What do you get when three veterans of post-industrial, who were once part of the ranks of bands like Pigface, Chemlab and Die Warzau, join forces and start a post-punk, art rock band? You get muet, self-described as “the sound of American noir” – a title that proves to be very accurate after listening to the album. Based out of Chicago, the trio of Steven Seibold (vocals), Daniel Evans (guitar/bass) and Vince McAley (drums)…

  The electro-industrial icons Front Line Assembly have just released their first new album in almost six years. Besides Fulber’s studio return to FLA, the album includes guest vocal appearances from Robert Görl (DAF), Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost), Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence) and Chris Connelly (Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Cocksure). Wake Up The Coma starts off with the sinister burbling synth bass of “Eye On You”. Even before Bill Leeb’s voice comes in, you can…

  OOMPH! has been consistently active with its original line-up for almost 30 years. Often referred to as the founders of Neue Deustche Härte (sometimes called New German Hardness or simply NDH), this German industrial metal band is well-known for being a big inspiration for acts like Rammstein and Eisbrecher. “Ritual” is their 13th album, containing 11 tracks, two of which have already been released as singles as well as getting their own music videos:…

  If you’ve ever gone to any given goth/industrial/EBM club night anywhere in the world, you’ve likely danced to either a Leather Strip song or a Leather Strip remix. Frontman and founder Claus Larsen started Leather Strip thirty years ago and has consistently kept up a diverse and notable musical presence with every release.  This latest EP is a collaboration with electronic artist Autoclav1.1, also known as Tony Young. The opening track, “Chasing Gods,” pairs…

  Italians Blume (named after the Einstürzende Neubauten song) have been making their dark synthpop infused futurepop for a decade, steadily building a fanbase with previous albums Rise of Gray (2010) and Autumn Ruins (2013). Ashes is their third full length release, the first they have released via WTII Records. The album opener sets the scene for what is to come, with the oscillating and undulating, yet catchy “Iron Age”. This is followed by “Scarlet”…

  As someone who has been known to leave stores abruptly when “All I Want For Christmas Is You” comes on for the billionth time, I was desperate for an alternative this year. So many retail stores lose my business this time of year, and they don’t even know it! At any rate, I’ve always wanted to find a Christmas album that I can actually tolerate and might even love. (Hog forbid!) Thankfully, as usual,…

  This year Lederman/De Meyer released their debut album Eleven Grinding Songs. However, Jean-Marc Lederman and Jean-Luc De Meyer are no strangers to connoisseurs or electronic music. While Lederman’s recent work sounded rather experimental, this album can be described as electronic pop. However, his “experimental” expression can be heard on the opening track “Atoms In Fury”. The song is minimalistic and atmospheric, which leaves De Meyer plenty of manoeuvring space; his vocal line and peculiar…

  I first heard Chris Connelly’s solo work on the Wax Trax! Black Box with the brilliantly haunting “Stowaway” and later on another Wax Trax! compilation with the unexpectedly funky “Candyman Collapse.” I was already a Revolting Cocks fan (and yes, Chris has always been my favorite Cock!), so my teenage mind was blown when I learned he had a hell of a voice even beyond that. Later on in my life, I picked up…

  Darker-than-night Florida post punkers Astari Nite have brought us another brilliantly ethereal release with Midnight Conversations. The album kicks off with the driving dancefloor beat of  “Sunday Queen” and then lulls us further into darkness with “I Am Nothing,” featuring soulful vocals awash in reverb with a big synth-drenched chorus. “The Witching Hour” could very well be a throwback to the poppier, more guitar-driven post-punk of Echo & The Bunnymen or The Cure. Another…

  I heard Tolchock for the first time when I came across their last full length album Elements of Rage which was released in 2015. I immediately fell in love with the unique sound they created and I was rather pleased to find out that they came back this year with an exquisite release; a collection of their work from 1997 to 2017. This release is an absolute “must hear”, especially if you haven’t listened…