Cryo - XO^OA

Cryo - XO^OA (2012)
Razgrom Music

This is a compilation album released solely for the Russian market. I think it's a bit early in Cryo's career to release a best of compilation, but I guess this is made as presentation of a new artist to the Russian market? Anyway, there's a couple of exclusive mixes on this album, therefore I went ahead and bought it. And I'm not disappointed. This is a great collection of songs.

Espermachine - Dying Life

Espermachine - Dying Life (2012)
23db

This is a great new release on Tom Shear's 23db records. The music is part Assemblage 23 (it's produced by Tom Shear, so that's no surprise), part Covenant and very much own sounding. Great dark vocals, minimalistic and rhythmic music topped with really special melodies. I love this album, it has been on my playlist constantly the last couple of weeks.

Ikon - Azkadelia

Ikon - Azkadelia 7"/CDM (2012)
Nile

Yes! Ikon is back on track again. This is their best single since the "League Of Nations" EP back in 2007. I love everything about this great new tune. The guitars, the melody and the production. The only negative I can think of is that Ikon has decided not to include more than one new B-side on their singles since last years "Where Do I Go From Here" CDM. Instead we get a couple of remixes. I love the EP format, but I understand that they want to save the new songs for the next album. In my world Ikon's best releases are EP's. Both the earlier mentioned "League Of Nations" and the 1999 "Lifeless" EP are incredible!

Thyx - The Way Home

Thyx - The Way Home (2012)
Metropolis

There's no surprise here. First solo album by Mind.In.A.Box mastermind Stefan Poiss, and it sounds just like Mind.In.A.Box. Only the lyrics differ, here Poiss can write about whatever he feels like, instead of sticking to the story about Black. There's also, sadly, less processed vocals than on his main project. If you love Mind.In.A.Box, and I know you do, you will love this album too.