Isn’t it something when you listen to an album for the first time and it’s so good, you feel a bit depressed because you know you have to wait almost forever for the next album to come out?  That’s how I felt the first time I heard Dreaming Neon Black, Nevermore’s fourth release.  Well, forever has arrived, and Dead Heart In A Dead World is now upon the world.  I had expected an album more like DNB because it was so groundbreaking, but with the first spin of the disc, I knew Dead Heart In A Dead World was different.  It’s faster, thicker, rougher, and much more straightforward while still maintaining Nevermore’s own sound.

Recorded at Village Productions in Tornillo, TX, they recruited Andy Sneap (of Machine Head and Stuck Mojo fame) to oversee the new album.  The first thing you notice about it is how much heavier it seems.  “Narcosynthesis”, “We Disintegrate”, “Inside Four Walls”, and “Evolution 169” blast you through the first third of the album, each equally heavy and capturing.  “The River Dragon Has Come” is one of my favorite songs on the album, and has some of the most fantastic guitar work featured on the album.  “The Heart Collector” is where the album takes a slight breather, and although still heavy, the pace of the song allows you to rest your neck and get a drink of water.  “Engines of Hate” picks right back up, however, and this is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s loaded with the fast paced thrum of intricacy that Nevermore has perfected over the years.  This definitely earns one of my picks for the album.

This album wouldn’t be complete without one cover song.  “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkle. Oddly enough, when I read the titles for the tracks, it never clicked that this was a cover song.  I ran home and popped it in my player with nary a second thought.  When the track started, I heard a familiar tune vent from my speakers, but in a few clicks of the second-hand, it was gone.  The opening planted the seed, and that’s all it needed to do.  What came after that was definitely not the doings of Simon and Garfunkle.  The song lurches away from the original, has steroids rammed down its gullet, and is presented with no resemblance to the original other than the lyrics.  Is it good?  Damn right.

The final third of the album slows down a bit but by no means becomes monotonous.  “Insignificant” is highly memorable, as is “Believe in Nothing”.  But leave it to Nevermore to let us out of this despairing journey on a soft note.  Or not.  “Dead Heart In A Dead World” starts off with Warrel crooning to the gentle strums of guitarist Jeff Loomis, and then quickly rams a steel-toed boot clear up your ass.  This song just kicks ass.  Period.

Dead Heart In A Dead World is an album loaded with marvelous musicianship.  Nevermore blasted out of Seattle sticking to their own sound (what WAS that grunge crap anyway?!) and it’s paying off.  I was worried that the loss of Tim Calvert, one of Nevermore’s smooth-running cylinders, would have a great impact on the complexity of the music.  Jeff Loomis has risen to the task with a vengeance, and even Warrel proves he still has his pipes by returning to Sanctuary’s vocal style in a few tracks.  This is an excellent album, but once again, I’m feeling depressed as I know I have to wait for more material. One bright spot, though.  Nevermore are currently touring with In Flames and Shadow’s Fall.  My recommendation:  GO!

Nevermore is:
Warrel Dane – Vocals
Jeff Loomis – Guitars
Jim Sheppard – Bass
Van Williams – Drums

Nevermore
Website: www.the.nl/nevermore/

Century Media
Website: www.centurymedia.com
Email: mail@centurymedia.com
Smail: 1453-A 14th Street #324
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310 - 574 7400
Fax: 310 - 574 7414

Various Artists / Projekt Records
Orphee
~reviewed by Matthew

 
“An introspective descent into the male soul” so states the promotional release, and this compilation makes a valiant and primarily successful attempt at setting foot upon such complex shores.  Released as a companion album to last year’s “Seireenia” compilation of female vocals, “Orphee” (named of course after the mythological figure of Orpheus, a musician that met a most unfortunate and tragic end) is a collection of male artists in the softer and more delicate realm of underground music.
 
The track list alone is very interesting, as it expectantly houses a fair share of Projekt artists including Soul Whirling Somewhere, Black Tape For A Blue Girl, and newcomers Audra and Unto Ashes.  But I was especially surprised to see Christian Death and Tones On Tail included, mainly as the songs chosen are quite old and I just never imagined that these songs would appear on a Projekt release.  But when all is said and done, they fit in well with the standard dark ethereal atmosphere characteristic to the label.
 
There is a very personal vibe to the CD, and it could possibly be regarded as a mix CD delivered by Sam Rosenthal himself, if one were to ask him to pick some of the most definitive male vocalled songs of the past 15 or so years.  That may put the unique track list into perspective.
 
With that aside, I will say that “Orphee” is certainly a good release.  There is a universal mood to all the songs, despite that they all would appear at different marks on the ethereal and new age spectrums.  The arresting potential and passionate sensitivity of the male voice is perfectly represented by the thirteen tracks chosen.  It explores varying emotions, from traditional romantic pining, loneliness, love, and hints of black humour most perfectly captured by Audra’s masochistic tongue in cheek track “You’re So Pretty.”

The main highlight for me was the offering from Unto Ashes, a very stark and simple track with warm acoustic guitars, chimes, and soft male vocals.  It almost has a dark Christmas carol vibe to it, much like Dead Can Dance’s classic “The Carnival Is Over.”  The other highlight for me was that I was CD introduced to Judgement of Paris, who to me sound like the perfect mix between typical 4AD and Projekt qualities, led by exceptionally moving vocals and a swirling hypnotic atmosphere.
 
Human Drama’s sweetly melancholic neo-classical ode is delivered with the characteristic feverish passion of the band, and is a gorgeous song with beautiful piano and a string quartet.  It appears on the newest release “Solemn Sun Setting.”  Dead Can Dance percussionist Peter Ulrich appears with an eclectic blend of Celtic folk, Mediaeval instrumentation, and new age majesty, from his CD “Pathways & Dawns.”

Many of the songs are familiar to me, and will be to you as well.  The Black Tape song is the title track from the project’s fourth release “A Chaos Of Desire,” which is a wonderful album that new fans may not have had the opportunity to hear much of.
 
Who could ever forget Tones On Tail, the mid-eighties project of Daniel Ash and Kevin Haskins after Bauhaus called it quits in 1983.  The mischievous and psychedelic “Lions” fit in well on the compilation.  A nice dive into the archives there, as well as with the 1984 David Sylvian track and the Nooten/Brook track from 1987.
 
And if ever Christian Death appeared on a Projekt comp, I can’t think of a more fitting track than this one, “Mother” which first appeared on Rozz Williams’ come back Cleopatra release “The Path Of Sorrows” in 1992.  With swirling eboed guitars and subtle piano, it is one of the few ethereal type tracks Williams’ ever did under the Christian Death moniker.
 
All in all, Orphee is a strong package of relaxing, introspective tracks from some of the most talented male artists in the dark music scene.  The only drawback is that these songs are not rare or unreleased, and can be found rather easily elsewhere.  Also, the CD might be too ethereal for some listeners, so be aware that this is a pensive collection of slower, melodic lullabies and laments, as opposed to Goth rock or club anthems.  But I think that it is a great collection of songs, and its strongest asset is the convenience of having one single disc comprised of both new and familiar songs rich in atmosphere and transcendent beauty.

Track List
1.) JOHN FOXX – Splendour
2.) JANSEN/BARBIERI – Ringing The Bell Backwards
3.) BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL – A Chaos Of Desire
4.) HUMAN DRAMA – A Single White Rose
5.) TONES ON TAIL – Lions
6.) UNTO ASHES – Scourge
7.) AUDRA – You’re So Pretty
8.) JUDGEMENT OF PARIS – More
9.) PETER ULRICH – Life Amongst The Black Sheep
10.) CHRISTIAN DEATH – Mother
11.) DAVID SYLVIAN – Nostalgia
12.) SOUL WHIRLING SOMEWHERE – Soaked And Captured
13.) PETER NOOTEN/MICHEAL BROOK – After The Call

Projekt Records:
http://www.projekt.com

John Fox:
http://www.metamatic.com

Steve Jensen/Richard Barbieri:
http://www.mediumproductions.com

Black Tape For A Blue Girl:
http://www.blacktapeforabluegirl.com

Human Drama:
http://www.humandrama.net

Tones On Tail / Beggar’s Banquet:
http://www.beggars.com

Unto Ashes:
http://www.untoashes.com

PROJECT APOCALYPSE
Sowing The Seeds Of Chaos
~reviewed by Michael

Having seen this band as part of the opening bill for Deicide, I found myself quite interested in this local act.  Their bassist, Steve Morgan, aka Asmodeus,hooked me up with a demo.

Project Apocalypse is black metal and as a whole are excellent songwriters.  They have an excellent stage presence also, and were warmly welcomed by the crowd. Sowing the Seeds Of Vengeance is a demo in three parts, “Guggles”, “Priest of Baal”, and “Sweet Majestic Darkness”, which is easily the best song on the demo.

Hailing from Michigan, the band was formed by Asmodeus and Dark Brown (lead guitar).  After completing their lineup, they decided to launch their own brand of dark metal.  The vocals range from death metal growls to a Satyr-like voices, the keyboards are majestic yet eerie, and the guitar work is good.

Where Project Apocalypse falls flat is in their presence.  The names don’t quite match the style of music and, I’m sorry to say, the “priest” thing has already been done.  Even though they are just starting out, changing their image a bit will definitely help them out a lot.  They have the talent, for sure, but without hearing them, many people may find them too
cheesy to tolerate.  If you do get a chance to see them, however, sit back and listen to some fresh, Michigan, black metal.

Project Apocalypse is:
Asmodeus – Bass Guitar
Crazy Dave – Emissary Of The Apocalypse
Abaddon – Rhythm Guitar
Raziel – Keyboards
Drummer Drug – Drums
Dark Brown – Lead Guitar

Contact Info:
Website: http://www.projectapocalypse.8k.com/
Email: projectapocalypse@projectapocalypse.8k.com
 

PRODUCTION GREY
Defilement
~reviewed by Michael

At a recent Deicide show, I was privileged to havesome excellent opening acts perform.  Production Grey was surely one of them.  I spent some time talking to Tim Sever (drums), and he was nice enough to hook me up with their CD, Defilement.  Previously released are two demos and a full length CD entitled Channel Your Aggressions.

While in concert, the songs contained on this album were far and away heavier than the ones contained on this CD, the songs are essentially the same and are but a milestone in the history of a hard working and deserving band.

On Defilement, the music takes on the feel of old death/hardcore metal.  The songs are well structured and each song is unique in it’s own way.  It’s bottom heavy, full of great riffs, and extremely easy to listen to.  Standout tracks include “The Paradox of Existence”, “Fatal Implications”, and “Fear The Eternal”.

Production Grey was at one time signed to Relapse Records, but internal problems with the band forced a split up and the deal was voided.  Now back together with an even stronger lineup and a style that has been overhauled for the better, the band has signed to Embryo Records, which is an independent label out of Las Vegas.

Production Grey is definitely a highly talented band and has acquired a huge following.  They have definitely put a lot of hard work into their music and their stage show and it shines through again and again.  Although I like their newer style more, this is still an album that reveals to us the embryonic stages of a band that is well on their way to headlining.  Their new CD, Orchestrated Violence, will soon be released and will reveal the tyranny they are capable of.

Production Grey Are:
Bob King – Lead Guitars
Tim Sever - Drums
Jeremy Omo – Vocals
Dave “Snoop” Carmona – Bass
Tony Landis – Guitars

Contact:
Website: www.productiongrey.com
Email: productiongrey1@hotmail.com
Smail: Production Grey
P.O Box 6329
Jackson, MI  49201
 

Radial
Impulses
~reviewed by Psionic Imperator

The mailman keeps dropping these nuggets of joy into my mailbox.. 'Impulses' is yet another of the teensy Frozen Empire Media CD-R limited edition releases...  They're so CUTE!

Alas, this one is my least favorite of the Frozen Empire stuff so far, for one reason only, which will become apparent soon enough. Do not think that I'm going to give this release a bad review, oh no.. Frozen Empire Media have a flawless track record so far in the rhythmic/powernoise department, and Radial is no exception to this.. My beef with 'Impulses' is one of personal taste, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the material.
So how about I just get to the point?

Radial is one of those projects that utilizes extremely high-frequency squeals as part of their repertoire of sounds. I don't know why, but this sort of thing affects me on a much deeper level than most people... Perhaps in a previous life I died at the hands of a dentists drill? Anyways, these frequencies don't sit well with me, or with the people around me who have to deal with my (usually violently negative) reactions to it. It is for exactly this reason that I can't abide TheAnti-Group, either.
There. That's it. That's the only reason that I don't like this release as much as the other current wave of Frozen Empire stuff. See? A personal taste thing.

Now for the good stuff...

Underneath the piercingly high pitches lies a malformed beast of experimentalism. In keeping with the FrozenEmpireMedia mark-of-quality, 'Impulses' is mostly rhythmic/powernoise.. But Radial doesn't stick with the format as zealously as his(?) peers, and the second half of this cd relaxes into a slightly more introspective examination of soundscapism. Tracks 1 and 2 (Liberation and Vaccinate, respectively) are every bit as furious and up-tempo as you would expect from the genre. And then track 3, 'Staring At The Walls', kind of veers into a hypnotic place, and in places almost sounds as if it has some tribal elements fighting to get out... A tribe doing a ritual chant in a factory has little hope of the Gods hearing, however. So, no ethereally pretty 'Enigma-esque' breaks are to be found here.

Oh boo-hoo.. Cry me a river. g'wan you sissy... SCRAM!

Finally we have 'Contaminated Air', which is pure soundscapism. It brings to mind a Friday night, deep underground in some offworld mining colony. This could be the stuff one would hear right before some crazed species of alien rips the place apart, only to have some heartless corporation come along 50 years later to try and capture the species to use as a military bio-weapon.. I'm sure you get the picture. Deep drones and metallic scraping sounds, 'Contaminated Air' is definitely my favorite track on the disc. So you have 2 options here... Pay the few shekels to get this cd now, or start saving your shekels now, and in a year or so you might have saved up enough money to afford the price of this on Ebay. Do the math.. Which seems easier? Come on, your inner-elitist won't be complete without this...
 

Tracklisting:
1: Liberation
2: Vaccinate
3: Staring At The Walls
4: Contaminated Air

Radial is: I have no friggin clue. Someone in the New York area, I think. Both the Radial and Frozen Empire websites make no mention of who it is behind the creation of the music. So, it's either an eccentric who values privacy alot, or someone we all know, but who doesn't want their past to interfere with the purity of the music. Could Radial be Corey Haim?

Radial: Http://www.radialproject.com
Frozen Empire Media: http://www.frozenempiremedia.com
 

Rosetta Stone
Un:erotica/Reformatted Eighties Audio
~reviewed by Matthew
 
Though I agree with the fact that "Adrenaline” had been overplayed and over remixed since this band first rode the 2nd wave of Goth Rock in the early nineties, I still miss that era of Rosetta Stone and always will.   After the releases of “Foundation Stones” and “Adrenaline,” they started to slip off into the realm of Industrial and Electronics and further from driving, straight-forward Goth rock. Whether or not they grew tired of the Sisters Of Mercy comparisons or just caught the Electro bug, I really don’t know.   It was here that I quit following them and haven’t really heard much from them other than a few compilations appearances here and there.
 
So here we are, after those few CDs that I admittedly know very little about, founder Porl King is the only remaining member.  This thirteen song release is a collection of eighties radio hits redone by King and delivered in a contemporary synth/Electro pop style.  With the common appeal of 80’s gag songs cropping up in the playlists of most Gothic or Industrial clubs, this seems like the type of CD that would appeal to many.
 
I remember about ¾ of these songs from when I was growing up, but I am sure that readers in their late twenties will be much more familiar with these songs, and will have more memories of them to appreciate it these new interpretations.   The versions of these songs are very faithful, having been ‘improved’ with the harder beats, subdued electric guitars, and multiple layers of electronics and effects, though not losing sight of the melodies that made these songs pop hits.
 
The CD opens with a rendition of the Talking Heads’ “Road To Nowhere” which has a pulsing trip hop type beat behind simple distorted guitars, quirky synths, and King’s smooth vocals that stand up easily with any given male synth pop vocalist.   Therefore all the formulas are introduced early in the release to please fans of both modern day synth pop and the fans of this music’s Regan-era roots.
 
In some cases, I prefer these songs better than the originals.  I hate Gary Numan.  I always will.  But the version of “Are Friends Electric” is much more tolerable through Rosetta Stone for me than through the Tubeway Army.  I know probably everyone will disagree with me on this but I never liked this song and the fact that I now find it tolerable must say something for Rosetta Stone and this CD.
 
The track that stands out the most for me is the cover of Tears For Fears’ classic “Shout.”   The end result is just as catchy as the original, with the darker vibes of the song brought to the forefront.  This version is a club anthem.   It’s probably the album’s most familiar song, now redone in an irresistible format that will cause mass exoduses to the dance floors in dark clubs all over.
 
The Rush track, “Spirit of the Radio” is just plain fun: I love it.  The speedy guitar licks are looped above intricate and rhythmic drum patterns that fit the melody of the song perfectly.  It is a brave thing to attempt to fill the shoes of Neil Peart, but alas I guess the only thing that really could would be a machine.
 
I was also very partial to the Police cover for “Synchronicity,” mainly because I am still a big Police fan.  The track almost has a post punk kinda swing to it, submerged of course in synth and electronics, but not buried too deep not to recognize it.
 
This CD is pretty good, however, it gets slightly monotonous and predictable after awhile.  Overall, it’s more of a fun CD.  Its not meant to be some drastic dark music monument and nor is it trying to prove anything.  Dance floors always seem to fill when the DJs slip in classic eighties number, and lately, dance floors have been overcrowded to the sounds of stuff like VNV Nation and Assemblage 23.  Here the two sounds and eras of synth pop have been fused, and if this doesn’t make the kids and young adults in black get up and groove I don’t know what will.

Track List:
1.) Road To Nowhere (Talking Heads)
2.) Are ‘Friends’ Electric? (Tubeway Army)
3.) Messages (OMD)
4.) Two Tribes (Frankie Goes To Hollywood)
5.) Shout (Tears For Fears)
6.) Temptation (Heaven 17)
7.) Small Town Boy (Bronski Beat)
8.) Synchronicity II (The Police)
9.) Spirit Of The Radio (Rush)
10.) Love Is A Stranger (Eurythmics)
11.) Don’t Go (Yazoo)
12.) Reward (Teardrop Explodes)
13.) The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum (Fun Boy Three)

Rosetta Stone Is:
Porl King: voice – guitar – computer

Cleopatra Records:
http://www.cleorecs.com
 

Signal 12
Aphonia
~reviewed by Psionic Imperator

Signal 12 is one of the Psychosis Laboratories projects, namely the work of Lars and Leif Hansen.. More commonly known as the brilliance behind Oneiroid Psychosis. It is no secret how much I adore Oneiroid Psychosis, and so far the 2 side-projects of O.P. (Signal 12 and No One) are easily the equal in quality to the Hansen Bros. prime beast of creepy electronic music. No One was a masterful work of chaotic sound/noisescapes, and Signal 12...well, Signal 12 is where the Brothers pick up the pace. Last years 'Signal 12' (self titled) was a frantic dive into high energy EBM-based electronica. 'Aphonica' sees the focus of Signal 12 shifting, but in such a delicious new way. This latest offering brings Signal 12 somewhat closer to the sound of Oneiriod Psychosis, but with less attention paid to sheer creepiness, and more paid to just exploring what the Brothers Hansen are capable of.

Apparently they are capable of quite alot.

Lars has always handled the vocal work for Oneiriod Psychosis. His voice is SO freakin' good... I am left in a continual state of envy when listening to him belt it out. The last Signal 12 was an all instrumental release, 'Aphonia' sees a correction to that mistake... Not only does Lars provide his token crooning, he pushes his vocals to places we've never seen before. Take the second track, a cover of 'Moving In Stereo' by the Cars. Most industrial-esque covers these days tend to dummy the vocals down to a monotone that the meager vocal talents of the modern-day industrial vocalist can handle.. Not so with Signal 12. It's going to be a long time before I can hit notes like that. Track 4, 'Culmination Of The Opposites'? Delightful in every way... 'TK421' sees a duet with a certain Cat Hall, and it's all good... There is a fair amount of female vocal presence on this cd, actually... AwwYeahh... Normally I'm pretty good at stringing along words of praise, but I find myself at a loss with this cd. This cd is amazing, and deserves high recognition and praise. Go out and buy it, buy extras for all of your friends...

Tracklisting:
1: Anesthetized
2: Moving In Stereo
3: Tryptophan
4: Culmination Of The Opposites
5: Bye Bye Biff
6: Connector D
7: TK421
8: Transmission From Core Lab
9: Slow Burn
10: Equinox
11: Drone
12: Moving In Stereo remix

Signal 12 is:
Lars Hansen
Leif Hansen

Signal 12: http://home.att.net/~psylabs/s12-frame.htm
COP Int'l Records: http://www.copint.com
 

SARA AYERS
Sylvatica
~reviewed by Michael

Everyone needs an outlet, a place to roam and be free from the demons that haunt your life day to day.  An oasis, shaded glens in the woods, or just lying on the beach are places we take our minds to escape.  Often times, we need a medium to carry us there as daily turmoil tends to prevent this type of relaxing.  Sara Ayers provides this medium with her new CD, Sylvatica.

Sylvatica is primarily an instrumental piece with little vocals and spoken word to tell you what to think.  The music is primarily keyboards that swell and recess again or loop throughout to be joined by overlapping vocals.  Although it may sound simple at first listen, the music gains complexity with each listen.  “Flight” starts with looped vocals repeating “lonely…a feather falls” and as it repeats, it changes and evolves slowly and eventually is taken over by Sara’s singing.  “21 Years” ebbs forward and then recedes again into your nether senses.  “Are You Coming Home?” sounds quite spooky in the beginning, running various samples (“Here you are.  Where are you going?  Have you been here before?”) while she sings “Crush the bones, burn the bodies”.  It struck me as some kind of ward to keep the evil out of this safe
place in your mind you have created.

Sara Ayers has created a complex album that remains structured, yet amazingly allows your mind freedom to roam.  Fans of Black Tape For A Blue Girl will be delighted with this and for anyone who needs a little time with themselves, pop this in and let Sara open the door to tranquility.

Track Listing
1. Winter and the Sound of Nothing
2. Sylvatica
3. Starless
4. Flight
5. 21 Years
6. Falling Silent (Crushing Mix)
7. Are You Coming Home?
8. Lachrymatory
9. Soundtrack to Angel #3 (Excerpt)
10. Dream of Noise
11. Of the Wood

Sara Ayers website: www.saraayers.com
 

SCHIZOID
All Things Are Connected
~reviewed by Michael

This is digital war!  This is the soundtrack to a club scene in a horror movie.  This is what it would sound like if an animated blender was meeting its misfortune inside a microwave and trying to get out.  This is a sampling board having an orgy with the other equipment once the studio is closed.  This is Schizoid.

All Thing Are Connected is the project of one J. Smith and it shows the hate and contempt he has for society.  Songs like “New God”, “Elitist Musings”, and “It Feels Like I’m Being Raped” causes your neurons to misfire and at times you think your very skull will explode.  It combines radically fast BPM’s, heavy sampling, and aggressive cyber-screams to portray the utter cacophony that society has become, and it doesn’t paint a good picture.

To label the album as “aggressive” or “hardcore” would be playing it down.  I have no word for this and rarely have I ever heard anything like it.  Slow, groovy parts are laced with poisonous samples that bleed into the speed.  There is little structure to be found here, as it is in our country today.  Fans of extreme techno mixed with grindcore and punk are sure to get into this.  If you want chaos packed into 14 tracks, I urge you to open Pandora’s Box and buy this.

Schizoid is:
J. Smith – Vocals, live guitars, programming, noise, lyrics

Contact:
Website: www.schizoid.org
Email – gfyrecords@hotmail.com

D-Trash Records:
Website - http://members.xoom.com/dtrash/
Email – dtrash@hotmail.com

Synth-Etik
Dark Visuals
~reviewed by Psionic Imperator

Upon first listen, this wee cd made me want to bludgeon something into a state of non-existence. Repeated listening hasn't really curtailed that urge too much. Hot DAMN this is angry stuff... Every phat, syncopated beat (yo) is saturated with 'Essence O' Whoopass'.

It has been recently pointed out that rhythmic/powernoise is a genre that virtually defies reviewing, as the nature of powernoise writing techniques tend to render description redundant... I can see that as a valid enough point, sure... But one _can_ comment on the mood established, and how effective the artist at hand is at layering together a pleasing salad of energetic sounds. (Here I go with the food analogies again...)

Take the Iron Chefs, for example.. All are cooks, so what they do is more or less the same, but the execution varies, altering the end result. So it is with rhythmic noise. Thus, Noisex is a sad example of failure at this genre, whereas Synth-Etik is freakin' near godlike.

(What is it with Joe Abrascia and his Frozen Empire Media?? He just scores over and over again... Aural Blasphemy, Idyl, Radial, Synth-Etik... All are shining moments in this burgeoning sub-style of industrial music.)
Back to the energetic sound salad for a moment... 'Dark Visuals' is yet another 4 track limited edition CD-R. Looks like Frozen Empire believes in 'short-but-brutally-sweet'. The first track, 'Devoid, kicks off with a stuttering percussive line that chatters like an automatic weapon, replete with a slight cough in the timing to throw off the rivetheads on the dancefloor. Just when you figured this would be a premature ejaculation of ideas, the disc slaps you upside the skull with 'Optical', a sweetly hypnotic track.. As bombastic as it is entrancing.  I think I detected a Van-Halen sample in there, too.
*sigh*

I think Synth-Etik has just surpassed Winterkalte as my heroes of powernoise. Yes, it's _that_ good.
Track three, 'Dark Adaptation, isn't as instantly memorable, but keeps the homicidal-urges running amok, so it's all good. The disc wraps up with 'Suspended Animation', and it's sort of 'chainsaw-ripping-through-my-spinal-column' feel... Why why oH WHY IS THIS CD ONLY 4 TRACKS LONG?!?!?!
*rant, fume*

...Yeah, I like this cd. As with all Frozen Empire releases, it's limited edition, so you'd better hurry to snap up the last copies. You'll SO be paying out the ass on Ebay in a year or so for this. So treat your inner psychopath right, and get this cd. You'd be taunting fate not to, and this way the neighbors won't describe you as 'Such a quiet young man' to the media after the slaughter.

Tracklisting:
1: Devoid
2: Optical
3: Dark Adaptation
4: Suspended Animation

Synth-Etik is Frank Mokras
 

Synth-Etik: http://www.synth-etik.com
Frozen Empire Media: http://www.frozenempiremedia.com

SKYCLAD
Folkemon
~reviewed by Michael

At the time I received this, I had never heard the music of Skyclad but I knew they were out there.  I was more than anxious to hear them, as I am always excited to hear new music, but my excitement was quickly trampled underfoot within mere minutes of hearing their tenth CD, Folkemon.

I have to give credit to Skyclad for their unique style of music.  Why not take folk music and incorporate it into a power metal base?  Electric violins, cult vocals, and sing-along choruses, smoothly blended into acoustic and harder electric guitars is the idea here. The songs will whip you from Renaissance times to a harder edge all in the same breath.  By all accounts, this should go over like toothpicks in a hair-eating contest but for some reason, this just doesn’t work for me.  The album
cover has a cartoonish feel to it and with song titles like “Polkageist!” and  “When God Logs Off”, I had trouble taking them seriously.

Obviously Skyclad has some sort of following or they wouldn’t have ten albums to date.  The musicianship is good but as a whole, this falls short of what I expected to hear from them.  Even after four full spins of the disc, it still doesn’t click.  If you are a Skyclad fan, this is probably right up your alley but for anyone wanting to go out on a limb and buy something new, it would be better to sample before buying.

Skyclad is:
Martin Walker: Voice
Steve Ramsey: Guitar, lead guitar, slide guitar,
acoustic guitar, and backing vocals
Graeme English: Bass, acoustic guitar, classical
guitar, backing vocals
George Biddle: Fiddle, backing vocals, keyboards
Kevin Ridley: guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Jay Graham: Drums, percussion, keyboards, jaws harp,
hunting horn, backing vocals

Contact:
Website: www.skyclad.co.uk

Nuclear Blast Germany:
Website: www.nuclearblast-de.com
 

Sunday Munich
Vinculum
~reviewed by Matthew

In the summer of 1998, I was attempting to build up servicing from dark music record labels in order to review and spin the music when I would DJ.  After I sent out a ridiculous amount of spam to every single label email address I could find, I received a promo of “Pneuma” by Sunday Munich.  It is things like that make me so glad I have the opportunity to do this, because every once in awhile as a music journalist, something profound drops into your lap.  I was proud to say I had in my possession one of dark music’s yet to be unearthed treasures.  I assumed in a matter of a few months, the Gothic club scene would be hearing this band in the latter hours of club nights all over the country.  But that has yet to happen.  To this day, I am deeply puzzled as to why Sunday Munich has risen to the crème de la crème of darkwave music, as they seem to feature all the elements people enjoy in this kind of music. Yet very few people have heard them or experienced the stark and painfully introspective brilliance of their music.

With Sunday Munich, you have a triumphant combination of mid paced trip hop groove, dense electronic loops, and a sensual energy found in the provocative rhythms, slithering cello passages, and the powerful and discernable vocals of Sarah Hubbard.  All these characteristics floored me with the debut CD, but they have returned with the follow-up “Vinculum” and they’ve refined, accentuated, and expanded their sound with a greater use of treated guitars and the addition of a male vocalist to accompany Sarah’s vulnerable alto.  Sunday Munich should very well be on their way, speeding further along toward success.  It is going to be downright impossible for them not to be catapulted into the forefront of dark music’s most notable electronic heavyweights; all they need is the exposure.

Whereas they seem to represent the antithesis of dance-floor bounce, this to me seems the ideal music to dance to as there is an inherit expressiveness in the gathering of rhythm, melody, and hypnotic mood.  I really can’t put it any easier than this, and to playfully spoon-feed it to readers:  Sunday Munich are the type of music that the majority of the Gothic scene would absolutely adore. And fans of Industrial/Synth Pop would appreciate Avis’ programming skills or they will at least be thankful as they could deliver that much needed break on the dancefloor after stomping to Hocico or FLA.  I swear if one more person tells me there is no good ‘goth’ out there worthy of club play, I will scream.  Here it is: Sunday Munich.

‘Vinculum’ is over 70 minutes of pure darkwave bliss.  Sixteen tracks total, united by an oppressive yet irresistible gloom, yet stirred with drafty echoes of ethereal mood, mopey indie-rock self-deprecation, and a laid-back acoustic rock appeal all nestled in this one convenient and satisfying disc.  This album transcends genres and I could even see them breaking into the mainstream with such supremely catchy offerings like “Dent” and “Bed,” not to mention a ghostly rendition of Pink Floyd’s classic anthem “Wish You Were Here.”   I tested this hypothesis on a few ‘non-goth’ friends, who are avid fans of Portishead, Hooverphonic, Sarah McLachlan, and darker alternative and they immediately wanted to hear more.

The early half of the disc is slightly lighter and more radio friendly, the icy brilliance of the instrumental “Phone,” is shadowed by sinister choir samples and eerie guitar bends that swell atop a dense backbeat.  Rarely are instrumentals as strong as this, and it recalls another instrumental entitled “Suppose” from their first album that was also club worthy despite Sarah’s vocal absence.  Sarah returns to form and by the seventh track “Her Name,” the dark heart of the CD is stripped bare.  The mood spirals into a genuine authenticity of emotional expression, carried further with the lulling ballad “apparent” and into the languishing angst of “Kept.”  There are so many mentionable accomplishments on this CD: the simplistic yet powerful acoustic dirge “Cell,” where new vocalist Lee M. Helms takes center stage.  Followed by “Scathed” which summarizes Sunday Munich’s style with a faster and steady beat wed with the presence of cello, piano, acoustic guitar and Sarah’s heart-felt vocals.  And last though definitely not least, an outstanding vocal performance is delivered on “Expose” which features a climactic chorus coloured by one simple painful line, pleading “hold me, you’ve got to hold me.”  The snake-like cello, static tinged beats, and distant whispers of piano drift along…and love dies silently.

Have I peaked your curiosity? I certainly hope I have.  Admittedly, when my ear is exposed to excessively strong and overwhelmingly depressive music, my enthusiasm soars, as that is what I personally prefer, so forgive my bias. But I adore this band, and I am willing to guarantee that as long as you don’t have an aversion to the bittersweet sound of wounded female vocals or an impatience for mid paced and slower music, you will enjoy what Sunday Munich has to offer.  Gothic fans will rejoice to hear such in-depth darkness, and doubly so that it is not an ethereal release, buts something that is contemporary to the current infatuation with electronics pervading the scene and eating up the floor time for traditional Gothic rock or slower tracks.  This is the weapon of the late night swayer and twirler in the  candied smoke…this is one of the most immaculately atmospheric CDs of 2000.  Don’t miss out and leave me alone in having this CD!

Track List:
1.) Dent
2.) Going Back
3.) Bed
4.) Think
5.) Phone
6.) Feeling Here
7.) Her Name
8.) Apparent
9.) Kept
10.) Cell
11.) Scathed
12.) Flu
13.) Expose
14.) Eleven Toes
15.) Charisma
16.) Wish You Were Here

Sunday Munich is:
Sarah Hubbard: vocals
Avis: programming, cello, guitar, and loops
Lee M. Helms: vocals

Additional assistance:
Brianna Westfall: additional vocals
Melissa Mileski: additional vocals
Michael C: addition guitar

Sunday Munich – Official Site:
http://www.kyan.com/sundaymunich

Kyan Records:
http://www.kyan.com

CONTACT:
sundaymunich@kyan.com

Sunday Munich
P.O. Box 14024
Atlanta, GA 30324-1024 USA
 

Season Of Mourning
In Praise Of The Dark
~reviewed by Matthew
 
Surprisingly from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Season Of Mourning are purveyors of quality Gothic/Doom metal.  Currently unsigned, they’re music can be downloaded from both their official website and their Mp3.com website.
 
The band’s first release is the five track EP “In Praise Of The Dark” which despite a few easily forgivable short comings, is an excellent addition to any dark music fan’s collection.
 
One of Season of Mourning’s most promising assets is that even though the music is extremely heavy, the vocals are not guttural but rather are very despondent and melodic male vocals paired with occasional female vocals.  This elevates them into a more accessible position, for there are enough symphonic keyboards, violin passages, and female vocals to appeal to Goths yet selective fans will not be alienated by a monstrous death metal voice, which seems to be why many Goths shy away from some Gothic and Doom Metal bands.  But metal heads, have no fear: because Season of Mourning are quite heavy, best heard on the middle interlude of the opening track “Beneath Black Wings” which boasts perhaps the crunchiest and bottom-heavy guitars out of any of the other Doom bands featured this issue.  Season of Mourning has successfully found a comfortable balance between these two similar yet different styles, which will carry them far.
 
Despite having a constant back drop of symphonic keys and frequent violin fiddlings, the band seem to be firmly rooted in Sabbath-esque sludge.  The rhythmic “In Mourning” is the best example.  It begins with a thunderous intro with early My Dying Bride influenced guitar pinch harmonics, but builds to a fluid, almost sensual mid paced groove that recalls the earliest days of Doom metal yet finely iced by eerie violin and choir keyboards.  A perfect pairing of old and new can be heard in this song.  The break in the middle of the song is just awesome, and like many other tracks on the CD, has a very catchy and memorable hook to it that will haunt your head long after the first listen of the song.
 
“Blood Like Wine” is basically an all-out Goth rock song, albeit more heavy due to the guitar sound. However, the style of riffing and the arrangement of vocals, drums, keyboards etc are all very characteristic of traditional Goth rock, a la late Sisters Of Mercy or older focused Nosferatu.  There is a tinge of “Aegis” era Theatre of Tragedy thrown in there too, but all of this comes together in a great way.  I think bands like Advent Sleep and Dreadful Shadows attempted to something likethis, but it just never came across as sincere and genuine as it does here with Season of Mourning.  I hope in the future they do more tracks in this vein.
 
Season of Mourning joins the ranks of Siouxsie, The Wake, and an obscene host of others by adding to the ongoing legacy of songs titled “Christine.”  This time, though we have “Kristeen” which is another example of the band’s ability to blend extremes.  The song begins with a nice acoustic/watery guitar backdrop with slow drums and male/female vocal duets. But after about two minutes the dark power chords and snapping drums resurface, for one of the tightest songs in the band’s repertoire.  Despite some lyrics that were a bit melodramatic, “Your flesh so white and tender, your hair skin so dark and soft.”  Perhaps it was the way the line was delivered, but something just didn’t gel right with me.  Nonetheless, the song has an infectious chorus, which segues into a hypnotic break led by fingered bass and cascading ritual drums.  Slightly reminiscent of early Christian Death here but the guitar-drive returns for a few more verses until there is a repetition of the acoustic intro to bring the eight minute song to its close.
 
The album ends with a simple, symphonic instrumental, dedicated to a family member who had passed away, which is a fitting and honourable elegy.  Memorable, moving, and a perfect length of three plus minutes.
 
The only drawback with the CD is a somewhat muddy production.  The sound is not bad in the least, and actually the rawness of the production in my opinion accents the edge of the guitars and gives the drums an almost live feel.  Judging by the band’s newest track “Dying Mind,” which appears on the Mp3 site only and on an upcoming compilation entitled “Beneath The Tides” featuring Autumn Tears and Gitane DeMone, it does sound like the band managed to clear up the sound a bit without overly polishing things.   And the last mark of improvement would come in watching the violin parts, as occasionally they slip out of key…not too obvious but after a few listens you can start to pick up on that kind of thing.
 
Overall, baring just a few slight suggestions for improvement, I am very excited to have a band from Pennsylvania causing a stir in the Gothic and dark metal underground, and I hope to see and hear more of this band in the future.

Track List:
1.) Beneath Black Wings
2.) In Mourning
3.) Blood Like Wine
4.) Kristeen
5.) Tears (for Sharon)

“Dying Mind” – available @ mp3.com

Season of Mourning is:
Czar - Vocals
Billy - Guitar
Erica - Violin, Vocals
Hugh – Keyboards
Bob - Bass
Jesse - Drums
Bob V – Guitar

Season Of Mourning Official Site:
http://www.seasonofmourning.com

Season Of Mourning Mp3 Site:
http://www.mp3.com/seasonofmourning
 

SubArachnoid Space
These Things Take Time
~reviewed by Matthew
 
As the title of the release may suggest, absorbing and appreciating the music of SubArachnoid Space may take time for the average music enthusiast.  Admittedly, I am not very familiar with or immersed in experimental music, but I have always respected the vast possibilities and creative drive characteristic to this genre, and I can easily recognize the talent of this California act.
 
With a sound that could easily be described as engrossing and definitely otherworldly, it is goes without question that the band was inspired by the likes of Syd Barret-era Floyd and Hawkwind and like many others over the past twenty years, SubArachnoid Space have picked up that torch and ran with it.  They propose their own unique interpretation of the uninterpretable, as they literally defy categorization and delve into the recesses of unexplored mental and musical territories.
 
This CD is the band’s fifth full-length album, and is released by the experimental subdivision of leading hard music label Relapse Records, Release Entertainment.  Having sported the motto “release your mind” for years now, SubArachnoid Space is a prime example of the label’s catch phrase.  The entire CD was recorded live for KFJC 89.7 FM, a California radio station, and the CD is a lengthy journey through strange psychedelia, acid jazz, and space rock, seeming like an impromptu yet brilliantly organized stream of artistic consciousness.  The songs meld into one another, and are separated only by various shifts in mood or intensity.  There are peaks of noise and abrasive tension, as well as valleys of hypnotic ambience, which contributes to the manic atmosphere of the CD, but primarily, the album is just one extended jam session, heavily laden with groove and dark art-rock flashes.
 
This music was thankfully not meant to be mulled over verbally, as I cannot really say much about it other than as a casual fan of live experimental music, I was very impressed and won over by this release.  This leads me to assume that more in-depth and dedicated fans of the genre would already be familiar with this act or more importantly, cherish SubArachnoid Space on a more personal level and seek to add the release to their collection.   After several listens I found myself very intrigued and hope that the right audience finds their way to this band’s music.

Track List:
A. - (9:16)
B – (6:52)
C - (3:05)
D – (10:37)
E – (9:03)
F – (2:08)
G – (3:33)

SubArachnoid Space is:
Melynda Jackson: guitar
Mason Jones: guitar, sound effects, theremin
Andey Stephens: bass, organ
Chris Van Huffel: drums, metal percussion

SubArachnoid Space - Official Site:
http://www.subarachnoid.com

Release Records:
http://www.releaseentertainment.com
Relapse Records:
http://www.relapse.com
 

This Ascension
Sever
~reviewed by Mike Ventarola

Firstly, I must thank Mistress McCutchan for introducing this band to me during one of her DJ gigs in NYC. I was so taken with the music that weeks after hearing it, I had to hunt down this CD because the music just would not get out of my head. For those still not familiar with this awesome California based band, one must inform you that you are clearly missing out on a group of the hottest  rising performers to have come from the gothic underground  in quite some time. Dru is the enchanted goddess, spider women, jilted lover, tumultuous gypsy vixen and saint of the pit. As front woman and vocalist, she encapsulates the many moods and transitions to create a legendary body of work that is a testament to all that is good about Goth music.

With Dru on vocals, Paul Sutherland on percussion, Matt Ballesteros on drums, Tim Tuttle on keyboards, Charlie Dennis on bass, and Kevin Serra on guitar, there is such a cohesive tone to the CD that one cannot help but be mesmerized by the beauty and ease with which they are able to transport the variegated styles with which they weave.   Each of the band member’s shines with the skillful excellence of their musicianship. They have all created a sound that seems as if they rehearsed this work even in their sleep, until every nuance was discovered to make sure that this would be a lasting and enduring classic for years to come.  In today’s jaded music scene, instant classics do not usually come along that frequently.  Sever is a classic however, that will be the litmus test for all bands to compare themselves to in the future.

"Fuego Cayendo" opens with a simple guitar lick that then opens with a wave of crescent shaped energy. Dru takes her vocals to many octave ranges and harmonizes with herself  flawlessly and effortlessly. When the guitars kick in to create a more rock tone, the band clearly is shining in their element.

"Mysterium" takes a Middle Eastern style percussion and wraps it around Latin lyrics similar to early medieval church music. With the span of a breath, the song encapsulates a new sound for the modern era and goes into a rock refrain that clearly makes this an embodiment of gorgeous music to cross the time barrier.

"Forever Shaken" is a somewhat dreamy song with rock elements. Dru sings the background with pitch perfect operatic chords while the foreground maintains the modern rock element.

"Serpent’s Serenade" has been receiving quite a bit of air play on WFDU. It is a moody and biting song that pays homage to the jilted. " You think your time is now/ well, wait/ you think your innocence is lost/ that’s funny/ all the treasures you’ve given to me/ I can’t believe I even loved your apathy"

"Dorado" is an instrumental track of swirling guitars, rapid drumming and an excellent showcase for all the musicians on the CD.

"Fatal Dawn" brings Dru back to the jilted lover characterization. The song begins with an introspective  spoken word piece.  She unleashes this persona and seems to give off a magnetic aura through her voice that reaches out and pulls in anyone within a 10 foot perimeter.  The percussion is absolutely heavenly with this track and manages to ground and round out the tone rather well.

"Columbia Aspexit" is another Latin language song which utilizes an opening drone and hand cymbal during the intro while Dru sounds as if she is in a medieval church. The percussion and drums gently add a rising intensity that is similar to those from the studio of Loreena McKennitt or Dead Can Dance.  You must hear this just for the orchestrated finale that takes on an electricity and life all their own.

"Interlude" is a short piece of electronic sounds that breaks the disc in half.

" I Wish" brings a medieval flavored rising energy from the depths of creativity.  This song is also remixed by John A. Rivers and that version is on this disc as well as on Resistor, the number one voted compilation from Nilaihah Records. It is a heavenly song that combines such great elements that have not been heard since Dead Can Dance were last in the studio. Many clubs are playing the remix of this song at this time, so chances are you may have heard it already if you are a club creature of the night.

"Amapola" is another instrumental showcase for the band. These interludes of music between the sung tracks really embraces the listener so that one can fully comprehend and realize the stylized beauty of this work.

"Here Alone Again"  takes somber lyrics to almost operatic heights. It quells with self recrimination and self forgiveness for things one has no control over.

"Love Lost Years" has a brooding  intro like a macabre stage production. Dru becomes the spider woman, wicked temptress and dark goddess all rolled into one. " Death rock me gently to sleep/ wrap  ‘round me like a lover/and cling to me my mother/ Goddess,  mistress you have come to take me home/ at last I wait"

This Ascension clearly lives up to the band name by rising to new heights in the gothic underground. The band has amassed expertly delivered vocals and coupled them with some of the strongest musicians to be heard on an independent label. Bands such as this keep the scene alive with new and inspiring music that just does not sound like anyone else, thereby carving their own niche to which others will compare themselves to.   To listen to this CD, one would assume a lot of studio production money went into this recording.  This is the band  in their pure form, demarcating a place of excellence and undeniable talent that deserves to be heard. Get this CD in your collection. You won’t be disappointed!
 

Track Listing:
Fuego Cayendo
Mysterium
Forever Shaken
Serpent’s Serenade
Dorado
Fatal Dawn
Columba Aspexit
Interlude
I Wish
Amapola
Here Alone Again
Love Lost Years
I Wish  (John A. Rivers Remix)

Band Lineup:
Dru:   Vocals
Paul Sutherland:  Percussion
Matt Ballesteros: Drums
Tim Tuttle: Keyboards
Charlie Dennis: Bass
Kevin Serra: Guitar

Website:
http://www.tessrecords.com

Snail Mail:
This Ascension
c/o Tess Records
P.O. Box 206
Santa Monica, CA 93102-0206
 

The Tear Garden
Crystal Mass
~reviewed by Matthew

As most are already well aware, the Tear Garden is basically another incarnation of The Legendary Pink Dots, yet in league with electronic genius cEvin Key, who envisioned, gathered, and directed the project.  The union between Ka-Spell, Key, and company was forged in 1986 with the debut EP simply entitled The Tear Garden.  It’s been nearly fifteen years, and there have been several collaborations that resulted in four full-length releases and two E.P.’s.  As these years unfolded, the project became larger and more in-depth with each release, yet also, while in the beginning there was an obvious difference between Tear Garden and LPD, many have claimed that as Tear Garden drifted toward a more psychedelic rather than quirky electronic realm, the two bands were almost interchangeable.

I myself do not readily agree with that idea, however, there are indeed links between the two, but what can you expect when having the same vocalist, lyrical style, and musicians behind a work?  You have to allow for some similarity.  I have always regarded Tear Garden to be the vessel for the darker and moodier sides of Ka-Spel’s lyrical world, leading to straightforward introspection where LPD tend to be more elusive.

But I noticed a few references culling from earlier Pink Dots CDs, I do not know if this was intentional or not, but I am sure it all makes sense to Edward, who has been known to re-interpret past motifs or ideas he has had.  The opening track “The Double Spades Effect” builds to a chorus which Edward delivers in his one-of-a-kind voice  “You are the truth, and the way, and the light,” also the title and chorus of a song that appeared on the 1985 LPD album “Asylum.”  Again, Edward culls from “The Maria Dimension” with the track “To Mourn The Death Of Colour,” a phrase which appeared on the track “Cheraderama” when with his wholesome sarcastic wit explained his affinity for the colour black.  Perhaps I am reading too far into things, but this is what happens when you become obsessed with an artist that has nearly 30 albums and three dozen more side-projects and collaborations.  You tend to pick up on this kind of stuff.  It’s when you start making sense of Ka-Spel that you know there is no turning back, and I lost that battle long ago.  But why not, so few songwriters are this interesting and substantial.

The “Crystal Mass” is yet another riddle in this ever evolving musical enigma. There is a fresh contemporary sound to the CD, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that it succeeds in evenly presenting a unique meshing of all these past elements.  The acoustic guitars of “To Be An Angel Blind” are still prevalent, concentrated the most in the tracks “Hopeful” and “Castaway,” which coincidentally are my two favourite songs on this album.   Yet the lengthy jam sessions that dominated “Last Man To Fly” are at their prime here, with scores of rhythmic noises and more whacked out synth effects courtesy of Mr. Key.

All the elements are here.  No drastic changes, no surprises.  Basically, if you are a fan of LPD, past Tear Garden releases, and you enjoy the wizardry of cEvin Key, you can count on enjoying this album.   I admit that the CD took a few listens to get used to, perhaps because I had been waiting for it for so long and my expectations were unfairly high.  But after several listens, the CD grew on me considerably.  It fits in quite comfortably in the scheme of things and the rest of their work, and forges ahead with those elements we have grown to love.
 

Track List:
LAMENT
1.) The Double Spades Effect
2.) Desert Island Disc
3.) Hopeful
4.) Castaway
5.) Her Majesty’s Trusted Food Taster
6.) Feathered Friends
7.) To Mourn The Death Of Colour
8.) Six Of One

The Tear Garden is:
cEvin Key : electronics, keyboards, drums, percussion, tapes
Edward KaSpel : voice, keyboards, electronics
Niels Van Hoorn : Flute
Ryan Moore : bass, keyboards, acoustic guitar
The Silver Man : keyboards
Martijn De Kleer : acoustic and electric guitar, violin
Russell Nash : scanmaster
Bill Van Rooy : hand percussion

Subconsious Birdwatcher – Relating Projects:
http://www.jps.net/ckey/

The Tear Garden:
http://www.dust.net/garden/

Legendary Pink Dots – Official Site:
http://www.brainwashed.com/lpd

Nettwerk Records:
http://www.nettwerk.com

12/10/00

The Tear Garden
Crystal Mass
~reviewed by Psionic Imperator

"What if they made it all up?"

Alas, this release is not going to win over many new fans.. Although longtime fans such as myself will adore it, merely for the fact that is another chapter in the history of the project called The Tear Garden.

But I Digress. As usual.

Who are the Tear Garden? If you are reading this, then you proably already know that, but I'll play your little game... The Tear Garden was a side-project of Skinny Puppy and the Legendary Pink Dots. I say 'was' because after about the second 'Tear Garden release, it ceased being a side-project, and has stood as an entity unto itself ever since. The Tear Garden have always represented to me a studio reproduction of the headspace one achieves whilst coming down off of a particularly nasty acid trip... But that's just me I guess. From industrial psychedelia to ambient psychedelia to an almost acid-jazz psychedelia, The Tear Garden has always had that underlying sense of madness to it, the "Am I surfing the edge of a psychotic fit?" sort of feeling...

In case it isn't staggeringly obvious by now, I love The Tear Garden. Just look at the amount of airplay I've habitually given these fellas...

"Aha, but You said this wouldn't win over new fans. It must be a weak release!"

No.

"Crystal Mass" kicks off with a distinctly 80's pop feel, and seems to run very much along similar lines to the last release, "To Be An Angel Blind, The Crippled Soul Divide". Very analog, very natural, very musical. The last 2 Tear Garden releases ave focused more on musicality, and less on experimentalism than earlier works, and this is admirable unto itself. Unfortunately this is also why I don't think that 'Crystal Mass' will win many new fans.  Solid songwriting abounds on 'Crystal Mass', catchy hooks and memorable songs for all. But at this point the Tear Garden are already lodged into a particular fanbase.. The folk-song feel is probably going to soar over the heads of the bat-kids and industrial folks that are the prime buyers of Tear Garden material. If this cd could be marketed to earthmothers/hippies/environmentalists somehow, I'm sure it would be a huge success. I don't see enough of that marketing being done on Nettwerk's behalf, however, and that is why I don't think many new fans will be generated by this album. Personally, I love this album, and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Tear Garden or the Pink Dots. I would also recommend it to anyone who desires good 'come down' music.. Ah, why beat around the issue? This is a great release, regardless of how it will defy expectations.. Buy the disc, open your mind, and enjoy.

Tracklisting:
1: LAMENT
2: The Double Spades Effect
3: Desert Island Disc
4: Hopeful
5: Castaway
6: Her Majesty's Trusted Food Taster
7: Feathered Friends
8: To Mourn The Death Of Colour
9: Six Of One

The Tear Garden are:
Cevin Key
Edward Qa-Spel
Ryan Moore
Martijn De Kleer
Niels Van Hoorn
Russell Nash
Bill Van Rooy
The Silver Man

Nettwerk Records: www.nettwerk.com

THEATRE OF THE MACABRE
A Paradise In Flesh & Blood
~reviewed by Michael

When I start seeing a bands name around the web over and over and haven’t actually heard them, this acts to me like a drop of blood to a shark.  I go hunting until I find the band and purchase it as quickly as I can.  Luring me even further was the name of this particular band, Theatre of the Macabre.  What dark secrets lie within?  I was soon to find out. Hailing from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Theatre is currently signed to Root Of All Evil Records in St. Paul, MN.  Glancing at the cover art, I had a warm, fuzzy feeling about what I was about to hear and I was quite correct.

I love the movie “Conan The Barbarian” and have for a long time. It holds some of the best lines James Earl Jones has ever uttered.  Imagine my surprise when the opener, “A Prelude Unto Infernal Resurrection”, started off with those exact same lines.  You want to know them?  Buy the CD or watch the movie and take your best guess.  Anyway, this definitely got the album off on the right foot.

The title track kicked in close on its heels, and wasted no time letting us know what Theatre is about.  At first listen, Theatre sounds a bit like older Hecate Enthroned without Jon’s piercing screams. This is not a bad thing.  However, after only a few
moments, you’ll begin hearing Theatre’s own style shining through.  The drumming is lightning fast, the vocals grim and shrieking all in the same breath, and the guitars and bass work fervently alongside, completing this haunting lineup.  The album is sprinkled with short and eerie instrumentals, which give the listener a chance to absorb the prior assault.  The darkest instrumental was saved for the last track and is presented as a hidden track, stripped of title, and leaving you to your own imagination.  It turns out that this is a ritual performed by Ornias and Le’Rue Delashay.  A few samples dot this release as well as some flutes.  It’s this blend of styles that has made me a fan of this genre of music.

I am a sucker for slick production, and the production on this lacks in a few places.  At times, the vocals seem to be too far in the background, making it difficult to follow along or pick up what Ornias is saying.  Also, the guitars sound a bit tinny
and this tends to take away some of the power.  These are minor points, however, and I am very happy to see another American band picking up on the success of European bands and adding their own twist to it.  All in all this is an excellent album and I would recommend it to any fan of majestic black metal.  Theatre of the Macabre is currently working a 7”
split CD with label mates Somnus so if you are a fan of either band or are anxious to hear them, I would recommend picking this up as soon as it comes out.

Track Listing:
1. A Prelude Unto Infernal Resurrection
2. A Paradise in Flesh & Blood
3. Bathed in the Blood of Angels
4. Bequeathed Archaic Lore
5. Forsaken in the Garden of Earthly Delights
6. What Wicked Web She Weaves
7. Enraptured by Temptation
8. Through The Eyes of the Serpent
9. Enthroned in the Halls of Martyrdom