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Interview with Horror Vacui (2013)

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Horror Vacui is a band from Bologna, Italy; they are one unique band with a sound really powerful and captivating with amazing musicality. They have managed to blend the raw energy of Punk with the melodic-musical structures of Gothic Rock; or as they say : Gothic Rock heavily influenced by Punk. Their album, “in Darkness You Will Feel Alright” is one of the most impressive debut albums from 2012. They are a very honest band, and their music has message.

Daniel Olvera

You are very skilled when executing your music; do you have previous experience with other bands?

Koppa: First of all, thanx for thinking we are skilled musicians! I don’t think so, but it doesn’t matter, eheh. Well, yes, everybody play in other bands and in HV we play instuments that we don't normally play in our other bands. Besides Horror Vacui I play in Kontatto (D-beat) and Campus Sterminii (crust core), but I’ve been in countless bands for many years. I share Kontatto and Campus Sterminii with our guitar player Marzia which normally is a drummer in these and other bands, so it's a new experience for her being a guitarist.

Laura: Thanx for the compliment. I play in other bands too: IntoTheBaobab (punk) and Gandhi Kamikaze (peace punk)... But i don't know if this helps me or in being a good bass player, because I play drums in the other bands!

Enri: Like the other guys in HV I played and I'm still playing in other punk hc bands.

Andrea: I'm normally a bassplayer but I do guitar here and I have some other bands as well.

Some words about the origin of the band…

Koppa:  Nothing so exclusive. We just wanted to play goth/death rock simply because we all like it and decided to start the band in winter 2009. After some line up changes we started playing “seriously” in winter 2010/11. In summer 2011, after the first shows, we recorded our demo cd-r and, since many people found it interesting, we got to play more and more shows and recorded our first 7” (May 2012) and our first LP (October 2012)

How many lineup changes have experienced Horror Vacui?

Koppa:  The very first line up was:
Koppa: vocals/guitar
Marzia: guitar
Julia: bass
Henry: drums.

Then we had a friend of ours called Elvira for a while on guitar (instead of Koppa who took the vocal duty only), but she wasn’t really working out well for the sound of the band so Andrea Masbucci replaced her. In 2012 Lara replaced Julia on bass 'cause she couldn't go on with the band due to work and personal things and we have now a definitive line up which works out perfectly.

Laura:  I am the latest replacement!  I have been playing bass in HV since December 2012, but after several concerts and a tour in Spain, I really feel like one of the band since ever... maybe because we have been friends for some time.

Why did you choose this name?

Koppa:  At the beginning we were supposed to be called Black Friars Bridge, a bridge on the Thames river in London. Underneath that bridge, the boss of a very important Italian bank who was working for the Vatican has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. The name didn’t pleased us 100% so, after a conversation between me and Marzia (I was accusing her to suffer of horror vacui syndrome because she collects all kinds of crap and useless shit ahaha) she came out saying that Horror Vacui should be the name of the band. And everybody liked it.

How many releases do you have, previous to your debut album?

Koppa:  Demo cd-r (limited to 100 copies-August 2011) which unexpectedly sold out. Black Rivers Demo cd-r (reissue of the demo with a different cover and an extra track-October 2011) Can You Still See Reality? 7” (Legion Of The Dead Records-May 2012), In Darkness You Will Feel Alright LP (Legion Of The Dead Records/Avant! Records-October 2012).

Some words about the current underground scene in Italy, what’s your vision about it?

Koppa:  I don’t know what you mean for underground scene and I personally don’t pay any attention to it. We belong to the d.i.y. punk/hardcore scene. We don’t know any other band playing our style that doesn’t belong to our same scene and we don’t wanna be part of all those rockstars wanna be’s because we are punx, not rockers or musicians.

Marzia:  Well, if you mean DIY with underground I can tell you that it's more than 15 or 20 years for some of us that we belong to it without never leaving or having doubts on where we belong to. It comes then that all our choices, shows, attitude atc are filtered by this and this is how we feel. The DIY/underground scene has many shades, from punk to hc etc and I think HV is the first Italian experiment of postpunk/deathrock stuff to enter some kind of squats etc in the last decades, together with Dystopian Society from Florence. This is a new thing as gothic stuff was not welcome before, due to too much ambiguity for political issue. It's really easy to find right wing fascistfashion people in gothic clubs. We hate it so we decided to try bringing back post punk to this kind of underground venues, and it worked out really good since 3 years inward. For other aspects, the scene in its general aspects is well alive and healthy even if all the evictions and national politics towards spaces like squats etc are becoming really harsh so it's less and less possible to keep places and get new ones. The old places are often under eviction but we try our best to keep everything alive, there's a good connection between different cities and people.

With which bands have you shared the stage in your recent tour in Europe?

Koppa:  We toured with Sect, a great band from Barcelona whose members share the same passion and ideas that we do. We couldn’t find any better than them. I don’t really remember the names of the bands we played with. Too much booze, too much driving and not enough sleeping.

Laura:  We had a great time with SECT who are really nice people and I hope to meet them and play with them again soon.

Marzia: I remember Malaise, from France, really interesting duo. Then Y from Barcelona, kind of a mix between experimental stuff with dark atmospheres, interesting.

Can you share some good and relevant moments from that tour?

Koppa:  Everything was great. First thing, the weather. Italy was bloody cold, Spain was unbelievably warm. Every show has been very successful, even on fucked up nights like 30th, 31st December and 2nd January when everybody are already/still partying the new year’s eve/day. Every moment has been very relevant to me because I had a lot of fun and had the chance to share my life with my bandmates and the Sect folks who turned out to become some of the best friends I have ever had around Europe.

Enri:  When you share your day 24/7 it's normal to have a stable memory about it. I still have some great shows and days in my head (the beaches walks, the shows in Madrid and Alicante, all the people met and the great drinking nights) and I'm personally happy to have shared it with Sect which I really love and loved to know better.

Marzia:  Every tour is special to me but this one was simply perfect for the people and for the shows. Every moment was great. When you are with the right people, the best show of the tour  or the sandwich at the gas station have the same importance :-)

There is a quote in your bio about being STRICTLY ANTIFASCISM AND ANTISEXISM, what can you add to this statement?

Koppa:  Nothing, that says it all.

Marzia:  With our other bands there's normally no need to state this also because the kind of places we play in are clearly anarchist or antifa. Since in Italy it's pretty common to have right wing/fascist people attending goth events or liking post punk bands, we decided to make it clear for this kind of people only that they are not welcome and that we don't want to share out music with them. The slogans we did sometimes are statements to make sure everybody can see what we think so to stay away. We don't share this idea of let's get together under music and fuck the rest, no thanx, I love people that know who they are and that can make a stand. Politics and awareness on things are very important to me. Then, also music is very important but in my opinion it doesn't walk separately from ideas.

This leads to your lyrics, what are the topics that you are dealing with in your songs?

Koppa:  We have songs about mental illness, songs against war, songs against our governments, songs about our own lives, fears, dreams, nightmares, desires. Everything we write about is definitely filtered by our own perspective, so there’s no room for lyrics about dancing girls, Satanism, imagery worlds, drinking beer and useless topics like those ones.

Marzia:  We generally don't talk about something we don't know personally and we never tried to build an “ad hoc” image of us as something obscure etc. We are exactly as you can see and we deal with what we can see. I wrote all the latest lyrics especially those about mental illness because of experiencing it with my job. Corvus Corax has been written years before for no reason, in 2007, driving next to a field of rotten sunflowers in Czech rep. Yersinia is inspired from Dylan Dog comics and deals with the plague, Things like this.

I think that Horror Vacui is a very honest band with message. The lyrics of “I like when a soldier dies” have been controversial for some people. What is exactly that do you wanted to express with these song lyrics in particular?

Koppa:  I wrote that song. The day I wrote it, another Italian soldier had been killed in Afghanistan and there was nothing else to listen on the radio or on the tv besides the sad story of that honest soldier who left a wife and 3 children in this bloody world... I don’t give a fuck! You’re a soldier? I don’t like you! You carry a gun? I don’t like you! You kill people? I don’t like you! Soldiers earn 15000 € x month to go to play some wargames in Afghanistan and Iraq. They know it’s risky so it’s their choice. If they’re so greedy to go and risk their lives when they have wives and kids, it’s their problem, not mine. My problem is living in a world full of wars where people kill each other in the name of religions, multinationals and dirty affairs we don’t wanna hear about. I want to live in a peaceful world, soldiers and weapons free. So if a soldier dies, it affects me in one way only: it makes me happy because I hate them, their weapons and the governments they’re working for! By the way, I’m talking about soldiers, not rebels, right?

Marzia:  I had the same feeling, mostly because they make national funerals in Italy when soldiers die (which is 99% risk of their “job”) and no one cares if another kind of worker dies maybe for no safety rules on working places etc. When constructors die falling form buildings, no one makes national parades. So, that's why the song has such a straight title.

Your recent official bootleg has a very special dedicatory. Please, some words about it….

Koppa:  In 1969 a bomb exploded in a bank in Milano. That was the beginning of what in Italy were called “anni di piombo” (literally “years of lead”) that lasted till the very beginning of 1980 and left a lot of people dead on the streets. The government together with the deviated secret services, the C.I.A. and the extreme right wing put up a lot of attacks in crowded squares, trains, streets, banks, stores, train stations, airplanes etc just to create what has been called “the tension strategy”. The great enemy was the communist party who was taking more and more advantage, so the government didn’t care about all the innocent victims and started this crazy civil war. So, the anarchist movement has been judged guilty for that bomb in Milano in 1969 and the anarchist Valpreda has been arrested as he was considered the real responsible for the attack. During an interview in a police station, the anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli has been found dead in the yard of the building. The policemen said he killed himself (shouting something like “this is the death of anarchy”) jumping from the window of the room where the interview was taking place, which was at the 4th floor of the building. Other people said they heard some noise, then Pinelli screaming “Noooooooo nooo”, so most of the people think some policemen killed Pinelli pushing him out of the window. In fact Pinelli was not guilty neither he knew who placed the bomb at the bank (because, years later, a group of fascists has been judged guilty for that attack), so he had no reasons to commit suicide.The night we recorded that live bootleg was the anniversary of Pinelli’s death, so we decided to dedicate the record to his memory

Laura:  We  dedicated a live, which has been recorded, to the anarchist Pinelli and we played on the anniversary of his death. As I think you have already understood from the last answers, it's very important for us to give a political message with our music. I don't know whether this is considered unusual in a band like ours, but this is what we are and always will be.

“In Darkness You Will Feel Alright” is a great record; your music is really exciting and well executed. What can you tell about the positive feedback from the people around the world, did you have received proposals for gigs outside Europe?

Koppa:  Thanx for the nice words. Yes, the record is selling surprisingly well both in the punk scene and in the goth and metal ones. It's almost sold out. We mostly got only positive feedbacks and it’s so strange for us that we still can believe all the attention we’re having. Yes, somebody asked us to play some shows in the U.S. and we’re thinking about it. If we don’t go there by the end of the year, definitely, it’s gonna happen in 2014. We got invited in Amsterdam for next month too.

Laura:  I didn't record that album as I wasn't in the band back then, but I have listened to it so many times! I think It is a great album and we are very pleased with all the positive feedbacks the record is collecting here and there.

What are your all-time favorite bands, and which of them have  influenced to your music?

Koppa:  Discharge, Wretched, Queen, Doors, Guns n’ Roses, Nirvana, Sex Pistols, Dead Boys, Hellshock, Amebix, Disorder. None of them influenced Horror Vacui’s music. I also have a passion for bands like Lords Of The New Church, Bauhaus, Sisters Of Mercy, Screaming Dead, Depeche Mode, Fields Of The Nephilim, Killing Joke and so on, but none of them is so huge in my heart as the ones I’ve mentioned before.

Laura:  Joy Division, Wipers, The Mob, Depeche Mode, Damned, Screaming Dead and lots more.

Marzia:  I don t get influenced by other bands when writing my music because it would be really different to combine my huge love for guns n roses in a post punk way ahahah. Anyway, GNR, Metallica, Discharge, Wretched, Iron Maiden, Nirvana, L7 Uber Alles Forever.

And what are your favorite bands from the current underground scene?

Koppa:  If underground means d.i.y. punk hc scene, well, Belgrado, Sect, Moral Hex, Bellicose Minds, Crimson Scarlet, Hellshock, Wolfbrigade, Perdition etc

Enri: River City Tanlines, Firewater, Ladytron, Alaric, Forgetters, A Place To Bury Strangers, Nachtmystium

Marzia:  I agree with Koppa and add Beastmilk too. There would be too many other diy bands I will for sure forget some.

Do you have plans for a new release in the near future, maybe this year?

Koppa:  yes, we are writing new material and we already have 5 songs that will end up in the next full length. We hope it’ll see the light before summer 2014. Like I said before, we all play in other bands and we don’t have much time due to jobs and other activities we carry on so we can’t focus all our energies on Horror Vacui only.

And finally, some words for the people who likes your music.

Koppa:  We wanna say thanx to you and to all the people who will read this interview. We would love to live in a world with no wars, weapons and fascists, so it would be awesome if everybody would start living/thinking in these directions too, but of course that’s just a dream.


Passion Play - The Final Act (2012)

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Passion Play 
The Final Act
Aufnahme+Wiedergabe
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The long announced farewell of Passion Play occurred in the most recent WGT. And this release is the final stage in the discography of Passion Play. This anthology has a great track selection; and all of the songs in this record, were re-recorded and re-interpreted by Passion Play. And have to say that this is a very special record: It is emotive, is really impressive, and very special because is the closure of the cycle of this experienced and talented band. This band was formed in 1994 in Oxford , UK. They have three previous official releases: The EP “Name No Names” (1988), “Stress Fractures” (1999), and “Dreaming Spikes” (2001) Their sound could be described as some fine and elegant mixture of Goth, Post Punk, Dark Wave, and some pitch of Alternative Rock. This is music of high level. And this collection of their classic songs plus five unreleased tracks; is a total delight from the beginning to the end. This album was released in 2012 by Aufnahme + Wiedergabe. “Saints” is Gothic –Dark Wave of excellence with wonderful melody, and it is brilliantly executed. During the choruses, it is simply sublime. Great start for this album. The beginning of ”Name no names” will make you think in the Alternative sound of the 90’s, because of the bass riff and the guitar. This song has a very unique sound, and lots of charm.”Drift” goes in crescendo, the song has a start point in which everything is calm, it rises with intensity, and finally it vanishes. It is like a moderate storm. And then: “Sight for sore eyes” explodes with lots of energy at the beginning; it is a double-edged and amazing Gothic Rock song. It’s double edged because it has energy, and elegance. They created such a perfectly balanced track.”Falling upwards” has fast rhythm and is energetic in the verse, some moments later it has a wonderful transition with those melodic choruses. “The lesser one” could be described as some amazing piece of Dark-Alternative Rock. This one has amazing rhythm, and it will make you move and sing; this song is really contagious.”Down to you” is another cool song with awesome rhythm; it is Gothic Dark Wave at its finest, and is really dynamic.”Get what you ask for” sets the intensity marker to the top, with this vertiginous beginning, and it has fascinating transitions; brilliant song! “Feel fire” is the first of the unreleased tracks, and is pretty catchy and has great guitar work. In”Stop me” the fluent rhythm and those driving bass lines are the core of the song. It is like a continuous movement and everything in this song is constructed around this, this song has great cadence, and it wraps you up. A very fine Dark Wave sound, is the distinctive touch in “As above, so below”. A pretty solid track, it expresses some introspective and nostalgic feeling. “While you were sleeping” is warm and emotive, It is a pretty melodic track.”Bullet” is more oriented to the Post Punk style, and it has a good dose of energy and is a guitar-driven song. Don’t miss this “Final Act”, it is a limited edition. Passion Play is defined by their passion and inspiration when creating and playing their music, and this album is a very emotive and unforgettable conclusion. Awesome band!

Daniel Olvera

Ritual Reaper - Plague Ridden Kingdom EP (2013)

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Ritual Reaper
Plague Ridden Kingdom EP

Don´t get confused with the visual concept in this release: You can see some pentagram, the band logo seems to be made with some stems with thorns, and maybe you can think about some extreme Metal Band…. ¡Wrong! Ritual Reaper is a real Gothic Rock machinery which is perfectly well-tuned; they have the high level of energy from the bands of the New Millennium: This modern sound which have aplomb, force, and higher bit rates (compared with some classics, which are denser, and they were oriented to the creation of obscure soundscapes ,with mesmerizing melodies) I can say that some tracks are more Rock-Oriented with some traces of Metal (Because of the Hard and Heavy guitars)But the final result is an awesome combination of both of the traditional, and modern sounds of Gothic Rock. They are carrying the torch, and they are giving a refreshing rendition of the genre at the same time. This is the debut EP of this band from Sweden, and it is hot stuff because their sound is pretty exciting.

Cold Evil (Megaton Aftermath)” begins with the sound of a nuclear blast, and after this the room is flooded with guitar driven melody, bass lines with density, and great rhythm. This is a pretty consistent alloy, and it was made using the tradition of the Second Wave, and the energetic and refreshing approach of the Third Wave. The musicality is awesome and the sound is rich, we have some keyboards here, which are giving this touch of elegance to the whole ensemble. Great start!. Devil Ritual” has very cadenced guitar riffs, and fine transitions. Definitely they have pretty good level, because both of the song writing and the execution are quite a fine work; and the voice has lots of versatility. “Ancient Anunaki” is pretty rhythmic and it has these catchy guitars, which are quite solid, like blocks of steel. The assertive use of keyboards gives a great balance here. In “Golden Goat”, this combination of Keyboards and guitars reaches a superior level: It has a very fascinating combination of melodic passages, and moments of powerful sound with those loud guitars; really fine stuff.”Mirrors Of tavern Hell” has a very quiet start with that delicate guitar sound, and it develops into a fine and well constructed piece; which sound is close to the German 90’s school of Gothic-Dark Wave music, with heavy guitars.

I’m very impressed with this first release by Ritual Reaper, it is High quality stuff. Every song is really good and remarkable. A must have for all of the Gothic Rock devotees out there. Don’t miss this release by this new and promising band. Can’t wait to listen a full length by them, hope that they can release an album in the near future

 Daniel Olvera

Interview with Artaud Seth | Merciful Nuns (2013) by Frater Fidens

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Frater:   Sarru mass Artaud! The Merciful Nuns have, in a very short space of time, climbed back to the heights of the Garden Of Delight heyday. Already onto the band's fifth full length release with three EPs and a live album and DVD in the discography. In this interview we will delve into the GOETIA IV and V albums of which the last one has just been released. The albums were released quickly as they are in essence one concept or rather one journey that You share with us. Before we delve into that I would like to express that GOETIA IV and V definitely prove what You claimed before during the global Nunhood interview:

“I am indeed partial to the deepest bass lines and cold, sober drumming void of emotions. They should accentuate the songs in a simple but very precise and effective manner. I am determined to drag the Goth Rock of the present into a new direction. Away from the time worn and dust covered Goth cliché into a hopefully ground-breaking approach based on good contemporary production in conjunction with intelligent concepts and a brooding emotion long thought of as forgotten and to bring it all together in one harmonious concept which finds its expression in the typical “Merciful Nuns” sound.” —  Artaud Seth

The Kybalion is one the sources of which You have drawn inspiration for this journey and as not many are familiar with this text I will first put some background information. This will make clearer what You present us in both musical and lyrical ways as especially in the last album You take us on a very deep inner journey. For that reason it is best to listen to it while sitting in complete darkness as it is also a meditative journey that goes beyond time and all other material aspects. The Kybalion is a study of the Hermetic philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece based on the Seven Hermetic Principles:

"The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key”

I. THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.
"THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental." — The Kybalion.

II. THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
"As above, so below; as below so above." — The Kybalion.

III. THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." — The Kybalion.

IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY.
"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled." — The Kybalion.

V. THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM.
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates." — The Kybalion.

VI. THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT.
"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law." — The Kybalion.

VII. THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.
"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles Gender; manifests on all planes." — The Kybalion.

GOETIA IV starts off with the song ‘Ars Goetia’ in which You summon clavicula Salomonis regis, the veritable Key of Solomon, to find clarity and insight. Actually continuing the journey that we have witnessed on the previous releases that You describe Yourself in the following way:

“I am driven by the search for the origins of faith, the source of all world religions and the eternal question why we dwell on this Earth” —  Artaud Seth

This song takes us on a journey beyond time and space in which we experience some new influences in the Nuns sound. Slowly stirring into life and projecting a still, emptiness with great power. Can You tell us a bit more of how this evolved?

Artaud:   Well Frater, “Ars Goetia” is evidently inspired by oriental influences. The tabalas used therein are of Jordanian origin and the female vocals recite Egyptian Gods. This song was placed deliberately at the beginning of the album with the intention of creating a kind of transformation into the sphere of the Old Testament. Although you may not be too pleased to hear as a devout exponent of the Thelema, there is no direct correlation between Aleister Crowley’s book “Ars Goetia” and the song’s literary content. Let’s be honest here; everything in relation to Crowley’s “Ars Goetia” is based on pure fantasy. Most of it was formulated in his own mind, or rather – in keeping with his usual custom – he allowed himself to be inspired by ancient traditions to create something of his own. No one really knows what the original Goetia contained as it was reputedly burnt along with the Ark of the Covenant during the destruction of the first Temple of Jerusalem in 587 BC. I am more interested in the “term” Goetia. Translated from Ancient Greek “Goeteia” means the Seeker. I found this to be a rather appropriate title for the album.

Frater:  The songs create an atmosphere that is both fresh and progressive. There are plenty of standout songs on display here with ‘The Nazarene', ‘Temple At The Dome Of the Rock', ‘Kybalion', and ‘Saturn Calls' in particular harking back to the effective gothic rock of Your early career, showing why Merciful Nuns is billed as GOD's only legitimate successor. Is that also due to the fact to Your work to re-produce with the latest technologies some of Garden of Delight’s classic albums in the ‘r e d i s c o v e r e d’ - series in which ‘Dawn’ has also just been released? 

Artaud:   Perhaps. However, the r e d i s c o v e r e d series should not be seen in context with the current Nun’s albums. They are self-sustaining and reflect the past. Though it was a deeply felt wish of mine and even an obligation to present the past with a contemporary raiment.

Frater:  In the previous album ‘Xibalba III’ we encountered Ancient Astronauts and the Annunaki in the search of the origins of the Ultimate question where All originated. In the ‘GOETIA IV and V’ – albums You continue that quest and we encounter Zion, Solomon’s Temple, the Cherubim (celestial angelic beings in the spiritual realm that are always associated with the holiness of God) who guard the Ark of the Covenant within ‘Kodesh HaKodashim’ (the holy of holies). Only once per year on Yom Kippur could man enter beyond the veil. The veil separated man from the holy of holies. It was behind this veil and in the 10 cubit squared room called the holy of holies that the most sacred piece of furniture in the whole tabernacle structure was found. This was the Ark of the Covenant which was mentioned first before all the other furniture in the tabernacle. In the new albums we literary travel through these spheres. In how much was this influenced by Your traveling and how has it deepened Your understanding? As known to most of the ‘Nunhood’ (Merciful Nuns fan base consisting of Lodges worldwide) You and Jawa traveled to Israel and Jordan prior to recording. In how far was this journey of influence to the albums and the sound?

Artaud:   Indeed, I quite often use our travels as a trigger for forthcoming albums. In this respect our excursion into the Jordanian valley proved invaluable for the development of both Goetia albums. It is important for me to actually visit the original sites, the centres of the respective faiths and hence it proved to be the case on this occasion too. But let me be clear here: I have no intention of promoting any particular regional faith but am rather far more interested in the global parallels. Why are almost all world religions based on the same basic principles and assertions? Why do we find in virtually every corner of this Earth similarities or even the same sacred structures, identical rites and astoundingly similar descriptions of local Gods? And all this despite the fact that the paths of the majority of antediluvian cultures never crossed? The ancient religions, or rather: what was at the beginning features so many of the same events that I am at a loss to comprehend why the people of our world continue to cling to localised faith and traditions. According to EVERY religious tradition we have been visited before. Some called these visitors God or Gods, others called them angels, Annunaki, Nephilim, or Titans. Everywhere we can find detailed descriptions about their appearance, their activities and their respective mode of arrival. The world is full of pictorial evidence, all one needs to do is look – provided of course one wants to see.

Frater:   The Nunhood was hoping that with the release of 2 new albums there would finally also be a new video. Is there a reason why that has not happened yet? 

Artaud:  A video which would do justice to the standard of a musical and graphical realization has not been possible due to financial constraints; at least thus far. Due to the costs involved we would have to rely on simple metaphors and synonyms instead of suitable film sets. And under such prevailing circumstances I am simply not sure whether I would want to go ahead with it.

Frater:   Merciful Nuns is billed as GOD's only legitimate successor. With the GOD ‘r e d i s c o v e r e d’ - series that are being appreciated very much the fans are wondering if we will witness someday another GOD live performance. Is this a possibility

Artaud:   No. Although we have been offered quite a lot of money for it. Let me clarify: I am very proud of what we have accomplished with GOD. But we have only become truly unique and, to my mind unsurpassed in constructing gloomy atmospheres now with the Merciful Nuns.

Frater:   You have been very productive the last few years and one of the most notable points with any Merciful Nuns release though is the steady improvement in the production and mixes. Despite their fast schedule the album has been given plenty of time in order to get the right balance of sounds. Is this due to the fact that You work within a bigger concept and are not just focusing on separate albums?

Artaud:   Actually that is quite aptly put. Yet there was not just a concept to begin with but the entire selection of instruments utilised during recording. And this is not just restricted to musical instruments but encompassing the actual recording and mixing tools. All sounds are of my own creation without factory pre-sets. I have, for example, taken over one year to prepare for the recording of “Liber I” in order to perfect the high standard ultimately achieved. What remained was a pure focus on the essential: song writing.

Frater:  In relation to ‘The Theory of Everyting’ that is presented as opening to the ‘GOETIA IV’ lyrics, what is Your experience relating to the following quote?

“While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All. To him who truly understands this truth hath come great knowledge.” - The Kybalion

Artaud:   The Kybalion explains the general correlation between all spiritual, material and immaterial occurrences. Kind of a “Theory of Everything” also known as God’s Grand Plan. This theory is generally referred to as “world formula”. The “Kybalion” itself is revealed to us when we become aware of the hidden messages of Solomon and Babylon. Freemasons still retain knowledge of the hidden meaning behind “SOL-OM-ON”. Once upon a time the Light was worshipped and revered in all cultures. The Romans called it “Sol”, in Sanskrit it means “Om” and to the ancient Egyptians the highest Light was known as “On”. Incidentally the syllable “On” is indicative for the City of Light: On. In combined form the syllables represent a synonym for the threefold light: the name “Solomon”. If we now compare these syllables with those comprising the word “Kybalion” we will find revealed the keys of Light:

Sol Om On = the threefold light
Ba by lon = Gate of the light divine
Ky ba lion = key for the gate of the light divine

Gates can be opened with keys. In order to open the gate of the light divine we require special keys. Once we realise that with the Kybalion we are holding the primary key to the truth in our hands, we will also recognise that the translation of the syllable “Ky” must necessarily be: “key”. And hence we hold in the Kybalion nothing less than the “keys to the gate of divine light” in our possession; or simply put:

The Keys of Solomon.

Frater:  There is a clear distinction between ‘GOETIA IV’ and ‘GOETIA V’. The last one is without a doubt the most atmospheric album the Nuns have created to date. The song ‘God/Aeon’ from the first ‘LIBER I’ album and the ‘Hypogeum II’- and ‘Infinite Visions’- albums introduced us to this aspect of the Nuns sound. Can we expect more of this on the upcoming albums? And how do You create these deep atmospheres? 

Artaud:   The sinister sounds are an integral aspect of the Merciful Nun’s musical cosmos. This may be due to the fact that during an album’s creation an imaginary movie is playing in my mind. This may sound strange, but I am effectively just intonating the imaginary movie. These visualisations require, just like in any atmospheric movie, a good sound track. And good sound tracks tend to feature concentrations of spherical harmonies to leave sufficient room for the imagery. This is surely also the reason behind the cinematic feel to our songs and albums. And who knows, maybe this is exactly what makes us so unique: we leave room for the very unique and personal movie of every listener. It was my movie as it played itself out during the making of the album. When listening to it it’s yours.

Frater:  ‘GOETIA IV’ ends with the beautiful and atmospheric ‘Love is Will Purified’ which ends with the words: ‘summon Kodesh HaKodashim’. This sets the theme for ‘GOETIA V’ in which we enter the holy of holies: incense, worship, praise, the Ark of the Covenant,… The song ‘Dark Water’ drags us into this dreamlike journey out of space and out of time which justifies the advice we find on the back of the CD case: ‘For maximum effect play this album at night’. Entering this atmosphere feels like crossing the abyss… How did You create such a clear distinction between the two albums? Did You initially started of with one album or was it already clear from the start that this would take 2 albums?

Artaud:   It was clear from the outset that whilst both albums would share a common context, the sound would always serve different moods and ambience. On reflection I must admit a curious surprise in that the songs were indeed written in the same sequential order as they appear on the albums; even for me a rather unusual phenomenon. Whilst Goetia IV is represented in a rather factual and educational, its sister album Goetia V aims to transmit a clear and elitist message for the Initiated. Those capable of interpreting the album accordingly will find the Goetia’s entire glory revealed unto them.

Frater:   The last album is introspective, dark and gloomy stepping deeper and deeper in the search towards answers. Looking back to ‘Xibalba III’ in which way has your experience since evolved as a searcher towards truth? 

Artaud:   What does that actually mean: searching for the truth? I have neither sought nor found any truths. But I am certainly not in agreement with the theories on offer from the churches of this world. I do not subscribe to any faith in the religious sense. And if I ever had one then surely I would have lost it by now. But there certainly is something out there. Somewhere, someplace in the vast expanses of the universe is the true mystery. And THEY have been here before.

Frater:   The songs ‘Moving Through Still Times’ and ‘The Maelstrom’ take us beyond the material world in search for what is/seems lost on earth. Really befitting to how You describe Goth as it should be: ‘sensitive, intelligent, dark and meditative, based on obscure books, manuscripts rituals and ancient beliefs’. You further stated: ‘I do believe to being close to the truth about the meaning behind our existence and  its origins. What exactly is religion? And where does the desire for spirituality originate?  And  why do  we seek  to be close  to  God or  the  Gods? The more  I delve  into  the multitude of different faiths, the clearer its core or source becomes.  Everything has one common denominator: We have been visited and called this visitor: God.’ The last part of ‘Goetia V’ implies that we need to transgress ourselves to be able to be free enough to experience what is/seems lost on earth. This is an important aspect of my own spiritual and occult practices. On the Merciful Nuns website there is a Library where one can find further information on these kind of topics. Any advise to Nunhooders that wish to delve deeper into this?

Artaud:   No, certainly not! I‘m not the kind of type who is constantly compelled to enunciate a message; that sounds far too high-and-mighty in my opinion. Especially in view of the fact that I am after all a Marxist to the core. No, I have no intension to proclaim anything; but I am quite prepared to share my insights; of which I have amassed a significant amount by now. Everybody may, if they so wish, extract from the Nun’s cosmos as it pleases them. We offer plenty, but it is not necessary to absorb everything.

Frater:  The song ‘Astral Light’ drags us slowly back to the ground and ‘Resting Deep Under Water’ finishes the journey and album in a trancelike fashion….’as above so below’... The band craft atmosphere around a solid rock core with ease and show that even the more progressive inclinations they have are well within their comfort zone. Any clues You wish to reveal in which direction the next journey will take us? 

Artaud:   It’s rather difficult for me to share a starting point so early in the process of writing a new album. Maybe a somewhat cryptic clue may be of help here: I am trying to survive in the EXOSPHERE and becoming through it and together with you: immortal.

Frater:  We started off with a few Merciful Nuns Lodges in the beginning and by now there are Lodges in many countries. These are local fan bases that facilitate information, concerts and such in different languages and spread the message of the Nunhood. What are Your plans for the Lodges in the upcoming years? 

Artaud:  Indeed it has been playing on my mind for quite some time to alter the structure of the Lodges. I know WHAT I want to reform, but I am not yet sure HOW to go about it. The practical implementation of the restructuring still requires some tweaking and fine-tuning and will some time before we see the results. In principal I would like to strengthen some Lodges by working closer with them. Furthermore I want to see more emphasis and value placed on content and elitist principles. And lastly I want to improve mutual cooperation amongst the Lodges; there is still room for improvement in some instances.

Frater:  Last year we had a wonderful Nunhood Gathering in Berlin and of course everybody is curious in which country the next Gathering will take place. Is it too early to shed some light on this or can You tell us something more?

Artaud: Initially the Gathering 2013 was supposed to take place in Western Germany, The venue was booked, dates agreed and the preparations were almost complete. Since then our booking agency has organised three gigs in the region which we felt was too much and hence we decided to switch the Gathering into 2014.

Frater:  According to Hermetic quabalists the way to enlightenment is represented in the Ouroboros symbol, a serpent or dragon swallowing its own tail, thereby forming a circle. The emptiness of the circle is a great zero. This zero can be found in the tarot cards The Fool and The Universe… the Alpha and the Omega of beginning. The negative issuing into manifestation; and manifested being, its purpose fulfilled, returning back into the negative. I can not think of a better way to describe the journey that You have taken us on in these albums. Any last words You wish to share with us? 

Artaud:  Could there be any better closing words than yours? I concur entirely. My sincerest thanks Frater, for this extraordinary interview.

Interview by Frater Fidens, head of the Benelux Merciful Nuns Lodge

Silent Scream | Murnau´s Playhouse - Bones From the Backyard * Split Album (2013)

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Bones From the Backyard - Split

Honestly, I have to say that we are very pleased, and excited about this first release of Gothic Music Records . We have started with this adventure; and we have invited to some of the best underground bands. This first release features two bands from Finland, and they are very well known by our readers, and by the people who follow Oskar’s radio shows. They are Silent Scream, with their exciting Dark-Gothic Post Punk; and the fine sound of Gothic Rock developed by Murnau’s Playhouse. We have reviewed the previous releases of both bands, and you have listened to their songs, so you can expect some really good music in this interesting release. This split album have ten songs (five tracks per band) and it is new stuff, from these really talented bands from Finland.

In the “Side A” we have the exciting and electrifying music from Silent Scream. Their sound is more mature, and they come with a new turn in each release. Have to say that this stuff is darker, in comparison with the raw-high voltage sound, of the previous album (“Public Execution”) I strongly recommend this band to people who like Dark Punk acts like: Lost Tribe, Cemetery or Horror Vacui. “Man of Fire” lurks in the shadows of Dark Punk music, and will capture you with its powerful and contagious rhythm, pounding bass lines, and the leading guitars. This is Dark Punk of the new millennium at its finest.”With friends like this” is faster with an aggressive edge, and catchy chorus. The voice fits quite well in this mix, it has the adequate tone and intensity for this kind of music.”Private Execution” is some kind of outro; and is the gloomy score music for the deathrow, everything seems black here. Next, we have a live version of “Skull Face Child” featured in “Public Execution”. Total Old-School , somber and kinda frenetic. “I Remember Nothing” is another live track, a pretty good cover version of the cult-classic by Joy Division. 

And Now: “Side B” by Murnau’s Playhouse. They are doing here a very unique interpretation of Gothic Rock, this band is very interesting and has a personality of their own. They are evolving, their sound is exquisite, and the songs are pretty well constructed. ”Someday” is Classic Gothic Rock, and is quite refreshing at the same time. The song is very melodic, it has emotion and intensity. “Embrace” is contemplative, with some nostalgic feel and is very melodic too.”Myopia” rise the level of intensity with faster rhythm, this song is some pretty fine traditional Gothic Rock. “Rivets In the Sky” has a resemblance with 80’s fine Post Punk sound; the song is beautiful and it has radiant melody. “Ashen Passion” is a climatic conclusion for this release: The rhythm is turbulent, it has some felling of some repressed bitter-fury which is about to explode. The band is doing some really refined gothic Rock with passion. This release has two very interesting bands from the underground scene of today and is a really good way to know about the music of these talented artists. The combination of both musical styles and creative visions is very attractive indeed. Check this one; and let the music speak for itself. ¡STAY TUNED!

Daniel Olvera

Subterfuge - Reflect

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Subterfuge
Reflect << Rewind

Subterfuge from Australia is a band which has been creating Traditional Gothic Rock of excellence since the early 90’s. This is a fantastic anthology; it is a real source of listening pleasure for everybody who loves Gothic Rock. This band haven´t so much releases back in the day: They only have a Self-titled demo tape (1993), and the EP “Darkland Awakening” (1994). And they appeared in different important compilation albums back in the 90’s; but in the New Millennium…they appeared in other compilation albums too. Some of those compilations were released by Strobelight Records, and this record label is the one which brings up this brilliant collection. "Reflect << Rewind" includes 16 tracks, ten of these songs are unreleased stuff (unreleased songs, different mixes, and demo tracks) The good thing here is the fact that newcomers will be discovering to this “hidden” treasure; and long-time fans will have a great release with lots of different versions of the songs, and the demo-tracks as well. This is the definitive collection of the music created by Subterfuge.

After the intro (properly entitled) as “Resurrect”, we are in front of the first taste of pure Gothic Rock executed with majesty: “Hand In Hand” is a Top song in this musical style, awesome guitar work, the rhythm section has aplomb; the bas lines sounds pretty clear and their rhythm will take over your senses. The voice has a very distinctive sound and style, and the melody is pretty catchy. Perfectly balanced track; and this is only the beginning. “Darkland Awakening” is another track which comes with the finest crafting. The rhythm is strong, and you will feel it like your own heartbeats, the guitars are subtle in the verse; and everything goes to a climax in the chorus. The proper use of some keyboards and shynts , enrich the sound of this song big time. “Six Before Down” is mid tempo; the track is very solid and displays attitude, self confidence, and this one transmits the feeling of their passion for making music. This song is a little bit more Rock-oriented (in the traditional Gothic Rock way) and has lots of keyboards.”Curses” is my personal classic song of this band; it appeared in some compilation albums in 1998 and 2004. And it has a pure traditional sound at its finest, with the proper level of intensity and emotion, and it has great rhythm with awesome transitions: Perfection! “Pre dawn hours” is quite sober and elegant, with lots of emotion in the voice. The keyboards have the leading part here. “The Judas In Me” takes us back to the very fluent Gothic Rock sound of Subterfuge, adorned with shynts and keys. A prayer for the kindred” is guitar driven, with faster rhythm and pretty catchy bass lines. This song has great transitions and it is vertiginous. “The Crystal Sky” is introspective and takes you to a cathedral of shadows, this song is pretty atmospheric. “Haborim” will make you move; is a pretty exciting track with awesome melody. The fine sound of the keyboards creates a great contrast with the faster rhythm, and the dynamism of the transitions.”Only the Righteous” is slow, but it has aplomb, density, and nostalgic feeling. The following track is a different, (and pretty good) mix of the superb “The Judas In Me”. And finally we have four Demo-tracks, and they are very interesting bonus stuff. Have to say that this is not exactly the demo from 1993: Only the original demo version of “Jordana” is featured here. You can find the other songs from that demo in this record, but they are different versions. These demo tracks are also stuff of the highest level.

Well, Subterfuge has come with an awesome collection of songs, and definitely they deserve a (well earned) place besides the great ones of the Gothic Rock from the 90’s; and this wonderful release is the definitive proof. This gem is a total must have.

Daniel Olvera

Various Artists - Doux Decline - Compilation (2013)

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Various Artists
Doux Decline
Paranoiac Activity 
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This is dark, very dark indeed….and I like it so much!

We have here a very interesting and intriguing compilation done by the underground label Paranoiac Activity. It’s a stunning combination of bands from yesterday and today, and this release has their own heart and soul, is very underground and with DIY spirit. It comes contained in a retro and iconic format: it is a tape. Great nostalgic spirit, pretty fascinating Dark Music, honesty, and conviction…I like that. This release has talented bands and artists from too many different countries: Veil Of Light from Switzerland, De Brassers (Belgium), Congress de Vienne (France), Dulac (France), Memories D’automne (France), Mad Masks (France), Orchidee Noire (France), .Y. (Spain), Ritual Howls (USA), The David (France), Kreativ In Den Boden (Italy), A Sordid Poppy (France), and Vita Noctis (Canada). And it goes from the darkest depths of Underground Post Punk to Minimal Wave and Cold Wave sounds: crying guitars, deep and gloomy bass lines, combined with melancholic, (and sometimes cold) shynthetized chords. Pure atmosphere and lost romance here.

De Brassers will immerse you in some obscure and introspective trance, with moments of raging intensity.” Furie Noire” by Mad Masks is a gloomy procession in the darkest night of the soul. Memories D’automne draws a beautiful and romantic landscape; very captivating. Vita Noctis comes with the fascinating sonic spell called: “These lies”. Orchidee Noire displays shynthetized harmonies, with a warm and deep sound that embraces you. Minimalistic and deeply introspective is “Cathy” by the David; is like a ballad for the lost. The awesome Veil Of Light comes with a real hypnotic trip called “Mirrors to walls”, nuff said! Kreativ In den Boden has this minimal wave sound which has lots of intensity, and melancholic feel. This is a beautiful song. Congress De Vienne is a very underground cold wave act from the early 90’s,”amnessie”is totally reflective and nostalgic. Les Morts Vont Bien comes with the chords of doom, with this self-titled song; simply impressive. .Y. executes some gloomy Minimal Wave sound with majesty; very touching song here. Ritual Howls is a stunning band, their track called “Year of fear” is entrancing; it is a mixture of Goth, PostPunk and Cold Wave. Dulac is a one-man project which combines dark Post Punk, and electronic sounds, in such a great way. His track is called “Resilence”. And finally we have “la Chambre” by A Sordid Poppy, very underground Goth Post Punk sound here.

Impressive compilation, this is real dark underground sound. This one is in the vein of classic cult releases like “La’pelle de la Muse”. It has too many great things to offer, and you will find wonderful bands from the past, and the present. Only 100 copies were made…be quick! 

Daniel Olvera

Sorry, Heels - Wasted EP (2013)

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Sorry, Heels
Wasted  (EP)
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This is a new four piece band from Italy, and it features two ex-members from Chants Of Maldoror (they were a really remarkable band from this New Millennium) And their sound is very different from that Gothic - Death Rock act. Sorry, Heels is a total new story; their sound is a mixture of Post Punk, Shoe gaze, and it has some influence from the 90’s alternative music. It is a very interesting combination, and definitely they have their own charm. They are writing a new page and this debut EP is really fresh and enjoyable. They mention to bands like: Joy Division, Wire, Velvet Underground, David Bowie, The Smiths, Sonic Youth, The Cult, Killing Joke, Portishead, The Stooges, etc. I Have to say that this is pretty congruent with the musical style displayed in this debut release. This EP called “Waste” can be described with one word: Catchy.

“Sweet Upon My Sorrow” has deep bass lines, and sensual female voice. It goes from captivating passages in the verse, to passion moments in the chorus; the guitar has a Post Punk sound, and the drumming fits very well to the transitions.”A Kiss A Lie” has a very energizing and radiant melody, very into 90’s alternative sound, with a clear influence from Sonic Youth.”Always Wrong” is finely constructed, with a rhythm that makes you move, and the melody is vibrating. The bass lines are conducting all of the transitions here; creating a very interesting (and irresistible) sound. 90’s Alternative sound and Post Punk are loud and clear in “Circling In A Standar Point” the distorted guitars in the background, are this “Sonic Youth touch” to their sound here; and the transitions will blend you with that radiant music, and the positive vibe.

Definitely you will have a great time while listening to this debut release. You can name their sound whatever you want: Alternative-Post Punk, Dark Pop- Post Punk,  etc… At the end of the day, they are very versatile as artists due to the wide range of influences in their music. And they have found a great way to combine those sounds. Check this one, is really good stuff.

Daniel Olvera


Guillaume Renard

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Biography
As a teenager I started listening to The Cure. “Wish” had just been released. I have listened to this album hundreds of times. I went on to discover more of The Cure and become a huge fan of the band, which I still am to this day. Popular bands at that time were Nirvana and Metallica. I liked their music but wanted to know more, dig deeper, looking for more extreme or darker sounds. I remember seeing NIN’s “Wish” video on TV and thinking, this is what I’m looking for! French band Noir Désir, Depeche Mode, Suede, 80’s French punk-acts and psychedelic rock, especially The Doors and Pink Floyd, were others of my favorites. Looking back, then and there, it’s about as dark a music one could find.

New Millennium
When the new millennium started, I was listening almost exclusively to The Cure. I found I was struggling for new exciting sounds (new to me). I got a post-punk compilation from Rhino Records. There were bands such as Echo & The Bunnymen, The Stranglers, Iggy Pop, The Cult, Killing Joke. I realized where I was and how much there was to catch up. Little by little and with the help of the internet I discovered alongside the gothic rock classics, the second wave and the newer bands. This is probably why I’m always willing to discover new acts with an open mind. I find remarkable albums in last years’ releases, some could have become classics if they had been released in the 80’s or 90’s. I think it is difficult to classify a band in a particular style of music, as a large majority of bands blend in different styles, and have been influenced by very different artists.

Some of my all-time favorites:
The Cure – Faith, Pornography, Disintegration, Wish
NIN – Broken EP
Bowie – The rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Bauhaus – In the flat field, Mask
Rosetta Stone – An eye for the main chance
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Best of
Sisters of Mercy – First and last and always
The Cult – Love
Skeletal Family – Futile Combat
Love like blood – An irony of fate
Siouxsie and the Banshees – Ju Ju
The Caves – Drifting in visions
Clan of Xymox - Medusa

Favorites of the new millennium:
Cinema Strange – Cinema Strange
Killing Joke – MMXII
Elusive – Destination Zero
Arnica – Viejo Mundo
Black Ice – Before the first light
Soror Dolorosa – No more heroes
Passion Play – The Final Act
Plastique Noir – Affects
Ulterior – The Bleach Room
Horror Vacui – In darkness you will feel alright
Frank the Baptist – The New Colossus
Peter Murphy – Dust
The Last Cry – Walking to the edge

Sweet William - Kind Of Strangest Dream (2012) Re-released

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Sweet William 
Kind Of Strangest Dream (Re-released)

French label Infrastition has re-issued this hypnotic album, originally released in 1992 (Hyperium Records). It’s a perfect opportunity to discover it for those who didn’t have a chance to do it before. For those who already knew this album, it has been re-mastered and enriched with two bonus tracks. The album starts with a welcoming song, “Day of the open doors”. It’s a quiet, acoustic guitar introduction, but spoken vocals are dark and strong. Oliver Heuer is inviting you to discover a tortured mind, a journey that starts without further delay, as the track “Spring” takes you out of sweet lethargy. Yes, this is gothic rock indeed! Next track is “A creation of my thoughts”, one of the long, psychedelic/hard rock influenced tracks on this album. With acoustic parts, guitar solos and variations, it’s an extremely intense and interesting song. Gothic rock wonder “18.01.1991” has got an exciting guitar riff, and vocals are half-spoken, half-sung. Then comes “A new thought”, set in two parts. First part, “The inner dialogue”, a dark nursery rhyme, is used as an introduction to “the irony of it all”. The title of the album comes from the lyrics of this track, a delight for guitar lovers. As this remarkable 13 minutes-song ends, no doubt you’ll find yourself asking for more. “Sweet smile glow” is a more classic gothic rock song of its time and makes an interesting foray into tribal percussions. With spoken track “A Wednesday night/A Thursday morning”, the German band demonstrates its ability to create a mesmerizing, gloomy atmosphere, using only its frontman’s strong voice, together with some altered voices in the background. It balances perfectly the rest of the album long, over-instrumental pieces. Last track of the original release, “An offer (that can’t be refused)” is the perfect ending to this trip into this strangest dream. As a conclusion to this re-issue, two acoustic bonus tracks have been added. One of them is the acoustic version of “A creation of my thoughts” recorded in 2012. 

I can only recommend this re-release to everyone. Oliver Heuer’s vocals give passion and intensity to the band original blend of gothic/psychedelic rock. Definitely a very interesting and fascinating album, it will take you deep into the dream, a dream you won’t forget…

Guillaume Renard

Electric Press Kit - Torsions (2011)

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Electric Press Kit
Torsions
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Blu-Crush Records
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I can’t believe it!  How did they put all of this awesome energy, and adrenaline, in just a little silver disc? I received this music for review and said: “Let’s check this one” …and my jaw hit the floor, what a surprise! The rhythm section sounds quite BIG: The drum Machine is gigantic; it sounds so powerful, the bass lines are loud and clear filling every possible void, while providing some great dose of melody to the rhythm section. The guitars have high-voltage sound, and the voice is giving here its 100% with intensity. They have done a wonderful combination of Post Punk, and Alternative sound. it’s a fascinating and invigorating hybrid style, and it has the ADN of The Music from The New Millennium. Definitely you have to play this one at the highest volume. Electric Press kit is a new band from France, and they have very exciting music. “This Night” has this rhythm which is like a big mechanic heart-beat, this will shake you up. The guitar work is very remarkable, and the bass lines are dominant. Everything here is well constructed, and the melody is captivating. ”Born In Roswell” really rocks very loud with faster rhythm, and electricity.”Always Aliens” has some dark feel, and it has lots of style and attitude. “Venom” is a delicious rocking tune, a good balance between Post Punk and Alternative sound; really like it.“Tout Ce Quit Destruit” (All That Destroys) is such a fine Post Punk tune a la Electric Press kit, very melodic and entrancing. “Cold In April” has a warm sound, and is more Rock oriented.”Power of Hate” is the most powerful track of this record; adding some dose of Punk fury, and light-speed rhythm to their sound. This one is like Heavy artillery.”Sayonara Baby” has a perfect balance between energetic sound, and melody.”Die” has similar characteristics to the previous one, and some Punk tones in the back ground; is pretty interesting.”Torsions” closes this album, and is very melodic.

As I said before, this is quite a good surprise. If you like of bands like Ulterior and Partly Faithful you have to check this one. At the end of the day their unique sound is hard to describe, but so easy to enjoy. This record is both powerful and refreshing.

Daniel Olvera

The Spitirual Bat - Live 02-02-13 | CPA Fi Sud (2013)

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The Spitirual Bat 
Live 02-02-13
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Swiss Dark Nights
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This really a very interesting collective from Swiss Dark Nights, another one of their series of official bootlegs (official because they has the approval of the band) Have to say that it has the high quality of sound and live-performance, which is a trademark of this underground record label. This time we have here to the Italian masters of Gothic-Death Rock: The Spiritual Bat; they are definitely a new classic, and the quality is assured. And this is a must have for their fans, and a great way to introduce to new comers in their sound; because it features many of their classic songs, and some of their finest tunes from their newest records. The live performance of the band is quite remarkable, great execution here. This record has the magic of bootlegs, in terms of creating the illusion of being in a live show; and it comes with a great track selection:

1) Once Upon A Time
2) Silver Lakes
3) Cruel Machine
4) Thunderstorm
5) Acequoreo
6) Wish Power
7) Chance
8) Lament For The Poisoned Mother
9) Crucifixion
10) Sacrament
11) Waltz

Great music and wonderful sound quality, don’t miss this one because is a very limited press.

Daniel Olvera




UK Decay - New Hope For The Dead (2013)

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UK Decay
New Hope For The Dead
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UK Decay is back! This is the return of one classic band, and they have all of its strength and creative energy. “New Hope For the Dead” is a very impressive come back for this veteran band. UK Decay began in the late 70’s and released that split 7” with Pneumania, which was followed by the unforgettable classic “For my Country”. Their music experienced mutations with the subsequent singles and E.P.s .And finally in 1981 they released the classic Lp “For Mad Men Only”; and the band took a place with such acts like Theatre Of Hate, Bauhaus, Killing Joke, Southern Death Cult, etc. As a very influential entity for a Dark, and gloomy sound which began to be spawned in the underground scene of the UK. Their next release was “A Night For Celebration”; and sometime later they split up, and two bands rose from the ashes of UK Decay : Furyo and In Excelsis. In the new millennium they had a remarkable return to the activity, and now we have this new album. With “Shake’Em Up” they prove their point, this is straight forward stuff: The spirit is alive and they have full strength; this opener is electrifying.”Heavy Metal Jews” has great energy too. The rhythm and the riffs, are highly contagious in the chorus. “Next Generation” has this characteristic and somehow experimental sound, which is very into their 80’s stuff. “Killer” has vibrant rhythm and great bass lines. The voice and the guitar, are driven by this awesome work in the rhythm section. UK Decay at its best. “This City Is A Cage” is one solid argument of their influence for the newest batch of Dark Punk bands, a very unique combination of dark sound and raw power. This is intensity! “Woman With A Black Heart” comes with this 70’s Soul-Funk influence in the rhythm section; and is really interesting and so catchy. Time for more hot stuff with “Revolutionary Love Song”: This is wild at heart, and it has an untamed spirit. You will love this one. “Shout” is lurking in the shadows at the beginning, and it remains in suspense until the end.”All The Faces In History” is quite simple, but really melodic. You can listen to the guitar, some rhythm machine and the voice; but this one is well done and it has good vibes. “I Feel Good” is very positive with a radiant energy. And finally “Drink” closes this album in such a unique way, the level of intensity increases progressively, leading to the conclusion.

What a great comeback for this classic band. Thanks for the good music!

Daniel Olvera

The Beauty of Gemina

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Country: Switzerland
Formed in: 2006
Location: Sargans
Members:
Michael Sele - Words & Music, Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Mac Vinzens - Drums
David Vetsch - Bass
Marco Gassner - Guitar
Contact: markus.meier@thebeautyofgemina.com

THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA was brought to life in 2006, aimed at realising the musical vision of the charismatic singer and songwriter Michael Sele. First single SUICIDE LANDSCAPE (2007) made it to # 1 in a number of different alternative webcharts, the corresponding video reached over 100,000 Youtube views.

Their debut concert at X-tra, one of the most prestigious clubs in Zurich, was a huge success with widespread impact. The band were invited to play the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland's largest concert hall with a seating capacity of 13'000, to open for the legendary U.S. band Smashing Pumpkins. The band's name spread rapidly, not only in their home country, but to many other parts of the world. Influential DJs from London to New York, from Berlin to Tokyo, from Madrid to Cape Town, began to play the band's dark rock and to fill up the dance floors.

Initially considered as an insider tip by the international music press, the band's celebrity increased and they were soon on front covers of influential magazines. In the Swiss press there were detailed reports in popular and influential newspapers like 20min, Blick am Abend, Sonntagszeitung, Landbote, Südostschweiz, Aargauer Zeitung about the Dark Rock Sensation, as well as in international music magazines like SLAM, Rockstar Magazine, Metalhammer UK, Dominion UK Unscene Magazine, Asylum Culture USA, Zillo, Sonic Seducer, Orkus, Negatief, Piranha, Legacy and many more. Also TV and radio stations such as MTV, Viva, Joiz, Swiss Television, Deutschlandfunk, RBB Radio Eins, Starradio Kassel, SRF Swiss Radio, Radio Energy, pay attention to the band, play their videos, songs and broadcast live gigs.

Musical autonomy and artistic entitlement was a priority from the beginning for THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA. This is one common thread running through the arrangements, the lyrics and their social criticism and political subtext. THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA see themselves as a modern rock band being close to the zeitgeist. However, the sound of the band deliberately evades musical stereotyping and skilfully oscillates between melancholic intimacy and a widescreen stadium sound, thereby merging influences from rock, wave, goth and electro. The dark and unmistakable voice of Michael Sele is the centre of this complex musical universe.

Live the powerfully hypnotic performances by THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA fascinate the audience. In their career the band have shared stages at stadiums (including Lanxess Arena Cologne 18,000, Westfalenhalle Dortmund 15,000 people),  Open Air festivals and club shows, with among others: Smashing Pumpkins, Evanescence, Rammstein, Placebo, Hurts, Unheilig, ASP, Diary of Dreams, DAF, The Damned and many others. They have also played countless headline shows. With their unique performance THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA have graced top European festivals such as Greenfield (CH), Gampel Open Air (CH), Mera Luna (DE), also festivals in other countries: Whitby Gothic Weekend (UK), Entremuralhas (P ), Moonlight (IT), Castle Party Festival (PL), Wave Gotik Treffen (DE), Semana Gotica (ES), Summer Darkness (Netherlands), Shadowplay (BE), Dark Spring Festival (DE). The list continues.

By 2013 THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA had released four studio albums: DIARY OF A LOST (2007), A STRANGER TO TEARS (2008), AT THE END OF THE SEA (2010) and ISCARIOT BLUES (2012). Three CDs were released by the major label Universal Music Switzerland. Cult labels such as Danse Macabre and Metropolis Records launched their albums in Europe and the United States. ISCARIOT BLUES maintained top positions in the German Alternative Charts and, for the first time, in the official Swiss Media Control charts for several weeks as well as top positions in the iTunes sales charts. In 2013 the band released the acoustic CD THE MYRRH SESSIONS under their own label with partner NoCut/ SPV. This CD contains re-interpretations of existing songs and exclusive new tracks, uniquely arranged with diverse influences from indie, alternative rock, blues, goth, folk and Americana. At the release concert in the legendary jazz club Moods in Zurich the band played a sold-out show with Tonhalle Orchestra musicians.

The current THE BEAUTY OF GEMINA line-up: composer, songwriter, singer, guitarist and pianist Michael Sele, Mac Vinzens (drums), David Vetsch (bass) and Marco Gassner (guitar), with occasionally back up from classical guest musicians.


I Am OK - I Am OK EP (2012)

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I Am OK 
I Am OK
Edils Recording

Coming from Sweden, I Am OK is the solo project of ex-member of The Search and post-rock band Jeniferever Johan Zeitler. Its first release, eponymous EP I Am OK  is available for free download at Edils Recording website. It consists of three refreshing pop tracks filled with eighties nostalgia.  First track on this EP, “1x1” offers bubbly synths over Cure influenced guitars and strong bass lines. The result is a catchy tune that could be taken from the best of the eighties’ new wave. Vocals can bring to mind Billy Corgan’s, with a softer, lighter touch. On the following “Chasing Butterflies”, new wave synths, drum machine sound and a clever guitar riff create highly addictive pop music. Last track of the EP, “Hades & Heidi” provides the same cheering effect of lively and smart pop songs. This EP is for new wave/electro-pop/indie gourmets and should be enjoyed without restraint. I certainly will be waiting for news from I Am OK.

Guillaume Renard


Breathin of Bones - Virtue On The Spears, Roses To The Traitors (2013)

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Breathing of Bones
Virtue On The Spears, Roses To The Traitors
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Manic Depression Records 

Little is known about this band from Russia; and have to mention that this first release has been announced as their first and last record! This is sad because we have here to a very promising act of awesome Punk Death Rock, which is very remarkable. And they have that ingredient called excitement in their music: The result is a very catchy sound. To my surprise they are one of the best acts of the Death Rock of The New Millennium. Think about the very early Cinema Strange (from the demo tapes), the first record of Eat your Make up, the original Christian Death , and the voice sometimes has this mix of anguish and  lunacy; coming out from a tormented soul. It made think in Jaquy Bitch from his days with Neva. Breathing Of Bones was formed in 2007, and here is their first (and last) album… 

“Spread” is all about what we have here: A very attractive mix of Death Rock from The New Millennium combined with razor – edge Punk sound. Pretty straight forward stuff and is very good, the intensity rises; and all just explodes towards the end of the song. “Spring 2011” is evoking something like a downward spiral of dementia. And finally you will be eaten by a vortex created by the vertiginous rhythm, and the furious guitar riffs. “Ascesis” develops two sonic stages: In the first one the intensity is rising, leading to a Punk-Death Rock climax which is pretty exciting.”Winter “ is their tribute to one of their Punk influences: The Amebix. This is a remarkable cover version. ”Ophelia” continues with the Punk sound, especially in the guitar section. And the melody is deliciously intoxicating.”Man or woman” is a good mixture of Christian Death, and Eat Your Make Up: The best of New and classic sounds here. “Empire and shades” made me think in Bloody Dead And Sexy, with this vocal tone; and the melodic approach to Death Rock. “Happy Families” has captivating transitions. Is a very solid track; and such a good conclusion for this album.

It will be good to know if there is more stuff from them (previous to this album of course; or maybe a EP, or some demo) This is a very remarkable band coming out from the Death Rock scene of The New Millennium. One of the best in my opinion; because of their combination of Punk adrenaline, and Death Rock gloominess. 

Daniel Olvera

Kuudes Silmä - Kuudes Silmä (2013)

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Kuudes Silmä 
Kuudes Silmä
Combat Rock Industry

Finland is world-famous because of its extreme cold weather, but their underground Post Punk bands are really hot stuff. And here is Kuudes Silmä , a very exciting Dark Post Punk band from Helsinki. They have electrifying music and their sound is really deep: It is a combination of Old School Gothic, Raw Post Punk, and they are well tuned with the new batch of Dark Punk bands. I’m really impressed with this band; it is one of the finest from darker depths of the underground scene from today. This quartet of Finland arrives with their debut album, which is available on CD and glorious vinyl. They are a  are very well coupled band, they have good skills and a really good execution. The song writing is just great; very energetic Dark Post Punk which is an injection of adrenaline to your system, and it has a proper dose of darkness and gloominess. It has to be awesome to see this band playing some live show.

“Hypnoosi” is the intro which has obscure anguish, and claustrophobic feel. “Hapea” comes to the rescue of your mind with awesome electricity, and it displays a well crafted sound.“Ihmisraunio” rise the level of intensity to the max, with overwhelming Dark Punk sound and fast rhythm; very cathartic song. “Outo Päivä” is definitely more melodic, close to Old-Skull Goth with a good use of keyboards.”Tultha” has some guitar riffs inspired in Joy Division, and comes with awesome rhythm; really remarkable. If you love Play Dead, definitely you will like so much this song called:  “Kuollut Mies”. They have a great influence from that awesome band from the 80’s in this song, especially in the rhythm section. “Pimeys (Jota Ei Voi Hengittää)” is more Old School Goth; which is really straight forward stuff with lots of attitude, and untamed spirit. “Tuomittu” is mid tempo, but it has great energy, and is perfect to dance in the middle of a Mosh Pit. It is awesome stuff. “Anteeksi” has some veiled bitter-fury, with good rhythm transitions. “Tervetuloa Mun Elämään”is pretty interesting; it has some slight Christian Death influence, combined with the Raw Post Punk sound from Finland. “Verenjakaja” is gloom and doom, and it is the final stage for this awesome record.

My kind of stuff!! It is a really impressive debut album. This one is for people into Old School Gothic (Killing Joke,1919, Bauhaus, UK Decay, Southern Death Cult, Kuudes Tunti, etc.)And for people who likes of bands like Lost Tribe, Anasazi, Bellicose Minds, Blue Cross, Belgrado, etc.
Don’t miss this one.

Daniel Olvera



Shadow Image - Kiss The Ashes (2013)

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Shadow Image
Kiss The Ashes
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Danse Macabre 
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Amazing! They have done a wonderful compendium of the Gothic music from the 90’s: Every aspect seems to be here. The fine sound of bands from the USA: Such as The prophetess, and The Last Dance; The guitar-oriented Traditional Gothic from Europe like: Rosetta Stone, Paralysed Age or Nosferatu, brilliant moments of elegant Dark Wave, and even some traces of the ethereal music can be found here (among other elements) Have been following to this band from some time: They created a facebook profile, uploaded some tracks, and they catched the attention of Gothic Rock enthusiasts from all over the globe. They continued with this work making more tracks, defining a style, and here is the debut album from Shadow Image. In my opinion it fills all of the expectations that we have about this band, in such a good way. Shadow Image is a duo from Flint, Michigan (USA) they are Harley Mace (Voice and various instruments) and Mandy Monster (Keyboards). They are a talented developing act of The New Millennium.

“This side of the wasteland” is traditional Gothic Rock from the 90’s school, and is executed with passion, their sound combines intensity and elegance here. What a good start for this album.”Kiss the ashes” is a hard-hitting 90’s Gothic Rock, something between Rosetta Stone and Drooning Maudland. The rhythm in ”The Call Of Midnight” is captivating, and the song has really good transitions. This duo has reached a great level of mutual understanding when creating, and performing to their music. The combination between keyboards and guitars is always well balanced.”In the name of…” is more Gothic tradition finely executed, and has quite dramatic passages which are adorned with sublime melody: This is some of the finest Gothic-Dark Wave music of today.”There in the snow” is eerie and trance inducing; the ethereal sound is present with this dreamlike sound scape. “I died for love” has neoclassic keyboards and dramatic vocal performance, very into 90’s lost romance. This one brings a new angle to this record.”The shadows linger on” has some Death Rockish gloomy sound, and the vocal performance creates different atmospheres here. “Shades of demise” is passionate Gothic Dark Wave, with fine execution. “Lost but not forgotten” has good rhythm, is pretty melodic and emotive.”Shade’s Piano” is another relaxing passage of Neoclassical-Ethereal sound, is a wonderful instrumental tune. Finally here’s the reprise of “Lost but not forgotten”, and this record ends in a very sober way. 

They have done a great debut album: As I said before they are a developing act and they will learn more, and eventually they will explode their full potential. Have to say congratulations to Shadow Image; they have shown amazing things in this record. It’s quite a good first step for them. / Daniel Olvera


The Bellicose Minds - The Spine (2013)

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The Bellicose Minds
The Spine
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The Bellicose Minds captured my attention since the first time I listened to their Dark Punk music. They are a very underground band; I use to describe their sound as some Punk Band which fell captivated by Joy Division, and the early The Cure. They are a very underground band from Portland, Oregon  (USA) Bellicose Minds started in 2009, and their music is very honest and loyal to the tradition of Punk, and dark Post Punk bands from the early 80’s.Mentioning among their influences to such bands like: Chameleons, Killing Joke, The sound, Oprea De Nuit, Vex, 13th Chime, Joy Division, The Cure, Danse Society, Play Dead, etc. and they have defined a visceral and straight forward sound, which is well rounded and pretty well executed. And they have lyrics with message. With a demo and one 7” EP, they began to be known in the underground scene. The word was spread relatively fast, and The Bellicose Minds can be found in lots of mix-tapes, and on line compilations of Dark Punk music. And certainly, they are a prominent band which can be found among this exciting new wave of Music.

With “Lessons” they go straight to the point: This is Pure 80’s Dark Post Punk; with dominating bass lines which are the core of the musical structure, they are backed by a dynamic drumming. The guitar work is really fine in this band, and the voice completes the atmosphere with attitude, and energy. “The Spine” sounds like a logic progression of the first track: The sound just flows in a very natural way, and the guitar creates great transitions here. “Bellicose Minds” has some tribal-like drumming, which is very reminiscent of the Old School Gothic bands from The UK. The bass is non-stop, and everything sounds really good here. “Call to graves” is a more melodic approach of their music. It goes from raging moments, to Punk-melodic passages. “The observer “ is a perfect definition of Dark Punk. “Engulfed” goes from introspection, to rhythmic Post Punk. It will make you think in The Cure. “Visions of pain” is such an awesome song. One of their best tracks in my opinion, and it comes with message. “Banished alone (forever)” is a melodic mid-tempo track, with rich sound. “Bloody hands” is dark Post Punk executed with dynamism, and fluent transitions; this song is very catchy. “Destruct” is a fine rendition of Old School Gothic, with stunning changes created by the energetic guitar sound. “In greed” is another unbeatable combo of dark Post Punk, and gloomy Old School Goth. “The Spine” is such a good debut album: 

It has eleven tracks of the best Dark Post Punk. If you want to be updated about the underground scene of today, definitely you have to check this record; because The Bellicose Minds is a remarkable band in the scene of today. / Daniel Olvera



Miserylab - Documentary 2008 | 2012 (2012)

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Miserylab
Documentary 2008 | 2012 (2012)
D-monic Label

Miserylab is the well known solo project of Porl King, once singer, songwriter and guitarist of legendary UK gothic rock band Rosetta Stone. After disbanding it at the end of the nineties, Porl King started working on remixing and production works under the name misery:lab. It’s under the same name, but without the colon, that he has released 5 full-length albums, 4 EPs and various singles from 2007 to 2012. Now, d-Monic label is releasing “Documentary 2008/2012” a compilation of hits and less known extracts from the last 3 albums, the last EP as well as singles. This release is limited to 500 hand-numbered copies and include a double deluxe gatefold CD and a vinyl 7’’. 

The title of the compilation is particularly accurate, especially when analyzing the lyrics, as it shows how the artist’s state of mind has evolved since the beginning of the economical crisis. It is impossible not to establish this link, as chronologically sorted tracks go from resignation and despair to indignation and anger.  Lyrics are strongly committed to condemn capitalism and to provoke the listener’s awareness. It is an honest and uncompromising work, as well as risk-taking. This fact in itself deserves one’s full respect and admiration. When combined with Porl King’s amazing skills as songwriter and musician, admiration converts to worship. 
Musically speaking, the 17 tracks move between Dark Wave and Post-Punk, with sometimes a more Gothic Rock feel. Miserylab manages to create a very recognizable and enjoyable sound combining typical post-punk guitars and loud bass with drum machines and new wave synths. Avoiding ambiguous dark poetry, Porl King shares his feelings through straight-to-the-point lyrics and intense, driven vocals. No filler here, all the songs are pure adrenaline.  

First songs, taken from “Freedom is work” album, have a synthpop/post-punk sound. “Dark times” is catchy but dark and world-weary. As speed of the drums increases, “Making a bomb” stands as a warning from the oppressed to rulers of the world. Next tracks, out of “From which no light escapes” album, present a more gothic rock sound, with harder guitars. “Drowning”’ lyrics may be the most pessimistic ever written, and the mix of metronomic drums, gloomy guitar and loud vocals makes it so oppressive it’s almost unbearable. Following come 4 songs taken from “Void of life” album. “Children of the poor” takes you to the dance-floor, but with a deep message. Intensity and despair increase gradually, with tracks such as “People” and “Void”. They manage to express perfectly disappointment and frustration. “Last day” is a bewitching gem, cold and stifling. It reminds of Joy Division and early The Cure. 

Other tracks on this compilation are singles and extracts from the “Somewhere between” EP. The sound goes more rock and guitar oriented on these last tracks. “Fear of the future” exudes anger. “Too big to fail” is another brilliant dark post-punk hymn with a real purpose. It makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. Pure magic.

This compilation is a good opportunity to approach Miserylab’s latest works and a must-have for the fans, as most of the act’s works are only available by download. No doubt it will impact, sometimes unsettle you. It is meant to. As I said before, this is honest music, with a purpose and heavily committed lyrics. If you like gothic music at its best, far from poses and stereotypes, this is for you. And, oh yes,  it rocks!!!!

Tracklisting
1. What is the point
2. Dark times
3. Making a bomb
4. Escapes
5. Downplay
6. Drowning
7. Children of the poor
8. People
9. Void
10. Last day
11. Tomorrow for us
12. Five one one
13. Fear of the future
14. Say what we mean
15. Too big to fail
16. Preoccupied
17. Low

Guillaume Renard

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