Review: Tapewyrm – 'House Of Cards'

TAPEWYRM
'House Of Cards' 

JUGGERNAUT MUSIC GROUP 

Hot on the heels of his début album 'Misanthropic Noize' comes Michael Drayven's follow-up EP 'House Of Cards'. The UK noise merchant has developed well since the release of his first two demo EPs, and 'House Of Cards' shows a continued development in his writing and production abilities.

The infectiously rhythmic title track opens the EP with layers of noise and semi-audible samples throughout the guest vocals of Tiffanie Wells are hard to hear and as a result are the equivilent of subliminal messages within the din. 'Chasing Ghosts' is a bigger and almost more cinematic track in its scope. It's central droning mournful chords and trudging pace make this short song a highlight in the Tapewyrm back catalogue. This is quickly followed by 'Careless', which can only really be compared to the infectious rhythms of Michael Jackson's 'They Don't Care About Us' if they'd been de-constructed and reformed by Trent Reznor and Richard James.

Ruinizer's remix of 'Save Yourself' shows that given the right emphasis and sounds, Drayven has the basis for a good club track underneath all the noise. Dirty K's remix of 'Rebirth' though, ups the noize for the sheer hell of it for an eardrum rupturing four minutes.

'House Of Cards' shows a nice range across the tracks, which highlight Drayven's ongoing development as a songwriter. By adding pleasing rhythms and hints of melodies, he draws the listener in before beating them about the head with distortion. If the next full-length album develops these ideas, it's going to put Drayven on the noise map.

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Review: Fun Every Friday – 'Heart Puke'

FUN EVERY FRIDAY
'Heart Puke' 

SELF-RELEASED 

Flesh Eating Foundation are veterans of the scummiest depths of the UK's industrial scene. Blending cyberpunk and digital hardcore, they've provided a noisy and often psychotic antidote to the UK's more dance-orientated offerings. Now by the band's own admission, they're getting older and uglier, and so is their music. Cue their new side-project Fun Every Friday – a guitar-driven alter-ego that retains the craziness we're used to but packages it in a different way.

FEF are no strangers to six-stringed weapons of mass destruction, but this isn't rock 'n' roll by any means. In the same way Cabaret Voltaire would pile effects onto their guitars and vocals to make them sound like synthesizers, so do FEF. The result is gritty 80's sound akin to the afore mentioned Cabaret Voltaire crossed with Alien Sex Fiend.

After a short intro we're dropped straight into the nightmarish funfair of 'Off Kilter', which has the lurching pace of Marilyn Manson's 'Golden Age Of Grotesque' coupled with an industrialised take on the creepy Calliope elements of The Beatles' 'Being For The Benefit OF Mr. Kite'. 'Who's Rules The Roost' gives us something a little more recognisably Flesh Eating Foundation with its hard and fas punky delivery, which is also carried through on tracks like 'Time Is Running Out' and 'Pages' as well.

Tracks like 'Hate The Mistake', 'Save Yourself', 'Lessen The Fall' and 'Lazarus' take an interesting mid-paced approach to the song-writing that makes a refreshing change and gives them a chance to play with different ideas, whether it's a dancier approach, or even ballad elements. There is of course room for some unabashed craziness too with the frantic rhythms of 'Equinicide' filling the gap.

This is an interesting offering from FEF, with elements from their main concern retained throughout, the method and execution adds a whole new spin to the songs. Everything is as usual nice and low-fi, giving the tracks a nice grittiness, but the volume of distorted guitars gives their usual digital leanings a nice organic tone. Hopefully they'll continue to experiment with this in the future.

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Fredrik Croona announces Avskydd

Fredrik Croona (Cynical Existence) has announced the launch of a new side-project named Avskydd. The project is aimed at focusing his writing away from big dancefloor anthems and into darker waters.

With an emphasis of slower and more atmospheric writing, Croona will also be writing and singing in Swedish.

A full-length début is in the works, but right now Croona has uploaded a four-track demo to soundcloud to hint at what is to come.

For more information on Avskydd, please visit the official website.

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Machinista announce 'Arizona Lights'

John Lindqwister (Cat Rapes Dog, Basswood Dollies) and Richard Flow (Vision Talk, Haze For Sale) have joined forces under the moniker Machinista to craft a new EP 'Arizona Lights' which will be available through Juggernaut Music Group on 7th March 2014.

The EP is loosely themed around the extra-terrestrial, and the package hints at the concept of UFOs and abductions.

The EP's ten tracks feature remix contributions from the likes of FutureFrenetic, United And Identified, and Tacticle Module as well as Swedish synth-wave project Not Lars.

The EP is available to pre-order now via the Juggernaut Music Group Bandcamp page. For more information on the band, please visit their official website.

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END: the DJ's Top Music Picks of 2013

Another great year of music! Making this list was nearly impossible- each song on this list is outstanding! Check them out and keep them in your own playlist. Keep an eye out for their other works!

BEST MUSIC TRACKS OF 2013

Cold In May- The Reason (Motion City Lights Remix)
The lyrics and vocal delivery, the superb remix all equal out to a perfect melody. This is an amazing one.

Terrolokaust- Falling Away From Me
This fantastic cover's hard beat and style has been so very well received with each play.

Ice Upon Fire- Hypnotic Disorder (Gary Afterlife Remix)
ETT has ever the most textured electronic dance tracks, this one being among the best of their releases. Truly epic!

Stahlnebel & Black Selket- Dead Silence
Once the children choir kicks in, you know there's a powerful force at work on this track. A great piece of new work from these EBM titans.

Cryogenic Echelon- Pandora (feat. Eugene Nesci)
The production work and vocals grab you from the first note. A unique blend of moving lyrical content with vocal style make this one a standout.

DYM- N.W.O.
This keeps bodies on the club floor and gets the mood escalating quickly. One of the anthems of the year.

Beat Tempest- Hot Bedroom
This guarantees to move everyone once the track is thrown down. Really solid piece of work!

Snog- Everything Is Under Control
Arguably one of the most catchiest tunes of the year and once it's on your mind (along with the video), you'll be humming this tune for hours.

Chainreactor- Wanna Break Out
One of the many tracks from Chainreactor's standout new album. Noisy and artistic make this one a killer combo.

Love?- I Walk Alone
I love it when a track is so very moving while staying textured and thoughtful. The rhythmic tones and vocal delivery work extremely well.

Torul- The Fall
Great song and a great video, this song's melody oozes tragedy. Definitely one to listen to!

Covenant- Last Dance
Covenant returned with a vengeance this year and this track is a testament to their legacy.

Hope Estheim- Sleepwalking Societies (Feat. Redux)
From the same artist behind Cryogenic Echelon, the collaboration with the vocalist on this track is fantastic. 

The People’s Republic of Europe- Warrior
Raise your fists and stomp your feet to this one. TPROE unleashed this track earlier this year and has been a staple on club floors.

Mental Discipline- WDYWFM (feat. Spektralized) (Assemblage 23 Remix)
From the wonderfully produced "Fall 2 Pieces" album. With the collaboration of MD, Spektralized and A23, this is truly a dream track.

X-Fusion- I Am Your God
Another anthem of 2013, this harsh builder has been a great addition to everyone's playlist.

Pride and Fall- Hollow ([:SITD:] Remix)
Dependent Music's compilations are always outstanding having unique versions and reworks to the label's releases. This remix is haunting.

Dark Age- Afterlife (Eisbrecher Club Cut)
Eisbrecher took this track and made it truly epic. The heavy tones force bodies to move.

Diskonnekted- Yesteryears (Neuroticfish mix)
Neuroticfish taking on a track by Diskonnekted = awesome. This is but a preview to what we'll be hearing from both artists in 2014. 

Sebastian Komor- Body Move (Club Mix)
One of the best producers in modern EBM and Industrial dance now self releases on his own label- and this first release is a moving sampler of the masterpieces to follow.

Noisuf-X- Joking
This track is a driving force, one of the hardest movers from the great "Warning" album.

Ohm- Car Crash
From the arenas of Front Line Assembly and Noise Unit comes a truly artistic collaboration from their self-titled album. This is but one of the tracks- check this one out.

Juno Reactor- Trans Siberian
A new album from J.R. was very much welcomed by all and did not disappoint. This is a great track from among the many highly produced works.

Ginger Snap5- Polaris
The first GS5 full length album and wow, did everyone love it! Melodic EBM with synth and trance elements, the personal lyrics; "Polaris" is a great embodiment of the entire album.

ESA- The Shape of Hate to Come
The new ESA album is fantastic, moving and destructive! Everyone loves the production work and beats.

Armystrial- Absence
The production on Armystrial's release from Login Records has almost a dark machine-like feel to the techno and minimal elements.

BEST ALBUMS OF 2013:
These albums are amazing as each are the best listening experience for having solid work from start to finish. Each of these albums must be heard!

Chainreactor- The Silence and the Noise
Ginger Snap5- Snapped By You
Funker Vogt- Companion In Crime
ETT Sessions- The Essential of Enjoy This Trip Recordings
Mental Discipline- Fall 2 Pieces
Noisuf-X- Warning
Love?- Electronically Yours
Stahlnebel & Black Selket- Contemporary Transformation
Ohm- Ohm [self-titled]
Juno Reactor- The Golden Sun of the Great East

BEST MUSIC LABELS OF 2013:
These labels have given us top-notch artists’ releases throughout the year. Make sure you check out their releases next year!

Skyqode [official website]
ETT Recordings [official website]
Dark Dimensions Label Group [official website]


END: the DJ is a U.S. based DJ and artist on Nilaihah Records and CircuitHeads Digital. END supports many dark electronic artists & labels by touring internationally plus mix sets on U.S. and UK radio with Industrial Club Sessions. More details are on his official website at www.ENDtheDJ.com

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The weekly compendium 03/01/2014

Happy Birthday to … US!

Yep, we're officially one year old as a webzine and as a free gift to you all for supporting us and giving a damn about what we had to say during 2013 we've released our first free download compilation featuring 20 great industrial, gothic, ebm etc. bands and artists. And yes it is absolutely free! Just follow the many links on the site to visit our Bandcamp page to download your copy!

Anyway, we had a little break over Christmas week and we're back with more great stuff for you to get stuck into. We've crammed the reviews in this week with the likes of Kunoichi, Mondträume, Caustic, Beauty Queen Autopsy, Rabia Sorda and Llumen. As well as news from Pittersplatter.

Over on Facebook we had lots of Christmasy treats for you in the run-up and days after the day itself. But we've been getting in the mood for live music with videos from the likes of Jarboe, Fad Gadget and Juno Reactor. And we've also been keeping an eye on the latest Alt-Fest developments with Marilyn Manson being announced on Christmas day and The Cult and Gary Numan announced on New Years Day.

Right, that's your lot for this week. I'm going to put my feat up a little this weekend and catch-up on my rest – what you thought a week off updating the website meant a week off work? In my wildest dreams maybe... anyway I'll leave you with this courtesy of The Fields Of The Nephilim for now.

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Review: Llumen – 'Promo'

LLUMEN 

'Promo' 

SELF-RELEASED 

Belgian musician Pieter Coussement, formerly of Sad CBA, is back with a new musical outlet. Still honouring his early industrial and ebm influences such as Skinny Puppy and Front 242, his new project Llumen is very much a product of the 21^st century. Incorporating psy-trance, idm and big-beat into his repetoire, Llumen offers up reverential club-orientated tracks with an innovative twist.

This eight-track promo gives an insight into his new musical manifesto with a range of songs that will no doubt see Llumen become a well known name very soon. 'Where We Collide', 'Force Of Nature', 'Cold In December' and 'Lux Aeterna' are strong electro tracks with an undeniable dance quality to them courtesy of their solid beats and catchy lead melodies.

Coussement isn't afraid to get a bit experimental though as tracks such as 'Silicon Cinema' and 'Huntress' can attest with their less linear constructions and emphasis on dark, sometimes ambient atmospherics.

But it's the martial tinged old school harsh ebm of 'New Moon Rise' that is the definitive stand-out track here as a fine blend of the anthemic dance leanings and the experimental ambitions displayed on the rest of the disc.

There is an awful lot going on here with a lot of styles and influences ever present throughout the track list. But Coussement consistently finds a nice balance in his songwriting, which is reflected in the production and mixing of the songs as well. The only issue that occurs on the tracks is that occasionally the vocal delivery doesn’t seem quite like it fits with the timing, which makes the tracks sound rougher than they really are.

Ultimately though, Llumen hint at great things here and a full-length outing will undoubtedly show this to be one project to keep an eye on over the next couple of years.  

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Review: Rabia Sorda – 'Hotel Suicide'

RABIA SORDA
'Hotel Suicide' 

OUT OF LINE 

Hocico's Erk Aicrag returns with his side project Rabia Sorda's latest outing, 'Hotel Suicide'. Whereas Hocico has been focused on a strictly aggrotech agenda, Rabia Sorda has always been a little more fluid. Still angry and uncompromising, Rabia Sorda still manage to incorporate other elements into their sound, and 'Hotel Suicide' is no different.

Aicrag's electro formula is penetrated by hardcore and post-punk elements throughout, giving the hard beats and searing synths a more organic atmosphere. Tracks like 'Indestructible', 'Deaf', 'Somewhere Along The Road', 'Hotel Suicide' and 'Abuse Me' are anthemic manifestos that easily get bodies moving and fists in the air. While the likes of 'Abwesend', 'Eye M The Black Sheep', 'Marionette' and 'Novienbre Arde' are a lot more playful with their styles and give a bit more variety to the track list with the guitars higher in the mix, more frantic beats and even ballad elements evident.

The production is spot on, bringing the various elements to the front of the mix when they're needed and not burying them behind the electronic elements. The guitars in particular vary nicely in their use and are a nice counterpoint to the ever prevalent synths.

This is a strong release with plenty of the variety that often lacks from Aicrag's main project. The punky guitars together with the occasional experimental twists and different vocal deliveries hold the attention nicely. But most importantly Rabia Sorda still have that energetic dance quality that will appeal to Hocico fans as well.

Perhaps now the term “side project” is no longer really a fitting description as 'Hotel Suicide' shows how Rabia Sorda is developing into a formidable entity in its own right. More releases of this quality will certainly blur that distinction further.

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Intravenous Magazine's 'Blood Pack Vol. 1' free compilation released

This is the first free compilation album from Intravenous Magazine to mark our first birthday as a webzine. To say thank you to all our readers over the past year, this is a free one on us! So enjoy some great free music in the high-quality format of your choice (MP3, FLAC, and more). Featuring the likes of Be My Enemy, Aeon Sable, Ultraviolence and Attrition plus many more exclusive and unreleased tracks from international gothic, industrial and electronic bands.

We'd like to extend our thanks to all the bands / artists that contributed their music to this compilation and would ask everyone that downloads it to check out the accompanying PDF booklet included in the download which contains information and links for every act on the compilation. For more information on future releases please keep an eye on the website over the course of the year.

Track List:

01: Sine Division – 'The Signal (Single Version)'

02: Last July – 'Into The Void' [Exclusive Unreleased]

03: Aeon Sable – 'Tenfifteen (Radio Edit)'

04: Powerotik – 'Pain In Action'

05: Syrian – 'Walk Into The Sun (XP8 Mix)' [Unreleased]

06: Doganov – 'Eyes Only' [Exclusive]

07: Be My Enemy – 'Look Who Is Laughing Now' [Exclusive]

08: Attack Of The 70ft Bitch – 'Grab Them By The Eyeballs'

09: Cryogenica – 'Bruised & Broken'

10: Impurfekt – 'Nightmares'

11: Dawn Of Oblivion – 'Atomic Stigmata'

12: Non-Bio – 'I Sell Revolution (Unmastered Mix)' [Exclusive]

13: Attrition – 'Narcissist (ID Mix By Angst Pop Featuring Technomancer)'

14: Hide And Sequence – 'My Darkest Fear' [Unreleased]

15: Quasimodo – 'Soldier Of Love'

16: Amáutica – 'Las Vidas Pasadas (Alta Calidad)'

17: Salvation AMP – 'Salvation'

18: Rossetti's Compass – 'Bleed (Kant Kino cover)' [Unreleased]

19: New Zero God – 'Until The End Of The Line'

20: Ultraviolence – 'Electronic Death Resistanz (Live)' [Exclusive]

To download 'Blood Pack Vol. 1' please visit our bandcamp page. Or click the album art in the side bar.

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Review: Beauty Queen Autopsy – 'Roughest Cuts: The Demos'

BEAUTY QUEEN AUTOPSY 

'Roughest Cuts: The Demos' 

UNDUSTRIAL RECORDS 

After occasional collaborations over the years, Caustic's Matt Fanale and Unwoman's Erica Mulkey have joined forces to form a dark pop group... yep, that's right. A début full-length album is scheduled for early 2014, but in the meantime a four-track demo EP is available for free to whet appetites. It's a partnership that works extremely well. Fanale's minimalistic and somewhat noisey electronics are a nice juxtaposition to Erica's sultry vocals.

The EP kicks off with the wonderfully mechanical dark synthpop of 'Good, Giving, Game' with it's simple drum beat and subtle but very memorable lead melody. 'Birthday Pony' is again a simple and minimalistic track, yet this time the juxtaposition between the noisier leaning of the musical formula and the soft vocals are more pronounced due to the harsher lead synth. Next comes the unexpected but incredibly gratifying cover of The Sex Pistols' 'Submission'. Again the noise is more pronounced, yet there is a great synthpop underbelly driving the song. The EP then closes on the dance-friendly stripped back techno of 'Lotharia', which leaves you wanting more.

These are demos so they are rough around the edges (hence the title!), however they display a well thought out approach to song-writing and strong performances by both members. The only way you could describe it is to imagine Frank Tovey and Siouxsie Sioux forming a band together and you'll get the drift. It's promising at this stage, and will no doubt catch more than a few people off guard when the full-length album is unleashed.

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