The Belgian electro label Alfa Matrix releases the twelfth volume in its “Matrix+ Downloaded” series to coincide with the label’s 24th anniversary. The digital-only set collects 69 tracks across the label’s current spectrum – EBM, dark elektro/industrial, synth pop – and newer Spleen+ additions spanning post-punk, goth rock and coldwave. The compilation is offered as a free/pay-what-you-want download via the label’s Bandcamp page and also includes a PDF booklet.

On the cover you will recognize Erica Dunham from Unter Null.

Artists included on this free download compilation include: Studio-X (feat. Kyoko Baertsoen), Rector Scanner, Aesthetische, Cut.Rate.Box, Kant Kino, Frontal Boundary, C-Lekktor, Acylum, Diffuzion, Implant, Neikka RPM, First Aid 4 Souls (feat. Aux Animaux), Noemi Aurora, Suicidal Romance, Llumen, Hanging Freud, Lederman/De Meyer, The Ultimate Dreamers, Aiboforcen, Digital Factor, Armageddon Dildos, Helalyn Flowers, Krystal System, The True Union, Freakangel, Totem Obscura, Lovelorn Dolls (feat. Dero Goi), The Breath of Life, The Names, ImJudas, Synapsyche, Miseria Ultima, Unter Null, Alien Vampires (feat. Dani Divine), Venal Flesh, Helle9, To Avoid, Pouppée Fabrikk, Stahlgeist, Nigra Nebula, Aengeldust, Circuito Cerrado, Matthew Creed, Cubic, Metroland, The Psychic Force, Komor Kommando, First Aid Tech, Die Robo Sapiens, ELM, Plastic Noise Experience, AD:Key, Elektroklänge, 808 Dot Pop, Avarice in Audio, Elektrostaub (feat. Echo Image), Cryogenic Echelon, Entrzelle, Neuroactive, Technoir, Mondträume, Star Industry, Stray, Psy’Aviah (feat. Sorrow Stories), Zombie Girl, Darkness on Demand, Circumpolar, Dunkelwerk, and Lights A.M.

A&R manager, Sebastien Dolimont says: “In 2025, Alfa Matrix proudly celebrates 24 years of existence. Nearly a quarter of a century fighting for dark alternative music, discovering new talents, and keeping the underground alive. This anniversary is not just about us and our artists – it’s about you, our fans. Because without your constant support, there would be no label, no releases, no future for the scene we all love.”

And he add: “In a world where indie labels are disappearing, streaming revenues collapse, and risks of signing new talents are higher than ever, we are proud to still stand strong — but we can only do it with you by our side. By downloading this compilation, you are not just enjoying music — you are actively supporting 69 artists and helping keep our scene alive, fresh, and forward-looking. From all of us at Alfa Matrix and Spleen+, and on behalf of all our artists: thank you for 24 years of loyalty, passion, and support. Together, we’ll keep writing the future of the dark underground.”

About Alfa Matrix

Alfa Matrix is a Brussels-based independent label founded in 2001. The catalogue focuses on electronic subgenres including industrial, EBM, dark elektro, and synth pop, later expanding into post-punk/coldwave via the Spleen+ division. The label’s team includes label & artists manager Seba Dolimont, promo manager Bernard Van Isacker, and head of design Benoît Blanchart.

From the early 2000s, Alfa Matrix used series-based releases to build international reach. Notable strands include “Sounds From The Matrix” (label samplers), “Re:Connected” (digital label overview), and the club-oriented “Endzeit Bunkertracks” multi-CD anthologies (first “Act” released 21 March 2005, featuring 60 tracks with 50 exclusives).

In 2023, Alfa Matrix inaugurated Spleen+, a division centred on post-punk and adjacent styles, and followed with multi-artist projects and catalogue building, including the “Resurgence” 7-CD box that assembled 133 contemporary bands from the post-punk family.

The label has since the very start focused on a direct contact with its fans and customers via their online webstore and Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

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Alfa Matrix, the renowned Belgian label, commemorates its 22nd anniversary with yet another mastodont compilation on Bandcamp. The latest installment in the acclaimed “Matrix Downloaded” series, titled “Matrix+ Downloaded 011”, is now available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Packed with 60 tracks, including new signings and a preview of the upcoming Spleen+ label releases, this compilation showcases Alfa Matrix’s diverse music repertoire.

“Matrix+ Downloaded 011” soared to the top of the industrial Bandcamp charts within hours of its release, claiming the coveted number 1 position.

The collection holds 60 tracks in total including several new signings. These are the bands present on this brand new free download compilation: Hanging Freud, The Ultimate Dreamers, The Breath Of Life, Psy’Aviah Feat. Sorrow Stories, ImJudas, Star Industry, Halo In Reverse, Lovelorn Dolls, The True Union, Freakangel, Avarice In Audio, Siva Six, Alien Vampires, Synapsyche, Helalyn Flowers, Neuroactive, Elektrostaub Feat. Stefan Netschio, Technoir, Entrzelle, Llumen, Noemi Aurora, Aiboforcen Feat. Jan D., Reichsfeind, Mondträume Feat. N-Frequency, The Psychic Force, Digital Factor, Implant, Darkness On Demand, Aesthetische, Komor Kommando Vs. The True Union, Matthew Creed, C-Lekktor, First Aid Tech, Pouppee Fabrikk, ELM, Die Robo Sapiens, Plastic Noise Experience, Armageddon Dildos, Stahlgeist, AD:keY, Kant Kino, Suicidal Romance, Miseria Ultima, First Aid 4 Souls, Neikka RPM, Circumpolar, Venal Flesh, Helle9, Diffuzion, Acylum, Circuito Cerrado, Aengeldust, Studio-X, 808 Dot Pop, Cubic, Metroland, Rector Scanner, Elektroklänge, Cosmic Armchair, Lights A.M.

You can download “Matrix+ Downloaded 011” for free via Bandcamp.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

After their comeback single “Suicidal (break the cycle)” was released as a free download in February, the Estonian electro-industrial act Freakangel launched a remix contest to gather some guest remixing artists around them on this new extended EP release. Out now under the title “Suicidal (Break The Cycle) – Extended” it holds 6 tracks including 5 remixes.

This new EP is available now from Bandcamp and on all other platforms.

“We have received a massive amount of remixes and we are very thankful to everyone who took part in this contest!”, says Dmitry Darling. “Sadly, we cannot release every one of them on our EP but we will definitely release some more remixes on upcoming compilations!”

Included are reworks by Sebastian Komor and The True Union (featuring additional female vocals by Azul Far), Alien:Nation, Diverje, Neuroklast and Unk! & Doctord.

You can also check out the video for the track itself.

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.

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Early December 2022, Komor Kommando, the industrial/EBM solo-project of Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl, Bruderschaft), released an all new 8-track EP. The EP came 9 years after his last release, the “Hail the rhythm” EP. This new EP, “One By One”, blends old and new, incorporating classic EBM vibes with a modern EDM inspired production.

The title song “One By One” features guest female vocals by Azul Far from The True UnioN. The song also comes in a remix by Brute Opposition and by Sebastian Komor himself who gave it a retro synth twist in its “xenomorph remix” version. Next to “One By One” the EP holds 2 other brand new tracks: “Get Off The X” and the instrumental “Brahmua”. “Get Off The X” was remixed as well, by C-Lekktor, Anthony (H) And Clockwork Echo.

One of the best modern EBM acts is back alive and kicking! So, I took my mobile and videocalled Sebastian.

SL: It’s good to have you back again with Komor Kommando. How does it feel after such a long break?

Seb: Thank you. It honestly doesn’t feel like a break as I have constantly been writing and producing music. Upon the release of One By One, it dawned on me it has been 9 years. Crazy how time flies.

SL: How different is it for you from producing other artists or making remixes for other bands?

Seb: It’s more personal. I get to do what I want and how I want it and explore the moment. It’s a great release of creativity, unbound by any set of ideas or “rules”. When I produce or remix for others, I have a different approach. One of course is giving the client the best I can with what I have to work with. I see it as an honor people come to me to help them out, no matter the level of involvement. Music unites.

SL: How much did your Komor Kommando sound evolve since the previous EP?

Seb: The same approach really. With new tools and skills to play with. My musical taste is all over the place. I like to not be bound by a genre or what a genre is supposed to sound like. Attitude and grit are always present.

SL: Is there any specific message you want to give behind this new EP release and these new songs?

Seb: There is definitely a theme hiding in there. Universal and personal at the same time.

SL: You also took us by surprise with these female guest vocals on “One By One”. Tell us more about this collaboration with The True Union?

Seb: I wanted more vocals on the new KK material. As Azul reached out to me regarding doing some mixing and co-production on some of her new material, I was exposed to her voice. Instantly I had to ask Azul if she was into doing vocals on this at the time, instrumental song. With the intent of having vocals in the song. Thankfully she was into it and the vocals you hear on the release are the original take I was sent. Needless to say, I was blown out of the chair. Her voice is ridiculously good.

SL: Can we expect more from you later this year? An album maybe? More collabs? Anything you want to reveal yet?

Seb: A new EP is being worked on as we speak. I was hoping to be done with it by March, however, due to some other projects needing my attention it has been pushed back a bit. However, it’s coming. Stand by!

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

The American (Denver-Colorado) female fronted industrial metal act The True Union, aka Azul Far, released the “Love Me Now” mini-album/EP in December last year. The new EP, released on the Belgian label Alfa Matrix , sees front woman Azul Far joined by producer Sebastian Komor and German metal producer Siggi Bemm and Travis Bacon who produced “Love Me Now”.

On the EP we also find a guest appearance of Jamie Cronander’s (Combichrist live guitarist) who appears on the track “Karma”. The EP also features a unique collaboration between The True Union (as guest vocalist) and her producer Sebastian Komor under the Komor Kommando moniker for the track “One By One”, which equally appeared on the Komor Kommando EP “One By One”. The EP also furthermore holds reworks by Alfa Matrix label mates Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum.

Time to sit around the table with Azul Far…

SL: Your “Love me now (not)” is surprising in, many ways I find! First of all by that intense diversity of sound displayed across these 9 tracks?

AF: I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the EP! I like to create the music organically. The songs on this EP have been created across the last few years while I was going through different life cycles and experiences. I think those life experiences reflected in the music and made the EP sound more dynamic. But although the songs might seem to be different genre or somewhat different from one another, they all have an order amongst the chaos. The music is just me. I let the music speak for itself. I don’t have categories. I just do what I do because I enjoy doing it and sharing it with the world.

SL: But also surprising for the multiple collaborations featured!? Tell us more about these?

AF: I have met a lot of great people in the last few years. It came down to networking and making new friendships during our shows and through the internet, especially from 2018-2020. People that heard the demos or saw us live really believed in the band. I am forever thankful for their support. For example, Attila (Mayhem) recommended me to producer/musician Travis Bacon. He polished the sound of the band, producing several tracks that ended at the ears of a few record labels. Shortly after, I got signed with Alfa Matrix. Once signed, I started talking with Sebastian Komor who’s also signed with the label. I have always enjoyed his work and really like the music he’s done (Komor Kommando, Zombie Girl, Icon of Coil +). He also produced a few tracks and we even did the “One By One” collab which has been one of the favorites for sure. I also had the opportunity to work with legendary Siggi Bemm. I had him on my radar ever since the release of “Animatronic” from The Kovenant. I recall being a very young teenager back then and thought to myself “one day I’m going to work with him!”. Years later…it happened. Crazy how life works! Siggi produced and recorded the drums for “Blinded”.These are the only live drums recorded in the EP. But I am happy to announce that i’ll have another special guest record the drums for an upcoming release. A very special guest and a friend for years. This guy’s name is Jan Axel Blomberg (AKA Hellhammer). Have you heard about this guy? 😉 hehe.

I also had the pleasure to have Jamie Cronander record the guitars for a few tracks. I met Jamie when we joined a regional tour with Psyclon Nine. Jamie’s band, Striplicker touring along as well. I had a blast watching his band perform live every night and we became really good friends. He was always very supportive and when the time came, he recorded some sick guitars for me. He’s a coveted motherf*cker who is now playing with Combichrist. I am very fortunate to have him as a special guest.

SL: You also shot a stunning video clip for “love me now”? I have the impression you are a multi-talented artist? How important is it for you to do all this on your own?

AF: Doing everything myself has been out of necessity and not by choice. I have adapted to my environment and have learned a lot of magic tricks along the way. Is it ideal? No, but sometimes it is. Working on everything by yourself gives you full control but it can also slow down the creative process. It can be very fulfilling but it can also be aggravating and you can end up feeling like you’ve “hit a wall”. The quote “If you want something done, do it yourself” comes to mind. But as time goes by I have tried to have more people involved in the music process and listen to their input. In particular for the video, I had my best friend invest a lot of her time and energy into this project. This took months of work, practice and lots of trial and error. If it wasn’t because of her, I would have not been able to make this happen. Doing things alone can be fun, but as you grow, I think it’s best to ask for as much input as possible from people that you trust.

SL: Can we expect The True Union on stage soon with these new songs?

AF: Live shows are on my radar but nothing set in stone yet. I think there will be a right time and place to do this. At the moment, I am focusing on new music and my personal life. Believe it or not playing live shows are mostly terrifying for me. They can also be fun sometimes and of course you get the exposure and ability to network.

But you have to consider there is a lot of planning and financial investment involved. I’m sure l’ll know if/when the time is right. For now it’s free time in the studio…

SL: What else can we still expect from you this year?

AF: A full album! I will get into details about the upcoming release with the label soon. We don’t have a set date yet but I’m sure we’ll let you know when this happens. We are also working on the last few details to release a couple of collaboration tracks I did for other artists. Be sure to check us out periodically because you never know ;).

Here’s the excellent video clip for “Love Me Now”.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Metal, Electro.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Belgian label Alfa Matrix from time to time likes to think out of the box, signing heavier, Industrial- and Metal-driven artists to their roster. The True Union is an American project driven by female artist Azul Far. After having released works under The Union moniker this EP has been released under The True Union. Seb Komor (Komor Kommando) took care of the production.

Content: The True Union in a way stands for the mix between heavy guitar power and electronic treatments. One of the songs even features guitar playing by Combichrist live member Jamie Cronander. Multiple influences are running through the work. From Epic arrangements to D’n’B elements the songs are also featuring enraged, and possessed, vocals by Azul. It’s not a coincidence Seb Komor asked her to sing on the title song of his newest EP “One By One” -which by the way has been featured here as well. You’ll also discover remixes by Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum while there’s also an alternative edit of “Blinded” featured as well.

+ + + : The True Union definitely sounds as one of the most furious and ‘wild’ artists signed to Alfa Matrix. It’s a shock because of this artist’s uncompromised and totally enraged way of singing. The sound is not only powerful but also a bit anarchistic. The True Union is a bulldozer on speed provoking a sonic avalanche. I however have to say my favorite song is the Komor Kommando-track “One By One” while I also prefer the Dark-Electro accentuated remix of the title song by Acylum.

– – – : I don’t have anything against harsh and powerful music but The True Union is hard to label and hard to seize.

Conclusion: Merciless and without any possible compromises, The True Union exposes you to a true sonic outburst.

Best songs: “One By One”, “Love Me Now – Acylum Remix”, “Blinded”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.thetrueunion.com / www.facebook.com/thetrueunion

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

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: EBM, Electro-Industrial.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Norwegian sound guru Seb Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl ao) is back on track. This is the first new Komor Kommando release since “Hail The Rhythm” (2013). “One By One” features three new songs plus five remixes.

Content: The title song features female guest vocals by Azul from The True Union (one of Alfa Matrix’ latest signings). The sound approach hasn’t changed over the years; solid, menacing, EBM driven bass lines mixed with danceable beats and industrialized sound treatments. Next to the title song there’s one track on which Seb Komor is singing himself while the other track left is a hard, instrumental, piece.

Remixes were provided by Xenomorph, C-Lekktor, Anthony H, Clockwork Echo and Brute Opposition.

+ + + : I’ve missed new stuff from Komor Kommando so it’s a damned good thing he’s back in business. The production remains powerful revealing the familiar sound treatments of the artist. The title song is a great piece of music. There’s a terrific twist between sound and the enraged female vocals. But I also discovered great remixes. I even prefer the Xenomorph remix to the original edit of “One By One” while Clockwork Echo empowered “Get Off The X” a considerable way.

– – – : For the very first time I heard a Komor Kommando release where some of the remixes -by other artists, are even better than the original versions. But believe me the original edits are great as well!

Conclusion: Komor Kommando is back with a bang and dancefloors gone know it.

Best songs: “One By One – Xenomorph Remix”, “Get Off The X – Xenomorph Remix”, “One By One”, “Get Off The X”, “Brahmua”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/komorkommando

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

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

The female fronted industrial metal act The True Union is back with an all new video, “Love Me Now”, and a mini-album, released as an EP: “Love Me Now (Not)”.

The new EP is out on Alfa Matrix , the Belgian label that already nurtured other female talents as Zombie Girl, Under Null, Helalyn Flowers or Ayria to name just a few.

For this new release front woman Azul Far was joined by producer Sebastian Komor and German metal producer Siggi Bemm and Travis Bacon who produced “Love Me Now”. On the EP we also find a guest appearance of Jamie Cronander’s (Combichrist live guitarist) who appears on the track “Karma”.

Note that the “Love Me Now (not)” EP also features the unique collaboration between The True Union (as guest vocalist) and her producer Sebastian Komor for the release of his new EP under the Komor Kommando moniker.

The EP also furthermore holds reworks by Alfa Matrix label mates Alien Vampires, Aesthetische and Acylum.

Here’s the excellent video clip for “Love Me Now”.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Komor Kommando, the industrial/EBM solo-project of Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil, Zombie Girl, Bruderschaft), finally strikes back with an all new 8-track EP, 9 years after his last release, the “Hail the rhythm” EP. This new EP, “One By One”, blends old and new, incorporating classic EBM vibes with a modern EDM inspired production and is available now from Bandcamp.

The title song “One By One” features guest female vocals by Azul Far from The True UnioN. Sebastian explains: “I was doing the mixing and production for her new release and after hearing her vocals I just had to ask her to sing on one of my new tracks. I was simply blown away! Her vocals took the song to places I could not even imagine at the time…” The song also comes in a remix by Brute Opposition and by Sebastian Komor himself who gave it a retro synth twist in its “xenomorph remix” version.

Next to “One By One” the EP holds 2 other brand new tracks: “Get Off The X” and the instrumental “Brahmua”. “Get Off The X” was remixed as well, by C-Lekktor, Anthony (H) And Clockwork Echo.

One of the best modern EBM acts is back alive and kicking! You can check out and download the full EP below on Bandcamp before it hits the other platforms two weeks from now.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com

Those who already received the “Sounds From The Matrix 023” compilation with their recent orders from the Belgian Label Alfa Matrix (or who downloaded it here from Bandcamp) will have noticed two new names on the label roster. The first one is The True UnioN, a Dallas based industrial act. And tomorrow we’ll talk about the second band.

The True UnioN is featured on the compilation with the new track “Purousthai” (track 5 on the compilation which you can check out below) which is a clear ambassador for their sound. Expect a video for this track pretty soon, the photo above is a still from that video.

Based in Denver, Colorado, it was founded in 2009 by female lead singer and composer Azul Far. Originally intended to never perform live, by the beginning of 2017, she began recruiting musicians for live performance. Never say never! Azul began working with 2 producers and the first release is the track featured on this compilation, “Purousthai” which you can check out below.

Eldrina Mich

As Eldrina Mich I work as a go-between and a devil’s advocate when it comes to Side-Line. If our own staff needs to be interviewed then ask the questions no one else dares to ask.

www.side-line.com