Kneel In Front Of The Hangman, later on renamed into Kneel In Front Of The Executioner is already active since 1993. Set up by K-head (music) and mirColon (vocals) the Slovakian duo rapidly caught the attention of the international EBM community. After self-released albums, 2 albums released on Out Of Line and 2 more full lengths released on Vendetta Music, KIFOTH is back on track releasing “Extensive Report” on EK Product. That is what they’ve to say about it.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Can you remind us how K.I.F.O.T.H. saw the daylight and what have been your sources of inspiration?

K-head: It all happened on a hot Friday in the Summer of 1994 when the festival “Young Apollo” featured amateur bands. Two teenagers put on their Amigas doing their first live show. Some people couldn’t believe what they heard. But a few enthusiastic people started to dance on the last songs. Nevertheless, the show finished the fans wanted more songs. So after the official end of the festival at 10PM both guys again expand their system. Youthful blond mirColon began to sing the songs again as it was the first time. When they started the song “Ježiš Kristus” (Jesus Chirst), the lyrics start with ‘heaven is crying …’, the storm has been started.

mirColon: We launched the first recording tracks somewhere during Spring 1993. We were classmates. We had different ways to attract, amuse and express ourselves. Firstly, we talked about improvisation. After a time, the song arose spontaneously thoughtfully. At that moment some famous albums resonated in our minds: “Last Rights”, “Too Dark Park”, “Tactical Neural Implant”, “Caustic Grip”, “Tyranny For You”. We lived for concerts of local groups like The Dark, Morbid Fancy, Vanessa, Ocean. The philosophy of KIFOTH is not a mainstream one, but it is direct and very rough. Therefore the choice of the EBM style sat very properly.

Q: There’s a hiatus of 7 years between your previous album (cf. “Violence Corporation”) and the new work “Extensive Report”. What happened in the meantime and what does this new album mean to you?

K-head: We’d to go through different phases during that break. The last album was released in 2010 and the next 2 years we played mainly live gigs, however in parallel more changes started to happen in our private lives and we both became fathers. mirColon moved from Slovakia to Czech Republic, where his leaving now. As we are not a professional band, you can imagine what happened; work, family, concerts… there was not so much time for a creative process. That was the first phase.

At 2012 started the next phase, the creative one. We composed 8 tracks from the new album until the end of 2013. The 3 tracks left were achieved in 2014 and then all material landed in the shelf for one year. Even if the style remains the same, the new tracks had far different sound from previous work and we got the idea to rework old tracks to make them fit for the next live shows.

KIFOTH played several gigs in 2015 to test how the new set list works. It worked perfect and to be honest with you during that time we also recorded material for an entire live CD, which we plan to release after “Extensive Report” as there are included tracks from that album. At 2015 we added some new layers to the tracks to get a more common sound and recorded the vocals as well. Honestly, we struggled with the final mix during an entire year because each of us had a different idea about the mixing. Once we finally finished our work our label had stopped their activities. Luckily for us we have very good friends who put us in touch with EK Product, which is a very flexible label. So, the new alum has been released on March 3rd 2017.

Q: “Extensive Report” sounds to me as your post accomplished and sophisticated work to date. Tell us a bit more about the composition of the album and how do you see this work in the long career of K.I.F.O.T.H.?

K-head: This is the album on, which I put the most efforts in production and mixing. Maybe that’s why it took so much time to get released. It’s something special to me as l had the complete sound in my head since the first day I composed the first song “Proxy War”. I had a clear image about the mood and sound of the album.

mirColon: “Extensive Report“ is clearly a shifting; desired shift. I’m talking about shifts in our sound bank. Developments in sound engineering, recording, mixing and working together. Similarly, the shift in the main concept of the album. “Extensive Report” is a call to use new methods of writing, designs, programming. The album is written in journalistic style and with a view to processing the summary report on the state of the world. It deals with the topic of overpopulation of the planet, depletion of resources necessary for our civilization. The album tells the story of manipulation, coercion, enslavement, but also the mad devastation of the planet Earth.

And back to the previous question. What means to me this album? Today, it is satisfaction. Feedback from fans, reviewers, professionals in the industry proclaims that this step didn’t work sick at the same time, it’s not a step towards the mainstream. I am happy to get notes from fans telling “I was expecting this …”. I am satisfied that there is a debate of the songs and I am pleased that despite 7 years processing of the topic, the subjects are recorded to date.

Q: I’ve been impressed by all synths and equipment you’ve collected over the years. Tell us a bit more your studio, favorite gear and global production of your work?

K-head: To be honest with you I like to buy just a few synths to get a good sound especially for the bass & strings and now I realized I got 22 synths! Bob from Samhain is currently abroad, so he brought over some equipment to my studio. We have currently around 50 PCs, so it all looks like we became collectors. On one side it’s nice to have such a variety of sounds, but on the other hand it’s disturbing in creativity. Many times when I’m in the studio I’m spending just 1-2 hours to play with sounds. It’s lot of time. I’m not composing on piano, but I just need some interesting sounds which can inspire me. Next comes a melody line and I’m already thinking about arrangements. I’m often spending a few hours to create just a loop, but sometimes when I get a good sound I can compose an entire song just in 2 days.

Usually before we release an album I create around 50 short tracks from 2-3 minutes, but in the end the album will maybe feature 12 songs from the list. I previously made more music on computer, except for “Fundamentum Divisionis“. Now all samples are made on hardware synths and I use Cubase just as sequencer.

About favorite gear I have some typical patterns, which are probably used by other musicians dealing with EBM. I like the Moog, Virus B and Nordlead for the bass lines and Yamaha, Roland plus some VST to be more complex for the strings. Aggressive synth leads are mainly taken form Waldorf or DSI and of course drums are from any gear supported with samples. To put a bit of old-school elements it’s cool to use Proteus or Ensoniq and than mixing and layering. For analogue sound effects, which I’m doing all live, there is no real programming, but just recording by turning knobs from the MS20 though Moog and Waldorf up to Novation. On the new album 16 different synths were used and some VST’s, what need a lot of effort in mixing to get a consistent sound.

Q: You’ve worked with multiple labels (VUZ Records, Out Of Line, Vendetta Music and now EK Product) so what have been your experiences so far and what do you expect from a label?

mirColon: I would take the opportunity to thank them all to have ever got the chance to get in touch with all those great label owners. I highly appreciate all of their efforts. KIFOTH is not the band in search of a full time activity (I mean we are not professional musicians). So far, we maybe have disappointed some labels, but our experiences remain positive. Fact is that KIFOTH and the label both are one team. We support each other, we spend and share energy, we love and hate as well.

About expectations: cooperation is important, positive influences, the music is made by KIFOTH, design by the team, marketing by the label; the will to make it next time different but better.

Q: A last word about the side-projects you’ve been involved to. Is there anything new in the pipeline and what will be the next steps for K.I.F.O.T.H.?

K-head: There are few: Eclipsed, Baphomet, Mindscape, but I have not that much time and I’m also doing some remix works for friends active in different groups while I’m also doing some technical support for The Dark which would like to publish some unreleased 90s tracks.

I can tell you Eclipsed, which I’m doing together with Solo  (Samhain, Last Influence Of Brain) is planning an album for next year.

I hope Baphomet will finally release some material later on this year, but I first have to see if one other member will join in; I can’t say who right now, but it will be announced soon.

For Mindscape (has been never released, but played many times live) which I’m doing together with Bop and Solo, we have tons of sessions recorded, but no idea how to use it now. We don’t know if we would just release a kind of ‘archive’ or mixing new ideas.

We plan to do a short live tour in Autumn with KIFOTH and maybe also a few gigs in Spring 2018. Then we will work on the next album. I already have some ideas in mind. It will be for sure different than “Extensive Report”; at least I will try to make as much sound design as possible.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com