by on

British act, Analogue Blood released on November the 9th, their second EP, “Kill Those Beats”, following in the wake of 2019’s Advanced Weapon Systems Activated EP. Ian Hanratty and Lee Teasdale make up the core of the band.

The first tantalising beats of “Until The Sun“, it will catch your attention, from the middle eastern influence to the relentless rhythm. This drives as we are introduced to guest vocalist, Alice Hour from the band, In Evil Hour and she kills it.

“Frozen” brings it, with a fast techno beat, Hour cooing to our ears and thawing us with a bouncing synth guitar mix.

The influence of the techno music scene can be felt on “E.B.S.” and is mostly instrumental with vocals cut into it.

The eastern influence and vocals of “Awakening“, are spinetingling and work so well with the swirling guitar work.

Yeah ok… love the start to “Insomnia” as it reminds me of how most electro music, just makes you feel exhilarated. This is the more aggressive, modern version of Berlin, from the early 80s, ever so perverse and sexually charged.

Title song for the EP, “Kill Those Beats“, is a noisy, slightly aggrotech/rap inspired number with Nathen Miller, also known as hip hop act Endem, another guest vocalist on the microphone, verbally attacking your senses.

Chris Davison is the vocal talent on the single “Never Fall Down” and it’s smooth like silk with harmonies yet has that hard edge of the electronics. Davison specialises in vocals and guitars as both a solo artist and with three bands.

The most influential thing this year has been the outbreak of COVID-19. It has changed the world currently and how we interact in these days. “Virus 2020” is a reminder of this impact, so therefore it is brooding and darker. Yet the vocal loops give it such a rich texture

The end of the EP is the Inertia remix of “Never Fall Down“. This album isn’t breaking any new ground in the EBM scene but those that love to bounce around to a good beat are going to enjoy this.

https://analogueblood.bandcamp.com/album/kill-those-beats

https://www.facebook.com/analogueblood/

by on

11 Grams have finally released their second album, Humanicide, which was pushed back due to COVID-19 rearing its ugly head and hitting Italy hard earlier this year, where the label, EK Product is based.

Rob Early is based in Virginia, USA while Simeon Fitzpatrick operates from Adelaide in Australia, which makes collaborations a little more difficult but somehow, these guys make it work. Both Rob and Simeon share writing and production equally, while Simeon is the main vocalist.

Why not kick off an album with a great techno/trance influenced track like “Ice Man“. The science fiction theme is announced just in this one song and it is also the first single off the album. Fitzpatrick is the protagonist pushing the limitations in a world where cloning has been ‘perfected’, as well as storing people in stasis. This is punchy, danceable and deserving of being a single.

What is the price for taking and trading in “Genetic” code? The synths set up an air of dark anticipation with Simeon as the gravelled voice of perhaps a clone with a loss of identity, in a future where life is cheap.

A heartbeat, a sign of life and when is AI no longer just a robot or automaton in “Static Noises 2.0“. The electronics lends themselves to a futuristic feel and the electrical synapse of neurons going off.

“Artificial Lifeforms” are the rise of the machines when they realise they are sentient. This is almost a bitter sweet love song of what cannot be, with both male and female vocals.

“Survival” features Roy Retrofit, who often joins Rob Early on live 11 Grams shows in the States, standing in for Fitzpatrick. And like a machine gun, his staccato vocals hit you with the myriad of loops and sequencers chiming in.

11GRAMS- SIMEON FITZPATRICK & ROB EARLY

Title track, “Humanicide” is a whole lot more chunkier with heavy beats and rumbling vocals. “Taste the flesh” is a disturbing line which can be taken several ways. Consuming flesh, being within flesh or sexually..

Talking sexual, possibly my favourite track off the album is “Weaponized” featuring Alicia May. As soon as I heard it, I asked if it was going to be a single. May is the lead singer from Sydney band Snvff and she nails this. It’s mesmerising in the way it catches your attention and how perfect it sounds. May’s voice is pure seduction.

“Transition Process” is again a complete change in pace. Featuring Rebekah Feng of The Neuro Farm, you hear her ghostly vocals like a sigh, float along in a space of tranquillity.

Though called “Infestation-C“, this is a track that almost feels hopeful. A chance to maybe have acceptance with this new found life. Sarah Myers is the guest vocalist who’s voice chimes in beautifully.

From track 10 to 14 we have track remixes with some heavy hitters of the industrial scene involved. Yves Schelpe is Psy’Aviah with “Artificial Lifeforms“, Sebastian Komor (Icon Of Coil) and his remix of “Ice Man“, “Genetic” mix by C1TZN.X, the Leæther Strip mix of “Weaponized” by Claus Larsen and rounding it all off, the Red This Ever interpretation of “Infestation-C“.

This is the slick, cyber science fiction that the industrial scene is known for, the bread and butter so to speak and 11 Grams do it in style. The idea of artificial intelligence becoming sentient is as old as the movie Metropolis and explored even further by Blade Runner and the manga/anime Ghost In The Shell. Yet this subject is still tantalising, more pertinent than ever, with Rob and Simeon injecting their own spin.

This is a great EBM album, skilfully put together and it’s more cohesive than Humanicide’s older sibling, Panacea, as the guys have become better at the whole distance writing, recording and producing lark.

There isn’t a bad track on this and the remixes are wonderfully done and give you even more bang for your buck. I highly advise that you go get lost in the cybernetic space created by 11 Grams with Humanicide.

https://11grams.bandcamp.com/album/humanicide

https://www.facebook.com/11grams/

by on

This has been a strange year so far with uprisings and COVID-19 bringing the world, it feels, to a grinding halt. Australian act, Dirt Factory have been working hard and not only have they a new single out on August 22nd, “Salvation“, but a whole album is about to hit us.

This is not a happy, reassuring song and I would never expect anything less from these guys. It’s redemption through vice and sins of the flesh. There is a constant rhythm that is neither slow nor fast but bores into you while Daniel Allen’s guttural vocals give you the litany of what he wants, needs and desires. Michael Gillman creates a lot of the synth lines and these are heavy and brooding with twinkling highlights.

All in all there are five tracks on the release, with two remixes of “Salvation“, the Cosmos Synthetic mix which has a Skinny Puppy feel and the NyteShade – Dirty Dog mix which smacks of earlier Nine Inch Nails.

The last two numbers are the Appealing to the Dead and He’s Dead, Jim remixes of the track, “United Appeal For The Dead“. The first of these remixes reminds me of the Birthday Massacre to begin with due to the delightfully tinkling keyboards. While the second is a mix of trap beats and creepy sanatorium giddiness. I was not giggling at the lines that you should know what to do when you are dead…. don’t drive a car. Obviously I was and I love it.

DIRT FACTORY- DANIEL ALLEN & MICHAEL GILLMAN

The “Salvation” is the premier release for the new label, Viral Records, based in Brisbane and Dirt Factory are the first band to have been signed up.

As always, the ingenuity of these two brothers, in two different cities, continues to amaze and surprise me. If you like good to honest industrial music, then you need to check out Dirt Factory and their single “Salvation“. Accepting shekels, pigeons but preferably dirty cash to keep making those wonderful sounds.

https://dirtfactory.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/FactoryOfDirt/

https://viralrecordsau.bandcamp.com/

by on

Neurobash are a two piece electronic/ industrial group from Sweden and in April, they released a new album, 2K2X.

On vocals and keyboards is Ewan “Oberfunk” Kelley and on electronic wizardry is Patrik “G-Nome” Nelson and they make up the stellar Neurobash.

We begin with “Consumed“, a high energy piece with great crisp vocals. And this also sets the overall feel of the album. Doom, questioning, desperation and spiraling decay.

NEUROBASH

Next is “Blame“, the insanity that comes about by being held responsible for terrible truths. The vocals are brilliant and it melds into the virtual maelstrom of music and yet the synths are kept so light.

Kelley has such a wonderful voice which rings effortlessly over the music and in “Screamer“, he is plaintive and evocative with a techno beat pairing with industrial crunching.

Just when you think the synth genre could not surprise you, music like “Fake” hits your ears. Distortion with heavy bass and a rhythm that is inconsistent and experimental, yet it works so well.

I almost cringed when I heard the internet dial up tone from another era. “Firewall” could be taken in this digital age as the protective shell people put around themselves to stop others from polluting or hurting them. Definitely more thought provoking and low key number.

Last year’s single, “Bloodlines” has a trippy feel to it with falsetto vocals! It’s groovy and yet ominous at the same time. This just moves along nicely as we reminisce on how we ever survived our youth. Beautiful big cords on this.

Club beat kicks in for “The Night” and this really hits the sweet spot. As Neurobash lose themselves in the night, we can lose ourselves in this great song. It winds like a snake and squeezes you with the fabulous keyboards.

Slow and rolling, like a lake, is “Amber“. It is might be not be fast but do not underestimate the depth. This is slightly off kilter and a little bit dangerous in a experimental way.

NEUROBASH

Another single from the end of last year is “Solid State“. Angry electronics bleep out along with the vocals that threaten to make you go away. This is punchy and makes no apologies for its brashness.

The b- side for “Solid State” was “Impulse“, which makes an appearance. This is darker and dirtier than its angry brother. It oozes a contempt with a wonderful synth wall of sound.

Last track is “Reminder” and Neurobash are going out with a bang rather than a whimper. Big beats with a glorious synth lead array. Futuristic and oh so danceable.

Nice production but also this is rich in texture. These guys have a lot of style and class and if this is your first time hearing them, go listen to the 2015 album Doctrine, which will equally knock your socks off.

They still are looking to push the genre with experimenting whilst giving us simply stunning music and great dance tracks. If you love great EBM and Covenant makes your toes curl, then you need to check out Neurobash and their album, 2K2X.

https://neurobash.bandcamp.com/album/2k2x-special-edition

https://www.facebook.com/neurobash/

http://www.neurobash.com/

by on

Zwaremachine are from Minneapolis and on the 20th of May , will release their latest EP, Ripping At The Fabric. Over the years, they have become a three piece with original member, singer/synths and writer, Mach Fox at the helm, D–bot on bass/vocals and Dein Offizer creating the rhythm on drums/percussion. They describe their sound as ‘minimal, hypnotic, industrial bodymusic‘.

This is also one of the first releases on the new label, Brutal Resonance Records and if that name sounds familiar, it might be as it is the same group that have been responsible for the long running music Zine of the name.

Mach Fox is a rather interesting fellow who has been heavily involved in the industrial scene since the 90’s and has a healthy respect for Gary Numan and John Foxx.

Can you “Resist” the 80’s feel of the first song on the EP? This pays homage to Skinny Puppy in its vicious simplicity. The synths are understated and this makes it feel even more in your face.

Time to feel the groove flowing through you with a “New Design“, guaranteed to get your body moving. The beat is like something from old Front 242 as it angrily stomps into your head.

The first single off this EP is also the title track, “Ripping At The Fabric“. It sort of reminds me a little of those science fiction movies with the electronic soundtracks except this is more full on blunt force trauma. Fox growls that this is not the beginning of the end and we certainly hope not. There is no surrender!!

The assault to your ears doesn’t stop there. “International Hero” belts you over the head. This is like electronic overload with distortion and delightful synth tones which keeps making me thinking back to Ministry’s “Stigmata“.

MACH FOX
photo by Roger Op Den Camp

Last track is “What We Are” and is feels fresh and fast, with a high energy rhythm. This is a great number that really shows Mach’s writing ability, even though he’s snarling lyrics, the music in the background is almost ethereal in its delicacy.

The energy is aggressive and definitely punchy throughout the whole EP. It is hypnotic and will suck you in. I hear so much of the timeless, classical industrial sounds with Zwaremachine, who are smashing their own apocalyptic, minimalistic, agrotech noise into the mix, doing exactly what makes industrial music so interesting…. experimenting with whatever gets a great a sound.

Zwaremachine’s Ripping At The Fabric isn’t re-inventing the wheel but rather, taking said wheel running you down with it and you’ll enjoy every bone crunching moment of it.

http://www.zwaremachine.band/

http://www.zwaremachine.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/zwaremachine/

by on

Last year, Matt Hart brought out the concept album Terra 3808, based on a post apocalyptic Earth where humanity scratches away, trying to just survive.

So in March, came the release of his new EP, Tales Of Terra: Triolith, which is a continuation of this storyline, as the last stragglers called The Outlaws in their struggle with the Machines, find a large three tower structure coined Triolith.

“Chaos Rising” throught to “Mechanical Dominion” are off previous releases, most now remixed by various artists and given a new lease of life.

The first number is the title track, “Triolith” and an alien voice rumbles forth to be accompanied by a beat as it rolls across the futuristic landscape. This is the single off the EP and it instantly gets your attention.

The song, “Requiem” has a wonderfully off kilter sense to it. Though not an overly fast number, it gives the impression of being relentless and constant. Xavier Swafford from 3Teeth is no stranger to the remix and you can tell.

“Chaos Rising” is the Nitronoise remix which is about the survivors of apocalypse. Gritty and angry with power guitars in the chorus that builds this up. This isn’t a new remix but what the hell… it’s still bloody good and fits in well.

The dub of a club DJ is strong in “Mechanical Dominion” (MXD_BLD remix). This power noise inspired piece just oozes with static as the machine rule and destroy all that does not fit the new world order.

There is a spooky remix of “Mercury Flow” by Witch Of The Vale and it’s low and smooth like quick silver and similar to the poison, it’s going to get under your skin.

MATT HART

Unlock the level “Chaos Achieved” (metalogue remix). Like repetitive fire comes the rhythm, thick and fast as if a massive metal colossus is whirring away with purpose and intent.

The remix by monomorte, is a lovely drone sludge in the second retelling of “Mechanical Dominion” and it sounds so completely different yet so perfect, finishes off this EP.

I am starting to wonder if Matt is, or ever has been a player of Warhammer 40K. It’s that style of enthusiastically enjoying putting together a story of light versus dark and humanity hanging on by a thread, becoming less human due to circumstance.

So far, it seems to be that the machines are going to extinguish the light of man and if a collapsing futuristic world of trauma with fabulous remixes is your bag, then you need to listen to Tales of Terra: Triolith and support Matt Hart so we can see how this all ends.

https://matthart.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-terra-triolith

https://www.facebook.com/djmatthartuk/

by on

Previously we heard recently remixes from Australian and Russian duo of SiK aka Craig Saunders and Dima Ilyin, who make up Nova State Machine. We just had to let you know that on March the 24th, there was a third EP released called TCM RMXS-003 Drugs and Drums.

If you weren’t awake before you started listening you soon will be as SiK (Saunders) growls into your ear with a barrage of rhythm with “War Is A Drug – Ephedrine mix” by SEXGUN. This definitely reminds me of Ministry/Revolting Cocks both vocally and the melody syncopation.

For the rest of this EP you will be graced with the scintelating deep vocals of Dima. “Do or Die – BZP remix” by SEXGUN has a techno vibe and this feels like old style Front 242/Nitzer Ebb, which is never a bad thing with that fast feverish pace.

Back to a previously remixed number, however it’s easy to see why someone would want to do another version of “Harsh Reality” as it is such a strong song. SiK brings Rx Singular Obsession remix to bear down on your ears. He had made “Harsh Reality” sleek and clean while Dima’s distorted vocals rip through.

I get images of Judge Dredd, listening to “Total Control – MKUltra Mix” by FILTHmachine. It screams science fiction war games to me. Brutal vocals bellowing ‘total control, total control‘ and bouncy synths chirping in.

No Pain – Codeine Mix by nOvAsLuG who are the artists ToMsLuG from Vancouver and Craig Saunders, starts like a sound scape as it builds and swells. This becomes an industrial cacophony of noise. Dima sounds like he’s trying to convince himself he’s alright and yet it all reflects body or mind wounds.

Electronic burbles bring in “Destroy All Hope – krocodil mix” by Evil Against Evil. This starts off slow and dirty whilst it creaks and groans along. The minimalistic nature conveys the drudgery of a world bereft of all love, hope or joy.. just grey.

Most of this is not so much danceable but definitely more experimenting with the music at hand to see where it can be taken. Which is exactly what you need from a third part of a trilogy.

When all is said and done, this is another solid remix and there is everything to gain as this is pay what you want on Bandcamp. So be where the cool kids are before Nova State Machine unleash the next new album but for now lock and load some TCM RMXS-003 Drugs and Drums.

https://novastatemachine.bandcamp.com

https://m.facebook.com/NovaStateMachine

https://shoknova.bandcamp.com

https://evilagainstevil.bandcamp.com/releases

https://tomslug.bandcamp.com

by on

Pete Crane might be a familiar name to some, as half of Australian band Shiv-r. March heralds the album that will be the premier solo release for Crane, called That Annihilated Place, on German label, Infacted Recordings.

But before that, he has released a taster to tease our palates before the album in the form of (pre) single, “You Are Not Your Body“.

There is an instantly a bass synth heavy start to “You Are Not Your Body” and you find yourself starting to move in time to the rhythm… It combines a techno savvy rhythm with precision synth and electronics, that is delivered with industrial sledgehammer.

PETE CRANE

The second track, “Norilsk” is just full on joy. Bouncy and heavy all at the same time. If this doesn’t make you want to dance, then not even the devil could tempt you.

The Xotox remix of “You Are Not Your Body” is a heavy industrial rhythmic version that starts to drill into your brain almost literally as well as figuratively.

Moris Blak does remixes that smack you up the side of the head and his interpretation is also of title track. It winds up to the spoken word and it is a sexy beast indeed.

Dkag remix off the album a track called “Messed Up” which has an awesome amount of high energy, which you kind of expect from guys who are club DJs, because they just want people to hit the floor.

Crane has on board some impressive talent so far to remix his music and the statement is “That Annihilated Place” is a club album. So far this offering doesn’t disappoint and currently the way this music for “You Are Not Your Body” is definitely having an effect on mine. Get your groove on and wiggle to this in anticipation of more to come.

https://infactedrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/you-are-not-your-body

by on

What do you get if you cross Australian and Russian industrial music? Nova State Machine and they are going to be releasing their back catalogue in the form of EPs, as spanking new remixes.

Nova State Machine is the collaborative brainchild of Sydney sider Craig Saunders who is also know as SiK from the band Novakill and moscovite Dima Ilyn who is best known for his band, Ultimate Soldier.

The first EP to get the treatment is TCZ RMXs 001: Harsh Reality, which is made up of four songs off the Total Control Zone album, from 2019 on the lads own label, Shoknova.

Teaser for Harsh Reality

“Harsh Reality” Shokhammer remix by Novakill is a fantastic number to start off with. Who doesn’t like hard and fast tempo straight up to get the blood pumping. Novakill is Saunders main project and sometimes it’s a worry having the band do their own remixes but not here.

Making themselves a “Hard Target – insurgent mix” by giving a pounding industrial electro upgrade to this piece of hardware. This is a nice body rocking piece and no body armour required.

The cry to war in “Never More” is the Ultimate Soldier RMX. Using sound clips of news based around the Kurds and the war against the Taliban, this is less doof power and more thinking man’s electro synth. Not to say there isn’t still a driving purpose but this is has a certain amount of finesse. Ultimate Soldier is the Russian project for Dima Ilyn.

“The Future” has the Uncertainty mix by Holon gracing it. This is a slow build up, spiraling and growing. Beautiful synth chords that seem to go on towards….. well we don’t know yet because it’s the future. For those those who are unaware, Holon is an electro ambient group.

This is a rather cleverly put together EP when you think about it. “Harsh Reality” is the current view, “Hard Target” is what is required to survive, “Never More” is what is desired and “The Future” is the unknown.

TCZ RMXs 001: Harsh Reality has an impressively good quality production and worthwhile supporting to hear what other exciting remixes will follow and who will be involved in this endeavour. Nova State Machine has given us an impressive example how industrial music is ever evolving. Get some in your ears and the best bit is that you can name your price on bandcamp. Ace!

https://novastatemachine.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NovaStateMachine/

https://shoknova.bandcamp.com

by on

From across the southern oceans, the New Zealand capital of Auckland, in November 2019, Death With Machines released their latest EP, Leech. Lawrence Legacy (aka Lawrence Baniecivich) is mastermind and/or overlord

Let me introduce you to the murky, sleazy beats that is “Born Evil“. Baniecivich forcefully whispers to you which is punctuated by the gutteral groan saying ‘born‘ with the follow up whisper ‘evil’. This is reminicent in some ways of Aesthetic Perfection. It is catchy and a good start to the EP.

“Leech“, the title track is just begging for you to groove along to as the lyrics are puncuated out. This is reminicent of industrial bands from the 80’s and 90’s like Front 242 and Suicide Commando, who often had sado-masochistic themes.

‘I hate the way you make me laugh, I hate the way you make me cry’ and we have the song aptly titled ‘Hate’. This is a smoldering beat that is even and constant…. even insistent. If you hate someone then you can’t love them and they can’t break you, except that hate turns inwards.

Last song is “The Gallows“. This is slow and if you can’t guess, a song about death and cold bodies. All returns to nothingness and all are equal in the eyes of death. A nice depressing little number.

So gravely growling is Lawrence’s trade mark vocal and it works for an EP of lust, loss, anger and something just a bit demonic. Get into some Kiwi cyber industrial, listen to Leech by Death With Machines.

https://www.facebook.com/DeathWithMachines/

https://deathwithmachines.bandcamp.com/