Review: Various Artists – 'We're In This Together: A Tribute To Nine Inch Nails'

VARIOUS ARTISTS 

'We're In This Together: A Tribute To Nine Inch Nails' 

TRIBULATIONS 

Only a month after their impressive tribute to Bile, the Tribulations team unleash to arguably the biggest band to ever come out of the industrial scenes, Nine Inch Nails. There have been a few tribute albums to NIN over the years, including piano, lullaby, acoustic, and string quartet versions... so the contributing artists have their work cut out for them to come up with some different variations on the ample source material.

Acts such as Corlyx, Killchild, Man Woman Machine, Acidrodent, Visions In Black, Marc Lowe, The Cryptids and more take on iconic tracks such as 'Reptile', 'Wish', 'Heresy', 'Hurt', 'Into The Void', 'The Becoming', 'Gave Up', and Something 'I Can Never Have.

The variations in artistic styles are far greater her than say the previous Bile compilation, and some acts stick close to the source material while others go off in other directions. It's a shame there are two versions of 'The Becoming', and 'Reptile' – while both versions of each track are great – with no representation from 'Year Zero' or 'Hesitation Marks' it feels like the album could have covered more ground.

As with all compilations the mastering ties things together nicely once again by creating a cohesive sound from amidst the various genres at play here. Even with some major stylistic shifts in the track list the album flows nicely from start to finish.

Nine Inch Nails are a band that have been covered many times and in many different ways. Approaching this as a tribute album curator or a contributing artist is no small feat, and everyone involved once again deserves praise. And if this wasn't enough we can expect a tribute to Front Line Assembly in the near future as well.

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Review: Various Artists – 'We Reject: A Tribute To Bile'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'We Reject: A Tribute To Bile'
TRIBULATIONS

A cornerstone of the 90's Industrial surge, Demonic Electronic group Bile are well overdue a tribute album of their own. And who better to fulfil that than Tribulations. With tribute albums for Skinny Puppy, Ministry and Coil already released the label has quickly built a reputation for putting serious effort into these digital compilations.

The aggressive and experimental fluid nature of Bile's back catalogue offers an untold wealth of potential for covers and the likes of Killchild, Acidrodent, Flesh Eating Foundation, Neo Land, and Cyphier among others are stepping up to the mark to take on the likes of 'Sex Reflex', 'Jerk', 'Teknowhore', 'I Reject', 'In League' and more.

As with the last release the track listing is shorter and tighter than the impressive sprawls of the first two albums in the series. But that isn't a sticking point by any means. Instead the track list is more focused, and there are no repeated covers.

The artists on this tribute not only compliment the sound of Bile, but also each other and the whole album flows really nicely. There are some stylistic shifts between the artists but on the album has been curated in a way to keep any jarring jumps between genres to a minimum and ensure the album progresses smoothly. And once again the result is a strong collection that shifts effortlessly between the idiosyncrasies of each band as they stamp the originals with their own mark.

Once again the album is well mastered to ensure the tracks don't clash and any discrepancies in the various recording processes and styles don't distract from the presentation of the album as a whole.

The series from Tribulations and it's contributing artists deserve praise for consistently creating high-quality free releases that not only pay tribute to some of the most important names in the scenes but allow talented acts show off their abilities to create interesting and original reinterpretations of the source material.

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Review: Various Artists – 'How To Destroy Coil: A Tribute To Coil'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'How To Destroy Coil: A Tribute To Coil'
TRIBULATIONS
Coil are easily one of the most influential musical acts of the past thirty years. The avant garde, experimental, often unfriendly and yet utterly compelling works of the late Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson and Johnn Balance straddled industrial, ambient, new age, techno, acid house, noise, drone and just about everything else. Using dissonance as melody their influence can continue to be felt in a myriad of acts today. It only seems fitting that on the back of their Skinny Puppy and Ministry tribute albums that tribulations turn their attention to the esoteric works of Coil.

Acts such as Kanashibari, Construct, Void Prototype, Flesh Eating Foundation, Trust Crusher, Allofher Twitch, The Cryptids and more add their twists to already twisted tracks including 'Fire Of The Mind', 'Love's Secret Domain', 'Cold Cell', 'The Sewage Worker's Birthday Party', 'Restless Day', 'Paranoid Inlay', and 'Solar Lodge'.

As with previous releases, some stick close to the source material and other's make their mark on it. Considering the huge range of Coil's work it's a shame that there are two versions of Cold Cell and Fire Of The Mind – all of which are great – but there are so many great Coil tracks it still seems like a missed opportunity. Nevertheless this is a strong collection that shifts effortlessly between the particular influences of each band and reforms the original tracks to maintain their original experimental flavours but ultimately make it their own.

As with all compilations the multiple genres and recording styles can be a nightmare for mastering but as with the previous two editions in the series this handles them with ease and manages the flow of the tracks into one satisfying experience.

Once more Tribulations and all the artists involved here deserve praise. The source material of Coil is a daunting task by any standard but the love and passion for the band is evident on every offering and ultimately compliment each other as well. This is another great outing and with the fourth in the series shaping up to be a tribute to Bile, we can expect more great music to come.

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Review: Various Artists – 'The Other Side'

VARIOUS ARTISTS

'The Other Side'

WITCH-HOUSE

Witch-house.com, the de-facto home of the witch-house movement online haven't released a compilation in five years. This big gap was a downright shame as their previous four themed compilation releases were really excellent and showed of a range of new talents. Thankfully though a new one has seen the light of day, this time taking its inspiration from the seminal Stranger Things TV series.

Once again the album features a range of artists, some new and some more established. The styles, as on most witch-house themed compilations, show great variation between the bands with some overtly traditional witch-house tracks, noise and drone influenced tracks, as well as some more progressive ones. It's a good mix though with acts such as D4rk3r Side, Hooded Leaders, PEAKi, Dazed Marrow, Undesired, Cutworm, and Sidewalks And Skeletons providing particular highlights.

The compilation is not the longest one in the series. But at twelve tracks and 51 minutes in length it's by no means the shortest and definitely has enough for the casual listener to get their teeth into. As with all compilations recording quality does vary between the tracks and the noisier / more abrasive tracks. But the album has been mastered will and the track list flows very organically.

This is a strong compilation, with a range of bands producing solid music. You can get bogged-down in genre politics, but at the end of the day there is some really interesting and exciting underground electronic music being made under the witch-house denomination and it doesn't look to be going away anytime soon. Fans of the more esoteric end of the electronic/industrial spectrum will easily find something on this.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Baptized In Witchblood'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Baptized In Witchblood'
NIGH† †ERRORS

the Nigh† †errors label has been producing some great free compilations for a few years now. Always dropping in time for Halloween 'Suicide Serenade', 'Babylon Rising', 'A Dying Breed', and 'Scary Music To Play In The Dark' have been great soundtracks for the spooky season. And this year is now different with the release of 'Baptized In Witchblood' which features seventeen underground electronic artists, plus a bonus 30-minute mix.

Featuring the likes of Sidewalks & Skeletons, D3ath H3x, M∞nflower, ßęđŧīmĕ Šŧōŗĩėş, and Badass Wolf Shirt, the compilation straddles multiple genres including witch house, industrial, metal, and dark electronic music for a truly dark and demonic sounds for the darkening nights.

Tracks such as 'I Save My Hope' by Violet7rip, 'Burn' by Sidewalks & Skeletons, 'Demon' by Drogma, and 'Eclipse ' by BENEA†h MY SH▲DE have more dance appeal with their prominent beats and infectious leads, while tracks such as 'La Dama Marchita ' by Inmacoitada Concepción, 'SUICIDEWITCH' by M∞nflower, and 'Şōũł Ęxŧęřmĭŋăŧĭőŋ ' by ßęđŧīmĕ Šŧōŗĩėş, are more atmospheric, ambient and occasionally noisy in nature to provide a spooky counterpoint to the more grooving tracks. Though it is the heavily metal influenced likes of Sadwrists' 'Whorefecation', D3ath H3x's 'Peine forte et dure', and Here †hey Come's 'Corpse Defiler' that give this compilation a bit more depth by bringing in the guitars and metal drums to great effect.

The compilation definitely has a heavier atmosphere all together this time round with the metal influences dominating the middle of the tracks while being bookended by more recognisably witch-flavoured electronics. The production is fairly uniform for a compilation with very little noticeable differences in the recording qualities of the songs which helps the flow of the album as much as the smart arrangement of the songs despite the extreme variations in genres.

It's nice to hear the witch influences that have made electronic music a bit more dark and interesting start to permeate into metal – which has always had an interesting relationship with electronic music. The Nigh† †errors compilations have been a nice indicator over the past years of how the witch house genre and its siblings have been evolving and 'Baptized In Witchblood' is no different. It has enough great witchy electronics to keep purists happy but is also a useful starting point for metal heads to explore these strange dark hallways.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Visions Of Darkness (In Iranian Contemporary Music)'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Visions Of Darkness (In Iranian Contemporary Music)'
COLD SPRING RECORDS

Any compilation from Cold Spring records is going to be esoteric in nature but even by their standards this new release is pushing at their own boundaries. As the title of the compilation states the contributors are all dark ambient artists working in Iran. This is quite interesting due to the country's youth culture has been heavily restricted for a long time and where international restrictions and black listing has meant that Iranian artists have a great difficulty getting

the resources to better develop their projects. Still, the talent and enthusiasm on display here hints at an untapped jewel of experimental music in the country.

The album encompasses genres such as dark ambient with noise, and drone also coming through. Artists such as Saint Abdullah, S.S.M.P, and Limen utilise rhythm to great effect creating gritty but infectious grooves. While the rest of the acts such as Xerxes The Dark, Reza Solatipour, Ronchus, DSM, Annunaki Signal, and Crows In The Rain favour ambient soundscapes occasionally punctuated with harsh noise elements or entrancing melodic embellishments.

Despite this being a compilation there is a very nice flow to the album. A high and consistent quality of the recordings, careful duration and attention to detail make this compilation feel more like a complete album. And despite clocking in at over two hours long across both discs the time seems to melt away.

Production-wise the tracks, even the harsher ones are individually well produced, but under the careful curation of tracks along with the excellent mastering job from Martin Bowes they form a dynamic whole. Which makes this and absolute pleasure to listen to from start to finish.

Each artist offers up something genuinely intriguing and for fans of dark ambient material, the prospect of so many new and unknown artists will definitely be a big selling point. But the most important thing that this compilation does is chip away at the pre-conceived notion that alternative and experimental music is a purely western phenomenon. That central Asia, the middle east and Africa are not black spots where the avant garde suddenly ceases to be. Yes, there may be many areas of cultural repression, but these pockets of expression exist, are producing great music, and are worth championing.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'A Terrible Thing To Cover: A Tribute To Ministry'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'A Terrible Thing To Cover: A Tribute To Ministry'
TRIBULATIONS

As controversial as he is creative, there is no doubt that Al Jourgensen's Ministry has made a significant contribution to industrial music from it's dissonant electronic beginnings, through to its progression into a mammoth metal subgenre. With a wealth of varied material in their discography it is only fitting that Tribulations, who brought us the impressive 'It Ain't Dead Yet – A Tribute To Skinny Puppy', last year turn their attention to Ministry.

A little leaner, but no less satisfying than their last instalment, 'A Terrible Thing To Cover' sees an impressive array of artists add their spin to classic and rare tracks alike. Notable contributions from the likes of Chrysalide, Dead When I Found Her, Caustic, IIOIOIOII, Acidrodent, Solemn Assembly, Flesh Eating Foundation, and Verin pull and twist the originals in different directions, some faithfully and others radically. But across the whole track list each act contributes a strong personal tribute to Jourgenson.

As with the previous compilation, it has been mastered well to assure there are no glaring differences in sound quality between tracks and even when moving between something more ear-friendly to another harsher contribution the track list progresses smoothly.

Again, this is a great compilation that shows a lot of love and respect for the source material and the legacy of Ministry. The artists may be as varied as Jourgensen's own sonic output over the years, but as a collective the sounds at play really compliment each other. With two really solid (and free) compilations in the bag already, Tribulations are setting the bar pretty high for themselves, so it will be interesting to see what they do for a third outing.

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Review: Various Artists – 'Under What Flag (A Tribute To Fad Gadget)'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Under What Flag (A Tribute To Fad Gadget)'
COITUS INTERRUPTUS PRODUCTIONS

Frank Tovey, AKA Fad Gadget was a pioneering force in electronic music as a movement. His work may be somewhat under-appreciated by the public at large compared to some of his contemporaries, yet his work was and is profoundly influential on electronic artists to this day. Avant garde, rhythmic, melodic, confrontational and socially aware, Tovey's output is long overdue a musical tribute such as this.

The album is a not-for-profit release compiled and produced by DJ Seraphim, and mastered by Jasyn Bangert for Coitus Interruptus Productions and features acts/artists such as Bioassay, Canter, Laether Strip, NOIR, George Sarah, Cylab, Microchip Junky and more adding their spin to classic tracks including 'Collapsing New People', 'Ricky's Hand', 'Lady Shave', 'Back To Nature', and 'Insecticide'.

Genres such as synthpop, ebm, industrial, futurepop, darkwave, and post-punk run rampant over the original compositions reforming them into fresh and modern hits that show just how groundbreaking Tovey's originals are. The likes of Bioassy, Blakk Glass, Canter, Cylab, Laether Strip, Maleagant, Microchip Junky, Noir, and Shrapnihil in particular take the source material and add some interesting twists through their own unique styles.

The production and mastering is excellent throughout and each track flows nicely into the next without jarring against differing styles. And overall the listening experience has the feel of a complete album as opposed to a compilation.

This is a great tribute from a collection of very talented contributors to one of the greatest electronic artists of all time. The songs have been lovingly reconstructed to reflect the sounds of 2017, and in doing so highlight the strength of the originals. The only issue would be that there are a lot of other great Fad Gadget songs that could have been featured rather than have some artists doubling up on songs. But other than that, what has been featured here is excellent, and it would be nice to maybe get a second album in the future. But in the meantime, this is a great album not only for Fad Gadget fans, but also fans of modern electronic music.

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Review: Various Artists – 'The Orphans Project Vol. 4'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'The Orphans Project Vol. 4'
UNSOUND AMERICA

Over the past few years the Unsound America label has been releasing some very interesting content, especially when it comes to compilation albums. Tributes to H.R. Giger and David Bowie have been a couple of the gems, but it is their 'Orphans Project' that has proven to be their annual highlight.

Volume 4 features Fusion Faktor (who provided guitar work on most of the tracks), 회사AUTO and Koira, Fyre Withenue, Gerald GothiCello Nicks, Andrew Chapman, Spirit Lifter, Acid Bass, Shadow Cast Me, Creeps, and Vox Mod. Always experimental and collaborative in nature the sounds swing between idm, industrial pop, ebm and darkwave to create a varied and dynamic track list.

While it isn't the longest compilation you could download, it is thematically unified and offerings such as 'Dawn Chorus' by Shadow Cast Me, 'Superradiance' by Vox Mod, 'Blue Dragon' by Gerald GothiCello Nicks, 'Shyne' by Fusion Faktor, and 'Viral' by Acid Bass alone make this worth the bandwidth of a download.

Production wise the compilation maintains a strong and cohesive presence throughout the running time. Each song has been mixed and mastered well with the track list flowing as though it was conceived as an album rather than a collection of songs.

This is a great addition to an already strong compilation series that highlights some great talents in the electronic underground. Hopefully the series will continue into the future and keep on presenting these great collaborative efforts and new names for a long time to come.  

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Review: Various Artists - 'N¡gh†m∆res ∆nd 8Ø8s X Untitled Burial: Babalon Rising'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'N¡gh†m∆res ∆nd 8Ø8s X Untitled Burial: Babalon Rising'
NIGH† †ERRORS

Nigh† †errors – the label side of Youtube radio station has been spreading the message of underground occult electronic music to the masses. The previous compilations and guest mixes released have always been meticulously put together and presented, but this latest effort 'Babalon Rising' released in cooperation with Untitled Burial is the biggest and best compilation of Witch House and related acts the genre has seen so far.

Boasting a colossal 65 tracks from an impressive cross-section of artists, the compilation is perhaps the definitive portrait of what is known as Witch House. There are far too many acts featured to review every track, but some highlights include the contributions from (((O))), †ЯСΣS ΘF GНО5†5, AL†RS, Apexys x Ca†hedra, BL▼И† †R▲▼M▲, C∆T, Ghostling, MONOMOR✞E, OKKVLT KΛTT, S▲MH▲IN, Sidewalks and Skeletons, SUICIDEWΛVE, and VVITCH. But that is just a small selection of a huge and varied tracklist that takes in a myriad of styles and genres with elements of industrial, dark ambient, synthpop, hip hop, and dark electro cropping up in various forms.

The collection is wonderfully curated and although it is arranged in alphabetical order for ease, it still has a nice flow throughout. And as with the previous compilations from the label, despite the disparity of styles and recording techniques, everything sounds high quality and equal in its presentation to the audience.

'Babalon Rising' is a monstrous collection that will act as a perfect primer for those new to the genre, as well as anyone needing a heavy fix of bands, established and new. Weighing in at four-and-a-half hours of music – or four CD's worth – of music, this collection alone could more than provide a dark soundtrack for any party or club night during the Halloween season, and the fact it is available as a pay what you want download makes this a must have for any new or long-time fan of Witch House.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Unsound Americans'

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Unsound Americans'
UNSOUND AMERICA

Unsound America has, over the past couple of years, produced some great tributes and compilations alongside its main releases. With an ear for unique sounds and esoteric acts the label has already amassed an impressive catalogue. With the passing of David Bowie earlier this year the label has embarked on a tribute compilation for the late Starman, and it is one the Thin White Duke would probably have approved of.

Taking in electronica, idm, darkwave, industrial, and dark pop the album sees sixteen acts take on a cross-section of classic tracks from across Bowie's career. Ranging from sensual and haunting re-imaginings from the likes of Koira, Marc Stowe, Blackberry Lilly, Anna Marie, Jason Jordan, and Deanna Lee and Jackie Lee, to the slick dark pop of Jasen Samford, Alphanaut, Sombra, and Ryan Olsen. While also taking in more raucous interpretations from the likes of Sean Fairchild, Fusion Faktor, Shadow Cast Me, and Gerald "GothiCello" Nicks. Although the coup de grâce has to be the poignant and soulful rendition of 'Strangers When We Meet' by Kyle Michael Porter that closes the album with a punch right to the feels.

This is a very strong, unique and most importantly a heartfelt tribute to the late and great David Bowie. The bands/ artists all bring something original to their tracks and don't merely play it safe. This is what Bowie did with his covers, he made them his own and it is what he would have appreciated to have happen with his music.

The production is excellent across the board. No matter what the style or the manner of recording, each song sounds clear, crisp and modern in its execution. Usually on compilations there is a little variance between tracks based on the tools at each artist's disposal. But this is pretty even throughout.

This is a really great album, one that fans of gothic/industrial music will appreciate whether they are a Bowie fan or not (and to be honest, who isn't a Bowie fan?!). Best of all it is available to download for free with a link to cancer research for a suggested donation.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Apop We Love You – A Tribute To Apoptygma Berzerk'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Apop We Love You – A Tribute To Apoptygma Berzerk'
ELECTROZOMBIES

Electrozombies' first compilation album 'Undead and Open Minded Volume 1' was a great exhibition of up and coming as well as established electronic music talent that covered a wide variety of genres. Fast-forward a few months and the next Electrozombies compilation is an official tribute album to Norway's electronic darlings Apoptygma Berzerk. Now Tribute albums can either be really interesting or really bland. I can think of way too many “tributes” where the majority of the album sounds pretty faithful to the originals with few acts daring to make the songs their own. Thankfully 'Apop We Love You – A Tribute To Apoptygma Berzerk' doesn't fall into this trap.

As will the first compilation album, 'Apop We Love You – A Tribute To Apoptygma Berzerk' is a good blend of established acts as well as younger ones covering genres like darkwave, ebm, synthpop, industrial and more. As a result there are plenty of acts more than willing to take apart the originals and re-imagine them as Apop have done on their own covers in the past.

Artists such as Electrogenic, Vogon Poetry, Machinista, IIOIOIOII, Corlyx, Sad January, Synapsyche, and Technomancer featuring Angst Pop provide the album with just a few of its highlights giving their tracks stunningly original reinterpretations across the board. None of the 20 tracks on show here tread water or attempt to do a note-for-note cover. All of the bands and artists have dug deep and brought something interesting to the table. Some have switched genres and kept the original dance feel of the tracks, whereas others have been a little more dramatic in their offerings. But in every case it works.

In terms of production there is of course the usual compilation issue of the individual quality of the tracks due to the different genres and recording styles (and budgets). However, however the album has been arranged and mastered so that these differences are not glaringly obvious and don't detract from the album's momentum.

Love them or hate them, there is still a place for tribute albums if they are done with real conviction and not just as a cynical ploy for bands to cash in on someone else's fame. If you're a fan of Apop or just like a good compilation album featuring a great mix of talented artists then 'Apop We Love You – A Tribute To Apoptygma Berzerk' is a good choice.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Undead & Open-Minded Volume 1'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Undead & Open-Minded Volume 1'
ELECTROZOMBIES

Sometimes you just can't beat a compilation album. They're good for when you want a little variety, when you're looking for new bands, and for parties. They're even better when they're free. And 'Undead & Open-Minded Volume 1' from Electrozombies is just such a compilation. Featuring a range of killer electronic acts (an impressive 27 in total) taking in genres such as ebm, darkwave and synth-pop the album is an essential a great party play list.

Acts such as Psy'Aviah, Junksista, Machinista, Atomzero, nTTx, The Sweetest Condition, and Scarlet Soho will be familiar names to Intravenous Magazine readers, and all provide some great tunes respectively. They're joined by the likes of Parralox, Sexy Suicide, Julien-K, Astari Nite, Dust Heaven, Eurotix, and Train To Spain whose contributions alone would be more than worth the price of a regular download.

Unusually for a compilation album there is very little drop in quality. The styles may vary but the strength of the song writing on display here, as well as the performances and execution of each contribution is solid across the board.

Straight synthpop flows into darkwave, with ebm dance beats and industrial malevolence aplenty as the track list evolves. The songs are catchy and show off a wide-range of sounds and talents from around the world. The album is curated really well with a nice flow to the running order, while each track sounds fresh and high quality.

If you're an electronic music fan looking for fresh sounds, a cool playlist, or you just love free music, then 'Undead & Open-Minded Volume 1' is one for you. The size and variety on offer here is great and for free, you can't turn your nose up at it.

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Review: Various Artists – 'Scary Music To Play In The Dark Vol. II'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Scary Music To Play In The Dark Vol. II'
NIGH† †ERRORS

Just in time for Halloween Nigh† †errors, the record label arm of the YouTube radio station Nightmares and 808s, returns with another free compilation of dark underground electronics certain to add some spooky atmosphere to your Samhain celebrations.

It isn't the longest compilation with just seven tracks in total, however it is more of a case of quality over quantity. Witch house, dark, and occult electronics collide for a subtle, spooky and occasionally psychedelic playlist.

First up is Ukraine's SVGAWA with 'Annelise' with it's opening Exorcist sample giving way to a down-beat stuttering rhythm and simple spooky bass that is suddenly pierced by the lead melody in a way that evokes the shower scene in Psycho. Damn Whore follow on with 'Frank Young' with a more subtle stuttering beat this time with a more discernible hip hop flavour to it mixed with some wonderfully dark and deep bass.

Flesh's eight-minute long 'Delirium' is a stunning centrepiece which opens with a nice choral sample that fades into a slow ambient leaning track, building in a way that recalls a much darker Enigma before the more overt witchy elements creep in. △Sco△'s 'Crystal Witches' in comparison is a shorter, sharper and more straightforward glitchy witchy track that has a nice melody and steady dance-friendly beat that will get bodies moving.

'Lilac' by Foxwedding and remixed by Resonata is a nice light, but creepy track that utilises vocal samples as rhythmic devices to create a disturbing psychedelic feeling that would be right at home on the American Horror Story soundtrack. The Compilation is then rounded-off by the stunning 'Death By Stereo' from Sunset Architects which starts by leaning towards dark ambience with its hanging chords, subtle beats and atmospheric samples but soon switches gear into a stripped-down witch house style that is very effective.

This is another solid compilation from Nigh† †errors that shows off some very talented underground acts. Once again with it being free it should just as attractive to those looking to satisfy their curiosity about this particular branch of electronics as fans looking for new stuff to fill up their play lists. Despite its short length it is well curated and the end result is a pleasure to listen to.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'A Dying Breed...'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'A Dying Breed...'
NIGH† †ERRORS

Love it or hate it, Witch House and related genres such as vapourwave, chillwave, dark trap, and other underground occult electronic styles are here to stay. Injecting their music with a mixture of house, ambient, psychedelic and trip hop elements the artists of these genres have been creating some genuinely interesting music for a number of years now. Throughout that time the Nightmare And 808s you tube station, and the associated record label Nigh† †errors, have been championing the genres and spreading the word and generating some much deserved interest, particularly with their free compilations.

The latest compilation 'A Dying Breed...' rather than an entrance point for the genres as the previous ones ('Suicide Serenade' and 'Scary Music To Play In The Dark') have been, attempts to show more of an evolutionary step. Recent works by bands such as †Я▲СΣS ΘF GΗО5†5, †RIɅLS, V▲LH▲LL, OKKVLT KɅTT, and gℓo come together to show a more progressive path that leads on from the now familiar trappings of the scene.

Tracks by the likes of ATMSSPHERO, Gnothi Seauton, †Я▲СΣS ΘF GΗО5†5, †RIɅLS, РΣ▲ϾΣ ⱧΣȊL, V▲LH▲LL, and OKKVLT KɅTT provide the album with its undoubted highlights drawing on industrial, witch house, ambient, metal, folk, trip hop, hip hop and experimental elements all adding to their appeal. While the compilation's closer by gℓo, with it's twelve minutes of delicate ambience and emotional vocal sample shows off the most progressive path of the album.

In terms of production and mixing, with it being a compilation there are always going to be variances in recording quality. But the album has been constructed and laid out in such a way, that those variances don't seem very overt.

This is another great compilation from Nigh† †errors that shows off some of the best that the occult electronic underground's has to offer. When listened to in order with the previous albums it shows a clear evolutionary path of the past present and future. It is a solid album with some great tracks that will have fans digging for more.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Occult Box'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Occult Box'
CLEOPATRA RECORDS

US record label Cleopatra Records have a legacy tied to the darkside since 1992 and have worked with some of the biggest names in gothic, industrial, electronic, deathrock and a whole lot of other genres. Perhaps the label's most interesting and relevant compilation release in its history with past luminaries, contemporary heavyweights, and the sounds of the future coming together to celebrate ritual music no matter what the genre.

The box set is beautifully put together with a high-quality box, matching glossy booklet, promotional postcards, a cheesy but nonetheless nice pentagram necklace, five individual CDs in slipcases, and a nicely textured 7” vinyl featuring two recordings by the master Therion himself Aleister Crowley.

Musically there is a hell of a lot to get your teeth into. Classic tracks such as Rozz Williams' 'The Beast (Invocation), Front Line Assembly’s 'Assassination', Joy Division's 'Leaders Of Men', Laibach's 'Dieliebe', and Switchblade Symphony's 'Gutter Glitter' get a welcome airing and add a little familiarity to the track list. However the real gems are the live and remixed cuts from the depths of the Cleopatra vaults such as Die Krupps remix of 1000 Homo DJ's 'Supernaut', the Apoptygma Berzerk remix of Nico's 'All Tomorrows Parties', and a powerful live version of 'Surrendered' from Peter Murphy.

Best of all though, there are plenty of strong contributions from contemporary names like Mater Susperia Vision, Sidewalks And Skeletons, Gravediggaz, The Soft Moon, and Ritualz to name but a few that highlight the strength of the new school sounds. Throw in a nonstop DJ mix from model/DJ Tamara Sky and you have something for everyone.

The collection is well produced and mastered and great attention to detail has been paid to the running order to ensure each track flows nicely into the next one. Despite the different styles, recording budgets and the times in which they were recorded, it flows as well as any contemporary compilation.

OK, there may be a little bit of a “spooky-kooky marketing ploy” air about it, especially with the pentagram necklace included. But nonetheless this is a very strong collection of songs that bridges genres and time to create a sustained and engrossing listening experience. It may not be the most suitable collection for actual ritual use, however this is easily the highest quality and most well-thought out compilation since Rhino Entertainment's 'A Life Less Lived: The Gothic Box' collection.

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Review: Various Artists – 'This Man Of Steele'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'This Man Of Steele'
DARK ITALIA

This year marked five years since the world lost one it's most enigmatic and thoroughly under-appreciated artists in Peter Steele of Type O Negative. But his legacy lives on in the many bands that his band inspired, whether they are rock, metal, darkwave, or electronic – the Type O formula contained so many elements that you could always find something in there to latch on to no matter what your personal preferences. With this in mind, Dark Italia have released a tribute album to the gothic metal maestro in the form of 'This Man Of Steele' that sees darkwave, post punk, batcave, gothic, neofolk, and synthpop artists tackle the band's best know hits.

This isn't the first Steele tribute album to be released since his death. MetalUnderground.com in fact released a brilliant rock/metal orientated album in 'All For None, None For All: A Tribute To Peter Steele' a year after his death that featured some stunning renditions. But not to be outdone, 'This Man Of Steele' has a lot to offer as well.

The strongest tracks on offer vary wildly in their approach but the execution is always original and clever with the doomy synths rock of Magnuss, the new wave of Dade City Days, the acoustic pop of Lenz, the synthpop of TourDeForce, the doomy neofolk of Furvus, the gothic rock of Dim Arcana, the straight mournful neofolk of Vanity, and the acoustic strains of Spiritual Front.

Some tracks of course don't work as well as others, but as with all tribute albums it is in the ear of the beholder and up to their personal genre preferences as to what will grab them the most. But on the whole this is a good display of talents and genres.

The album doesn't suffer from that lack of mastering that many free digital compilations tend to do. Instead all the levels sound right and while there are variances in the quality of the recordings due to each bands' recording set ups, it still sounds like a cohesive whole.

This is a strong, and heartfelt album that displays some genuinely inspired covers. Not everything will be to everyone’s cup of tea, and if you're expecting a lot of rock and metal you may be disappointed. But as far as tribute albums go, this is pretty damn good.

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Review: Various Artists – 'Dependence 2015'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Dependence 2015'
DEPENDENT RECORDS

Dependent Records has enjoyed a rich history inexorably tied to the legacy of European alternative electronic music thanks to releasing albums by luminary acts such as Apoptygma Berzerk, Covenant, Girls Under Glass, Klinik, KMFDM, Mesh, and Rotersand, as well as international acts such as Front Line Assembly, Psyclone Nine, and Skinny Puppy among others. The label's long-running sampler series 'Dependence' returns to show off this years crop of must have tracks that will be infecting dance floors at a club near you.

Established names go shoulder-to-shoulder with newer acts but they all have one thing in common... they are all great quality bands. The compilation's selling point is it is mostly comprised of mostly exclusive mixes & previously unreleased tracks from some of the hottest names in alternative electronic music. With acts such as Covenant, Seabound and Mesh leading the charge with some exciting remixes, the likes of Iris, Beborn Beton, This Morn Omina, Clicks, Ginger Snap5 and Fix8:Sed8 inject some fresh sounds and hint at this years must have releases.

The compilation is nicely put together and plays like a great DJ set would. The track list flows nicely and the mastering gives it a nice continuity of sound to the whole record. Usually on compilations, the individual tracks can vary in their production quality, but this isn't an issue at all here, with every act, despite their pedigree, sounding on top form.

'Dependence 2015' continues what is already a great series of compilations and shows off that things are definitely looking good For Dependent Records going into the second half of the 2010s with new signings and old favourites producing some must have music.

Whether you're a DJ, a promoter or just a fan of good electronic music, this will easily become a collector's item and will stand the test of time.  

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Review: Various Artists – 'Pistes Noires* (de préférence)'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Pistes Noires* (de préférence)'
BOREDOM PRODUCT

The third compilation release from French label Boredom Products, 'Pistes Noires* (de préférence)' is an electropop tribute to the French pop singer Etienne Daho, and sees seventeen bands taking on his expansive back catalogue from his most recent single 'En Surface' all the way back to his 1981 début 'Mythomane'. Daho may no be an international name, and is best known in Britain for his appearance on the Saint Etienne single 'He's On The Phone'. But in his native France he has enjoyed a long and successful career as both a performer and producer and has collaborated with the likes of William Orbit, Fischerspooner, and Marianne Faithful among others.

Appearing on the album are such names as Tourdeforce, Cyborgdrive, Electrosexual, Destillat, Auto-Immune, and Celluloide who each bring different elements of synthpop, ebm, electroclash, futurepop and new wave elements to the already diverse range of Daho's work. Despite the differing styles, and tackling a varied collection of tracks the compilation maintains a fairly unified sound that works as a traditional album.

It's one of those rare tributes that even if you don't know the originals, the sheer quality of the contributions from the artists render that unimportant. Instead you can look at it as a strong collection of underground electro bands who deserve winder attention. The likes of Tourdeforce's 'En Surface', Cyborgdrive's 'San Antonio De La Luna', Phllox & Blue Belle Nonne's 'Le Premier Jour', Electrosexual's 'L'enfer Enfin', 360°'s 'Des Heures Hindoues', Destillat's '4000 Années D'horreur', Auto-Immune's 'Paris Le Flor', This Grey City's 'Epaule Tattoo', Celluloide's 'Le Grand Sommeil', and Polynomiq's 'Mythomane' are all great tracks and would easily be a centrepiece on their own albums.

The compilation is mixed and mastered well which helps to create the previously mentioned unified sound and gives it more of an album feel as opposed to a collection of songs. Each artist brings their best to the songs and it reflects well on the label for the time and effort that has obviously been put into every aspect of this release, even the packaging is great.

The subject of this compilation might not be well known to many outside of the French speaking world, but as a representation of the French electropop scene it is a great advertisement for a number of bands. 'Pistes Noires* (de préférence)' is a strong album, let alone a compilation and will surely open quite a few people's eyes.

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Review: Various Artists – 'Trash The World'

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'Trash The World'
D-TRASH RECORDS

There are compilation albums... and then there are compilation albums. 'Trash The World' courtesy of Canadian label D-Trash Records is one of those that comes along every so often with just a brilliant selection of artists within its ranks that you can't help but take notice. Celebrating fifteen years and 200 releases, the album contains a massive 45 tracks by a variety of international artists that cover genres such as Ambient, Digital Hardcore, Speedcore, Rhythmic Noise, Breakcore, Doomcore, Industrial, Broken Beat, Experimental, Grindcore, Alternative Rock, and Noise.

With a list of artists as long as your arm, you'll be spoiled for choice as to what to listen to first. And of course we can't list everyone for individual analysis. However, names such as 64Revolt, Babylon Disco, Bossfyte, CPUWAR, Disbreakz, Drugzilla, Evestus, No Brigade, Oxygenfad, Phallus Über Alles, Sangre, Schizoid and The Phoeron provide some undeniably strong tracks to the proceedings.

Clocking in at nearly three hours in length you'd be forgiven for thinking its a lot to take in all at once. But that's not the case. Even though it is an A-Z list of the bands, there is still so much variety on display that you're never quite sure what the next track is going to unleash. One minute you've got a quiet ambient track with a drum 'n' bass beat breaking it up, the next you've got full on noise. It's a long roller-coaster of an album, but one that celebrates the diversity of hardcore electronic music.

The compilation is mastered really nicely and has a unified sound that often lacks on a lot of label samplers. The production varies track by track depending on the artist and genre, but as the album progresses there a few noticeable drops or jumps in the levels between them, which makes for a much smother listening experience.

This is a great compilation that shows of not only the diversity of the label but also the strength of each individual track as they hold their own against each other. It doesn't matter what price you put on this album, its a bargain for the sheer volume of talent on display. 'Trash The World' is a defiant exclamation mark on fifteen years of supplying the underground electronic scene with a platform for exposure, and here's to another fifteen years of doing the same.  

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