Darkwave.ro electro/industrial music magazine | news – reviews – interviews – concerts – festivals – parties

April 17, 2012

Skyla Vertex – “Urwerk”: Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “Somnia” * “Strom und Drang” * “Befreiungsschlag” * “Sinnkrieg” * “Face It” * “Urwek (Funke)” * “Urwerk (Feuer)” * “Urwerk (Asche)” * “Deconstructors” * “Schall und Rauch” * “City Demon” * “The Buying Dead” * “ZeitgEist” * “Schall und Rauch (Kriegsmonster Remix by Peter Spilles)” * “Strom und Drang (Orange Sector Version)” * “Befreiungsschlag (Nachtmahr Remix)

Band bio: Skyla Vertex is the brainchild of Greg, who may be best known for his involvements with scene legends Modulate and Reaper, and Alex, a lyricist, singer and illustrator from a rock background. Their self-proclaimed task is to combine an intellectual claim with hard electronic dance music – to assimilate the dancefloors of the world. “Urwerk” may be their first album, but they are sought-after remixers who already worked with Santa Hates You, Reaper, Orange Sector, Shiv-r, and Diorama.

What is Skyla Vertex? Even though it was a rather random creation, the name mirrors the message they wanted to deliver: “Skyla” can be found in the Swedish language and can be translated as “to hide” or “to bury”; The word “Vertex” is Latin and is used to describe a turning point in geometric terminology, it can also be translated as “mesh” or “nodal point”. Thus, Skyla Vertex takes its creative power from all the unknown corners of mind, unusual perspectives and the last shelter of soul: insanity. (source: band Facebook page)

Skyla Vertex – “Urwerk”: Viva Music Album Review:

Skyla Vertex’s album “Urwerk” is released this month; on Infacted Recordings in Europe on Apr-20, and on Metropolis Records on Apr-24. They describe their own music as “harsh beats meet deep lyrics” and they are not going amiss one bit; their music is well fashioned and inspiring, and their lyrics are fundamental in their choice of words, cadence, and general imagery.

Their lengthy album is tell-tale of a world in which protagonists are at odds with their choices, and wish a return to the groundwork, or foundation of whatever holds their act together. Let’s take “Somnia” for instance: it’s a great soundstorm, but beneath the riot there are emotional tinges floating freely in the thick air of conflicted sleep. “Strom und Drang” (also available as “Strom und Drang (Orange Sector Version)”) is a calmer, yet more introspective piece, with diligently crafted ecstatic inserts with a very heightened electronic sense. “Befreiungsschlag” (also available as: “Befreiungsschlag (Nachtmahr Remix)”) is just as the title says, liberating, and with a good interplay between spontaneity and calculated movement; it is a dance friendly track with assumed, relentless effervescence. “Sinnkrieg” causes the war of senses that is at stake in the band’s manifesto and with a defiant tone, it escalates and creates an overall enthusiasm via its intricate harmonies. After a momentous “Face It”, it’s time for the trilogy of “Urwerk” to sweep you off your feet: “Funke” – “Feuer” – “Asche” (in English: “Spark” – “Fire” – “Ashes”) is a creationist story, with a very resistant genetics and with substantial musical elegance and persusasiveness. “Deconstructors” and “Schall und Rauch” (also available as: “Schall und Rauch (Kriegsmonster Remix by Peter Spilles)”) are two great additions to the album,  and definitely pieces that we bookmark for further listening – they could easily serve as a Skyla Vertex 101 for friends who have not yet discovered their universe. A lighthearted, yet sufficiently zesty “City Demon”, a Viva Music favorite, is next, and after it, “The Buying Dead” and “ZeitgEist” are up to the challenge of closing the album before the remix section kicks in. “The Buying Dead” is sappy and confident, while “ZeitgEist”, drawing on the same source that never seems to dry up, is more of an attention-getter, but no less filled with incredibly sound philosophy and pleasure in making music.

Urwerk” is a very interesting debut album, and though it may take more than one listen to get it into your system, it’s a heartthrob and definitely a great business card for a band we are looking forward to listening to in the future. Enjoy!

Skyla Vertex – on Infacted Records | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

February 23, 2012

Inure – “The Offering” – Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “This Death” * “The Call” * “Rapture” * “This Is the Life” * “The Strange” * “All Alone” * “The Offering” * “The Mind Killer” * “So Far Away” * “Cold

Other Inure news on darkwave.ro: Inure “In This Life” – Viva Music Album Review

Inure – “The Offering”: Viva Music Album Review:

Last month when we had the opportunity to listen to Inure’s single release “In this Life”, our intuition was that we will be eagerly awaiting a perfect album, and our expectations did not fall short one bit once “The Offering”, to be released next week on Feb-28 with Metropolis flooded our ears. It’s indeed some “offering”, and it is a fascinating excursion in sound and emotion. Inure seem to have found a great recipe for music making and performance and they are one of the groups which deserve your undivided attention: you are surely going to hear about them a lot in the future, and they are definitely going to stay as one of the defining influences of 2012 and onwards.

To begin with, “This Death”, which we had the chance to listen to in the single release as well (featured as “This Death (Terrolokaust Remix)” and “Le Petit Mort (16volt Remix)”), sounds as expected glorious and sublime. It has a tinge of melancholy that is bound to beckon you nearer and once the harsher sounds deploy, you will be drawn into a new universe, as demanding and convincing as a lover. The industrial aura of “This Death” is reason enough to go on with the sound magnificence of the album, as it moves on with “The Call”, a sexy track of great impact, which you will definitely want to add to your playlists upon listening to it. With “The Call”, the dark electro ambient promised by “This Death” is already a fulfilled promise. A relevant and dance-friendly piece, “The Call” is followed suit by “Rapture”, the sound of which revolves around a very enticing musical line. If “Rapture” sounds good, it is also because of the novelty and freshness of the music, and that is a big plus for any new album nowadays. “This Is the Life”, the undisputed star of the single release from January (“This Is the Life (Album Version)”, “This Is the Life (Vogel Remix)”, “This Is the Life (Aesthetic Perfection Remix)”, “This Is the Life (WhiteQube Remix)”, “This Is the Life (Imperative Reaction Remix)” are the many guises under which it was revealed to us in the single release) is not a new track for fans of the single release, but it surely sounds fuller and more longlasting in the good company of the other tracks from the compilation. This song deserves a review entry all by itself, and then it is no wonder it was the perfect candidate for a single release. What is more, the attention it attracted from other artists – Aesthetic Perfection to begin with, is also tell-tale of its impact. Not one bit less great, “The Strange” and “All Alone” provide very eloquent and memorable listening material. “All Alone”, a Viva Music favorite, which stands erect next to “This Is the Life” is a groovy piece of music, and there is definitely some magic at stake, it sounds that good! And do not bother to catch your breath just now, the intelligent frenzy of “The Offering”, the track that gives the title of the album is next; its vibes persist well after the track is done and dissolves into “The Mind Killer”. “So Far Away” is a misnomer for a track that makes you feel conversely so close; and it even if it lingers on the quieter side, it is nonetheless a special kind of listen, with a lot of energy and a distinguishable melody. The album closes with “Cold”, the eerie and yet comforting music of which sounds just great.

The Offering” shows through its fabric a well done job and it provides sufficient and memorable listening material. It is indeed one of those albums you wish to listen to again and no matter how different your mindset will be in the future, the album is bound to have the same impact it had on first listening to it – it’s that good! Enjoy!

InureOfficial Website | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

February 3, 2012

Eisbrecher “Die Hoelle muss warten” – Out Feb-14 – Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “Tanz mit mir” * “Augen unter Null” * “Die Hoelle muss warten” * “Verrueckt (Original Version)” * “Herz aus Eis” * “Prototyp” * “Ein Leben lang unsterblich” * “Abgrund” * “In meinem Raum” * “Keine Liebe” * “Exzess Express” * “Rette mich” * “Atem” * “Treiben” * “Verrueckt (Combichrist Remix)

About “Die Hoelle muss warten:

The unexpected Ice Age that seized the music world in 2002 continues as Eisbrecher masterminds Alexx Wesselsky and Noel Pix return for another classic release that is sure to cause waves in both the electronic and metal scenes. After a successful run of tours and festival appearances in Europe including Alice Cooper’s ‘Theatre of Death Tour’ and The Nova Rock Festival, Eisbrecher is poised to once again conquer the US clubs and charts. Heavier and harder than ever before, “Die Hoelle muss warten” features an expertly crafted blend of crushing guitars, menacing vocals, and melodic synth lines. Not one to stay the course, Eisbrecher also shows its ability to incorporate modern influences and blend them into songs that stay uniquely Eisbrecher, such as the dubstep-tinged “Herz aus Eis.” The album’s opener “Tanz mit mir” is a perfect example of what modern industrial rock should sound like, while tracks such as “Rette mich” slow things down and feature frontman Alex’s crooning voice over beautiful synth melodies. With such a diverse range of influences and perfect production quality, “Die Hoelle muss warten” is another step forward for a band that has already established itself as one of the premier electronic rock acts of our time. (source: label site)

Eisbrecher – “VerruecktOfficial Video:

Eisbrecher – “Die Hoelle muss warten” – Viva Music Album Review:

Coming Feb-14 from Metropolis Records, the new album from Eisbrecher entitled “Die Hoelle muss warten” (English: “Hell must wait”) was preceded by the release on Jan-20 of the single preview track “Verrueckt” accompanied by a very pertinent Combichrist remix! Add to that the “Verrueckt” video, which is classy and really enticing – and we have the ingredients of high expectations from an album that proved, even on first listening to it, a great addition to this year’s EBM and industrial loot.  (more…)

January 26, 2012

Inure “This Is the Life” Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “This Is the Life (Album Version)” * “This Is the Life (Vogel Remix)” * “This Death (Terrolokaust Remix)” * “This Is the Life (Aesthetic Perfection Remix)” * “This Is the Life (WhiteQube Remix)” * “Le Petit Mort (16volt Remix)” * “This Is the Life (Imperative Reaction Remix)

About Inure – “The Offering” (forthcoming album):

Inure‘s third full length release, “The Offering” wields an even heavier edge than past efforts. With production by Imperative Reaction’s Ted Phelps, Moore has given rise to the band’s most diverse and compelling work to date. Adam Moore‘s vocals weave together the haunted, distant shouts of classic European EBM with the raw aggression of American industrial rock while staunch industrial rhythms fuse with the furious riffs of Adam Vex (Imperative Reaction) on guitar. It’s this fusion that truly sets “The Offering” apart. With special guest appearances from Joe Letz (Combichrist) and Eric Powell (16Volt), “The Offering” grabs hold from the first dissonant note of “This Death” until it releases you to the icy depths of “Cold.” (source: press release)

Album tracklist: “This Death” * “The Call” * “Rapture” * “This Is the Life” * “The Strange” * “All Alone”* “The Offering” * “The Mind Killer” * “So Far Away” * “Cold

Inure “This Is the Life” (digital single) – Viva Music Review:

Out with Metropolis Records one month prior to the release of their third album, “The Offering”, the new single from Inure, entitled “This Is the Life” is a very provocative and appetizing selection of music, one that sets very high expectations from the forthcoming album. With a catchy title and a running order of artists who collaborated for the single remixes that is bound to make you curious, the single is an energetic and danceable industrial rock/electronic compilation. Aesthetic Perfection, Imperative Reaction, Terrolokaust remixes are votes of confidence for the new track and by extension for the new album, and given the fact that the original track is definitely worth more than one listen, it is with these new nuances and statements that other musicians make via the remixes that the true value of the song is highlighted. Imperative Reaction’s remix is possibly the most driven one, while the one crafted by Aesthetic Perfection deepens the darker shades and the symbolism of the track. Of equal perspective are the other remixes as well, with the Vogel one taking you by surprise with just how versatile a track can be. And if the main track of the digital single release is about life, the band thought wise to supplement the compilation with a track which are conversely about death; the preview remix of the forthcoming album song “This Death” with a vicious, penetrating Terrolokaust remix, as well as a renamed version, “Le Petit Mort” by 16volt, with a hoppier beat, but nevertheless proving to be a sound alternative that does justice to the dimensions of the track.

After the preview offered by the single release we are bound to impatiently wait for the album release. Luckily we are one month away from the release date. Enjoy!

InureOfficial Website | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

 

October 12, 2011

Shiv-r “This World Erase” – Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “Entree” * “Pharmaceutical Grade” * “God Is Art” * “Incision” * “Hollow Mask” * “This World Erase” * “Blind Mice” * “Deafening” * “This Fix” * “Stripped” * “Alpha Omega” * “Lingerie” * “Arise

About Shiv-r:

Shiv-r are: Virul3nt (Pete Crane), and Kong (Lee Bulig).

After hitting the scene with their innovative debut album “Hold My Hand” and the hard-hitting follow up EP “Incision“, Shiv-r are back in 2011 with “This World Erase“, a new full-length album to awaken the dark side lying dormant beneath our skin. No stranger to club hits, Shiv-r tread this ground stronger and heavier than ever with plenty of harsh club annihilators destined for the dancefloor. Haunting, neoclassical tendrils also encompass the brutal club sounds while a more evolved lyrical and vocal approach attacks themes such as nihilism, the romantic rendering of abuse and above all waging a war on apathy. From the grindingly slow vampiric dirge of “This Fix“, to the psy-infused energetic explosion of “Alpha Omega” and the overly emotive title track, “This World Erase” is a varied and evolved follow-up album that further establishes Shiv-r‘s gossamer stranglehold and strives to make us feel alive in a dying, apathetic world. (source: press release)

Read about Shiv-r’s performance at Nocturnal Culture Night 2011 here| See the photo gallery for Shiv-r’s performance at Nocturnal Culture Night 2011 here

Shiv-r “This World Erase”: Viva Music Album Review:

Can a music album be an exercise in eloquence? After listening to Shiv-r’s “This World Erase”, released this week (and already a top seller with Metropolis Records and a point of pride for Infacted Records) and giving it a serious thought, the answer is definitely yes. The purity of the sound, the shrewdness, and, audacity of the lyrics, and their fortifying combination really bring on a special effect. Listening to this album is like listening to a good friend, who, no matter what the two of you are talking about, brings you reason and clarity. Nothing stands out in an obtrusive manner, and nothing provokes havoc. And all songs included in “This World Erase” are like pieces in a puzzle: they mix, they match, and fall in the right pattern before your eyes. (more…)

October 11, 2011

Binary Park “The Deviated” Out Today Oct-11! Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “The Hidden Room” * “Into the Deep” * “She’s Insane” * “The Deviated” * “Not in Love” * “Lick the Blade” * “Keep on Falling Down” * Worlds Collide (Impact Mix)” * “Into the Deep (Liquid Divine Remix)” * “Into the Deep (Architect Remix)

About Binary Park:

Binary Park is the new project of Infacted Recordings label manager Torben Schmidt, together with UK based singer Huw Jones and musician Alfred Gregl (Aqualite, Noise Control, Xylon). The sound of Binary Park is an intriguing blend of different electronic styles from darkstep to industrial and from electro to deep, noisy, ambient Glitchy, intelligent electropop. Elements of early Haujobb, Front Line AssemblyLights Of Euphoria, and Neuroactive intermingle with a sound that is compelling and sure to garner attention worldwide. With their second release to date the band offers a 10 track mini-album including seven new songs as well as a breathtaking remix of the album hit “Worlds Collide” followed by remixes from Liquid Divine and Architect! A must have for all fans of intelligent electro, deep beats and mindblowing melodies! Get infected! (source: press release)

Order Binary Park’s “Deviated” from here | Name your price (or download for free!) for Binary Park’s remix of Haujobb’s “Little World” from album “New World March – The Remixes” from here.

Binary ParkDeviated” Viva Music Album Review:

Out on Oct-11 with Metropolis Records, the new release from Binary Park is just months younger than its predecessor, “Worlds Collide”, out in March this year. Summing up the good job Binary Park were up to performing in their first album, and compiling next to new material grand remixes of the star of the album (“Into the Deep”) and of “Worlds Collide” from Liquid Divine and Architect, the new album is set out right to catch your attention, tease you, and promote an overall positive feeling of being in the process of listening to quality electro and industrial music. (more…)

September 20, 2011

Apoptygma Berzerk “Black EP vol. 2” – Viva Music Album Review

Tracklist: “Asleep or Awake (Spektralized RMX)” * “Eclipse (OK Minus RMX)” * “Shadow (People Theatre RMX)” * “Apollo (Flipside & Parsberg RMX)” * “Green Queen (Stanley Cupid RMX)” * “Love Will Tear Us Apart” * “Adrift (C-64 Version)” * “Green Queen (Client RMX)” * “Apollo (Rotersand Rework)” * “Shadow (Essence of Mind RMX)” * “Apollo (Alex O’s Old School RMX)” * “Green Queen (Outer/Innnerpartysystem RMX)

Order Apoptygma Berzerk’s “Black EP – Volume II” from here | Watch the compilation’s official video after the jump.

Apoptygma Berzerk – “Black EP  vol. 2” – Viva Music Review

The first thing you need to know about the new compilation from Apoptygma Berzerk is the fact that it sounds amazing! Actually, that’s the second thing, since everyone knew that much even before buying and listening to it, but the first thing you need to know about “Black EP – vol. 2” is that its cover features a scannable QR code that reads actually the hidden link to a special download package from Metropolis Records’ site. So activate your geeky side and take pleasure into this thing we can do with today’s technology. Yes, we can do it. (more…)

August 31, 2011

Angelspit “Hello My Name Is” Out October-11!

It’s time again to “F*** the Revolution. This is war.” Because Angelspit, the Australian New York/Berlin-based wonder who played major festivals and who shared the stage with names such as KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, Sisters of Mercy or Nitzer Ebb, as well as producers of very viral remixes for various bands (again KMFDM and also Ministry) are back this autumn with “a non-stop audio assault on all things that hold back creativity and freedom of expression“, their new album “Hello, My Name Is” with Metropolis Records, out on October-11.

Tracklist: “Cubicle” * “Counterfeit” * “Vermin” * “Catatonic” * “Monkey Byte” * “Defibrilator” * “Bullet Proof” * “Static” * “Jailbait” * “Deadly” * “Violence

Their new music is a revolt of synthesizers, drum machines and samplers – add to that guitars and you get a picture of what they are coming up with! Audio previews are already available on the band’s Facebook welcome page! Pre-order the album from Metropolis Records as a disc or digital download from here.

August 12, 2011

AESTHETIC PERFECTION signs to Metropolis Records!

Filed under: International News — Tags: , — admin @ 10:50 am

On March 20 and May 01, 2011 Viva Music played Aesthetic Perfection on Romanian national FM radio (Bucuresti FM), probably for the first time in the whole wide world. If you know any other national (not online) radio that has done the same, let us know. We are really proud of all our achievements, but the Electro/industrial radio show beats them all! Here is the (hi)story of our show.

Aesthetic Perfection immediately got fans and supporters in Romania, fans who have repeatedly inquired about a live show in Bucharest! Viva Music is still trying to book AP, so we may have the pleasure to see Mr. Graves in flesh and blood in Bucharest. As much as we would like to offer an unforgettable show to the Romanian fans, we also understand that Mr. Graves is really busy becoming famous! Here is the excellent news we have just received in a report from Metropolis Records:

  AESTHETIC PERFECTION Signs to Metropolis Records
New album ALL BEAUTY DESTROYED Scheduled For November 8th

in regular and Limited 2CD versions

Salzburg, Austria – Daniel Graves, the founder and sole creative member of AESTHETIC PERFECTION, announced today that he has signed his signature project to Out Of Line Records in Europe and Metropolis Records in North America. Both labels will be releasing ALL BEAUTY DESTROYED, his fourth album, in November of this year. There will be a standard single CD edition and a limited double CD version. “There’s an intentional irony in having a band called “Aesthetic Perfection” and naming your album All Beauty Destroyed,” notes Graves “It’s this struggle between personas, the dark and the light, the Jekyll and the Hyde.”

Fans of Grave’s previous albums won’t be disappointed as All Beauty Destroyed continues in the dance floor tradition set by A Violent Emotion, Close To Human and Blood Spills Not Far From The Wound (recorded as Necessary Response), though with this new album, things take a decidedly darker and more sinister turn. “The Devil’s In The Details”, the first single self-released by Graves in a special hand-packaged CD and as a downloadable track in the Rock Band Network showcased the evolved sound that Graves expounds on with the new release. The second single, “Inhuman”, with its synthesized chant of No hope, No pain, No loss, No gain, is bound to keep DJs satisfied with its pulsing rhythm and shout-along vocals. “Under Your Skin”, arguably the most unique track on the album, was recorded using no instruments other than Grave’s multi layered voice. The title track features piano accompaniment from Panzer AG’s Lauren Krothe and is the closest thing to a ballad as one can expect from Grave’s twisted mind.

Aesthetic Perfection’s live incarnation, which includes drummer Tim Van Horn, recently wrapped up its first headline tour of the USA (with support from Germany’s Faderhead)and included a blistering sold-out performance at Los Angeles’ legendary club Das Bunker. The band is preparing for their first headline tour of the UK in November and will be announcing additional European dates shortly. This constant touring, including previous runs supporting Combichrist, Imperative Reaction, S.I.T.D., Grendel and others have cemented Aesthetic Perfection’s hard earned reputation as a powerful live force in the electro-industrial scene.

All Beauty Destroyed promises to be the darkest and most dynamic piece of work Graves has created. As the LA Indy Media Blog notes, “Aesthetic Perfection is more than just rain in the desert, more than just food to a starving man: it is like having a friend jump into the fray as I am getting my butt kicked by 12 or 13 faceless stinking zombies.”

All Beauty Destroyed will be released in a single CD and 2CD edition in Europe by Out Of Line on November 4, 2011 and in North America by Metropolis Records on November 8, 2011. European dates and a US tour will be announced shortly.

aesthetic-perfection.net | facebook.com/aestheticperfection | twitter.com/daniel_graves

 Source: Metropolis Records 

 

August 11, 2011

The Birthday Massacre – “Imaginary Monsters” – Viva Music Review

Tracklist:  “Forever* Burn Away * “Left Behind * Pale [Kevvy Mental & Dave Ogilvie ‘Rubber Unicorn’ Mix]” * “Control [tweaker Mix]” * “Shallow Grave [Combichrist ‘Good For Her’ Mix]” * “Pins And Needles [SKOLD Mix]” * “Shallow Grave [Assemblage 23 Mix]”

Imaginary Monsters” (release date: Aug-09) is a followup material from The Birthday Massacre after their successful 2010 album “Pins and Needles”.  The EP, comprising 8 tracks, includes three original tracks, as well as five fantastic remixes of tracks from their latest album.

Order The Birthday Massacre’s “Imaginary Monsters” from Metropolis Records here | Read the official release information from Metropolis Records from May-26 here.

About The Birthday Massacre:

The Birthday Massacre is from Toronto, Canada. Combining their interests in various musical and artistic styles, the band has successfully accumulated an impressive international fan base, press accolades, and defied categorization with their unique sound and visuals.

The band was formed in 1999 and independently produced and recorded their first two albums, “Nothing and Nowhere” and “Violet”. Through both of these high-demand releases, as well as their highly acclaimed and beautifully atmospheric website, the band obtained a large and loyal fan base throughout the world. Due to their independent success, in 2005 they were approached by European and North American record labels and the band began its steady climb to reaching a much wider audience with the 2007 release of the acclaimed and wildly popular “Walking With Strangers”.

In the last few years, the band has been performing internationally, traveling extensively across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, the U.K. and Europe. They have become renowned for their high-energy live performances, drawing large, mixed crowds through their appeal to fans of a surprisingly wide range of genres. Their fourth full length album “Pins And Needles” was released on Sep-14, 2010 accompanied by a video for “In The Dark“.

The Birthday Massacre – “Imaginary Monsters” – Viva Music review:

With the release of “Pins and Needles” and the 100% positive feedback they received, The Birthday Massacre accomplished a new stage in their career – full sound, charismatic voice, well arranged musical landscape. Therefore, it is no wonder that they came up with new material within less than a year from their latest album release. “Imaginary Monsters” is a fresh deal and a disc bound to be played in a loop! Not only it comes packed with beautiful remixes for already famous tracks, but it also gives a glimpse of previously unreleased material, which definitely thrills the band’s 150k fanbase (according to Facebook). (more…)

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress