Last year, Steven Archer returned with his Stoneburner project and the rather surprising album “Post.Industrial.Occult”, in which he traded his Tribal influences for heavier, Industrial-driven guitars.

The title track, “Invasive Species”, is taken from that album and opens this release with a bang. Guitar and electronic elements are perfectly balanced, driven by harsh vocals and complemented by female chants. An Out Out remix of the track follows, after which we are treated to four additional new songs. On these tracks, Stoneburner explores a different direction, leaning into a more Cinematic approach—except for the final piece, which returns to a more forceful Industrial sound. At times, these Cinematic compositions also venture into Experimental territory, with Archer crafting what feels like sonic collages that occasionally descend into controlled chaos.

In conclusion, this release offers a strong and well-chosen title track, complemented by a handful of songs in which Stoneburner allows himself the freedom to experiment and explore new creative paths which aren’t my favorites. (Rating:6½).

Listen to “Invasive Species”:

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is the project of American musician Steven Archer, also known as one half of the darkwave duo Ego Likeness. Archer began Stoneburner as an outlet for tribal, ritual and industrial electronics. The 2025 album “Post.Industrial.Occult” moved the project toward heavier industrial guitars.

Released through COP International, the “Invasive Species” EP opens with that album’s title track, adds an Out Out remix and four new songs that lean toward cinematic and experimental territory. It was previewed by the track “Invasive Species”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

American artist Steven Archer has been involved in numerous musical projects, of which Ego Likeness is undoubtedly the best known. In 2012, he launched Stoneburner, a project that initially blended Tribal elements with Industrial music. Over the years, many compelling albums were released within this framework, yet a clear evolution gradually emerged in both influence and musical approach. The latest album, “Post.Industrial.Occult”, released on COP International, stands as the ultimate proof of this transformation. The Tribal influences have largely been left behind in favor of wailing Industrial guitars supported by hard, underlying Electronic structures. With Stoneburner taking a distinctly different direction, I remain fascinated by the project’s Tribal phase, but must admit that this new approach sounds equally successful and exciting. I spoke with Steven Archer about this evolution, as well as his  side projects. (Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’ve been active in both music and visual art for many years. Where does the Stoneburner project fit within that creative spectrum, and what does it represent for you today?

Steven: Really, it’s all the same thing, just different languages or tools. It’s easier for me to express more focused emotional content in song form than in paintings. In paintings anytime I try to do that it feels obvious or trite. Words and sound allow for more nuance and subtleties. 

Q: The sound and influences within Stoneburner have undergone quite a metamorphosis in recent years. How do you explain this evolution, and how did it come about musically?

Steven: When I started it, I wanted an answer to the question ‘what would music on Arrakis (Dune) sound like’? I explored that for a decent number of years and releases. 

Eventually I felt like I had explored that as much as possible. So I decided it was finally time to write the Industrial record I have been promising myself I would write for years. Which I am still finding new ways to explore. 

Incidentally I have released a new record of old-school Stoneburner material under the name Crysknife on my personal label Wolfcore Records.

Q: Your latest Stoneburner album, “Post.Industrial.Occult,” carries an intriguing title. What is its deeper meaning?

Steven: The more recent incarnation of Stoneburner has always been a response to what I see as a kind of ‘dumbing down’ of the genre. I think it’s unfortunate that a style of music that allows you to use anything to create sound has been distilled down to writing dance floor hits. The songs are often boring, redundant and often contain lowest common denominator lyrics. They don’t push the audience or try to talk about anything with any actual content. Stoneburner is an attempt to push back against that. 

Q: There seems to be a strong sense of ritual and symbolism running through this Stoneburner album. Could you elaborate on that? How did the connection between the conceptual content and the music develop, and how did you approach shaping that interaction?

Steven: Creating any sort of art is a kind of magic. But I don’t just mean ‘occult’ in that sense. I also mean it by its root definition ‘hidden from view’. 

As to the process, for me each record is about discovering something hidden. Which means starting with a bunch of random samples and seeing how they inform the creative process. My goal is to remove ‘self’ from the process as much as possible. Let the work tell me what it wants to be and then try to bring that into the world. 

Q: What were the greatest challenges and/or difficulties you encountered while creating this album? And what emotions or mental states were most present for you during the process of making this opus?

Steven: Stoneburner songs come to me relatively easily. The biggest struggle is trying to not fall into habits or let the work get redundant. Anytime I catch myself going too far in any one direction I try to conceptualize what the furthest opposite is and try to get there. 

I wrote the songs on this record to be played live, and in order to do that well one has to be present. I made it a point of trying to write lyrics that I have an emotional investment in. Even if the songs are from a characters point of view.

Q: The title “Post.Industrial.Occult” naturally evokes associations with the Industrial and Post-Industrial genres. What does this kind of music mean to you personally, and what influence—direct or indirect—did it have on the creation of the album?

Steven: I more or less answered this above. But the genre itself has been part of my life since the mid 80s. Though if you count The Art Of Noise and Tangerine Dream as kinda my precursors to it (along with a good helping of Punk) I have been listening to it since I was ten. Point being I deeply love the genre and all of the things that can be done with it. 

Q: You’re currently completing a major U.S. tour. Looking back, how has the experience been so far, and how have the new songs been received by the audience? Is there still room for the older, more Tribal material in your setlist, and how do you integrate those pieces with the new work in a live context?

Steven: I think they went over pretty well. I certainly enjoyed performing them. The show itself is a whole multimedia thing with three large video screens and other projectors being used as lighting on myself and my drummer Nathan. 

I didn’t do any of the Tribal stuff this time around. Last tour I worked in a kind of cameo of one of the tunes. This tour I had a lot of new material I wanted to get through. 

Maybe at some point I will do a Crysknife tour and do that stuff. Who knows. It periodically shows up in the live broadcasts I do from my studio. 

Q: What are your artistic plans for 2026, and how do you envision the further evolution of Stoneburner?

Steven: That’s a good question. I’m putting together a live concert video of the last tour, and I have a handful of new unreleased mostly finished Stoneburner tunes. Though currently the plan is for Donna and I to focus on new Ego Likeness material.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

It’s been over twenty years since Steven Archer (of Ego Likeness) founded Stoneburner. What began as a Tribal/Electro/Industrial project has, over time, evolved into something entirely different. This year’s EP, “C4 Amore”, made that evolution unmistakably clear: Stoneburner has fully embraced an Industrial-Metal path — one clearly inspired by the foundations laid by Ministry.

This new album radiates sheer, unrelenting power — a surge of aggression driven by roaring guitars and pounding, mechanical rhythms that charge forward like a metal train at full speed, sparing nothing and no one. Archer strikes an impressive balance between electronic textures and raw guitar energy, his vocals sounding more visceral and uncompromising than ever before. Occasional female backing vocals add an extra layer of contrast and depth.

Stoneburner has transformed into a formidable sonic force — a beast that has devoured its Tribal origins and risen anew as a brutal, unstoppable bulldozer of sound. Without a doubt, this is a powerful production that stands out clearly — and decisively — from the project’s earlier Tribal phase. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Catch And Kill”:

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is the solo project of Steven Archer, one half of the duo Ego Likeness. He started it more than twenty years ago as a tribal, electro, and industrial project, and it has since moved toward industrial metal.

COP International signed Stoneburner in 2021, and John Fryer produced its first album for the label. More recent releases include “The Great Filter” EP in 2023, the “Red In Tooth And Claw” book-and-CD set in 2024, and the “C4 Amore” EP in 2025. “Post . Industrial . Occult”, released in 2025 on COP International, is the album reviewed here, and Archer discussed the turn to industrial in a Side-Line interview.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

This new EP from Stoneburner is a preview for the recently released new album “Post. Industrial. Occult.” Steven Archer seems to have distanced himself from Ego Likeness for some time now and is focusing on Stoneburner, which has released a considerable collection of albums and EPs. Assisted by producer Mark Alan Miller (who we still know from Out Out), we get to discover four tracks here.

This EP primarily showcases the evolution in sounds and influences this project has undergone since its first release in 2014. It retains an Industrial sound to some extent, but it’s less Tribal-oriented and now delves more into a certain Cinematic genre. The arrangements remain quite bombastic and are overflowing with overwhelming atmospheres. Guitar and synths blend into a subtle whole, occasionally finished off with delicate piano arrangements. The whole thing is then supplemented with vocals sung with numerous effects.

Stoneburner continues to reinvent itself, and despite the fact that I remain a fan of the Tribal piece from the past, this EP sounds like a solid appetizer for the new opus. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “29 Silver Nails”:

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is the solo project of American musician Steven Archer, who is also known for his work in Ego Likeness. Archer launched Stoneburner in 2012, initially blending tribal rhythms with industrial electronics before moving toward heavier industrial guitar work.

The project has issued a long run of albums and EPs. The “C4 Amore” EP previews the album “Post. Industrial. Occult.” on COP International, a record Archer discussed at length in a Side-Line interview. Producer Mark Alan Miller, known from Out Out, worked on the EP’s four tracks.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

COP International will release the “Los Angeles – From The Ashes” charity compilation tomorrow. You can already pre-order it now for 10 USD. The release will only be available through Bandcamp.

The devastating fires in Los Angeles also destroyed “one of the most vibrant artist communities in the world” so COP International’s Christian says. “Many of our friends, collaborators, and fellow artists were displaced, with some losing everything. Among those deeply affected was Louise Fraser of Muricidae Music, a beloved COP International artist, who lost her home in the tragedy. In the face of this devastation, we knew we had to take action. This is our response: “Los Angeles – Out of Ashes”—a massive 75-track Bandcamp compilation, bringing together an extraordinary community of artists, labels, and supporters.”

All net income from the release will be donated directly to the American Red Cross, helping fire victims and aiding ongoing relief efforts. Since it’s Bandcamp Friday tomorrow, Bandcamp will waive its fee, ensuring that every dollar goes to those in need.

The 75 bands included are: Black Needle Noise, Blackcarburning, Dogtablet, Stoneburner, Inertia, Carrellee, The Halo Trees, I Ya Toyah, Jane Jensen Music, Muricidae Music, NØIR, Die Kammer, Black Angel, Night Ritualz, SJÖBLOM, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Chris Connelly & Dan Milligan, The Cassandra Complex, KY music, Louise Fraser, G.W. Childs IV, Junksista, Johnny Tupolev, unitcode:machine, Deathline International, The Russian White, Icon of Coil Official, Brigade Enzephalon, Monody, Lights of Euphoria, Black Nail Cabaret, Ruined Conflict, Solemnshapes, A Projection, Magic Wands, Beborn Beton, TORUL, Lost Signal, Orange Sector (offiziell), Interface, genCAB, MESH, Destroy Me Again, Sapphira Vee, Dstrtd Sgnl, Klack, TREASVRE, xotox, Frontal Boundary, nolongerhuman, Bellhead, V2A, Metamorph, Red Lokust, WESENBERG, Psyclon 9, Flesh Field, Principe Valiente, Death By Love, Winema Suehead, Sick Jokes, Chiasm, The Hunger, Vaselyne, Solar Fake, Girls Under Glass, NORMORIA, Stabbing Westward, Jesus On Extasy, The Shadow Majlis, Amulet, Suicide Queen, Ego Likeness, Schattenmann, Beasto Blanco.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

side-line.com

This EP by Stoneburner, which feels more like a mini-album, is a remastered version of the work originally released in 2020, now featuring one additional track. As part of a larger multimedia project, it combines music with a graphic novel. Alongside the album, Stoneburner (Steven Archer) is unveiling a 200+ page graphic novel through Raw Dog Screaming Press, containing over 400 illustrations that delve deeper into the album’s narrative. While the music stays true to Stoneburner’s signature Industrial-Tribal style, it also introduces quieter tracks, though they still benefit from bombastic production. This release includes more vocal work than previous efforts, reflecting Archer’s belief that this project represents his most significant artistic creation to date. Musically, Stoneburner continues to stand out in the Electro-Industrial scene, but it may not be the first entry point I would recommend for new listeners. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “The World Wolf 2024”:

Read the news on ‘Red In Tooth And Claw’.

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is the solo project of Baltimore, Maryland artist Steven Archer, who is also known for his work with the electronic rock band Ego Likeness on Metropolis Records. The project mixes tribal, percussion-driven electronic dance music with experimental and industrial sounds, and its catalog includes titles such as “Songs in the Key of Arrakis”, “The Great Filter” and “Apex Predator”.

“Red In Tooth And Claw” was originally released in 2020; the remastered edition on COP International adds one track and arrives together with the companion graphic novel published by Raw Dog Screaming Press. In December 2025, Archer looked back on the project in a Stoneburner interview with Side-Line.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Out next week is a revised version of the Stoneburner album “Red In Tooth And Claw”. The record has been polished up with some minor edits, it has been remastered and includes a new song. Behind this industrial music project we find Steven Archer, one-half of the band Ego Likeness, which he co-founded with Donna Lynch. Stoneburner focuses on a blend of tribal rhythms, industrial beats, and dark ambient soundscapes.

“Red In Tooth And Claw” tells the story of The World Wolf, a massive wolf god that guides humanity’s development. Steve explains: “The story begins with the wolf finding his mate dying after drinking from a polluted river. The betrayal enrages him and he turns on our careless civilization, destroying city after city. After multiple months of chaos, he is visited by the spirit of his mate, Cyan, who points out that all of the killing and destruction is not bringing her back and the only way to end his rampage that will help humanity is by allowing them to kill him. He accepts this as his fate but vows to not make it easy for them. He will not go down without a fight. As his blood pours out and his life comes to an end, she visits him again to help him come to terms with the experience. The moment of his death passes but, to his surprise, his spirit continues, just as Cyan’s did.”

This story will also be released as a 200+ page graphic novel via Raw Dog Screaming Press. Written and illustrated by Steven this novel contains over 400 images expounding on “Red In Tooth And Claw” and connecting it to the stories on the 2018 release “Apex Predator”.

Both the book and re-release will be available in August 2024 from Cop International and Raw Dog Screaming Press, respectively.

The first two chapters of the book can be read here. Read the review of ‘Red In Tooth And Claw’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Tribal, Electro.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: For more than ten years Steven Archer (Ego Likeness) has been releasing music as Stoneburner. He already released an impressive number of works and strikes back again with a new EP inspired by the work of Robin Hanson.

Content: The initial Tribal sound of Stoneburner is still there but not as much in the forefront. The sound has progressively evolved towards a mix of Industrial-Rock and bombastic electronics. I noticed an EBM bass line running through one of the cuts while the second part of the work reveals more explicit good-old Industrial-Tribal influences. You’ll discover songs with vocals and instrumental edits. The EP -which rather looks like a mini-album, features 6 cuts plus a bonus track which is a cover version of The Psychedelic Furs (cf. “Book Of Days”).

+ + + : Stoneburner moves on progressively evolving and walking on new sonic paths. I still prefer the Tribal-inspired cuts and the bombastic arrangements. “Corvomancers” and “The Great Filter” both are little sonic jewels revealing great sound intelligence and judicious arrangements.

– – – : I’m not into all the songs as some are far away from the initial style and magic of this project. The cover song of The Psychedelic Furs is an interesting addition but not exactly a master track.

Conclusion: I have mixed feelings listening to this work which I’ll keep in mind for its familiar Tribal-driven songs.

Best songs: “The Great Filter”,“Corvomancers”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial

Label: www.facebook.com/copint Read the news on ‘The Great Filter’.

About Stoneburner

Stoneburner is a project of American artist Steven Archer, best known for Ego Likeness. He launched Stoneburner in 2012, initially blending Tribal elements with Industrial music. Over the following releases the project’s sound gradually evolved, moving from its Tribal-Industrial roots toward Industrial-Rock arrangements with wailing guitars over hard electronic structures, a shift that later became fully explicit on the album “Post.Industrial.Occult” on COP International.

The EP “The Great Filter”, inspired by the work of Robin Hanson, was released on COP International and includes a cover version of The Psychedelic Furs’ “Book Of Days”.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

VampireFreaks announces Dark Force Fest 2024, a 3-day gothic-industrial music festival and convention. Dark Force Fest will be held April 19th – 21st, 2024 in Parsippany, New Jersey.

In addition to live bands on two stages, Dark Force Fest also features drag queen performances, sideshow acts, a live bats exhibit, band meet-and-greets, DJ club events, 100+ vendors, panels, presentations, meet-ups, food trucks, and spooky crafting activities. Dark Force Fest takes place in Parsippany, NJ (1 hour from New York City), where goths from around the world congregate and take over the massive castle-themed Sheraton Parsippany—including 44,000 square feet of event space and all 370 hotel rooms. The castle will be adorned in gothic décor and art installations for an immersive experience. Rooms in the main venue sold out within 2 days of announcing the dates, but there are still overflow hotels in the area.

The festival lineup includes live performances from:

Stabbing Westward, Nitzer Ebb, The Crüxshadows, Leaether Strip, Gothminister, Das Ich, Priest, Vision Video, Vampires Everywhere, Then Comes Silence, Ayria, Ash Code, System Syn, Dawn of Ashes, FGFC820, Moris Blak, Danny Blu, Kanga, Auger, Creux Lies, Angels & Agony, I:scintilla, Ego Likeness. Abstinence, Nite, Al1ce, Astari Nite, Mechanical Vein, The Long Losts, October Noir, Biomechanimal, Eva X, Stoneburner, Oberer and Rabbit Junk.

Activities include:

• Over 100 Vendors
• A drag queen show hosted by Onyx Ondyx
• Sideshow performances
• A live bats exhibit and presentation by NJ Batman
• Dj club events playing goth-industrial music
• Panels and presentations
• Arts & crafts activities
• Food Trucks
• Karaoke

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial-Pop, Electro, Experimental, Chanson.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Black Spaced dust & Memories” is the new album by the duo Martin King (Test Dept.) – Roberto Soave. They invited singers Frankie Nardiello aka ‘Groovie Mann’ (My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult), Jared Louche (Chemlab, Prude), Steven Archer (Ego Likeness, Stoneburner), Coral Scere (Scere, Silver Walks), Cat Hall (Dissonance), Daz Sharp and Melodywhore. Side-Line previously covered the album’s announcement in a news article listing the full Dogtablet discography.

Content: This album covers a wide range of influences which have been mainly carried by Industrial sound treatments and slow rhythms. It’s quite surprising discovering Chanson and Minimal-Pop driven by Industrial sound treatments. Dogtablet brings different genres together, sometimes connecting totally unexpected elements with each other. I also noticed several sensual passages because of the deep vocals and cadence. It might appeal to lovers of Massive Attack. I don’t know if the last cut “Back To Black” might be seen as a free, instrumental, adaptation of the famous Amy Whinehouse song but it clearly sounds like a cool wink.

+ + + : This album took me by surprise. It took me a few seconds to realize I was listening to something totally different from what I’m used to. The dark sound treatments and Industrial sphere caught my attention -so you’ll not be surprised that a Test Dept. member is hiding behind this project. But I’m totally devoted to this creative process revealing a brilliant and challenging approach. It sounds minimal and somewhat inhibited on one side but also features heavy, blasting, Industrial sound treatments on the other side. There also is a very nice selection of vocalists which really adapted themselves to the music. I definitely like the Massive Attack inspired “Fall Panic” feat. Jared Louche but also “Tar Pit” feat. Daz Sharp, “Profiler X&Y” feat. Melodywhore, “These Remains” feat. Steve Archer and the already mentioned, instrumental, “Back To Black”.

– – – : The single cut that couldn’t convince me is “The Dreamer” feat. Catt Hall. This one sounds as if there’s no real match between music and vocals.

Conclusion: This work sounds totally out of the box but it’s the kind of challenge I fully support; original and efficient featuring a few beautiful cuts.

Best songs: “Fall Panic”, “Tar Pit”, “Profiler X&Y”, “These Remains”, “Back To Black”, “Even & Only”, “Desire”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/Dogtablet

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

About Dogtablet

Dogtablet is the London-based industrial project of Martin King, formerly of Test Dept and Pigface, working here with Roberto Soave. According to Side-Line’s prior coverage, the project’s discography runs from “Outlaws & Strays” (2017), “Double Thirty” (2018) and “Feathers & Skin” (2019) through “Muscle & Bone (The Remixes)” and “Tales From The Outlaw” (both 2020) and “Pearldrop Blue” (2021), all self-released, before “Feathers & Skin/Pearldropblue” (2022) and the current album moved to Distortion Productions.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Out now is the brand new EP, “The Great Filter”, by the industrial act Stoneburner. Stoneburner is the project by Steven Archer, also known for co-founding the darkwave gothic rock duo Ego Likeness with Donna Lynch.

Drawing inspiration from Hanson’s “Great Filter” argument, Stoneburner in its new 7-track EP handles the enigma of intelligent life and its potential demise, and visits the realms of human existence, self-destruction, and the haunting implications of an uncertain future.

The EP also holds a cover of Psychedelic Furs’ “Book of Days”.

Here’s Stoneburner’s “Narcissus” video.

Regarding the “Great Filter”

The Great Filter is the idea that in the development of life from the earliest stages of abiogenesis to reaching the highest levels of development on the Kardashev scale, there is a barrier to development that makes detectable extraterrestrial life exceedingly rare. The Great Filter is one possible resolution of the Fermi paradox, which is about the discrepancy between the lack of conclusive evidence of advanced extraterrestrial life and the apparently high likelihood of its existence.

The concept originates in Robin Hanson’s argument that the failure to find any extraterrestrial civilizations in the observable universe implies that something is wrong with one or more of the arguments (from various scientific disciplines) that the appearance of advanced intelligent life is probable; this observation is conceptualized in terms of a “Great Filter” which acts to reduce the great number of sites where intelligent life might arise to the tiny number of intelligent species with advanced civilizations actually observed (currently just one: human). This probability threshold, which could lie in the past or following human extinction, might work as a barrier to the evolution of intelligent life, or as a high probability of self-destruction. The main conclusion of this argument is that the easier it was for life to evolve to the present stage, the bleaker the future chances of humanity probably are.

The idea was first proposed in an online essay titled “The Great Filter – Are We Almost Past It?”, written by economist Robin Hanson. The first version was written in August 1996 and the article was last updated on September 15, 1998. Hanson’s formulation has received recognition in several published sources discussing the Fermi paradox and its implications. Read the review of ‘The Great Filter’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

side-line.com

The industrial label Glitchmode Recordings has announced the October 16th release of Derision Cult’s “The Mercenary Mixes”. “The Mercenary Mixes” is a sixteen-track remix series that follows the Derision Cult EP “Mercenary Notes Pt 1”. On remix duties we find Assemblage 23, Moris Blak, Stoneburner, SpankTheNun and Stabbing Westward among others.

The Mercenary Mixes will be available in its entirety on October 16th via Bandcamp while individual singles will be released in the coming weeks.

The previously released “Mercenary Notes Pt. 1” EP was the result of a collaboration between Dave McAnally and Sean Payne (Cyanotic), Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, The Cure), Chris Connelly (Ministry, Pigface), plus Justin K Broadrick (Godflesh).

You can already check the Assemblage 23 remix below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

side-line.com

Out via Distortion Productions is the all new album by the London-based industrial act Dogtablet, “Black Space Dust & Memories”. Behind Dogtablet we find Martin King who was a member of the legendary industrial band Test Dept. as well as Pigface.

This time, Martin has enlisted the vocal talent of Frankie Nardiello (Groovie Mann from My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult), Jared Louche (Chemlab & Prude), Steven Archer (Ego Likeness & Stoneburner), Coral Scere (Scere/silver walks), Cat Hall (Dissonance) and more. The album also holds Roger Ebner on sax (“Diamonds”) and Phil Moseley on guitars (“Ashes”).

“Black Space Dust & Memories” is out on compact disc as well as through all digital and streaming platforms.

Check out the “Down in Flames” video below.

For the fans, here’s the discography so far from Dogtablet.

• 2017: “Outlaws & Strays”, Self-released
• 2018: “Double Thirty” , Self-released
• 2019: “Feathers & Skin”, Self-released
• 2020: “Muscle & Bone (The Remixes)”, Self-released
• 2020: “Tales From The Outlaw”, Self-released
• 2021: “Pearldrop Blue”, Self-released
• 2022: “Feathers & Skin/Pearldropblue”, Released by Distortion Productions
• 2023: “Black Space Dust & Memories”, Released by Distortion Productions

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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Genre/Influences: Dark-Wave, Gothic.

Format: Digital. 

Background/Info: This formation is a duo featuring Johnathan Mooney (USA) and Christian Granquist (Sweden). They already released several productions together and now strike back with this EP featuring seven songs. 

Content: We get 3 new songs plus 3 remixes of these songs and a kind of outro track. The sound is getting us back to Dark-Wave music driven by slow rhythms mixing guitar play and electronics. On top you’ll notice a singer with a deep timbre of voice. Remixes have been accomplished by John Bechdel, Leather Strip and Stoneburner.  

+ + + :  Speaking for myself I definitely prefer the remixes instead of the original songs. That’s not really a surprise as you realize the great and renowned artists they’ve asked. My favorite one is the title song remixed by John Bechdel (Ministry) who injected a dreamy and passionate touch to the track which evolves in a great, crescendo, way. 

– – – : I’m always disappointed a work where I prefer remixes instead of original songs. It doesn’t mean the originals are that worse but they’re missing substantial elements which you can find back in the different remixes. 

Conclusion: The remixes are making this EP interesting. 

Best songs: “Strip Me – John Bechdel Remix”, “This Too – Stoneburner Remix”. 

Rate: 6.

Listen to the EP:

Artist: www.jchristianmusic.com / www.facebook.com/jchristianmusic  Read the news on ‘Strip Me’.

About Johnathan|Christian

Johnathan|Christian is the trans-Atlantic post-punk duo of Los Angeles-based Johnathan Mooney and Stockholm’s Christian Granquist. The pair released the “Strip Me” EP in 2023, a seven-track collection built around a trilogy of songs, “Strip Me”, “Sway Back” and “This Too”, addressing the fear of rejection and the end of a relationship. The EP includes remixes by Ministry’s John Bechdel, Leather Strip and Steven Archer of Stoneburner and Ego Likeness, closing with “Cela Aussi (epilogue)”. The music video for “Strip Me” was directed by Purple Tree Creative’s Nick Van Dyk.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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Genre/Influences: Dark-Folk, Electronic, Ethereal.

Format: Digital. 

Background/Info: Hem Netjer is a band hailing from Vancouver (Canada). I noticed they previously released a very few productions; this work featuring seven songs. 

Content: The album sounds like the meeting between 2 sonic universes; electronics mixed with real, acoustic instruments at one side and heavenly, ethereal female voices mixed with a kind of male throat singing at the other side. This work sounds as the imaginary hybrid between Qntal and Stoneburner. 

+ + + : I never heard of this band before but will for sure keep an eye on them. I would be not surprised to see this formation getting signed to an established label so they’ll reach a wider audience. I like the power and magic of authentic instruments injecting Dark-Folk and Tribal elements to the work while it has been perfectly accomplished by the addition of Electronic music. The vocals also create a delicious contrast between heavenly, bewitching, female voices and dark, humming, male throat singing.

– – – : I noticed the previous EP “Kemet” was a bit more Electro- and dance-like. I think if they could transpose this element to further productions you’ll get an outstanding work. 

Conclusion: Definitely a great discovery in a music style which has less promising new names. 

Best songs: “Void”, “Eldur”, “Salt And Tears”. 

Rate: 8.

Listen to the album:

Artist: www.hemnetjer.band / www.facebook.com/hemnetjer  Read the news on ‘The Song Of Trees’.

About Hem Netjer

Hem Netjer is a dark electronic folk band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The name comes from the ancient Egyptian term for a priest, and the band combines traditional instruments with modern electronics and ancient-inspired storytelling, pairing female lead vocals with deep throat singing. The lineup features vocalist RavenRissy alongside musicians David Deckard and Jesse Ellytt. The debut album “The Song Of Trees” was written largely during the Covid-19 lockdowns and structured around the five elements of earth, air, fire, water and void. It was preceded by three singles.

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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Cleveland based alternative electronic duo She 1 · Him 2 have released their second single of 2022, “Stuck Inside”. The video for the track features graphics by Steven Archer of Stoneburner and Ego Likeness.

The band explains the song: “The theme of the track involves getting stuck in thought patterns of negativity which drag us down and become habits. Then we need to figure out how to let go and break free.”

The band features darkwave rocker and former Lestat frontman Evan Nave and Cassie Bishop of Shy Moon. The duo has once again teamed up with producer Michael Seifert (Tori Amos, Paul Simon and many other Grammy award winners) for the project. “Stuck Inside” can be found at all electronic merchants and streaming services, and the video can be seen below.

The band is releasing tracks over time to fill out their first full EP and all music and videos have been filmed without either of them seeing each other in person. Over the past few years, they have released “Split the Line”, “Spoken Words to Light” and earlier this year they released a cover of David Bowie’s “Fame” featuring Steven Seibold (Hate Dept./Pigface). They are currently working on a full 4 song EP slated for 2023.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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(Photo by Anarchic Apertures) Hot on the heels of their “Nothing As It Seems” single featuring remixes by Stabbing Westward and Dean Garcia of Curve, Chicago’s post punk act Bellhead is featured on 2 compilations this summer. You will certainly know Bellhead from their industrial track “With Guns (Afterbirth Remix)” on our free charity download “Face The Beat: Session 6“.

The first track is the band’s version of “No Big Deal”, originally written by Love and Rockets. The track is featured on a comp released on Coitus Interrruptus Productions and is a Bandcamp exclusive. The band also offers new original song, “No Dead Horses”, on “This Is Deathpop” from Give/Take Records that is out now as a limited edition CD and as a digital release.

In addition, the band is touring heavily this summer, including opening for 80’s new wave band China Crisis, Al1ce, Bellwether Syndicate, Hate Dept., and Chant.

Here are the tour dates.

• 07/20/22 – East Room – Nashville, TN w/ Stoneburner / Chant
• 08/07/22 – Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL w/ Chant / Stoneburner
• 08/13/22 – TBA
• 08/26/22 – Sk8bar – St. Joseph, MO w/ Hate Dept. / Torn Asunder
• 08/27/22 – Sinkhole – St. Louis, MO w/ Gary Robert / The Cult Sounds / Captain SpaceTime
• 08/28/22 – TBA
• 08/30/22 – X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence / Dance Commandr
• 08/31/22 – Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence
• 09/01/22 – Crucible – Madison, WI w/ The Bellwether Syndicate / Then Comes Silence
• 10/06/22 – TBA
• 10/07/22 – TBA
• 10/08/22 – Al’s Bar – Lexington, KY w/ Leaden Verse / Corporate Mascot
• 10/14/22 – Wolf Hollow – Rockford, IL w/ The Funeral March
• 11/04/22 – Liar’s Club – Chicago, IL w/ Hate Dept. / Won’t Stay Dead
• 11/05/22 – Da Bar – Milwaukee, WI w/ Hate Dept. / Lockjaw / Am.psych

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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Chicago based Post-Punk duo Bellhead have unleashed their new single, “Nothing As It Seams”.

“Nothing As it Seems” brings Bellhead back to their industrial roots so they say: “We never really had an intention to be in a specific genre, or even to blend genres. We just wanted to make music that was enjoyable for us, and that we hoped people would also like. You’ll hear aspects of anything from Nine Inch Nails to Magazine, to Death from above, from Killing Joke to Johnny Cash with a lot of 70’s Bowie thrown in.”

Bellhead are planning their 2022 touring dates which include providing support for Christian Death, Powerman5000, Stoneburner, Chant, Empathy Test and the Los Angeles dark electronic duo Night Club.

“Nothing As It Seems” is available now in digital and limited CD formats via Bandcamp.

For the occasion Bellhead enlisted Dean Garcia (Curve / SPC ECO), American industrial rock band Stabbing Westward’s Walter Flakus, I:Scintilla and Shawn Brice (Loveless Love / Bloodwire).

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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Out now is the brand new COP International Records compilation “Broken Hearts & Robot Parts II” featuring contributions from Stoneburner, Joy Thieves, I Ya Toyah, Silverwalks and Sick Jokes. COP artists Stabbing Westward and Black Needle Noise also contribute remixes. This is the second edition of the label’s regular album compilation series.

“Unlike most label compilations that are fairly hefty volumes, we are going for a concept that opts for a much smaller selection of artists. This allows for a larger spotlight on the selected few and gives us the opportunity to quickly build the series out. Our scene is bursting with creativity and talent and we are honored to present our latest selection to you with snapshots of a vibrant community,” says COP International Records founder Christian Petke.

The Broken Hearts & Robot Parts II tracklisting includes 5 tracks and can be purchased on Bandcamp below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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(Courtesy Attasalina) Black Needle Noise’s first release on COP International Records is a fact. Out now is a new single “Machine” featuring vocalist Attasalina and violinist Meredith Yayanos. The “Machine” EP features remixes from Christopher Hall (Stabbing Westward), Mark Hockings (Mesh/Blackcarburning), Sick Jokes, Soman and (London DJ) Samantha Togni.

Says Fryer of “Machine”: “It’s taken a while to find the right song for Attasalina so we could collaborate again. She did an amazing job on ‘Messages By Dreams’ and she has done an exceptional job on ‘Machine.’ It’s always a pleasure working with Attasalina, and it’s been great having Meredith Yayanos on board this time around playing violin on the track, adding another dimension.”

Attasalina, best known for her collaboration with Daniel Ash (The Soldiers of Everyday), has also released music with her band The Seraphim Rising and is currently working on her first solo record in collaboration with John Fryer, to be called Freed From Rage and Sorrow. She previously collaborated with Fryer on the Black Needle Noise track “Messages By Dreams.”

See the video for “Machine” below.

About John Fryer

John Fryer started his career in 1979 at London’s Blackwing Studios (London) and soon began working with seminal bands on 4AD, Mute, Rough Trade and Beggars Banquet, including Depeche Mode, The Wolfgang Press and Cocteau Twins. His achievement in helping develop the latter’s pioneering ethereal and ambient sound ultimately led Watts-Russell to recruit Fryer as his partner for This Mortal Coil.

Since then, Fryer has produced many iconic artists, including Love and Rockets, HIM, Cradle of Filth, Clan of Xymox, Nitzer Ebb, Dead Can Dance, Yaz (Yazoo), Xmal Deutschland, Fields of the Nephilim, De/Vision, Stabbing Westward and many others. Fryer has also produced many film soundtracks, such as Seven, Clerks, Johnny Mnemonic, Mortal Kombat, Faust and Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Currently Fryer also works closely with COP International and its roster and this debut Black Needle Noise release on the label is being hailed by COP founder Christian Petke who says, “I know how much this project means to John and I think it represents some of his finest work. Black Needle Noise is his vehicle to execute his artistic visions. It is not bound by style or fashion but represents the distilled essence of a man honing his craft for 40-plus years. To say it is an honor to represent Black Needle Noise on COP International is an understatement.”

Fryer recently celebrated a #1 entry on the German DAC Charts with the Chiasm & John Fryer album “Missed The Noise”. Good to know, Fryer acts as an A&R and a producer at COP International Records, helming the work of artists such as Stabbing Westward, Azam Ali, Chiasm, Stoneburner, Blackcarburning and more.

For more on John Fryer, see A Cloud Of Ravens release remix EP feat. remixes by Clan of Xymox,… on Side-Line.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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(Photo by Steven Archer) Coming up later this year on COP International Records is the Stoneburner album “Apex Predator” which will be produced by John Fryer. The album will be a follow-up to Stoneburner’s last self-released LP “Technology Implies Belligerence”.

Stoneburner is the project by Steven Archer, also known for co-founding the darkwave gothic rock duo Ego Likeness with Donna Lynch.

As for why he started this particular project Archer says: “For this album, I decided to write music that I feel addresses the ways modern industrial music falls short. Focusing not on dance floors and clubs but writing songs with intelligent lyrics that speak to the human condition, both in general and based on my own personal experience.”

In the past year, he has produced 3 EPs, a mini full-length of original Stoneburner material, two records of instrumental soundscape tracks, and three EPs of covers, along with 15 videos.

More announcements regarding Stoneburner will be forthcoming in 2021.

Side-Line also covered John Fryer’s ‘Machine’.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: “Damage Over Time” is the second official full length album by Gasoline Invertebrate. After the “Freak Drive”-album released three years ago, we get ten new songs by Brian Graupner who’s mainly known for his involvement with The Gothsicles. Notice by the way and that’s a real important aspect of this record, nearly all songs have been produced by a different producer!

Content: “Damage Over Time” is mainly driven by dark-electronics, but most of the songs are polished with electro-pop elements. The melodic side of the work is immediately noticeable and especially the song featuring Chris Connelly (cf. “Scarlet Slip”) has something pretty dance-like. Behind this ‘dark’ fusion between the music styles you’ll also notice multiple sound effects symbolizing the elaborated format of this work. The tracklist is progressively evolving towards harder and harsher cuts.

+ + + : “Damage Over Time” is an interesting work for different reasons; it’s not only a danceable and well-crafted composition, but there’s a great fusion between darker, powerful electro and pop-like melodies. It creates something apart from all other bands repeating the same old dark-electro sound formula. Chris Connelly is a noticeable guest on this album and that’s also a good reason to discover this work… although “Scarlet Slip” is not my favorite cut. I think if there’s a potential hit featured on the album it must be “Feast”, which is not only powerful and danceable, but still has a great retro-like melody line. Among the producers you’ll find artists such as Martin Bowes (Attrition), Vasi Vallis (Reaper, Frozen Plasma), Kolja Trelle (Soman), Brant Showers (Aaimon), Steven Archer (Stoneburner, Ego Likeness) ao.

– – – : I know it must be surprising to say that the song featuring Chris Connelly is the single one that can’t totally convince me. It has something more ‘commercial’ and ‘danceable’-like, which doesn’t really fit to the rest of the tracklist.

Conclusion: “Damage Over Time” is a noticeable and alluring second album for Gasoline Invertebrate.

Best songs: “Feast”, “Headschatten”, “Let The Demon Out”, “Boston”, “Rejected Organ Transplant”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/gasolineinvertebrate

Label: www.facebook.com/tigersquawkrecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: It’s a while ago we heard new stuff from Ego Likeness. The formation set up in 1999 by Steven Archer and singer Donna Lynch recorded this “Wolves”-EP in 2017 –two years after their last album “When The Wolves Return”. “Wolves” features the title song plus three remixes from other songs.

Content: Ego Likeness always composed a very own sound and it’s not that different for “Wolves”. The title song is a mix of different elements, moving somewhere in between electro-pop and electro-wave music.

We next get remixes by Stoneburner (the tribal project of Steven Archer), Out Out Vs. Stoneburner and Inertia. Both remixes of “Darkness” –originally released at the last album, have something dark and hot.

+ + + : It feels good to hear Ego Likeness again. This band clearly has something apart, which is mainly illustrated by the title song, but it also comes through in the remixes. And when Steven Archer as Stoneburner is remixing Steven Archer as Ego Likeness there’s some part of magic emerging. The downtempo-like “Aviary” features a great twist between electronics and guitar playing. But the real attention grabber is the remix of “Darkness” by Out Out Vs. Stoneburner. This remix sounds hard and really hot!

– – – : Time for totally new work and I hope we’ll get a new Ego Likeness album!

Conclusion: This EP is a small little gift to satisfy the fans of the band, but I’ve to admit it’s a damned great work.

Best songs: “Darkness – Out Out Vs. Stoneburner Rework”, “Darkness – Inertia Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.egolikeness.com / www.facebook.com/Egolikeness

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

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, crossover.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: American formation deathline International gained a serious reputation during the 90s. I honestly didn’t know the band was still active, but I noticed they’re active again for a few years and have just released a single, which is a cover version of The Exploited’s “Troops Of Tomorrow”. This EP was released earlier this year and moves back to a song originally released in 2018 on the EP “Lip Service”.

Content: “Lip Service” has been exposed to the remixing skills of Solemn Assembly, 16 Volt, Tragic Impulse, GW4, Stoneburner and Red Lokust. The artists are rather diversified, which also resulted in a very varied work. From the future-pop like remix by Solemn Assembly to the darker electro approach of Tragic Impulse to the industrial driven remixes by 16 Volt and Stoneburner to the experimental approach of GW4 and a final dark-electro edit by Red Lokust, “Spin Zone” has been sonically re-adapted into something new.

+ + + : I have to say the future-pop driven remix by Solemn Assembly (a band from Texas, USA) is absolutely great; this is ‘the’ club edit of the EP. Another noticeable remix is the one made Tragic Impulse, which is a project I’ve always liked for its simplicity versus efficiency. Red Lokust did a cool job as well so in the end I’ve to say the electronic inspired remixes are definitely the best ones.

– – – : I honestly expected a bit more from the remixes by Stoneburner and 16 Volt. It could have been an idea to put the original song back on this record as well.

Conclusion: Deathline International is alive although on this EP the band is kicking thanks to some noticeable remixes from other artists.

Best songs: “Spin Zone – Solemn Assembly Remix”, “Spin Zone – Tragic Impulse Remix”, “Spin Zone – Red Lokust Remix”,

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/deathlineinternational

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro, industrial, trance-tribal.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Steven Archer is clearly spending more efforts in Stoneburner than in Ego Likeness. 2019 has been a very prolific year, seeing this project unleashing a new full length (cf. “Technology Implies Belligerence”) plus several EP’s.  

Content: The front cover of this work is clearly a parody of Big Black’s famous album “Atomizer” (1986). I thought I was going to hear a cover album, but Stoneburner released 6 new songs plus 3 remixes.

The songs are driven by elements of trance-, tribal- and industrial music, but “Massdriver” clearly sounds like it is exploring different sonic paths. The music is more into crossover while heavy vocal passages are running through the cuts. Stoneburner has never been that tough, but the songs make sense.

Remixes have been made by Kounter Mezhure, The Secret Light and The Rain Within).

+ + + : Stoneburner didn’t repeat itself. It sounds out of the box, although getting back to more traditional influences. I however like the brutal format of a few songs like “Rustland” and the industrial side running through “The Season Of Worries”, but the most significant cuts are the more recognizable “Let It Come Down”, “ and “All The Wells Are Poisoned Now”. This is a powerful production!

– – – : “Massdriver” sounds globally different from previous works so it clearly stands a bit as a new challenge.

Conclusion: “Massdriver” is not the best way to discover Stoneburner and it isn’t my favorite work to date.

Best songs: “All The Wells Are Poisoned Now”, “Rustland”, “The Season Of Worries”, IdentityByDiagnosis – Kounter Mezhure Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative-Gain/212061438836984

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Background/Info: This is Stoneburner’s (aka Steven Archer from Ego Likeness) sixth full length album (the second one released by Negative Gain). The work got preceded by a few EP’s.

Content: This is probably the most versatile work from Stoneburner, but without losing its original magic made of heavy, industrial-trance rhythms, bombastic sound arrangements and dark-electronic sequences. The compositions are dark, sometimes joined by mystic chants and Eastern-like sound atmospheres. I also discovered songs, which are more orientated into ‘dance/techno’ –even reminding me of Praga Khan and Leftfield, but always mixed with the industrial basis of Stoneburner. The vocal parts are harsh and sometimes even a bit enraged.

+ + + : Stoneburner no longer has something to prove. Steven Archer is a genius when it comes to create industrial-trance/tribal structures and there’re less similar bands. Just pay attention to “Dry Gun”  (previously released as EP) to seize the magic of the artist. The Eastern sound atmosphere injects an extra load of mystery. This album is an overwhelming production and Stoneburner has never deceived me. Each album again sounds as pure lust!

– – – : I noticed a few tracks, which doesn’t sound to me like ‘classical’ Stoneburner-music, but on the other hand, it also reveals an artist who doesn’t want to repeat himself.

Conclusion: Stoneburner remains a great sound experience in a music genre less artists are dealing with.

Best songs: “Dry Gun”, “The Structure Itself Is In Pain”, “Apocalypse Ennui”, “Minor Monsters”, “World Of Mirrors”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial 

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com

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

Background/Info: Steven Archer (Ego Likeness) has released an impressive number of productions since his debut album “Songs In The Key Or Arrakis” (2014). While he this year will deliver the sixth full length of Stoneburner he also released several EP’s. “The Structure Itself Is In Pain” is meant as a teaser to announce the album.

Content: The title song is not exactly the most representative cut to introduce the sound of Stoneburner although it remains driven by furious, rhythm loops. The song also features harsh vocals. There are also 2 remixes from the title song while the EP also features 4 extra songs including 2 remixes. We here again get back to the harder work of Stoneburner, which moves from industrial-tribal to pure trance-industrial (“Dry Gun – Go Fight Remix”) and even an epic-cinematic like cut (cf. “Sunset On All The Lives You Could Have Lived”).

+ + + : Stoneburner remains one of the few bands active in the wider fields of industrial/electronic music to mix industrial, electronics and trance together. It makes the originality, and also the magic of the project, which is once more reflected in this EP. The title song is not exactly my favorite Stoneburner-cut and yet it remains a solid exposure of Archer’s genius. The “Go Fight Remix” of “Dry Gun” (original version will be featured at the new album) is an absolute masterpiece, but I also enjoyed the orchestral arrangements from “Sunset On All The Lives You Could Have Lived”.

– – – : I’ve never been disappointed by Stoneburner, but I’ve just to admit it’s not my favorite production thus far.

Conclusion: This EP reveals new- and exclusive songs plus a few remixes from original edits we still have to discover.

Best songs: “Dry Gun – Go Fight Remix”, “Osafa Chram – Single Edit”, “The Structure Itself Is In Pain”, “Sunset On All The Lives You Could Have Lived”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial 

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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Genre/Influences: Electro-tribal, trance, rhythmic-ambient, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Steven Archer (Ego Likeness) strikes back with the fifth full length of his electro-tribal side-project Stoneburner. This album also is the first one released on Negative Gain Productions while previous productions were released on Distortion Productions.

Content: “The Agony Box” moves on there where previous album stopped. It’s a new exploration of electro-tribal music fields featuring bombastic drum sections, mystic chants and Eastern sound atmospheres. The work –and especially the final part, sounds more cinematographic. It’s not really a new aspect in the sound of Stoneburner although this element is more accentuated than before.

+ + + : Stoneburner deals with a music genre we all know, but where only a few numbers of artists are involved with. You can hear the tribal and especially dark side of the work, which might remind This Morn’Omina and the cinematographic plus Eastern mystic sound approach reminding me of Juno Reactor. Stoneburner is somewhere in between and has never disappointed. The songs are well-crafted revealing great sound treatments and a hypnotic trance feeling. The cinematographic approach is also worthy of examination and is carried by some overwhelming epic arrangements (which might also remind you of Juno Reactor).

– – – : I prefer the tribal-trance approach instead of the soundtrack cuts, but that’s just a personal point of view. The only single aspect I’m missing in the global production is the use of authentic instruments (like conga’s ao), which would inject a more authentic touch.

Conclusion: “The Agony Box” is the perfect album moving in between film music and tribal-trance electronics. Stoneburner became a reference in this music genre although this project is mainly known in the USA and rather unknown in Europe.

Best songs: “Tales Of The Great Cryptogram”, “Osafa Charm”, “Saint Alia Of The Knife”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

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Out in June is the charity 6CD compilation set “Electronic Saviors 5: Remembrance”. Out via Distortion Productions, and not via Metropolis this time, this fifth volume this volume was again compiled by cancer survivor and industrial scene promoter and DJ, Jim Semonik aided by Chase Dudley.

The 6CD boxset can be ordered here – note that it only has a limited distribution.

On this 6CD set you’ll find tracks by coldwave and industrial rock greats such as Pig, Mindless Faith and 16Volt next to Psy’Aviah, FIRES, Esther Black, Encephalon, Ashbury Heights, Stoneburner, Ludovico Technique, Red Lokust and so and so on. 105 tracks in total.

The fifth edition will be available in a strictly limited edition boxset run on only 500 copies. It also includes a wristband, bumper sticker and autographed postcard.

Here’s the album teaser:

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

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!

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Genre/Influences: Electro-tribal & trance, rhythmic-ambient.

Background/Info: Steven Archer (Ego Likeness) took me by surprise in 2014 unleashing the debut-album of his side-project Stoneburner. In my opinion it was one of the best albums of that year. Archer deals with electro-tribal influences mixing electronic- and authentic instruments. He did some impressive tours in the US although it’s a band, which remains rather unknown here in Europe. “On The Folding Of Space” was released earlier this year and already is the fourth opus of this project.

Content: The electro-tribal influence remains the main element of Stoneburner. It’s an exciting sound that will rapidly bring you into a possible state of trance. Different chanting parts can be heard and are only accentuating the hypnotic feeling of the work. Some of the beginning tracks are even reminding me of Juno Reactor without the same dimensional power.

Stoneburner definitely walks on mystic fields, which is an aspect that comes mainly through on the ‘softer’ pieces. We now get a more evasive side of the band while the final part of the work sees Steven Archer turning the knobs of his machines to create a new mesmerizing effect.

+ + + : This album clearly sounds inspired by astral themes and quickly gives you the feeling that you are visiting fantasy-like music galaxies carried by trance- & tribal sound waves. I get the impression it all started as a pure ‘fun’ project, but Stoneburner clearly deals with a familiar although less explored music style. He injected diversity in his work and accomplished a few outstanding songs. The mix of trance-, tribal- and related mystic elements is a successful sound formula.

– – – : The only point that hurts me is the global production, which is missing some volume. It could be the mixing as well, but it should be interesting –even for an experienced musician like Steven Archer, to work with a talented sound producer to elevate the sound towards a higher dimension.

Conclusion: I instantly felt that Stoneburner was a project with an amazing potential and this new opus only confirms the genius of Steven Archer. It’s now time to conquer the European scene!

Best songs: “Ascension Of House Atriedes”, “Chaumas”, “Prayer To The Empress Consort”, “Awareness Spectrum Narcotic”, “The New Sisterhood”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.stoneburnerband.com / www.facebook.com/stoneburnerofficial

Label: www.distortionprod.com / www.facebook.com/distortionproductions

Inferno Sound Diaries

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

www.side-line.com