Shiv-R &#8211; SIDE-LINE

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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

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

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

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

You can already check 2 tracks.

Kill God Ascend by SHIV-R

About Shiv-r

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can check out these re-releases right below.

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

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

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

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

Here’s the 14th episode.

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

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

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

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

Watch the episode below.

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

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

About the series

ES23 – Only Melodies Remain (Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Daniel Pad aka ES23 last year unleashed the EP “When I’m Gone” as an appetizer to his fourth official album “Only Melodies Remain”. It seems that it took a while to release the album, but here it is; twelve songs plus two remixes!

Content: After a rather evasive, instrumental debut song, “When I’m Gone” appears to be the real start of the album. ES23’s last releases were driven by Electro-Pop influences and even if this album holds on this influence, it also becomes empowered by EBM elements especially the second part of the album which is spiced by solid EBM bass lines. Some songs are getting harder while the vocals are spookier. There’s even one song featuring SynthAttack featuring the familiar hopping sequences of this band.

The first part of the song is more into the Electro/Future-Pop and ES23 here sometimes reminds me of Apoptygma Berzerk. The work comes to its end with a remix of “When I’m Gone” by Solitary Experiments and “Taking Me Down” remixed by Shiv-R.

+ + + : ES23 ever started as a Dark-Electro project and progressively moved into solid Electro-Pop music. This album takes some distance with previous productions and becomes harder again, powered by great EBM bass lines. While the debut songs have something more Future-Pop orientated –and revealing some cool songs, the second part of the work appears to be a great fusion between EBM and Electro-Pop. Songs like “Not Your Enemy”, “Good Or Bad” and “Taking Me Down” all are great exposures of this boosted format. Both remixes by Solitary Experiments and Shiv-R are also worthy of examination especially the hard-kicking remix of “Taking Me Down” by Shiv-R is pure sonic adrenaline! I think this album features more potential single/EP title songs.

– – – : I don’t see real minus points about this album, Daniel Pad having released one of his best productions to date!

Conclusion: “Only Melodies Remain” sounds like the perfect offspring between EBM and Electro-Pop.

Best songs: “Not Your Enemy”, “Good Or Bad”, “Only Melodies Remain”, “When I’m Gone”, “Taking Me Down”, “Taking Me Down – Shiv-R Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.es23.de / www.facebook.com/ES23official

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

Pete Crane – XV (EP – Infacted Recordings)

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

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

Format: Digital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/pete.crane

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

Xotox – Gestern (Album – Infacted Recordings)

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

Genre/Influences: Industrial, industrial-techno.

Format: Digital, CD & DCD.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guest voices from around the world

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiv-R – Interlace (EP – Infacted Recordings)

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

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best songs: “Annihilation”, “Interlace”.

Rate: (8).

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

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

[: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

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

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

Genre/Influences: EBM, dark-electro.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

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

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

Avarice In Audio – Wolves At The Door (Digital EP – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:00:00 +0000

Genre/Influences: Industrial-trance, dark-trance-pop.

Background/Info: Gerry Hawkins, Lawrie Bayldon and Ben Barwick are getting back to their previously released full length album “No Punishment: No Paradise”. This is the third EP taken from the album featuring the title song plus 2 remixes and 2 new songs.

Content: “Wolves At The Door” perfectly stands for the dark electro-trance sound of the Australian formation. Their work is hard to define and even becomes a Chinese puzzle when psychedelic guitar parts join in. The song is a mix between dark-electronics, industrial-pop, trance and psy-rock. Remixes have been made by compatriots Shiv-R and Studio-X.

Among both cuts you’ll first hear the hard-banging and dark-techno driven “The Dance Of Aibion” and the somewhat softer “Innocent Enough”.

+ + + : One thing I’ve to admit is that Avarice In Audio is just doing they very own thing. They don’t care about music genres, but simply seems to exorcise whatever runs through their mind. “Wolves At The Door” wasn’t my favorite song from the album, but it perfectly transposed their approach into music. “The Dance Of Aibion” sounds in a similar vein. Avarice In Audio is just electro-underground you can’t compare to any other band and that’s what makes them original.

– – – : Both remixes of the title song make sense, but don’t bring any real bonus compared to the original edit.

Conclusion: Avarice In Audio is a kind of ‘alien’ among the electro underground scene. They’re mixing distant music influences together without taking care about established standards. More than this I get the impression their sound can be seen as a ‘big f*** you’ to sonic clones.

Best songs: “Wolves At The Door”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www .facebook .com /avariceinaudioaus

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

Wolves at the door EP by AVARICE IN AUDIO

Avarice In Audio launches brand new 5-track download only single ‘Wolves at the door’ – check out the full track previews

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 16:30:43 +0000

Following the release of their latest album, “No Punishment: No Paradise” (available here), the australian act Avarice In Audio brings you the third and final download EP for the album: “Wolves at the door” (available here on Bandcamp).

You can expect a mix of industrial-electro, Gerry’s aggressive vocals, and guitar work by their newest member Ben Barwick. The single/EP furthermore features remixes by fellow Australians SHIV-R and Studio-X. As an extra you get two new tracks. “The Dance of Albion” is an instrumental in true Avarice In Audio style (hard dance/EBM-driven) while the second new cut “Innocent Enough” is a slow yet still hard-hitting track.

Here are the tracks, judge for yourself! You can download it right now from Bandcamp with other platforms to follow this Friday.

V/A El Real Under – Diez Años De Contracultura (Vinyl Double Album – Sector Industrial Producciones)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 18:30:53 +0000

Genre/Influences: New-wave, gothic, punk, electro-pop, dark-electro, wave-pop, future-pop, EBM.

Background/Info: I couldn’t resist reviewing this artistic double vinyl compilation featuring 20 international bands dealing with varied, but related music genres. This compilation released in 2016 (!) is a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Mexican organization “El Real Under”. This organization is totally devoted to the ‘underground’ music and brings parties and concerts. Sector Industrial Producciones is driven by Dimitri Berzerk. This vinyl was the first release from the label.

Artists: Carcrash International, Simi Nah, Attrition, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Apoptygma Berzerk, Cid Project, Trans-X, State Of The Union, Shiv-R, C-Lekktor, Larva, Tobias Bernstrup, Sturm Café ao.

Content: The tracklist is absolutely impressive, revealing a wide diversity of bands and music styles, but still a very international selection of bands and artists from the early new-wave years (Carcrash International, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Trans-X, Attrition…) and contemporary leading formations (Apoptygma Berzerk, C-Lekktor, Shiv-R, Sturm Café…).

The tracklist is composed by exclusive tracks and songs that have been featured for the very first time on vinyl. I’ve to say that several ‘exclusive’ songs are remixes.

+ + + : You just need a brief look at the tracklist to realize this compilation is featuring real great names, but the diversity of the artist is also worthy of examination. From 80s legendary formations dealing with new-wave and wave-pop to great electro-pop to pure EBM to powerful dark-electronics to future-pop (with a Spanish cover of VNV Nation’s “Honour” by State Of The Union) this album is filled with numerous great surprises. Another essential element is the ultra artistic artwork of this release featuring 2 picture discs.

– – – : I’ve been just less convinced by a few (I guess) Mexican formations dealing with poorly inspired punk music, but which are probably renowned and respected in their homeland. Another and very personal regret is that the informative booklet is only written in Spanish.

Conclusion: This is a great compilation and I also have to recommend you to discover the Mexican label Sector Industrial Producciones.

Best bands: Simi Nah, Cid Project, Trans-X, Shiv-R, The Ancients, C-Lekktor.

Rate: (8).

Label: www .sector –industrial .com / www .facebook .com /sector .industrial .producciones

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

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

Genre/Influences: Industrial-EBM, EBM.

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

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

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

Grendel – Age Of The Disposable Body (DCD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 20:00:20 +0000

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

Background/Info: Grendel became without a shadow of a doubt one of the leading formations in dark-electronics. It finally took 5 years for ‘VLRK’ to achieve this new opus, which is the fifth full length in history of the band from The Netherlands.

Content: The hiatus of five years between the previous album and the new songs might explain the ‘renewed’ sound of Grendel. This work is quite different from the ‘traditional’ and extremely powerful work Grendel has previously composed. This new album is a fusion between multiple influences, which are still dark-electro and EBM driven, but still revealing noticeable guitar playing, a kind of industrial melodies and electro-rock. The vocals became quite different as well, being clearer and more ‘natural’.

The bonus disc features a nice selection of remixes by some famous bands such as Plastic Noise Experience, Shiv-R, Panic Lift, Assemblage 23, Ludovico Technique, Solar Fake and other formations like Noire Antidote, Sølve, The Ladder, Spit Mask, Riot Kitten, Alpha Quadrant, High-Functioning Flesh and Peter Turns Pirate.

+ + + : It could have been easy to emulate the successful sound formula of previous albums, but Grendel clearly experimented with other influences. The sound became more personal and mature, but it clearly takes some time to realize this is maybe a new beginning for Grendel. The sound is mixing danceable vibes, power, carrying melodies and a great vocal production. VLRK aka JD Tucker reveals to be a talented singer for this kind of electro-rock & industrial-pop music. But the biggest surprise remains the innovating elements running through his music. The guitar playing is not exactly what you expect from Grendel, but there’s even a song featuring saxophone parts. I however prefer some of the solid EBM bass lines (cf. “Dead Inside”, “Fall Like Rome”).

The list of remixes is quite impressive and I here especially want to mention the great job done by Shiv-R and Spit Mask.

– – – : It takes some time to get used to this new opus, but the least I can say is that you better have to discover the new stuff while forgetting all previous releases.

Conclusion: No doubt about it, Grendel will take the fans by surprise unleashing a different sound, which is more open-minded and ‘rockin’. I however prefer the dark-electronic format from the early years.

Best songs: “Dead Inside”, “Fall Like Rome”, “Flux” + “Dead Inside – Shiv-R Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .facebook .com /grendel .music

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

Ludovico Technique – Absence (Digital EP – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 19:15:43 +0000

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

Background/Info: Ludovico Technique has released their first new stuff after a hiatus of four years. They in the meantime remained active on stage, doing the support for leading formations such as Leather Strip, God Module, Nachtmahr, Grendel. “Absence” has been released in Europe on Infacted Recordings featuring the title song plus 4 remixes. The EP has been released in the US on Metropolis featuring 4 different remixes.

Content: “Absence” is a song mixing dark-electronics and raw industrial-pop elements. The song has been empowered by extra guitar sounds. The vocals have been sung in a somewhat half-spoken, spooky way injecting a dark, moody touch on top of the song.

Remixes have been accomplished by Grendel, Leather Strip, Massive Ego and shiv-R.

+ + + : “Absence” is a cool and efficient title song, which has all required elements to make people dance. It features great dance vibes mixed with a cool chorus. This is without a shadow of a doubt one of my favorite Ludovico Technique-songs ever.

The remixes have been made by noticeable bands, which is an extra way to catch the attention. The most original remix is the more minimal-like one by Shiv-R.

– – – : The American edition features the same title-song, but remixes by The Birthday Massacre, Bestial Mouths, Encephalon and Ghostfeeder. A quite interesting program you can only discover as well, but in the end you’ll be saturated by remixes. I however expected a bit more from the remixes for this European edit.

Conclusion: “Absence” is the perfect song to strike back and put Ludovico Technique back on the map. There’s no better way striking back than getting people to dance!

Best songs: “Absence”, “Absence – Shiv-R Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .ludotechnique .com / www .ludotechnique .com /absence / www .facebook .com /pg /LudoTechnique

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

Reactor7x – Illusion Of Chaos (CD Album – Advoxya Records)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 20:30:35 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Background/Info: Advoxya Records has a nose for dark-electronic talents. They’ve signed the Polish formation Reactor7x, which was set up a few years ago. After a few self-released digital productions and multiple remixes for bands like :Wumpscut:, Controlled Collapse, Shiv-R, Acylum, Stahlnebel & Black Selket ao they’ve now accomplished this official debut featuring 12 songs. Notice by the way there also is a limited edition with an extra disc full of remixes.

Content: After a bombastic intro-cut Reactor7x rapidly reveals their main source of inspiration, which clearly sounds dark-electro driven. I can easily imagine bands like Suicide Commando, Leather Strip and even Cat Rapes Dog must have been potential influences. The band shares this common taste for terror-electronics accomplished with icy sound treatments and powerful arrangements.

The main difference with the aforementioned formations is that the enraged songs have been flavored with female backing vocals. It injects a delicious contrast with the furious male vocal parts.

+ + + : You first will think that Reactor7x is just one more dark-electro formation and that’s for sure true, but they reveal an interesting potential on several cuts. The songs are accomplished with maturity and simply featuring all requested ingredients to get a great song in this genre of music. The female backing vocals are like appeasing the hell-electronic production. It creates a cool contrast, which I really like.

Sound wise, I noticed some great and resonating bass lines and a few more cool choruses. “Schism” appears to be the absolute masterpiece from this album.

– – – : Reactor7x maybe are a bit too much inspired by some leading bands from the dark-electronic scene. This album reveals an interesting potential, but I get the impression there’s still more in it.

Conclusion: We already got the opportunity to discover a few interesting Polish formations dealing with dark-electronics and this must be one of the newest sensations. Reactor7x sounds like having the ideas and talent to become a praised band in this scene. I’m looking forward to hearing their next album.

Best songs: “Schism”, “Dysfunctional”, “Helter Skelter”, “Mass For The Dead”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www .facebook .com /reactor 7 x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rate: (8).

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

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

Shiv-R – On Blackened Wings (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 09:14:22 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Content: Lat year Shiv-R released their 3rd full length “Wax Wings Will Burn” featuring 13 songs. “On Blackened Wings” moves back to this album delivering 13 remixes, but the main point is that all the songs have been remixed. They hold on to the original tracklist while we get two extra remixes from songs originally released on the “This World Erase”-album (2011).

I personally prefer this kind of formula instead of numerous remixes of one and the same song. “On Blackened Wings” also reveals a nice selection of bands like Freakangel, Thomas Rainer, Nitronoise, Acylum, ∆Aimon and less familiar names like Viral Millennium, Cellmod, Sleepless Droids, Symbiote, Syndroid or the remix contest winner, which was organized for this album Thanosmylonas.
The result is an interesting twist between different influences each band tried to inject into their own remix.

Cellmod is the first band that took me by surprise for the impressive sound manipulations alternated with a rather evasive chorus running through “Territory”. The remix of “Wolves” coming up next by Sleepless Droids is another noticeable cut. This remix reveals an elaborated approach in sound, while it remains a powerful track.

Dark-electro freaks will be pleased by the somewhat Suicide Commando inspired remix of “Of The Machine” by Acylum. But it all looks like some of the less familiar names had the greatest inspiration. Symbiote did a great and punchy job remixing “Shadow With A Voice”. Riotlegion maybe is a bit more renowned in the scene and they also did a noticeable work remixing “Payload” in a rather hard way while taking care for some cool sound treatments.

I also have to mention the somewhat symphonic approach in the remix of “Bood Rose” by L’Âme Immortelle. The remix by Thomas Rainer is maybe not the most noticeable one of the album although it’s one of the most ‘different’ ones.

I also have to tip both remixes from the songs that originally appeared at “This World Erase”. Syndroid remixed “Pharmaceutical Grade” into a kicking experimental way by accomplishing great sound manipulations. Last, but not least “God Is Art” has been reworked by Symbiote in a brilliant way. This remix is terrific and powerful body-tech driven piece of music. Notice by the way that Symbiote is the only band that has taken two remixes and both are absolutely successful.

Conclusion: You don’t hear me saying that I prefer this album over the original one, but I especially like the diversity emerging from the artists, which globally speaking did a great job. It’s quite interesting to realize some of my favorite songs on “Wax Wings Will Burn” are no longer my favorite ones on this opus. Great concept, cool album!

Best songs: “God Is Art – Vandalized by Symbiote”, “Yerritory – Cellmod Remix”, “Payload – Riotlegion Remix”, “Shadow With A Voice – Symbiote Remix”.

Rate: (DP:8)DP.

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

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