V2A - Mechanized Infantry(2009)

V2A are a british based Industrial/ TBM that formed in 2001.  In only a matter of months they were playing festivals like Wave Gotik Trefen(WGT) and Gothic Industrial Party (G.I.P). After their first album sold out in months fans had to wait until 2009 for this album to be released.

This release starts off with a punch and sounds promising to start off with. Stahl-Tanz if played in the right place and setting could be very danceable. It lets its self (and unfortunately for me liking) a lot of this album as it sets into a very repetitive setting. I do however like the heavy kicks and noise aspects.
Jesus Loves You is one of their songs I had heard live at the legendary Infest (Bradford, UK) 2011 and I really enjoyed it live, listening to it on Audio how ever you realise that without the live energy behind them it does get repetitive which is a shame.
Mechanism gives us a slightly different start to it, I also got to see this live too. Its one of the more noise influenced tracks which succeeded in getting people dancing. Another noise influenced song is Contagen which is very catchy as well as en-capturing there cyber soldier theme very nicely.

3*
Its not a bad album but its nothing new either. Its frustrating to hear the same synths/basic song structures in every song. However having said that there are people who are fans of this structure in music and I believe that they would love this duo. Then again if they put more into song writing and really applied themselves they would become less repetitive in lyrics, structure and synths.With it you can tell they don't take themselves seriously which works in favour for them. personally this isn't my cup of tea but I'm sure there are plenty of people that will get on with this album a lot better then I do. Be warned though this album isn't just offensive to one group of people... It has a cheeky dig at everyone.


Tracklist:

1. DK
2. Stahl-Tanz
3. Jesus Loves You
4. Zero
5. mechanism
6. Contagen
7. Demons
8. Kill-9
9. Electro whore
10. Body Hammer
11. Judda
12. Mercy Is For The Weak
13. Deliver Us From Evil 

Infest 2011 (sunday)

The last day of this years festival rolls around and there's been a couple of changes to the schedule due to Julien-K not being able to make the last leg of their European tour(the UK part).

Sci-Fi Mafia

Last year you'd be forgiven for thinking there wasn't really a crowd as such for the first band because everyone was either too tired of hungover. This band however wanted to prove us wrong and in a big way. They were Sci-Fi Mafia. Prove us wrong they certainly did - pleasant on everyones ears, providing a show with there own burlesque girls and angle grinder. Not only that they sounded awesome and drew in a decent crowd for first thing Sunday. Definitely an awesome way to start the last day.

The next band were Analog Angel. They were supposed to have been the first band for the day until Julien-K unfortunately had to drop out. Again this band weren't really to my taste but they had a strong fan base in the crowd. I took this opportunity to chat to friends I hadn't seen for a long time which was lovely.
Shiv-R were another band that I wasn't too fond of on audio when I checked them out but seeing them live they sounded a bit better. Again they definitely had a fan base in the crowd, I found myself dancing to them as well but having said that I wouldn't personally choose to listen to them in my own time.

Darren doing Goth Karaoke

Karaoke

Next in my busy weekend was to check out the new to Infest Goth Karaoke which was well worth it just for the laugh with the hosts sarcastic yet sometimes mildly offensive or disgusting jokes which luckily no one took personally, all in spirit of the weekends bands and events. One of my friends Darren decided to entertain us with his rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Shows Sweet Transvestite and entertain us he certainly did.

After many many laughs (and some not so good singing) it was time to go and see Mind.In.A.Box who were one of the bands I was really looking forward to seeing. They were stunning to see live as well as sounding incredible. Totally blown away they didn't play for long enough in my opinion to which im sure people will agree. They got me in the mood for  the dancing that was soon to come.

Sonar were noisy yet poetic. Dancing ensued, the crowd filled the air with glow sticks and the atmosphere was electric. The day had picked up pace quickly ready for when VNV nation were to play. The hall was packed out, the floor was filled, people on the stairs all wanting to see them play.
They sounded phenominal and the crowd went crazy for them. They played some of the songs that we love and some new things off their automatic album which seemed to go down a storm. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy their set and the atomosphere was amazing. They even gave the crowd a fitting tribute to Sophie Lancaster.

Over all the weekend was as brilliant as ever. I made a few more friends yet again and had brilliant fun seeing old ones alike. The shopping stalls were fantastic and the bands were amazing. The band that made this weekend for me was Mind In A box

Infest 2011 (Saterday)

After getting a semi decent nights sleep and waking up to a beer its time to check out this years stalls. Shopping had the wonderful Jed Pheonix full of hand tailored suits and alternative wear, Mico Couture with there fabulous latex garments, Heresy for all you corset needs, Spank with there luscious PVC and cyber wear as well as many more (of course including the sponsors non-stop music).

Today our first band is V2A, a trio of cyber troopers providing us with a good way to wake people up and prepare them for the rest of the

V2A

forthcoming noise. These guys were actually quite enjoyable and I wouldn't mind seeing them again as they had a good stage presence, used it well and got some good crowd interaction as well.

Next to don the stage was Maschinenkrieger KR52 vs Disraptor. Wasn't expecting much from this pair but I was surprised by their energy on stage and their live sound. It was more raw and gritty then on CD and there was an electric feeling running through the crowd as more people were dancing and joining the main room. These guys were kicking some serious dance floor ass and they brought it hard.

Alien vampires donned the stage next but I have to say their attitude spoilt it, as they seemed very arrogant unlike the other bands. Despite this though there set wasn't bad and the majority of the crowd enojoyed them and I was glad I checked them out just to say I've seen them if nothing else.

This next lot I have to say deflated the night a little as they were very basic and repetitive with their loops and felt flat. Having said that some people were enjoying them and dancing, they just didn't do anything for me.
Xotox on the other hand I didn't expect much of but I found myself again surprised at how awesome they sounded live. They filled the room with noise and dancing!

Hocicio

Time had flown by which meant it was time for todays headlining act. Hocico. Not normally being a fan of them I thought id check them out to see what there like. Wow, they put on an awesome show and they sounded fantastic. This day was full surprises and I was far from complaining. More then pleased I checked this Mexican duo out - they set out to impress and mission was accomplished. The entire room was packed full of people dancing, singing and enjoying themselves. This was a very good way to end an overall brilliant day of the festival.

Infest 2011 (Friday)

UTURNS

After a (very) long drive we finally make it to Bradford! Yet again the student union buildings are holding this years Infest event! Timings this year were slightly different to last to give people a better chance of getting to the venue but it did mean it stayed open longer.

The drinks were flowing and people were catching up with old friends, To kick start this years events it was U-Turns. The best way to describe these guys are if Scissor Sisters and Scooter had an electro pop punk love child. They hit with the heavy beats mixed with funky and diverse costumes which put on for an audio and visually awesome way to start the festival. It was a good way to wake everyone up.

Code 64

Definitely in the festival mood now I was really looking forward to the next band that were playing. Code 64, one of the bands that had persuaded me that I needed to be here - although a little disappointed that they weren't headlining. After a couple of technical difficulties they kicked off their set in style and certainly didn't let it stop them. Some of there set included songs old and new like Progenitor and a fitting tribute to Tom with Without You. Bjorn had some brilliant crowd interaction ('Are you ready to fuck the dance floor?!') and his pure vocal style combined with Hasse and Christian's mechanical prowess provided for an awesome show. They definitely stole the show.

The headlining band wasn't my personal cup of tea however Tactical Sekt however they did put on a good show and they certainly had a good fan base there as support. There were a lot of people dancing and they deserved everyone they got.

After more catching up with people I hadnt seen since last year and meeting a few more it was time to return to dorms to prepare for the next audio and visual assault to the senses... In the best way possible.

Modulate & Deviant UK live at southampton talking heads 28/7

After a mad dash home from work to get changed and pick up my ticket off the fridge I make my journey to the Talking Heads to see some home grown English talent Modulate who are being supported by Dreams Divide and Deviant UK.
About half an hour after arriving however we hear that Deviant UK and Modulate hadn't long left Manchester and were on there way to the venue. The reasons for which weren't clear at this point.

Dreams Divide

After hanging out for a bit with friends Dreams Divide start there set. I knew I had heard of them from somewhere but I wasnt entirely sure but it all became clear. They had a simple but effective stage set up with the 2 members David and Gem. They put on an energetic performance which got a some people dancing through out there set. It was when they played there last song that it suddenly clicked why I had heard of them, in my last DJset I played Puppet Love which sounded awesome live! You should definately check out these guys and see them if you get a chance.

Deviant UK

15 minutes before there set Deviant UK and Modulate finally manage to make it to the venue after minibus mix ups and motorway drug busts on the M6 and various other incidents. After a quick sound check and a stripped down version of the live line up(minus Mark as his drum kit was stuck in York) they soon cracked on with the show. Im not really a big fan of Deviant UK it has to be said , however seeing them live was enjoyable. Jay added a bit of comedy to the show by announcing to the crowd that not having time to change his trousers were falling down and he was going Commando. Then they chucked in a cover of Scooters I Love Hardcore which was unexpected but interesting(in a good way) at the same time, so naturally had to dance. During there set more people were dancing which was good to see.

Modulate

Not long afterwards was the moment we had been waiting for as Modulate donned the stage. Even with next to no sound check they rocked the place. Lots of people were dancing(how could you not?!), myself most definitely included. They played songs off there Skullfuck EP like the title song and there cover of Prodigy's No Good to some of there new tracks for example Nightmare and Boombox. Unfortunately because they hadn't had time however there was no robot suit but they made up for it in solid beats and showmanship despite a couple of errors. They turned them around though with there comic wit by saying its a 'new live track' and playing little riffs over the feed back that had randomly occurred. In the middle of there set they chucked in a cover oh Faderhead's Dirty Girls which went down really well. By the end of their set everyone, the band and crowd alike, were damp to say the least which is a clear sign of an amazing gig with epic dancing times involved. This was definitely worth paying the money for and I for one would love to see them again, if they happen to come back to Southampton even better!

Me and Geoff(Modulate)

Blame - Water(2008)

Ok so blame are near on impossibly to find anything about via google apart from hip hop and drum n bass. But I stumbled across these guy(s) by accident in a hard ebm torrent. After a google search I can understand why there little known about as its near on impossible to find anything. How ever I know these guys are a darkwave band from Germany. And there quite good!

Ragnarok The Final Winter is a stunning way to start this album. The Synths are very pretty, its mellow but slowly builds up as well as having a strange growing energy to it. There's a clever use of different synths that compliment each other also the vocals seem different from the rest of the scene, fresh, but not too different.
After this strong start I couldn't help but find myself a little bit disappointed when it got to around the middle as it started to fall a bit flat. However until that point its quite enjoyable. For Example Modern Angels is one of the best tracks on this album as well as I Hate Your Evolution. 


3.5*
Its good, each one is different and it uses some awesome samples but it peaks too early meaning it falls a bit flat around the middle. Because of that it stops me liking it more which is a shame because its a well written album which is definately worth checking out, theres loads of places to download it from, I got the hard ebm torrent from Isohunt(along wioth loads of other bands like previously reviewed Angels On Acid)


Track list:

1. Ragnarok The Final Water
2. Legions Across These Oceans
3. Waterside
4. Modern Angels Like Us
5. I Hate Your Evolution
6. Unless(violent)
7. Discretely Exulant 
8. 1000 Pieces Of Your Smile
9. Evolution
10. Praetorian
11. Waterside (Hypogeum)
12. Sentinels Asleep

VNV Nation - FuturePerfect(2002)

Irish/English duo VNV Nation have persistently leaped from strength to strength over the last few years, emerging as a powerhouse in the alternative electronic rock and industrial scenes. Their unique sound blends influences from contemporary electronic music, indie, rock, underground dance music and 80s industrial, with thematic lyrics and inspiring, emotive vocals.


If there's one thing you'll notice about this duo its definitely that they convey emotions very very well and with power. Combined with stunning imagery its no wonder these guy have made it to where they are. Holding On for example has stunning piano, lyrics and melody's along with a brilliant energy  tinged with a sense of solitary reminiscence that is excess-able to people making it more enjoyable. Airships is another notable track on this album with its bright synths giving it a feel good factor. The melodies as well as energy is uplifting. Liebestod shows their ability for compose pieces as well as its a stunning piece of music. This release has beautiful songs on it, hard danceable beats on it like in Structure as well as Electronaut. A couple of tracks also have a kind of futuristic feel to them - or at least hopes for the future.


4.5*
I have recommend this album to people before in the past and I will keep doing it. Even almost 10 years later I still love this album. Its got a well balenced mix of danceable songs, stunning synths and relaxing melodies. That combined with there use of imagery and their amazing ability of conveying emotions.


Track list:

1. Foreword
2. Epicentre
3. Electronaut
4. Liebestod
5. Holding On
6. Carbon
7. Genesis
8. Structure
9. Fearless
10. 4AM
11. Beloved
12. Airships

Noisuf-X - Voodoo Ritual(2009)

The project’s definition is simple and clear: An apocalyptic and fearful view of the world is what NOISUF-X, is dealing with. The story of NOISUF-X had begun exactly in 1988 when Jan L. from Bochum(Germany) used his legendary C64 for combining electronic sounds with organ-sequences and vinyl-elements. The first project was born until NOISUF-X came into being. During the next years Jan created 10 albums under the name of X-FUSION by his own without a real deal. He extended his equipment over and over again and even got several gigs at Techno-parties such as the Innovation Rave (Fantasy/Dülmen) where he showed his abilities live in front of almost 2000 fans. X-FUSION’s style of music evolved into the style of Techno/Acid/House just to the year 2000, when his first tracks including vocals were produced. Finally his hard work was appreciated by Indie-Label Dark Dimensions/Scanner, where he signed a contract and his first album ‘Dial D For Demons’. On exactly this release a track appeared that gave NOISUF-X a basis for its existence by its title.


This album is full of dancable tracks each with their own layering, synths as well as own feel but having said that I do feel a little let down by it. It could be that I haven't given the tracks enough time to grow on me or that I was trying to over analyse them rather then just letting myself enjoy them. It might well be to some peoples tastes but personally not mine as it gets repetitive before it it changes section. Its worth checking out but the songs would work better in a set list or play list of some description. If you like Studio-X and similar bands then you'll enjoy this. below are links to a couple of songs in track listings if you want to listen n judge for yourself.


3*


Tracklist:

1. Void
2. Krach Bumm 
3. Just A Trip 
4. Intellectually Retarded
5. Voodoo Ritual
6. Last Dance
7. Creepage Current
8. Destroyed
9. 3000 Phon
10. It Could Work
11. Halluzinogen
12. Noise And Bouncing
13. Game Over
14. Dance Of The Knights
15. Hit Me Hard (X-Fusion mix)

Uberbyte - DOS(2009)

Uberbyte were formed in 2007 when singer Uberman's(aka Richard Pyne) old band Killing Miranda split. He had been kicking around the idea of a solo project for a while but instead formed Uberbyte, the other members are Ubergirl, Carbonel, Deadboy and Alpha. In 2008 they signed to record label Crunch Pod and soon released SIC in the same year. Since then they've been on tour with Combichrist, XP8, Grendel, Faderhead, Nachtmahr as well as many more swiftly gaining fans as they hit towns and cities across the nation and beyond.

Under The Cross is a brilliant way to kick start this album. Its danceable layered well and the transitions flow really well into each other and a good way to get you into this release.
The next track is one of my favourites on this one Say What??. It starts off with a brilliant quote from cult classic Pulp Fiction making it unmistakable from any other song. I would have have danced to it many times, I never tire of it. Automatic win! This dance-ability is continued into the rest of the album. My other 2 favourites on this are Industrial Bitch and Last Human. They're both massive live tracks making the crowd(myself incl. recently) dance. I cant pick anything out about these 2 tracks that I don't like.
One track that has slowly grown on me is (Lets Put The Fun Into)Fundamentalist, at first I wasn't too sure on it but it starts to really grow on you. It's a lil bit noisey, its got a good beat, sometimes bizzare quotes in it along with a couple of fun ones.

5*'s
Very very danceable tracks, some track you've got to give a chance to grow on you if you don't like them at first but they will and you'll learn to love them. This proves that they deserve to be the biggest seller on their label. I have and will continue to recommend this album to friends.

Track list:

1. Under The Cross
2. Say What??
3. The Gift
4. Dissect
5. Industrial Bitch
6. Soma
7. Aeon
8. Rewind
9. Last Human
10. Time And Paper
11. (Lets Put The Fun Into)Fundamentalist
12. Ich Will Tanzen

psyclon 9 - crwn thy frnicatr

They have a black metal/industrial back ground and I was recommended this by a friend and as I had never heard of them before I thought id check them out.

As much as I love listening to new bands etc etc this REALLY isn't my cup of tea. I could've listen to the entire album. Their metal influences are a lot stronger then there industrial as they're synths they've used are the same as well as vocals and structure. Not being a fan of black metal the vocal style immediately put me off anyway. Needless to say it immdiately got deleted off my ipod and computer

1*

Assemblage 23 - Compass(2009)

Tom Shear began constructing music at home under the moniker Man On A Stage in the late 1980's. While working on Man On A Stage, Tom Shear also was playing bass live for a punk-influenced band collectively known as the Advocates. In 1988 at a Depeche Mode concert, Assemblage 23 was born. Tom was amazed by the industrial dance music that the opening DJ was spinning. His love of the electronic synth-pop sounds mixed with heavier darker aggression proved to be an turning point for him. At first, Assemblage 23 was more of a hobby for Shear rather than a permanent project. Arts Industria released the first 'official' Assemblage 23 song "Graverobber" on their Construction No. 009 compilation. Finally in 1998, the Canadian label, Gashed Records signed Assemblage 23 and released their first album, Contempt in 1999, and the follow-up, Failure in 2001. Shortly after the release of Failure, Assemblage 23 had a falling out with Gashed Records and left the label to sign with Metropolis Records, who later that year re-released both Contempt and Failure. With only those two albums, Contempt and Failure, Assemblage 23 became one of the biggest names in industrial and EBM music today. 


Compass starts off fantastically with Smoke, its danceable, the synths are awesome, the layering works really well and catchy. Its probably one of my personal favourites on the album and one of the best first tracks I've heard in a long time. My other personal favourite is Angels & Demons as its used some different synths also it combines Toms brilliant vocals with a female accomplice which compliment each other really well. the lyrics are strangely beautiful, something just draws me to it.
Collapse is another really good track with its grittier synths contrasted by some lighter synths and vocal melody make it really enjoyable. Along with its easily danceable beat, its got a fresh feel to it making it thoroughly enjoyable.
Impermanence has a kind of optimistic feeling about it but the lyrics however depict an image of a relationship breaking down which I believe everyone can relate to sooner or later in their lives. It also touches on the point that nothing in life, even life its self, isn't permanent. Things are constantly changing in nature, people, technology and science, always evolving.
The most mellow track on this album is beautiful. How Can You Sleep is lyrically and musically beautiful as well as  full of emotion. Its so stunning.


5*!

I don't think I can fault it. Its got the classic A23 flare were used to but with some different twist to it that make it work really well. Its a thoroughly enjoyable album, Id definitely label is as a must have. Toms excellent ability to portray emotions in his songs is a rarely seen in modern times.

Tracklist:

1. Smoke
2. Spark (Album mix)
3. Collapse
4. Impermanence
5. How Can You Sleep
6. Leave This All Behind
7. Alive
8. Greed
9. Angels & Demons
10. The Cruelest Year

The Crystalline Effect - Identity (2008)

 Emerging from Australia, The Crystalline Effect have been called "a genre bending icestorm", combining elements of electro, EBM and trip hop with female vocals. The band is a duo comprised of Elenor Rayner (vocals and lyrics) and Pete Crane (music) who met in 2002. 
The Crystalline Effect have reached the dance floor globally with remixes by internationally renowned artists such as Ivory Frequency, Negative Format, Implant, Neikka RPM, Blank, Urceus Exit, Dunkelwerk and many others. The Crystalline Effect have also been featured on well-known compilations such as "Fxxk The Mainstream" from VampireFreaks/Alfa-Matrix and "Interbreeeding" from BLC Productions, among many other appearances. 
In 2008, The Crystalline Effect hit the European stages in full force with several concerts in Holland, Hungary, Estonia and Latvia in support of bands such as Hocico and Snog. 


Some of the songs that stand out to me on Identity are How I Get Out as the beginning of it is really pretty and has a dance beat tinged with a grimy, darker synths. The melody is enjoyable along with the energy its got to it and combined with the flickers of different synths.
Life Has Failed You is strangely beautiful with contrasting dark lyrics yet bright melody and synths. Its got a chill-out feel to it as well but on the more upbeat side of the spectrum which makes it enjoyable.


Unfortunately there isn't really much else I can say about this album. Even though it does have some beautiful synths, melodies and lyrics the same formula makes it repetitive and I really wanted to hear them do something different in some of the songs. The songs on their own like in a play list would be fine but to listen to them all together can make them seem a little flat. They've already got the synths and the vocals down but they needed to be a lot more creative with them for my liking. 


3*


Track list:

1. Blue Sea
2. How I Get Out
3. Ialundra
4. Researching Us
5. Life Has Failed You
6. When The World Ends
7. When You're Asleep
8. Five Ways To Run
9. One Time In Life
10. Radio Waves
11. Right
12. Researching Us (lee Bulig Remix)
13. When The World Ends (Endif Remix)
14. Nothing Warms This Room (Tazman Module Remix By Impact Pulse)

Angels On Acid - The curtain(2007)

Angels on Acid was founded by Michael Banks in early 2003 with a heavy influence in everything from EBM, industrial, metal, synthpop, psychedelic, and old school goa. Michael began working with metal guitarist The Omen in the fall of 2005 and released The Dominate E.P. in the spring of 2006. In June of 2007, Angels on Acid successfully released their first full length album Eyes Behind The Curtain and began distribution with DSBP Records shortly thereafter. After successful international sales, Angels On Acid signed with DSBP in December 2007 officially re-releasing the album on the label.


Eyes Behind The Curtain has different and interesting dark synths with piano/keys. When it kicks in there's seductive vocals, eerie harmonies and various different synths. its a brilliant introductory track to their style and its brilliant! The Vile carries on the dark eerie feeling with the synths and vocals style but with an added layer of harsh vocals as well in a brilliant balance. Misery Loves Company is probably one of my favourites on this album. It has brighter synths, great layering, and its catchy.


They show some of there more psychedelic/ goa influences in Hellion and No Where To Run with their funky bright synths good beats and energy. they're both very danceable and layered really well but still keeping the AOA balance between harsh and normal vocals. I Am The Future has the same funky synths and energy but the vocal style is more seductive and has a kind of vampiric feeling to it, or at least it'd fit well into a vampire film(where they don't sparkle).
My other personal favourite on this album also is one of the tracks with funky synths called Shadow Dance. I don't know why exactly but there's just something I LOVE about this song and works really well for me.


4.5*
Its so easy to get the balance between normal and harsh vocals right and where other bands have failed these guys have most definitely succeeded. There's guitars, synths/keys and good beats...In other words there's a bit of something for everyone who enjoys a good bit of industrial/EBM and other dark independent genres and its very enjoyable.


Tracklist:

1.  Eyes Behind The Curtain
2. The Vile
3. Misery Loves Company
4. Dominate
5. Hellion
6. No Where To Run
7. This Present Darkness
8. Shadow Dance
9. Leviathan
10. I Am The Future
11. Salvation
12. Fall Of Angels

Nachtmahr And Uberbyte Live in London 02 academy Islington 5 feb 2011

Method Cell

Saturday.830am and im awake getting ready to go to London for a very good reason. Nachtmahr and Uberbyte playing at the O2 Academy in Islington. When I found the venue after getting lost a couple of times as I'd never been there before, in the queue I met a lovely bunch of people. Inside I bought my self an Uberbyte top (as I already have a Nachtmahr one from buying the collectors pack) and made my way into the hall where I met a couple of other lovely people.

The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as the small crowd that was gathering were waiting for the first band to come on stage. To be honest I wasn't really expecting much from them but I was pleasantly surprised by Method Cell, who I hadn't heard any of their music before. They should be better known then they are as they sound great live, there danceable and they give out a great vibe. Its a shame there weren't more people there at the time but with the doors opening at six I can understand why even if a little disappointing. These guys are worth looking out for in the future they're going places. It's great to know Britain has talent in this scene.

Kommand + Kontrol how ever I wasn't a fan of their vocal style. there instrumental pieces are enjoyable. something for me didn't quite work. Saying that though they used the stage well and tried to get crowd interaction. It just wasn't my cup of tea but it was clear to see they had some fans in the small audience.

Uberbyte(Rich Pyne)

By this point the room was filling out very quite nicely as the stage was being prepared for Uberbyte to grace the stage. The excitement was building and the atmosphere was electric.When they came on they kicked off the set with Last Human which was one of the songs I really hoped they would play and it was a fantastic way to start it. They sounded fantastic their stage presence was brilliant, they got the crowd involved and dancing. they mixed it up a bit with a few new tracks which were equally as good, the energy coming from the crowd was amazing. Other songs in their set which I hoped they would play were Industrial Bitch, Stand Up(For Uberbyte), and finishing the set off with Money Shot which for me made it... well that and the mini dance off I had during their set with someone. All together their brilliant showmen(and woman), how to make the crowd dance, great audience participation and they sound awesome.

Nachtmahr

Next is the band everyone's been waiting for Nachtmahr. After seeing them at Infest 2010 I had some idea of what to expect, how ever they were even better then then. The tracks off their new album are astounding live and of course there was the old classics like Madchen In Uniform and El Cupacabra. The energy in the room was massive. Thomas has brilliant stage presence and is undoubtedly a brilliant show man. Ubeugsam was amazing and it being my favourite on the album(or at least one of them) I was thrilled to hear it live. Dues Ex Machina was chucked in the set and the massive club classic BoomBoomBoom! Everyone was dancing, singing along to the songs and enjoying ABBA based jokes.

It was an incredible evening flowed by a fantastic after party where I got to meet the Uberbyte guys(and girl) and Thomas Rainer(yet again), as well as one of the Swarf members and Deb and Steve from System-fx. I will most definately see them again next time around!

The Exposed - In The Face Of Resistance(2010)

We take a break in our usual broadcasting schedule of oontz and noise to venture into the punk/ska scene. A local band in fact formed by 4 young lads called The Exposed is formed by Tony Corrales (Vocals/Bass), Sim Williams (Guitar/Vocals), Dark Mevitt (Guitar/Vocals) and Owen Paulls(Drums). They have had successful tours including The Warped Tour and their own UK ones, played with bands such as The Bouncing Souls and their soon set to be going on tour again. Mid 2010 they released In The Face Of Resistance and are set to write and realese the next one.

The album kicks off with RCP, at the start we hear radio broadcast briefly then bursts into a song thats full of energy with a funky breakdown in the middle. This raw, energetic, fun feel is continued through the album. MY favourite tracks on it are Rebel City Rockers which gets stuck in my head so so easily! If I listen to it I find myself singin it for the rest of the day I love it. My other favourite is Passion & Pride, it reminds me a little of mad caddies in a totally good way. All the tracks between such as Where I Belong and Whirlwind are all very very well written all very catchy, fun and uplifting.

Undoubtedly 5*s
This album picks up pace through out it and gets better and better. I cant really fault it. Its extremely enjoyable, very very catchy and most definitely fun! With anthems that are garentee'd  to get stuck in your head its bands like this that are worth keeping an eye on the punk and ska scene. They've got a raw element to them like old school punk and ska which is refreshing when so many miss this element. These lads are definitely worth looking out for and if they play near you CHECK THEM OUT! This album has left me most certainly wanting to hear more.

Track list:

1. RCP
2. Long Time Coming
3. Rebel City Rockers
4. The Fire
5. Dead End Stories
6. College Park Rules
7. Whirlwind
8. Passion & Pride
9. Living Dead (Not Yet Deceased)
10. Believe Me
11. Red Alert
12. Soulless
13. Away We Go
14. Broadcast Revolution
15. Where I Belong

Project Pitchfork - Dream, Tiresias (2009)

Since almost two decades ago, the German industrial/dark-electro band Project Pitchfork. Since 1994 every album released by the band entered the Official German Charts, and they have been nominated twice for an Echo Award. They toured extensively and played hundreds of shows all over the world, exciting the crowds in countries like Canada, Brazil, Argentina, the United States of America, Norway, Sweden, England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Latvia, The Russian Federation, Austria, Switzerland and of course Germany.


If I Could is a brilliant way to start this album it's catchy, and the vocals as well as the melody work really well. The instrumental in the middle of the song is very good and the song makes a poignant statement at the end with a sample of Steve Irwin. It leads nicely into Nasty Habit which is a fantastic song. Very catchy, love the synths also grows on you very quickly. The up beat feeling continues in The Tide which is by far my favourite track on this album. The lyrics are beautiful, its funky yet still melodic, leaving you with an uplifting feeling which is thoroughly Enjoyable.
The pace of the album picks up as Promises reveals its self to be melodic with different synths and vocals style, keeping PP funkiness and catchyness. The chorus of this track is fantastic and makes it really enjoyable. Continuing with the up beat feeling Feel! has bright synths but its tinged with a darker feel having said that it works really well and makes it a memorable track.
They show their more mellow side with Passion which is a stunning track. it has beautiful synths and lyrics. Well as beautiful as darkwave can be which makes it one of my favourite tracks on this release. The same goes for Last Dream which keeps its up beat feeling too.


4*s
Its an interesting album and I would recommend it to people as an introduction to Project Pitchfork. Having said that I also think there better live then on disk. This album definitely grows on you though.


Track List: 

1. If I Could (The Beginning)
2. Nasty Habit (Second Dream)
3. The Tide (Third Dream)
4. Promises (Fourth Dream)
5. An End (Fifth Dream)
6. Your God (Sixth Dream)
7. Feel! (Seventh Dream)
8. Full Of Life (Eighth Dream)
9. Darkness (Ninth Dream)
10. Passion (Tenth Dream)
11. Despise
12. One Million Faces RMX
13. Last Dreams

Miss Construction - Kunstprodukt (2008)

Miss construction is one Chris Pohl's(Blutengel, Terminal Choice) project bands he has had over the years joined by his partner in crime. Gordon Moczany(Terminal Choice). After Tumor this is the complete opposite, being fun industrial pop.

It starts off quite well with the Miss Construction Theme being dancey catchy and it makes me think of old style gaming with the synths but works rather well. Then there's Kunstprodukt which I love, the videos great, the echo works really well plus the videos really funny. Not to mention it'l get stuck in your mind.

This catchy-ness continues with Einz Und Zwei with its slick samples, punchy synths and harsher vocs it also shows the more industrial side the project takes yet its sprinkled with that hint of pop. In the next track the Harsh vocals are continued but softened a little. Headshot would be the perfect song to play a first person shooter to or even making a video of head shots you've accomplished to go on youtube. Having said that it does get repetitive which is a shame. 

Hass Und Leibe isn't a bad track, its catchy fun to try n sing along to(if you don't speak German or at least not fluently), but again it gets repetitive, which is a shame because if it wasn't for that it would be a fantastic song. Redeeming themselves a little with Totes Fleisch, its danceable with its harsh vocs, catchy and quite energetic. Same can be said for Fuck Me Too and its also my other favourite on this album.

3*

Unfortunately the album is a little bit flat. Its distinctly average which is disappointing with Chris Pohl having the presence in the scene like he does. Having said that give it a chance and it may grow on you. There's a few tracks that are better then others but each one has a different feel for the most part. I want to like it more how ever the repetitiveness of some of the tracks stops me doing so though when listened to separately the songs are enjoyable.

Track List:

1. Intro
2. Miss Construction Theme
3. Kunstprodukt
4. Einz Und Zwei
5. Headshot
6. Fuck Me Too
7. Hass Und Leibe
8. Lunatic
9. I Luv You
10. Totes Fleisch
11. Slaughterhouse
12. Fuck You Bitch
13. Pornostar
14. Electro Beast
15. Kunstprodukt (Remixed By Gintronic)
16. Electro Beast (Remixed By Dolls Of Pain)
17. Untitled (Hidden Track)

Studio-X - Neo - Futurism(2011)

Studio-X started out as hard trance/dark nrg group and are starting to make waves in the EBM scene. Formed in Adelaide at the end of 2008, STUDIO-X rapidly became one of the most sought-after remixers in the electro-industrial scene: with a massive list of mixes made for some of the biggest names in underground electronic music today - including Grendel, Unter Null, SAM, XP8, Leather Strip and Nitzer Ebb. Now theyve finally released their début album. 


The first track on the album I have had for a while, at first I didn't think much of it but its addictive and I've decided I really like it. Its actually quite addictive. Famous for its Borat sample You'll Never Get This is a brilliant way to start this album and get you on your feet.
The rest of the album definitely carries on keeping you on your feet too. How ever having said that half way through I cant help but feel it falls a bit flat when it had started off so so well. Don't get me wrong there really really good at what they do but its not quite my thing. Who Said That is another brilliant track which uses quotes from the legendary Full Metal Jacket. Explosive, energetic also very good to dance to... Hard! No doubt my favourite track on this release(along with You'll Never Get This).


3.5*
Not normally my scene of music(trance/nrg) my opinions always going to be a little bias but I'd be willing to listen to more to see if they improved after hearing this. Its definitely worth listening and I would dance to it on at a club but I wouldn't listen to it sat at home however.


Tracklist:

1. You'll Never Get This
2. Break Free
3. Decapitated
4. Poison Ivy
5. Who Said That
6. Anti-Christ
7. Search & Destroy
8. Speed
9. Kokoda
10. The Drill
11. Party Ft. Rachel Hayw
12. Poison Ivy Dj-X Lab4 Remix
13. The Drill Proteus 'Fire Walk With Me' Remix