Lucky Thirteen: The IVM guide to... The Gothic Reading List

As it is World Goth Day the question that always comes up time and time again from mainstream journalists and the average person in the street is... “Just what exactly is Goth anyway?”. And even though the question may be the same, the answers are usually different.

Is it a fashion? Is it a musical genre? Is it a literary genre? Is it an artistic aesthetic? Is it an architectural movement? Is it an ancient tribe of Germanic people who sacked Rome? Is it a youth culture?

Well it's all of the above and more. It's a lifestyle. Goth as a subculture tends to permeate into all areas of life from the films, bands and books you like, to home décor and fashion choices. It's all mutually entwined. However if that isn't any more illuminating, then here are thirteen books on the subject of Gothic that are a good starting point for anyone trying to understand what the hell Goth actually is.

And while you're at it, why not have a listen to our World Goth Day Playlist: 'Goth 101' on Spotify...

1. 'Oh My Goth' – Aurelio Voltaire
   
   
   Not exactly a deep look into the evolution of the Gothic subculture, but a damn fine example of the kind of humour that is often found within it.
   
   “A supreme being named Hieronymous Poshe arrives on Earth. His mission? To find signs of intelligent life and keep his species from turning the entire globe into a colossal landing strip. Instead, he's found time and again how pathetic humans can be! Aliens, vampires, teenagers, the Goth scene itself...everyone's a target in this hilarious book! Loaded to bear with satirical dark humor by the world's leading authority, Goth rocker Voltaire!”
   
   
   
   
   
2. 'What is Goth?' – Aurelio Voltaire
   
   “What Is Goth? is a humorous, self-deprecating look at Goth culture from the inside out. Imagine The Preppy Handbook colliding with Charles Addams. Then add a lot more melancholy and a lot more spooky.
   What Is Goth? dispels the false stereotypes and reinforces the true ones surrounding Goths and Goth culture. "To the mundane," Voltaire writes, "Goths are weird, black-clad freaks who are obsessed with death; they are sad all of the time. Take a closer look at the Goth scene, however, and you will find a rich tapestry of ideas and practices and a menagerie of colorful characters. Oh, dear. I said colorful."

3. 'Worldwide Gothic: Chronicle of a Tribe' – Natasha Scharf
   
   “This is the first book to look at the impact of the goth scene worldwide, from its origins right through to the present day. From the UK's sprawling post-punk scene, Japan's highly visual movement, the USA's deathrock explosion and Germany's extremely popular Schwarze Szene, Worldwide Gothic explores how they all came about and the influence they've had on contemporary music and fashion. Spat out of punk at the tail end of the 1970s, goth became a major subculture in the UK with bands like Siouxsie And The Banshees and The Sisters Of Mercy scoring Top Ten hits and its fashion inspiring catwalk collections. After the scene died down in the early 1990s, it spread out to Europe where it attracted hundreds of thousands of followers and became assimilated with other muscial genres. This book also looks at how goth is now returning to its roots now with the emergence of dark rock and indie bands who pay homage to gothic greats like Bauhaus and Joy Division.”
   
   
   
   
4. 'The Art of Gothic' – Natasha Scharf
   
   
   “Dressed head-to-toe in black, often with extreme make-up, the gothic look has been a popular once since the 1980s. Gothic art is about more than just album covers and ephemera; it's about fashion, book jackets, cinematography, computer graphics and fine arts. And its influence frequently seeps through into mainstream culture.The first ever English language collection of gothic images available. Features 224 pages of gothic photography and artwork. Contains up to date references that encompass the modern gothic movement as well as the original movement that came from punk. Gathers imagery from around the world, including previously unpublished photographs and artwork. Each chapter includes two special features, including profiles of influential artists or styles. Features articles on the work of well-known artists such as Anne Sudworth and Roman Dirge as well as graphic design teams Parched Art, Leisure Process and 23 Envelope.”
   
   
   
   
5. 
   'Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace' – Andi Harriman and Marloes Bontje
   
   “It was a scene that had many names: some original members referred to themselves as punks, others new romantics, new wavers, the bats, or the morbids. "Goth" did not gain lexical currency until the late 1980s. But no matter what term was used, "postpunk" encompasses all the incarnations of the 1980s alternative movement. Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace is a visual and oral history of the first decade of the scene. Featuring interviews with both the performers and the audience to capture the community on and off stage, the book places personal snapshots alongside professional photography to reveal a unique range of fashions, bands, and scenes. A book about the music, the individual, and the creativity of a worldwide community rather than theoretical definitions of a subculture, Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace considers a subject not often covered by academic books. Whether you were part of the scene or are just fascinated by different modes of expression, this book will transport you to another time and place.”
   
   
   
   
6. 
   'Goth Chic: A Connoisseur’s Guide to Goth' – Gavin Baddeley
   
   “Goth Chic is the first book to properly explore Gothic culture in the modern world. Gavin Baddeley unearths hidden gems from the underground alongside better-known manifestations, including horror comics, fetish clubs, Goth-rock superstars and vampire cultists. The result is a book that provides a peerless primer for Gothic culture novices and an incisive analysis to challenge and compel even the most seasoned veteran of this dark underworld.”
   
   
   
   
   
7. 
   'Goth: The dark Subculture' – Gavin Baddeley
   
   “Goth is the subculture that never dies, influencing fashion, TV, movies, and alternative rock music. Goth: The Dark Subculture is a visual history that draws on a rich photographic archive. Spanning the entirety of the scene's existence, the book vividly evokes the past, present and future of Goth.”
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. 
   'Music to Die For' – Mick Mercer
   
   “The ultimate resource for readers struggling to cope with the bewildering variety of alternative sub-genres, covering: ambient, cabaret noir, deathrock, goth, gothic metal, horror punk, melodramatic song, post-punk and psychobilly. Packed with discographical information, web addresses, line-ups and often contributions from the bands themselves, this is the first edition of a book that will be turned to again and again. Fully illustrated with over 130 pages of band photos.”
   
   
   
   
   
9. 
   'Hex Files: The Goth Bible' – Mick Mercer
   
   “An illustrated guide to the world-wide Goth scene, which also includes research on the worlds of Pagan, Fetish and Vampire scenes. It features information on bands, records, shops, clothes and jewellery, and discusses the cross-overs between the individual cults.”
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. 
    'Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture' – Paul Hodkinson
    
    “Goths represent one of the most arresting, distinctive and enduring subcultures of recent times. The dedication of those involved to a lifestyle which, from the outside, may appear dark and sinister, has spawned reactions ranging from admiration to alarm. Until now, no one has conducted a full-scale ethnographic study of this fascinating subcultural group. Based on extensive research by an 'insider', this is the first. Immersing us in the potent mix of identities, practices and values that make up the goth scene, the author takes us behind the facade of the goth mystique. From dress and musical tastes to social habits and the use of the internet, Hodkinson details the inner workings of this intriguing group. Defying postmodern theories that claim media and commerce break down substantive cultural groupings, Hodkinson shows how both have been used by goths to retain, and even strengthen, their group identity. Hodkinson provides a comprehensive reworking of subcultural theory, making a key contribution to the disciplines of sociology, cultural studies, youth studies, media studies, and popular music studies. Readable and accessible, this groundbreaking book presents a unique chance to engage with a contemporary, spectacular culture.”
    
    
    
11. 
    'The Goth Bible: A Compendium for the Darkly Inclined' – Nancy Kilpatrick
    
    “The Goth Bible explores the traditions and history of a popular subculture often misrepresented as homicidal, suicidal and sociopathic, with non-goths such as the Columbine High School murderers held up as representative of the movement. Nancy Kilpatrick bridges this gulf in understanding, providing a lifestyle handbook for today s creatures of the night. This authoritative study is drawn from hundreds of interviews with bands, artists, designers, and goths from all walks of life.”
    
    
    
    
    
12. 
    'Gothic: The Evolution of a Dark Subculture' – Chris Roberts, Hywel Livingstone, Emma Baxter-Wright
    “Goth-inspired chic is very much a part of contemporary culture--especially for a cool young tribe with a penchant for black. But it also has a long history stretching over centuries, becoming a distinctive narrative form that encompasses everything from art and architecture to literature, fashion, film, television, digital media, graphic novels, and music (Marilyn Manson). Marvelously adaptable, the gothic aesthetic has proven fertile ground for endless imaginative reinvention, and this collection provides the first fully illustrated introduction to every aspect of the phenomenon--one that is truly without boundaries and ever-evolving.”
    
    
    
    
13. 
    'The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction' – Nick Groom
    
    “The anatomy of the Gothic is richly complex and perversely contradictory, and so the thirteen chapters here range deliberately widely. This is the first time that the entire story of the Gothic has been written as a continuous history: from the historians of late antiquity to the gardens of Georgian England, from the mediaeval cult of the macabre to German Expressionist cinema, from Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy to American consumer society, from folk ballads to vampires, from the past to the present.”
    
    

There are many other interesting titles out there, both humorous and academic, that deal with all facets of the Gothic subculture. But we hope this list will provide anyone looking to go into more depth on the subject with a solid starting point.

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Wave Gotik Treffen - The Preview June 2018

The gathering of 2018s Wave Gotik Treffen, is approaching fast.

111 artists are already confirmed. The main acts sweep from the synthpop of De/Vison to the depth of The Beauty of Gemina. From North Americas new synth of Mr Kitty, to Imperium Dekadenz,

The strength of WGT stretches into its 27^th year, where May shall see over 20,000 dark patrons from all corners the globe, come together in communion over Leipzig. Making Wave-Gotik-Treffen the international dark gathering over Whitsun.

Apart from famous artists of the scene, new discoveries from the edges of the Gothic universe participate. The festival is for typical headliners, however encompassing the complete trinity of the Gothic subculture is the purpose of WGT. As well not just for music, but the whole subculture.

Throughout the city, there will be more than 200 bands, projects and single artists covering the whole range of Gothic music: from EBM to Neofolk, from medieval to cold wave. For the real-time updates, click here to the WGT forum!

To discover the wide range of genres this year, explore the attached playlist.

2018 Discoveries

Some fascinating new appearances to watch out for. Definitely for this year, there is a strong pull towards minimal and cold wave comers:

Black Line

Electro, IDM, Experimental | United Kingdom / USA
A new project from the US producer cyrusrex, who has worked with Skinny Puppy and Depeche Mode. Collaborates with Douglas McCarthy, Bon Harris (Nitzer Ebb) and many others. the first work "Treason, Sedition and Subversive Activities" is creation of electronic excitement for noise makers. Live this year not only as support of the current Depeche Mode Tour, but also at the WGT in Leipzig!

Sarin

Techno, EBM | Iran

After "Konkurs" was unable appear at the WGT last year, due to personal reasons Their side project ‘A Blush Response’ entertained as a solo show. Lovers of sombre and New Beat influenced by Techno, get another chance this year to suffer some evil leg spasms from dancing.

Silent Runners
Postpunk, Synth Wave |

You can see it clearly – the genre is booming like no other, and all over the globe new bands pop up nearly every week. This is also reflected in the WGT lineup. Arriving on the scene at the end of 2017 in neighboring Holland, they’ve been very convincing from the first notes of their debut "The Directory".

Second Still

Postpunk, Coldwave | USA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAWcbUxH-fo Their eponymous debut album on "Manic Depression" was one of the best records of the last year and brings fans of the early Cocteau Twins, Banshees or Chameleons to tears of joy. Live as powerful as recorded. Do not miss!

Trepaneringsritualen

Death Industrial | Sweeden

Not brand new, and they’ve played WGT before. Nevertheless, recommended again for those who mourn the ritual machine sounds of Cold Meat bands like Brighter Death Now, Memorandum or Mental Destruction.

Zanias

Synth Wave, Techno | Australia
Linea Aspera or Keluar are previous projects from Zoe Zanias. The mentioning of these two projects, should entice you to a memorable performance as one of the highlights this year. Where she will play not only current material but work from all her projects! Cold electro noises in harmony with hypnotic vocals.

Mr. Kitty
Self-Destructive Synthpop | USA
Definitely not needing an introduction. After support shows for VNV Nation in the US and under numerous aliases i.e. Forrest Avery Carne, the Austin based project will certainly be putting on a great show!

The WGT Basics //2018 

The Ticket

The ticket covers all events within WGT, at 120€. Your fine coin covers you for the Thursday to Monday and free public transport throughout the festival in Leipzig, from May 18^th to 22^nd

Accommodation

The cheapest way to get four walls and a hot shower is through the WGT Forum. Leipzig residents with a free room or whole apartment advertise their free space and have a wide range of sizes and prices, overall very affordable.

Camping- Obsorgekarte

Want to be the party animal in a tent who is all terrain experienced with makeup, mud, sweat and met. Well this is the ticket for you! (aka tent site ticket). It not only acts as your pitch in the black earth, but also as a grand shortcut from the Agra to the Heidnisches Dorf, it also includes the annual Pfingftbote book of the annual engagement. A genuinely nice memory. Cost 25€ from the 18^th to 22^nd of May.

Parking

For car parking at the Treffen-area you have to purchase a parking vignette for 15 € (including advance sale charges). Parking at the Treffen-area (agra-Messepark) is not possible without a parking vignette.

The APP

If you are as disorganised as a bat in the sunlight, then start praying to this beautiful piece of coded architecture, it could save you from an A4 paper disaster, as the dear old paper may be your enemy.

The Website

The WGT Forum, will be your one stop shop for everything, however for 1^st time English travellers, checking out Sad Goth, is worth your while for some additional tips. Additionally, the official WGT Facebook page for updates.

Thus finally, for inspirational ideas to feed your appetite and to gander at the beautiful symbols of chapters gone by. Check out the WGT gallery.

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IVM's Top 40 Releases of 2017

[Editor's Note] It has been a turbulent couple of months at IVM. The post-Christmas season has seen episodes of illness, technology issues and inevitable time off. However normal service has been resumed (hopefully) and to that effect we present our (overdue) top 40 releases of 2017. This had been scheduled for the end of January, but after several weeks of madness we're just getting it online today. Thanks for bearing with us and enjoy - Sean

With 2017 a now a fading memory of political turmoil, social upheaval and high-profile perverts, we can at least look back at the year's musical output and say that it was a great one. Across all the genres we cover here at Intravenous Magazine we've seen some genuinely outstanding releases from a huge variety of bands and artists. As is the custom, we've put together a list of 40 notable releases from the previous twelve months that we think are worthy of praise.

As always the format of our best of is not set, and in no particular order of rank or genre bias, but this is a selection of highlights you may have enjoyed, or even missed first time round. So without further ado here is this year's countdown.

Chelsea Wolfe – 'Hiss Spun'

This is another great outing from Chelsea Wolfe. She has more than proved over the last few albums she has what it takes to be a major artist. Her experimentation with styles and genres always yields strong results and 'Hiss Spun' is no different. Dark, heavy, but hauntingly beautiful, this is the sound of an artist at the top of their game.

Godflesh – 'Post Self'

After three decades Godflesh's brand of mechanical nightmares seem more relevant than ever. As the digital age rages one, the cathartic din of 'Post Self' is the soundtrack to the inevitable descent towards the singularity. Their trademark sounds intact the album is a relentless exorcism of mechanical hostility that only they could conceive and execute.

3Teeth – 'Shutdown.exe'

'Shutdown.exe' is a great album, and 3Teeth have grown as songwriters and performers to fulfil the expectations that their début hinted at. It is authentic, and full of conviction. There is still plenty of room for growth to consolidate their musical identity and it would be interesting to hear how they can incorporate more experimental ideas in the future and try to beyond their mid-tempo comfort zone. But in the here and now this has to be a contender for album of the year.

Zola Jesus – 'Okovi'

A stunningly anxious blend of industrial infused gothic-pop, 'Okovi' delves into dark waters exploring themes of loss and mortality. Heavy going but one that throughout pulls the listener back into the light. Danilova has matured into an incredible artist capable of utterly captivating songwriting, and this album showcases some of her best so far.

Grave Pleasures – 'Motherblood'

'Motherblood' is another brilliant album from a band who seem to be on an unstoppable rise. They have effectively evolved and consolidated their sound without losing sight of what it was that initially made them stand out. So far every one of their albums has been worthy of being called a classic, and 'Motherblood' is no exception.

Nine Inch Nails – 'Add Violence'

'Add Violence' perhaps defaults back to some safer territory for Reznor and Ross after the dissonant noise of 'Not The Actual Events'. It still feels experimental, as though they are continuing to exorcise their sonic demons. But this time around, more so than the last, it feels like these were originally destined for other things, but have been reworked and re-imagined to fit this narrative. It's certainly a good EP, recognisably NIN and utilising some tried and tested set pieces, but still an infectious listen.

Laibach – 'Also Sprach Zarathustra'

Anyone that has followed the career of Laibach won't be surprised by this album, in so much as with spectre being such a commercially friendly album that wrapped their subversive nature in dance rhythms and Wagnerian pop melodies, it seems natural that they would follow it up with a more experimental and less user-friendly release. Such is the joy of a group like Laibach, you can't make assumptions or take things for granted.

Marilyn Manson – 'Heaven Upside Down'

Those expecting a direct sequel to '… Emperor' may be disappointed, but Manson doesn't deal in direct sequels. As long-time fans will know, each of his albums is a self-contained and very individual piece in its own right. Here he may be casting an eye back to what worked well on recent albums, and trying to channel the “fuck you” attitude that put him on the map. But it is with a mature and considered eye that shows a strength in his current partnership with Bates, and ultimately it works. More so, it shows that Manson is just as relevant in 2017 as he was 20 years ago.

Gary Numan – 'Savage (Songs From A Broken World)'

On 'Savage' Gary Numan channels a career's worth of songwriting expertise into a conceptually and musically heavy album. After 40 years and 20 other full-length albums it would be easy for the pioneer of synthpop to simply rest on his laurels. But he doesn't. Instead he continues to break new ground and walk down the darker and more industrial path he's been on over the past few albums. Apocalyptic narrative aside this is one of Numan's strongest outings in years.

David Bowie – 'No Plan'

The EP shows that Bowie still had more in the tank creatively before his untimely death. There are more tracks rumoured to be unreleased from the 'Blackstar' sessions, and it would have been nice if more were included here. But the 'No Plan' EP is a poignant and surprisingly energetic full stop. It would be tempting to bookend the EP with 'Lazarus' and the title track, but the emphasis on finishing on the more rock-flavoured cuts adds a reprieve from the loss. A healthier and more energetic Bowie. The Bowie that is engrained in the mind of millions that stalked the stage in outlandish outfits and make-up. The pioneered new sounds and style before others. That collaborated with underground musicians and broke down racial barriers.

Depeche Mode – 'Spirit'

Recent Depeche Mode albums have had their moments but never quite matched their output from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. But 'Spirit' bucks that trend. With a tangible fire in their bellies, the band are more stripped-back and aggressive than we've seen over the past few outings. As a result it is their most relevant and engaging album in years, and one that shows that they have a whole lot more to give.

Drab Majesty – 'The Demonstration'

Drab Majesty's ethereal and futuristic post-punk sound bends time and space with their blend of darkwave melodies, post-punk guitars and haunting atmospheres. 'The Demonstration' is a stunning second outing that sees the band solidify their status as one of the goth and post-punk scene's most promising acts.

Paradise Lost – 'Medusa'

Fans of their more commercial electronic/industrial rock and pre-2015 melodic doom releases will probably find this harder to get in to than 'The Plague Within' perhaps. But for long-time fans that have followed the band's evolution from their death doom beginnings and through their commercial height and back again will continue to find vindication and solace in the unabashed heavy doom of 'Medusa'.

Me And That Man – 'Songs Of Love And Death'

Long-time fans of Nergal's other band Behemouth may view 'Songs Of Love And Death', with its melancholic bluesy Americana, as a step too far. But it's coming from the same place as he's always drawn his inspiration, and the execution is impeccable. In the same vein as Johnny Cash, Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen but with a melodramatic satanic flair that is utterly enthralling.

Diamanda Galás – 'All the Way'

Diamanda Galás is a truly unique artist whose impressive body of work defies classification. On 'All The Way' we see the most natural presentation of Galás and her voice, set mostly to piano there is a subtlety that serves to enhance the theatricality of her vocals. The mixture of live and studio recordings shows off not only the full power of of her voice but the power of her artistic vision as she fully deconstructs and rebuilds the songs.

Ulver – 'The Assassination of Julius Caesar'

Thirteen may be unlucky for some but for Ulver it is a magic number. 'The Assassination Of Julius Caesar' is a highlight within a strong discography that already includes its fair share of highlights. Fans of Ulver's earlier works definitely won't be getting the return to their roots they may still crave, and yes it would be cool to see what modern Ulver could do within the extreme/folk metal framework of their past, but that's not the point. This album is a solid and complete statement made by a group of musicians at the top of their game.

Oxbow – 'Thin Black Duke'

This is a welcome return from a band that has been sorely missed over the past several years. Their last outing, 'The Narcotic Story', may have been a tough act to follow but the band have delivered with this album. Long-time fans of the band will easily get to grips with this and it is a nice entry point to for new listeners as well. Let's just hope it's not another ten years before their next full-length release.

Boris – 'Dear'

Fans of old school drone Boris will get a kick out of the brutality of this record, but it will not alienate fans of their more psychedelic side. It is a Boris that continues to innovate and evolve, even when looking backwards. When a band's form is as fluid as theirs it's hard to say this is a return to any one sound, but it is nostalgic to a degree yet thoroughly individual. But in any case, it is another fantastic offering from the band.

iVardensphere – 'Hesitation'

'Hesitation' is another strong outing from a band that have reconciled their past with their ambitions and provides so much potential for future albums to explore. There is so much going on here but the band distil it all in a way that just works so well, and once again proves that they are a band that despite their successes still feel like they have everything still to play for.

Akercoke – 'Renaissance In Extremis'

'Renaissance In Extremis' shows exactly why the extreme metal world has been missing Akercoke. Not only is it one of the strongest albums in their discography, it also has to be one of the strongest progressive death metal albums in year. It remains to be seen whether this is the band's return or the final chapter, but it goes to show they still have a lot left to give.

Pallbearer – 'Heartless'

'Heartless' continues to see Pallbearer push their musical ideas further. The result is a sumptuous offering that chooses ambition over comfort which has produced some of the strongest songs of their career. This may divide the opinions of some long-time fans but the band have taken risks, pushed themselves and it has definitely paid off in a big way.

With The Dead – 'Love From With The Dead'

This is in many ways a tighter and more effective album that the band's previous offering. Focusing on the elements that caught a lot of people's attention and extrapolating the more esoteric parts of their sound into epic pieces. The album builds effectively on that core sound and cements their presence as an exciting act that has forged a bold identity of its own.

In The Nursery – '1961'

'1961' is another example of just what a treasure In The Nursery is. After 35 years the Humberstone brothers are still pushing boundaries, and experimenting with skill and intelligence. They are one of Sheffield's proudest musical legacies (and that is no mean feat giving the calibre of that city's musical heritage) and deserve their place in the history books.

Caustic – 'Stimulation'

This might be another curve-ball from Fanale, but there is no denying he is an artist of substance who seems to be able to assimilate different styles and genres with ease and still produce something that can only be described as Caustic. It remains to be seen as to whether this is a permanent stylistic direction, but in the here and now, 'Stimulation' is a great EP and worth your time.

Angelspit – 'Black Dog Bite'

This is a strong album. Perhaps Angelspit's strongest so far. It feels so well rounded. It's angry and punk at it's core but while the music is old school and low-fi, even downright experimental in places, it is still fresh, approachable and easy to dance to. 'Black Dog Bite' shows that Angelspit are serious hitter in the electronic music world and are still innovating with the best of them.

Android Lust – 'Berlin//Crater Vol. 2'

Berlin' is a beautifully crafted album. D'iordna has a unique mastery of sound akin to an alchemist turning base elements into gold. This album utterly reflects that skill from the song writing to the final mixdown. It's been far too long between Android Lust albums, and while this long-awaited offering is on the shorter end of the spectrum at 41 minutes, it is a beautifully succinct and complete statement. It develops ideas from the first volume further and marries more comfortably with what could be described as the Android Lust sound. The end result is fantastic.

The Eden House – 'Songs For The Broken Ones'

The Eden House are a band that all other gothic rock bands should aspire to. The veteran skills of the core members and their collaborators are beyond repute and the scope of their work is only matched by their lack of ego. The result is always something that pushes the limits of what gothic rock can be, and this is no exception.

Sidewalks And Skeletons – 'The Void'

While the album may have lost that dark and heavy presence of its predecessor, and those really cool flirtations with metal, it is still a stunning release. Lee hasn't gone in a predictable direction and so the more ethereal and ambient nature of the album feels like a curve-ball, but a welcome one nonetheless. 'The Void' is a truly beautiful album that shows excessive skills and talent behind it, and more importantly ambition. An ambition to keep reaching higher with every release, and this certainly achieves that.

Ca†hedra – 'Faithless'

Again, Ca†hedra may not have been around for a long time, but his body of work speaks for itself. Every release gets stronger and its easy to hear the skill and confidence growing. And with a pleasing combination of dark atmospheres, strong leads and addictive melodies, there's no reason why this project can't reach greater heights.

Luxury Stranger – 'Darkness Falls Upon Light'

'Darkness Falls Upon The Light' is an incredibly strong showing from the band. It ticks all the boxes for what a classic indie album should be. If it were released 20 years ago, who knows. But in 2017 it is an absolute gem that proves that if you dig below the so-called indie mainstream, you will find the really rewarding albums.

Freakangel – 'How The Ghost Became'

This is perhaps the strongest and most well-rounded Freakangel outing to date. In fact it really sounds as though they have found themselves on this album. Everything seems to have come together to create a confident, heavy album that perfectly balances their aggression with their electronic prowess. It has been a well-paced evolution to this point, but this album feels like year zero, from which they can launch a wider assault on the metal scene.

Aurelio Voltaire – 'Heart-Shaped Wound'

Voltaire has evidently pushed himself harder than ever on 'Heart-Shaped Wound' and it has definitely paid off. The album may confound expectations at first, but the strength of the songwriting and performance will quickly sweep you away. The result is one of his memorable and strongest albums in years.

Cease2xist – 'Zero Future'

'Zero Future' may only weigh in at 34 minutes in length. But in that time it packs a big punch. If Cease2Xist were a band to watch, they are now surely on their way to the top of the UK industrial pile. Despite the dark connotations of this album's title, Cease2Xist definitely has a future, and its looking pretty bright from here.

Bell Witch – 'Mirror Reaper'

This is a stunning album that really pushes what the band have done previously. It's a fitting tribute to a fallen member and a great example of uncompromising ambition is seen through to the end. Again not an album for casual listening, but one that is genuinely rewarding if you have the time to sit quietly and see it through to the end.

Grendel – 'The Age Of The Disposable Body'

'The Age Of The Disposable Body' is another great outing from Grendel. The production is the strongest it has ever been and the songwriting continues to grow in scope and ambition. The album will undoubtedly become a mainstay of, not only clubs, but also the band's live shows as well.

Myrkur – 'Mareridt'

Myrkur has finally produced the album she's been threatening to for the past few years. Finally unfettered from expectations of what black metal should be, 'Mareridt' expresses an undeniably strong artistic statement. Casting a shadow beyond genre conventions and building on her strengths, the album simply demands attention. Hopefully Bruun will continue to push forward in this direction on her next album.

Suicide Commando – 'Forest Of The Impaled'

On the surface it might be perplexing to some as to how van Roy's steadfast dedication to his core sound has actually kept him relevant through a myriad of musical trends coming and going. But it is his artistic integrity that fans respond to. In the case of 'Forest Of The Impaled' with the additional trimming of the fat compared to some of his previous releases, the songs sound stronger and more impactful, even when things get a bit repetitive or safe sounding, you can't help but be drawn in.

Klack – 'Do You Klack?'

With 'Do You Klack?' Fanale and Oehler give old school ebm a modern makeover, and the end result is brilliant. The beat-driven backbone, familiar synth sounds, and retro sounding sampling remind us why classic ebm was so damn infectious. But coupled with a modern production style and the knowledge of the subject matter to bring that essential fun to the fore. Hopefully there will be more from Klack in the future.

Wednesday 13 – 'Condolences'

'Condolences' firmly re-establishes Wednesday 13 at the top of the shock rock pile. The post-Murderdoll years may have seen his profile slowly cool for a while, but his commitment and the rabid following of his fans has paid off. Matching the heaviness of 'Monsters Of The Universe...' while still acknowledging his horror punk roots, this album ticks every box and then jams the pen in your eye.

Merciful Nuns – 'A-U-M IX'

Artaud Seth and his Merciful Nuns may be nine albums in but they're take on classic gothic rock filtered through their own esoteric style just keeps delivering. In only seven years they have crafted an impressive back catalogue and maintained an enviable consistency. Seth has a habit on pulling the plug on his bands so make the most of the Nuns while you can!

Those were just some of our favourites. What made your personal list in 2017? Feel free to let us know on our Facebook page HERE.

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