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.

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German dark elektro band To Avoid just released two EPCDs – “Driver” and “Trust” – via Belgian label Alfa Matrix. These physical editions revisit key material from the band’s earlier output and include rare content alongside exclusive remixes.

The “Trust” EPCD was first issued as a concert-only collectible in November 2022. The new edition includes the single edit of “Trust,” a previously unreleased 2011 demo of “View,” and six remixes by NULL404, Brain Leisure, Funker Vogt, Statiqbloom, Seven Trees, and Vein Cramp. According to Alfa Matrix, the release delivers “classic late-’80s EBM bite, ’90s dark-electro menace and a modern industrial punch.”

The “Driver” EPCD, originally released on August 12, 2022, has also been reissued in a final batch. It includes a streamlined single edit of the title track, a previously unheard 2011 demo titled “Doomed In Your Life,” and five remixes by T.A.N.K., Holocoder, No Sleep By The Machine, WÜLF7, and Siva Six. The label states the material channels “late‑’80s EBM muscle, ’90s dark‑electro shadows and present‑day industrial firepower,” and connects it stylistically to the band’s full-length Alfa Matrix album “All Gods Are Gone.”

Both EPCDs are available via Alfa Matrix’s e-store. Digital downloads are available via Bandcamp.

About To Avoid

To Avoid is a German dark elektro and industrial band formed in 1999 by GrandT and Marc. Originating near Berlin, the project was launched as a reaction to the rise of future pop, aiming instead to revisit and modernize the sound and structure of late-1980s EBM and 1990s melodic dark electro. Their music features aggressive sequencing, sharp synthetic layers, and a heavy use of distorted vocals.

To Avoid initially self-released much of their early work, including limited-run EPs that became concert exclusives.

In 2024, To Avoid signed with the Belgian label Alfa Matrix. Their debut for the label was the digital release of the remastered “1989” EP, followed by the full-length album “All Gods Are Gone”, which featured remixes from Haujobb, Portion Control, and Mildreda.

In 2025, they released the EPCDs “Driver” and “Trust”, collecting earlier material alongside previously unreleased demos and new remixes by genre mainstays. To Avoid’s discography is rooted in the aesthetics of acts like Front 242, Vomito Negro, and early Skinny Puppy, but evolves that lineage through a modern, industrial lens.

The current line-up consists of Jean-Barry Matthis, Marco Behrens, Marco Sorgenfrei, and Tino Arold.

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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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Berlin-based trio TO AVOID has been pushing the boundaries of dark electro since 2000, fusing late ’80s EBM with ’90s melodic dark electro and modern cross-genre elements. Their hard-hitting sound comes to life on stage with full power and energy. When Alfa Matrix announced the release of their new studio album All Gods Are Gone, we couldn’t resist reaching out to the band…

SL: Your new album All Gods Are Gone is generating a lot of excitement. Can you share insights into its themes and direction? How does it expand on or differ from your previous releases?

TA: Some listeners may have noticed that the completion process took several years and wasn’t easy. As a result, this album isn’t a concept album and doesn’t follow a specific theme. Instead, it reflects our development as a trio. In many ways, it was a fresh start. While there are still references to our earlier work, our approach and workflow have changed. The responsibilities are now more evenly distributed among us. It’s definitely a new TO AVOID album, but that doesn’t mean we’ve completely changed musically. It’s a release we truly love, and it marks our evolution.

SL: 1989 touches on the lasting impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall. How did you approach blending this historical theme with your dark electro sound? Can we expect similar social or political themes on the rest of the album?

TA: Socio-political themes have always been present in our lyrics, but we’ve never taken a specific political stance. Instead, we highlight topics that often go overlooked. 1989 was written by Marco (m.a.r.c), and many of us lived through that pivotal year—it shaped and changed society. We’re thrilled that people are engaging with the song, as it transports them back to that defining moment in history.

The title track All Gods Are Gone also carries a political message, and with a bit of anger in our bellies, the sound naturally became darker and more aggressive. There are also socially critical themes throughout the album. Die In Your Life, for example, holds up a mirror to a society increasingly influenced by media-driven opinions.

SL: This is your first release with Alfa Matrix after self-releasing your previous work. How has working with a bigger label impacted the creative process or production of All Gods Are Gone?

TA: Joining the Alfa Matrix family is an incredible honor. Bands like Front 242, Mentallo & The Fixer, Benestrophe, and Pouppée Fabrikk are huge inspirations for us. Of course, this raises the pressure to meet expectations and push ourselves further. But at the same time, the label’s recognition and support have boosted our confidence.

The professionalism and experience of the Alfa Matrix team allow us to focus on what matters most: the music. That, in turn, has positively influenced our creativity and workflow. It’s been an inspiring process, helping us refine our sound and work with even greater focus.

SL: The album features remixes from several prominent artists. How did those collaborations come about? What was it like hearing 1989 reimagined by artists like Erk Aicrag and Fektion Fekler?

TA: The remix approach worked brilliantly for the singles, and we were blown away by the creativity and effort our colleagues put into reinterpreting the tracks. Naturally, we wanted to continue this concept for the album.

Many of the artists involved are long-time friends or musicians we’ve shared the stage with. Erk has known our band for years, so it felt natural to reach out to him. We were thrilled when he agreed on short notice.

Robert from Fektion Fekler was the only artist who wasn’t familiar with us beforehand. Marco (cheffe) made the connection, and we got to know a fantastic musician and person. It was an honor to have him contribute, as he’s also one of our musical role models.

Beyond that, the guest remixers bring an incredible diversity to the album: Haujobb, Portion Control, Mildreda, Circumpolar, Sleepwalk, Forgotten Sunrise, and many more! Each artist added their own flavor, making the album more dynamic and versatile.

SL: With the release of 1989 and the upcoming album, what can fans expect from your live performances? Any special plans or surprises for those attending your concerts?

TA: We’re beyond excited to finally present these new songs live. The upcoming concerts will feature completely new sets, including video elements and exclusive live versions of the tracks. There will also be fresh merchandise, so fans can look forward to some unique items.

That said, we really hope the planned concerts can take place. Right now, smaller events and local scenes are struggling due to a lack of support. We need venues, promoters, and fans to come together to keep this culture alive.

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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Berlin-based To Avoid was primarily active in the early 2000s, releasing two albums before fading from the scene. In recent years, however, the band has made a strong comeback, securing a deal with the renowned Belgian label Alfa Matrix.

Their latest album, “All Gods Are Gone”, dropped in early December 2024 as a double CD release. The main disc features 13 tracks that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of EBM and Dark-Electro. The music is meticulously crafted, seamlessly bridging the gap between both genres. While a few quieter moments emerge, the album’s most striking passages plunge the listener into sheer sonic terror—at times evoking the best work of :Wumpscut:. Some tracks also incorporate heavier guitar samplings, adding extra intensity and impact.

The second disc boasts 14 remixes, featuring an impressive selection of artists, including Haujobb, Portion Control, Sleepwalk, Severe Illusion, Tension Control, Mildreda, Object, Circumpolar, Kifoth, and more.

Though “All Gods Are Gone” doesn’t introduce groundbreaking elements, it delivers a top-tier ‘terror-electro’ experience, solidifying To Avoid’s place in the genre’s darker realms. (Rating:8).

Listen to “Die In Your Life”:

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