SITD &#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!

Belgian synthpunk act Super Dragon Punch!! launches new single & video for ‘Split’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 08 May 2023 14:13:24 +0000

The Ottignies Louvain La Neuve (BE) based synthpunk / 8bit / industrial act Super Dragon Punch!! has a new 6-track single out, “Split”. The release offers a mix between industrial, futurepop and chiptune, and includes remixes by Dulce Liquido, ESA, SITD & Toxxic Project.

Mexican-belgian artist Jérémie Venganza used to be a video game store manager and has been active as a live performer with various futurepop / industrial / ebm projects for over 15 years, before creating his solo project. A first EP was released in october 2017, followed by a first album in 2021 (mixed and mastered by Hocico and Dulce Liquido mastermind Racso Agroyam). A completely new album will be released this year, preceded by the new single “Split”.

Split by Super Dragon Punch!!

Below is the video for the track.

German industrial veteran Rüdiger Schuster announces final solo album ‘Schuster III – Final Ten Industrial Tracks’

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:29:26 +0000

(Photo by Nihil Media / artwork by Pixelbreed) Out now from the German industrial veteran Rüdiger Schuster is his third and final solo album in the ‘industrial tracks’ trilogy, “Schuster III – Final Ten Industrial Tracks” on Bandcamp.

You will know Schuster for both “Trauma” and “Drown” which were featured on “Face The Beat: Session 7” and “Face The Beat: Session 5”, but he’s been around the scene for 40 years with bands like Stumpff, ULAA, Die Guten Deutschen and also starred in cult movies like “Kinder der Nacht” I and II.

This new album offers raw and heavy Industrial / EBM in the spirit of Youth Code or Revolting Cocks. 7 tracks are sung in English and 3 tracks in German.

Rüdiger: “It´s a concept album about my near death experience and brain damage I suffered from a cerebral haemorrhage.” And his producer Nihil adds: “We created a stripped-down record, designed as a tour-de-force experience for the audience. Raw, live and authentic.”

All instruments on this record were recorded live and intentionally produced without the use of quantization or copy & paste. No synthesizers and no keyboards were used, either. Next to Schuster on vocals, we find Nihil on sample duties and Flexxxis Maschine on noise. The record was mixed by Nihil Media and mastered by Ben Blutzukker.

The artwork was delivered by German designer Pixelbreed (Deadcibel, SITD, Funkervogt). All interior art is based on Schuster´s authentic medical scans visualizing his injuries. The full booklet includes all lyrics and is includes as a ready to print PDF.

The first music video for “Trauma” was already released on YouTube with one music video for each song on the record soon to come.

Here is the full album to check out.

Schuster III – Final Ten Industrial Tracks by Rüdiger Schuster

About Rüdiger Schuster

Rüdiger has been active in some of the best-known scene bands over the past 40 years.

He started his career working with Die Guten Deutschen (1979 – 1986), a band which gained a cult following in the alternative scene of Düsseldorf.

You also find him back with Garden Of Delight (1991 – 1992) where he recorded all bass tracks on their debut album.

A few years later he joined U.L.A.A (1994 – 1998) with whom he released three albums and toured in Germany and Benelux countries supporting acts like Suicide Commando, Thumb and Dance or Die.

Schuster was also a live-musician on synthesizers in EBM-pioneer Tommi Stumpff´s live band during their comeback period (2015 – 2021).

Side-Line releases ‘The Zombietapes (Face The Beat 7 Megamix)’ on Bandcamp as a free download

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:58:19 +0000

(Picture by Jasyn Bangert – God Module) Out now via Bandcamp is Shane Aungst’s “The Zombietapes (Face The Beat 7 Megamix)”.

Seattle (United States) based DJ Shane Aungst produced this monster megamix featuring a total of 38 tracks from “Face The Beat: Session 7” during long evening sessions in February and March 2022. He soon talked about the zombietapes, hence the title of this megamix. The original compilation is available here. Expect an interview with Shane Aungst in the next days

The release holds 3 parts being just over 49 minutes each totaling just over 147 minutes and holds extensive remix and sampling work by Shane Aungst. The full remix is available for free with all donations going to charity like every release on our Bandcamp page. This is the 3rd time already that Shane Aungst has produced a remix for Side-Line’s infamous compilation series. The two previous megamixes were “Shane Aungst vs Face The Beat 5 – Megamix” and “Shane Aungst vs Face The Beat 6 – Megamix“.

The Zombietapes (Face The Beat 7 Megamix) by Shane Aungst

Tracklist

SIDE A

Intro By Viscera Drip
Midian Dite – Hermosa Sumisa
Histeria – Proceso Inquisición
Suppressor – Schweigen
Sapphira Vee – What Is This
Dance My Darling – Love & Hate (Centhron Remix)
Preemptive Strike 0.1 – Preemptive Strike (2021 Version – Face The Beat Edit)
Khmar – Dampfkraft
Reality’s Despair – The Other Side
Empyres – The Sirens Call
Blut Reaktor – Beneath The Judas Tree
Chem – Cieni
Sodomy Down The Cross – Zurück In Den Wald

SIDE B

Helmynthe – Aromat Ammiaka
Ctrl+Cmd+Destroy_Alternis (Oot Mix)
Eric Dillon – Come Closer (Soulchasm Mix) Instrumental Master
Shadow System – Smile Before The Bullets (Sitd Remix)
Fatherless Child – Share If You Like Shave If You Lick
Psychosomatik – Damage Done (Original)
MATT HART – I Am Overlord
Imjudas – Ritual (Reichsfeind Rmx)
Sun’s Spectrum – Intrusion
Last Activity – Shadows
Doktor Foxx – Cold On
LCM – Bodies Collide
R.I.P. (Roppongi Inc. Project ) – Bazooka

SIDE C

Scars Are Soulless – Eyes Of The Deceiver
Distoxia – Legiones Invertidas
Unidad Obscura – Ni Un Minuto Atras
Deadjump – Save Me From My Fear (Burnout Mix)
Notstandskomitee_Bitcrash
Waijdan – Rotting Gardens
John Bérb-Eluha – Fantômas
Shinigami Ind – Quiero
Atonal – Crash Feat. Anna Soares
Escupemetralla – Maldacena Duality
Rabbits Wear Boots – We Will Not Become A Number
Against I – Scum

Accession Records is re-releasing its Assemblage 23 back catalog

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:29:12 +0000

(Photo by Assemblage 23) The leading industrial music distributor Audioglobe informs us that Accession Records is re-releasing its Assemblage 23 back catalog to coincide with the 20th Anniversary re-release of the band’s second album “Failure” as we reported yesterday. The 4 albums are “Addendum” (2001), “Defiance” (2002), “Meta” (2007) and “Bruise” (2012).

About Assemblage 23

Assemblage 23 is an American electro act based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1988 by Tom Shear who writes the music and lyrics and does the recording himself. Prior to starting Assemblage 23, Shear experimented with music under the name Man on a Stage, beginning in the early 1980s. Most of Shear’s music at this point was instrumental, as he lacked the confidence to sing. At the same time, Shear was also playing bass in a live band called the Advocates.

Assemblage 23 was officially born in 1988, after Shear experienced the industrial dance music played by an opening DJ for Depeche Mode. It took until 1998 for Assemblage 23 to attract the attention of record labels.

Shear signed a deal in 1999 with the Canadian label Gashed! for a full-length album (“Contempt”, released in November 1999). A second album, Failure, followed in March 2001 and was released by Gashed in North America and Accession Records in Europe.

The rest is history.

About Accession Records

Accession Records is a German independent record label created by Adrian Hates the frontman of the band Diary Of Dreams in 1995. Early in its existence, the label only released Diary Of Dreams albums, but in 1999 the label added other bands.

Here is a list of bands (that were) signed to the label: Angels of Venice, Assemblage 23, Claire Voyant, Cleaner, Diary of Dreams, Diorama, Distorted Reality, Lights of Euphoria, Nerve.Filter, Panzer AG, SITD, Faderhead, Build 23, Haujobb, Sinin, Human Decay, Painkillers, Clear Vision, Cyber axis, .com/kill, Coma Alliance, Spektralized, Painbastard, Audioscope, Belief, Cut.Rate.Box, Plastic, Silence, Psyche.

Das Werk – Aeshma (Album – Scanner / Dark Dimensions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 20:00:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Das Werk is a German project driven by Elmar Schmidt. The Centhron frontman was already experimenting with Das Werk before Centhron saw the light of day. “Aeshma” is the official debut work featuring a few ‘early’ songs, which have been reworked.

Content: The link with Centhron is unavoidable, but maybe a bit too easy. There clearly is a harsh Dark-Electro influence running through Das Werk, but there also is a more refined Electro-Wave approach, which especially comes through at a few cuts featuring female backing vocals. These tracks are somewhat more Electro-Wave orientated and appealing for Blutengel fans. All songs have been sung in German –which is of course another link with Centhron.

The album features 12 songs plus 4 remixes by [:SITD:], C-Lekktor, Wesenberg and Devil-M.

+ + + : This is a great debut for Das Werk. The songs are accomplished and I was mainly impressed by the solid, carrying leads running through different songs. Das Werk sounds melodic and danceable, finding a balance between refined arrangements and harsh sound treatments. “Rheintöchter” is one of the highlights, but I also have to mention “Wälder In Rot”, “Schneekönigin”, “Todesbraut” and “Schwarzes Horn”. The music also inspired [:SITD:] and C-Lekktor to make great and powerful remixes while Wesenberg transposed the original edit into a minimal-groovy approach.

– – – : I think it’s a pity we never heard anything official of this project before. It however has a typical ‘German’-style, but who cares when the result is worth listening to.

Conclusion: “Aeshma” is a successful debut for Das Werk and I hope Elmar Schmidt will move on with his project.

Best songs: “Rheintöchter”, “Wälder In Rot”, “Schneekönigin”, “Todesbraut”, “Schwarzes Horn”, “Kleid Aus Schnee – C-Lekktor Remix”, “Schwarzes Horn – [:SITD:] Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001198094782

Label: www.darkdimensions.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Dimensions-Label-Group/486014725206

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.

Toal – Ritus Ex Silenti (Album – DarkTunes Music Group)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 20:30:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: German formation Toal released a debut-EP entitled “Timeless”-EP in 2019 and last year struck back with their debut full-length album. The work features ten songs plus seven remixes.

Content: Toal deals with a sound, which is not that easy to define. It however clearly sounds inspired by a dark approach in Electro-Pop. The songs have something evasive, sometimes moving into Cinematographic passages and even touching ground with a kind of ‘Cabaret-Noir’-style. The female vocals are sometimes reminding me of a mix between L’Âme Immortelle and Kirlian Camera while the production might appeal for lovers of Blutengel.

Remixes have been accomplished by [:SITD:], L’Âme Immortelle, Chrom, ES23, Mental Exile and HzweiG. There’s also one remix featuring SynthAttack.

+ + + : I like the mix between the different influences, but globally speaking Toal deals with a rather personal Dark-Electro-Pop approach. This band is not a new emulation of an idol, but tries to bring something different merging different influences with each other. The now sensual and then dreamy-like vocal parts create a delicious match with the music. The album is missing an ‘absolute’ hit, but features multiple cool songs instead. I also have to say a word about the impressive list of remixers. L’Âme Immortelle, Chrom and ES23 did a really great job.

– – – : I think this band has more potential than what came out at this work.

Conclusion: “Ritus Ex Silenti” is a very promising debut album resulting from a creative process.

Best songs: “Ritual”, “Unreal World”, “Trapped Heart” + “Trapped Heart – Remix by Tom Chrom”, “Unreal World – L’Âme Immortelle Remix”, “Unreal World – ES23 Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/toal.band

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

V/A A Human Scan(ner) – The 20th Anniversary Compilation (Album – Scanner / Dark Dimensions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:30:00 +0000

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

Format: Digital, 2 CD.

Background/Info: Scanner is a subdivision of Dark Dimensions, which this year celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Set up by Francesco D’Angelo, Scanner has been always and mainly devoted to Electronic genres like EBM, Dark-Electro and Electro-Pop. The compilation features twenty six artists and songs reminding us of the great artists from this label.

Artists: Gin Devo, BhamBhamHara, Autodafeh, Kreign, DSTR, Fractal Age, Destin Fragile, Blue Images, Twins In Fear, Cyan Inc, Vomito Negro, [:SITD:], Eden Synthetic Corps, Mechanical Moth, Centhron, Intent:Outtake, Disorder:Mankind, Das Werk, X-Fusion, Spetsnaz, Grausame Töchter, Epinephrin, Black Heaven, A Spell Inside, Absurd Minds, Straftanz.

Content: This sampler is a perfect way to (re)discover the Scanner label roaster, which features some great EBM names such as Autodafeh and Spetsnaz while other names such as [:SITD:], Vomito Negro + Gin Devo, Eden Synthetic Corps and Absurd Minds were more active in a darker EBM format, getting pretty close with pure Dark-Electro. Centhron and X-Fusion are for sure Dark-Electro! Other bands like BhamBhamHara and Straftanz are more representative of the progressive (Techno)-EBM format. A Spell Inside remains one of the ‘oldest’ bands from the roster and still one of the few to deal with Electro-Pop. And then there’s Grausame Töchter, which remains a very unique experience in sound. The compilation also features a few bands we’ve a bit forgotten like Fractal Age, Destin Fragile, Epinephrin. It’s also a while ago we’ve heard something from Cyan Inc. And there’re new signatures like the promising EBM formation Kreign and the Experimental-Electro Twins In Fear plus a few totally unknown names like Das Werk and Disorder:Mankind.

+ + + : When you take a brief look at the names featured at this compilation you can only, but agree Scanner has been for numerous years one of the leading labels from the Dark-Electro scene. But this compilation becomes really interesting when you’ll know that nearly all of the tracks are exclusive ones and/or rare edits. Frank D’Angelo always has had a nose to sign great artists, Kreign being the new sensation! My favorite cuts from the album are the ones by X-Fusion and Grausame Töchter remixed by And One.

– – – : This compilation doesn’t cover the entire Scanner roster, which says something about the Electronic welfare from the label. Some artists that haven’t been featured (because they’re no longer part of the label) are Amnistia, Stromkern, Distorted Reality, Sleepwalk, Page 12, The Eternal Afflict, Cycloon, Sara Noxx, Re:Work, Spiritual Reality, Inside, Das Präparat.. More than enough to fill an extra disc and they all are still part of this great label’s history.

Conclusion: This compilation is a part of history; 20 years of great underground music by Scanner!

Best bands: X-Fusion, Grausame Töchter, Autodafeh, Straftanz, BhamBhamHara, [:SITD:].

Rate: (8½).

Label: www.darkdimensions.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Dimensions-Label-Group/486014725206

Blutengel + Hocico – Obscured (Single – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:30:28 +0000

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

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Two of the Out Of Line flag holders were supposed touring together and surprise their fans with a common single. The tour has been postponed, but the single “Obscured” has been released as a collaboration between both artists.

Content: “Obscured” is a surprising song, which has been clearly composed to hit the dancefloors. It’s also crazy to hear a perfect mix between the harshness of Hocico and the refinement of Blutengel. Both bands appear to be fully complementary and even for the vocals. Chris Pohl and Erk Aicrag both have different styles of singing, but a kind of chemistry happened while backing vocals by Ulrike Goldmann just inject an elevating sensation during the chorus.

The song has been transformed by Hocico and then by Blutengel while the last cut of the CD is a remix by Dulce Liquido (side-project of Rasco Agroyam). The digital version features an extra remix by [:SITD:].

+ + + : “Obscured” simply sounds like a real great hit; it also is a great mix between the harshness and power of Hocico on one side and the melodic, wave-pop refinement of Blutengel on the other. I like the duo between both vocalists while the female backing brings something heavenly on top. All the remixes are worthy of examination, but I here have a preference for the Blutengel version. It seems that this song has been composed in two days so I can only say it’s a lucky shot, but a damned good single/EP.

– – – : It would have been cool to get another remix by one of the artist’s side-projects instead of the [:SITD:] remix.

Conclusion: I didn’t know what to expect, but this work is absolutely great. This is a truly sonic symbiosis between dark-electro and dark wave-pop music.

Best songs: “Obscured”, “Obscured – Into The Void Version by Blutengel”, “Obscured – Dark Dance Version by Dulce Liquido”.

Rate: (9).

Artists: www.blutengel.de / www.facebook.com/BlutengelOfficial / www.facebook.com/hocicoofficial

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

Intent:Outtake – Days Of Doom (Album – Scanner / Dark Dimensions)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:30:24 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD & 2CD.

Background/Info: Intent:Outtake saw the daylight in 2011 and released three albums thus far on Sonic-X. The German duo now joined hands together with Dark Dimensions to unleash their fourth opus, which is a double CD.

Content: “Days Of Doom” moves on where “Schmerzmaschine” (2017) stopped. It’s a powerful production, which often reminds me of In Strict Confidence (mainly for the vocals). The songs are well-crafted and often excelling during the choruses. The lyrics are sung in German and English. The vocals have something enraged, which perfectly fits to the violence of the music. The melodic leads get the album pretty accessible and danceable. Two songs feature Chris L. (Darkness On Demand, Agonoize, Funker Vogt).

The second disc features 3 extra songs plus an extended version and 3 remixes by [:SITD:], Novastorm and Cephalgy.

+ + + : I still consider Intent:Outtake as one of the best hidden secrets from the German dark-electro scene. I hope this band will now get a deserved international recognition through Scanner, but also because this album is a fully accomplished and intelligent production. The album is not exactly innovating, but showing the most sophisticated format of dark-electro and EBM. The songs are powerful, but styled. The vocals are harsh, but controlled. Songs such as “Der Mann Im Spiegel” and “Singularity” both are brilliant exposures of this duo. I also noticed great remixes by [:SITD:[ and Novastorm. The second disc brings a real bonus to the album.

– – – : The sound formula remains pretty similar from start till finish so this album is maybe missing a little bit of diversity and certainly because there’s a bonus disc included.

Conclusion: Intent/Outtake simply moves on confirming they’re a great band and not just a dark-electro copyist.

Best songs: “Der Mann Im Spiegel”, “Singularity”, “Out Of Decay”, “Das Letzte Geleit” + “Viel Zu Spät”, “Auf Ewigkeit – Novastorm Remix”, “Es Ist Krieg – SITD Remix”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www .intentouttake .de / www .facebook .com /INTENTOUTTAKE

Label: www .darkdimensions .de / www .facebook .com /pages /Dark –Dimensions –Label –Group /486014725206

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

Side-Line presents: M’era Luna festival 2019 – Hildesheim (DE)

Filip Wildhoney — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 17:31:41 +0000

On 10th and 11th August 2019 the annual M’era-Luna festival takes place in the area of Hildesheim-Drispenstedt, Germany. M’era Luna exists since 2000 and is one of the biggest Gothic festivals in the European scene. Gothic, new wave, electro, EBM, industrial and medieval bands are featured on 2 stages.

The last years the festival was every time sold out and had about 25.000 visitors. This year some of the confirmed artists are: Fields Of The Nephilim, VNV Nation, Lacrimosa, OOMPH!, Deathstars, DIE KRUPPS, Within Temptation, ASP, Subway To Sally, Combichrist, Diary Of Dreams, Corvus Corax, Suicide Commando, Agonoize, Funker Vogt, Mono Inc., DE/VISION, Empathy Test, Joachim Witt, Spetsnaz, [:SITD:], Zeromancer, Melotron, …

DJ’s at the afterparties are: Der Schulz (Unzucht), Bruno Kramm (Das Ich), Chris L. (Funker Vogt and Agonoize), Andy Krüger (Melotron), Ronan Harris (VNV Nation), Mike Kanetzky (Matrix Bochum).

Besides watching concerts you can also visit markets, artist signing events, gothic fashion shows, readings by Axel Hildebrand, Markus Heitz and Christian von Aster. The Gothic Garden, an oasis of calm right in front of the festival infield, offers demanding festival-goers comfort, space and conveniences to make your stay more exclusive, pleasant and more relaxing. At the M’era Luna Academy you can follow special workshops which will be announced soon on the official renewed website.

The interactive M’era Luna app can be downloaded here and tickets can be ordered here.

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

V/A Endzeit Bunkertracks Act VIII (4CD Album + 40 Downloadable Bonus Songs – Alfa Matrix)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 18:30:41 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM, electro-industrial, techno-body, power-noise, IDM.

Background/Info: The first ‘act’ from this now legendary compilation was released in 2005. Fourteen years later Alfa Matrix released the eight edition of this series devoted to dark-electronics. The massive work features 72 songs on 4 discs and 40 extra songs available as download.

Artists: Suicide Commando, Blutengel, Zombie Girl, Funker Vogt, Komor Kommando, [SITD], Angelspit, Noisuf-X, Solitary Experiments, Ad:Key, Acylum, Phillip Münch ao.

Content: It’s impossible to go in detail when you’ve to review such a compilation featuring 112 songs! But “Endzeit Bunkertracks” remains faithful to a mix of music genres dealing with electronics and a fusion between great and established artists plus discoveries. No doubt about it, the some upcoming talents have been featured here. Next to a bunch of Alfa Matrix bands the compilation also features big names from other labels such as Out Of Line, Dark Dimensions, Infacted Recordings, Repo Records ao.

There’re a lot of exclusive cuts features and/or remixes while the best bands aren’t always featured on the discs.

+ + + : A great sampler and a hard copy means so much more than the digital version. The artwork by Japanse artist Tomoki Hayasaka is absolutely great and matching with the concept. Song-wise you’ll discover interesting young talents such as H.O.W., Complex Mind, Eexee, Suppressor, Playngrain, Pax Sono, Nitek, Fabrikmutter and C-Phalea. The diversity of the songs made this ‘sonic orgy’ more accessible then releasing such a box format with only dark-electronic bands.

– – – : Even if this compilation remains a great and successful work, 112 songs is definitely too much so this is a compilation you’ve to listen spread over several days.

Conclusion: It has been my pleasure tipping some ‘unknown’ talents, which have been selected for the compilation while “Endzeit Bunkertracks” remains a sonic bible for all dark electronic souls!

Best bands: Komor Kommando, Implant, Noisuf-X, Electronic Frequency, Funker Vogt, [X]-Rx, Suppressor, Nitek, Ice Ages, Larva.

Rate: (8½).

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

Project Pitchfork to release limited 2LP+2CD collector set of ‘Continuum Ride’ album – get yours here (including bonus tracks)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:51:47 +0000

In 2010 Project Pitchfork released the album “Continuum Ride”, the follow-up to “Dream, Tiresias!” which was released just a year before.

The re-release comes as a collector box (strictly limited to 500 copies) holding 2LP+2CD (and 3 bonus tracks) and is available right here. There is also a 2LP+CD version, with 6 different bonus tracks, this version is available here.

The 3 bonus tracks in the collector set are the following ones: “Beholder (Puppet Master Mix)”, “Endless Infinity (God of Doom Mix)”, “Supersonic Snakebite (Iron Fist Mix)”. The 6 bonus tracks in the 2LP+CD set are: “Feel! – [:SITD:] Remix”, “Feel! – Remixed by NOISUF-X”, “Feel! – DIE KRUPPS Remix”, “Despise”, “One Million Faces (RMX)”, “Last Dream”.

Future Lied To Us – Progress (CD mini-Album – Trisol)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 19:00:28 +0000

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

Background/Info: The German trio Tom Lesczenski ([:SITD:]), Vasi Vallis (Frozen Plasma, Reaper, NamNamBulu) and Krischan Wesenberg (Rotersand) took us by surprise in early 2018 with the great “Presence”-album released on Infacted Recordings. The trio is already back now with a 5-songs mini-album released on Trisol.

Content: This production is quite easy to review; you get 2 impressive songs, 1 cool track and 2 B-side cuts. Sound-wise this mature and talented trio is once again mixing elements of high-danceable and well-crafted future-pop with rather classical electro-pop tracks. Some songs are pretty Rotersand-like and I especially refer to the sound treatments and some arrangements.

+ + + : I first of all like the format of this record; mini-albums are somewhat forgotten productions, which according to me are far more interesting than EP’s with an endless number of remixes. We here get 5 new songs and especially “Second Lies” and “Blaze In The Dark” both are intelligent and sophisticated cuts. The strength of this music is all about the sound treatments, but still the high degree of dance-ability. The global production process (music and vocals) is totally accomplished and sound high-tech!

– – – : There’s no real reason to complain. After a brilliant debut album, this mini-album simply confirms the endless potential of this formation. The “Fear And Hope”-song is maybe my single regret about this work for being less inspired.

Conclusion: When you bring little geniuses together you only, but can expect a little sonic jewel. I’m really wondering where those sound architects will end!?

Best songs: “Second Lies”, “Blaze In The Dark”, “Break Me Into Pieces”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www .facebook .com /futureliedtous

Label: www .trisol .de / www .facebook .com /pages /Trisol –Music –Group /104166526285471

Any Second – Sünde Mensch (DCD Album – Out Of Line)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:30:48 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, EBM.

Background/Info: Set up in 2010 by Jan Kluge (vocals) and Thomas DosUnit the Berlin duo self-released the album “Dein Schicksal” in 2012. They were joined in 2016 by Oliver Senger (Agonoize) and started writing new material. “Sünde Mensch” is the first official album from Any Second and features an extra disc with remixes.

Content: The sound and influences of Any Second are somewhat 90s like and clearly reminding me of bands such as Tyske Lüdder, Der Prager Handgriff and Calva Y Nada. They bring a powerful mix of dark-electronics and pure EBM sung by charismatic vocals. Most of the vocals are sung in German.

The bonus disc features 10 remixes by [:SITD:], Cephalgy, Centhron, Trensity, Mondträume, Electronic Frequency, Synthattack, Tranzresonanz, Pseudokrupp Project and Angriffspakt.

+ + + : No doubt about it, this is a ‘typical’ Out Of Line production that will appeal for lovers of dark-electronics and EBM. Any second moves somewhere in between and clearly evoke good-old 90s influences. The songs are well-crafted and feature several great cuts. I especially want to tip “Seelenhügel”, which appears to be a real potential hit. The powerful and charismatic vocals are sometimes reminding me of Tyske Lüdder.

Among the remixes I want to say a word about the great job done by [:SITD:] (remixing “Seelenhügel”) and Tanzresonanz (a band I remember from an ‘old’ Out Of Line-compilation entitled “Electrostorm Vol.6”).

– – – : I noticed a few ‘softer’ cuts, which are not the most captivating ones from the work. Sound-wise Any Second avoids all innovation, but I have to admit they accomplished an efficient production.

Conclusion: This is the kind of band that will appeal for multiple electro-heads passionate by EBM and dark-electronics. Nothing new although a cool work!

Best songs: “Seelenhügel”, “Niedergand”, “Sünde” + “Zorn – Tranzresonanz Remix”, “Seelenhügel – [:SITD:] Remix”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www .anysecond .eu / www .facebook .com /anysecond .berlin

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

Future Lied To Us – Presence (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:30:26 +0000

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

Background/Info: Future Lied To Us is a project driven by Krischan Jan-Eric Wesenberg (Rotersand), Vasi Vallis (NamNamBulu, Reaper, Frozen Plasma) and Thomas Lesczenski (SITD). After 2 digital singles released in 2017, here comes the debut album of this trio.

Content: When you bring talented and visionary artists together you can only expect something ‘amazing’. Future Lied To Us isn’t reinventing future-pop music, but “Presence” clearly sounds as they bring this music style back on the map of electronic music. “Presence” is a well-crafted album carried by impressive production skills. Some songs might remind Rotersand, but globally speaking the work is not a cheapo copy from one of the member’s bands they’re involved with. The songs are powerful, melodic, and emotional and a real lust for all lovers of professional electronic music.

+ + + : I’m not that surprised the album gets a great response in their homeland. It’s an intelligent and sophisticated electro-pop production, which sometimes evoke a sonic hybrid between Rotersand and Haujobb. Let’s not forget Wesenberg and Vallis both are recognized electro-pop artists. The originality is maybe far to find, but the elaboration of the songs is absolutely phenomenal. The production stands for a high-tech approach. The first- and last songs are more emotional pieces and still beautiful songs.

– – – : I maybe expected more originality from this trio, but in the end they simply composed a meaningful piece of music where there’s no real single song to throw away.

Conclusion: Future Lied To us doesn’t sound at all as a beginning band. I’m just wondering if they’ll go on composing new songs or if “Presence” is just a one-shot experience.

Best songs: “Suffocate”, “Embrace A World”, “Faded Faces”, “Falling”, “Drops Of Silver”, “Born In Silence”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www .facebook .com /futureliedtous

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

Unity One preps release debut album ‘Awakening’ on SkyQode label – check out the album trailer

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:19:47 +0000

Unity One have announced the release date for their highly anticipated debut album “Awakening”. The album features 12 tracks and is to be released on April 27th by SkyQode, the home of Mental Discipline, Cold In May, Synapsyche, to name just a few bands.

Unity One is the futurepop/synthpop project formed by musician Mike-E (Russia) and vocalist Rush (Moldova) who have diverse musical backgrounds. But you’ll clearly recognise the duo’s shared love for such bands as VNV Nation, Neuroticfish and Colony 5. We have been following this band for a while now and so should you.

The band already released a single for the track “Infrared” which spent several weeks in the Top 10 of the Deutsche Alternative Charts. In 2016, they also released the single, “Tomorrow” which equally got very good feedback from the DJs.

The band’s debut album comes after a string of festival appearances including Resistanz (UK), Children of the night (UA) and Synthetic Snow (RU), as well as concerts supporting Covenant, Assemblage 23, SITD, and Solar Fake.

Their upcoming debut “Awakening” is clearly drawing inspiration from synthpop, EBM, futurepop and modern club music and will please many who want something else then the harsh electro which is flooding the scene these days.

Recommended! “Awakening” is avalaible for preordering right here.

Here’s the album preview.

And for those who missed the “Infrared” video, watch it below.

Boxing Week sale at Storming The Base – here’s the link

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 17:00:54 +0000

The industrial mailorder Storming The Base has launched its Boxing Week sale. The sale holds a choice between hundreds of vinyls, CD sets all at heavily reduced prices.

Included are releases from hundreds of bands such as Depeche Mode, ∆aimon, Front Line Assembly, Tehom, Blutengel,[:SITD:], iEuropean feat. Wolfgang Flur, Merzbow, Dave Ball & Jon Savage, Orphx, Cevin Key & Ken Hiwatt Marshall, Mueran Humanos, Yoko Ono, 3Teeth, Prong and many many more! You can find the complete list right here.

Good to know for our US-readers, you get the shipping for free when you order for 100 US$ or more. EU-readers, group your orders and you’ll see the shipping costs decrease a lot!

Happy hunting!

‘Click Interview’ with ES23: ‘Maybe Music Is The Way I Get Along With My Life’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:00:30 +0000

Set up in Bochum in 2004, it took a few years to ES23 to break through. The band got the opportunity to get signed on Infacted Recordings and took the dark-electro community by surprise releasing the successful official debut album “Heaven Or Hell” (2012). The sound was clearly inspired by Suicide Commando. Quite progressively ES23 moved towards a ‘softer’ and more into future-pop driven sound. That’s the global approach you can hear on the third full length “Erase Your Heart” still released on Infacted Recordings. I got in touch with Daniel Pad, the creative spirit behind the band.

(by Inferno sound Diaries)

Q: “Erase My Heart” definitely sounds different from your previous work. Is it all about a natural evolution from dark (h)el(l)tronics towards more melodic and future-pop driven influences or a progressive break with the past?

Daniel: In my opinion, I guess the change in style and sound comes from newer Soft- and Hardware that came into the studio from time to time. New sounds, new possibilities and more room for creativity is the main factor here. There are still some harsher elements like “Destiny”, “Get Out Of My Head” and “Once And For All”. I will not miss these elements. They might become less harsh in the future, but I will not forget my past work.

Q: So what kind of album and sound did you had in mind when starting the writing of “Erase My Heart” and what means this new opus in your evolution as musician?

Daniel: I did not have a ‘master plan’ for “Erase My Heart”. Each song of the album has its own character and all in all the album might sound like a compilation of genre-work in this scene, which I love most about it. You might say I have the right song, for the right situation. Most times I just sit there, start something and then it becomes this or that song. It is that ‘easy’ (laugh).

As always –I create– what I want to create and what comes into my mind. And with “Erase My Heart” I think I hit a good spot. Some people might miss some harsher elements, but many people like my clearer voice –and I like to use it both ways.

Q: What does the title of the album stands for and what have been the main themes that inspired the lyrical content of the album?

Daniel: The Instrumental versions of the songs were finished a lot earlier than the lyrics. They describe a situation from my past. I guess all in all each track has its own story, and many of them are related to situations of my life. I think many people have made the same experience. For example, a lost love, where you just want to end it all, or scream and find a way out for your bad feeling. But don´t worry, everything is fine; maybe music is the way I get along with my life.

Q: I can imagine it’s maybe not an easy thing to play live some of the ‘older’ songs (from the “Heaven Or Hell”-album) together with the new cuts. Did you maybe rework some songs and what have been the reactions so far?

Daniel: On tour with [:SITD:] I started with the clearer vocal-songs and later on they became harsher and I used the vocoder then. It has a good mixture and it worked perfectly. For example: almost every time I play “Sweetmeat” because of the 160BPM.

But you are right, it is not that easy to find the perfect setlist. I haven´t thought about reworking some songs from the past. Maybe I will. Because of the way they were produced.

Q: I noticed an interesting evolution in the artwork of your albums and especially between “Heaven Or Hell”, which was sober and “Mutatio Ex Machina” and now “Erase My Heart” being more artistic and sophisticated. Tell us a bit more about this evolution and the importance of artwork generally speaking?

Daniel: That´s easy; “Heaven Or Hell” was created by User-DX and “Mutatio Ex Machina” and “Erase My Heart” were created by Alexander Fröbel aka Pixelbreed. So the difference maybe comes from there. I trust the work and skills of those guys and I am happy about the fact that it doesn’t take me too much time in creating the artwork myself. With “Mutatio Ex Machina” and “Erase My Heart” I just gave some basic ideas, and Alex hit the spot with the perfect artwork. It is easy for me and I know I am save with the quality.

Q: Suicide Commando has been for sure a source of inspiration on your debut album while you now made a cover version of “Conspiracy With The Devil”, which will be featured on the newest album (limited edition). How was it working on this song and what did you try to inject in your version?

Daniel: I am very happy about the cover song. We also played it live once. Suicide Commando has always been a great source of awesome songs over all these years. Johan once wrote about the idea of a cover-compilation for the future and I wanted to take a song I love, and which would be not covered by everyone. He even gave me the original sample of ‘there is much killing to be done’ to make it a perfect cover version. I am very proud being part of such a great limited edition.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

ES23 – Erase My Heart (CD Album – Infacted Recordings)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 18:15:46 +0000

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

Background/Info: “Erase My Heart” is the third official full length released by Daniel Pad. After a totally hard and dark-electro driven debut work (cf. “Heaven Or Hell”) the next album (cf. “Mutatio Ex Machina”) revealed a few softer elements.

Content: “Erase My Heart” moves on where “Mutatio Ex Machina” stopped. I think we no longer can speak about pure dark-electronics. The songs are too melodic and clearly future-pop driven to only appeal to dark-elector heads.

“Erase My Heart” brings genres together, in a way reinventing future-pop by injecting harder and darker electro influences while I also noticed a few 90s minded elements. This work stands for hard, danceable kicks, melodic and sometimes somewhat trance-driven leads, hopping sequences and charismatic vocals.

The work features 11 songs plus 3 remixes featuring [SITD] and Alien Nation.

+ + + : ES23 is a band in constant progression and that’s definitely an aspect I like and fully support. This artist is not emulating his previous work, but likes to look forward by experimenting and elaborating new ideas. This album is a very efficient merge between different electronic styles like dark-electro, EBM and future-pop, but it also reveals a mature sound writing. Next to the carrying melody lines I also like the global sound production. This is the kind of work that might appeal to different electronic lovers. Among the remixes I especially like the one of “Erase My Heart” by [SITD].

– – – : ES23 is maybe sitting in between two chairs; the music genre is not 100% clear, but rather a hybrid between different genres. It might become too dark and hard for electro-pop fans and too melodic for (h)el(l)ectro lovers.

Conclusion: The least I can say is that Daniel Pad is an intriguing sound architect who seems to construct sonic bridges between different genres. I think his work has enough potential to bring fans from different genres together and make them dance!

Best songs: “Get Out Of My Head”, “Destiny”, “Error”, “Erase My Heart”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .facebook .com /ES 23 official

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

‘Click Interview’ with [:SITD:]: ‘We Want To Be A Voice, A Scream Against Injustice’

Inferno Sound Diaries — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 18:00:09 +0000

[:SITD:] aka Shadows In The Dark has been set up in 1996 by German duo Carsten Jacek and Tom Lecszenski. They started to release their work on Accession Records and moved to Scanner/Dark Dimensions since the “Dunkleziffer”-album (2014). Scanner owner Frank D’Angelo joined the band on stage. [:SITD:] this year released their newest work “Trauma: Ritual”, which is an elaborated, powerful and melodic piece of modern electronics mixing elements of EBM, dark-electro and future-pop. Time for a chat with two kind members dealing with interesting topics!

You can order all [:SITD:] releases right here from this excellent mailorder.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What kind of album did you had in mind when starting the writing of “Trauma: Ritual” and what does the title stands for?

Tom: We have tried to create an album which works in the clubs and also at home. “TRAUMA: RITUAL” has become a very compact character. The sound is very intensive and has got a significant strength. We are very satisfied with the result.

Carsten: On “TRAUMA: RITUAL” we reflect on the most critical issues of our times: fanaticism, irrationality and protectionism. In times of general political disaffection it seems very important to us to strengthen democracy and make a clear statement. We should all be aware of how important democracy is. You can’t take things like being able to speak freely, to vote or have the right to demonstrate for granted. Let me explain this more fully: Many people see the world through very simplistic eyes, because that is what allows them to life this normal, like a so-called normal existence. This existence of congeniality, where there are no threats to life, everything is safe, everything’s nice, you’ve got the house, you’ve got the wife, you’ve got the car. It’s a blood façade. In actual fact we’re living in a nightmare world! Traumatic events happen every single day. But who cares? The world is in agony and we should ask ourselves: Is this the world we want to live in? This is what about “TRAUMA: RITUAL” is dealing with. We want to make people think, expose grievances and develop a sensibility for problems. We don’t have to understand why we are fighting a war in the year 2017, why humans commit the most atrocious crimes in the name of religion or profitability, and why the divide between rich and poor is getting wider and wider. We want to be a voice, a scream against injustice. This is our claim.

Q: Are there some specific elements in the composition- and production process you wanted to accentuate, maybe improve when compared to previous releases?

Tom: We wanted to make an album, sounding much harder and more direct compared to its predecessor. To achieve this specific, genuine immediacy and authenticity we focused on the bare essentials and removed needless dead freight. Furthermore, we upped the BPM count significantly. “CICATRIX” is a good example. It’s like a kick in the gut. But it was also important to us to create an album which is rich in variety. Songs like the catchy tune “PULS:SCHLAG” or the experimental techno track “POST-FACTUAL AGE” represent a different side of [:SITD:]. “TRAUMA: RITUAL” is our most sophisticated work to date and the next logical step in our evolution. Our current video single “GENESIS” provides a short insight into the album.

Q: After the “Dunkelziffer”-album you again released your new work “Trauma: Ritual” as a limited vinyl release as well. What means the vinyl format to you as artists?

Tom: We are children of the 80’s. We grew up with records and turntables. Therefore it’s a wonderful experience for us to release “TRAUMA: RITUAL” on vinyl again. We got approached by a lot of people that wanted a vinyl release. It is very limited edition so you will have to be quick to get one. Fundamentally it’s a question of faith. Some people prefer CD’s, others like vinyl-records or MP3’s. For us as artists it’s important to offer all these different formats. Really one is spoilt for choice, and that’s a good thing.

Q: How was the experience working with Dennis Schober (Solitary Experiments) on the opening song “Puls:Schlag” and what do you like in his work?

Tom: Dennis is a good-old friend of us. It was obvious to ask him, if he would join us. “PULS:SCHLAG” has an extraordinarily personal character. We were sure, that Dennis warm emotional voice is the additional component that we need for such a song. Everything fits together perfectly. It’s the first duet with a companioned artist on an official [:SITD:] release ever! And we are very happy with the final result.

Q: [:SITD:] is a band with a strong live reputation. What’s the importance of doing live performances and are you planning to bring new elements in the upcoming shows?

Carsten: We really love to play live! It’s incomparable to stand on stage and look how the audience reacts to our music. This always gives us the creeps, no matter if we play a big festival or in a small club. We guess that energy and spirit is the most important thing on an electro concert. It’s a wonderful feeling to share your emotions with the crowd, to give something and get something back. The “TRAUMA: RITUAL” tour with ES23 is finished and it was simply fantastic! We are planning to bring new elements in the upcoming shows, but it’s too early to talk about details. On December 23rd, 2017, we will perform our annual closure concert at the “Kulttempel” in Oberhausen / Germany. NOISUF-X and ES23 will join us as our special guests. We are really looking forward to present “TRAUMA: RITUAL” for the first time at home, the Ruhr-Area. That’s the reason why we call it “HEIMAT: RITUAL”. “Heimat” is the German expression for “home”.

Q: You last year celebrated the 20^th anniversary of [:SITD:]. What have been the main facts in the band’s history and are there some items (like albums, songs…) you would have done a different way?

Carsten: Yes, the band was founded in 1996. Seriously time flies and it seems like yesterday as we’ve played in small youth-clubs. The main fact is that we are still alive. Now our fondest wish came true and we have the possibility to perform before a full audience and bring the most important thing into their focus: Our music. It’s a gift to have the possibility to visit a lot of countries, to see different cultures and to share our innermost hopes and dreams and even our deepest fears with the audience. We don’t have the intention to write the history of electronic music again, but we guess that [:SITD:] has built up an own identity and over the years we have created our own style.

[:SITD:] is 100% authentic! The music comes directly from the bottom of our hearts. We really love what we do! We always look ahead, we never look back. We can’t change the past, but we can shape the future. We are full of ideas and we will see what the future has in store for us. Thanks a lot for the interesting interview and of course many thanks to all readers and friends.

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Snuttock release brand new video – remixed by Psy’Aviah – watch here!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Tue, 30 May 2017 16:00:39 +0000

Electropop act Snuttock has just released their latest music video for the “Spitting into the Wind” (Psy’Aviah Remix). For this video release, Fried Okra Entertainment has ‘reimagined’ the footage originally shot by L76 Media for the original “Spitting into the Wind” music video.

Says the band in a reaction: “With the awesome response this remix has received, the decision to make a new video for it was a no–brainer… this isn’t simply a re-work of previously seen footage, it contains stellar new animation as well as scenes not included in the original version!”

Check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SERL9016iYE

Snuttock, in conjunction with Morphius Records, released “Rituals Redux” on September 15th, 2016 (available here). The album is the follow up to the band’s “Endless Rituals” released 3 years ago. The double CD album contains remixes by Marsheaux, Metroland, Leaether Strip, Psy’Aviah, SITD, Sebastian Komor, and many more…

[:SITD:] – Trauma: Ritual (DCD Album – Scanner)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Sun, 28 May 2017 19:30:30 +0000

Genre/Influences: EBM, dark-electro.

Background/Info: Shadows In The Dark [:SITD:] are back on track unleashing their newest opus featuring 10 songs (for the regular edition) and an extra disc with 6 songs for the limited edition. This is the seventh full length for the German trio.

Content: “Trauma: Ritual” reveals all the experience and maturity of this German combo, which is now active since 1996! I can’t really say that they innovate on this new work, but simply excel in the composition of efficient dark-electronics. It’s not just dark-electro, but a work featuring other inputs like EBM and great, melodic leads. I can’t really compare [:SITD:] with any other formation, but there are similarities with Rotersand and Funker Vogt. There’s a link in the sophisticated writing and carrying choruses.

Music and vocals together create a compact and powerful production resulting in several attention grabbers. The opening song features Dennis Schober (Solitary Experiments).

The bonus disc reveals 6 extra cuts, which are alternative versions and remixes by Intent:Outtake and Aesthetic Perfection.

+ + + : “Trauma: Ritual” is characterized by a constant, danceable power while the songs have been accomplished with brilliant melody lines. The work sounds totally accomplished and there’s no single song to throw away. The 10 songs stand for a high degree of maturity while you’ll discover potential hits such as “Zenit”, “Walls Have Eyes” and “Genesis”. The previously released EP “Brother Death” was a strong appetizer and this opus confirms the talent of [:SITD:]. The bonus disc features a few extra cool songs. I want to tip the “Single Version” of “Genesis” and the “Extended Version” of “Incendium”. The original version was featured on the “Brother Death”-EP. Intent:Outtake did a great job remixing “Mundlos”. Last, but not least I also like the digipak format.

– – – : If there’s one single minus point about this new work it must be the lack of innovation. [:SITD:] holds on the same-old sound formula, but is there any reason to change?

Conclusion: It’s hard to say if “Trauma: Ritual” is the best work [:SITD:] has ever released, but it for sure is one of their most accomplished and solid work to date. If you like dark-electronics carried by danceable rhythms, melodic leads and great vocals you for sure gone love it!

Best songs: “Zenit”, “Walls Have Eyes”, “Genesis”, “Cicatrix”, “Companion” + “Genesis – Single Version”, “Incendium – Extended Version”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .sitd .de /en / www .facebook .com /SITDofficial

Label: www .darkdimensions .de / www .facebook .com /pages /Dark –Dimensions –Label –Group /486014725206

Rituals Redux by Snuttock

Electropop act Snuttock hits back with ‘Rituals Redux’ – listen now to the first songs including a Leaether Strip remix!

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:55:19 +0000

Snuttock, in conjunction with Morphius Records, is to release “Rituals Redux” on September 15th, 2016 (pre-orders available here). The album is the follow up to the band’s “Endless Rituals” released 3 years ago. The double CD album contains remixes by Marsheaux, Metroland, Leaether Strip, Psy’Aviah, SITD, Sebastian Komor, and many more…

You can already listen to “Advice” remixed by Leaether Strip and “Advice” in a Red This Ever remix version.

You can order “Rituals Redux” as a download via the band’s Bandcamp page or as a 2CD set (available here) containing all the music included on the digital download release, presented in a radio show format by WOCD DJ Don Rogers, plus station IDs from some of the artists. The set is packaged in a double amaray case with a full color 8 page booklet. There is also a limited edition version (available here) with an autographed poster.

Here’s a teaser for the release:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvOyl3QMw2M

Snuttock, consisting of the duo Bryan Lee and Christopher Lee Simmonds (who is also a founding member of Thought Industry) was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 2003. Since then they have released 3 albums: “Straight Jacket Life” (2005), “Carved and Sutured” (2008) and “Endless Rituals” (2013) showing that the band takes it time to record a decent album (and to professionally work on their video output as you can see below).

Mental Discipline – Precious Paradise (CD Album – SkyQode)

Inferno Sound Diaries — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 22:00:02 +0000

Genre/Influences: Dance-pop, electro-pop, future-pop.

Background/Info: Alexandr Krivoruko aka Alex Mental is the artist behind the Russian band Mental Discipline. I discovered this band on the debut album “Constellation” (2012), which had a great impact on me. The band released a few EP’s as well and is now ready to confirm its high electro-pop potential with this new full length. It looks more like an EP instead of an album because of the many remixes and no real new songs.

Content: A few songs have been previously released at EP’s and digital productions while other familiar songs have been remixed by an interesting list of bands featuring Assemblage 23, Mind.In.A.Box, Ginger Snap5 and [:SITD:] as most the famous names. Tess Fries (Dual Density) has been featured on two songs while another track features Pulcher Femina (remixed by [:SITD:]) and another one !Distain.

The hard dance-pop style of the Russian formation comes rapidly through. It’s an ultra danceable production merged with efficient and fully carrying leads. But Mental Discipline also deals with a few softer and beautiful songs.

The multiple remixes inject some diversity in the tracklist, sometimes seriously transposing the original versions into a more personal format. Paralyzed did a great job, but I especially have to mention Mind.In.A.Box achieving an amazing remix of “Precious Paradise”. I also –and quite logically, have to mention the great remixing skills of Assemblage 23. Some of the best cuts however remain the ones featuring the powerful vocals of Tess Fries.

+ + + : “Precious Paradise” features some beautiful ‘rare’ songs or simply songs you’ve missed if you’re not familiar with the entire discography of this band. This is why this album is fully recommended. I enjoyed the mix of dance- and future-pop, but still a few more evasive songs. There are a few great remixes featured and I especially want to mention the delicate work of Paralyzed, which reminds me a bit of Wolfsheim.

– – – : It’s just a pity the album has nothing that new to offer. The danceable aspect of the work also is an element that might took traditional pop lovers away. It injects a kind of commercial element, which is not that inventive.

Conclusion: If you like dance-pop music this is for sure a band that will fulfill all your expectations. Mental Discipline for sure is one of the hottest Russian electronic bands in the past few years.

Best songs: Precious Paradise – Mind.In.A.Box Remix”, “Over Horizon feat. Pulcher Femina – Paralyzed Remix”, “We Are No Machines feat. Tess Fries”, “Until The End”, “Pray For Me feat. !Distain – Island Chord Remix”, “Fall To Pieces”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www .facebook .com /mentaldiscipline

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

Mental Discipline sees 2 digital EPs united on a limited CD release

Bernard - Side-Line Staff — Thu, 26 May 2016 17:19:31 +0000

The Russian synthpop / futurepop project Mental Discipline entered the scene with their debut album “Constellation” featuring collaborations with the vocalists from bands like Frozen Plasma, !Distain, Culture Kultür, Endanger, Pulcher Femina, Spektralized, and many others. The debut was followed by two digital-only EPs, “Fall 2 Pieces” (2013) and “Butterfly” (2014), featuring both new tracks and remixes of the tracks from the debut album.

Finally out via SkyQode now (you can order the release here) is a special CD (“Precious Paradise”) which consists of the tracks from both digital EPs, as well as a couple of previously unreleased tracks. This limited CD edition comes in a 6-panel digipak and contains 13 tracks in all. Among them are the collaborations with Swedish singer Tess Fries as well as remixes from such artists as Assemblage 23, Mind.In.A.Box, [:SITD:], and more.

“Precious Paradise” acts as a warm-up for the band’s upcoming second album “Past Forward” due later this year.

The tracklist:

01. Fall To Pieces
02. Butterfly (Unity One Remix)
03. WDYWFM (feat. Spektralized) (Assemblage 23 Remix)
04. We Are No Machines (feat. Tess Fries)
05. Over Horizon (feat. Pulcher Femina) (Paralyzed Remix)
06. Fall To Pieces (Warmer Mix)
07. God & Devil (feat. Cold In May) (Ginger Snap5 Remix)
08. Precious Paradise (Mind.In.A.Box Remix)
09. Over Horizon (feat. Pulcher Femina) ([:SITD:] Remix)
10. Give Me A Memory (feat. Tess Fries)
11. Pray For Me (feat. !Distain) (Island Chord Remix)
12. Pain & Regrets
13. Until The End

You can check a teaser below: