Kostas Stavropoulos aka ‘Toxic Razor’ is back with a new album from his Metal Disco solo-project. “Hellion Reaper” has been released on his own label Werkstatt Recordings. It brings a new Electro mix of EBM and Electro-Pop with a space-like Techno touch on top. The louder vocals create a dark atmosphere. This new album represents a fresh yet retro-like sound. (Rate: 7½).

Listen to “Bio Skull Phaser”:

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo-project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The project is composed entirely on hardware equipment, mixing EBM, Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave and Electroclash influences.

“Hellion Reaper”, reviewed here, continues the string of releases Metal Disco has issued on Werkstatt Recordings.

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

“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers” is a new album released by ‘Toxic Razor’ (known from Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao) on his own label Werkstatt Recordings. The modus operandi continues to be supported by the use of only hardware synths. The genre and influences also remain quite space-like with elements of Electro-Pop and EBM. The biggest difference from previous works is the addition of vocals and that brings a real bonus to the work. (Rate: 7½ )

Listen to “Tele-Synthesized”:

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The project’s modus operandi relies solely on hardware synthesizers.

“Speed Riders, Spacechips & Synthesizers”, reviewed here, adds vocals to the hardware-only approach for the first time in the project’s catalog.

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

“Physical Touch” is another album by the Greek Electro project Beatbox Machinery. Operator ‘Toxic Razor’ asked his Paradox Obscur mate Kriistal Ann to sing along on a nice selection of songs. It is pure synth music that combines EBM and Electro-Pop elements with astral atmospheres on top. The magic of Kriistal Ann’s singing adds a cold, sensual touch. The work is available from Werkstatt Recordings. (Rate: 7).

Listen to “High On Drugs”:

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor’, who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. The sound combines hardware-synth EBM and Electro-Pop with space-like textures.

“Physical Touch”, reviewed here, features Kriistal Ann of Paradox Obscur on vocals across a selection of 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

The post-punk duo Supernova 1006 released their latest single, “How I Need You”, via Negative Gain Productions.

“How I Need You” was planned to be released as a bonus initially. “However, it looked isolated and self-sufficient. Therefore, we decided to make the song an independent work. Its distinctive feature was a return to the old sound, characterized by the “stringiness” and buoyancy of a cold sound. “How I Need You” gives the feeling of being immersed in a big cold black lake in which no one lives with the silence and comfort of a lonely existence. It is a sonic journey through a cyberpunk landscape, filled with pulsating rhythms and melancholic melodies.”

The single release also features remixes from artists such as Casket Cassette, Giirls, CULTTASTIC and Blind Seagull. “How I Need You” is available now on all major digital outlets including Spotify and Bandcamp.

About Supernova 1006

Supernova 1006 was established in September 2014 by Andrey Yukhovich (guitar, vocals), Anton Korchevsky (bass, synthesizer), and Elena Polupan (drum machine, synthesizer). In 2014, the band released their debut EP, “Morphine” (self-released), along with the single “Mistakes” and the full-length album “Bsides” under the Uncle Misha label.

In 2015, Elena Polupan departed the group and was replaced by Lisa Dolgikh. That same year, Supernova 1006 released their second LP, “Talons”. At the start of 2016, Anton Korchevsky left the band. Concurrently, the band began a partnership with Werkstatt Recordings, releasing the LP “Talons”, the EP “Ministry”, and singles “Feel” and “We Are Free”.

The album “Unique World” was released in 2017 through Werkstatt Recordings, Sierpien Records, Other Voices Records, and Orbita, available on CD, cassette, reels, and vinyl. Also in 2017, Supernova 1006 collaborated with Gothic Music to re-release “Unique World” on CD and recorded the single “Dope For Human”, which Other Voices Records issued on 7-inch vinyl. The LP “Blackout” came out later that year on Sierpien Records, featuring collaborations with Mr.Kitty, Paradox Obscur, and Kill Your Boyfriend. Alongside The Units, the group also released a remix of the 1979 track “High Pressure Days”. In the summer of 2018, they released the single “Gold” and the EP “Critical Distance”. That year, Supernova 1006 and Liars collaborated on remixes of “New Kind Of Cross – Buzz Kull”.

In 2019, the group started working with Young And Cold Records, releasing the experimental industrial album “Technical Support” on 12″ vinyl. In 2021, Supernova 1006 released the synth-punk album “History Of Supernova 1006” on Sierpien Records, drawing significant inspiration from The Units. From 2021 to 2023, the group was inactive, pausing concert activities while recording and developing new material.

In the summer of 2023, Sofia Merkulova replaced Lisa Dolgikh, and the group announced an upcoming album titled “Chains”, set to be released on October 2, 2023, under the Negative Gain label.

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: Electro-Pop, Wave-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Supernova 1006 is a Russian formation hailing from Saint Petersburg. They already released several works by labels like Werkstatt Recordings, Young & Cold Records, Sirpien Records ao. The band went through several line-up changes and is now featuring core member Andrey Yukhovich and new member Sofia Merkulova. “Chains” was released in 2023 by Negative Gain.

Content: The album features 8 songs which are clearly inspired by different kinds of Pop music; definitely Electro-Pop like and still reminding me of 80s Wave-Pop productions while a few cuts are pretty ‘Dance’-like. A few passages have been empowered by guitar playing.

+ + + : Supernova 1006 deals with a very own interpretation of Electro-Pop music; kind of ‘free-style’ which works well at the few ‘harder’ cuts like “Alone” and “Die With Me”. “Ghostrunner” is another attention grabber for its boosting guitar riffs.

– – – : The first part of the work sounds a bit too ‘soft’ and ‘sweet’ while the best cuts are coming right after. I also regret that the work is only featuring 8 songs.

Conclusion: I can’t say this band is setting the world alight although “Chains” is a cool experience.

Best songs: “Die With Me”, “Alone”, “Ghostrunner”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/sn1006band

Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/NegativeGain Read the news on ‘Chains’.

Listen to “Chains”:

About Supernova 1006

Supernova 1006 came to life in September 2014 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, through the collaboration of Andrey Yukhovich (guitar and vocals), Anton Korchevsky (bass and synthesizer), and Elena Polupan (drum machine and synthesizer). That year the band self-released the debut EP “Morphine”, the single “Mistakes”, and the full-length album “Bsides” on the Uncle Misha label.

Elena left the band in 2015 and was replaced by Lisa Dolgikh, and the group released its second LP, “Talons”, that year. Anton departed in 2016, and Supernova 1006 signed to Werkstatt Recordings, issuing the EP “Ministry” and the singles “Feel” and “We Are Free”. The album “Unique World” followed in 2017 on Werkstatt Recordings, Sierpien Records, Other Voices Records, and Orbita, released across CD, cassette, reel, and vinyl formats, with a later CD reissue on Gothic Music. The single “Dope For Human” appeared on 7-inch vinyl via Other Voices Records, followed by the LP “Blackout” on Sierpien Records, featuring contributions from Paradox Obscur and Kill Your Boyfriend.

Supernova 1006 released a remix of the 1979 track “High Pressure Days” with The Units, followed by the single “Gold” and the EP “Critical Distance” in the summer of 2018. That year the band also contributed to a remix release of “New Kind Of Cross” with Buzz Kull and Liars. In 2019 the band joined Young & Cold Records for the experimental industrial album “Technical Support” on 12-inch vinyl, and in 2021 released the synth-punk album “History Of Supernova 1006” via Sierpien Records.

The band stepped back from live performances between 2021 and 2023. In summer 2023 Sofia Merkulova replaced Lisa Dolgikh, and Supernova 1006 announced the album “Chains”, released that October on Negative Gain 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

Post-punk/synthwave band, Supernova 1006 recently unveiled their new album, “Chains” via Negative Gain Productions. “Chains” is about the struggle for your happiness, about the struggle for silence and harmony with oneself.

Out now is a brand new video single, “Before I’ll Make You Cry”.

And here is the album “Chains”.

About Supernova 1006

Supernova 1006 came to life in September 2014, through the collaboration of Andrey Yukhovich (on guitar and vocals), Anton Korchevsky (handling bass and synthesizer), and Elena Polupan (managing drum machine and synthesizer). The same year saw them self-releasing their debut EP “Morphine”, alongside the single “Mistakes” and a full-length album titled “Bsides” under the Uncle Misha label.

However, 2015 brought changes to the lineup with Elena exiting the band, making way for Lisa Dolgikh. With fresh energy, Supernova 1006 unveiled their second LP “Talons” that year. But as 2016 rolled in, Anton parted ways with the group. Despite the shift, the band forged a new alliance with Werkstatt Recordings, leading to the release of LP “Talons”, EP “Ministry”, and the singles “Feel” and “We Are Free”.

In 2017, the musical journey continued with the album “Unique World”, a collaborative release with Werkstatt Recordings, Sierpien records, Other Voices records, and Orbita. This album found its way to fans on a variety of formats – CD, cassettes, reels, and vinyl. Later that year, the band explored new horizons with Gothic Music, which saw the re-release of “Unique World” on CD. They also dropped the single “Dope For Human” on a 7-inch vinyl through Other Voices records, followed by the LP “Blackout” on Sierpien Records, featuring contributions from Paradox Obscur and Kill Your Boyfriend.

Keeping the creative momentum going, Supernova 1006, alongside The Units, introduced a remix of the classic 1979 track “High Pressure Days” in a single. The summer of 2018 saw the release of the single “Gold” and the EP “Critical Distance”.

Their collaborative spirit soared again in the same year when they, along with Liars, released remixes of “New Kind Of Cross – Buzz Kull”. 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter with Young And Cold records, culminating in the release of the experimental industrial album “Technical Support” on 12″ vinyl.

Fast forward to 2021, Supernova 1006 launched the synth-punk album “History Of Supernova 1006” via Sierpien Records, drawing inspiration largely from The Units. While the group took a step back from active performances between 2021 to 2023, they were quietly brewing new material.

As summer 2023 unfolded, Sofia Merkulova replaced Lisa Dolgikh, injecting new life into the band. With renewed vigor, Supernova 1006 announced their upcoming album “Chains”, set to release under the Negative Gain label, marking a new phase in their ever-evolving musical saga. Read the review of ‘Chains’.

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: EBM, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, cassette.

Background/Info: Greek Kostas Stavropoulos aka ‘Toxic Razor’ is involved with numerous projects. Paradox Obscur is for sure the most familiar and successful one while Metal Disco remains the most prolific ones. The artist brings a fine selection together of songs that were released in between 2021 and 2022 on EP’s and singles. There’s also a previously unreleased song.

Content: Metal Disco stands for retro-electronics mixing minimalism and elements of EBM with rough vocals on top. You now and then will notice extra influences like Acid sequences and Techno vibes on top. The songs are short, cold, and dark. The new song “Marauder” is the last cut from the work.

+ + + : Metal Disco is a project I’ve always liked for its global approach in sound. This album features recently composed and released songs mixing different influences together but always remaining minimal, dark, cold, and into pure underground. The Greek sung “Μοιραία Στιγμή” featuring a great, cold, tune and “In Motion” featuring female guest vocals by Incirrina both are my favorite cuts. Other attention grabbers are “Metal Muscle”, the new cut “Marauder” and the retro Techno like “Acid Lord”.

– – – : As I’m always saying, I regret the tracks aren’t a bit more extended.

Conclusion: Metal Disco has got a damned good idea to compile most songs from the past two years as a full length; cool EBM minimalism.

Best songs: “Μοιραία Στιγμή”, “In Motion”, “Metal Muscle”, “Marauder”, “Acid Lord”, “Detest”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is a solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as ‘Toxic Razor,’ who also owns the Werkstatt Recordings label and runs the projects Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Resistance Of Independent Music, and Hardware Pulse. Metal Disco is composed entirely on hardware equipment, mixing EBM, Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave, and Electroclash.

Prior full-length “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” featured guest vocals by Irini of Incirrina, who returned for the “In Motion” EP. 2021 was a prolific year for the project, with one compilation and three EPs released, including the “Καμία Εξουσία” EP, Stavropoulos’ first use of Greek lyrics in Metal Disco, and the “Misbehave” EP.

“Technoid Electronics II 2021-2022”, reviewed here, compiles that run of EP and single material together with one previously unreleased track, “Marauder”, via Werkstatt Recordings.

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: EBM, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Not sure if there’s a more prolific artist active in the Greek Electro underground fields than Toxic Razor. His most familiar and successful project is for sure Paradox Obscur but he’s also involved with numerous other projects like Metal Disco. Four new cuts have been recorded for this new EP.

Content: Metal Disco remains driven and inspired by Minimal-Electro; good old vintage sound treatments played and recorded in real time and now resulting in EBM vibes mixed with other influences like electroclash and good-old Electro-Wave featuring host-like vocals on top.

+ + + : Retro-Electronics can be refreshing and in a way innovating. It’s a bit paradoxal and yet it works. I like the accentuated EBM approach which comes mainly through on the title song. There’s also a cool and more groovy touch emerging on “Metal Muscle” which sounds more 90s like.

– – – : Mike most songs composed by Toxic Razor and for all of his projects I regret the songs aren’t a bit longer.

Conclusion: Minimal-EBM made by the Greek King of minimalism.

Best songs: “EBM Workout”, “Metal Muscle”, “Body Machine”

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who records under the name Toxic Razor and also runs the Werkstatt Recordings label. In a 2021 interview with Side-Line, Stavropoulos described Metal Disco as his most stripped-down and direct project, built around punchy drum rhythms and dirty basslines composed entirely on hardware synthesizers and drum machines rather than software. He released one compilation and three EPs as Metal Disco during 2021 alone, alongside a collaboration EP with Incirrina, while continuing to record as Paradox Obscur, Hardware Pulse and Beatbox Machinery. The “EBM Workout” EP continues that pace into a mix of EBM, electroclash and Electro-Wave.

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-Ambient, Cinematic, Electronic.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: This compilation which seems to be created as an imaginary Soundtrack to a video game features eight artists. You might know some of the already released stuff on Werkstatt Recordings. I presume the label owner Toxic Razor is involved in most of the projects.

Artists: Mega Dead Agitator, Toxic Synther, Shocker 2087, Power Drive, Cauldron Blade, Azoth Projector, Savage Raver, Megaforce Hellion.

Content: What all projects have in common is the Electro-Space like sound they produce. The sound is also fitting to the sound philosophy of the label; pure hardware equipment to create a minimal Electro sound. All tracks are instrumentals reinforcing the Cinematic/Soundtrack style.

+ + + : If you like the approach of the Greek label Werkstatt Recordings you for sure gone like this work. Mainly unknown projects which are representative for the label sound and bringing some variation from track to track. I recommend Toxic Synther for the icy lead running through the song, Cauldron blade which is driven by a solid bass line and Savage Raver for its retro-like Techno style.

– – – : The songs are however pretty similar like it all has been composed by the same musician(s).

Conclusion: This is for sure one of the most astral-like productions from the Werkstatt roster. Space music to dance on.

Best bands: Savage Raver, Toxic Synther.

Rate: 6½.

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Werkstatt Recordings

Werkstatt Recordings is a Greek label run by Kostas Stavropoulos, who also records under the name Toxic Razor and behind several of the label’s own projects, including Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse and Beatbox Machinery. The label’s releases are built around vintage hardware synthesizers and drum machines played and recorded in real time rather than software production, a sound philosophy that carries through its compilation series. “Cyberpunk Screen Interface” gathers eight mostly label-affiliated projects, including Toxic Synther, Cauldron Blade and Savage Raver, into an instrumental, video-game-inspired soundtrack.

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: Minimal-Electro, EBM, New-Beat.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Nearly together with the new EP’s of Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery, Toxic Razor (Greece) releases the second work under the Hardware Pulse moniker.

Content: “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” features 3 instrumental songs carried by dry kicks and a fusion between EBM, new-Beat and Electroclash. The last song evokes 90s familiar Dance/House influences with an Acid touch above.

+ + + : Hardware Pulse sounds simple and efficient. Retro music with a powerful production resulting from hardware equipment. The title song is cool but I prefer “Can You Swing To This?” featuring an irresistible, cold, tune.

– – – : It’s not that easy to differentiate all the projects by Toxic Razor.

Conclusion: Back to basics of Electro-Underground stuff.

Best songs: “Can You Swing To This?”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/hardwarepulsemusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Hardware Pulse

Hardware Pulse is a solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, also known as Toxic Razor, who runs the Werkstatt Recordings label and records in parallel as Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. As with his other projects, Hardware Pulse is built entirely on hardware synthesizers and drum machines played and recorded in real time, here leaning toward EBM and New-Beat rather than the Minimal-Electro of Metal Disco. “Neo-Synthetik Diskotek” is the project’s second release, and Hardware Pulse went on to release the single “Tech-Noir” in 2023.

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, Italo-Disco.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings label owner Toxic Razor -still involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao, strikes back with a new EP of his Beatbox Machinery project.

Content: The common thread between all the projects of this artist remains the devotion to vintage sound treatments and techniques; pure hardware equipment recorded in real time. This new EP sounds groovy and danceable while experimenting with Italo-Disco passages. Other parts remind me of old video games animation and New-Beat music.

+ + + : Every release by Toxic Razor and all of his projects sound different -maybe with the single exception of Paradox Obscur. And here again I like the sound minimalism and retro influences featuring cool effects. Both debut cuts are my favorites but especially “Star Warrior” has this cool Italo-Disco touch.

– – – : I think the vocals would have a little extra with vocals on top.

Conclusion: Pure fun on retro-danceable tunes and effects.

Best songs: “Star Warrior”, “Synthetic Heart”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects run by Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, known as Toxic Razor, the owner of the Werkstatt Recordings label. Alongside Beatbox Machinery, he records as Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse, all built around hardware synthesizers and drum machines recorded in real time rather than software production. Beatbox Machinery leans toward Electro-Pop and Italo-Disco, distinguishing it from the more EBM and Minimal-Electro-driven Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse projects, and continues the label’s retro-focused release pace with the “Synthetic Heart” EP.

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 Dance-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: This single by Greek solo-project Metal Disco is an appetizer for the next EP “Acid Lord”.

Content: The title song is an instrumental piece driven by cool electronic sequences and ending into a dark Dance-Pop cut. The “Dub Mix” sounds a bit Kraftwerk-like and the “Club Mix” is empowered by dance vibes.

+ + + : It’s fascinating to see how Toxic Razor accomplished 3 very different versions of one track. I like the “Dub Mix” for the ‘Robotic-Pop’ touch.

– – – : I can already tell you this is not the best song from “Acid Lord” and even a rather surprising choice as single.

Conclusion: This is not exactly a song meant to be released as a single. There’s much better work from Metal Disco.

Best songs: “A Constellation Of Synthesizers And Its Wondrous Waves – Dub Mix”.

Rate: 6.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who works under the name Toxic Razor. He also runs the Werkstatt Recordings label and is involved with Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Hardware Pulse and Resistance Of Independent Music. Metal Disco is composed on hardware only. In a Side-Line interview Stavropoulos stated: “sitting in front of a screen making music is not my cup of tea, I have tried it in the past and had absolutely no fun”.

The project debuted with the album “Unearthly Vices” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2015. “Vade Mecum” followed on Detonic Recordings in 2018 and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware”, featuring Irini of Incirrina, on Werkstatt Recordings in 2020. 2021 brought a compilation and three EPs, among them “Καμία Εξουσία”, the first Metal Disco release with Greek lyrics, and “Misbehave”. The collaborative EP “In Motion” with Incirrina appeared in 2022, and the album “Hellion Reaper” in 2024.

The full background is set out in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco. This single precedes the EP “Acid Lord”, also released by Werkstatt Recordings.

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 Dance-Pop, Trance.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Toxic Razor (Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Hardware Pulse, Werkstatt Recordings owner) is back on track unleashing a new EP featuring five songs. Right before this release we got the single “A Constellation Of Synthesizers And Its Wondrous Waves” which was meant to be a teaser to the EP.

Content: Every single Metal Disco work sounds different or at least revealing another focus. I got the impression the Greek artist is now exploring Dance-Pop fields mixed with darker spheres and tones while accomplished with a raw sound production. The main part of the EP remains instrumental although the title song features vocals. There are other passages with robotic vocals and fragmented, sampled pieces.

+ + + : I deeply respect this artist who’s non-stop writing and releasing new stuff. And each new work always features cool surprises. The title song is a cool piece of raw, underground, Dance stuff. “Rave Kick” is another noticeable cut for its great Dance lead while “Transespacio Analogico” contains great analogue-like sound effects.

– – – : I’m still a bit wondered about the “A Constellation Of Synthesizers And Its Wondrous Waves”-song which compared to other cuts of the EP is a poorly inspired cut that has been released as single.

Conclusion: Metal Disco remains driven by a ‘no compromises’-approach which is refreshing and efficient.

Best songs: “Acid Lord”, “Rave Kick”, “Transespacio Analogico”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the hardware-only solo project of Greek musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who releases under the name Toxic Razor. He owns Werkstatt Recordings and also works in Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Hardware Pulse and Resistance Of Independent Music.

The first Metal Disco album, “Unearthly Vices”, came out on Werkstatt Recordings in 2015. “Vade Mecum” followed on Detonic Recordings in 2018, and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2020, with Irini of Incirrina on vocals. In 2021 the project issued a compilation and three EPs, including “Καμία Εξουσία”, its first release with Greek lyrics, and “Misbehave”. The EP “In Motion”, again with Incirrina, arrived in 2022, and the album “Hellion Reaper” in 2024.

Stavropoulos discussed his working method at length in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco, where he stated: “Inspiration comes mostly after jamming in the studio”. “Acid Lord” follows that approach across its five 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

Genre/Influences: Gothic, Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette. 

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor made a selection of nine bands from the label’s roster. Notice by the way he’s involved with several of the featured projects.

Artists: Ceremonial Doom Hex, Eerie Sopor, Body Expander, Harsh Aesthetics, Paradox Obscure, Beatbox Machinery, Vanity Drum, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat.

Content: The common thing between all these bands is the minimal approach of the composition. It’s that characteristic for the label’s owner and some of his most renowned projects like Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. Minimalism is the red line throughout the compilation while the influences are moving  from Gothic and Dark-Wave to EBM and Minimal/Electro-Wave. I also noticed all the songs featuring male singers (even for Paradox Obscur with a song Kriistal Ann is not singing).

+ + + : This is a perfect compilation to get more familiar with the Greek label which has already released an impressive catalog. But it also is a way to realize this pure underground label has some great bands which don’t always get the deserved recognition. And it also is a way to discover some unknown projects like Ceremonial Doom Hex and Harsh Aesthetics.

– – – : My only regret is that there are only 9 bands featured while Werkstatt Recordings has much more to offer.

Conclusion: If you like underground music and especially Electro and you would like to discover cool artists you better get in touch with Werkstatt Recordings.

Best bands: Paradox Obscur, Vanity Drum, Eerie Sopor, Metal Disco.

Rate: 7½.

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Werkstatt Recordings

Werkstatt Recordings is an Athens label started in 2009 and run by Toxic Razor. Its catalogue covers minimal electro, synth wave, EBM and related electronic music, issued on digital, CD and cassette.

Several projects on this compilation are run by the label owner, among them Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse. Side-Line covered his hardware-only working method in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

“Toxic Razor Selections” gathers nine acts from that roster and was released on digital, CD and cassette.

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: Minimal-Electro, Nu-Disco, Electro-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: This is one more production from the hands of Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor. He strikes back with five new songs from his Beatbox Machinery project.

Content: The cover of the EP reminds me of the legendary “Knight Rider”-series which totally matches with the sound. We’re once more getting back to distant times, Beatbox Machinery mixing elements of Nu-Disco, Electro-Space-Minimalism and EBM. The songs are mixing instrumentals and vocals which have been produced with a robotic effect.

+ + + : The endless creativity of Toxic Razor never affects the quality and diversity of his work. I sometimes get the feeling this project is a kind of sound laboratory for some of his other projects (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco) but it also is something on its own. I like the EP for its original mix between good-old Nu-Disco influences, EBM and Ambient atmospheres while the minimalism of the production remains the essence of the artist’s approach and sound philosophy.

– – – : Some songs might have been a bit more elaborated but in the end it’s not really a point.

Conclusion: Pure Electronic entertainment for vintage lovers.

Best songs: “Battlestar Galactica”, “Vicious Pleasures”, “Dangerous”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is one of several projects Toxic Razor runs from Athens, Greece. He started it in February 2010 and records it on hardware synthesizers and drum machines.

His other work includes Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann, Metal Disco and Hardware Pulse. All of it comes out on Werkstatt Recordings, the Athens label he has run since 2009.

“Night Vision” was released on digital, CD and cassette, alongside the EP “Mega City Hunters”. Toxic Razor set out his hardware-only approach in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

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: Minimal-Electro, Electro-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: And here’s another EP by the Greek project Beatbox Machinery which is driven by Toxic Razor (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Hardware Pulse ao).

Content: The work features 4 different songs which are instrumentals. None of the songs go over the 3 minutes. Sound-wise this is a danceable mix of space atmospheres, Minimal-Electro and Trance passages.

+ + + : The vintage sound treatments have something magic and especially when carried by a solid bass line like at “Electronic Birds Turning The Sky”. The title song is another noticeable cut for its analogue effects.

– – – : I’m missing a few vocal lines and it remains a damned pity the songs are that short.

Conclusion: Toxic Razor convinced me for years now with his projects Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco but Beatbox Machinery is just another of his sonic brainchilds to discover.

Best songs: “Electronic Birds Turning The Sky”, “Mega City Hunters”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery started in February 2010 in Athens, Greece, as a project of Toxic Razor. The material is recorded with hardware synthesizers and drum machines, without software instruments.

Releases appear through Werkstatt Recordings, the Athens label Toxic Razor has run since 2009. “Mega City Hunters” came out on digital, CD and cassette, as did the companion EP “Night Vision”.

Toxic Razor described his hardware-only method in the 2022 ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

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, Italo-Disco.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Greek project Metal Disco already has a new work out. ‘Toxic Razor’ (still involved with Paradox Obscur) joined hands with the singer of the Greek project Incirrina, Irini Tini to achieve this EP.

Content: Every new work by Metal Disco brings a different sonic focus. The main influences remain driven by raw Electro-Pop and EBM but we now get elements of Italo-Disco on top. It sounds refreshing retro like with great female vocals on top. The last song is a remix by Stutter Monk.

+ + + : Metal Disco has probably achieved one of its most elaborated works although it remains very accessible. The mix of Electro-Wave and Italo-Disco with the sensual vocals on top creates a great sonic symbiosis and the perfect music to dance. The pure vintage sound treatments inject this little touch of magic resulting in cool songs.

– – – : I still regret the songs remain pretty short. The Stutter Monk-remix doesn’t really sound like a bonus.

Conclusion: Metal Disco never stops to take me by surprise. This is a great retro-like Electro/Wave-Pop and Italo-Disco production.

Best songs: “Tension”, “Heavy Rain”, “In Motion”.

Rate: 8.

Artists: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic / www.facebook.com/Incirrinaband

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

“In Motion” was released on 20 March 2022 through Werkstatt Recordings. Metal Disco produced, mixed and performed the EP and wrote the music and lyrics, with vocals by Irini Tini of Incirrina and a remix of “Tension” by Stutter Monk. Nikolas “TheMute” Chalntoupis mixed the vocals and mastered the release at SoundCave Studios in Athens.

Listen to “In Motion”:

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Athens-based musician Kostas Stavropoulos, who works under the name ‘Toxic Razor’ and runs the Werkstatt Recordings label. He is also involved with Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Resistance Of Independent Music and Hardware Pulse. Metal Disco is composed entirely on hardware equipment, and the sound mixes EBM, minimal-electro, electro-wave and electroclash.

Stavropoulos set out the reasoning behind that hardware-only method in Side-Line’s ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco in March 2022, weeks before this EP was reviewed. He described the starting point for the project as “having punchy drum rhythms with dirty driven basslines in a kinda more minimal approach with not many instruments/sounds involved.”

“In Motion” pairs the project with Incirrina, the Athens electro and synth-wave act fronted by Irini Tini. Metal Disco continued the sequence in 2023 with the album Metal Disco – Technoid Electronics II 2021-2022, while Incirrina went on to release “Lip Led Scream” in 2023 and Incirrina release new album ‘Trace’ on Cold Transmission Music in 2026.

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

In a rather short lapse of time Greek solo-project Metal Disco has released an impressive number of productions. Driven by Werkstatt Recordings label owner -and involved with other music projects like Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery, Resistance Of Independent Music, Hardware Pulse… Kostas Stavropoulos aka ‘Toxic Razor’, the sound of Metal Disco is composed by only hardware equipment. The sound features different influences mixing EBM, Minimal-Electro, Electro-Wave, Electroclash ao. 2021 has been an extremely prolific year for Metal Disco while a new EP has been already released this year. Time for an interview and introduction in the world of this great project. (Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’re involved with multiple projects so what makes the specificity of Metal Disco in comparison with all others? What kind of sound and production did you have in mind when setting up Metal Disco?

TR: Metal Disco delivers a more darkened electro sound especially in the first releases. What I had in mind when starting this project was having punchy drum rhythms with dirty driven basslines in a kinda more minimal approach with not many instruments/sounds involved.

Q: The way of composing your music is very important and especially the use of hardware equipment! Tell us a bit more about your way of working? And does it mean you have something against software equipment and tools?

TR: Indeed hardware instruments is more fun to work with and play, feels like becoming one with a synth or a drum machine when recording or rehearsing and that is something that I can’t find in the virtual software world. The sound is much more richer and breathes like a living entity unlike the sterile virtual instruments which no matter how good they sound it’s like something’s missing..  sitting in front of a screen making music is not my cup of tea, I have tried it in the past and had absolutely no fun but I don’t have something against software as for other people might work better.

Q: Metal Disco has been very prolific during the past few years. Where does this inspiration come from and what’s the usual way of composing when working on Metal Disco?

TR: Inspiration comes mostly after jamming in the studio, synthesizers can offer a wide palette of sounds and mood, sometimes feels like these waveforms devour me, luring me into their deep endless spiral of synthesis.

When starting a new track I mostly give emphasis and work on the bassline parts along with some basic drum rhythm, from there I try to find a fitting lead/melody and later come back to the drums again in order to build the main groove, fills, changes etc. But once the main idea is set the song drives me by itself until it takes the final shape.

Q: You clearly like to release EP’s while each EP sounds like having a different focus and own influences. Tell us a bit more about the most recent productions and how did you see the project evolving throughout the years?

TR: 2021 was a very busy year with one compilation and 3 EPs released, while also working in the collaboration EP with Incirrina and trying to put together ideas for the next full-length album.

In the “Καμία Εξουσία”-EP I also tried for the first time Greek lyrics in the Metal Disco project since I had the self-titled track sitting for around a decade in my studio, so I thought why not record a few more tracks in Greek.. this how “Καμία Εξουσία”-EP was born.

The recent “Misbehave”-EP delivers a more Electronic sound with groovy basslines and I feel it turned out more melodic than what I expected and had in mind when started composing it.

As for evolving this is something I could say for my other band Paradox Obscur since we always try to explore new paths, but for Metal Disco things are simpler, music is more raw, stripped and direct.

Q: You already mentioned the new EP entitled “In Motion” featuring Incirrina. How did this collaborative work happened and what has been the input of Incirrina?

TR: I have collaborated with many other artists for the Metal Disco project in the past and Irini from Incirrina was also part of the latest full-length album “Sex, Drugs & Hardware”.

Since I was looking for someone to take over the vocals in the new EP I thought Irini would fit great in these new songs and all evolved very naturally.

She has taken over the vocal parts in all songs of the “In Motion”-EP and I think this must be the more melodic work for Metal Disco so far..

Q: I can’t get away from the idea you’re devoted to 80s Electronics. What made the magic of this decade and what are your personal ‘masters’ when it comes to musicians?  And do you have contemporary ‘masters’ or simply musicians/producers you respect for their way of working?

 TR: The 80s was a rather obscure weird era in many aspects but had a great renaissance in the music scenery in various genres It’s impossible to mention all the artists I listen but names like Mylene Farmer, Sandra, Jean-Michel Jarre, Pet Shop Boys, Yello etc are on my top preferences together with some Metal acts like Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Slayer, W.A.S.P. which are not Electronic but evolved and experimented over the years and always has been a great inspiration to my musical ventures.

Concerning the contemporary scene I listen a lot to Electro, Tech-House, Progressive Techno, Trance, EBM, Future-Pop, Synth-Wave, Italo and artists like Motor, Arnaud Rebotini, Black Asteroid, John Dahlbäck, Mind.In.A.Box, Soman, Juno Reactor, Apoptygma Berzerk is always a pleasure to listen their work.

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: EBM, Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings label owner ‘Toxic Razor’ has been very prolific with his different projects during the past year. But Metal disco has been clearly one of the most active projects, releasing multiple EP’s and a compilation album. “Misbehave” was the last recording from 2021 and features six new tracks.

Content: Metal Disco remains driven by the power of hardware equipment, which creates a powerful sound production. The tracks are once more mixing EBM, Electro-Wave and pure Minimal-Electronics. I however have to say there’s a song (cf. “Invert”) featuring an icy, Technoid tune on top.

+ + + : Metal Disco has never disappointed me, but this new EP is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best releases in history. I remain addicted to the minimalism of the production, but especially the icy sound treatments and dark bass lines are emerging at this work. “Invert” is a brilliant cold song, but I also must mention “Trans-Doll” and “Crack”. “The Trance That Veils The Mind” is driven by a sublime lead and “Void” will definitely appeal to lovers of Fad Gadget.

– – – : My single regret is the pretty short during time of the work; only 18 minutes of joy for 6 songs.

Conclusion: The more prolific Metal Disco is the more inspired and efficient the releases are.

Best songs: “Invert”, “Trans-Doll”, “The Trans That Veils The Mind”, “Crack”, “Void”.

Rate: 8½.

Listen to “Misbehave”:

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is an electronic project run by the Greek musician Toxic Razor, who is also half of Paradox Obscur and owns the Athens label Werkstatt Recordings. The project keeps its personnel undisclosed and records with hardware synthesizers and drum machines.

Early releases include “Unearthly Vices” and “Fetish Club Anthems” in 2015, “Tease” in 2016, “Devil Explicit” in 2017, the single “The Tyger/Obnoxious” on Detonic Recordings and “Vade Mecum” in 2018, and the “Banger EP” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2019. “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” and the “Clublife EP” followed in 2020. In 2021 the project issued “Καμία Εξουσία”, the compilation “Technoid Electronics 2015-2020” and the “Misbehave” EP, which came out on December 3, 2021.

Toxic Razor discussed the hardware-only working method in a Click Interview with Metal Disco published in March 2022. Later titles include “In Motion” and “EBM Workout” in 2022, “Technoid Electronics II 2021-2022” in 2023 and “Hellion Reaper” in 2024.

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-Wave, Electroclash, Technoid.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Greek composer Toxic Razor -still involved with Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery, last year unleashed a new project called Hardware Pulse. The global approach of composing music with only hardware equipment remains the common thread between all of his projects. “Techno Valkyrie” is the debut album of Hardware Pulse featuring eight songs. 

Content: All songs are instrumental edits. The songs are driven by danceable rhythms while bringing different, but related music genres together. There’s a touch of Body-Pop music, which has been mixed with pure old-school Electro with some Electroclash influences and other passages revealing a Technoid approach.

+ + + : The creativity of this artist seems to have no limits, but Toxic Razor isn’t only a prolific artist, but also a true talented one. This new project reveals different aspects although the global approach and some of his arrangements are easily recognizable with his work for Metal Disco and Paradox Obscur. I like the solid sound treatments, which especially excel at “Mainframe Isolator”.

– – – : I regret there are neither vocals nor spoken samplings, which could inject a little extra here and then. Like all of his projects, the songs are still pretty short and that’s sometimes a pity when you’re just listening to a great piece.

Conclusion: “Techno Valkyrie” is a promising debut for Hardware Pulse, which I can only, but encourage to pursue this path.

Best songs: “Mainframe Isolator”, “Club Raiser”, “Techno Valkyrie”.

Rate: 7.

Listen to “Techno Valkyrie”:

Artist: www.facebook.com/hardwarepulsemusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Hardware Pulse

Hardware Pulse is the solo project of Greek musician Toxic Razor, who also works in Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco and Beatbox Machinery. The project is based in Athens and is dedicated to hardware synthesizers and drum machines, performed and recorded without virtual instruments.

“Techno Valkyrie” is the debut album, released in 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings, the label run by Toxic Razor.

The project returned with the single “Tech-Noir” in September 2023, taken from an album of the same name that was issued on October 6, 2023 in digital, CD and cassette formats.

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, EBM.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: ‘Toxic Razor’ (Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco) seems to be a musician who never sleeps. When you consider the endless discography of Beatbox Machinery next to his involvement with his other projects and running Werkstatt Recordings, you can only, but declare that music is his life! “Nuclear Devastation” is a new EP featuring four songs.

Content: There’s a similar approach between all the projects this artist is involved with; less equipment, and only great, analogue gear. The influences are different from project to project, but always connected to the 80s. “Nuclear devastation” sounds like pure nostalgia, driven by alluring synth lines and danceable rhythms. The project is more melodic than the others while this work also has something pretty crazy. There’s a cover version of Judas Priest’s “Breaking The Law”, which reminds me of Fad Gadget and a cover version of Mötorhead’s “Ace Of Spades” with sound treatments reminding me of Felix Da Housecat. Among the other songs I noticed rather surprising guitar playing –by Megahammer, at “Hot Heels Tonite”. All songs have been sung in English.

+ + + : I like this new work by Beatbox Machinery; it sounds old-school like and definitely appealing to all lovers of old Electro-Wave, but it’s also fun to make cover versions of bands like Judas Priest and Mötorhead. Both songs sound like they were originally written by Toxic Razor, which to me simply confirms the talent of this artist. The guitar playing running through “Hot Heels Tonite” is something unexpected, a bit weird as well and yet it creates a great fusion with the Electro style.

– – – : The reason Toxic Razor is that prolific maybe is because of the very short length of his songs.

Conclusion: This EP is fun and an excellent work for Electro-parties.

Best songs: “Ace Of Spades”, “Breaking The Law”, “Nuclear Devastation”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is the electro project of Greek musician and producer Toxic Razor, who also runs Werkstatt Recordings and works with Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco. Discogs lists the project from 2010, when Werkstatt Recordings issued the CD EPs “Factory Of The Godless Recoil” and “Destroy The Art Of Construction”, followed by the album “Drone Electricity” in 2011 and a long series of EPs and cassettes through the same label.

Later entries include the albums “Mercury Land” in 2012 and “Panther Vehicle” in 2013, the cassette “Retrospective 2010 – 2012” in 2015, the “Canadian Metal” CD EP in 2019 and the limited CD “Hours” in 2020.

“Nuclear Devastation” was released on 26 September 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings. It holds four tracks: “Nuclear Devastation”, “Breaking The Law”, “Hot Heels Tonite (feat. Megahammer)” and “Ace Of Spades”. Music and lyrics on tracks one and three are by Toxic Razor, track two was originally written by Judas Priest and track four by Motorhead. Toxic Razor performed, mixed and mastered the EP, the guitars on “Hot Heels Tonite” were recorded and mixed by Megahammer, and the label states the record was made exclusively with hardware synthesizers and drum machines.

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-Wave, EBM, Electroclash.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Greek musician/producer and Werkstatt Recordings owner Toxic Razor has been extremely prolific this year. He not only released several Metal Disco productions, but also releases for his other projects like Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. This new EP features three songs and has been released the same day as the EP “Rough & Dirty”.

Content: The approach and way of production remains exactly the same; composing songs with fewer instruments, which are all analogue. The main difference is that this EP featuring 3 songs has been sung in Greek. It creates a rather exotic effect while the music is moving in between Electroclash –the opening song reminding me of Miss Kittin & The Hacker, and harder plus darker EBM.

+ + + : The EP only features 3 short songs, but I definitely enjoy the minimal fusion between all the different influences. The opening Electroclash piece reveals great sound treatments while the last track is a heavier production in sound and vocals.

– – – : As for the “Rough & Dirty”-EP the songs are pretty short and even a little bit too short, the longest track is 2”22’.

Conclusion: Metal Disco is a project I’ve always liked for its sexy vintage sound as an ode to 80s electro-Wave.

Best songs: “Καμία Εξουσία”, “Μοιραία Στιγμή”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Greek musician and producer Toxic Razor, who runs Werkstatt Recordings and is also behind Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. Discogs lists the project from 2015 with “Unearthly Vices” and “Fetish Club Anthems”, then “Tease” in 2016, “Devil Explicit” in 2017, “The Tyger/Obnoxious” and “Vade Mecum” in 2018, the “Banger EP” in 2019 and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” together with the “Clublife EP” in 2020.

“Καμία Εξουσία” was released on 25 July 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings, the same day as “Rough & Dirty”. It was produced, mixed and performed by Metal Disco, with music and lyrics by Metal Disco, and holds three tracks: “Μοιραία Στιγμή”, “Σκιές” and “Καμία Εξουσία”.

Toxic Razor set out his working method in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco in March 2022, where he stated: “Sitting In Front Of A Screen Making Music Is Not My Cup Of Tea”.

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-Wave, Minimal-Electro, EBM, Electroclash.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: After having released the album “Techno Electronics 2015-2020” earlier this year Greek artist and label owner Toxic Razor strikes back with a new EP of his Metal Disco project.

Content: Metal Disco remains driven by the power and magic of good-old analogue equipment. The music is clearly evoking some distant although still inspiring 80s Electro-Wave. The songs are mixing different other influences like EBM while the main approach remains pretty minimal. All vocals have been sung in English.

+ + + : If you like the good-old analogue sounds, Metal Disco clearly is a project you’re going to like. Neither complexity nor tricks, but songs that go with the flow and the inspiration of the artist. I however like the somewhat more elaborated last song “Thrust” while “Rotten To The Core” is another attention grabber for the metallic sound treatments and cool extra effect on the vocals.

– – – : The tracks remain pretty short; each song is about approximate 3 minutes.

Conclusion: Metal Disco brings us back to the 80s and yet this project sounds refreshing.

Best songs: “Thrust”, “Rotten To The Core”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is the solo project of Greek musician and producer Toxic Razor, who also runs the Athens label Werkstatt Recordings and works with Paradox Obscur and Beatbox Machinery. Discogs lists the project from 2015 with “Unearthly Vices” and “Fetish Club Anthems”, followed by “Tease” in 2016, “Devil Explicit” in 2017, the single “The Tyger/Obnoxious” on Detonic Recordings and “Vade Mecum” in 2018, the “Banger EP” in 2019 and “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” plus the “Clublife EP” in 2020.

The 2021 retrospective referred to above appears on Discogs and Bandcamp under the title “Technoid Electronics 2015-2020”. “Rough & Dirty” was released on 25 July 2021 through Werkstatt Recordings, digitally and in a limited cassette edition in a clear shell with a double-sided printed j-card. It was produced, mixed and performed by Metal Disco, with music and lyrics by Metal Disco, and holds four tracks: “Vile”, “Rotten To The Core”, “To The Beat Of Her Heart” and “Thrust”.

Toxic Razor discussed the hardware-only method behind the project in the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco in March 2022.

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-Wave, Electroclash, EBM, Minimal-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Greek label owner Toxic Razor is also involved with several projects like Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery and Metal Disco. This ‘new’ album is a fine selection of songs released in between 2015 and 2020.

Content: The common element between all projects of Toxic Razor is a true love and passion for vintage Electronics. Metal Disco sounds harder than Beatbox Machinery and less Electro-Wave than Paradox Obscur. There’s a constant mix between 80s related influences, now EBM powered and then more Electroclash & Electro-Wave like. The last songs are definitely harder and driven by low, resonating bass lines.

+ + + : These songs were originally released on several EP’s so this is an opportunity to get them together on one disc. I like the global approach of Metal Disco, which is maybe best illustrated at the “Metal Disco”-track, which is carried by an icy, metal-like lead and a solid bass line. The power of the bass line comes back on other tracks as well, “Devil Explicit” remaining a great piece of this artist. But I also have to mention the retro-EBM “Flux Decadence” and the extremely powerful sound treatments of “Blackened”.

– – – : A similar remark as for Beatbox Machinery, I think some songs could be a bit more elaborated and extended.

Conclusion: This album is a perfect compilation to discover the fascinating retro-Electro universe of Metal Disco. Read the ‘Click Interview’ with Metal Disco.

Best songs: “Devil Explicit”, “Flux Decadence”, “Blackened”, “Orchard”, “Banger”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Metal Disco

Metal Disco is a project of the Athens-based producer Toxic Razor, who founded Werkstatt Recordings and also records as Beatbox Machinery, as one half of Paradox Obscur with Kriistal Ann and, since 2023, as Hardware Pulse. The Discogs profile for Metal Disco states that the project discloses nothing about its members.

The first releases appeared in 2015 on Werkstatt Recordings: the cassette album “Unearthly Vices” in August and the CDr EP “Fetish Club Anthems”. “Tease” followed in 2016, the “Devil Explicit” EP was issued on cassette by Detonic Recordings in June 2017 and “Vade Mecum” came out in 2018. Werkstatt Recordings released the “Banger EP” in 2019 and the album “Sex, Drugs & Hardware” on 8 September 2020, with Irini of Incirrina among the guests. The “Clublife EP” followed the same year.

“Technoid Electronics 2015-2020” was released on 11 April 2021 as a download and as a CDr limited to twelve copies. It collects ten tracks from the EPs of that period plus the exclusive track “Orchard”. Later releases include the Greek-language EP “Καμία Εξουσία” (2021), the “In Motion” EP with Incirrina (2022), “EBM Workout” (2022), the second compilation “Technoid Electronics II 2021-2022” (February 2023) and the album “Hellion Reaper” (March 2024). Toxic Razor discussed the project in the March 2022 Side-Line interview linked above.

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: Gothic, Dark-Wave.

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: There’s not a lot of real information available about this band except that they’re signed on to the Greek label Werkstatt Recordings and they already released a few EP’s.

Content: The EP features 5 songs. There’s a kind of intro and outro cut while the other songs left are pretty short as well. Eerie Sopor deals with a rather classical Dark-Wave and Gothic style accomplished with guitar playing and Electro melodies with cavernous vocals on top.

+ + + : I like an EP featuring 5 different songs. The song “Burning Angel” reveals a true potential; it’s not that innovative, but a well-crafted dark song carried by guitar and melodic synth lines on top. The Gothic lovers are going to like the singers’ deep timbre of voice.

– – – : The songs are a bit too short to my taste. There’s more potential hiding inside this band than what comes out.

Conclusion: Eerie Sopor is a band I didn’t know. I can’t say this EP is setting the world alight, but it clearly reveals a band with potential.

Best songs: “Burning Angel”.

Rate: 6½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/eeriesopor

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

www.weyrdsonrecords.com / www.facebook.com/WeyrdSonRecords

About Eerie Sopor

Eerie Sopor is a gothic and darkwave project from Athens, Greece, released through Werkstatt Recordings. The line-up is not disclosed; the Bandcamp page credits music and lyrics to Eerie Sopor.

The first EP, “Constellations Of Body”, was released on 8 November 2015 as a four-track download. “Putrid Civilization”, a five-track EP, followed on 20 October 2019.

“The Plague That Lingers On The Plains” was released on 20 June 2021, catalogued as Werkstatt Recordings number 330, in digital, CD and cassette formats. The five tracks are “Onward To Darkness (Intro)”, “Tristful Hearts”, “Burning Angel”, “Nocturnal Skies” and “Where Plague And Tears Blossom”. The label describes it as the project’s return after a two-year break. In 2022 the project also appeared on the label compilation Toxic Razor Selections, reviewed on 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

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

Format: Digital, CD, Cassette.

Background/Info: Beatbox Machinery is the project of Greek composer Toxic Razor -also known from Paradox Obscur and owner of Werkstatt Recordings.

Content: Ten songs mixing different Electro influences, but the main source of inspiration clearly moves back to the 80s. The multiple effects and drum patterns this album has been composed are reminding me of the old-school Electro. A few songs feature collaborations with Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and last, but not least Kriistal Ann.

+ + + : The retro-style and approach of Beatbox Machinery has been empowered by the use of analogue sound treatments. It creates this little part of magic. I especially recommend listening to the final part of the album, revealing more elaborated and harder EBM passages. “Omicron Metallogirls” and especially “Cyber Techno Programmer” (for its great bass line) are cool pieces. I also have to mention “Cities Of The Future” featuring Kriistal Ann.

– – – : Beatbox Machinery has already released an impressive discography. I sometimes get the impression some of the songs were made in a hurry, kind of speed writing, while some songs could have been a bit more elaborated.

Conclusion: Beatbox Machinery doesn’t bring the original magic of the 80s alive, but this album is a cool wink.

Best songs: “Omicron Metallogirls”, “Cyber Techno Programmer”, Cities Of The Future – Re_Edit”, “Computerized Transmitting Heart”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

About Beatbox Machinery

Beatbox Machinery is the solo project of the Greek producer Toxic Razor, formed in February 2010 according to Discogs. Toxic Razor founded Werkstatt Recordings, records with Kriistal Ann as Paradox Obscur, runs the harder project Metal Disco and launched Hardware Pulse in 2023.

The project started with a run of CD EPs on Werkstatt Recordings in 2010 and 2011, among them “Factory Of The Godless Recoil”, “Destroy The Art Of Construction” and “Drum Machine EP”, and the first album “Drone Electricity” (2011). “Mercury Land” (2012) and “Panther Vehicle” (2013) followed, along with the “Vs Series” split EPs. From 2014 onward most releases came out as limited cassettes, including “Disco Warrior” (2014), “Retrospective 2010 – 2012” (2015), “Glam Nights” (2017) and “Canadian Metal” (2019). The album “Hours” was released on CD in 2020.

“2014 (A New Resistance)” was released on 14 March 2021 as a limited CDr, cassette and download on Werkstatt Recordings. Its ten tracks include guest contributions from Embryonik, Fixions, Denovomutans and Kriistal Ann. The project continued with the “Synthetic Heart” EP (2022), the cassette album “Retrogamer” (2023) and “Physical Touch” (2024).

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-wave, minimal-electro, electroclash, body-pop.

Background/Info: “Vade Mecum” is the second full length album by the Greek project Metal Disco. This project driven by Toxic Razor (still involved with other projects such as Paradox Obscur, Beatbox Machinery and owner of Werkstatt Recordings) also released a few noticeable EP’s.

Content: Metal Disco got some helping hand from a few guest artists/singers on this work. Keren Batok, André Savetier, Mind Teardown and Supernova 1006 joined in for a few songs. Sound-wise the main characteristic of the album remains the retro-elector style mixing elements as electro-wave, EBM, minimal-electronics and electroclash. The most surprising song is the cover version of Icon Of Coil’s “Former Self”.

+ + + : I remain fascinated by the magic of analogue equipment and that’s what this project stands for. Just pay attention for the great synth line running through “Endless Miles” featuring Supernova 1006 and you’ll maybe understand what I mean. But it’s not only about vintage sound treatments, the songs have been meticulously crafted and accomplished revealing great sound effects and bleeping sequences. I also like the somewhat sterile way of singing from guest vocalist Keren Batok (singing on 2 cuts).

– – – : My single regret is that most of the songs are pretty short. That was rather typical for the 80s and there’s nothing wrong with that, but when the songs are that good you sometimes would like to get a more extended format.

Conclusion: Metal Disco is not exactly innovating, but sounds as a refreshing and original project.

Best songs: “Blackened”, “Endless Miles feat. Supernova 1006”, “Vade Mecum feat. Keren Batok”, “Former Self”, “Exposed”, “World War I In Web feat. Keren Batok”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.DetonicRecordings.com / www.facebook.com/detonicRecordings

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: Electroclash, EBM, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Behind this funny band name is hiding Greek artist Toxic Razor. If the name of this artist doesn’t make ring a bell, you maybe know Paradox Obscur in, which he’s involved together with Kriistal Ann. Metal Disco has already released a few productions on Werkstatt Recordings, which is the label of Toxic Razor and on which he also released several productions as Beatbox Machinery. This EP rather looks like a mini-album featuring 6 songs.

Content: The main link between Paradox Obscur and Metal Disco is the ‘love’ and passion for retro-electronics. The sound is totally devoted to the 80s spirit, somewhere in between good-old wave-pop music and electroclash with some extra EBM elements on top. The vocals are quite sterile-like, which appears to be a cool match with the music.

+ + + : Metal Disco is a pretty cool discovery. It sounds old-school like and yet refreshing. This is because of the great sound treatments featuring dry bass lines and analogue melodies. The EBM touch on top of the work injects a naughty, danceable touch. I also like the tracks for their melodic approach. “Destroyer” is a potential hit for dancefloors.

– – – : The main difficulty with such a fascinating release is to catch the attention of a wider audience. Promotion will be really important, but the band gets my full support!

Conclusion: “Devil Explicit” sounds sexy and retro, but it first of all reveals a new promising project featuring Greek artist Toxic Razor.

Best songs: “Destroyer”, “Serial Killer”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/metaldiscomusic

Label: www.detonicrecordings.com / www.facebook.com/detonicRecordings

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, electro.

Background/Info: Droid Sector Decay once started as a solo-project and became a trio throughout the years. They have already released a considerable number of releases, which were mainly edited by Werkstatt Recordings. Underground Industrial Records is a subdivision of Werkstatt (Netlabel) on, which they also released a number of productions.

Content: This EP reveals 6 tracks, which are pretty eclectic although dominated by a mix of industrial sounds and electronic structures. From heavy crashes to EBM sequences and solid bass lines, the work sounds raw and somewhat unpolished. I noticed some female spoken-like samplings and male vocal parts.

+ + + : The industrial side is quite fascinating for awakening some good-old souvenirs of the 80s industrial era. But it’s much more than simply emulation and rather sounds as early industrial music composed with contemporary instruments and techniques. I also enjoyed the EBM flavor emerging at the surface on a few cuts while the vocals also  add the the accomplishment of the work.

– – – : I guess the raw and unpolished production has been intentional, creating this old-school effect although I think it would have been interesting to get a more professional production and mix. The cuts are somewhat monotonous after a while.

Conclusion: Droid Sector Decay doesn’t feature innovative elements, but it’s the kind of record that will possibly appeal for lovers of early industrial music. The EBM element is an interesting little bonus.

Best songs: “Near-Death Experience”.

Rate: (6½).

Band: www.facebook.com/DroidSectorDecayofficial

Label: www.facebook.com/UndergroundIndustrialRecordsofficial

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-wave, minimal-electronics.

Background/Info:  Greek artist Kriistal Ann released “Delirious Skies” on Werkstatt Recordings in 2014. From the very first time I heard the minimal-electro-wave style of this artist with a very particular timbre of voice I get totally seduced by her minimalism in sound. I also discovered great side-projects such as Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur and Sine Silex.

“Delirious Skies” has now been re-released on Wave Records featuring the original tracklist plus one bonus song.

Content: Kriistal Ann deals with electronic minimalism and sterile electro-wave music. The song structures are quite simple while composed with less material, but the simplicity remains the main strength of this artist’s work. The vocals are bewitching for the mix of sensuality and coldness. Anna Michailidou’s (real name) timbre of voice is sometimes reminding me of Elena Alice Fossi (Kirlian Camera). The bonus song stands for a dreamy final.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann remains an artist I fully support and encourage listeners to discover. She’s animated and inspired by great vintage electronics creating a sterile and yet sexy electronic style. The sweeps and icy leads together with the way of vocals create the magic of the sound. One of the songs (cf. “Remembrance”) reminds me a bit of one of the absolute hits of Belgian formation Bedtime For Bonzo (cf. “The Bloody Violation Of Mickey Mouse’s Virginity On 59th St.”) while “Ashes Of Hope” is another cool song and pretty intriguing because of the Greek lyrics.

– – – : The album “Cultural Bleeding” remains my personal reference from this artist’s discography. You can hear this album has been composed before. There’s not the same impact and elaboration.

Conclusion: This re-release is a good opportunity to get more familiar with Kriistal Ann although if you don’t know her music yet, you’d better discover “Cultural Bleeding” first!

Best songs: “Remembrance”, “Aches Of Hope”, “Punisher”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.facebook.com/kriistalann2

Label: www.waverecordsmusic.com / http://pt–br.facebook.com/pages/Wave–Records/110635789015082

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, dark EBM.

Background/Info: American formation Datacode Division was set up in 2001, but it took years to achieve this official debut work. The album has been released on the Greek label Underground Industrial Records, which is a subdivision of Werkstatt Recordings.

Content: Datacode Division clearly doesn’t reinvent dark-electronics, but simply emulates some familiar elements from the 90s. The work is unpolished, harsh and clearly evoking good-old EBM acts from the 90s. The repetitive icy sequences and distorted vocals might remind bands like Nuclear Error, The Psychic Force and related bands.

+ + + : “Dissections” has a retro-feeling, which I personally like. The icy sequences and rough, somewhat electro-industrial sounds are elements that have been lost all over the years. Datacode Division remains faithful to the true spirit of dark-electronics and don’t experiment with cold, but trance-like leads. This work sounds a band getting back to its roots. A few songs feature epic-like arrangements, which is not exactly innovating and yet the most original aspect of the work.

– – – : It might have been voluntary, but the rough and unpolished sound is somewhat under-produced. That’s maybe the major element this band has to improve.

Conclusion: “Dissections” bring us back 20 years ago; somewhere right in the midst of the growing dark-electro and EBM movement from the 90s. Therefore this album will please to numerous lovers of this other great decade.

Best songs: “Misery In Industry”, “Crisis”.

Rate: (6½).

Band: www.facebook.com/pg/DatacodeDivisionOfficial

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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-wave & pop.

Background/Info: Sine Silex is the meeting between Greek artist Kriistal Ann (also active under her own moniker and member of Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur) and Swiss artist Chroma Carbon. This debut album features 10 songs, which have been released on Werkstatt Recordings, which is a quite familiar label to all lovers of vintage electro sounds. Notice by the way that the album is also available on cassette format strictly limited to 12 copies!

Content: Kriistal Ann is an artist devoted to minimal electronics featuring typical vintage synth sounds while she also is a singer with a particular and bewitching timbre of voice. Sine Silex sounds a similar way, but reinforced by the Chroma Carbon. Both protagonists bring an interesting symbiosis between French and English vocal parts.

As already mentioned the electronic format of this work is minimal and clearly evoking good-old 80s electro-wave and pop influences. The sounds are cold and atmosphere pretty evasive-like. Sine Silex deals with this typical ‘sterile’ sound atmosphere from the 80s.

+ + + : I’m not going to say that Kriistal Ann transforms all projects she’s involved with into gold, but the magic of her voice and the old-school minimalism of her music both remain pure magic. And that’s precisely what “Schachmatt” stands for. But next to this vintage approach, there’s a perfect complementarity between both singers. Chroma Carbon sings in a particular and somewhat sterile way, reinforcing the 80s feeling. One of the most noticeable songs from the album is “Modeliste” on, which Kriistal Ann sings in French with a real sexy accent. It also is a specific track as the title and the lyrics clearly sounds like an ode to Kraftwerk’s “The Model”. I fully enjoyed the minimalism of the songs and the harmony between both vocalists.

– – – : My only regret is that the album only features 10, rather short, cuts. It’s in the 80s tradition, but this work appeals for more.

Conclusion: Sine Silex has accomplished a great retro-like electronic album, which will definitely please all nostalgic electro-lovers.

Best songs: “Modeliste”, “Operative”, “Les Nimbes”, “Antidote”, “Rifle”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/pg/sinesilex

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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: EBM, dark-pop, wave-pop.

Background/Info: Werkstatt Recordings is a small and independent Greek label active since 2009. Kriistal Ann definitely is the most famous artist of the label, but I also have to mention one of her side-projects Paradox Obscur while the label owner’s own band Beatbox Machinery is another familiar name. This compilation is a perfect opportunity to get a bit more familiar with the independent label. Seven bands have been selected each featuring  two songs.

Bands: Kriistal Ann, Resistance Of Independent Music, Paradox Obscur, Metal Disco, Geometry Combat, Obsidian Radioactive, Dawnrazor.

Content: The featured bands move from EBM elements into dark and minimal pop, to electro-wave and pop. There clearly is a fascination for vintage electronic music, but the common element between all of the bands is their pure underground addiction. We don’t get famous bands with ultra professional productions, but a fascinating underground sound that will appeal to lovers of retro electro sounds.

+ + + : Kriistal Ann and Paradox Obscur both are for sure the most mature and ‘advanced’ formations, which will remind you of late 80s music. Kriistal Ann has a unique timbre of voice, which sometimes reminds me of Kirlian Camera. Another interesting band is Metal Disco, which sounds more inspired by EBM, but adapting the body style into an own approach. Another name to keep in mind is Geometry Combat, which is also inspired by EBM ideas.

– – – : I mostly mainly regret there’s no info available about the bands on this CD version. That’s a pity especially because it consist of lesser known bands. Production-wise the mastering could have been better, but let’s keep in mind it all remains an independent and pure underground work.

Conclusion: If you’re in search of less familiar bands dealing with vintage electronics this sampler can be worthy of examination.

Best bands: Metal Disco, Kriistal Ann, Paradox Obscur.

Rate: (6).

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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: EBM, electro-ambient, minimal-electronics, cinematographic.

Background/Info: Timetalker is a Swiss solo-project, which previously released the digital single “Street Prowler”. “Arrival Of The Stalkers” is a sort of mini-album featuring 6 songs.

Content: Multiple retro-minded influences are running throughout the work. It takes off with a rather EBM-inspired cut and progressively moves on into atmospheric- and minimal-orientated pop songs. It’s pure synth-music reminding to the 80s and accentuated by some typical effects from that time.

The space-like touch supporting most of the songs is also pretty cinematographic. The songs are instrumentals, which reinforce the soundtrack feeling.

+ + + : Timestalker sounds a bit like a sonic alien dealing with retro-electronics. It’s much more than simply an influence, which is running through the work, but there are many little details and effects evoking the 80s. I like the EBM input running through the title song, but still this more evasive body feeling, which is noticeable on “Call For Vengeance”.

– – – : I can’t get away from the feeling that this is a kind of first demo. I got the impression that a few songs aren’t totally accomplished and that’s also because of their instrumental format. A few vocal lines would add a real bonus to the compositions.

Conclusion: Timestalker sounds like a ‘time traveler’, bringing us back to the magic of 80s electro-synth music. It still remains a popular place even for new and young musicians.

Best songs: “Arrival Of The Stalkers”, “Call For Vengeance”.

Rate: (6½).

Band: www.facebook.com/timestalkersynth

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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: EBM, electro-pop, nu-disco.

Background/Info: Behind this Greek project is hiding Toxic Razor who set up Beatbox Machinery in 2010 and who’s also the owner of the Werkstatt Recordings label. This band has released an impressive number of productions, but remains a rather unknown name. “New Wave Avalanche” rather looks like a mini-album instead of an EP. The work features 6 different cuts.

Content: After the rather EBM-minded, instrumental opening title song, the next cuts amix elements of EBM together with influences of electro-pop and even nu-disco sound effects. There clearly is a kind of retro sound emerging of the work, which might also remind me of early 90s productions. The songs are rather short, but diverse.

+ + + : Beatbox Machinery clearly doesn’t make any compromises, but composes the music they like. It’s a surprising mix between different music styles, but in the end you’ll notice certain passion for analogue sound treatments. The cool effects reminding me of disco music and other space sweeps are the little details reinforce the vintage approach to the work.

– – – : I’m missing some passion in the vocal parts, which are one of the few points that can’t totally convince me. The global sound production could have been more professional although it might have been voluntary to accentuate the unpolished 80s spirit.

Conclusion: “New Wave Avalanche” is an appropriated title to bring the 80s electronics back to life. Beat Box Machinery is one of the many devoted subjects to this legendary decade of underground music.

Best songs: “Wasteland”, “Deoxidize The Union”.

Rate: (6).

Band: www.facebook.com/BeatboxMachinery

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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: Post-punk, cold-wave.

Background/Info: Hailing from Leipzig, Nietzsche And The Wagners has been active for a couple of years now and has finally achieved their official debut album featuring 7 songs. If you’re a bit familiar with this duo you maybe know their previously self-released digital single “The Forlorn Hope”. Both cuts on this single have been featured on the album as well.

Content: From the very first notes on you get the impression to get back in time and awakening somewhere in the midst of the 80s. The songs are driven by pure post-punk influences and other cold-wave elements. Some guitar parts sound a bit chaotic-like while the classical low resonating bass lines are once again pretty similar to the 80s dark music spirit.

You’ll also notice some electronic arrangements, which now and then inject a wafting sensation. The vocals are quite passionate and sometimes a bit into an exclamation style.

+ + + : The main strength of this formation is the good-old post-punk format carried by heavy guitar play and this typical cold atmosphere reminding to the 80s. A few songs remind me to Red Zebra.

– – – : “No Truth” has a real strong déjà-vu effect without real highlights. It’s not bad, but definitely not groundbreaking;

Conclusion: Nietzsche And The Wagners is a new band inspired by an old sound formula. The post-punk format makes sense, but I’m missing a climax.

Best songs: “The Siege”, “No Truth”.

Rate: (6).

Band: www.facebook.com/natwband

Label: www.facebook.com/werkstattrecordings

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

Aidan Casserly (KuBO, Glass Dancer, Empire State Human) has a brand new album “Incubus” out via Werkstatt Recordings. It’s fully electronic and features two duets with Kriistal Ann (whom Side Line interviewed and featured recently).

This is the 5th Aidan Casserly album and he describes it as being “an electronic, dark, and at times synthpop one”. The whole album holds 10 songs with artwork by Philippe Laurent. The whole was mastered by Pete Maher.

You can already preview one track with Kriistal Ann right below.

And for those interested to have a short preview of all the tracks, here it is:

Casserly is currently recording a brand new album of original songs called “Creatures”, dedicated to his icon and inspiration David Bowie.

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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