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FÏX8:SËD8 present an intriguing concept album full of samples of last words from those about to be executed by the criminal justice system. It is a dark, sometimes haunting, and educational dive into the inhumanity of man. Behold the "Octagram"! For FÏX8:SËD8 the number 8 is more than just another digit. When the 8 just turns by a little in the context of the German electro industrial project's sixth album, it becomes the symbol for infinity. The number 8 is also reflected in the structure of the album, which consists of 8 songs with a playing-time of 8 minutes. The new songs break out from the classic verse and chorus formula. Freshly introduced odd time signatures and polyrhythmic experiments add to the overall progressive feel this creates. "Octagram" features all the signature elements and sounds that define FÏX8:SËD8: The album is as playful, complex, and melodic as its predecessors. The drums push even a bit harder than before, while the vocals are even more diverse on "Octagram". Vocal samples consist mainly of recitations quoting the last words of persons that were about to receive the death sentence. With "Octagram", electro industrial shooting stars FÏX8:SËD8 once again push the extent of their own musical dimensions as well as the limits of the whole scene. "Octagram" is truly a groundbreaking milestone in the evolution of Martin Sane's electronic industrial darkness! STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review It's quite a skill to pull off what feels like a chillout track, whilst playing sampled last words of those about to be executed. If that isn't one of most interesting and heavy concepts for an album then.. What is?! 'The Unborn' presents us with that deep, engrossing, and fascinating concept from the start; The whole time feeling like it should be something relaxing to vibe to, and so weirdly - it is. The track takes a retro 80's route for a while before the lyrics enter. Tension creeps in a builds up in the drums and synth throughout. The final haunting and poignant sample finishes off an earlier statement with "You call this justice?" and it hits deep and hard. 'New Eden' takes it's time teasing the suspense and bringing an eerie sense of schizophrenia with the first sample, the second sample, deeper and masculine is complimented by old school sci-fi industrial sounds. The main lyrics growl away robotically before going back to the sample. The mash up is satisfying - full bodied, and really does take you on a journey of the mind. There's a lot of desperation in the opening sample of 'Blisters' that strikes a harsh cord. This track is full of the metallic clang of industrial, the tempo remains slow, steady, and then throws in a damn sick synth beat at around 3:20. As the lyrics come back in, I'm reminded of the first couple of 3TEETH albums all of a sudden. An interesting EBM track all round. Another 'chillout' and low tempo track with 'Lesson In Humility' with an edited cut of a quote half way through that sets the tone of not only the song but a lot of the album itself.. Tonight we tell the world that there are no second chances.. Tonight we tell our children, that in some instances, some cases.. killing is right No one wins tonight, there is no closure.. No one walks away victorious - Napoleon Beazley Convicted for carjacking and murdering a 63-year-old man. A bit more stomp, a bit more drums, a bit more aggrotech with 'Tyrants'. There is plenty of tempo here for an arm throwing dance as it feels darker, more urgent and powerful with its drums and synths. The last three songs all kick up the tempo a notch, especially in 'An Unquiet Mind' which does bring a sense of 'one for the dance floor' to the mix. Each of the tracks hold their own weight and wrap up the album concept cleanly, leaving you sat there in a mind museum of criminal history. The album closes out with a sense of a headphone audio tour; leaving you in the silence to contemplate the horrors of man, the justice, the injustice, and the inability to ever TRULY know everything that people have done in their lives. By the way! They do have a deluxe edition on Bandcamp with 4 extra songs! Conclusion Industrial albums often explore the listener or the artist's mind, the concept of Octagram by FÏX8:SËD8 explores some of the darkness criminal minds before their end, in a truly artistic and intellectual presentation - whether their guilt was certain, or uncertain. Like the 8 pointed star of Chaos, Octagram takes us through the emotional warp space of human emotion and behaviours. Horrors, moments of clarity, and that the law often seems that there is (to borrow another Warhammer 40k reference) "No such thing as innocence, only varying degrees of guilt." A truly fascinating concept and one clearly of great importance to a band where 8 is the magic number for FÏX8:SËD8 . For a band that likes it's shock value both in song and in live performance, this album feels like a museum installation, or a criminal documentary in a brand new format. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

What's more Goth than dark poetry, sick synths, and a voice born from darkness? Curse Mackey has released an intellectual's dream album filled with poignancy, storytelling, poetry, and a deep, deep dive into the mind of a man haunted by the past.This album has two of the finest tracks I've heard this year, come see for yourselves which ones! July 15th, 2025 - Negative Gain Productions recording artist, CURSE MACKEY unveiled his highly-anticipated new album, Imaginary Enemies. Curse's most intense and intimate album to date, Imaginary Enemies is a bleak, beautiful meditation on paranoia, grief, and the ghosts we conjure from within. Imaginary Enemies explores the liminal space between identity and illusion. A darkwave exorcism for the fractured self, it resonates with fans of Clan of Xymox, HEALTH, Skinny Puppy, Gary Numan, Twin Tribes & Cold. CURSE MACKEY channels the ghosts of self-destruction, martyrdom, and revelation across tracks like "Doomed for Monday", "Time Comes Clean", and "The Kindness of Serpents". His voice drips with urgency, steeped in internal collapse and spiritual trespass. The grief-stricken ache of "Blood Like Love" serves as the album's aching heart: a poetic elegy rendered in grief-soaked melody and lyrical fire. Meanwhile, lead single, "Vertigo Ego" - a track of nocturnal paranoia, asks, “What monsters come after you when you are alone in the dark?”  Blending the raw aggression of early Wax Trax!/90’s era industrial music with cinematic darkwave atmospheres and hard-earned poetic insight, the album unfolds across gritty city streets and the shadowed corners of the mind, where desire blurs with danger and monsters move in silence.  Fueled by modular synths, jackhammer beats, spectral drones, and disembodied spoken word samples, Imaginary Enemies pulses with post-pandemic urgency and late-night mystery. Mackey’s ritualistic vocal delivery cuts like a psychic transmission, charting an intimate descent through fear, ecstasy, and invisible wars within. This is music for the haunted hours: seductive, volatile, and uncomfortably honest.  Imaginary Enemies concludes a trilogy that began with Instant Exorcism (2019) and deepened with Immoral Emporium (2022). Where Exorcism confronted internal chaos and Emporium explored societal decay, Enemies is a haunting culmination, mourning creative and personal losses while reaching for redemption in the wreckage.  Produced by Curse Mackey and longtime collaborator Chase Dobson, Imaginary Enemies features contributions from Jake Garcia (The Black Angels) and Rona Rougeheart (SINE), adding depth and tension to an already immersive soundscape. The result is intimate yet cinematic, insular yet explosively alive.  Imaginary Enemies is Mackey’s heaviest, most deliberate work yet. A fully realized vision carved from shadow and memory. It doesn’t just resonate with the pulse of darkwave, it haunts it. The album is a requiem, a ritual, and a rallying cry for those who live and create in the margins, carrying their ghosts with grace.  Follow CURSE MACKEY: https://www.cursemackey.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0usgY8btlTK2oA5B2nxaSC https://www.instagram.com/cursemackey https://x.com/cursemackey STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review A tongue in cheek news bulletin about the rapture introduces the album in 'Doomed For Monday' and sets a decent precedent. Curse has a great Gothic voice - as expected - and gets warped in to sounding like an automaton for a few seconds which is a nice touch. The track vibes out to some chilled synths and beats, focusing more on the lyrical content, like Darkwave 'chill' which keeps you bopping along contently. 'Vertigo Ego' styles out a sort of horror rock vocal that reminds me of the band 'Bellhead'. The sounds and tones used are deep, slow, giving a sense of the unstoppable, which of course compliments the lyrics themselves very well! Monsters come after you, when you are alone in the dark, when you are alone in the dark.... You can tell that Curse isn't referring to physical and external monsters here, but the personal demons that confront us when alone. Some of the synths at 3:20 add an uplifting end to the darkness, and the track fades out with an ethereal sound. A great track! 'Discoccult' slaps! Once the drum kicks in to set the tempo, you can tell straight away that this track is gonna be tasty! Goth itself as a genre, darkwave, and such is usually a little hard to dance to if you're not too experienced with the old school styles of dance, yet this track blends a tempo and feeling of new age electronic that is easy to move to, whilst retaining that nostalgic retro Goth essence. As expected the lyrics are as Goth and dark as expected, if not more so. Probably my favourite track of the album. Hail Mary full of rage 'Time Comes Clean' has a nostalgic, early 2000's stage of the internet feel to it. It's a slow burn track with the message of wisdom that comes only from time and experience. 'Blood Like Love' also follows this slower tempo look back on a love once had. You can tell there is a lot of real world inspiration that drips from the lyrics, rather than something just written for the sake of writing a song. There is a real sense of pain, reflection, and loss. The samples of the lady reading poetry is also a wonderful touch. A bit of a Pink Floyd touch with 'Star Witness', with it's somewhat manic storytelling, sound hooks, vocal stressors, and political pokes. The sound is a mix of bassy synths and keyboard backed by a decent tempo keeping the energy smooth the whole way through. 'Who Knows Where' is a chillout track that still dances through memory, it feels like a self exploration trip. A moment of clarity in a sea of painful recollections. The (almost) title track of the album 'Imaginary Enemy' starts with an interesting sounds almost akin to a Geiger counter. When Curse's vocals start, they are deeper, boomier, and very much remind me of the great band Massive Ego. The lyrics are full of great lines of gold.. You think they're out to get you, The sad fact is they don't give a damn about you. Smoking tongue, poison truth, as your dark clouds gather around you. An invisible entity wages war inside your head. It's you against you, A strange fight to the end Another great self reflection song with a decent tempo and mix of sounds from the synths to the bass guitar keeping the energy high and the feet moving. 'The Kindness Of Serpents' is a low tempo synth chill track until 1:31 when it becomes a chaotic mind twist, a trip through dark poetry and questioning of religion. The final track of 'Six Ghosts Of Fear' is fascinating, as it uses a sample that chops up and puts backs together an abridged version of Edgar Alan Poe's 'Alone' as well as adding in other lines of poetry from other artists such as Emily Dickinson and T.S. Eliot, and many more to complement the track. It is one of the most interesting and captivating tracks I have heard in a long, long time that fires my need to know more, to hear more, to understand exactly what the hidden message amongst all of these well known messages is.. This is an absolute stunning piece of art that some would view as poetic heresy, but I find this to be a beautiful amalgamation of some of the finest the minds of humanity. Bravo Curse Mackey, Bravo! Conclusion From the darkly poetic mind of Curse Mackey, Imaginary Enemies is a deeply fascinating experience. From the dance filled joy of a disco, to the walk back home through the darkest - most dangerous unlit alleyways of memory filled with personal Demons; To the anger and questioning of power, and to the final exploration of the human mind through the medium of multiple historical figureheads' poetry, this album is one for the Sapiosexuals! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

I was very pleased to recently chat with Promenade Cinema again about their previous album, and when I saw the latest single in my inbox shortly after, I was quite excited; Even more so when I went to review it and realised the new album was also out in full in my inbox from them! And what an album this is! It usually takes me a long time to review an album, listening multiple times, getting distracted etc, but this album hooked me in with the dopamine, and all the words flowed out of me with only the first listen. Quite simply, this is a brilliant album! Promenade Cinema unveil their third full-length album AFTERLIFE - a bold and ambitious collection of ten tracks that capture the duo’s distinctive blend of cinematic synthpop, darkwave and sweeping emotional intensity. Across the album, Promenade Cinema demonstrate layered, powerful electronics and commanding vocals, with a balance of intensity and elegance. From the moody, minimal opener The Abyssal, to the dancefloor-ready pulse of Under Review, the euphoric synthwave energy of Runners and the dark, seductive power of Play With Fate, AFTERLIFE showcases the duo at their most dynamic. Other highlights include the heartfelt ballad Empty Space (reminiscent of Blondie’s pop melancholy), the infectious Moonlight, and Alone At Parties - a tongue-in-cheek darkwave anthem originally released as a single in 2023. The grand, game-inspired Soulslike builds to a dramatic crescendo, while Rituals intertwines electronic grandeur with heartfelt urgency, a haunting plea to bring a loved one back from the afterlife. Closing track The Play Descends combines strings, orchestration and synths in a moving finale of acceptance, bringing the album to a powerful conclusion. Following the popularity of their recent singles Play With Fate (July 2025) and Under Review (September 2025), AFTERLIFE cements Promenade Cinema’s reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive electronic duos. The band’s live reputation continues to grow, with performances at Infest (UK), ElectriXmas (Sweden), Resistanz Festival (UK), Fame Festival (Poland), and most recently, NCN Festival (Germany). The official album launch show takes place on Saturday 4th October at Corporation, Sheffield, UK: https://corporation.org.uk/event/promenade-cinema/ STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'The Abyssal' gets straight in to the two things Promenade is well known for, the atmospheric wonderous depth of electronics from Dorian, and the stunningly pitch perfect voice of Emma. This opener may be low in tempo but it feels like a sci-fi ballroom dance of great importance. Cinematic in name and cinematic in sonic execution, this is a great return to form from Promenade Cinema. The tempo kicks up a notch with 'Under Review, the single released just before the album. It has a fine selections of synth including what I dear describe as 'beautiful bleep bloops'. That may sound a little silly but it adds some perfect sweetness to the rich flavour of percussion, deeper synths, and sweepingly dark ambience that embraces you. The vocals are of course spot on and catchy, the combination of the two inducing a euphoric state even with the somewhat melancholic nature of the track. 'Runners'.. The term Runners whenever synth music is involved evokes so many meanings and images, Edge runners, Blade runner, Mercenaries, Hackers, the oppressed, and so on.. This song adds to that connection with a great sense of urgency and also reassurance from the lyrics and melodies. It adds a touch of universe building and setting to the album's experience. A deeper step in to sci-fi and action with 'Play With Fate'. This tracks throws in a sensation of the beauty and action of 80's style classic media. It also adds a nice dose of something easily danced to with some interestingly complex layering of drums and tones. A more melancholic sense of longing spills from 'Empty Space' with higher peaking synths and beat by beat lyrics. There are some great experimental bits in this track like stretching out Emma's voice, making a particular part sound like a spirit calling from beyond the void. 'Moonlight' has such a cool opening, and the melody stays pretty damn cool the whole way through. One of the lyrics rings out crystal clear.. Sharp knives carve out your mistakes, don't cry as the blade breaks skin.. Breathe in.. The chorus is catchy and elegant, the synths provide a great sense of energy, overall this track really stuck with me straight away. At 2:40 the melody breaks into a dance floor filler and I BLOODY LOVE IT. 'Alone At Parties' is a track you should have all heard by now, its been out since 2023, that is to say if you haven't heard it.. WHY NOT? It's a faster tempo, dance track with a lyrical theme easy to connect with. The melody, tempo, drums, vocals, energy.. It's fabulous and one of Promenade Cinema's finest pieces of artistry. The track 'Soulslike' seems to take on a more narrative experience and takes a more chilled tempo approach to give the listener somewhat of a 'rest' and space of contemplation. 'Rituals' takes a darker turn into the supernatural side of the lyrical and melodic theme. A great mix of different sounds really does produce an atmospheric that wouldn't be out of place in an epic scene of 'Stranger Things' or 'Poltergeist'. It is laden with poignancy in its storytelling nature and brilliantly held up by the choice of synths to create the cinematic soundscape. Closing off with 'The Play Descends', the track quickly drops in to a speedy tempo dance vibe, then reals it back in just as quick with the first verse. Though that dance vibe returns quickly enough powering out a nice burst of energy. Hearing string instruments in amongst the synths and drums really adds an edge of fantasy and epic-ness. (I don't quite know why but the film 'KRULL' comes to mind.) Basically I want to see a fantasy sword fight played out to this track, that's not much to ask for right? What a fantastic end to a top class album! Conclusion Promenade Cinema have dropped quite possibly one of the best Synth / electronic albums of the decade with AFTERLIFE. From outstanding vocals the likes of Annie Lenox would be proud of, to sweeping epic universe building in the complexity of melodies that the likes of Ridley Scott would be proud to commission for a soundtrack, Promenade Cinema really have proven themselves to be a step above in the music world! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Caustic is back with Fiend I, and Fiend II releases on the 24th! Take a journey in to some of the most interesting and fun offerings of 2025 so far, this hits on so many levels and so many tastes, what you'll hear in this, and take away from it will be different to every other listener. Vulgar distorted beep boop music. Wisconsin's favorite singer-songwriter. FIEND I is the "manic" to the "depressive" of FIEND II, the "past" to the "present". While both albums are intended to stand on their own, they are also interconnected in many ways. Fiend II releases 24th of September STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. It's been a while since the last album but you've had some great releases since such as 'Not your body', tell us what sparked the flame to release not just one new album but a 2 parter? A. When I started FIEND (I had the title from the start, more or less) I wasn't necessarily aiming for two albums (as opposed to a double album-- both albums are separate but interconnected to me) but as the demos and ideas grew and mutated two distinct albums formed. My only goal was to make them both worth listening to and integral in their messages. I didn't want some bloated ego trip, rather two distinct, full messages with each album justifying their existence individually. Q. The songs overlap in to one another in a rather interesting way, not letting the listener go for a second, which strikes me as quite the concept album offering so can you tell us the themes, messages, and overall picture you wanted to portray with this release? A. I was listening to Chuck D on a podcast and he talked about not allowing for any “dead air” when Public Enemy made “It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back” so listeners wouldn't have a reason to stop listening to the cassette (CDs were just finding their market) and I applied that to my albums. We're in a time now when “albums” are frowned upon unless it's a huge artist. I made these albums AS albums, not just 11 songs I had done that I thought I'd just put in the same collection of songs. I wanted to encourage listening to them as such. Q. So, I'm not going mad right.. 'Rhythm Is A Cancer' is a cover of SNAP!'s 'Rhythm is a dancer' right..right? Tell us about your choice of lyrical changes here. A. Well you're not going mad but it's not an actual cover. I have a tendency to play on other song/album titles, such as “MMM Papcraper I Love You” (Underworld) , “This Fuck Will Shut You Up” (Combichrist) , and the album “This is Jizzcore” (Pulp) . I had the title for a long time and needed to wait for the idea and music to find that connection. It's a song about me and my time doing industrial music, but it's definitely a nod to Snap! and that era of dance. Q. You've also covered Nick Cave's 'Thirsty dog', Which aspects of this song do you fit in well to the overall album? A. Regret and shame are a recurring theme in both albums, as well as working through guilt and trying to accept responsibility for what you've done. Nick Cave's album Let Love In is one of my all time favorites and Thirsty Dog is the song that resonated with me on a primordial level, having gotten sober some 15 years ago at this point. Both this cover and the Jane's Addiction cover (Chip Away, with clubdrugs) are songs that speak to me deeply and have for decades. A lot of tracks on FIEND I and FIEND II have “brother/sister” tracks on the other album. Thirsty Dog's is “Survive Myself, Despite Myself”. Q. Will Fiend II follow a similar vibe and structure to this album or take on a whole different direction, and how so? A. While FIEND I has a lot more energy and chaos, I see it as a more external experience. FIEND II is diving into my brain meat and pulling out a lot of hell. It's very internal, or the “depressive” to the “manic” of the first. This one, for me, was more experimental. Q. I've heard these may be your last albums, tell us about your journey over the years with your music and the mindset you find yourself in now compared to the start and 'middle' of your journey. A. Caustic has had a good run and I've achieved more through voracious tenacity than I probably should have. :) Honestly I just don't know if I feel like doing it any more. It's not because of a lack of interest or bitterness at the “industry”. My brain just needs to go where it's most inspired. I've been doing a low-fi kinda hip-hop thing called The Ill Subliminal on Patreon/Bandcamp this year which has been interesting, for instance. There are other projects as well (daddybear, Klack, etc) that all have some nice traction as well. I'm not quitting music. I just don't know what name to put on everything at this point. I'm also at the point where I truly don't give a shit about competing for gigs or festival slots or whatever. If people ask me, then maybe. I'm in that phase where I could just be seen as a nostalgia act and I have little interest in just doing things for money (and let's be honest-- not a lot of it.:)) I just want to tinker in my little world, maybe release it, and see where the cards fall. Q. Have there been particular moment, say during shows, or with fans that have always stuck with you? A. Doing Not Your Body at Infest a few years back was a big deal to me. Our mutual friend Marie/grabyourface absolutely destroyed on vocals during it and it was important to me to stand up for what I consider right. Most artists in general are too scared about losing fans by being political and taking sides, but that wishy washy bullshit is how we got into this mess. I'm going to upset the apple cart as much as possible. I've always been uncomfortable with the terms “fans”, as I think of Caustic as a family and we're all welcome. Caustic has been a cult part of a niche genre. I'm deeply indebted to those who have stuck with me and my evolution as an artist in this scene. I try to do right by people and they do right by me. I'm incredibly grateful to people who take time out of their day to listen to my stuff. Q. Industrial Gossipz is back! I can imagine you've had so many people ask for that, how on Earth do you manage to think up all of the humorous headlines that you do? Also, are there any bands that you want to roast but feel like they'd take it too personally? A. It's weird to say but I think since I discontinued it several years back that someone brings it up a literally any event I've played. I stopped it simply because I was burned out on it. It's a fun exercise and I'm only doing it for another 4-5 episodes because it was a stretch goal for Kickstarter, but I can't say it's not a lot of fun coming up with stupid stuff. For a tl;dr response people I put a lot of work into coming up with these, and I can't typically just plop in any artist to make one work. I need to feel like the artist and the silliness are linked and that that's the only artist that could make it work. I know some bands/artists really want me to do one on them, but I have to balance old school stupid with new school stupid, and I also try and do them on artists releasing stuff now or soon to get them in people's heads. Yes, I think about this shit waaaaaay too much and I'm weird like that. In terms of artists I won't roast it's not typically because I think they'll take it personally, as I rarely say anything that would actually be insulting to them. The only artists I won't talk about are artists I don't like. It's not like 100,000 people listen to Industrial Gossipz, but I won't talk about bands with right-wing ideologies or who I know are assholes. I'm giving air to artists I like or want to get into people's heads a little bit and hope that the listener checks them out. Q. Do you have any advice for newer artist or those just starting? A. Have fun, don't take too many tutorials so you can mess up and maybe learn to do things in ways that will make your sound unique, and don't follow trends. You will only find your voice through tons of failure. Give yourself grace and try and make every element of creating something you find joy in, even if it kinda sucks. Think of the bands you like and why you like them. What makes them stand out? Think about what makes YOU stand out and explore that, but don't be afraid to throw away ideas (you'll always get more) and start over; And, again, have fun. Q. Are there any artists out there that you feel deserve a lot more love and attention for people to go check out? A. I'll just list a bunch off the top of my head: grabyourface, Nevada Hardware, clubdrugs, Bixlee, Moaan Exis, Null Device, E.T., Backxwash Normal Bias, the_boundless, Dildox, Red Meat, Sawtooth, INVA//ID, The Kings of Black Magic, and Blaklight. Q Anything you'd like to say to your fans? A. No, I won't share my lunch with you. Get your own goddamn lunch. Mini Review 'Rhythm Is A Cancer' kicks the album off nicely with an old school EBM boot stomper. As you probably read in the interview this has a heavy hint of SNAP's 'Rhythm is a dancer'. It floods the senses with almost Tron like synths and beats, not letting up for a moment in it's constant loops, leaving you open to the vocal left hooks and swings that make this a damn good floor filler. 'Little Pharma' is a real fun truck with a slight touch of hip-hop that makes it really catchy, and still has that old school dance style synths the last track had making them flow together nicely. You find yourself singing along with this one with some great lines like 'Pocket full of pills' and 'What you think we're doing, we're trying to find drugs'. The track 'Violent Ape' has an eerie sample talking about addiction of multiple kinds with a mind twisting silence to start off with, then brings back the stomp, the drums, and a real sense of urgency in the electronics. High tempo thumping goodness. Speaking of thumping goodness, fans of ESA will really like 'I Love You, Matt, But Fuck Off' as it has that powernoise kinda percussion and dark techno feel - completely at odds with the next track 'Car Crash In Slow Motion' in it's slow, contemplative playout. 'Thirsty Dog' brings back the same energy of 'violent Ape' but with a constant loop to back up the apologetic lyrics. 'Pushing Rope' is a heavy hitting look back on his life and a commentary of it's current state. Pushing rope has two meanings.. One is to do something pointless, the other.. you look it up.. 'Problematic' is a chilled melodic techno vibe in quite an interesting directional shift, and had me bopping away quite happily, I thoroughly enjoyed this little EDM gem. The last few tracks are mind twisters, taking you in different directions and make you feel all sorts of things. The opening to 'Not Going Anywhere' is beautiful so check that out! Conclusion This album is complex to describe track by track, especially as this is not my usual listening genre but it's definitely one that should either be danced to mindlessly, or contemplated analytically as a biographical audio art exhibition. Imagine if you will a room of multiple people in said art gallery, some with wine and elegance listening quietly, several fiendish people jumping on furniture in abject - disrespectful glee, some who resonate deeper with the content, smoking hard - staring off in to the void with their own remembrance and traumas, and those who are just there to enjoy the dance vibe. .. I suppose Caustic has made a Goth night out, all in an album. What Caustic has presented with Fiend I is a complexly layered piece of brilliance, in that you can enjoy it on the depth and level that YOU CHOOSE to. Some will enjoy it as tongue in cheek humour, some with revel in nostalgic fun, whilst others will be hit hard by the poignance and lessons of the lyrics, either way this is a twisted and yet wonderful labyrinth leading in to the mind of Caustic.. I'm looking forward to Fiend II! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Two gods of electronic music.. One battlefield. TeknoVore and Draven pour forth dancefloor fury to win your veneration with 'Aphorism'. Get your best speakers, turn it up to 11, and ride the lightning. TeknoVore and Draven Unite for Explosive New Single Blending Hard Techno, Neo-Rave, and Deathstep. Pushing the boundaries of sonic intensity, electronic heavyweights TeknoVore and Draven have joined forces on a groundbreaking new single, fusing the raw energy of modern Hard Techno, the euphoric chaos of Neo-Rave, and the punishing brutality of Deathstep. This high-octane collaboration is an adrenaline-charged journey through industrial distorted rhythms, engineered for underground raves. With its uncompromising sound and unapologetic intensity, this release marks a bold statement from both artists. Released August 29, 2025 Composed, Performed By Draven And TeknoVore Produced By Draven Mixing & Mastering By Draven Cover Artwork By Evelyn Frost TeknoVore TeknoVore is the solo project from George Klontzas created in 2020. They first drew attention with the release of their first songs Olethros and Take Me Away which led to various remixes, interest from labels and their collaboration with rising star J:dead on the hit single Tearing Me Apart which quickly established them as a rising force in the underground electronic scene. Soon they were signed to Infacted Recordings and released the single Anachronist in December 2021 in advance of their full-length debut The Theseus Paradox in March 2022, both of which have received glowing reviews. Their second album “Caerdroia” was released June 7,2024 and continued their exploration of nostalgic yet forward-thinking and progressive dark electronic music production.  Teknovore have appeared at a number of major European festivals including WGT (DE), Dark Dance Treffen (DE), Hellsinki Industrial Fest (FI) and Resistanz(UK).   Teknovore’s tracks are marked by their deep basslines, pounding rhythms, melodic peaks and an unmistakable sense of energy and urgency. They take inspiration from a diverse range of electronic genres - from brooding, mid-tempo EBSM to aggressive dark Techno and Psytrance - while keeping one foot firmly planted in EBM/Industrial to forge something uniquely personal. Teknovore explores the themes of cosmic indifferentism and the metaphysics of identity through their music.  CONTACT & BOOKING https://linktr.ee/teknovore georgeklontzas@gmail.com DRAVEN Draven is a 30-year-old producer from Athens, blending midtempo, dubstep, hard techno, and cinematic orchestral music into a sound built for maximum impact. His music is defined by high production value, dark melodies, and crushing basslines, drawing comparisons to artists like Rezz, Gesaffelstein, and 1788-L. His debut album Abyssal Arcana (2022) introduced his genre-defying approach, but it was Massacre Blood Club (2024) that cemented his place in the dark electronic scene. Featuring collaborations with We Are Magonia, Teknovore, and CONNÖR, Massacre Blood Club merges heavy bass, industrial textures, and cinematic atmospheres, creating an immersive and intense listening experience. Tracks like "777" and "Blasphemy" have earned Draven a devoted following within underground communities, resonating with fans who crave complex, cinematic soundscapes and unrelenting bass. His sound is minimal, heavy, and purpose-driven—crafted for those who appreciate precision and power. With a growing international following and increasing momentum across streaming platforms, Draven is carving his own lane in the heavy electronic music scene. No trends. No filler. Just dark melodies, heavy drops, and uncompromising sound. Welcome to the Cult of Draven. All Links In One:  linktr.ee/CultOfDraven E-Mail: draven1980s@gmail.com STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Aphorism - A short saying that is intended to express a general truth. Industrial techno is back on the menu boys! (Et al) ..or at least some heavy techno, with a filthy dose of Deathstep - one of the hardest genres of dubstep. At just under 5 minutes long 'Aphorism' is a banquet of thumping electronics. The first minute and 20 builds the tension, a drum in the deep, a ghostly spoken sample, and an atmosphere of stillness about to be torn asunder. We then get smacked by the heavy techno and forced to move whether you have any intention to or not! The thump, thump, thump feels satisfying. Then that sense of stillness comes back.. Oh sweet summer child, did you think that was all this track had? Buckle the fuck up.. At 3:00 we hit the dark techno, the electro peaks, the deeper chest bursting drums, and before you know it you're slapped on the other side of your face with Deathstep. This track shakes you in as many directions as you have limbs and that's why you find yourself involuntarily dancing.. this tempo that's grabbed you, throttled you, and shakes you from start to finish is what's making you dance. This is what should be defined as true Electronic Body Movement.. The synapses sparking and making you move no matter how dead footed you thought you were. Coral's Commentary: (A new mini-section for the random gold my partner comes out with as I review things.) They make such good music together, they should have a baby. Conclusion Techno in any sense of the word can be of particularly discerning taste depending on who's listening, from the electro lover who will find EVERYTHING amazing, to the techno snob who will only ever smile or dance at the niche'st of sample packs used in production. What TeknoVore and Draven have put together with 'Aphorism' is a dish so well served and marinated in all things electro-goodness, that its very sound drips with decadence, and mastery. It's for everyone basically, and if someone doesn't enjoy it, tell them that their taste is embarrassing and that you can't be associated with them anymore.. This serving of stomp is not just any electro, this is T&D's finest prime cut harsh techno, and side of crunchy Deathstep dance floor filler. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The secretive 0110 from Latvia return with the double single 'Stillness'. For those of you who love chilled synths and soundtracks the likes of the game Stellaris, and other sci-fi media.. This one is for you. Believe me, this one is truly quite special! I've covered 0110's great album 'S*cker Punch' previously which you can find HERE .Death. .Synth. .Repeat. Released May 30th The guitars on 'Stillness IV' are from a friend's friend called Christian Trempe, guitarist of Montreal (Canada) based mathrock band called "Magnolia Noire" The cover Photo is by Yusuke Sumita (He's the founder, and guitarist of the Japanese pioneer brutal Death metal band, Defiled - on Season of Mist) Yusuke took this photo from the plane's window while on tour, I thought it fitted quite well with these 2 tracks! STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'Stillness I' is deceptively complex with its gradual layering of harmonious tones. Starting with the electric buzz of synths, to the addition of serene piano, which then speeds up as the drums add depth overall. That's all just in the first third of the track. It comes back again slowly, gradually adding more and more atmospheric layers giving it a cinematic scope of wonder and amazement at whatever environment that comes to the mind of the listener. For me 0110 keeps bringing my imagination back to grand visions of space, and the wider cosmos. For a track titled Stillness, the initial phase of the song grants very much that sensation though quickly becomes busier in tempo and instrumentation giving a sense of contradiction to the term of Stillness. I think there is a magic to this contradiction. Finding the wonder in what at first seems quiet, like a woodland, only to look closer and see the infinite amount of complexity and life moving all around if you take the time to notice it, in that sense, life and the world around us, no matter how seemingly tranquil - is a celebration of complexity that is anything but 'Still'. It's nice to see the equipment used in the YouTube videos for the tracks and to see their full list of equipment used for the tracks in the description too.. 'Stillness IV' is a whole different beast, it still very much has that beginning of serenity and creeps subtly in to a much more layered and powerful track in due time. The first descriptor that comes to mind is post rock. If you've listened to bands like Explosions in the Sky, MONO, God Is An Astronaut or the likes, then you'll know what I mean with the wonderful and intelligent guitar that gives deep meaning to the feel of the overall track. Though quite importantly, this track has a strong sense of sythnwave to it, and I don't think I've heard a mix of synthwave and post rock together like this before, there's perhaps a new genre altogether here potentially? Post wave maybe? I don't think that's a genre yet but that's what I want to call this. I must mention of course that the guitar is Djent in nature too! It is rich in emotional and tonal complexity whilst still providing a decent tempo, recharging energy, and brings a smile to your face as you listen that you couldn't stop even if you tried. The drums and guitar at 4.44... OFFFF powerful and gorgeous stuff. I LOVE this and I'm so glad to have been introduced to it! Conclusion This double single from 0110 (and Magnolia Noir) brings the potential of a whole new genre mixing synthwave and post rock, it is a gloriously cinematic experience and really shows the potential for 0110 to become a much wider known name across our scene in time. These two tracks are a beautiful addition to the chillout aspect of our beloved genres that is sorely lacking. (It's not often you can chillout to alternative electronic music, but these tracks hit that sweet spot perfectly.) This release is like a huge breath of fresh air that finds it's way through a bedroom window at an ideal moment, the smell of flowers in the rain; or the sense of profound connection to an art piece in a gallery that catches your eye. Brilliant stuff! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The new Manchester venue of the academy student union was fantastic! 2 great music rooms, plenty of seating, a great bar and bear garden, spacious are for shops, and ticking all the accessible boxes, the new venue is an ideal new home for Infest. The friendly staff have also agreed to Infest returning for a full three day festival next year! Below you can find 6 band interview I recorded, including the incredible BLACKBOOK, enjoy! STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Friday Auger William Bleak Muta-scuM Saturday THE DSM IV WINKIE BLACKBOOK Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

I was honoured to have an interview with Chaka, the red painted drummer of Heilung honoured me with an interview to talk about his work with Heilung, his spirituality, the importance of community, and the therapy groups he is a part of and / or runs outside of Heilung, to help people, and the rainforest. You can find all social media links, sign ups, and further work of Chaka in the linktree below: https://linktr.ee/chakaschipper‪ @schippermusik‬ @vidaya_community www.arpisharing.com This was incredibly special for me, Heilung are responsible for my conversion to paganism and the most important musicians in my life. I have attended the rituals 6 times, and their music is a constant rock for me; I don't know what I would have done if I had not discovered their poignant healing. A huge thank you to Chaka, James, my assistants Coral and Laura, and to the staff of Valhalla, held in Basingstoke U.K. every July. (Amazing festival!) I did have every intention of putting together another video review of Valhalla Fest as well as a written review, however all of the pictures, and videos I took just don't seem to show any of the magic and brilliance of the festival that I wanted to capture. It has everything from re-enactments, almost non-stop wonderful musicians, a plethora of shops, demonstrations, battles, workshops, crafting, storytelling, animals, a woodland temple dedicated to the Gods, a fest, a wide selection of mean, boat burning, fire dancing, and so much more; All in an intimate sized field where so many people have found companionship, love, and a sense of belonging. Make sure you take some time to visit Valhalla Viking Festival in Basingstoke, held every July. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Ratio Strain is about to release her first full length album filled with 90's industrial influences, catchy drums, some brilliant media samples, and a concept exploring the human mind on the subject of.. you guessed it.. Exorcism. Welcome to a wonderfully enjoyable journey through the psyche - aka Mindfuck. Taking inspiration from 90’s industrial with modern production. Blending industrial chaos with rhythmic brutality, Ratio Strain pushes the limits of electronic music, delivering raw, unfiltered aggression with a commanding presence. Fueled by distorted beats, harsh textures, and uncompromising energy, this project carves its own path in the extreme electronic underground. Exorcism- Ratio Strain’s first full album that features heavy, unapologetic beats with inspiration from industrial noise, 90’s electronic, and trip-hop/rap. Ratio Strain has always explored concepts of the human condition and Exorcism is no different. Exorcism is a story of the demons within and the journey to the ultimate final form. This album features Ratio Strain’s first visual presentation into the world of Exorcism. Will you fight what you are becoming? Or will you accept your fate and embrace the demons? STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'Dum Spero Spiro'.. 'While I breathe, I hope', Now from an artist from California this already has a depth of meaning before you even listen. Easy going techno with a subtle tension, a touch of bass, and a vocal sample that adds a flair of tribal makes for a thought provoking start. 'Enouement' is gritty, old school and scratches that EBM itch. There are some high toned synths that even remind me a little of the opening of Final Fantasy 7's track 'JENOVA'. There are some fiiiilthy drums in 'Kilig' - Vanessa is a kick ass drummer so it's nice to see the drums coming across nicely in this album. There's some classic industrial - different bits of metal being smacked for a good sample, and an odd sense of panic and urgency prevalent in the ambient undertone. 'Slubberdegullion' (A slovenly or worthless person) puts me in the mind of the type of tracks you'd get whilst playing the first Command and Conquer game, the industrial beats and occasional voice samples keeping you entertained whilst you built up your base and somewhat nervously awaited the first attack. It's in essence got a large touch of 90's industrial nostalgia, my partner even commented it sounds like an industrial 'Jennifer's body' in here as I review. 'Exorcism' is a well put together track with a decent amount of complexity, rhythm, and 'funk'. My mind is wandering between Tron, The Lawnmower Man, and raving Ghostbusters as I listen to it. I think I'm gonna add this to my Gym playlist, because it has all the right energy and a touch of madness that make it a great dance inducing listen 'Andronitis' throws together a nice steady beat and drops a quote from Black Mirror, Demon 79. It becomes real B-Movie like as it progresses, and adds in a nice and crunchy looping sound around 2:22. It throws you in different directions and keeps you guessing. A damn nice track. I would endure a profound, palpable, and ever-present lack of existence, alone in perpetuity, forever more.. ..Sounds like my life 'Liberosis' has a great comical line it it that I wasn't expecting, go find out for yourself. It's a good steady rhythm track to keep the energy up whilst you plow through a to-do list. 'Liminal' starts serenely until a demonic voice asks 'What do you pray for?' - 'There's no music in that'. It then breaks in to another great rhymical drum beat of almost tribal essence. At 1:32 It kicks up the intensity with a heavier beat, louder drums, and some poignant voice samples. It's stompy, it's fierce, and it's probably my favourite track on the album. 'Nefandous' is experimental ambient which leaves the listener in a state of confusion, the likes of which someone's mind might be left having been through an Exorcism.. The concept of the album hits home here. Conclusion Punchy, thought provoking, and filled with all of the best flavours of old school Industrial candy, Exorcism by Ratio Strain is a great first album containing a deep conceptual experience. This album has some of the most interesting samples I've heard in a long time and you can tell there is a lot of passion in to the artist choices of each song's direction and the media sample used within them. A great debut album and I hope it's well received by you all! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Returning again with a masterful piece of work. J Blacker has indeed dropped one of the most dopamine inducing, furious dark dance albums of the decade. We all know how much I love the music of ESA, especially with his ability to weave in and out of genres that very few can make work together. This album is the tastiest thing you'll consume all year.. ESA Technologies Ltd is proud to announce the latest instalment in cutting edge emotional gathering technologies, all utilised to maximum potential in order to help us run the Simulation generator efficiently for you, our ‘Happiness Clients’. Not a single drop is wasted in the process and the energy we take from you is funnelled directly into the generator, ensuring that your Simulation keeps running, without interruption and zero disruption to your wellness. As part of this process, we offer you 75 minutes of completely fresh listening pleasure. The happiness you will experience once you plug in, will inspire you with feelings of joy, peace and calm, which in turn will be converted into pure energy for us here at ESA Technologies Ltd. Tracks such as ‘Pound of Flesh’, with its throbbing and ecstatic pump, ‘Something for the Horsemen’ with its wall of joyful black industrial and ‘Ratchet’ with its corroded wall of groovy noise…ensure that this new release will allow for a guaranteed and fully maximised pleasure experience. J Blacker, architect of ESA, offers his new album 'Sounds for your Happiness' as the much anticipated follow up to 'Designer Carnage', released in 2022. Two singles have already been released from the album during 2024. Those being the Mid paced Dark Techno power of 'Join Our Hands' and the Industrial Metal Gabber insanity of 'Rats Come Together. 'Sounds for your Happiness' is yet another milestone in the creative universe of ESA. Striking and thought provoking visuals, enormous electronics and powerful messages is always expected from an ESA release... 'Sounds for your Happiness' does not disappoint with any of these ingredients. With this album, J Blacker paints ESA as a sinister technology company, with the musical structures from the album, utilised to create an emotional response from its listeners, which is transferred as energy to run the simulation we all live in. Its a nod to shows and films such as 'Severance and 'Soylent Green'. Musically, 'Sounds for your Happiness' is a bleak and furious slab of electronic meat. With little respite in its 75minute run time. A journey of EBM / Industrial / Black Metal / Darkambient / Powernoise / Punk / Techno and Goa, 'Sounds for your Happiness' is as ambitious as it is exhilarating and genres merge seamlessly into an energetic free-fall of sonic chaos. Get plugged in and let the happiness wash over you. Released July 5, 2025 Mastered by Stephan Sutor See ESA's first live show of the new album tour! With performances from Iszoloscope and grabyourface! Join Elektro Vox, in aid of Beat:Cancer - in London on the 6th of September, with all proceeds going to Rowans' Hospice that look after cancer patients. Venue is 229 near Camden with easy access from Regent's Park (Bakerloo line) or Warren street (Northern line) underground station. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'Nothing After' opens with a brilliant touch, a tribute to.. You're then treated to some dark deep drums, kind of like if Robyn had been into industrial.. This track builds in intensity subtly and then beat bashes your face in with a sample drop of 'I'm fucking here!'.. Indeed you are Jamie, welcome back! A lyrically angry track with pieces of audio mastery interlaced such as an incredible drum and vocal audio reverb repetition at around 2:40, and then some truly satisfying guttural growls at 2:54. Straight away you can tell that Jamie has chosen to explore his black metal roots, this track throws in the incredible powernoise and industrial he's been known for in his last few albums, but starts to throw in the darker metal hints to get you ready for the subtle change in to some more metal later in the album. Regardless of genre though, this track is a dance fueled fight. You hate them because you hate yourself The description was right, 'Pound Of Flesh' does provide a fully maximised pleasure experience! High energy techno synths and a THUMPING beat and bass line. This track pounds out a procession declaring 'The King Has Returned!' There's rarely ever a moss pit in industrial shows but listening to this track with full noise cancelling headphones has me feeling feral - ready to mosh, and fight before it's even half way through. 'Caligula' the mad Emperor of Rome who thought himself a God.. Bugger me sideways this is a good track. BUT to truly appreciate this it needs to either be loud AF, or played in VERY good headphones. The bass alone is enough to make a man incontinent. Throw in some brilliant industrial 00's sound at 1:25 and this track becomes a pure filth dance track the likes of which only ESA can provide. Just as Caligula lost his mind, the track takes a turn from the 'party' and slips in to a sense of insanity at 2:23, but when the bass drops back in the dance just becomes a little mad is all, and if you don't dance a little mad, do you even dance at all? Peak track. Jupiter accepts your offering DJs - get it on your club list. (And this next one!) 'Something For The Horsemen' scratched my brain deeply with buzzsaw sound and wasp like synths. Complete with horse sound samples and some heavy dark metal guitar riffs and speed pedals, glitch notes, and a sick drop after the vocal 'We'll fuck you real good!' this track has it all! This song would utterly tear a club to pieces. Check out my previous, full review of the single 'Join Our Hands' HERE 'Rats Come Together' is also one I previously covered in full HERE HOWEVER this album has 'The album version' and it is indeed different in a few ways, some subtle, some easily heard. For instance at 2:39 the tracks throws in some abyssal choral singing, slows up a bit and plays more of the introduction sample. The ending throws in a lot more heavy guitar as well. These are to name but a few obvious additions. Have a listen for yourself and wee how different it feels for you. Ultimately this track, and this version specifically - is quite possibly the pinnacle of musical perfection. Jamie has really outdone himself with this one. ..Makes me want to go play the new DOOM. 'Ratchet' like the name implies feels like a tribute to the early 00's and its rave scene, with its pounding and nostalgic tones, and a hope choir inclusion. This track not only punches you in the face but it also makes sure you get back on your feet and checks that you're okay. It even throws in some nice little distorted synthwave to wrap it up. What a mindfuck of a track - Brilliant! 'Fatigue' opens with a sense of trance with its serene sweeping synth, it distorts the choir sample from the previous track and slows it down with some reverb, it really does create a sense of fatigue. This, to me, is quite interesting as Jamie said in an interview with me a couple years back that he very well may stop making ESA albums after Designer Carnage.. I'm glad he is pushing through the fatigue and still proving that he is the untouchable grandmaster on the scene. You don't exist 'Golden House'.. Opening with a spoken history lesson by Konstantina (Who was the voice on the incredible 'One Missed Call') about Nero and Caligula? Hell yes, mixing two of my favourite things now -music, and ancient history. One can't help thinking that talking about two of the worst leaders in history is quite poignant and relevant to the idiot leaders and collapsing world around us today. (Having had a sneak peak at the upcoming video for it, after I wrote that ^ I'm glad to see I was correct in my assumption.) It's great to hear a a German lady singing in industrial isn't it? And this track provides just that with Jo Hysteria from the band Massenhysterie who Jamie has worked with before on previous tracks. This is a debaucherous dance of fun that reminds me of a lot of the Designer Carnage album and pays homage to the style and sound of music he was so successful with in the past two albums. 'It Will Never Be Enough' is where the black metal roots I talked about earlier come in to full force. That famous sample 'I don not need my body' gives way to intense drums and metal guitars. Jamie tears at his vocal chords to deliver the full force of fury he is capable of singing. Interestingly, at 2:20 after the same spoken sample, the track takes a turn instead in to rave territory with a steady beat and a sound in the back that sounds almost like a crowd chanting. Each time that spoken sample comes back, the track throws in more to the mix, this time with a high tempo, waspish buzz synth and a deep cinematic intensity. Near the end we are even subject to an organ thrown in to the musical mix. This is a true experimental track and it plays out damn good! 'Don't Leave Me Here' is a dark, prolonged cry for help. With moments of intensity, of calm, and of insanity. The piano, organ, and even I think a touch of Theremin makes for a shadow-work-esque journey in to your own mind. Like a Bladerunner plot twist scene, this track is not for the faint hearted. The last song of the album is 'The Gallows You Built For Yourself' and my Gods, what a great name for a track.. Buzzsaw tones, ritual like power-drums, and a repeating sample of 'Who are you?, put you in a sort of trance. This only intensifies as Jamie begins to the lyrics of the song name and does so with greater aggression. Another journey through the mind this one. Conclusion ESA has proven once again why he sits upon a throne in the powernoise and industrial world. Sounds For Your Happiness is an intriguing listen as it does often create profound moments of dopamine, and hedonistic dance filled joy; yet the theme of the album is that of insanity, of hatred, of division. Much like Caligula and Nero mentioned in the album, J blacker plays this 'Fiddle' of an album, exploring the depth of his own mind, whilst the world burns around us and we all dance merrily to his tune, grateful for a a joy filled distraction in amongst the darkness of our age. The poignancy of this theme can not be overstated. This album is a true work of perfection. Thank you! (Make sure to come to the show!) Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

When I first heard 'Silence Speaks' prior to the release of Construct, I knew this would have to be an album I reviewed; I had fully planned to get started after I finished my first play through.. That was until I got to the track 'Nothing More' which hit me so, so hard, I had to walk away from the album with tears in my eyes for.. a while. I did however play 'Silence Speaks' in my latest DJ for Beat:Cancer, and that is truly a song of epic gravitas. This is all to say that what VNV Nation have released in this album is full of emotional impact, meaning, and masterfully put together music. It is one of the truly wonderful things about reviewing music because when you truly listen ..an album comes along once in a while that grabs me deeply and doesn't ever let go. Credit: Krichan Wihlborgs Underground Photo VNV Nation is a European based alternative electronic project led by Ronan Harris. The music blends thought provoking lyrics with melodic dance beats, indie-electronic anthems, haunting ballads and post-classical pieces. Live shows are legendary for the energy and positive emotion. The last 3 albums charted top 10 in Germany, as well as top 5 Billboard Chart positions in the US. vnvnation.com STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Though a particularly unusual opening to an synthpop album, 'Hymn' is hauntingly beautiful. If you're a fan of JRPGs like Final Fantasy 14, it's this very kind of epic chorale Hymn that makes many parts incredibly memorable. This is a peaceful start to what as is always expected from VNV nation.. Emotional content and club bangers. The opening synths of 'The Spaces Between' take on a somewhat retro Sci-Fi vibe,and when the base drops in, it feels more like something from the Stellaris game soundtrack. The chorus is uplifting and rich with depth of metaphor and calling out to the subject person of the lyrics. Off to a great start. 'Station 21' Reminds me a little bit of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' in it's chorus with the lyrics of calling out to Station 21. It's a high-note synth blast of feel good energy. The song speaks of history, of watching the world change in front of us all, knowing Armageddon is coming soon. Contrast to the feel good, huh? It seems to me like a song specifically about the feeling of nostalgia of what we have now - from the perspective of a future individual. 'By Your Side' is an instant club banger, the stomping bass synths, the tempo, and consistent undertone aggression of the lyrics make this a damn good dance tune. When the chorus kicks in, the energy and synth crescendo and the vocal level rises making for an extra burst of dancing fun. Besides, What better lyrics to dance alongside your friends to than 'I'll be by your side' ? Okay so.. 'Nothing More'.. the reason I've been putting this review on the back burner for a while. Let me start by sharing the chorus lyrics.. If you feel there’s nothing more That life has little else to give Nothing to dream or wish or hope for Then I ask you to think again So much you’ve never known That gives as much as you can give A life that you were meant for One I hope you’ll proudly live As you can probably extrapolate from that, the songs is gently asking someone to reconsider the choice of suicide. And I'll be honest, ideations of such - I am no stranger to, and this song first reached my ears on a particularly difficult day recently and.. it really helped, hence being a review I had to back away from for a while. I genuinely hope this song helps others because just like VNV nation touched us all with the Sophie Lancaster tribute of 'Illusion', this song also touches on something we all need reminding of.. Hope. Let the song, the lyrics, the sweeping piano and violins speak for themselves and go and listen to this utterly perfect, and possibly life saving masterpiece. 'Save Me' is like a slow burning stage musical number with the poignant monologue that build gently in emotion and finally intensity when the beat kicks in. One thick with story. 'Close to Heaven' sings of enjoying a live show, the call to let go and let lose to enjoy the performance you bear witness to. Is Ronan 'The Greatest Showman'? It's a great reminder to be present in whatever moment you find yourself in. 'Silence Speaks' is my joint favourite track of the album to 'Nothing More'. The reason being is that this song F**king SLAPS! The beat, the tempo, the lyrical genius of the track, and the structure also makes this a club banger. Just trust me on this one, go put it on a decent sound system, clear a space, and dance away! It went down really well in a recent club set I played with it's glorious synths and beats. Silence speaks but no one listens Communicate without a voice Without science or religion Silence offers you a choice 'On Other Oceans' is a feel good track, a track about seeing someone again someday, a farewell but not a goodbye. Which feels like quite a nice way to start to wrap up an album, like the feel good montage at the end of a movie. 'Frontier | + ||' is an inspiring and chilled listen, seeping notes and soundscape, prophetic lyrics, and a touch of trance with the later synths. This is a track that is 'Feel good for the soul' The last couple of minutes throw in a lot more instrumentation making for a powerful, and joyful conclusion to this great album. Conclusion VNV Nation have really painted a pristine cinematic album here. From the heart-rending 'Nothing More' which feels like a wonderful follow on to 'Illusion', to the club bangers of 'Silence Speaks' and 'By Your Side'; This album takes you on a truly significant journey and goes to show why VNV Nation have always been, and will always be loved with their top tier songs and talent. A truly stunning album in every sense. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Megan McDuffee first came to my attention during a mindless Instagram scroll with 'What if Placebo was dark synthwave?' WELL... You couldn't craft a more perfect sentence to get my attention to be honest! Later she also covered 'Girls Not Grey' by AFI and by this point - I was very much a fan of Megan's work. (By the way check out Blaqk Audio which is AFI lead singer Davey Havok's GREAT darkwave/Synth-pop band) Little did I know that Megan McDuffee is a well known, and award winning artist creating her own music, as well as original music for games, TV, and films! I can't possibly go in to the full depth of her work in a short article so I have hand picked 5 of her more recent singles and covers that have really caught my ear, and that I think the usual Elektro Vox reader will truly enjoy as well. (Covers not on Bandcamp) Just a mini review of each from me this time as I want the tracks to mainly speak for themselves! Needless to say Megan McDuffee is a powerhouse artist that has some of the most hauntingly beautiful tracks you've yet to discover.. Make sure that you do. Also please check out 'Light's Not Far Away' by MAGNAVOLT featuring Megan because (One word review here) ... CHILLS!! Award-winning video game composer, music producer, and recording artist. Megan calls the misty woods north of Seattle home, and her music is a sonic potion of trippy, dark, melodic, catchy, grimy, and sinister vibes. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Reviews Leviathan Her blade is thirsty for demon blood, as she makes her way through the grimy, pumping underground club. Masks hide each dancer's face, as she hypnotically dances among them, hunting her prey, and sending them back to Hell. Stomping out a smooth but steady mid-tempo beat, 'Leviathan' starts off in a very cool way - soon complimenting the smooth, smooth lyrics from Megan. Just as the description above suggests, this track is deceptive. Another perfect example of a song that seems relaxed in tone but lyrically contains a lot of malice in it's own way. An ideal track for multiple occasions - a late night closing set, a warm up to a fight, the heat of the bedroom, or a reminder of one's own inner strength, this is a track full of poignance and 'stomp'. Girls Not Grey How many times I must have listened to this track as a teenager.. to hear it so beautifully sung in such a twist of genre is.. deeply satisfying and adds a lot of maturity to the original, making it a supremely enjoyable, and nostalgic re-discovery listen after life has filled you with experience. The track feels like a dark lullaby, a most melancholy chillout, and a peaceful dose of serenity in all equal measures. The final minute of this version kicks in a final dose of extra energy to leave you with a deep smile on your face and deep in your chest as it drifts out.. Every You Every Me Another track that I couldn't possibly count the teenage hours of repeated listening (and adult listening for that matter) Placebo is an artist I don't like people covering because I feel like you can't blemish something so perfect; and yet Megan's version left me drifting in a sort of astral head space.. It is so serene, so elegant, and dare I say almost better than the original with its much slower tempo and heavy felt words. You can genuinely hear the passion and love that Megan herself has for this song and Placebo, and that shines through brighter than any star. In essence this cover honours the original in everyway and breathes a whole new realm of electronic and modern life into it, evolving it in pure style. Freak Like Me Much more of a EBM meets future-pop track here with 'Freak Like Me' this grabs you, dominates you, humiliates you.. This is a track for the dirty, the dungeon lovers, the hedonists, and the dance floor grinders. If you're a fan of HARPY and Mimi Barks then you'll love this track. Techno base, hissed vocals, raunchy synths.. Great stuff. Forgive Me This is a single from the 2024 album 'Crimson Legacy' This track follows more of the 'horror' sort of darkwave path. Creeping, elegant, dark, and stings like a shot of bourbon. I imagine (from the cover art) a stripper dancing her heart out before killing someone who really, really deserves it and doesn't see it coming. I think that's also because it has a strong SKYND feel to the vocals and music, making it a damn great track regardless of how and where you listen to it. Just a short one from me today, please do go check out the huge catalogue of musical offerings from Megan McDuffee, you wont be disappointed! https://meganmcduffee.com/ Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Included here you will find the seven interview videos I managed to grab for Resistanz 2025 and my recorded DJ set! STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Friday Ray Noir ALT BLK ERA Toronto Is Broken & Reebz PRIEST Saturday Neuroklast Dark Machine Nation DJ E.V (Not an interview but my recorded set if you want to hear it) Sunday Aesthetic Perfection Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Now for one of the coolest singles I've heard in quite a while and some of the finest interview answers I've also seen in a long time too! 'Sauerstoff' by HASSWUT is the opening single of the upcoming album of the same title. This is a song that hits deep and hits home. From mental health struggles to impressive guitars and drums, it's impossible to not like this track! March 14th, 2025 - Spanish industrial metal  band, HASSWUT has unleashed their new single, "Sauerstoff" from their forthcoming full-length album due out, April, 25th. PRE ORDER THE ALBUM HERE The song represents a call to breathe, to recover the air that life takes from us daily, often preventing us from lifting our heads and moving forward. These Spanish electro-metalheads are back to restore that breath, reigniting the fire within us with their powerful sound and relentless energy. The single, "Sauerstoff" is available on all major digital platforms including Spotify and Bandcamp courtesy of Negative Gain Productions. The forthcoming album from HASSWUT will be available on digital, LP and CD formats on April 25th. For fans of Combichrist, Turmion Kätilöt, Nachtmahr & OOMPH! The video for "Sauerstoff" powerfully portrays the suffocating cycle of daily life—how we often become our own worst enemies, trapping ourselves in an endless loop of pressure and oppression. It’s a raw and intense visual journey of inner struggle, building up to a breaking point where we finally explode, rise, and take a deep breath—breaking free from the darkness that once held us captive. "Sauerstoff" isn’t just a music video; it’s an experience. It's a gripping reflection of our fight for air, for clarity, for freedom. Watch it now and feel the weight lift. About HASSWUT: HASSWUT was formed in 2013 in Alicante, Spain as a response to the need  to merge the raw intensity of metal with the pulsating energy of industrial electronic music. Since its inception, the band has sought to innovate, blending dark synthesizers, powerful guitar riffs, and socially charged lyrics that explore contemporary themes of resistance and rebellion.  Concept and Aesthetics: HASSWUT is more than just music; it is an audiovisual experience. Their aesthetic is inspired by science fiction, post-apocalyptic culture, and themes of rebellion against the system. On stage, they combine dark lighting and futuristic costumes to create an immersive show. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. The single's lyrics and your description of the video as 'portrays the suffocating cycle of daily life - how we often become our own worst enemies, trapping ourselves in an endless loop of pressure and oppression.' has a clear mental health struggle message. Have any of your own personal experiences sparked this particular narrative for the single? A. In recent years, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, we've increasingly seen friends and close family members struggling with mental health issues. The experience of isolation, the sudden halt of everyday life, and the loss of physical connection took a toll on many people. For some, it was simply too much to process or endure. What at first may have seemed like a temporary discomfort gradually became a deeper, more lasting struggle. These challenges were often made worse by the mental cycles we fall into — cycles of self-criticism, unrealistic self-expectation, and emotional self-punishment. Instead of showing ourselves compassion, we push harder, isolate further, and silently carry burdens we were never meant to bear alone. In these moments, the help and support around us can feel invisible, even when it's being offered with open hands. We become blind to it, trapped in our own inner noise, unable to reach out — or even believe we deserve help in the first place. It's a painful reminder of how fragile the human mind can be, and how vital it is to cultivate empathy — not only for others, but for ourselves. Healing often begins with allowing ourselves to be seen, heard, and supported, even when every instinct tells us to hide. Q. How would you describe the songs coming on the new album, do they follow a similar message to Sauerstoff as a theme or each take a different direction? A. No, each track has its own unique theme. Koloss might be the closest to dealing with the idea of overcoming oneself to face adversity, but overall, every song on the album explores a different, very specific concept. EMB is our answer to both metal and electronic music purists who criticize or censor us at their events simply because we don’t conform to their narrow definitions of “true metal” or “true electro.” It’s a statement of defiance — proof that you don’t need to follow rigid rules to create powerful, honest music. Deine falsche Welt is about the falseness of people, about how many wear friendly faces while hiding very different intentions behind them. It’s a critique of social hypocrisy — of the double-faced nature of the world we live in, something we’ve all had to endure at some point. Les Morts is a call to the dead — a summons to truth. It speaks to the injustice in the world, how too often innocent people are blamed while the real culprits walk free. If the dead could rise and speak, they could tell the truth about what really happened and make sure justice is served, putting the actual guilty ones behind bars. Vorsicht Zerbrechlich reflects on the overprotection we impose on our children. In trying so hard to shield them from pain, we end up instilling deep insecurities that hinder their growth as individuals. It’s a call to reconsider how we raise and guide the next generations. Eigengrau is probably the most musically different track on the album. It’s a melancholic, almost intimate piece that deals with the theme of forgetting. It explores how certain illnesses, particularly neurodegenerative ones, slowly rob us of the people we love — until one day, they no longer recognize us. It’s a painful reflection on the loss of memory and identity. Q. Were there any tracks on the album that went outside your comfortzone and you found particularly challenging, be that through lyrics,the music, or emotional content? A. Without a doubt, Eigengrau stands out the most. While in previous albums we've occasionally included a track that could be considered a "ballad," our music has generally been defined by its power, intensity, and high energy. Eigengrau , however, breaks away from all of that. It doesn't just slow things down — it completely detaches itself from the typical structure we're known for. There's no standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus arrangement; instead, it flows in a more abstract, almost unpredictable way. It’s a strange and unconventional track, and honestly, up until the very last moment — even after it had already been recorded — we weren’t sure if it would make the final cut for the album. We went back and forth on it quite a bit. But in the end, we decided to include it, and looking back, we believe it was absolutely the right decision. It brings a contrast that adds depth to the record and shows another side of who we are as artists — more introspective, experimental, and emotionally raw. Q. The ghostly - cyber like images of multiple versions of you screaming at yourself in the video are VERY cool, how did you achieve that effect? A. It’s all video editing — and we were fortunate to work with an incredibly talented professional from Radikal Libre Productions, who did an outstanding job bringing our vision to life. The process began with filming our "normal" selves first. Then, after a quick wardrobe change, we recorded a second set of takes where we had to imagine attacking ourselves — essentially embodying our own aggressors. It was a strange but powerful experience, acting out that internal conflict physically. The "attacking" versions of ourselves were then meticulously cut out using the rotoscoping technique. This allowed for the creation of a ghostly, almost spectral effect — because in the end, the concept is that we are haunted and dragged down by our own inner demons. These are not external enemies, but reflections of ourselves — our own fears, guilt, and self-sabotage manifesting as something that overwhelms and consumes us. It’s a visual metaphor for how often we become our own worst enemy, and thanks to the editing and creative direction, we feel the video captures that dark, emotional tension perfectly. Q. How did the production process differ this time compared to your previous releases and was there a particular piece of gear, such as software, a synth, pedal, or instrument that really shaped the sound of the upcoming album? A. There’s really nothing particularly special or extravagant about our gear. We still use fairly modest, budget-friendly equipment — especially when compared to what many other bands have access to. We’ve never been about relying on high-end gear to define our sound. What has truly evolved over time, though, is our approach to pre-production. For several albums now, we’ve been working on our records at The Mixtery with Raúl Abellán, and this time, we wanted to push things even further — to go deeper and refine every detail. Raúl played an absolutely key role in this process. His input on the production side helped shape the final sound of the tracks in a way that really elevated them. He guided us through countless small details — nuances we might have overlooked — and helped us bring out textures and layers that gave each song more depth and power. It was less about flashy gear and more about vision, collaboration, and taking the time to craft something with care. That’s where we’ve seen the biggest change, and we believe it’s made a huge difference in the overall feel of the album.   Q. Anything you'd like to say to your fans? A. First of all, we want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to discover our work. It truly means a lot. As an emerging band, it’s never easy to gain visibility — especially coming from a country like Spain, which, believe it or not, some people don’t even realize is part of Europe. That’s the reality we’ve faced at times, and it makes every bit of support from new listeners feel even more meaningful. We want to encourage everyone not only to check out our latest release, Sauerstoff , but also to explore new music in general. There’s an entire world of incredible bands out there creating original, passionate, and boundary-pushing work — and they deserve to be heard. It’s easy to stick with the familiar or fall back on tribute bands that rehash what’s already been done. But the real magic often lies in the risk of listening to something new, something different — something that hasn’t yet been labeled or boxed in. So we invite you to go beyond the obvious, support independent music, and give new voices a chance. You never know what might surprise you or resonate deeply. Thank you again for being part of this journey with us. PRE ORDER THE ALBUM HERE Review The track starts with a heavy guitar which is filled with Nu-Metal nostalgia, this drops out and gives way to the German vocals. Whether completely by accident or not, this seems very Rammstein-esque in sound with the complimenting synth. At around 0.35 we get our first taste of some the audible theme of the track that will be more prevalent later, it is only a few notes long but it throws in a sense of foreboding and touches a raw nerve in terms of mental health struggles, like hearing a certain sound from a horror game or film that carries far much more weight that any few notes should. The keyboard that comes in adds nicely to this odd feeling and therefore the sense of suffocation and struggle that the song expresses. The synths used around 2:18 are subtle yet really well placed and add a nice layer of complexity to the already impressive keyboard, guitars, and vocal growls. (It certainly has my partner headbanging along as I write this!) There's a lot of raw energy, passion, and talent on display with 'Sauerstoff'. Even across the language divide for me, the atmospherics are crafted brilliantly through each instrument and the movement between heavier vocal verses and the slower more malicious vocal moments. Even though I listened to it a fair few times to review it, I can honestly say I bopped along every single time. It's a fierce track. Conclusion 'Sauerstoff' is a majestically fierce track that both encourages and combats the themes in which it portrays. The mix between, metal, industrial, and synths makes for a truly powerful artistic piece that has you headbanging along the whole time! I for one, am now really looking forward to the full album release latter this month. I didn't really know HASSWUT before this article but you can be sure that I'll be keeping a close eye and ears on their music from now on! PRE ORDER THE ALBUM HERE Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Everything you need to know and want to know, for Resistanz 2025 in one place! (Best viewed on PC or Tablet) E.V is ready for round four at Corporation Sheffield to cover the festival in an official capacity and as a sponsor. Of course we will be covering it all in full and getting more video interviews done for your viewing pleasure. This is your yearly reminder: Tell Leighton how amazing he is and how grateful we are to have this piece of heaven on Earth that he has once more provided. Also 'Saturday:' Much love to the other festivals Elektro Vox works with such as Infest, Zero day, and of course the wonderful legends of Beat:Cancer! If you don't have a weekend or day ticket for Resistanz yet, click the above banner for tickets! The Soundtrack! BOOM! The 10th annual Tanz comp drops at last! 10 exclusive previously unreleased tracks on the digital edition - plus an extra 3 (from BLOODJOY, NEUROKLAST and CHARLIEOCTOGIRL) on the ultra-limited edition CD version which will as ever go on sale at the event itself, first come, first served! Any leftovers will be offered up here on the Bandcamp-hosted DWA store, after the event! What you can find here: Set List times Band + DJ info Elektro Vox Resistanz 2025 Spotify playlist (Just below this) Pure love for everyone attending Resistanz 2025! Nearly 7 hours worth of great tunes! Each band has 5 songs picked by me to wet your appetite. Set Times * = Elektro Vox's must see recommendations ** = E.V's Overall must see recommendations Friday Doors open at 1pm for wristband exchange and merch. On some phones you may need to swipe left for times Ray Noir 3:10pm-3:55pm Nox Pulso 4:20pm-5:05pm Beyond Border 5:30pm-6:15pm Toronto Is broken * 6:40pm-7:25pm ALT BLK ERA * 7:50pm-8:50pm Priest * 9:15pm-10:30pm DJ's Ultravixen 10:30pm-11:45pm Electric Dream 11:45pm-1:00am TED 1:00am-2:15am Nemeshade 2:15am-3:30am Karaoke with King Confuza in stage 2 from 10:30pm Saturday Doors open at 2pm On some phones you may need to swipe left for times Neuroklast ** 3:05pm-3:50pm Palindrones 4:15-5:00pm Dark Machine Nation * 5:25pm-6:10pm Chump Wrecker (stage 2) 6:15pm-7:00pm Harpy * 7:15pm-8:00pm Year Of Denial 8:25pm-9:25pm Ashbury Heights ** 9:50pm-11:05pm DJ's E.V * 11:00pm-12:15am Ray the Binman 12:15am-1:15am ER4SE ​1:15am-2:15am Simon Penguin 2:15am-3:30am CharlieOctoGirl + Nerocipher + Arricc (Stage 2) 11:05pm-3:00am Sunday Doors open at 2pm On some phones you may need to swipe left for times Junkie Kut 3:05pm-3:50pm Jamie Headcharge vx Ms DeVine vs Bloodjoy 4:15pm-5:00pm genCAB 5:25pm-6:10pm Video Kids (stage 2) 6:15pm-7:00pm Everything Goes Cold 7:15pm-8:00pm Die Sexual 8:25pm-9:10pm Cyferdyne * 9:35pm-10:35pm Aesthetic Perfection * 11:00pm-12:15am DJ's Vicious Moon X Noizerker 12:45am-2:00am Biomechanimal X Mechanical Vein 2:00am-3:30am ADBT & Crispygoth (Stage 2) 12:00am-3:00am Next up: Band info (In order of play) STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Friday Ray Noir From Oslo's dynamic black metal and goth scene to London's forefront, Ray Noir is a potent force among the emerging alt. queer artists in the city. Growing up without relatable queer figures, Ray Noir strives to advocate for the rights of queer individuals and societal misfits. Songs like “Lonely King” delve into the outsider experience, while “Pity Party” and “YMATD” explore the mind's shadows, offering a musical confessional. His latest mixtape, "Scorpio," propelled him to the Top 5 on the German Alternative Charts (DAC). Noir's music is a scintillating journey from sleazy street-corners to shady superstardom, earning a notable ⅘ rating from Kerrang! Magazine. Additionally, his single "You, Me & The Devil," featuring Tom Saint, was awarded 'Track of the Week' on Nels Hylton's renowned program 'Future Alternative' aired on BBC Radio 1. Pioneering alt.goth and electro-metal, Noir has captivated Kerrang!, Side-Line Magazine and Attitude Magazine. His fearless 'gender-fuck' attitude and iconic visuals create a captivating stage presence. From commanding stages across UK, Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan to the electric energy of sold-out shows, including the release party at London's Blondies, Noir is a formidable force in the alternative music scene. Collaborations with acclaimed producers like KANGA, Frankmusik and Samantha Togni, add depth and diversity to Noir's musical odyssey. Live lineup: Ray Noir (Vocals) and Evan Mansell (Drums). Don't miss the electrifying experience – catch Ray Noir live and witness the evolution of alt.goth and electro-metal firsthand! You can check out a review of his latest single that I recently wrote up HERE Nox Pulso “The energy of The Prodigy and the ferocity of Sepultura. Don't miss them.” - Metal Underground live review 2024 Two DJ's - NewRetroWave DJ ItIAM , and TotalRock Radio Industrial Show host DunaNOX - came together in 2022 inspired by the fictional nightclub scenes in films like Blade, The Matrix, and The Crow, but with more guitars. They call it “New Wave of Industrial Metal” The debut album “Songs from the Wastelands”, was released in 2023, and followed by shows with Auger, Infected Rain, Alien Vampires, Fleisch, Sex Gang Children, Raging Speedhorn.. “Nox Pulso are one of those acts that you listen to and wonder how it’s only two people making all that lovely noise” – Moshville Times “Drawing from the fundamentals of dance, electro, and alternative metal to amass a sound that packs pulsating metal with thoughtful synth and electronics” – Velvet Thunder.co.uk The new album “Two” has now been completed and is due for release in 2025. Beyond Border BEYOND BORDER make electronic music. BEYOND BORDER is scene & underground, commercial and yet non-conformist. BEYOND BORDER 's songs are danceable. They are paired with elegiac and sensitive lyrics. In 2019, DJ and keyborder Deity saw the singer Iggi on stage with his band "In Gods Faith" and knew right away: "I have to make music with this man and with this voice". They met, talked and planned. BEYOND BORDER was born. Together they wrote the first songs and played the first concerts. Even the pandemic couldn’t stop them, the pandemic had no effect on them. With their songs, which were somewhere between electro and darkwave, BEYOND BORDER quickly found their way into the hearts of their fans. It was also so during this time that K.T. joined the band as a keyboarder and became a permanent fixture at the many gigs they played. The first CD was released in 2020. It was produced by the band themselves. In the beginning it was a compilation of the first EPs and digital singles, later on B-sides and remixes were released as well. The first full-length album, ’Awakening’, was released in 2021 and went on to reach number 1 in the GEWC charts. With their energetic sound and the charismatic stage presence of lead singer Iggi, the band was able to win over a steadily growing number of fans. Since the middle of 2022 the band worked on their latest album 'Gathering', which was produced by Rob Dust and released in January 2024 on their new label NoCut Entertainment. Those who like melodic synthpop industrial will like these. ALT BLK ERA Elektro Vox's Friday MUST SEE artist recommendation (1 of 3) One of the fastest rising bands in the UK, ALT BLK ERA have established themselves as one of the most unique and exciting acts today, winning over audiences from around the world and at major festivals including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds & Download Festivals. MOBO and Heavy Music Award nominated, their live shows are filled with a feast of genre-mashing sounds and a high-impact, visually exciting performance. Expect nothing but energy from this sister duo and prepare yourself to be transported into their world when you join them on their Rave Immortal Tour. I saw ALT BLK ERA at Download festival and have had them on my playlist for quite some time and it's great to see them getting the recognition they deserve! If you like a bit of femme rage, then you'll LOVE this Toronto Is Broken & Reebz E lektro Vox's Friday MUST SEE artist recommendation (2 of 3) Toronto Is Broken truly represents the point at which drum and bass and electronic music collides with metal. With a new wave sound that combines, breaks, bass, metal guitar all wrapped up with metal music production ascetics. With three studio albums across SubSlayers, Viper Recording and now exclusively with FiXT, a U.S. label specialising in industrial, metal and dance music that crosses all of these spheres. Toronto Is Broken has found acclaimed success with his remix of ‘Snitch” by Netsky and more recently the superb re working of “Blind Lead the Blind” by Celldweller. Now with a forth conceptual collection of music in development. FiXT provides Toronto Is Broken a platform for the scream vocals, thrash guitar, sub bass and massive drums that drive, encapsulate and bring forward a new wave of cross over music that is sonically exciting and courses multiple musical landscape. In 2019 Toronto Is Broken founded YANA Music a space for sustainable creativity. Nurturing talent with established acts like Aktive, Richter Mykool, whilst developing new acts such as Lateral, Matt Neux, and Vypes. YANA Music is a hot bed for the harder edge of DnB. With worldwide streams totalling over 4 Million, 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a growing fan base across social media the near future and beyond is looking very exciting for Toronto Is broken. Somewhere between alien and human, REEBZ is the newly-emerging, dark and mysterious multi-genre entity...and she is already piquing intrigue worldwide. An avid songwriter with an unconventional mind, REEBZ is influenced heavily by a variety of genres, among which includes Metalcore, Deathcore, Industrial, Electronic, Drum & Bass, Dubstep and Trap. REEBZ is rapidly becoming a renowned and accomplished lyricist and vocalist within the industry; particularly for her immeasurable vocal versatility, and her unique ability to execute extreme guttural/distorted screams alongside haunting, resonant clean melodies. REEBZ is a recurring artist featured frequently on the renowned show BBC Introducing. Many of you will have seen REEBZ playing with Zardonic at Infest festival previously and what a powerful and brilliant singer she is! This is gonna be one for those who want to dance-rave until they can dance no more. PRIEST E lektro Vox's Friday MUST SEE artist recommendation (3 of 3) "The occult techno-pop act from Sweden, containing ex-members from Ghost, will throw you into the neon lights of 80 ́s sci-fi mixed with gothic soundscapes." Priest is a synth band that creates music rooted in the vastness of electronic dreams. The goal of their multifaceted prophecy is to safely guide humanity unto the next evolutionary step – the merging with machines. The occult techno-pop act from Sweden, containing ex-members from Ghost, will throw you into the neon lights of 80 ́s sci-fi mixed with gothic soundscapes. With several praised global tours and critically acclaimed releases like New Flesh and Body Machine they’ve successfully generated an ever growing fanbase worldwide. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this unique band on the rise! Back in 2019 Elektro Vox was the first to ever video interview Priest, not bad for only my second interview! Having seen them perform a masterful set in both London and at E-Tropolis Germany back then - I cannot recommend them enough! Karaoke On the Friday night of Resistanz 2025 we open up the second stage room for an evening of karaoke and cocktails. Hosted by King Confuza, trans and queer drag monster/king/performance artist, horror/cabaret host and the creator of Sheffield’s only drag monster show and alt queer club night "Cryptid Queers". Imagine being able tell people that you got to perform live at Resistanz Festival. Well now you can! Whether you're a singer or a shouter, everyone is welcome. Please join us from 10:30pm on Friday 18th April. Earplugs sold separately. The one and only King Confuza! This is gonna be incredibly fun! And yes, I will be singing too. DJ List Ultravixen She’s an alternative DJ from West Yorkshire, UK that prides herself on playing the songs that people don’t necessarily expect. She frequently is seen at Sexy Sunday, Gothbox and Goths on a Field and has also played at Nightbreed. She also does live events via mixcloud. Her industrial and EBM sets are hard, heavy and fast and will leave you dancing and wanting more. She’ll take your breath away and will make sure you get your weekend step count completed in one set. She makes her Resistanz debut this year and is ready to bring the oontz to the dancefloor. Stompy boots at the ready! Electric Dream Electric Dream is a synthpop/80s/post punk/goth DJ based in London. Best known for founding BEDSITLAND - London's premier dedicated synthpop/electropop club night playing modern and retro synthesizer based music, that ran from 2008 - 2014, she also guest DJ's at various nights/festivals/gigs throughout the UK including Reptile, Infest Festival and Flag Promotions events. Currently a resident at Dancing and Laughing (post punk/dark indie/synth) and Club Antichrist - running the 80s floor for a large alternative/fetish crossover crowd. Bring your dancing shoes for her set at Resistanz, where she'll keep you on your feet to a happy mix of synthpop, future pop and crowd pleasing tunes. TED DJ TED - (The Eternal Darkness): The Soundtrack of The Night. Vienna-based resident DJ and host of renowned subculture parties in the city. Earning a solid name performing at European events, including Wave-Gotik-Treffen after-parties, Darkflower, and Nuit Électro Punk by Underground EBM Toulouse. Always on the lookout for new musical influences within the dark scene, blending future classics with rare tracks from Dark Wave, Electro, EBM, and Futurepop scenes. Each setlist becomes a journey of discovery that moves underground dance floors. Nemeshade A hi-energy DJ dropping the heavy bangers, Nemeshade is a living hybrid of metal and dance music that's out to take heads and pack floors! He has recently celebrated his 100th set in the metal room at The Key Club Leeds, and brings this same passion for hard-hitting music to his fierce industrial sets. Lately he delivered a blistering mix at Beat:Cancer's Summer Gothmas in Reading, joined VISRA, Karkasaurus and Køhl at Syndicate Sheffield blasting filthy techno/breakbeats and played alongside DJ L8N at RevolutioN Sheffield's harder styles industrial night. He was a resident and co-founder of Projekt Nemesis and has guested at Bunker 13 in Leeds, Insurgence in Newcastle, Khronology in Bristol and The Manifesto on the Isle of Man. He's also appeared with Bunker 13 at Whitby Goth Weekend and DJ'd some of the legendary officially unofficial Infest Festival afterparties! Nemeshade now makes his Tanz debut, and you can expect a bombardment of heavy-but-catchy industrial electro, techno and bass. Bring your dancing shoes and ear protection! Saturday Neuroklast Elektro Vox's overall DO NOT MISS recommendation of all Resistanz 2025! (1 of 2) Founded in 2020, Neuroklast has rapidly become a force of nature in the dark electronic underground. The German DJ/producer duo—Kay and Markus—are here to break minds and sound systems with a merciless fusion of industrial, techno, and raw dystopian chaos. Their music isn’t built to soothe—it’s a relentless barrage of crushing beats, haunting atmospheres, and the kind of energy that leaves both your ears and your soul ringing. Operating under the darkTunes Music Group banner, Neuroklast specializes in creating immersive sonic nightmares. Each track feels like a transmission from a decaying future, where machines whisper secrets, and shadows seem a little too interested in what you’re doing. This isn’t just music—it’s the soundtrack to your descent into something darker. THE SIGNAL: HELLFIRE After brutalizing playlists with tracks like "Ignite" and the devastating "Blighted," Neuroklast is set to unleash HELLFIRE, their most punishing work yet. Featuring collaborations with Mechanical Vein and the mastering touch of Zardonic, this isn’t just an album—it’s an experience that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. COLLABORATORS & ORIGINS Over the years, Neuroklast has sharpened their craft with heavyweights like grabyourface, Jamie Blacker (ESA), and iVardensphere, creating music that resonates with fans of industrial, cyberpunk, and hard techno. Their approach is equal parts calculated precision and fuck-around-and-find-out chaos, resulting in tracks that stick with you long after the last note drops. FROM STAGE TO SURVIVAL A Neuroklast live set isn’t just a show—it’s a full-scale auditory and visual assault. Skull-crushing basslines, immersive dystopian visuals, and a creeping sense that something’s watching you all come together in a performance that leaves no one unscathed. If you make it out intact, congratulations—you’ve survived, but you won’t forget it anytime soon. FOR THE UNAFRAID Neuroklast is for those who thrive on the edge. Fans of industrial, cyberpunk, and the heaviest corners of hard techno will feel right at home—assuming they’re comfortable with music that bites back. If you like your soundscapes dark and your basslines capable of structural damage, you’ve found your people. This is Neuroklast. The end of the world never sounded this good. I vaguely knew of Neuroklast from their collab with grabyourface on Exequial but to be honest I truly discovered them putting together the Resistanz playlist above, and holy flaming f**k knuckles have they quickly become the one band above all at Tanz that I now want to see! (Other than the beloved Ashbury Heights again) If you like heavy, bass ripping, flesh tearing industrial techno and jaw crunching breakdowns then do not miss them. Leighton knows exactly what he is doing putting them on first to get you all in - Knowing full well I would reccomend you all see them. And besides have I ever been wrong about my recommendations? NO GET YOUR ASS UP ON THE SATURDAY AND GO SEE THEM! (Or I will take it personally haha!) Palindrones Palindrones are an electronic music duo from South East London. They play dreamy, Industrial Synthpop, crafting immersive musical landscapes that mix pounding beats and blistering synth drones with a lush ambience, hypnotic organic textures, subtle pop melodies and haunting, esoteric lyrics that draw the listener into a dream-like reverie. Palindrones was born in the London DIY punk rock scene, with an approach to play dance music with the energy of a punk gig and the pulse of a techno club. I recently discovered Palindrones in a small bar in Chatham supporting MATT HART and I am very pleased to see them on the lineup because I believe this band really does deserve a chance to play to a large crowd, and for a lot of you to fall in love with their melodic sound. Dark Machine Nation E lektro Vox's Saturday MUST SEE artist recommendation (1 of 2) Dark Machine Nation is intense vocal Power Noise/Industrial Hardcore from Dayton, OH, USA, the brainchild of Therion Major. Built from recordings of manufacturing, aviation and active combat, Dark Machine Nation aims to become the truest, hardest sound in industrial. DMN pushes past the sounds of traditional Gabber/Hardcore Techno and Electro-Industrial and incorporates dark ambient and harsh noise influences, injecting wrathful live vocals in his continuous dj performances. Drawing from his personal experiences battling mental illness, he creates a marching atmosphere of chaos and determination. His lyrics are anthems of victory against inner demons. Having worked in manufacturing and construction for over 15 years, he is as inspired by the rhythmic pounding of a brake press machine as he is the thumping of an underground rave. Not only this, but there is a spiritual energy arising in this project, with the recent release of the explosive polyrhythmic chanting of "Mahamantra" in October of 2024, and the legendary sonic storytelling of "Beyond Event Horizon," an interstellar journey released in December 2023. DMN detonated the mainstage at Resistanz Festival in 2023, and is now returning to do the same in 2025. Bring your earplugs and get ready to ascend once again. Therion Major! Back once again at Resistanz having absolutely blown the crowd away with his first performace there. Pounding, thumping, cacophonies of war and industrial nightmare rave power-noise push the boundaries of genre leaving you thinking.. What the hell was that?.. MORE!! Chump Wrecker Based in the North East of England, Chump Wrecker aka Ian Hanratty brings a twisted mash up of industrialized breakcore and drum & bass. Chump wrecker performs live with completely DAWless rig with all of his beats/samples and synths played live. Expect a hi octane barrage of beats and twisted synths! Some of you may recognise Ian from the great band Analogue Blood, this is gonna be a nice old school rave-fest, and I'm looking forward to it! Harpy E lektro Vox's Saturday MUST SEE artist recommendation (2 of 2) Tantalising British Nu-Goth artist Harpy burst onto the scene after debuting live on The Venom Tour supporting Wargasm in 2023 and has been weaving a seductive web across the alternative scene ever since. Dubbed ‘Goth Metal Mommy’ by listeners, her music is potent and sexually charged. Powerful feminine rage, taking inspiration from industrial icons like Nine Inch Nails, trance inducing dark techno beats akin to Boy Harsher, heavy musings reminiscent of Deftones and ferocious, provocative lyricism. Stand out tracks ‘Slaughterhouse’, ‘Medicine’ & ‘Not My God Anymore’ leading the charge, infecting all who stumble across them. "Harpy struck me straight out of the gate. Her talent is visceral.” Kerrang (Alex Baker) "Decadent and dangerous alt-pop darkness." Rocksound "A divine goth-pop offering." BBC Radio 1 (Nels Hylton) “Touches of etherealness give way to well defined power.” Devolution Magazine Harpy’s online presence impresses for such a new artist, with over 43.2 million views on Tiktok. Her previous releases garnered support from Kerrang!, Rocksound, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and tastemaker playlists including Spotify’s ‘Misfits 2.0’, Apple’s ‘Breaking Rock’, and Amazons ‘Alt Scene’. Harpy already has tours with the likes of Cassyette & Wargasm under her belt, a debut in America at LA Goth club Bar Sinister, and a season of festivals. Harpy is gearing up for November 2024 Europe Tour, 2025 festivals and a debut London headline is on the horizon... BBC Radio 1 Future Alternative Awards 2023 'Best Single' Recipient of PRS Foundation 'Lynsey De Paul Prize' Remember how Mimi Barks left us speechless last year with their performance? Well I've no doubt in my mind that Harpy is gonna hit us with an equally stunning set. DO NOT MISS! Year Of Denial Years of Denial is the project of French musician Jerome Tcherneyan, in former times drummer of cult British band Piano Magic and music producer since 1997, and Czech performance & music artist, songwriter, and poet Barkosina Hanusova. Active since 2016, the duo has become known across the globe for their well-crafted sharp productions and electrifying live performances. Utilizing hardware and a plethora of dub devices combined with Barkosina’s unmistakable vocals, the pair revisit the dark corners of post-punk, goth, new beat, EBM, industrial, and rave culture. Their live shows inject rhythmic beats and pulsating arpeggios with heavy electronics fused with a spacey psychedelic sonic treatment. The duo operates on the dance floor with a powerful performative representation creating an excursive, unforgettable experience. Well known for their fruitful discography, much of which is created inside the infamous Ark of Noise studios, the project's prolific output includes a variety of releases on Death & Leisure, Pinkman, and Khemia, to name a few, not to mention the front-runner 2xLP Suicide Disco (Veyl 2019), an extraordinary offering that set fire to dance floors everywhere and is also the name the duo coined to describe their sound. The release spawned a massive remix EP featuring reworks from Silent Servant, Orphx, Broken English Club and Alexey Volkov. In 2023 YOD released Suicide Disco II (Veyl), a triumphant return, elevating their distinct sound and delivering 12 all-new tracks, which also marked their return to the live stage to continue to captivate and further build on the project’s form and legacy. Ashbury Heights Elektro Vox's overall DO NOT MISS recommendation of all Resistanz 2025! (2 of 2) From the snowy landscapes of Sundsvall, Sweden, Ashbury Heights is an electrifying electronic music duo that has been captivating audiences since their inception in 2005. Originally consisting of Anders Hagström, who serves as the mastermind behind vocals, songwriting, and music programming, and Yasmine Uhlin, the duo has evolved through the years, embracing a blend of genres that stretch from aggrotech to futurepop and Swedish synth. Their unique sound is characterized by dark wave aesthetics and innovative electronic beats, which have not only garnered them a dedicated fan base but also made significant waves in the electronic music scene. One of my favourite bands of all time! Having seen them play at Zero Day festival and interviewing them there, they did not disappoint, by far one of the best live sounding bands and top class -infectious- performance energy bands I've ever witnessed. I am truly, deeply excited to see them play again and I hope we get to hear 'Is that your uniform?' DJ List E.V Have your Pokemon Eevee and Eevee-lution ears at the ready! 6 Years of networking the world of industrial music with his site - Elektro Vox, E.V has always had two goals.. To grow the fan base of every band he can, and to showcase new music for people to fall in love with. DJing brings another way in achieve these goals. E.V found his DJ footing performing online alongside many of the Scenes top artists when he hosted Cyber EVM 1 + 2 (The Twitch stream events during lockdown, in aid of Slimelight) Having Just performed a hugely successful debut club set at Corporation's (And Resistanz’s) RevolutioN Club night in February with a genre spanning variety of fun tracks, E.V now looks to spin up a finely tuned and painstakingly selected set of only THE MOST Jaw crunching, boot stomping, Serotonin Inducing Industrial and Industrial Techno out there! (With some surprises thrown in!) With E.V funnelling his years of passion and love for the music and scene in to this defining set, this is going to awaken your tribal dancing soul, test your endurance - and the club’s Speakers! It's me! Well.. I started off thinking.. Industrial techno of the filthiest variety.. Now I've thrown in a fair few surprises of nostalgia and humour on top of the heavy beats. Try and wear something Pokemon related if you want to support me.. as there will be a touch of that thrown in to the mix too ;) Here's the set I did at Revolution: Ray The Binman Ray The Binman (formerly Acid Ray) is an increasingly unpopular techno producer from "north of the UK tripe curtain". Expect sarcastic 303s, grumpy percussion, and mental breakdowns, in a producer set of his own tracks. Oi, He looks a bit like that bloke in Petrol Bastard, aye? ER4SE ER4SE is an artist and producer from the Netherlands whose distinctive sound has been carving out a space within the underground electronic music scene. With several singles released on the HYBRID BLAK label and collaborations with Mechanical Vein (including a surprise appearance during RESISTANZ 2023) and TriS, his work blends dark bass, deep rhythms, and experimental elements of modern EDM. Making his DJ debut at RESISTANZ 2025, ER4SE is bringing the best in drum and bass, techno, and hard psy to the North of England. Simon Penguin Simon Penguin is a seasoned DJ, having been spinning tunes in goth and industrial clubs for longer than he’d care to admit! Based in Reading, he runs the infamous Church of Madness; a hub of eclectic sounds and creativity, as well as serving as a regular DJ at Oxford's long-running Intrusion club night, and as a trustee and resident DJ of Beat:Cancer. Simon's sets serve up a genre-eclectic mix of everything from Industrial Metal to old-school EBM, Noise to Goth, and even from Dark Techno to the Wurzles. Simon is also part of ambient noise act Bein-E , who explore powerful emotional issues through dark and unsettling electronic soundscapes. Bein-E have supported acclaimed artists including Die Krupps, HYENAZ, Ayria, Be My Enemy and Attrition. Having attended Resistanz since the first edition in 2011 - Simon is super excited to get behind the decks and bring you his blend of industrial bangers. Stage 2 DJ's CharlieOctoGirl + Nerocipher + Arricc Virtual Goth Night - Est. early 2020 as a way for Arricc to prepare for upcoming DJ gigs after a long break, VGN quickly evolved into a vibrant community. Together with CharlieOctoGirl, a team of moderators, and event crew, VGN has become a hub for regular streams (Fridays at 8pm!) and special events, including hosting Witch of The Vale live from deep within a nuclear bunker for their annual VGN HEXMAS. With VGN HQ in Aberdeen, the rest of the team spans the UK. Drawing on decades of event promotion and technical experience, along with Charlie’s background in health, wellbeing, and activism. VGN is more than a DJ stream—it’s a safe space for connection, fun, and an expansive goth music experience. DJ Arricc - Over 25 years uplifting Scotland’s alternative music scene, Arricc also recently co-founded Auldernative, an alternative afternoon clubbing experience. He has featured at events like Elizium, [e]ntropy, Infest, Stay-Infest, and Wave Gotik Treffen warm-ups. Known for his spontaneous and often amusing mashups, Arricc brings an unpredictable energy to his sets. CharlieOctoGirl - Making great things happen for the UK alternative scene since the early 2000s as a performer, promoter, radio DJ, and host. Past work in her various guises includes Obedience School, Judder, High Voltage, [e]ntropy, and Church of Madness. She joined VGN early days as a Twitch mod, contributing her events experience and ethical and inclusive approach to community building. Now a VGN DJ and host, Charlie also streams independently playing out a mix of DnB, techno, trip-hop, goth, industrial, and more. Her sets are varied and combine driving beats with modern alt/goth surprises. I interrupt your flow of information to add in CharlieOctoGirl's latest and glorious release! Nerocipher - DJing since the early 2000s, Nerocipher’s energetic sets blend industrial, techno, rock, and darkwave. The mechanical mind behind VGN’s inner workings from the start, Nerocipher helps keep Virtual Goth Night ticking. A versatile and fun DJ, his dynamic style combines heavy rhythms with eerie electronic textures, creating a unique, high-energy experience. Past residencies/appearances include Mudd Club, Obedience School, and more recently Auldernative. Sunday Junkie Kut Junkie Kut fuses industrial, punk and metal with the sounds of speedcore, gabba, acid & trance Destroying traditional genre boundaries, JK is recognised for its’ confrontational live show in the industrial / alt scene and the hardcore / speedcore world – Performing at punks squats, hardcore raves and cybergoth festivals worldwide. It has performed alongside endless music legends like Metal Drum n Bass artist Zardonic, industrial pop queen Ayria, and at countless iconic festivals such as Hardshock, Pokkie Herrie , Terrordrang and Berlin’s FuckParade. Covering 14 countries over 15 years, it has built a loyal fan base in Germany, Netherlands and The UK – From years of extensive touring. Inspired by radical counterculture and neo-shamanic visons of a future utopia, Junkie Kut brings a refreshingly optimistic battlecry to our lost society and summons the magick of our collective liberation. Jamie Headcharge vs Ms De Vine vs Bloodjoy Sister 9 Recordings present... ’Jamie Headcharge vs Ms De Vine vs Bloodjoy’ A new collaboration merging Dark Electro/EDM styles with Psych/Coldwave and Oldskool Analog Dirt! Together, the trio promises to deliver an exhilarating live performance and DJ set in one furious package. Rhys Bloodjoy is a one man noise machine, using sophisticated loops, echo drenched harmonies and reverb soaked melodies to create a sound described as "a stroke of genius that will haunt you long into the night.” A prolific and highly esteemed songwriter, Bloodjoy emerged on the underground scene in 2014 and has since gained in strength and stature, honing his sound to create truly electrifying live performances. Backseat Mafia confirm this when they say “he’s not just one to watch, he’s one to absorb.” Ms De Vine first made her mark on the underground music scene as the bass player and co-founder of post-punk/scuzz-rock band, Dolium—with her ‘venomous basslines’, striking vocals and intimidating stage presence sealing her reputation as a creative force to be reckoned with. Her oldskool lo-fi electro side project, Yugo—aptly described as “Glitch-imbued brilliance...playful, intriguing and a sort of sonic head f*ck”—saw her shift into the realms of analog-fuelled darkness, with her deep, echo-laden vocals offering themselves up to be part of the new soundtrack to your worst nightmares. Jamie Headcharge has been wedged deep inside Sheffield’s music scene for over 30 years, with his name becoming internationally renowned thanks to the underground nights he’s put on. He’s been in punk bands, worked at record labels, run one of Sheffield’s most memorable record shops (Bouquet Of Steel), and has generally kept Sheffield’s raging musical furnace firing. His history also includes co-managing Dolium, which set the scene for this new collaboration— giving Jamie a place to utilise his DJ skills and showcase some of his work as part of electro-producers, Throbbin Hood. genCAB Since reforming genCAB in 2020, David Dutton has hit the ground running. "II transMuter" was released in 2008 and considered ahead of it's time structurely, blending elements from EBM and synthpop into song arrangements suited for aggressive rock . After a long lay oK they returned in 2022 with the full length LP "Thoughts Beyond Words", as well as the genre bending EP "Everything You See Is Mine". That year they also toured with Aesthetic Perfection (with which whom both David and drummer Tim Van Horn played live with for years) across the US. genCAB signed with Metropolis Records in 2023 and released the LP "Signature Flaws". The album was a meditation on one’s own demise, and introduced elements of shoegaze and post hardcore to the already densely amalgamated songs, and thus becoming something new unto itself. Now, in 2024, genCAB are releasing "THIRD EYE GEMINI" (III I II), half a modern day update to the best material on their first release, as well as new tracks inspired from re-recording those past sessions. The update to their sound was already apparent via the rework they had released for "Perish The Thought", and now everything else is also turned up to 11. In full control of the production, this album remains faithful to the feel of the original, although completely restructured from the ground up, and sung with more confidence and conviction from Dutton. The album remains raw and as fresh as it was when this material was first privately shared to the world more than 16 years ago. Video Kids Regarded by many as 'Synthwave's Best-Kept Secret', Video Kids arrived on the scene with their self-titled debut album release in 2020. Unanimously praised by the Genre's critics, the album deliver s a fresh yet authentically '80s inspired collection of well-crafted Synthpop hits. I really think this one is gonna be such a good vibe and groove! Everything Goes Cold Everything Goes Cold looks like one of those deep sea fish with both eyes on the same side of its head and, and sounds even better. Like a Big Mouth Billy Bass version of Crazy Frog. Armed only with their wits and clad only in festive holiday scarves, the San Francisco-based industrial rock band waited ten long years to follow up their critically-acclaimed 2014 album, "Black Out The Sun" (Metropolis Records), after falling into a hole in the street and getting lost down there. Their latest single, 2024's "Nadir" (Distortion Productions), was written largely in and about that hole. They hope the mole people got their letters and are thinking of them. Someone once introduced me to this song of theirs years ago.. And just.. Just trust me.. Play it all the way through and just.. appreciate the bizarre and yet amazing masterpiece that it is! Die Sexual Emerging modern darkwave duo, Die Sexual, are Rosselinni & Anton Floriano. Together creating intoxicating dark electropop hooks with techno-house soundscapes, their debut EP, “Bound”, is forged by pulsating industrial & ebm rhythms and dripping seductive vocals. As a rising act out of Los Angeles, the duo have quickly cemented themselves as an act to watch as they continue to push the boundaries of the dance floor with every release. Listeners are welcomed into their world of decadence with their innovative weave of darkwave, electropop and dark techno. Cyferdyne Elektro Vox's Sunday MUST SEE artist recommendation (1 of 2) “CYFERDYNE - LAST EVER SHOW" One final time... One final 'tanz...Those northern gents are back for one last rodeo, and this time it's bangers only! Fusing Futurepop, Trance, Industrial and Metal into something more than the sum of its parts. CYFERDYNE will make you ask "who are Blink 242?" CYFERDYNE formed in late 2010 with the intention of creating a diverse and engaging Industrial sound. After being quickly noticed by DWA Recordings, the debut album "Genesys" was released in 2012, and a string of high profile shows across the country followed including support for scene luminaries such as Icon Of Coil, Covenant, Sulpher and Aesthetic Perfection... and Deviant UK. The more polished and dance orientated "Keep Your Silence" followed in 2014 - including remixes from Assemblage 23, Noisuf-X and Aesthetic Perfection, propelling the band's profile even further and bringing them to the stage at Resistanz 2014 for one of the festivals stand-out performances. CYFERDYNE's mythical third and final album was released in 2024 and brought the band's diverse sound to its logical conclusion. Thrilled to be sharing their last ever live performance at Resistanz Festival, CYFERDYNE will live up to their reputation for energetic and memorable live shows at their spiritual home of Corporation; prepare for fresh new tracks, lasers and a quintessentially northern sense of humour! This might be the best show of any band anywhere, ever... Ever. Absolute legends in every sense of the word, they were amazing a couple years back as themselves, and again as Blink 242, lets give them the send off heroes deserve! Aesthetic Perfection Elektro Vox's Sunday MUST SEE artist recommendation (2 of 2) "Close To Violent" Old Skool Set UK EXCLUSIVE SHOW 20 years after the release of Close to Human, Daniel Graves returns to the stage with the classic dark-electro sound of Aesthetic Perfection. No guitars, no live drums—just pure old-school electro. Joining Graves onstage will be none other than David Dutton (genCAB / Crown of Pity) who has been an integral part of the live lineup across multiple eras. This exclusive UK show will focus heavily on both Close to Human and A Violent Emotion, the two albums that helped put the band on the map. Speaking of legends, whether you love A.P or not, you cannot deny the influence Daniel has had from his start on the scene, and with how bands have applied the same single releasing ideas that he has himself pioneered, A.P is a driving force that cannot be stopped. Also as it happens, A.P were my first ever video interview, then I jumped in to interview Priest, and then Amelia Arsenic that night, so a big thank you to Daniel for that evening nearly 6 years ago! DJ List Vicious Moon & Noizerker A married couple from Germany who have the same passion for music. Both are long time in the scene and DJ'd at various parties. Vicious Moon – a name that stands for an exceptional fusion of hardness and darkness. As a newcomer to the electronic dance music scene, she brings fresh energy to the world of Hard & Dark Electro and Industrial Techno. With her unmistakable sound and hypnotic sets, she will make the Resistanz Festival tremble. Get ready for pounding beats, dark melodies, and an atmosphere that will captivate you. Vicious Moon transforms the dancefloor into a boiling ritual of violence. Noizerker – An unstoppable force. Specializing in Noise, Industrial Techno, and Neurofunk DnB, DJ Noizerker channels the untamed energy of a berserker to deliver gripping, high-intensity sets that shake the dancefloor to its core. With performances across North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, at renowned venues like Matrix in Bochum and Shadow in Leverkusen, as well as a standout guest appearance at the Castraum Nigra Festival in Koblenz, DJ Noizerker has built a reputation for uncompromising intensity on every stage. Now, his debut at the Resistanz Festival in Sheffield is just around the corner – a night of brutal, electrifying beats and raw energy is guaranteed. Mechanical Vein X Biomechanimal Mechanical Vein b2b Biomechanimal [HYBRID BLAK DJ Set] The masterminds of the genre-smashing HYBRID BLAK label return to deliver another storming set to Resistanz. After closing the main room last year with a journey through techno, industrial, and an absolute barrage of drum & bass, Keith and Matt of Mechanical Vein and Biomechanimal are already cooking in the kitchen, ready to serve up in April. Expect originals, remixes, exclusives, mashups, and the absolute cutting edge of dark bass music. HYBRID BLAK is a multi-genre label formed in London, UK, in 2019, by Keith Kamholz (Mechanical Vein) & Matthew L. Simpson (Biomechanimal). The pair aimed to create a label by artists, for artists, celebrating & supporting the genres they love. From drum & bass to industrial metal, techno to dark EDM, the label has celebrated over 6 million streams, with releases enjoyed worldwide. These two tear up a dancefloor like no other, go get some! Stage 2 DJ's ADBT & Crispygoth ADBT is the DJ moniker of Adrian Brian Thompson, a versatile club DJ with almost 20 years’ experience playing industrial, electronica, hard dance, indie electro, outsider pop, and commercial dance throughout the UK and Europe. As well as his current DJ residency at Manchester’s pioneering alt.queer party Dandy and his own AnalogueTrash nights, ADBT has DJ’d at Cologne’s Amphi Festival, London’s Slimelight, Sheffield’s Resistanz Festival, Copenhagen’s Underhusset club, Athens’ Big Bar, London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Paris’ Le Klub venue, Todmorden’s iconic Golden Lion, and many, many, more eclectic and underground events. ADBT co-owns and manages the critically acclaimed AnalogueTrash independent record label; curating a diverse mix of UK and international artists on its roster, staging regular live events, and boasting over 200 releases and counting in its current catalogue. Never one to sit still, he also performs live as part of the UK electronica 4-piece VIEON as a visual artist and VJ. An ADBT DJ set is a genre-defying, dancefloor-focused, banger-filled experience that’s sure to get your body moving. Back on the decks at Resistanz for another year, DJ Crispygoth has been part of the local Sheffield scene for over two decades. Over the years, Crispy has held residencies at club nights Batfink, Collision, and MODE @ Corporation. He has also made regular guest appearances all over the UK at a number of renowned club nights and events. Crispy is well-versed in many styles of electronic music, although he is most well-known for specialising in synthpop sets that keep the dancefloor packed all night! There you have it! Be sure to bookmark this page for easy set time referencing and to get that playlist stomping. As always, expect many Elektro Vox video interviews with a lot of the acts after the event too, as well as a review and hopefully lots of great pictures too. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Whether you're an anarchist, just like to keep informed on politics, or are simply PISSED OFF with the way EVERYTHING is going now in the political landscape of the world, Cyph_on has the track for you in the form of a hauntingly (and intelligent) caricature! Imagine if 'spit and image' was run and directed by EBM fans.. Check out my recent review of their album Precipice HERE Dark post punk/industrial from the depths of the UK. Born out of a number of previous electronic, industrial and neo-gth project, the band were founded during the lockdown years with the debut gig following in September 2023. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. There are some intense political themes in New Age. Can you tell us about the lyrical inspiration what made you chose to sing as this particular character that we hear in the track? A. Written in 2024, a year of general elections, the characterisation came from seeing the rise of the snake oil salesman type politicians across the Globe. The character singing the song is hiding in plain sight; their electorate deep down know their agenda and how it isn’t honest, but are so desperate for an alternative that they will pin their hopes on anything for change. Welcome to your New Age, sort of seemed appropriate as a lyric heralding in this character, in a way you’ve asked for change, now you’ve got it, but at what cost? Trump is the obvious correlation and the Republican Agenda 2025, but it does relate to Farage, the AFD in Germany, the Front Nationale in France, Argentina, Austria, Hungary and so on. The rise of populism and the right wing agenda are recurring themes in the songs being written for the second album. Therefore, consciously, it’s the characterisation that I see being played out over and over across the world. I do like writing in the third person, on Precipice, our debut album, the song Post Millennial Dream was sung as a Jeffrey Epstein type character. Ultimately, I think it can make an interesting differentiation from lyrics railing against a system as it can really help you grow a character and act that out through the song. The villain often tells a far more interesting story as well…. Q. The track has a dark, foreboding tone with a very post-punk, industrial feel. How did you approach songwriting and production to achieve that mood? A. In recording the first album, we ended up concentrating on a limited number of songs for an extended period, so having been released from that it’s given us the opportunity to breathe and write new songs unencumbered from a particular sound. It’s almost a release as it allowed us to delve into different issues and soundscapes to achieve something a little different. This was an easy song to write, the lyrics poured out from watching the American Presidential rallies and how I perceived their messages being spread. A simple guitar riff followed which was built on in the studio and created into a song with added electronics and drums following. Ultimately, I think it happened naturally, primarily due to the ease of the initial writing process. With a lyric led song, the music follows pretty naturally in tone as it’s the words that set the initial rhythm and basic melody of the song, therefore the foreboding tone comes alongside a message of what’s to come. No-one knows quite what it is but it’s not going to be pleasant. I’m really glad that tone came across in your impression of the song. Q. The guitar is particularly nostalgic and cutting, with an almost warning-like tone from the past. Were there any musical influences or historical events specifically that influenced the sonic direction of New Age? A. It's the first Cyph_on song that has been released that was written on the guitar with electronics added later, rather than the other way round. Sonically it shows Alan’s (guitarist) influence growing on the direction of the band which helps develop the sound in differing directions. There are correlations in sound to the likes of Geordie Walker (Killing Joke) and Justin Broadrick (Godflesh), but I think the sound does stand on its own with the influences there but not copied. Lots of chorus and reverb helped develop the sound. Historically, the rise of fascism in the pre second world war period plays strongly in the song. The rallies, the blind faith in an alternative message, the sense of despondency regarding the current incumbents alongside the wish to pin hope on anything different, despite the obvious consequences. It’s the opportunist saying anything they want just to take power and people are following blindly due to lost faith in the establishment. Q. How was your recent album Precipice received and how has it changed the course of Cyph_on? A. Firstly, I’m really proud of Precipice, I think it captured the sound of a band finding their way and had some really banging tracks on there that wouldn’t sound out of place in EBM and industrial club nights. It gave us a definition of sound that people have seemed to like, especially in a live environment, but it is also the end of phase 1. It seems to have been really positively received, but obviously that’s to a limited audience that we would really like to grow. I’d encourage people to listen to the album as a whole as it does tell a story of the past 3 years, from lockdown to political upheaval to personal demons and all to a banging, highly danceable soundscape. As it was quite a long time in inception, there is an evolution of sound within the album itself and the later songs to be written, Misery Cycle and Precipice, give an idea I think of where we’re heading as a band. I don’t want to lose the EBM feel of the earlier tracks and these types of songs come naturally to us, but the sound is certainly developing in a really interesting manner post Precipice. Precipice has given us a foundation, something to build on, but now something to move forward from. Lyrically, it draws a line under what was happening and how I was feeling during the initial inception of the band and has given us a position to look at what is happening now in the world and the shitstorm that we’re currently flying headfirst towards. Q. With the political and social aspects in your music, do you see New Age as a reaction to a specific moment in time, or is it a part of an ongoing statement about the state of the world? A. As a cop out, I’d say a bit of both. The world is getting ever scarier, leaderships are getting more and more radical, but in reality this has been going on probably since the early 2000s. There is a hell of a lot of disenfranchisement out there especially as consumer demands make people want more and more, but economic reality limits that to such a massive extent. This is then magnified through (relatively) newer mediums such as social media, where the adverts and streams that bombard people often make them realise just how much they can’t afford, furthering that feeling of hopelessness. I believe people are that sick of the failures of Capitalism that they are getting sucked along with being told what they want to hear. Scapegoating immigrants, LGBTQIA+ communities, foreign governments or anything they can find to distract their populous from what their real agenda is and I have tried to portray this through the song’s protagonist. It’s a scary situation that has been played out in history on multiple occasions. The song is therefore a warning about heeding the lessons of the past, a reaction to the present and a stark warning about the future. Review Sticking to their political outrage Cyph_on now bring us a track of interpretation. It's fairly easy to understand however that this track is sung from the perspective of a corrupt right wing politician, and in this instance, the orange menace. I spread the lies, I spread the hate I'll make your conscience dissipate Watching your morals disintegrate Here is your new age Ravenous circles I create in a chasm filled with your rage welcome to my state I'll give you my new age 'New Age' is a track that feels heavy with atmosphere and foreboding. The guitar throughout adds to weight with it's cutting nostalgic sound like a warning from the past, whilst the drum puts out a parade ground rhythm. Tim's vocals sound out this dictator's speech with a nonchalance ideal for the theme. The release has a remix by Parasite Unit, however I do find it difficult to pick out much in the way of difference other than maybe an extra layer of something I can't quite pinpoint other than some extra rhythmic electronic element - added to the track. Have a listen and see what you think though! I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts! Besides A remix no matter in whatever it's form instantly doubles the value of the single you're purchasing, so that's always a bonus. Conclusion With New Age, Cyph_on makes a bold and deeply intelligent statement about the slow and corrupt fall of society. poignant and thoughtful, the band's mix of post-punk and industrial genres along with politically charged lyrics create quite the soundscape of environmental storytelling. The song tells a tale of dystopia political nightmare fuel, and so casually delivered, just like the very people it portrays deliver their verbal diarrhea - uncanny! This all serve as a chilling wake up call to power and manipulation in the wider world. Cyph_on have truly made an impressive and enjoyable niche of telling the tale of the villains, as the villains themselves. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

You in the mood for a thriller? Some horror, or some macabre mind twisting? How about a furiously good dance heavy remix you weren't expecting. BELLHEAD return in top form with some grizzly tracks of signature sounds dark rock goodness. Check out our previous articles about BELLHEAD HERE Chicago’s BELLHEAD have just announced one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2025 as ‘Threats’ will be available beginning April 8th on CD, Digital Download, and Streaming on all major platforms. The first single and title track “Threats” can be heard on March 10th via Bandcamp pre-order. ‘Threats’ is the first EP of new material since BELLHEAD released ‘Good Intentions’ in 2023.  Longtime fans will be rewarded for their patience and loyalty to the band, while people new to BELLHEAD will be immediately hooked by this release.  Are there songs about Death? Check.  Songs about Revenge? Yep.  Drowning? You know it.  Heartbreak? Got You Covered! Femme Fatales, Murder, and Sorrow?  Yes!!! All the familiar elements that fans have come to expect from BELLHEAD are still there, and yet with this release, the duo has grown in their songwriting, implementing refreshing styles and approaches to their storytelling. Gone is their distinctive Black and White branding, having been replaced by vibrant yellow. The Anachronistic artwork of the previous releases, now issues a harsh warning along with a full color photo. Ivan Russia and Karen Righeimer-Schock let you finally see who exactly is making good on these “Threats”  Engineered by Neil Strauch and mastered by Carl Saff, the EP which will be released via Oppressive Sky Records includes five new songs alongside two remixes. Darkwave’s rising stars Clubdrugs provide a hallucinogenic fueled trip through a Haunted Mansion on the remixed “Heart Shaped Hole”, while Stabbing Westward’s Chris Hall provides additional vocals on the remixed “Bad Taste” that gives it a club filling stomp one does not often associate with BELLHEAD, leaving you with your fists pumping and feet moving. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. Threats implies a sense of danger or warning. Do you see this EP as a statement, a challenge, or something else? It is a Threat. A promise with malice. This isn’t a band, it’s a gang. This isn’t a bass, it’s a machine gun. These aren’t words, these are promissory notes we are making good on. This is the warning. There is danger and it’s name is BELLHEAD. Q. With Clubdrugs and Chris Hall of Stabbing Westward joining the EP for some remixes, how did these remixes come about, and what do you think about hearing BELLHEAD taken in a damn good club track direction with 'Bad Taste'? We’ve worked with Stabbing Westward previously - Walter Flakus of SW did a remix of “Nothing as it Seems” for us. Fast forward a few years when we were opened for SW and Chris Hall offered his skills remixing as well.  Clubdrugs are good friends we have known for a few years and have played a handful of shows with- so it was a no brainer to have them provide a remix.  Both remixes are a lot of fun and hopefully will get plenty of plays on the dance floor!  Q. The themes in Threats seem to lean heavily into revenge, heartbreak, and even murder - classic BELLHEAD. How do these new songs push the dark concepts you write about - further than previous releases? Karen said to me “I’m done being nice” and I told her “I was never nice” and with that we took some big swings. We went through personal losses that resulted in emotional outbursts. Mourning has a way of forcing words and songs out of me. The record is not about death. It’s not that one dimensional. Death, she is the progenitor of the work. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance make an appearance or are a motivator in all the songs.  Q. If you could stage the ultimate Threats music video with no worries about cost, what would that look like when finished? Funny, We filmed a wonderful video for “Threats” and from what I have seen it looks fantastic! If we had fuck you money to spend on it, I don’t know what we would do. We would probably sing the chorus on the top of a cop car. Karen would flip a semi truck on LaSalle Avenue like in the Dark Knight. There would be a car chase. Dancing girls. A carnival. No one should ever give us a blank check. We are very thrifty. We spend money where the money needs to be spent but our crafty way of problem solving is part of how we come up with ideas. I’ve wanted to do “Pepper's Ghost” for a long time. By today’s standards it would be cheaper in post production rather than getting a giant piece of glass to do a visual effect that’s older than film itself. I suppose we would shoot more footage on film. We used film for “Bad Taste” and that was not cheap or easy.   Q. Having travelled and played live so much over the past couple of years, what lessons have you learnt from your recent journeys? Karen: Separate your clean and dirty clothes in your tour pack, stay hydrated, pack extra batteries, always have a plan B ready, and make time to hit up comic book stores. Ivan: Antiquing is rock n’ roll. We were at an antique store where Alice Cooper bought a sword and used it on stage. They had this picture by the cash wrap and the teenager working couldn’t piece together why I was excited about it. Q. Anything you'd like to say to your fans? The love from our fans and friends is unmatched, and we look forward to seeing everyone on the road in 2025.  Stay tuned for more tour dates in 2025!  4/05 The Hook and Ladder - Minneapolis, MN - Fireseek Festival 4/24 Rose Bowl Tavern - Urbana, IL - Bat Factory 4/25 Art Sanctuary - Louisville, KY 4/26 Spectrum Record Lounge - Cape Girardeau, MO w/ Gary Robert and Community 4/27 Sk8bar - Kansas City, MO w/ Cables & Lace / Juliette Frost 5/03 Liar’s Club - Chicago, IL w/ Skatenigs 5/04 Falcon Bowl - Milwaukee, WI w/ Skatenigs / Choke Chain 5/10 Small’s - Hamtramck, MI - Fixation 2025 w/ Assemblage 23 / Ego Likeness / Al1CE / Cyanotic / Mari Kattman / Amaranth 5/30 Chicago Steampunk Expo 2025 w/ Charming Disaster8/09 Healer - Indianapolis, IN w/ Plague Garden / In A Darkened Room / Grave Love / Final Girl / Broken Nails / Waiting for Meteors / Twice Dark Review 'Threats' starts us off with that Gothic guitar and bass 'horror' sound BELLHEAD are well known for, but as many of you may know, BELLHEAD is far more on the dark rock side of things than the Gothic, yet that familiar undertone is there none the less. The chorus of 'Threats' takes us from a low growled verse to an up-tempo chant of 'If I can't break your heart, then no one will!' which is a surprisingly catchy and unexpected twist in direction before the track slinks back in to the slowly growled verses of macabre lyrics. She'll make you beg and plead, Make you dance to the gunshots, She whispered me a threat I won't soon forget.. Scorned lovers, tragic romance, toxic abuse, whatever the picture, the threat of life ending violence here is still the same. 'If I can't break your heart, then no one will!' Aggressive in tone but chilled in sonic execution, 'Threats' is a great warm up for this rather dark EP. Kicking drums and filthy bass opens up 'Heart Shaped Hole'. This track feels more like the old school day of Sister's of Mercy just with a thump-ier guitar. Lyrics in the track speak of expecting a vengeful God to come and take note of the things the protagonist has done, goading them to do so. There's even a tongue in check 'ooh yeaa' used a few times which feels like a parody of evangelical mass, quite the ballsy track! A more chilled yet sinister track awaits in 'Shutters + Stutters' alluding to a curse in the blood, poetically explaining how a person can be disappeared and in a year's time, no one will ask about it anymore or remember. As ever.. this somewhat serial killer sounding vibe is very much on point for BELLHEAD. The track picks up as it progresses into a heavier kick - creating a decent sense of foreboding, and threat. This dark and slow progressive formula of the previous track continues in 'No Dead Horses' yet with an almost militarised drum fleshing out much of the track. It is deep, chant worthy, and sounds like the theme track set up to a highway dinner death brawl. Having said that, the lyrics give a sense of being abandoned by a family member, and a path of self destruction. 'Double Jeopardy' brings a 'bounce' vibe to the darkness. Karen sings out the chorus breaking up the poetic spoken words of Ivan. There is a bell sound in the background that I can't help but focus on, but overall the track nicely wraps up the malicious feel to the EP. NOW.. The track 'Bad Taste' (Stabbing Westward Remix) This is incredibly different altogether! The track is a remix from the 'Good Intentions' EP A cinematic reverb brings your focus fully to the introduction, and the electronics throw out a damn good dance worthy BPM. This is some old school dance EBM style stuff. The lyrics of 'Bad Taste' work so well with the electronic backing and really do bring that messy but catchy goodness reminiscent of old school EBM. Needles to say, I bloody love this track! Finally we have 'Heart Shaped Hole' (Clubdrugs Remix) This remix takes the track down a darker - cyberpunk alleyway. The contortion of the vocals and original track gives it an interesting sense of intoxication via sound which is an impressive piece of sonic environmental storytelling, whether on purpose, or by accident, it is still a very interesting journey through a darker, deeper soundscape. I particularly love the 'falling' sound at 3:03-3:07 Conclusion BELLHEAD return once again in peak form with their fierce niche of the darker side of life and musical exploration. I love the way BELLHEAD come up with twisted storytelling in their tracks set amongst the gritty guitars, bass driven undertones, and well thought-out drums. Though this is the signature sound we've come to expect from BELLHEAD, 'Threats' has a feel of something fresh, something deeper than before that really makes you want to pay close attention. The 'Threats' EP showcases some damn fine and progressive talent from Ivan and Karen, blending the line between genre, media, storytelling, emotion, and foreboding in to songs that make you feel like your experiencing a thriller show or film in a whole new way - just without the screen. BELLHEAD are definitely on the right path to becoming a far more recognised name and sound across the alternative music scene. If you're a club DJ, get that Stabbing Westward remix in your playlist! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Step in to the ring with VOIDXWITCH bringing you a very different offering of song to that which you usually expect from the Goth electronic world. This track throws fists then spits in your face, and yet, it gets you pumped, fired up, and ready to stand the hell back up! I briefly covered their EP 'ECSTACY IN DARKNESS' back when I was doing 'On our sensors' posts Here (I really should do some of those again) “VOIDXWITCH is difficult to quantify. There are a lot of styles on offer in this EP. From one moment I am reminded of SKYND, the next Cradle Of Filth, the next Jazmin Bean, and then Emilie Autumn. There's a lot here to enjoy and I really like all of it.” VOIDXWITCH Hex Evans (they/them) —aka VOIDXWITCH— is a queer, Montreal-based artist creating emotionally devastating, uncomfortably erotic, and deeply personal redemption music. Their highly unique blend of musical genres—including alternative pop, witch house, musical theatre, and 2000’s dance music—explores complex subjects close to their heart, such as sexuality, mental health, and survival. These themes, sometimes very dark, are counterbalanced by a persistent gallows humour, an irreverent attitude, as well as driving, life-affirming dance beats. In 2023, they released their debut 8-track EP, ECSTASY IN DARKNESS . Created with deep intent, they consider this EP an initiation project of personal healing and creative rebirth. Blending punchy vocals with aggressive and melodic synths and samples gathered around the lunar cycles, each track is an emotional, soul-searching journey—dark, intense, angry, despairing, obscene—that transmutes private pain via music- and dance-induced ecstatic states of immense joy and sorrow. Accompanying this release was a music video for their song KILL THE PAIN, which collides spaghetti western aesthetics with Y2K rave energy—all in one beautifully bizarre electropop dance macabre. In 2024 they released their single BEAST OF THE BLACK HILL , a supernatural revenge song inspired by folk legends of the Barghest, or spectral hounds of ill omen and death, and their personal experiences of childhood trauma. Once again defying genre, this track is a complex blend of alternative dance music, dark pop, and horror musical theatre with rock opera tones. The music video—moody, frantic, theatrical, and confrontational—was filmed in stunning remote locations of personal significance and sees Hex transform into their own personal beast of vengeance. 2025 is set to be an exciting year for Hex, ushering in a new era of tracks, starting with BITCH ON BITCH in January, followed by SUFFER PUPPET in March. Several shows are on the horizon and they look forward to unleashing their music on the stage. They continue to make music on a never-ending quest of self-transformation, which is inextricably linked to their growth as an artist. Simmering beneath the surface of all this are practices of witchcraft and magic, which Hex utilizes in various stages of their creative process as a means of reclaiming agency, power, dignity, and interconnectedness. The results of this largely intuitive process are surprising and illuminating, forever unfolding as their project develops. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. This is another great release since your debut EP in 2023, was that your first delve into music or did the journey start before then? (As I sense a lot of talented experience in your work) First, thank you for the kind words! I’m grateful my work has resonated with you thus far, and for this second feature. I started making music in 2018 with my partner, Lizbeth Poirier, who’s also a part of VOIDXWITCH. Our first project was Blood and Dust, a noise band inspired by horror movies and the occult, which we gave a queer twist. I played the cello (badly but expressively), and Liz did the synths, and together we created what we called “auditory rituals” that were also stories of personal transformation. I say noise band, but it was also a bunch of other things - post-rock, horror drone, creepy folk music. In a way it has a lot of similarities to what we’re doing with VOIDXWITCH, in that there is a witchcraft ritual element with strong intent, as well as a combination of various genres. Q. Though the lyrics are clear and easily available, I would love it if you could tell us about the story behind writing this track and if there is a certain event behind its creation? I’ve had a couple people tell me, “When I listen to your songs, it’s obvious what they’re about,” and I like that. I bottled up a lot of feelings regarding experiences and observations that music has now become an outlet for, and when I started writing songs with lyrics, I wanted the messages to be very clear, and brutally honest - there’s not a lot of fancy metaphors. For Bitch on Bitch, it’s a culmination of things - bullying, my repressed queerness coming out in weird ways, turbulent trauma-bond relationships, self-loathing, saying what I wish I’d said … but at the heart of it, it’s about rivalry perpetuated by patriarchy. It’s the sound of my frustration of how people who are not seen as cis men are insidiously pitted against each other. It’s about standing my ground, and it’s about my own regrettable participation in the bullshit, but it’s ultimately a call-out of the greater oppressive forces at play. “We got a common enemy and it ain’t me.” Q. Though I've not been myself yet, I've heard wonderful things about the industrial scene in Canada, what sort of experience have you had so far in the industrial and Gothic scene out there? By the time I arrived in Montréal, the industrial scene had unfortunately begun to fade, especially because the legendary Kinetik Festival had ceased to be. All the iconic goth venues closed over the years as well. Lizbeth was a big part of it though, having pretty much grown up in Montréal. She says people were really committed to the scene, and industrial music specifically - there was a big crowd for it too. There’s a strong overlap with the noise music scene however, with a lot of amazing underground artists who do both industrial and noise music, and in that way it kind of lives on, as the noise scene is still going strong. This past December however, I had the chance to perform alongside a Montréal industrial music legend: Aliceffekt, who actually has been Lizbeth’s friend for a long time. This was an amazing experience for all sorts of reasons, and I was really touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of the old-school Montréal rivetheads who are still showing up. Everyone was so nice and supportive of my dark and weird music. Q. What has been your happiest moment with VOIDXWITCH so far? Good question! So recording is usually my least favourite part of making music because of the obsession with getting the “best takes,” and because the pressure I put on myself affects my voice in a way I don’t like. While I mostly record at home, I had two opportunities to record at Hotel2Tango, a recording studio in Montréal known for its cultural role in the city’s music scene, as well as its legendary founders - members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who were my heroes growing up as an angsty teen unsettled with the state of the world. The studio itself has such a warm energy, the sound engineer was awesome, my voice teacher came in, it was a lot of fun, and I felt like I was participating in something greater because of Godspeed’s legacy. Teenage me would be really fucking proud of me. I also really enjoy performing. I’ve only performed twice as VOIDXWITCH (and I have two more shows booked right now), but as many artists say, there is something special about the direct energy exchange with the audience that is revitalizing for the soul. I look forward to more of those shared experiences and I know I have a lot to learn from them. Q. What would you like to have achieved with VOIDXWITCH by this time next year? I want to do shows, I would love to do at least one festival, I want to connect with more fans. I want to have conquered my demons a bit, or at least live with them in a way that doesn’t hold me back from what I want to do. I want to keep making art. Q. Has being in the music scene thus far taught you any life lessons or experiences you'd like to share with the readers? That when it comes to obstacles in life, I am my own worst enemy. A feeling of despair and worthlessness has haunted me my entire life, inclined me towards unhealthy choices and kept me from reaching for my dreams. The process of making and sharing these songs and music videos has exposed to me how much I do really struggle to see my value, even if people I love and trust assure me over and over that it’s good what I’m doing, and that what I have to say matters. Related to that, the healing power of music. I need to make a big shout-out here to someone whose music was massively life-changing and influential for me: Zheani, an independent musician and artist from Australia. Her music found me in a driftless-but-searching moment of my life, me wanting to be a musician who puts themselves out there but not sure if I had the guts or anything of value to offer the world. Listening to her self-titled EP over and over for months in 2021, it taught me how powerful speaking the raw truth is, and how music can be a salve for the soul that then ripples out in a rather revolutionary way. So that was really cool - I recommend everyone listen to Zheani if you haven’t! Q. Anything you'd like to say to your fans?  To all of those who are supporting me at the start of my journey, I am endlessly grateful in a way I honestly don’t have words for yet - it’s still all rolling around in my heart. If you relate to what I’m singing about I’m sorry, and I hope my music can be a beacon or a support or whatever it does mean for you. Also, talk back and take no shit! You fucking rock. Review 'Bitch on Bitch' is a mostly spoken song with a very clear and sharp edge of fierceness; the melodic singing sections combine nicely, weaving in and out of the vocal styles with sheer grace. The lyrics are there to see on Bandcamp making for some great reading as Hex sings against hate.. Yet using that hate against those who wield it first - to see some sense. I LOVE that! (We've all been on the end of hate and abuse by normies right?) The spoken lyrical approach for the beginning half gives it a raw feel, keeping you hanging onto every word. Hex's delivery is fierce resonating for those who have faced adversity. Step into my ring bitch, this is gonna stingI smell you talking shit and I’m fucking sick of it So here’s a fist for each face, you duplicitous snake Fuck you if you’re insecure, think I heard your ego break Not a queen bee, you’re just a fucking wannabe Hypocrisy, that’s right, you peaked in mediocrity I wish, oh I wish, oh I wish you could see We got a common enemy - and it ain’t me Genre wise, Hex has thrown in elements of Witch House, Dark Pop, and some beat based 'rap'. There is a great electronic loop at 1:20 that gives the track a great kick, and sections it out nicely. At around 2:04 I am reminded of old school Emilie Autumn with the melody of her singing and the vibe the music creates. I love the fact they're wearing a strap, such a flex! 2:50 brings in a thicker bass and beat alongside more great electronics creating a really catchy end to the track that has definitely got it caught in my head the whole day - Proof of Hex's songwriting prowess! Get fucked up to numb the pain Friends and foes look all the same Hate is love, and love is hate, Stab my back, it feels great Conclusion Bitch on Bitch is a 'fuck around and find out' anthem of spicy Electro-Goth fury. You need a track for the gym? This is it. You need a track before you step in to an MMA match, here you go. You need a song just to get through the thought of seeing someone you don't like today? Hex got you covered. Fierce, proud, unapologetic, and packed with fun, Bitch on Bitch is a great little niche of alternative music that isn't explored anywhere as much as it should be with its melodic spoken tones against an energetic electro background. All that to say.. It's bloody brilliant! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Ray Noir is one of the artists on the lineup for Resistanz festival 2025 and it seems like a very good time to cover his latest single released on Valentines Day titled Razorblade Romance, to give you a taste of what the UK scene can expect! Razorblade Romance is survival in a track. For Ray Noir, a queer POC artist raised in Norway’s metal scene, it’s a fight song - against the rigid masculinity that nearly crushed him. Leaving his homeland was the only way to reclaim his true self, but the scars remain. This anthem is for all the queer souls in the alt scene who feel like outsiders. Featuring Grammy-winner Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Top Gun Anthem), Razorblade Romance blends raw industrial rock with defiant emotion. “This song feels like planning my own funeral,” Ray says. “Society tries to shame queer people to death, but we endure. We survive.” With haunting lyrics and Stevens’ blistering guitar, Razorblade Romance is dark, daring, and unforgettable. Ray Noir is coming for the top. His 2024 mixtape Scorpio smashed through with over 130K Spotify streams (and counting), sold-out shows, and a profile that’s quickly becoming unstoppable. Next stop: The Black Heart (April 3, 2025), Resistanz Festival (April 18, 2025), followed by a headlining show in Oslo (October 3, 2025). Written by: Ray Noir, Steve Stevens & Madeleine Wood Produced & Mixed by: Jon Cass Mastering by: Joe Farr Backing Vocals by: JoJo O'Donoghue STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Beginning with a catchy guitar riff that builds in to energetic drums, 'Razorblade Romance' starts off strong. The lyrical style reminds me somewhat of Massive Ego whilst the guitar reminds me of the Thrill Kill Kult track in The Crow. If you read the band bio above you'll have read this quote “This song feels like planning my own funeral,” Ray says. “Society tries to shame queer people to death, but we endure. We survive.” It's shocking how these wise words become more and more true with each passing day that we are currently surviving through. The anger in Ray's voice is clear as he sings about the way people will react to his death, symbolising the attack on the wider queer community and asking what people will feel once it's gone. The chorus is catchy and pumps out a decent fist pumping energy with the drums adding a layer of power akin to a call to action. A very interesting snippet of what to expect from Ray at Resistanz for sure! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The defining album of grabyourface's career.. Marie started music as an outlet for the pain, trauma, and abuse suffered in their life, now GYF releases the culmination of that journey of sadness, acceptance, and now hopefully.. healing. This is as emotional a journey possible through the museum of Marie's mind. This album is a poignant exploration of pain, resilience, and self-discovery, perfectly expressed through the medium of electronic music. As a close friend to Marie, I am fully appreciative of the gravitas the album and it's content contain, as such, I am deeply, deeply proud of them for finally finishing it and bringing that vulnerability to the public eye! This community therapy-like release is by far one of the finest albums I have ever had the pleasure to review. (It also hit top of most of our communities genre's on Bandcamp at release and also hit top 20 on all of Bandcamp!) This whole album has reminded me of the strong emotions I felt whilst listening to the first Evanescence album as a teenager. Sadgirl Mixtape is profound. grabyourface S A D W A V E This is the album of a lifetime. The album I always wanted to make. Music to cry to in your car at night, while driving to nowhere under the streetlights' alternating beams. The soundtrack that I needed in some of the darkest moments of my life, that I give to you now so you won't be missing it next time YOU need it. Sadgirl Mixtape is a carefully crafted collection of sad songs that I made during the past 7 years. It was never the right time to release it until it was. It's like it was quietly sitting in a corner of my life until I finally composed the last members of the cast; All I have Is Love, All I Do Is Destroy, You Will Never Be Happy, and Rain On The Car Roof. Eventually I also made an unplanned cover of one of my favourite songs ever, Les Mots Bleus by Christophe. The drama and soft intensity of this song suddenly fit perfectly with the rest of the album so I decided to include it as a Bandcamp exclusive. I hope you enjoy my emo offering. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. Hello again Marie! Can you talk us through where GYF was when we first met, and the journey you’ve taken to this release? So when we met at Infest 2022 I was in my angry phase fueled by the horrific political and social events in the world and my several collabs with artists who make much faster and harder music than me. I wanted to try and get in that zone myself, try and go fast and hard. It was a perfect timing that I was so angry at capitalism and governments. Now I'm not less angry, but I can't do shit about it and it makes me sad, so I'm back to talking about my little feelings instead. Q. Please can you walk us through the segments of the album that you mentioned before? I was torn about sharing those details or not during the listening party as I thought maybe it would be TMI, and opening up a bit too much about my personal life. But then I remembered that knowing about an art piece and the reason behind it makes it so much more relatable and intense, so I decided to go for it and share. But it’s still a bit tough! The first two tracks are about my father. We had a complicated relationship throughout my whole life and he died suddenly before I was able to solve those issues and start really communicating with him. He opened up in ways he had never before literally days before passing and I will never forget that. The next two are about relationships I had, many times, with people who loved me with all their heart and that I was unable to love correctly. I couldn’t give enough, or give right, and I had the impression that I was abusive and a bad person. So I thought the best thing I could do for them was to leave them, even if that felt like the worst thing for them at the time. The next three are about the darkest period of my life. I was in a very bad relationship from which I was not sure at the time I could ever escape alive. They also serve as a reminder of what I felt then, because with the PTSD it caused I have very little memory of that time, so my lyrics help me remember. I’ll let the songs speak for themselves. All I Have is Love, All I Do Is Destroy is about… It’s about the fact that even if you have the best intention in the world, and the purest love to give, you can still break everything. It’s about the fact that sometimes, you have to unfeel those feelings for everyone’s sake. You Will Never Be Happy and Rain On The Car Roof are about my inability to live normally. To BE normal. The drama and impossible nature of having to exist everyday on a physical plane and interact with the physical world. A brain full of intense feelings, pain, empathy and depression within a world that lacks empathy and only cares about productivity. Q. Are there particular lyrics or important points or memories rooted in the songs that you want to highlight and explain in greater depth for the audience? I want people to feel all those small visual moments that I give them in the songs, like the cup of coffee getting cold, or waving at no-one on the train platform cause everyone’s gone. Those moments of everyday drama, heartbreaking little things that change the color of the sky and make your smile forever a little veiled, a little sad. Q. On that note, can you please pick out some particular lyrics or sections throughout the album that you are particularly proud of or have the deepest meaning to you? In the merciless heat of summer My heart is so broken I drive at the speed limit In the merciless heat of summer Mon cœur se meurt. Q. What is next for GYF, you’ve joked to me before about retiring but I sincerely hope this is not true? Especially with the albums success so far and the great artists you often work with now. Next I'm gonna take a little break from music and make visual art as I've not had any time to draw and paint in the past months because I was making the album, and I miss it very much. I have multiple graphic design commissions that I need to get started on as well. I also want everyone to hear Sadgirl Mixtape and will be going on about that for a while! That said, I have a very clear idea of my next release. Q. Is there an overall message you wish the audience to take away from the album? Being comfortably sad is quite nice sometimes. Q. Has the album been as cathartic as you hoped? Do you feel it managed to cover everything you’ve wanted to express, or is there more in the depths of your mind to come? There is always more depth, as long as you’re alive and feeling the sad feels ahah. But yes Sadgirl Mixtape has been cathartic. Important, life-saving. I’m very proud of it. Q. Are there any important lessons you have learnt from your GYF experience over the last few years? Be nice to everyone. Everyone is sad. Q. Anything you’d like to say to your fans? If you can drive, drive with Sadgirl Mixtape. If you have earphones, walk at sunset or after dark with Sadgirl Mixtape. If you have the sads, listen to Sadgirl Mixtape. And share it to your sad friends. God knows we need it. Review I mainly wish for the majority of this album to speak for itself, writing a long thought on each track for once seems.. inappropriate. It's not my place to expand on or to try and explain someone else's pain, someone else's memories, heartbreak, agony, and experiences.. None of us can. What I will say is that the opening track sets everything up that follows very, very well. 'Everything Remains The Same' is somber, yet.. 'light' in sound? I suppose.. The keys, the drums, the melody is that of a chilled summer liquid funk / electronica vibe.. The lyrics however pain edged do have a melody of hope and healing from the past that the overall album represents in a way. It is beautiful, haunting, and paradoxically peaceful.. During the listening party at release, Marie told us a few details about each track, mainly that the album was in several sections representing times in their life.. During 'The Black Of My Hoodie' Marie shared a very personal explanation of when this song was written, maybe they will feel able to tell it again in the interview, maybe not. This is a song about loss. It is relaxed in pace and poetic. A spoken track with a touch of melodic singing that adds just the right amount of edge and depth. 'Bubbles Of Me' has a long noted synth adding a cyberpunk ambience to the emotive nature of the track. Light metal percussion chime out a contrasting innocence in combination with the talk of 'bubbles' that contrast the actual lyrical nature of the song's meaning of previous relationships. Taking a long deep breath in to 'My Last Act Of Love' where the track kicks in with digital rising notes of retro 'cuteness'.. The track gets slightly more intense as it goes on, adding more and more layers of notes and percussion. Marie's vocals grow as it builds making for an epic conclusion segment at around 4:50. A brilliant, brilliant piece. 'I Dream Of A Future Without You' is one of the two tracks that really hit me on my first listen and that I relate to very much on a personal level with my own experiences. It builds in a synth/retro wave style and I can see why Marie describes the album as Sadwave.. At 2:05 the tracks intensifies the atmospheric sense of entrapment, of urgency, but also a sort of call to action. When this is complimented at 3:40 by some of the most simple yet epic percussion in a track that I have ever heard, it brings the track to a whole other level. To give you an idea, if you took away the (Fantastic) lyrics and just played the track.. It would be something very much at home in a film like 'Dredd' or 'Terminator'. 'Tear Myself Away' brings in the heavier weaponry.. Almost tribal like drums pound out the emotions of deciding to get away from a toxic relationship. Again, another song that builds and crescendos, and does so brilliantly. 'Feeling Morbid' is deeper, with more bass, and has a very unique electronic sound at 1:09 and 3:07 that scratches my brain so, so good. Kind of like the sounds of bees swarming but it really does sound great and adds a complexity to the underlying bass and lyrical content that push a lot of genre boundaries and expectations. I LOVE it! The second song that really stood out to me was 'All I Have Is Love, All I Do Is Destroy'. It is a slow burner, allowing for the lyrics to really be the main focus - a self reflection. At 4:00 the tracks grows in agony and pace slowly, methodically. It really is a track that you need to appreciate for yourself. I loved too intensely and I destroyed it.. Again. ... My heart is so broken.. I drive at the speed limit. I wrote my previous article on 'You Will Never Be Happy' which you can read all about HERE . 'Rain On The Car Roof' hits very, very hard.. It is so poignant, edged with real world sounds of keys, car doors, rain, and tears.. It is deeply moving, powerful, and one of the best tracks on the album. Few lyrics have ever hit me as hard and powerfully as this.. So this is how adult life is, this is what they don't tell you. You gotta survive, push through and pretend that you don't want to jump off a bridge all the time. You live with the dread but act like you don't. And above all be thankful, people have it so much worse than you.. So much fucking worse! Lastly a cover of the artist Christophe with 'Je Lui Dirai Les Mots Bleus' or roughly translated.. I will tell her the blue (sad) words. This really does add in that retro sci-fi edge, with a pace of intensity and power amongst the anguish. Marie's voice really does lend well to covering this. Conclusion Sadgirl Mixtape is a monumental album by grabyourface, showcasing what it is to use anguish as a muse. Marie's album is an embodiment of tragedy the likes of modern day Orpheus and Eurydice making this a masterpiece that stands uniquely tall amongst other masterpieces in comparison. This journey crafted from their experiences speaks loudly and deeply about the human experience. It is also mixed and mastered to perfection flowing masterfully from song to song making for an almost hypnotic flow of 'easy' listening goodness. I am reminded of this quote.. "Art is to console those who are broken by life." — Vincent Van Gogh From the melancholy of 'Everything Remains The Same' to the cinematic intensity of 'I Dream Of A Future Without You', every track creates a window into moments of pain, resilience, and self- reflecting growth. This album is a catharsis, played out with electronic soundscapes and deeply personal lyrics. Each track shows the courage to lay one's soul bare for the world to hear. For anyone who has ever lost, loved, or had to survive.. This album is for you, for us. A community joined together in shared pain. Sadwave never sounded so powerful. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Dan Narkosis is one of those artists who seems to be swimming in industrial talent and skill yet can't quite find the exact genre to call his own. Which is no bad thing! It speak volumes to be able to press play and never know quite what to expect.. Whether the next track is going to drop your draw, send you in to a deep thought spiral, or make you giggle with glee. Previously I wrote a review of his Event Horizon inspired album 'Abject Terror' HERE Dan Narkosis From the mind of Dan Eastwood, former lead guitarist of Narcotic Death, comes the often confusingly diverse music of Dan Narkosis. After expanding his musical repertoire by session playing at iVardensphere live shows in the UK, this is the result. K eep your eyes and ears open, there is more to come..... eventually..... unfortunately..... Following on from my last two ep's, this time I wanted to delve into the Psychological side of horror. The dark side of the human mind, the tricks it can play on your senses, the tension it creates, leaving you feeling haunted and vulnerable. Don't let the MINDGAMES get into your head..... STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review "Good Evening Clarice".. Yes, the first track of 'The Doctor Will See You Now' is indeed The silence of the Lambs. A methodical throbbing beat plays beneath the hauntingly sinister high toned synths and tones whilst samples from the film progress the track. Mindgames is certainly the right title for this album as it makes you feel somewhat twisted listening to it. 'Patrick's a Psycho' (American Psycho) is a real enjoyable one with a faster bpm, steady percussion, and a techno rave undertone to it, making this a decent one to dance to even as Patrick's character yells in to the void. (Or at least.. down the flight of stairs) The Omen is up next with 'The Child Of Prophecy', this one is a lot calmer, with an air of chillout. A woman's lone voice choirs out the intro before the track samples the book or Revelation prophecy speech in the film. At 1:38 more voices join the choir and some beautiful piano keys dance out a melody with a somewhat trip hop like beat. Hauntingly beautiful and a testament to the wide array of genres Narkosis is able to turn his hand to. I will admit I don't know the horror genre well enough to know the film that 'She's Just A Fan...' plays tribute to. It is however one of the best tracks on the album, a reverberating beat 'wubs' out the first section of the track and then breaks in to a much louder, distorted section that speeds the track up and adds to the chaotic atmosphere. It's stomp worthy basically. 'What An Excellent Day For An Exorcism'.. this is a more tame version of Industrial techno, or so you think until half way through when it adds more stompy goodness in. It is of course based on The Exorcist. The shining anyone? This track kicks off with some very intense notes and tones. The beat that kicks in is fierce, dubstep like, and reminds me of a lot of Seraphim System. It kinda sounds like robots having sex at various point.. which though sounds weird, I actually love it. This is the dance floor track of the album. Dirty, filthy, full of spilt dancefloor drink flavour. Lastly 'Every Town Has An Elm Street' (Nightmare on Elm Street) is a digital exploration of sonic creativity. This one really does dance around your brain and keeps you guessing with its haunting atmospherics. Conclusion Mindgames is a faithful journey in to horror soundscapes that shows off his unique blend of electronic and ambient music abilities. Throughout the album, Dan plays out his talent for electronic music, seamlessly blending different genres and styles to create quite the experience. The album's production and nuances, and of course Dan's love for media is clearly evident throughout. Everything Dan releases is very much worth listening to! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

When someone enjoys something and goes out of their way to create more of what they specifically would like to see in the world.. Well, it's always a wonderful thing. OUR GRAVES has produced a distinctively impressive debut album of just that - an EBM album made from passion, meaning, and genuine enjoyment for the love of the music. OUR GRAVES Drops The Dark & Reflective Debut Album, 'System Overload' October 7th, 2024 - Electro-industrial band, OUR GRAVES has just unleashed their debut, full-length album,  System Overload . The album is a passionate tribute to the electro-industrial, EBM, and aggrotech genres. It seeks to strike a delicate balance: honoring the roots of the scene while weaving in new ideas to keep the sound fresh and engaging. Lyrically,  System Overload draws from a time of grief and reflection following the loss of Graves' father the previous year. Without an overarching concept in mind, the themes of the album emerged organically, revolving around the search for meaning amidst a decaying world. Some of the tracks on System Overload offer critiques of institutions that seek to control us while others offer a glimpse into the personal wars within. and others explore the disturbing consequences of societal degeneration. With System Overload ., Graves has crafted the dark, intense, and undeniably industrial music he wants to see more of in the world. System Overload . is available on all major digital platforms including Bandcamp and Spotify. https://linktr.ee/ourgraves STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Punchy, energetic, fun.. 'System Overload' lights the flare for a very cyber take on EBM, much like early Combichrist or Grendel - This is definitely a body mover. The lyrics talk of a viral infection being the cause of the system overload - growled out in a surprisingly clear and concise half way point between aggrotech and EBM. 'Precious lies' follows a similar style, yet a bit slower in tempo to get more (interesting) lyrics in whilst a great little retro gaming synth plays underneath it all if you pay attention, and that's a real nice touch adding to the overall ridicule of society that the lyrics portray. I refuse to see the lies I'm fed Drink the poison Eat the shit.. 'We Want It All' Rumbles in a crunchy synth and a simple yet effective drumbeat. The song rips in to capitalism and how horrible the financial powers that be are as they beat everyone down. A meaty strike of percussion and some brilliant street fighter-esque synths open up 'Faceless' with a distorted electric vocal (which reminds me a bit of MATT HART) scattered throughout the track, it's slow in tempo but quite an enjoyable little 'stomper'. 'Self Destruction', 'My Prison', and 'Intruder' are pretty similar in slower tempo sound too. Upbeat and kicking - 'Happiness' sounds like a dance through an active and dangerous factory, you can't really get more industrial than that, right?. Lyrics drip with accusation, and provoke thought. It reminds me of a much angrier version of IAMX's 'Happiness'. A thoroughly decent slice of harder boot stomping. 'Lost My Faith' is an interesting one, as it plays out a more science fiction B-movie sounding track. Finally we have 'You Can Do Anything'. Do you remember that horribly misogynistic little outburst Trump once spouted along the lines of... "You can do anything.. Grab 'em by the p..." Yeaaaa, well that's the only lyrics to this track. I believe this track to be a condemnation of what he said (Otherwise I wouldn't be covering the album) and as a condemnation, it makes the track pretty cool to bop along to, and stomp the ground very angrily.. Conclusion For a debut album by OUR GRAVES, System Overload is a great EBM release that stays true to the genre's roots, yet is humble enough to include newer, more diverse, and evolved paths for the genre that allow for a lot more of a modern enjoyment of Industrial exploration. Definitely ones for the darker, grittier past of EBM and Industrial, yet full of potential to spark a new wave of modern takes on EBM. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

A monumental task has been achieved by Simon Carter, bringing in 11 very well known names in industrial to the album Start The Sequence. I know how hard he worked to get reputable and good hearted artists together for this, and I know myself from recent experience how difficult the nuances of compilation can be! Simon has created a wonderful collection of Synthpop and Future pop here, all with a strong undercurrent of Trance, and it is a WONDERFUL experience to listen to! I did ask about the male heavy presence on the album, having known Simon to more often than not work with some incredible women in the industry in most of his releases.. " An excellent question, I wrote to 6 female vocalists, only 2 replied to me (SYZYGYX and Emily Rohn from CHIASM) who were both very polite and complimentary but sadly had no room in their schedule. It is worth noting that Technomancer who provided the vocals on 'Light a Fire' is a Woman. You may notice on the credits for that track on digital platforms such as spotify, they include her female name." 11 guest vocalists have been brought to the fold to help create a very special collaboration album. Truly an international effort with the vocalists hailing from Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain, UK and the US. Simon has been in the underground electronic music scene for over a decade and has several other projects including 'STUDIO-X vs. SIMON CARTER', 'SD-KRTR', 'NARCONIC', and 'HUMANS CAN'T REBOOT'. Electronic music for the dancefloor! STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'What's Gone Before' (feat. Marc Massive of Massive Ego) was the first single of the album and Massive Ego had only just told us they would be slowly returning to the music scene. (Much to my enjoyment as I truly love their work!) Lyrically this track really connects with the listener as we all have quiet contemplations on our past and indeed - What's gone before, there are few better voices to sing something that poignant - as Marc Massive. There are a handful of people I would consider to be geniuses in the field of electronic music - Simon Carter is definitely one of them. 'What's Gone Before' plays true evidence to that with a stunning composure of just the right touches of trance, synth, bass, beats, and of course melody; all the while still holding on to that industrial umbrella in the guise of future or synth-pop. It really is quite a feat to use all of these ingredients together and create something so damn relaxing yet dance inducing at the same time! This is the kind of track I desperately want to play in a nightclub but it fits the vibe of opening or closing time, it doesn't have the dance 'oomf' of a mid-flow club dancefloor, (Unless it was on a more relaxed or genre specific night) but it doesn't need to be, and it doesn't try to be! This track is an ideal chillout track that is catchy, memorable, and in my books, an instant hit. Therefore, my favourite track on the album by far! 'Dream Away' (feat Ruined Conflict) What a great artist Simon has recruited here aye?! Much like the previous song, this follows thoughts of the past, it keeps a more chillout like vibe, and another very memorable chorus. Xavier's voice is as ever ideal for lyrics full of meaning and passion. Although there are thoughts of the past, this track mainly revolves around dreaming about the future, making this quite the joyful anthem a lot of us need going in to a terrifying year. Brilliant track and I'm proud to see Simon achieve such a top collaboration! 'Infect What You Reject' (feat. for all the emptiness) throws in a higher tempo trance aspect, with peaking synths, a catchy beat loop, and a feel of something from the grand age of early 2000's EDM and Trance. This theme continues through much of the album too. You infect what you reject, and you no longer have to hide your hate for me within your eyes.. 'Nothing Lasts Forever' (feat. Voicecoil) brings a heavier, thump-ier dance beat whilst still maintaining the melodic nature of the vocals in the previous songs. At 2:50 we get a beautiful synth drop and a great sense of atmosphere, one for the mid-flow club for sure! THIRD REALM.. My goodness do I like a bit of THIRD REALM and how much they explore different styles. So of course 'Cage' (feat THIRD REALM) was not what I expected, but that's always a good thing I think. The tracks start deep, full of EDM potential, yet it kicks in with some nice Gothic style - darkwave vocals. It's a chill track that keeps your body moving and swaying along regardless of the chill. It feels simple yet drips with complexity, like something luxurious. 'When The Winter Comes' (feat. Damasius Venys of Future Lied To Us / Mental Exile) Firstly, Damasius has a wonderful voice, and having seen him perform before for both bands last year (as well as Simon Carter) at Resistanz festival, it's great to see his inclusion on this release. This track is an anthem, it starts off just as chill as most of the songs on this album do, yet at the half way point the tracks takes the energy and momentum skywards, making it a real bop along number. The instruments and melody remind me somewhat of Solar Fake, so fans of them might love this one. 'Light A Fire' (feat. Tecnomancer) has some real nice trance underlying the track, especially in the later third; For that the track has a great sound to it thanks to some top class instrumentation. Though not quite to my tastes in song I still find this track to be a solid addition to an already strong album. 'Moondancer' (feat. Stefan Netschio of Beborn Beton) again brings in the nostalgic and wonderful trance vibes; and I will always be impressed that Stefan can sing the way he does, it pours through the ears like warm honey, bringing a deep satisfaction to the soul as you get wrapped up in the words being sung. This is one of the top tracks on the album because it just sparks joy.. Be that through instrumentation, through nostalgia, through pure songcraft, or the energy it exudes.. Whatever it is, it's a winning formula. 'Wenn die Welt sich nicht mehr dreht' (feat. Tim Green of Alienare) is probably the most -industrial- track on the album in a sense of synthpop without the trance aspects. Vocally this is another not to my preference but overall the track is still a strong piece of work and enjoyable. 'Let Me Sink In Shadows' (feat. Alex Erbacher of DISTRICT 13) lays on some quite thick 'emo' lyrics in contrast to the EDM Trance that reigns supreme from Simon Carter in this release. Regardless of the lyrics themselves, the song itself is quote wonderful and cathartic. The piano slowdown at around 3:15 really does bring in a satisfy air of inner peace and calm. This of course though is a Simon Carter release, you don't get to relax and the track end with a nice big cup of GET BACK ON THE DANCEFLOOR! Finally we have 'This Pain' (feat. ENTRZELLE) which is one for Muse fans! Vocally there are some similarities to Matt Bellamy but seemingly much smoother and varied in range. This track really hits hard in the emotions department which I'm sure resonates with a lot of people out there. It's a song about separating from a loved one and it is hauntingly beautiful The emptiness that echoes now where your light used to be. I tear at the skin of who I have become, to free the sadness deep within, so that I can move on.. Conclusion Full of passion, vision, and artists with genuine love for music and their fans, Simon Carter has really outdone himself with Start The Sequence! With incredible artists such Ruined Conflict Nation, Marc of Massive Ego, and so many more, I am beyond impressed at this monumental release. It escapes me how this album has flown under the radar at time of release and isn't the main talking point in the scene right now - especially coming in at the highest new release at number five on the German Electronic Web Charts charts! This really is one you need to go and listen to right away. ..Why are you still here? Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Take your brain on a psychedelic trip through intergalactic expanses of spine chilling awe, fear, and thine own self. This dark electronic album refuses to be confined by genre or labels, it simply demands to be experienced. This is an album where if you peer in to its void, the void stares back.. 0110 Riga, Latvia .Death. .Synth. .Repeat. S*cker punch Released December 4, 2024 Written, produced and performed by 0110. Mastered by Gregg Janman @Hermetech Mastering Artwork by @Herr Nox https://linktr.ee/0110_music STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review The title track 'Sucker Punch' introduces the album HARD; A tension building high synth, loud drums, and the reverbing bass wave that this track opens with demand.. 'You WILL listen to this!' Just like the wonderfully psychedelic Pink Floyd were known to do, the track takes you on a much different, softer journey for a time, before changing things up once again to unexpected higher places. The synth notes that make themselves felt around the 2:00 mark add an air of the grandiose and intergalactic. 'Sucker Punch' made me feel like I was following a small fighter craft up close, seeing the beautiful images of planets and nebula behind it, only for the camera to pan round and show an invasion Armada of terrifying proportions; That's the kind of scale this track manages to create. Now of course - for all I know, this track could be entirely based on the film Sucker Punch which also had great music or something different entirely, but I can really see this track being used for a kick ass fight scene or traumatic realisation like you got in that movie too. In short, it's brilliantly cinematic piece, and takes you through the unexpected in your mind. 'Karen the Kraken'.. You know those memes about 'The ultimate boss Karen?' Well that's exactly what this song achieves, a messy, chaotic, cacophony of retro feeling synths and percussion that play out a tense atmospheric of a damn difficult boss fight on a retro console in great 64 bit style. The percussion and notes are jagged, fun, and easy to find yourself dancing along to. At 2:40 the track has a chilled out choral section, putting me in mind of a main character about to find their second wind before beating the boss, and there's always choral sections before the second phase with a main boss, right? Punchy, energetic, and bizarre all in one. We move on to quite the banger with 'Old, Epic... Untitled' This track provides a real sense of cyberpunk with the midtempo crunchy synths, and the haunting - if not, harmonious vocal of a woman throughout. The notes have a sense of purpose, of action, and of combating something greater, more powerful, than the listener. This is full of retro and synthwave pic'n'mix from the rolling drums, to the high note keys, and the sweeping synths. This has an ideal title because it does feel quite epic! It actually reminds me of one of my favourite tracks of all time from Resident Evil Retribution - 'Flying Through The Air' 'A Certain Fate' is short at only 1:13 and has a recurring sound of multiple boots stamping to attention. That to me creates a sense of a dark fate indeed, the tragedy around us that is the rising of fascism, of war, and hate. The powerful drum at the end gives way to lightly crackling static.. I am reminded of the quote from Orwell's 1984.. But always – do not forget this, Winston – always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever. Like the work we do at Elektro Vox? 'Hillcrest Wave' brings a taste of retro-wave but with more of leaning towards dark-synth, it sounds out an atmosphere of foreboding fear. This tracks feels like a journey through the darker corners of a mind, the likes of Lovecraft or even stranger things. The main body of the track gives way to a higher tempo, thumpier end at 4:52 which KICKS ASS! It is quite unexpected and out of the blue but the sudden change of pace present duelling synths and loops that create a beautiful sense of action, of adventure, and of overcoming something at great effort. In 0110's own word.. "'Interlude in Hell I' is musically and thematically inspired by 'Help me I'm in Hell', track no.4 on Nine Inch Nail's 'Broken' EP." This short track of 'Interlude in Hell I' does indeed strike true with the original NIN track but in a darker, more sinister approach that fits the title. It has a screeching - rising synth that really does give that haunting impression of Hell and the desperate need for escape. On the album itself, the last track is 'Plasma Hyper Drive' but the album does have one more song beyond that.. 'Plasma Hyper Drive' of course - brings me back to what I mentioned during the opener 'Sucker Punch' with the sci-fi Armada, as the first part of the track once again paints that picture of a galactic expanse, and a fleet poised to strike on it's helpless target. Here's where it gets really interesting, I used to play several retro games of space-fighters taking on waves of enemies that I loved and remember vividly. Why do I mention this? Well around 1:30 the track brings in a sense of hope.. slowly.. increasingly.. Then at 1:57 the track breaks formation and kicks in to a different flight path. The track suddenly sounds more arcade like, more heroic, more defiant, and that only builds as the track plays on. I relieved the memory of playing as of one of those fighter craft plowing in to an Armada fighting against all odds to take the fight back to them and inflict incredible losses. The retro drum loops just after the 4 minute mark are brilliant. The track feels like it speeds up throwing in all the best elements of experimental electronic music. I wouldn't be surprised if I played Stellaris one day and they had paid 0110 to incorporate this track in to the game's soundtrack.. It's REALLY good! The ending at 5:50.. DAMN! Power, grace, energy.. Intense fun, foot pounding, head banging joy.. what a rush! The last track/s I'll be covering here is 'Shout' - A cover of Tears For Fears which they were not able to licence for the main album. Again in 0110's words: "Most of the digital versions are a bit shorter than their analog counterparts (cassettes/vinyls), some songs are even different to a point where the structure is slightly changed by a few bars. -The cassette has two sides, side A is the full album (same as the vinyl, bandcamp, etc). Side B is how the album should have been if we would have been able to include "Shout" on the physical releases, so the songs are in a slightly different order and there's a long blank space near the end, long enough to fit 'Shout (long version)', which is a free download on bandcamp. So the listener can go "old school" , put some tape on the cassette's top corners and record the missing song, just like in the era of mixtapes." I LOVE the original of 'Shout' and I usually am quite worried when I'm about to hear a cover of most classic songs, but 0110 have done it justice! The vocals and keyboards are performed by Navel4eve and they start off low in equalisation - being brought up slowly to give the sense of emergence from the depths at the songs beginning. The track is slower and darker than the original. (of course!) I'd go as far as to say that this is one of best covers I have heard in a long time. The keyboards, vocals, synths, drums, all of it creates a magical atmosphere that the original didn't quite create. Around about the 3:30 mark it does sound like 2 songs are playing without being beat-matched but it doesn't detract from the song, as much as it adds an interesting depth that was unexpected, perhaps a bit too jarring for some, bit I was able to still appreciate it. The 'Long Version' powers out a great sense of euphoric electronics and joy at the latter end of the track as well. Conclusion For 0110 to produce an album that creates so much imaginative imagery, provoked memory, and day dreams.. You have to be listening to something quite special, unexpected, and experimental as to not know what to expect. Simply put Sucker Punch is by far one of the finest instrumental albums to grace my inbox. With the exception of 'Shout', this lyric free album pushes the boundaries of electronic genre and definitions to new frontiers. 0110 have shown and incredible amount of vision and appreciation of the effect each and every sound will have on the listener, and that, is marvelous! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The wonderful grabyourface is releasing an album on the 5th February, and great news.. They just released a single to warm you up.. Or to at least warn you that you will need a full box of tissues at release! Here's an EXCLUSIVE first look at the album cover! (Unless of course you got one of the limited edition calendars at their UK headline show recently!) We also have some exclusive words below from Marie about the album and the single. LOVE IT! Words from grabyourface: Sadgirl Mixtape is the album I always wanted to make. Every song tells a story that needed to be exorcised through music so I could get over it. I wanted to call it a mixtape to get the idea of both the 90s era that I have so much nostalgia for, and also that this is a homemade, carefully crafted compilation I would make for my friends to listen to when they're sad. Every story is real, raw, every line of every song has been intentionally written and there are probably many messages in there for those who want to hear them, as well as for those who relate and will need to tell their own story through them. Things can be easier said with a song. Music wise as well as lyric wise, I did exactly what I wanted to do with this album, as I wanted to create something perfectly aesthetically sad to cry to. I grew up listening to sad music, and I felt I had never enough to add to my sad playlist, so I decided to create some myself. I've had people coming to me about how much the lyrics and melo vibe of You Will Never Be Happy spoke to them and how much they could have written those words themselves. This is exactly what I felt growing up listening to my sad emo goth and metal songs, so this is the ultimate accomplishment. grabyourface Urban industrial hybrid singing about sad stuff. 'You Will Never Be Happy' is the first single off the album Sadgirl Mixtape by grabyourface.. Released February 5th 2025. STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review I know full well the amount of love and tears Marie has put in to the upcoming album, one of those albums where you know an artist has put their entire soul in to it, having wanted to do it for YEARS, and is anxious about how it will be received. Marie has shot to popularity with their techno and dance heavy tracks, but before all that was the raw emotional sadness of their first couple of albums. (Check out the wonderful songs 'Sea' and 'Shore') So a return to the emotional side as opposed to their recent techno flourish must be quite daunting, but if you know Marie, and you've been a fan of GYF for a while, you know that no matter what - you will feel a connection, a resonance within their lyrics and songs that you will enjoy every-single-time. GYF isn't there to pump out popular songs for money, they write for themselves, to overcome the trauma and abuses of their past, and to give very real cathartic voice to the pain and suffering most of us feel everyday with the state of the world. So that's all to say..With this single, having heard some of the new songs live, and knowing Marie as I do.. I promise you will love the new album. 'You Will Never Be Happy' claws at the heart strings. This is far removed from the land of auto tune and 'catchy' popular beats, this is raw, expressive, a singer fighting back tears as they sing, trying desperately to give voice to a dissociative state, to real pain, real despair. If you appreciate that listening to the song, then you can truly appreciate that this is a fantastic song. It's honest, it's exposing, it's powerful. It is not here to give YOU a good time, it is here for you to shut up and listen to their melancholy and your own; To sit with it - that's important for everyone to do. ER4SE provides some guest vocals, the track itself build slowly. With piano/keyboard notes flourishing together and a strong beat, the track feels somewhat primal, sharp in its edges, building to a crescendo before playing out leaving you with your thoughts; Contemplating the lyrics and how your own experiences compare.. I survived, living on the edge Hoping one day the sorrow fade away Every day senseless agony Unexplained misunderstood I’m imprisoned, locked in my own heart Dissociation to escape the dread Nothing has made sense for years now Only death will set me free Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

'Reincarnate' has shown me the importance of music that really makes you think and connect with yourself both lyrically, and in the sensation you experience as you listen. IAMIMPERFECT invite you to take a voyage in to your own mind, memories, and emotions (With some VERY impressive music!) Sheffield based - UK dark electro band,  IAMIMPERFECT has just unveiled their first EP,  Reincarnate. The lyrical themes in  Reincarnate deal with addiction, insecurity, depression, anxiety, fear and eventually, the realization that change must happen for growth to restart anew. Without reaching the darkness, we'll never know the light.   The EP also represents a reincarnation of a musical identity, sound, image and even genre, to be something better than what was there before. Reincarnate presents a unique blend Darkwave, Synthpop, Industrial and Goth genres, with the music driven by complex synth arrangements, electronic drums, loud distorted guitar and soaring vocal hooks and harmonies. The long anticipated debut EP is here! Featuring new revamped mixes of the singles Static & Feeling and Inside Of Me, and new songs Casting Shadows and Start Again. Released October 5, 2024 Paul Jackson - Vocals, Synths, Programming Kelly Dorset - Guitar STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review 'Static & Feeling' starts with some wonderful synth keys bringing that lovely retro feel that only alternative electronic can subtly achieve, this is then complimented by some simple yet euphoric drums! A song of addiction and the conflicted feeling between the amazing highs, and the depression lows. An important subject to sing about. This is one of those songs where the melody and vocals sound upbeat and happy but once you listen closely.. you realise just like the conflict of substance use.. is the conflicting lyrics to the party like musical vibe. (Much like 'Pumped up kicks') Quite a catchy track to get you swaying to softly in a bar, there seems to be a fair bit of substance within this track to enjoy when hearing it multiple times over. 'Inside Of Me' reminds me a little bit of a new discovery for me - the band Zetra. Paul uses quite forlorn, beautiful melody in his voice that is empowered by the backing track to an almost fantasy epic feel - Yet of course, far more modern with it's synthpop electronics. When the track slows down to a lone synth, Paul whispers his lyrics around the 3:00 mark that REALLY remind me of Mind.In.A.Box .. Follow this up with some fantastic electro riffs and you've got a banger! I am very impressed with how well the keyboard and guitar empower one another. This then changes again to somewhat of an early 2000s Indie pop style. Needless to say, this is another track worth listening to multiple times that most people should find enjoyment in regardless of their usual taste! 'Casting Shadows' - Sweeping guitars lay out the scene for another very personal track, these guitars power out a steady bass like riff that gives the track a great foundation allowing for the melodic lyrics to wash over you in contrast to the heavy riff. chef's kiss. The soft yet weighted lyrics and the underpinning greatness of the electronics are like that of HEALTH.. Therefore brilliant. I'm a witness to all my failures.. The voices beckon and drag me down, where I'll spend my days.. 'Start Again' starts soft and quietly, building up with some brilliant synths then giving way to the first verse. This one is quite emotional and reads like a letter. Melancholic, and soothing.. The melody is then picked up a jolt of power with some of the most interesting synths I've heard in a long time that sadly don't last long. Around about the 4:40 mark we are treated to more great synths that again touch on that Mind.In.A.Box feel. Clearly a track that means a lot to the band, this is a really nice piece to play the EP out and leave you feeling calm and satisfied, like gazing out of a high window as the sun breaks through an ending storm. Conclusion IAMIMPERFECT have crafted quite the piece of synth-magic with 'Reincarnate'. The EP feels full of soul, passion, care, complexity, talent, and a fine selection all round of musical flavours that anyone could enjoy. With poignant lyrics, kick ass instrumentation, and a general feeling of self discovery, you'll come away from 'Reincarnate' with a sense of deeply satisfied contemplation and peace. Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The ESA track 'Your anger is a gift' has been making regular passes through my ears recently and I think that's a perfect way to sum up 'Rats Come Together'. Jamie Blacker's portrayed anger in the theme and his visceral vocal contortions taking aim at the world in this release, are most definitely a gift in terms of having created yet another masterpiece of music for one of the most impressive alternative artists of all time. This single has given me my new three favourite tracks! Not bad for a single aye?! The INTSEC remix is the heaviest rave track this side of hell. Brutally good. One of the best things about doing Elektro Vox reviews is that I listen to a new release and think 'oooh that's great' but when I sit down and give something my full attention and zone out to the song and only the song I'm hearing with some good headphones.. Well, it's amazing how a lot of tracks can sound entirely different and have incredible effects on your body if you pay attention to it. I often feel that most people won't take the time to sit and experience music that deeply usually or ever get around to hearing the other tracks on a single or EP which are also mesmerising. That's why I try to write about how incredible a lot of releases are in the hopes that at least one person gets to appreciate something far more than they otherwise would have. Now I sit down to review ESA: Electronic Substance Abuse s  'Rats come together'.. and my Gods.. Wow.. I am struggling to put sensation in to words for this review. In fact I had to walk away several times, completely stuck for words.. Check out the video because Jamie has become not only a true master of music but of film with every video he creates, proving that music videos are still VERY relevant and important when done with love, thought, and care.. One day we will get out of this mess. Wont we? With ever increasing divisions reaching dangerous levels of unrest internationally, fuelled by the profiteering attention hungry media platforms. An unnamed red hooded runner attempts to escape the onslaught of information, mis-information and disinformation. Follow him as he risks everything to warn the past of the dark data overload that is to come. The new single and music video from ESA - ‘Rats Come Together’ is a snarling and gnarly Industrial Punk Metal speed blast. Full of grinding guitars and ferocious Gabber beats, interspersed with symphonic Organ emotion drifts. Even after 20 years of bleak black beats, ESA has never sounded so dynamically rabid. This release also includes the slightly more thoughtful ‘Thrashing Fraud’ mix (also by ESA) and a pure Gabber rage remix from fellow UK beat maker - INTSEC. ‘Rats Come Together’ is a piece of madness for the gym, for speeding down an empty highway and for the frustration at the world we are all collectively attempting to navigate and survive. Accompanying this release is a wonderfully rich and cinematic 80's VHS inspired music video, asking you to join in on the escape from a modern world full of mis-information and hate, that promises to be up there with the very best of ESA’s music videos. This is one hell of a ride and one hell of an escape that ESA is inviting you on. Follow: www.instagram.com/jamie_esa_official/ STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Firstly, don't you dare listen to this or watch the video quietly through your phone speakers. Go put on some damn good headphones, wack the volume up, close your eyes and sit back as if ready to watch an orchestra.. That's the level or respect the first listen commands, but I doubt in any way shape or form that you'll be able to sit still on this rollercoaster ride of heavy audio contortion. I've known for a long time that Jamie started off in Black Metal but even though his take on industrial and electronic music has always been some of the heaviest and brutal around, I've never been able to point to a track and say 'yea.. I can hear the Black Metal background coming through' but with 'Rats Come Together' you really can. ESA has always been the diamond standard in merging genres and experimenting with mash ups of completely opposing music types with fantastically great results. One such example being the early 1920-30's 'Come and Find me' on Designer Carnage.. With this single release, across all three tracks you have industrial, techno, gabber, JAZZ! (WHAT??), metal, opera, pipe organs, and more in to what should rightly be a complete Fkn mess and yet.. Blacker has cooked possibly the finest three course meal of 2024 thus far. You may as well at this point compare ESA to the mastery of Da Vinci or Michelangelo. Yet this is a man who pushes harder and harder because he cannot and will not settle for anything less than perfection, and as one of my favourite quotes of all times goes.. "But not perfect?" "Never perfect. Perfection goal that changes. Never stops moving. Can chase, cannot catch." - Abathur, Starcraft 2 In fact Jamie recently edited some interview footage with me a couple years back. (There's a couple others to see on his socials too) We touched on subjects like imposter syndrome in his work.. OKAY, finally time for me to talk about the songs themselves. 'Rats Come Together'.. The pipe organ you initially here at the beginning and then later on is Jamie Playing the Father Willis Organ in Huddersfield Town hall (1860) which you can see him play blindfolded whilst singing, in the music video.. an impressive feat! A vocal sample kicks with what ESA does best.. The best electronic drums on the scene! Compliment this with beat perfect lyrics, a strained synth that gives the impression of a swarm, something insidious, and then of course.. EVEN heavier drums - as well as some ASMR worthy guitar with the A and S in this case standing for aggressive and speedy. Gods damn ESA has perfected this high tempo powernoise industrial! It's filthy, and it's as audibly delicious as it is jaw breakingly CRUNCHY. The fierce and throaty lyrics give the song it's meaning of pointing out the horrific people at the top who keep the rat race - a rat race and that it's time to say NO MORE and why the Red Hood tries to warn the past. (Nice little Sci-Fi touch to it all) I see things for what could have been Segregation so still it can’t be seen Feral and final. The ever upward spiral The rats are swimming in that cream We can be calm if you stop and put down the pen We can love again if you fight off the offend The rats come together On thrashing tails they are born The rats come together Stripes of flesh that they have worn The rats come together In their f****g dirty horde It’s not fraud because it’s their fraud A brief second of.. Soft Jazz? - amongst the chaos at 1:37 and then back in head first to the heart racing firepower that ESA unleashes. The track slows around 2:00 for the full organ section and the softer, more Gothic tinted vocals that Jamie has chosen to use rather than his usual throat ripping growls. The lyrics are full of depth and almost sarcastic accusation. I, I know. It lifts you up so high. Survive the throws. So strong. P*****g on your own homes. May your high be forever. 3:20 returns us to the fury, the high speed escape of the Red Hood, and the sheer brilliance of this high tempo dance floor destroyer. This would be incredible in club but I would be very amused to see people try to keep up the intensity of dance and movement that it would require! This is a track for the hardest of raves, the fiercest of mosh pits, and the heaviest of lifts. (Gym anthem!) This track is perfection! It plays out with a softer, calmer melody of what Jamie played on the organ and it is idyllic in ever sense. Now for the Thrashing Fraud Mix.. Also by ESA If the original version, is in my opinion, perfection.. This track is an astral projection journey into that perfection at an impressive 7 minutes and 17 seconds long. That brief touch of jazz in the previous track now unwinds itself in to a full and smooth introduction to this track.. snares, trumpets, finger clicks, smooth vocals and all! Just before 0.40 the drums and main melody return with a choral sample. This return of the main melody is slower in tempo, smoother, less aggressive but no less impressive or enjoyable. The choral and vocal samples as well as some other nice little additions pepper the track full of flavour. At 1:51, Jamie uses an impressive break up and repeat of his vocals in to a bizarre yet brilliant loop leaving way for the guitar to have a softer introduction back in to the overall soundscape again. This feels tribal, ancient yet modern, an exploration of the new and the ancestral. The way drums have the power to awaken the primacy within us never ceases to amaze me. Jamie's vocals once again get a chop change, repeat, and rehash treatment which is undeniably refreshing and new as an instrument experimentation in to what can be used to make a song - a song, and I'd be hard pressed to name anyone else that has done something similar, and definitely not to this level of smooth excellence. Of course, it wouldn't be an ESA release without some smooth, ethereal female vocals somewhere, and this beautifully brief addition brings the melody to a truly satisfying and benevolent close. Wonderous. Finally.. The INTSEC remix! HOLY HOT FUDGE BATMAN! If you loved the last two tracks.. (or not? Really? WTF is wrong with you??).. This one is going to KICK. YOUR. ASS! I have endless love for this. INTSEC first came to my attention at Infest festival a couple years back playing one of the heaviest industrial techno sets I have ever had the nirvanic pleasure of raving to. So to see and hear him on this release working with ESA is * chefs kiss * First of all, make sure you're wearing your BEST headphones. INTSEC This starts off very deceptive, an incredibly soft and slow version of the melody that played out the end of the original and that was also played on the organ brings a steady sense of calm and peace. The first organ distortion note bringing up the intensity slowly, binaural beats teasing your ears until 1:32 when the Rats once again.. come together.. 1:52 BLOWS your fkn ears out through your chest!! This is gabber industrial done so, so damn right! Playing this at low volume would be a crime. This might even be my new favourite dance track of all time. It's fast, its furious, it beat and pace perfect. THIS is the definition of Electronic Body MOVEMENT. Jamie's lyrical chorus to this tempo is spot on at around 2:40, and at 3:00 you get treated to MORE drums, more beats - a profound foot stomping conflagration. At 4:00 we get a much needed moment to catch our breaths as it turns in to a touch of trance but not for long, before the 5 minute mark, mid tempo heavy and methodical drums bring you back to fight for your life on the dancefloor battlefield. This track is the fiercest piece of brilliance this side of rave, and for now, I damn well stand by that! If you doubt me.. Test that assumption at your convenience. Conclusion 'Rats Come Together' is the masterpiece offering of a huge amount of work and love from ESA. This release breaks so many boundaries, genres, rules, and is genuinely thought provoking as a masterpiece should be. In my opinion 'Rats Come Together' is the most accomplished ESA single to date far exceeding the perfection goal lines that are set with each of his releases. Jamie's dedication to his craft, story telling, and media experimentation in both sound and film puts him at the very pinnacle of what it is to achieve greatness in the alternative music world. Each track is entirely different in their own rightful ways, from the fury or the single version, to the astral projective journey of the mindful 'Thrashing Fraud' remix, and to the rarest of Rave diamonds with the INTSEC remix, 'Rats Come Together' is by far the finest single release of our age. Long live the king! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

Mea Fisher, the 2011-2017 lead singer of Lords of Acid speaks to us about her new release and her own music under the name Me And My Nightmare. Check out what she has to say about her time in LOA and all about her new music and the new single and music video 'Devil Inside'! October 4, 2024 - Former LORDS OF ACID  vocalist, Mea Fisher is back unleashing the inner demon with her new single featuring En Esch  ( Slick Idiot , , Pigface , ex- KMFDM). “Devil Inside” is a twisted and delicious siren-like song where distorted guitar riffs, metallic percussion, and dystopian synth bring deep, dark fantasies to life. Written originally by Mea and strictly made for  Lords of Acid , she has refined and transformed the song into a creation that is distinctively hers. Its heavy metal elements fused with a trance-inducing dance beat truly sell the feeling of traversing through the underworld’s hottest night out. Méa easily takes charge—her spellbinding vocals whispering temptation and commanding attention in the same breath. “There’s a hunger that lies,” she admits, “and you hold the key.” Mesmerizingly, Méa calls fans to follow her and “take a bite of forbidden.” En Esch ’s guttural, gruff backing vocals light the whole thing aflame. Danny Lohner ( Nine Inch Nails ) also lends his guitars to the track.  "Devil Inside's" seductive, Luciferian qualities compel listeners to close their eyes, lose themselves to the beat, and indulge in their deepest desires.  ME AND MY NIGHTMARE ’s visionary, Méa Fisher, (aka DJ Mea), is a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with her alluring stage presence, genre-defying sound, and thrillingly bold sense of style. Her voice is not just perfect for electrifying EDM; her attitude radiates passion with an intriguing hint of darkness. From her beginnings as a vinyl DJ in Chicago’s 90s house scene, Méa established herself as a triple threat—her impressive live vocals, down-to-party attitude, and dazzling visual appeal caught the attention of listeners and musicians alike. She swiftly rose to international stardom, seizing remarkable opportunities that brought her career to the next level.  When Méa relocated to Los Angeles in 2000 and pivoted from vinyl to digital CD mixing, she fell in love with making original music and launched her own band,  MEANDMYMACHINE . Her lively yet dark melodies and emotion-stirring sound caught the eye of Praga Khan, creator of the legendary industrial rock group, Lords of Acid .  Mea became Lords of Acid ’s lead singer in 2011, meeting future collaborators along the way like industrial rock pioneers, En Esch ( KMFDM, Pigface, Slick Idiot ), Danny Lohner ( Nine Inch Nails ), Neil Mclellan ( The Prodigy ) and many more. Having returned from her 2017 tour with Lords Of Acid , Mea cared for her mother battling Alzheimer’s, up until last year when she sadly passed away. Now Méa's newest ensemble is ecstatic to release a fresh album brimming with party anthems, touching stories, and everything in between. ME AND MY NIGHTMARE expertly evokes a sense of elevation and excitement on the dance floor, masterfully pulling elements from multiple genres to create an immersive show unlike anything heard before.  This sensationally spooky video for "Devil Inside" comes just in time for the Halloween season, taking viewers on a sinfully succulent journey to the underworld led by Méa and featuring collaborator,  En Esch . The visual effects are stellar. Viewers are curiously disoriented by haunted, film-like quick cuts and colorful flashes.  Méa dances from shot to shot with a sense of liberating promiscuity. She is in full control and more than ready to lead viewers to temptation. Of course, the video showcases unmistakably fiery images, including a bright, full moon that orientates viewers towards the supernatural. Fisher literally transforms into the “devil inside,” captivating viewers with her red-painted skin, luscious hair, and curled horns. The video is wickedly enjoyable, persuading viewers to explore their dark side, follow Mea into the flames, and never look back.  STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Interview Q. For those who aren't familiar with Me And My Nightmare, could you please tell us about who you are, your sound, and what your music represents? A. Hello all! Well, my name is Mea Fisher (aka DJ Mea) and I dj'ed vinyl until things went digital around 2009. That's when I formed a band called 'Me And My Machine' right before I was front woman for Lords Of Acid in 2011. I also started producing my own music around that time. When I left LA in 2018 to care for my mother who suffered from Alzheimer's, things were fine and I was going to get the old band back together and started writing an album with En Esch (KMFDM, PIG, Slick Idiot) and then realized I just couldn't take it in the small town my mom lived in in Kansas, so I moved her with me back out to LA a month before the virus hit. It derailed everything I had put into place, and it also impacted my mother's situation so I renamed my band Me And My Nightmare, (my genius friend, Bryant's idea) because it was just that, a friggin' nightmare for us both when it was to be her last years relaxing in the California sun hanging out with me, but was quite the opposite. Thanks Covid.  Luckily due to my persistence of avid care for her, neither of us ever caught Covid but we still went through serious hell. The band name stuck. However, I had to put music on a shelf up until this year, after she passed. It took me some time to get back into it, after relocating several times after her death, but finally settling and just recently, unpacking & setting up the studio. Now I've never been more ready to slay and release the beast we had started creating and perfecting for quite some time. The songs just kept progressing so I think it was meant to be that it didn't release back then. So many great musicians have gotten involved since and now it's better than ever. MAMN's 2nd single, Devil Inside, just came out for Halloween time with 3 versions and a full official music video. Q. Me And My Nightmare have been going for over a decade, so how did it start, and was it a separate project during Lords Of Acid or did it come afterwards? A. lol, I think I answered that in my first response before I knew what the next question would be but to clarify, Me And My Nightmare was born during the virus. Before that it was Me And My Machine, which I was lead singer in when Lords Of Acid approached me and asked me to come sing for them back in 2011. I left after our 2017 tour and soon moved from LA to KS to take care of my mom when En Esch (whom I met on that tour) and I started making music. He flew out from Germany several times to KS for a month each time and we worked on music and videos every day he was there.  Q. I remember hearing some interesting comments when Marieke was interviewed a couple of years back by an Artist who was building a collection of interviews based around Women's experiences in the alternative music industry. Is there anything about your time in Lord Of Acid that you'd like to share, mention, or think people would like to know about?  A. Yes, they had some bad people pulling the strings back then (not anymore) and some people on board didn't do what they were supposed to. It was a sh*t-show and I wasn't afraid to voice my opinion and was told by the boss of the band to do something on the last day of tour, so I did what I was told (by the boss) and got punched in the face by the  person he told me to do it to. When confronted by him why I did what I did, prior to being punched, I said that I was TOLD to do it by the main man in charge of it all, but that person flat out threw me under the bus and denied telling me to do it. Even when the rest of the band said I was telling the truth, it didn't matter. This guy was lit and embarrassed so he put a golf ball bump on my forehead. I couldn't believe I did what I was told, yet when it came down to it, I wasn't backed up by the one who told me to do it. That was some BS and I should've sued but I had too much love for LOA to do that. I was very committed to my role, as it had been the time of my life, every tour, even when conditions weren't "ideal." I would go more into it (like what exactly it was I was told to do and happily did) but I don't want to name names out of respect for people's privacy. That person who punched me was immediately replaced and so was the one who brought him on board. I've heard lots of unsettling things from all of the singers but it is what it is. It's unfortunate that they go through so many different front women. I guess that's just their "thing," though.  Q. 'Devil Inside' has some great lyrics and multiple great looks in the video, can you tell us about the meaning of the song and what the motivation you had going in to making the video? A. 'Devil inside' was a song I wrote specifically for Lords Of Acid. I never intended it to be for ME. They didn't take it so I shelved it. On the 2017 Tour, Praga let me perform it on stage and I had asked En Esch who was an opener for LOA to come back out and join me on stage to sing in the chorus. People loved it. When En Esch came back out after the tour to make music with me, I asked him to record his vocals on it like he did live, and later I got Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails) to play guitar on it. The video was shot in a luxurious tattoo studio in Kansas City. The red devil has been one of my favorite Halloween Costumes of mine for decades. Can't believe it still fits! It's even more extravagant now than it was in the video, thanks to my recent learnings of how to make fiber optic and LED clothing and accessories.  Q. With En Esch joining you for this single, how did that come about, and did collaborating change the track in anyway from your original vision? Also same question for the Sebastian Komor Remix and your thoughts on the direction the remix took? A. En Esch's vocals on it slay. It made me want the song for myself and I always intended to release it for Halloween time. My original is the original. Sebastian's remix was made from a second version I had where the chorus was longer. I decided to change it back to the original way as the main mix but this was after he had already made the remix with the longer chorus. He also didn't get to use my scream, "I'm coming for youuuuu!" I'm sure he's pissed about that but I didn't add that till later on.  Q. Whats next for Me And My Nightmare, is there an album on the horizon at all? A. MAMN will self release another track then the album is off to the labels. There are several right now but I haven't decided which yet. Who knows, there may be more after the next release because it will showcase my diversity. I am thinking of releasing the next song that is the one I wrote for my mother, called 'Don't Forget Me' but it is quite the opposite of 'Devil Inside.' En Esch and I wrote it together and there are 3 versions, 2 other mixes from some amazing artists that I can't wait to reveal. After that, release the album and tour! En Esch's album, Dance Hall Putsch, just came out and I'm featured in several songs on it. We are discussing a tour collab.  Q. What are some of the most  important life lessons you've learnt in the music industry? A: Never let them see you sweat. If the monitors blow or sound goes out, keep on keepin' on, do your duty and put on the best show, every show. Oh and, most importantly, don't ever shit on the tourbus.  Q. Is there anything you'd like to see change and improve in the current industry? A. The 90's need to make a comeback. With some updates. I also think women should learn how to produce, there's not enough women producers out there as there are men. Queens need to reign, it's time.  Q. Anything you'd like to say to your fans?  A. Yea, YOU FRIGGIN ROCK! I can't believe the amount of support I have gotten, esp being out of the game for so long. A lot of people have someone they know or love that has or had Alzheimer's/ Dementia and have been so understanding and caring, they've stayed with me for so long and now there's new people who have joined My Nightmare and I couldn't be more honored and humbled. I can't wait to give them everything I've got. It's time. <3 Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

The angry, on the pulse of modern day problems, awesomeness that is KURO returns with the heavy single 'Closing in'. It's brutal and delicious! Electro-metal project from Glasgow, UK. Filled with angst, energy and eyeliner Check out some previous KURO reviews: https://www.elektrovox.com/post/single-review-kuro-obscene https://www.elektrovox.com/post/mini-single-review-kuro-wake-up-and-choose-violence STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review Starting off fun with Kuro (Frontman) playfully introducing the track with the word 'Bounce', you feel this is going to be a light hearted party track.. Hell no. This is a heavy, angry, and urgent track. Almost like a cry for help, this track creates a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment with a lyrical subject that of someone who is being gas-lit. As soon as the guitars kick in, there is a brilliant electronic twist on a vocal at 0:15, followed by a vocal trap metal style verse that throws you just as quickly back in to the fire of the guitar. Each verse and chorus is like getting a second to pop your head up in a firefight, only for the drums and guitars riffs to begin ripping in to your position once more in between each vocal blast. The lyrical content is probably something a lot of us can relate to and have a connection with. This is a powerful statement and track from KURO; yet another barbed arrow in the quiver of why KURO deserves to be recognised and gain ground on the live music scene! It's the beauty in sinking ships.. That does not mean what you think it means! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox

I remember in 2016 when BL4KJ4K walked on to the stage at Resistanz festival, the man I had been introduced to as John only a couple hours earlier.. Completely changing my taste in industrial music with that brutal performance. From the Terminator 2 remix intro at Tanz which gave me spine tingles (Which he was able to reanimate only recently due to a copy I had of his version) to the brutality of Automaton Assisted Annihilation, Firebomb, and Assault Protocol (Feat. Sirus) - those tracks mainly from his second album Automaton Assisted Annihilation damn well stuck with me, and kicked off eight great years of friendship between us both. (and even Elektro Vox itself in 2019!) To say I have been asking John to hit us with the same automaton brutality in a new release - a lot, would be an understatement, but here it is. The absolutely incredible non-stop hard AF industrial Techno brutalism and joy that is RETURN OF THE AUTOMATONS! Seraphim System incorporates elements of aggrotech, black metal, death metal, punk, drum and bass, and dubstep in its hellish creations. After a history of playing in technical metal and punk bands, SER:SYS architect "BL4KJ4K" focused his musical abilities to craft rave tunes that will help you slam your skull into your chest cavity. Check out some at least nine (Yes nine!) previous Seraphim System reviews: https://www.elektrovox.com/search-results?q=seraphim+system HOWEVER the most important one to look at would be the review of the 10 year anniversary of his first album Deadly Force, with Automaton Assisted Annihilation being his second album. (Which gives this latest release its name) Obsidian Frontline also seems highly relevant too! https://www.elektrovox.com/post/album-review-seraphim-system-excessive-force-ten-year-anniversary-edition STOP A MOMENT! Please consider donating or fundraising for Beyond Reflections who supply an essential service to so many. www.beyond-reflections.org.uk  @BeyondReflectUK Their support really does save lives! --- We also support our good friends at Beat:Cancer, you can click the logo to donate and also keep up to date with their awesome music events on the B:C website! Review There's not too much detail for me to go in to when it comes to pure techno of course, but lets damn well try because Seraphim System, as always, has tried to push experimental boundaries with this! The album starts off with some lore on the first track, setting the stage for the war mankind is fighting against the Automatons, and I suppose, has been fighting since the original Automaton album. 'Reforge//Reprocess' Brings a nice phat slice of industrial hardstyle and a meaty.. 'We are f*cking BACK!' It's fast, it's pounding, and it's a great energetic introduction of what's to come. (A nice little meme sample is in there too if you listen!). 'Eradication Protocol' is a heavy machine gun barrage of beats, which would tear up an industrial techno dance floor harder than a belt fed 50. cal.. My jaw hurts already! 'Beyond Safe Limit' is a slight easing of the BPM accelerator to give way to some mid tempo stomping, much like the track in the album 'Obsidian Frontline' which is about a war machine booting up, going on patrol, engaging the enemy, and reveling in victory. This whole track feels like a tribute to that great album. 'E//L//E' really does throw in the industrial feeling, like a production line of intense magnitude pumping out killing machine after killing machine without missing a beat. This is the type of industrial techno to lose your self in as you concentrate and focus. 'Signal\\Disrupt' hits us with a change up to that of drum and bass, but this is war drum and bomb bass, it's speedy, it's percussive, it's fierce, and it slaps! It feels like a touch of the Swaggrotech Seraphim System is known for. Dubstep trap reigns supreme in 'Not of Flesh but Machine' but that soon gives rise to a bit of gabber-esque techno. This is one to dance to and get a bit crazy with! 'Singular Directive' thumps out a fist pumping, floor pounding beat, transforming in to an experimental exploration of machine and electronic sounds. If Star Wars showed a very adult or violent nightclub scene with a lot of droids.. I hope they'd play this.. Lastly 'Purge\\Ascension' is my favourite track because no matter how many times I listen, the beginning drop and beat makes me audibly go.. 'Coooor!' This track is fire, the beats are great, the Industrial Techno is furious yet smooth, the spare percussion sounds are truly industrial sounding, and the end treats us to a trap beat breakdown I didn't expect. Like being beaten to death by an Automaton, this track does indeed both purge and ascend! Conclusion Rapid pulse inducing, dance encouraging, killer beats dominate this album. There are no lyrics to speak of other than the odd vocal quip, no nonsense frills, no long intros or slow sections; This album is a production line of fast and deadly industrial techno to get you moving and living again. Dancefloors across the globe should be torn to shreds with the Return of the Automatons! GO F*CKING BUY IT! Thank you! Quick note: Elektro Vox is an ad free site that costs a lot to run and get content for. If you like our work please consider commissioning an article, making a small donation to keep us running, or sub to our YouTube  for band interviews and music streams. You can also list your band or business on our Alternative Directory ! Thank you! Check out the alternative directory for E-stores, online Goth goods, and new bands to discover. Get yourself listed with us! Thank you for viewing and please feel free to share on social media and like us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @ ElektroVox