Ghost Dance - Gathering Dust

Ghost Dance - Gathering Dust CDr
(2005) Not On Label

Finally I've been able to buy one of these extremely hard to get, self released CDr's. Limited to just 100 copies and sold through the official Ghost Dance website in 2005. I wasn't able to get hold of a copy from the website, but now I got lucky on Ebay! Basically this is the same album, collecting Ghost Dance's three first maxi-singles, as the LP-version released back in 1985.

Edge Of Dawn - Stage Fright EP

Edge Of Dawn - Stage Fright EP+DD
(2010) Dependent

Edge Of Dawns "Stage Fright EP" is a bit more club friendly record than their most recent album "Anything That Gets You Through The Night".
It consists mostly of remixes from that album, and some new songs.
Personally I think this is the better album of the two. Especially if you consider the two free bonus download remixes you get if you buy the album. Urceus Exits remix of "All The Time" is nothing but stunning! I want that song on CD. Now!
The Steril remix of "Stage Fright" is also really, really good.

VA - Advanced Electronics Vol.8

VA - Advanced Electronics Vol.8
2CD/DVD (2010)
Synthetic Symphony

I've been hoping and waiting for this release since SPV announced that they will rebuild the company. Nothing was said about the Synthetic Symphony label, though. But here it is, volume 8 of the fantastic Advanced Electronics series. It's a who's who of the current electronic scene and almost all tracks are exclusive!

Angels & Agony - Avatar

Angels & Agony - Avatar 2CD
(2004) Out Of Line

I recently re-discovered this album. I didn't like it when it was released back in 2004, but now I think it's the best Angels & Agony-album to date! Sure, 17 tracks on the regular CD is at least 10 songs too much. And then add another 3 bonus tracks on disc 2. There's a couple of real futurepop classics on this album. And it's worth getting the limited edition for the instrumental version of "Lethargy" alone (this track was later recorded with vocals and released as "Lethargy (Rise)" on the bands 2007 album "Unison").

Sivert Höyem - Moon Landing

Sivert Höyem - Moon Landing
(2009) Hektor

This is the first album from former Madrugada singer Sivert Höyem. I really liked Madrugada, and this album sounds almost like Madrugada. I'm really sorry I've missed Sivert's first solo album,  "Ladies And Gentlemen Of The Opposition" released in 2004. But now that I know he can manage without Madrugada I'm going to check out that album as well!

Veil Veil Vanish - Change In The Neon Light

Veil Veil Vanish -
Change In The Neon Light
(2010) Cellardoor

This is a bit odd. I mean, finally a really good goth rock band shows up - on a sublabel to Germany's greatest industrial label, Dependent Records! Ok, I know it's a license from their partner label in US, Metropolis Records. But I didn't really expect the gothic rock newcomer of the year to be released on my favourite electronic label. Get this album now if you're interested in new goth rock!

KMFDM - Greatest Shit

KMFDM - Greatest Shit 2CD
(2010) Metropolis

This is actually KMFDM's best of collection "Wurst" expanded with a second disc of great songs. If you like KMFDM's industrial sound you're going to love this album! I ordered my copy directly from Metropolis records. I don't know, but I suspect that this a limited edition. And if it is, hurry while the stock lasts!

Fatboy - Overdrive

Fatboy - Overdrive (2010)
Family Tree

Finally Fatboy releases a great album. I've liked a couple of songs off their previous two albums, 2004's "Steelhearted" and 2008's "In My Bones", but altogether they weren't as good as this one.
If you're into modern sounding rock´n roll/rockabilly you're gonna like this album!

Death In June - But, What Ends When The Symbols Shatter?

Death In June -
But, What Ends When The Symbols Shatter?
(1992) NER


This album and 1995's "Rose Clouds Of Holocaust" are my favourites of Death In June's neofolk albums. Nothing can beat 1995's Albin Julius industrial collaboration on "Take Care And Control" though!

Ghost - Opus Eponymous

Ghost - Opus Eponymous
(2010) Rise Above

What can I say that haven't already been said about this fabolous record? I can only agree to the all the praises it have gained. It sure sounds a bit like both The Devil's Blood and Mercyful Fate, but you already knew that! Fortuneately Ghost adds a bit of their own sound as well, therefor I don't consider this as being a cheap copy. Get it now!

The Concretes - WYWH

The Concretes - WYWH (2010)
Licking Fingers

And now for something completely different, but maybe not as different as you first think. Sure, this is supposed to be yet another of all those boring Swedish (indie-) pop bands that all sound the same. But I must say I like this album. It's very melancholic and it has an almost danceable feeling to it. I haven't heared their earlier albums, and I don't think I ever will. I have serious doubts of them being as good as this.

VA - Septic IX

VA - Septic IX (2010)
Dependent

Dependent records surprises me with a new Septic compilation (already #9!) without a new Mind.In.A.Box or Seabound track. But it's a really good album anyway. Highlights are Rotersand's "First Time (Club Re-Work)", Mindless Self Indulgence's "Never Wanted To Dance (Combichrist Electro Hurtz Mix)" and the Steril mix of Edge Of Dawn's "Stage Fright". There's also a really cool cover of Paula Abdul's "Cold Hearted" by No Not Never.

Rotersand - Waiting To Be Born EP

Rotersand - Waiting To Be Born
EP (2010) Trisol

Not Rotersand's best release in any way, this companion EP to last years excellent "Random Is Resistance" album. But it has some good remixes and three new tracks, too bad the new tracks sound like leftovers from the before mentioned album. Buy it if you, like me, are a huge Rotersand fan - otherwise save your money for a I Am Awesome Because I Still Buy Music t-shirt.

Kite - III EP

Kite - III EP (2010)
Progress

Yes! A new EP by my favourite Swedish electro pop band. This is just as good as their previous EP's. I hope they never give up the EP format, 4-5 songs at a time is just perfect!
If you've heared Kite before you'll know what to expect. Both playful and mellow electronic pop-tunes.

In The Colonnades - Scrap Metal Value

In The Colonnades -
Scrap Metal Value (1991)
CBR

This is maybe the most classic of all Swedish rock albums released in the nineties. The sound is heavy, almost heavy metal - but without any of the metal clichés. And it has got the coolest organ in the history of rock. If you can get hold of this album (released on the classic Swedish Chicken Brain Records (CBR) or the German SPV/Rebel Records), don't hestite - Buy it!

Metal Church - The Dark

Metal Church - The Dark
(1986) Elektra

I haven't heared all of Metal Church's discography. With three stand-out tracks this is clearly the best of the their three first albums, wich happens to be the albums I own. My personal favourite "Ton Of Bricks" opens the album and that is probably one of the best metal songs ever! The album continues with another really strong song "Start The Fire". The semi-hit "Watch The Children Pray" is a  good, epic ballad-like, song.

Code 64 - Trialogue

Code 64 - Trialogue 2CD
(2010) Progress

A bit disappointing this one. I've been expecting one of the better electronic releases of 2010. I certainly don't agree with the Blackvector review giving them 9/10, I'd rather give them a modest 5/10! The best song is "Advanced Robotics". If only they'd written more songs like that... Even the Mind.In.A.Box remix on the limited (200 copies) second CD is disappointing.

Killing Joke - Night Time

Killing Joke - Night Time
(1985) Virgin

This is a maybe one of the most classic of all 80's albums - any genre!
8 fantastic songs and at least 3 succesfull singles "Eighties", "Love Like Blood" and "Kings And Queens". They've obtained an incredible sound, with a very dominating bass guitar, on this recording. I only wish more albums sounded like this.

Inkubus Sukkubus - Heartbeat Of The Earth

Inkubus Sukkubus -
Heartbeat Of The Earth
(1995) Resurrection

 This was my favourite album when it was released, back in 1995. I think it's a real good album still. I've never liked slow songs, and I don't/didn't like the slow songs on this album either. But I kinda get why there's slow songs here - 14 fast tracks in row would eventually even bore me! I think that's my problem with Inkubus Sukkubus nowadays, the songs are too much alike. Fast songs that sound like every other fast song they've done or slow, boring, songs...  Apart from that this album is really worth checking out!

Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Flaunt It

Sigue Sigue Sputnik -
Flaunt It (1986) EMI

Last weeks B.A.D. album triggered my desire for SSS! This album has been among my most favorite records ever since I bought it back in 1986. It has everything; rock´n roll guitar, two drummers, one note basslines, extraordinary movie and TV samples and even commercial adverts between the songs! 7 songs in the same beat and one a bit slower - how could this go wrong? It simply can't! The choice of Giorgio Moroder as producer is also excellent. Moroder and guitars should have teamed up more often!

Big Audio Dynamite - This Is Big Audio Dynamite

Big Audio Dynamite -
This Is Big Audio Dynamite
2CD (1985/2010) Sony

I recently rediscovered this favourite album of my teens. Sony released this remastered and updated two disc edition earlier this year. It sounds fantastic! Check out "Medicine Show", "E=MC2" and "The Bottom Line" - they're all classics! This is almost as good as Sigue Sigue Sputnik!

Grand Magus - Hammer Of The North

Grand Magus -
Hammer Of The North (2010) Roadrunner

Grand Magus continues with the catchy sound they had on both "Iron Will" and "Wolf's Return". And I must say I like it! It's not as good as the before mentioned albums, but it's definately worth a listen.

Killing Joke - Killing Joke

Killing Joke - Killing Joke
(1980) Virgin


I don't know why I like this kind of music in the middle of the summer. But I do! I really do! The album cover gives a hint of what kind of music to expect - dark, violent, monotonous and grinding. I love it!

Running Wild - Black Hand Inn

Running Wild - Black Hand Inn
(1994) Noise

My summer obsession with pirate metal continues. This time it's a strange mix with aliens and pirates. Just ignore the spoken intros on two songs. The rest of the album is a true classsic - complete with almost black metal-like atmosphere and guitar on some songs. Trve pirate metal!:)

The Deep Eynde - Spell*Bound

The Deep Eynde - Spell*Bound (2010) Fiendforce

It's nice to see that The Deep Eynde are back with a really good album. In fact their best since 2002's "Suicide Drive". They're playing gothic rock again - oddly released on the German horror-punk label Feindforce! Listen to "The Haunting" and "My Darkest Hour", and you'll be reminded of what's so great about this band.

Patenbrigade: Wolff - Demokratischer Sektor

Patenbrigade: Wolff -
Demokratischer Sektor
(2008) Zweieck

An odd one this. 20 tracks, but that includes several remixes and some boring radio-"chatter". If they had shortened it to 10 tracks I think it would've been a great compilation of songs. But not all the remixes are bad, some are even as good as their main songs, and all of them adds something new - wich isn't as obvious as you think. If you haven't heared of Patenbrigade: Wolff before I think it's time for you to check them out.

Misfits - 12 Hits From Hell

Misfits - 12 Hits From Hell
(2001) Caroline

I don't know much about this bootleg compilation except that it's supposed to be The MSP Sessions August 7, 1980 and that it features two guitarists.
What I do know is that it's a damned fine compilation of Misfits hits! Too bad it never got officially released - some promos was apparently sent out but the release got withdrawn. 

Running Wild - Death Or Glory

Running Wild - Death Or Glory
(1989) Noise

My Running Wild-theme continues, this time with their best album from their pirate period (wich of course lasted through-out their whole discography - except their two first albums). Just listen to "Tortuga Bay" or "Riding The Storm" and you'll understand why I think so good of this album. The re-recording of "Chains And Leather" is another jewel here. Buy, buy, buy!

Running Wild - Blazon Stone

Running Wild - Blazon Stone
(1991) Noise

I've been listening a lot to Running Wild this week (and some of the previous weeks, too!). It's hard to choose a favourite album from their big discography. "Blazon Stone" is maybe not the obvious choice, but I felt that I hadn't listened to it as much as I should. Now I have! It's a great "power" metal album - but not power as in "power metal", like Hammerfall, Rhapsody (Of Fire) and the likes...

Order Of Isaz - Order Of Isaz EP

Order Of Isaz - Order Of Isaz EP
(2009) Blackened Flame

Finally some gothic rock. The members of  Order Of Isaz have all been/or are active in the Swedish death metal-underground. That gives them a certain sound, maybe like Tenebre or the latter Love Like Blood. Not that it's metal, it's just
sounds like metal musicians playing goth. Nothing bad by that.
Check it out!

Woven Hand - The Threshingfloor

Woven Hand - The Threshingfloor
(2010) Glitterhouse

It's always exciting to get a new record with or by David Eugene Edwards. Both 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand are among my favourite bands. The record continues down the same path it's predecessor "Ten Stones" begun in 2008. It's a very cool and authentic sounding mix of rock, folk and country. I like the "live" feel of both albums.

Edge Of Dawn - Anything That Gets You Through The Night

Edge Of Dawn -  Anything That
Gets You Through The Night
(2010) Dependent

Sadly, I think there's only two quality industrial record labels left, nowadays. One of them being, the now up and running again, Dependent records and the other one is Infaction records. Here's another band from the first Dependent records rooster. Edge Of Dawn makes it's comeback - and, hurrah, it's released on Dependent again!
Now, I just wait for a comeback of Stromkern (sadly no word on that, yet...).
I don't like this album as much as their previous records, but it's still worth checking out.

Melissa Auf der Maur - Out Of Our Minds

Melissa Auf der Maur -
Out Of Our Minds (2010)
Roadrunner

I really like Melissa's take on rock. It sometimes has the Queens Of The Stoneage-feel that nobody else are able to get. Monotonous but catchy, and never boring! I think Melissa's first solo-album "Auf der Maur - Auf der Maur" (2004) has better songs. But this one also has it's moments.

The National - High Violet

The National - High Violet
(2010) 4AD

Light the candles and pour up the red wine. One of my favourite bands are back with a new killer album. I got the album today so I haven't really had the time to listen to more than twice. But it sounds really good so far. I think this has a fair chance of being one of this year's greatest releases! Cheers!

Roky Erickson With Okkervil River - True Love Cast Out All Evil

Roky Erickson With Okkervil
River - True Love Cast Out All
Evil (2010) Anti

This is maybe the biggest positive surprise of 2010, so far. I didn't think Roky would record another album, but he did. And I certainly didn't expect the album to be a beautiful mellow grower, but it was. I've tried listening to Okkervil River before, but they just haven't made it for me. Together with Roky the make the perfect match, a bit like Rick Rubin/Johnny Cash's American Recordings - just look at the cover!

The Sisters Of Mercy - Wake

The Sisters Of Mercy - Wake DVD
(1985/1998) Exclusive Vision

I don't usually like live-DVD's (or live-albums for that matter) but this one's so classic that I have to mention it. I finally got hold of a bootleg DVD copy. I can't for my life figure out why this epic show hasn't been properly released on DVD. It was released on VHS back in 1985 and I loved it ever since! It's a perfect film to have in the background, much better than a fake fireplace or aquarium movie. And the music is almost too good to be true. I love it!

Spark! - Genom Stormen

Spark! - Genom Stormen EP
(2010) Progress

Finally some descent old-school but fresh sounding EBM! This time sung in Swedish. The only bad thing about this EP is that it's just two songs on it. Ok, there's also two remixes. I would've liked four or five songs of this fantastic sound! But I guess it's just a matter of time until we hear some more songs from Spark!

Bigelf - Cheat The Gallows

Bigelf - Cheat The Gallows
(2008) Custard

I've been listening to alot of retro-sounding records the last couple of weeks. Bigelf's a band I've been knowing about, but not actually listened to, for a long time. This album differs a bit from their earlier work, the organs have almost completely been replaced by strings and brass. I liked their 2003 "Hex" album, but this new sound is even better. They've taken their evil Beatles and Black Sabbath offspring to a new level.

Goldfrapp - Head First

Goldfrapp - Head First (2010)
Mute

Golfrapps fifth album is a nice trip back to the eighties. I hear ABBA, Moroder and all kinds of disco. Nice blending! They seem to grown tired of the electroclash on the "Supernature" and "Black Cherry" albums. I liked that style, but I think I like this even more. This album is almost as good as their first album "Felt Mountain". Check it ut - and especially the track "Shiny And Warm".

Diorama - Cubed

Diorama - Cubed 2CD (2010)
Accession

Finally a new Diorama album! It's as varied as all Diorama's albums been, except maybe for "Pale" and "Her Liquid Arms" (they were very different compared to each other). There are piano ballads, experimental songs and pure club smashers here. Now I just hope for Diorama to finally pay Sweden a visit on the upcoming tour!

Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin

Ozzy Osbourne -
The Ultimate Sin
(1986) Epic

This is a long lost and forgotten jewel of an album. I realise I haven't even listed any of Ozzy's solo albums here on the blog. That's a shame, because the self acclaimed "Prince Of Darkness" has been recording a great deal of awesome albums throughout his career. The album is maybe most commonly known for the single "Shot In The Dark", but it has a great deal of good songs. Check it out!

Faderhead - Trilogy

Faderhead - Trilogy (2010)
L-Tracks

I really like Faderhead's cool take on EBM. He really has his own style. Sometimes aggressive, sometimes melodic, always rhythmic and montonous.
This CD is a compilation of his work so far. It includes tracks from the now deleted "FH1", "FH2" and "FH3" albums (I love those clever titles!) as well as some unreleased, or hard to get, songs. All the songs from "FH1" are remixed. Check this out, but don't listen to all the 18 songs in a row as Faderhead sounds best a couple of songs at a time.

W.A.S.P. - K.F.D.

W.A.S.P. - K.F.D. (1997)
Sanctuary/Victor

This is probably the most underrated W.A.S.P. album and I can't see why. Personally I think "Helldorado" is the worst W.A.S.P. album ever. Sure, it doesn't really sound like the W.A.S.P. we're used to, but it's aggressive and cool - even a bit industrial. The songs "Kill Fuck Die", "Killahead", "Kill Your Pretty Face", "U" and the eerie "The Horror" are all classics! If you buy the Japanese version you'll get the track "Tokyo's On Fire" but sadly you'll lose "Little Death" and the crappy "Fetus". This album is a must have if you're feeling aggressive.

Mind.In.A.Box - R.E.T.R.O

Mind.In.A.Box - R.E.T.R.O
(2010) Dependent

I've waited and hoped that Mind.In.A.Box wouldn't disappear when Dependent records closed in 2007. They certainly didn't disappear, they just went down a different road. In the summer of 2009 Mind.In.A.Box went from a studio project to a much cheered live-act. But that wasn't all. Somewhere along the line Dependent records decided to re-open and starting to pour out some great new releases. One of them is the new Mind.In.A.Box record. It doesn't really sound like they used to. Sure, you can still hear that it's Mind.In.A.Box, they do have a uniqe sound. But this time around they've decided to pay an homage to the sounds of the Commodore 64 computer. So there's lots of C64-sounds and melodies. Half the album is cover-versions of famous C64 game soundtracks. If you like chip-music with a twist, the first half of the album is for you! The second half sounds more like the Mind.In.A.Box that I'm used to. All in all, an interesting release. Certainly worth checking out!

Cryo - Mixed Emotions EP

Cryo - Mixed Emotions EP
(2007) Progress

I recieved Cryo's new CD "Hidden Aggression" yesterday and I'm somewhat disappointed by it. Hopefully it will grow on me. I had expected it to be more like this EP - Cryo's best work so far! Once again I'm expressing my love for the EP format. Just keep releasing EP's and I will live happy ever after...
Anyway, this record contains three extraordinary tracks "My Wall", "Inhale/Exhale", "Freedom", some remixes and a Front 242 cover "Body To Body"!

Candlemass - Death Magic Doom

Candlemass - Death Magic Doom
Limited CD/DVD (2009)
Nuclear Blast

I've been reading so many good review about this album. Finally I've found the time to listen to it (and of course, finally I've been motivated enough to buy it!). This is a great and varied doom metal album. The new singer, Robert Lowe, has a great voice and fits the Candlemass sound perfectly! I really enjoyed his previous band Solitude Aeturnus' two first albums back in the early 90's. I don't know why I haven't listened to them since then. Maybe I need to check them out now? This limited edition includes a DVD wich I haven't had the time to watch yet. It also includes an unlisted bonus track, an edit of "Lucifer Rising" I think.

Nitzer Ebb - Industrial Complex

Nitzer Ebb -
Industrial Complex 2CD
(2010) Major Records

I didn't have high hopes for this album. In fact, I thought it would be just as bad as Kiss' "Sonic Boom" or Heaven & Hell's "The Devil You Know". So, now you know I don't care much for reunions. But this time I was wrong, this album is really good! I even like the remix CD. Too bad Alfa Matrix released another version of this album containing different remixes. I might need to buy that one as well...

VA - Electronic Saviors

VA - Electronic Saviors 4CD+DD
(2010) Metropolis

This is a four CD box (well five, if you count the digital download bonus disc). Proceeds from the compilation will be donated to the Foundation for Cancer Research and Wellness situated in Harrisburg, PA. The box contains a lot of of exclusive tracks/remixes from artist such as Assemblage 23, Combichrist, Imperative Reaction, Aestetic Perfection, Flesh Field and 78 more! My current favourites is an Endager mix of "Supermassive Gravity" by Massiv In Mensch feat. Mind.In.A.Box and the new (finally!) Stromkern track. This compilation will be limited to 2500 copies!

Katatonia - Night Is The New Day

Katatonia -
Night Is The New Day
(2009) Peaceville

This album just get's better and better. I don't think that it is as good as all the raving reviews I've read about it, though. I would like longer, more epic songs. But I guess I can't have it all? I will have to keep listening, and eventually I find that it is as good as everybody else thinks.