Garmarna - 6

Garmarna - 6
(2016) BMG

Totally out of the blue someone told me that the old swedish folk rock band Garmarna was about to put out a new, electronic soundning, album. I checked out some previews and I was very inrigued by the sound. I've been a fan of some of their previous stuff, but this album is simply amazing. Maybe not that electronic sounding, after all, I think most of the sounds are coming from home made and traditional instruments with lots of effects and tweaks. Gloomy and cold melodies with cool sounds. Buy now!

VA - Messages Beyond Dark Dreams 2

VA - Messages Beyond Dark Dreams 2 2CD
(2016) Darkpage

This is a neat gothic rock compilation CD. I forgot to write about the first CD of this series, when it was released late last year. Maybe I'll mention it in a later post... Lots of good songs on here, like: Sweet Ermengarde, Long Night, Night Sins and my new favourites The Drowning Season.

Rein - Rein EP

Rein - Rein EP
(2015) Cold School

I've been looking for this EP, in decent quality, since december last year. I finally found a flac version on Klicktrack, and now I'm able to check out what all the fuss was about. There's nothing here to go bananas for, but it's certainly an enjoyable EP. Neanderthal EBM with somewhat aggressive female vocals - of course it works! In this kind of music who's singing isn't as important as the quality of the basslines. Try to remember that!

Espermachine - 3RD

Espermachine - 3RD
(2016) Not On Label

This blog is slowly turning into "Bandcamp Record Of The Week".
I pledged for a copy of this album the minute the Indiegogo campain started. I love Espermachine's quirky take on EBM + futurepop. My CD copy seems to have been lost in the mail. While waiting for a new CD to arrive I've been enjoying the Bandcamp download. The songs are generally shorter and more focused than on Espermachines earlier albums. A must buy!

Ari Mason - Creatures

Ari Mason - Creatures
(2016) Negative Gain

I'm still waiting for the actual CD to arrive. In the meantime the Bandcamp download works perfectly fine. This album is amazing! All the rough edges of the debut album are gone (it wasn't rough sounding, though, just not polished into perfection!), and the song writing is excellent! You need to have this!

Ikon - Black Noise EP

Ikon - Black Noise EP
(2016) Nile

There's a couple of different "Black Noise" EP's and singles from Ikon. This one is the 2016 version, also released as a 12". I know there were talks about a 12" version being released back in 2015. Maybe even a test pressing auctioned off on eBay? I like this EP, don't know if it's available anymore, though?

The House Of Usher - Inauguration

The House Of Usher - Inauguration
(2015) Equinoxe

Last years biggest gothic rock surprise for me was discovering this classic german band. Sure, I've heared (and heared about) The House of Usher before - but I guess I wasn't interested. This album, though, caught my attention, but only after repeated listens. An aqired taste, for sure! I immediately started collecting their older works, and so far I've found a few gems! Buy this album and don't let it leave your ears until you love it. It's worth it!