Then Comes Silence - Machine Album Review

The leaders of the modern Post Punk scene, Then Comes Silence released their fifth studio album “Machine” on Friday, March 13, 2020. The album was released through Metropolis Records. If you would like to know more about the bands history and their previous album releases go here

The band has released three music videos to coincide with the albums release. You can find the official music videos for “We Lose The Night”, “Ritual” (Feat. Karolina Engdahl of True Moon), and “Apocalypse Flare” on Youtube. I also suggest following TCS on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the bands touring schedules, updates, and album releases.

I have been a fan of Then Comes Silence for many years now. Although the band members have changed since it’s birth it has been a seamless transition. The current line up feels like home. Their chemistry is enthralling and has helped create one of the best Post Punk albums in decades. The Goth scene is ever changing and bands like TCS help breathe new life into the subculture.

Machine is quickly becoming my favorite album from the quartet and fits perfectly amongst its predecessors. Alex Svenson, the bands bassist and front runner has a beautifully dark voice that is strong yet comforting. Each song from the album flows perfectly for an ideal listening experience. The first single “We Lose The Night” ranked number one on the Global Gothic Chart. I predict that Machine will be one of the top albums of 2020. This is a band that has been growing steadily for years. Their time has come and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. If you would like to browse the bands offerings and purchase a copy of Machine, go here

Track Listing: 

1. We Lose The Night 

2. Devil

3. Dark End 

4. I Gave You Everything 

5. Ritual (Feat. Karolina Engdahl)

6. Apocalypse Flare 

7. W.O.O.O.U 

8. In Your Name 

9. Glass 

10. Kill It 

11. Cuts Inside

Album Review - Ghost - Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic Single

On September 13, 2019 Swedish rock band Ghost released their highly anticipated single, Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic. The single consists of two brand new songs, Kiss The Go-Goat, and Mary On A Cross. Since these songs were performed by Papa Nihil in the 1960’s, The songs are very reminiscent of that time period.

The bands previous effort, Prequelle swaps out the Satanic theme for a more personal recording while still remaining a concept album about the Black Plague. This album features a few gems such as Dance Macabre, Witch Image, and Life Eternal. It is my opinion that this new single is very similar to songs from the bands first album, Opus Eponymous. The “Satanic” symbolism and lyrics work so well with the themed music. I’d say these are my favorite songs they’ve released since Meliora. As much as I love Prequelle, these songs just scream GHOST. Of the two songs my favorite is Mary On A Cross. It has that catchy, groovy beat that I absolutely love. I found myself putting it on repeat and memorizing the lyrics rather quickly. Kiss The Go-Goat is a great song as well, and even has its own music video.

Tobias Forge, singer and mastermind behind Ghost has stated that the band will be taking a break from touring in 2020 to focus on their next full length album which will debut in 2021. In the mean time, a limited edition box set entitled Prequelle Exaulted became available as of September 20, 2019. Only 5,000 copies were produced worldwide. This boxset includes a transparent black and orange vinyl record, Live Photo prints, a 12 page booklet, a 7” vinyl featuring previously unreleased recordings, and a 7” adapter. Ghost is currently embarking on a tour across North America in support of their 2018 album, Prequelle. I will be catching their live show in Worcester, MA on October 21, 2019.

Album Review - Mono Inc. - Welcome To Hell

Welcome To Hell is available from Amazon. To order your copy go here

             

Mono inc is a Gothic Rock band from Hamburg Germany. The band was formed in 1998 by Miky Mono (Vocals), Martin Engler (Former drummer) and Carl Fornia (Guitar) under the name Mono69. The name was later changed to Mono Inc. in 2000. Bassist Manuel Antoni joined the trio in 2003. After Mikey’s departure (around 2004) drummer Katha Mia was brought in and Martin became the bands lead vocalist. They’ve released 10 studio albums over the course of 15 years as well as various EP’s, Best Of, and Live albums. Although Mono Inc. had previously been a supporting act this would change after the band released their 2010 EP entitled Comedown. This lead to the bands increase in popularity allowing them to tour as a headlining act. The bands 2013 album Nimmermehr (Nevermore)remains as the bands most successful album thus far. 

Typically I have a certain style in which I write my reviews. However, since Mono Inc. has such an advanced discography I will be listing the bands albums by year followed by two of my favorite tracks on each record. The album I’ll be focusing on is the bands latest release, Welcome To Hell. 

2003: Head Above Water - The Last Waltz, My Sorrow 

2007: Temple Of The Torn - The Condemned, My Sick Mind TV 

2008: Pain, Love, and Poetry - This Is The Day, Bloodmoon 

2009: Voices Of Doom - Gothic Queen, Forgiven 

2011: Viva Hades - Viva Hades, Revenge 

2012: After The War - No More Fear,Forever 

2013: Nimmermehr - Euthanasia, Seligkeit 

2015: Terlingua - Never-Ending Love Song, It Never Ends 

2017: Together Till The End - Boatman - Featuring Ronan Harris Of VNV Nation, Children Of The Dark - Featuring Tilo Wolff (Lacrimosa), Joachim Witt, Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost) 

Welcome To Hell which was released on July 27, 2018 is the album that got me into Mono Inc. I love how different each one of their albums is. They utilize each members talents in such a beautiful way. You can hear the bands chemistry in each song and it’s obvious that this is what they love to do. Martin’s voice is so distinct and when it’s matched with Katha’s angelic likeness it’s exquisite. Her ability to sing and drum at the same time is incredible. 

My favorite songs from Welcome To Hellare A Vagabond’s Life, Funeral Song, and Long Live Death. I love how well thought out each track is and how all of the songs are arranged in a way that they tell the story beautifully from start to finish. Welcome To Hellisn’t like anything they’ve done in the past, I’d say its closest companion is Together Till The End. 

I would recommend Mono Inc. to anyone who enjoys watching a band evolve over a number of albums. If you want to hear different styles of music and song writing I think you’ll really take a liking to their music. 

The bands music is available through Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. A few of their albums as well as their official band merchandise are available on their website. 

Music video for the seventh track, A Vagabond’s Life (Featuring Eric Fish)

Welcome To Hell Track Listing:

1. The Heart Of The Raven
2. Welcome To Hell 
3. Long Live Death 
4. Risk It All 
5. Flies
6. Under A Coal Black Sun
7. A Vagabond’s Life (Featuring Eric Fish)
8. Funeral Song
9. Reign Of Rats
10. Unconditionally 
11. When The Raven Dies Tonight 

*Classic Versions are included in the Deluxe Edition 

Album Review - Scarlet Dorn - Lack Of Light

Lack Of Light is available from Amazon. To order your copy go here

Scarlet Dorn is a Dark Pop / Rock band from Hamburg Germany. The bands current lineup is Scarlet Dorn (Vocals), Gared Dirge (Keyboards), Bengt Jaeschke (Guitar), Henrik Petschull (Drums) and Benjamin Mundigler (Bass). 

The bands debut album entitled Lack Of Light was released on August 31, 2018. The album was produced by Singer / Songwriter Chris Harms and Benjamin Lawrenz. Chris Harms is the creater of the band Lord of the Lost. If you would like to know more about him and his band Lord Of The Lost check out my album review of their latest release Thornstar. Harm's influence can be seen throughout Scarlet Dorn's album debut as he and Anthony J. Brown wrote the albums opening track entitled Heavy Beauty which was released on March 21 2017. Harms and Dorn also collaborated on the song I Love The Way You Say My Name. The band is currently signed with Oblivion (SVP) Records.

You can find the bands official music videos on their record labels YouTube Channel. There are music videos for the songs I Love The Way You Say My Name, Heavy Beauty, Hold On To Me, and I Don’t Know, I Don’t Care. 

Lack Of Light is a solid album that showcases the bands many talents. Scarlet is a classically trained singer with such great range which works harmoniously with the instruments. She is a brilliant songwriter who puts so much time, dedication, and heart into her work. Scarlet Dorn offers something special that you don’t see every day. When listening to the album I had to remind myself that this is their debut. It sounds and feels like this is a band that has been together for years. The songs are beautifully written and the entire album flows cohesively. My favorite songs from the album are Heavy Beauty, I Don’t Know, I Don’t Care, and Snow Black.

Each member of the band is incredibly talented and some of the members even play in other bands. Gared Dirge plays Keyboards, Guitar, and Percussion for Lord Of The Lost. He also plays for David Hasselhoff. Bengt Jaeschke is the Singer/Songwriter for the dark rock band Down To Eden, and Henrik Petschull is the drummer for the rock band The Right Season. 

I would suggest Scarlet Dorn if you enjoy strong female vocals. Fans of Scarlet Dorn  also enjoy Lord Of The Lost, Mono Inc., and Hell Boulevard. 

Lack Of Light is available through Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and their official website. 

     
          Music video for the tenth track, I Love The Way You Say My Name (Featuring Chris Harms)

Track Listing:

1. Heavy Beauty 
2. Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned 
3. I’m Armageddon 
4. Hold On To Me
5. Rain
6. Kill Bitterness With Love
7. Snow Black
8. I Don’t Know, I Don’t Care
9. Cinderella
10. I Love The Way You Say My Name (Featuring Chris Harms) 
11. Frozen Fire 
12. In Another Life 

Album Review - Then Comes Silence - Blood

The album Blood is available from Nuclear Blast USA. To order your copy go here

Then Comes Silence is a multifaceted Rock Band from Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 Singer/ Songwriter Alex Svenson wrote his first demo for what would become Then Comes Silence in 2012. The band released their self titled debut album the same year. The members who played on this album are still kept secret to this day. 

Although the bands line up has changed over the years the current members are Alex Svenson (Vocalist, Bass), Jonas Fransson (Drums), Mattias Ruejas-Jonson (Guitar) and Hugo Zombie (Guitar). Then Comes Silence currently has plans to release a new album next Winter which will be Matthias and Hugo’s first album with the band. 

In 2013 the band released their second album Then Comes Silence II. This album contains some great songs such as She Lies In Wait, Mothman, and Falling Into The Void. Since the bands first two albums Alex has changed his singing style quite a bit. 

2015 saw the return of Then Comes Silence with their third album Nyctophilian: Then Comes Silence III. Some of my favorite tracks off of this album are Strangers, She Loves the Night, and Animals. I absolutely adore their musical style on this album. In fact, She Loves The Nightwas the first song I heard by them. 

The bands most recent album Blood was released in 2017. They are are currently signed to Nuclear Blast. Blood is the album that blew me away. It’s one of the best records I have heard in a very long time. Each song flows so beautifully into the next. The Dead Cry For No One, Warm Like Blood, and Flashing Pangs Of Loveare my personal favorites. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex and he credits David Bowie, Black Sabbath and The Doors as musical influences. He also enjoys Buzz Kull, Ritual Howls and True Moon, a Swedish artist. He’s a fan of classical music as well most notably Beethoven and Dvorak. 

If you’re a fan of Rock, Dark Wave, Goth Rock, Or Post Punk I think you’ll really dig these guys. They are incredibly talented and I am very excited for their next album release! 

                  Music video for the opening track, The Dead Cry For No One 

                                     

Track Listing 

1. The Dead Cry For No One
2. Flashing Pangs Of Love 
3. Strange Kicks
4. My Bones
5. In Leash
6. Choose Your Poison
7. Good Friday
8. The Rest Will Follow
9. Magnetic
10. Warm Like Blood
11. Mercury

Bonus Tracks 

1. Into Death Alone
2. For The Wicked
3. Blood Beat 

Album Review - Lord Of The Lost - Thornstar

* Thornstar is available from Napalm Records USA. To order your copy go here

Lord Of The Lost formally known simply as Lord was originally a solo project created by Singer/Songwriter Chris Harms in 2007 in Hamburg Germany. There have been a few band member changes over the years. The current member line up consists of Chris Harms (Vocalist, Guitar), Class Grenayde (Bass) Pi Stoffers (Guitarist), Gared Dirge (Piano, Synths, Percussion), and Niklas Kahl (Drums). 

In 2010 the band released their debut album entitled Fears. Dry The Rain, one of the most beloved Lord Of The Lost Songs has become indispensable for fans worldwide. 

2011 saw the arrival of the bands Sophomore album release, Antagony. This album features fan favorites such as Sex On Legs, Prison, and Undead Or Alive. Infiltrating the metal scene once again in 2012 the band released their third album, Die Tomorrow. This album offers hits such as Blood For Blood, See You Soon (One of my personal favorites), and Credo which has become an anthem for the band. 

Four years after their debut album, Lord Of The Lost released From The Fire To The Flame. This album includes Fists Up In The Air, a fast paced song with killer guitar work and some catchy lyrics such as, “We are proud! We are Strong! Shout it out loud! WE ARE ONE!” 

In 2016, Two years after the release of their Fourth album, Empyrean was born. Empyrean is an album that is considerably different than their previous work. The band chose to add more synth, industrial type vibes to their songs. I love the songs Raining Stars, In Silence, and Doomsday Disco. They’re unreservedly brilliant and exceptionally well written. 

Some of my favorite albums Lord Of The Lost have released are their two Swan Songs albums. The term “Swan Song” is a metaphor for a last performance before death or retirement. A description which fits these albums flawlessly. Swan Songs was released in 2015 while Swan Songs II was released in 2017. Both albums feature reimagined versions of their works. Some are even exclusive to these albums and are previously unreleased. The band also offers Swan Song Symphonies which are instrumental versions of some of their songs. The band worked with an extraordinarily talented classical Orchestra to create these absolutely remarkable renditions of their work. Some of my favorites are Six Feet Underground, See You Soon, Go To Hell From Swan Songs I, and Lighthouse, The Broken Ones, and My Better Me From Swan Songs II. These songs are awe inspiring and showcase the bands talent perfectly. 

Thornstar, the bands most recent album was released on August 3, 2018 on Napalm Records. This is in my opinion the quintessential album. From the very first moments of On This Rock I Will Build My Church to the last note of Ruins (or Live, Pray, Die, repeat if you have the Deluxe Edition) it is simply exquisite. Thornstar is a concept album which tells the story of the ancient civilization of the Pangaeians. When doing research on this topic the band chose to use archives rather than historians and integrated this information into their album in such a beautiful way. Thornstar is in my eyes their superlative album yet. Whenever I listen to it, the music gives me every feeling a great album should. You feel what these people felt by listening to the music and the lyrics the band has written. Love, loss, life, death. It’s absolutely exquisite. 

Thornstar wasn’t an album that was originally planned for the band. It was a direct reflection of the band not being able to join KMFDM on their scheduled tour of America in 2017 due to Visa issues. I personally would rather have this album and wait for a US tour. It’s that good! My favorite songs from this album are Black Halo, Haythor, The Mortarian, Forevermore, and Free Radicals, which is available on the Deluxe Edition. I highly recommend the Deluxe Edition. Lord Of The Lost have also created the album 10 Thorns. 10 Thorns consists of 10 acoustic versions of some of the songs on Thornstar. They chose the exemplary songs for an acoustic album. I highly recommend watching the music videos for On This Rock I Will Build My Church, Loreley, Black Halo, Morgana, and Voodoo Doll on Youtube. They’re available for your viewing pleasure on the official Napalm Records Youtube channel. 

I cannot wait to see what this band has in store for us. I certainly hope there is a Swan Songs III in the future! If you haven’t, check these guys out! They are so remarkable and their talent is far beyond anything I could ask for in a band. If you’re into Goth Rock, Industrial Metal, Gothic Metal, or Dark Rock then Lord Of The Lost is the band for you! 

Music video for the opening track, On This Rock I Will Build My Church 

Track Listing: 

1. On This Rock I Will Build My Church

2. Loreley 

3. Black Halo 

4. In Our Hands 

5. Morgana 

6. Haythor 

7. Naxxar 

8. Cut Me Out 

9. The Mortarian 

10. Under The Sun 

11. In Darkness, In Light 

12. Forevermore 

13. Ruins 

Deluxe Only Tracks:

14. Abracadabra (Feat. Dero Goi)

15. Voodoo Doll

16. The Art Of Love 

17. Lily Of The Vale

18. Penta 

19. Free Radicals

20. Live, Pray, Die, Repeat