New goth rock - The Beauty of Gemina

After getting plugged in the UK web store Musicnonstop's weekly newsletter as a hot new item, I figured I should go check out these guys - The Beauty of Gemina. Their debut, Diary Of A Lost arrived on German shelves on the 19th of February, and seems to be only available through MNS at the moment. Described as a cross between 'Diary of Dreams, The Sisters of Mercy, and Clan of Xymox', it sounded to me like a debut worth a checking out.

Fortunately for all curious parties, their official site supplies an mp3 sample so you can play the judge and see for yourself if the description does them justice:

- Suicide Landscape

Funker Vogt to return in May

Those Germanic military enthusiasts from the future known as Funker Vogt have been absent a couple years from the scene, with 2005's Navigator Being their last album to date. Never fear, for a new album has been announced! Called Aviator, the Vogt have already announced a launch date of May 8th in Europe. Naturally, one can expect American label Metropolis Records to announce a state-side release around the same date.

The band is also releasing a few messages to their fans about said album via YouTube, but since they're in German, what they're saying is largely a mystery to me.

Front 242 + Implant = 32crash

As some many have noted via the Advanced Electronics 5 compilation, a new spin-off of Belgian legends Front 242 is beginning to come to some fruition. 32crash is a new project that involves not only 242's Jean-Luc De Meyer, but the duo of Len Lemeire and Jan D'Hooghe - also known as Implant.
According to them, the 32crash disc is "a real solid-sounding SF-musical-epos". Currently, their debut is in development and will probably be slated for a spring/summer release via Alfa-Matrix, but in the meantime one can check out some samples on the 32crash Myspace page.

Forma Tadre returns in 2007?

After hearing the Forma Tadre remix of Seabound on the Dependence Vol. 2 compilation, it left me curious as to what ever happened to them. Loosely associated with Haujobb, Forma Tadre put out two stunning sci-fi tinged electo-industrial discs, (Navigator and Automate) and then just simply vanished.
However, now they have a snazzy Flash-based official site up, where they proclaim their third disc is more or less complete, and that a sindle or double disc collection of unreleased material akin to the cinematic Automate might also be in the works. One last thing, they promise that their new work, while different, will definitely not be 'futurepop'.

Covenant - live DVD + a new side-project

It seems quite fitting that now Covenant is back home, the Swedish trio would now be in the midst of compiling together a live DVD. Over their American tour, they plead for fans to help them out with footage, and thus come In Transit, their first live recording since the Synergy VHS/CD box set. No word on a release date at this point, but I would hazard a guess and say sometime this year.

In the meantime, Covenant vocalist Eskil Simonnson debuted his new side-project at the Schlagstrom even in Berlin on January 20th. The name of this new project is CEMENT. Currently, there is a bare-bones Myspace page dedicated to the project, but despite Eskil's description of "noise and neon", not much else is known at this time.

Whatever happened to Rosetta Stone?

Well, they broke up, that's what. However, the official Myspace page popped up rather recently. It's a nice reminder and flashback to these guys, who were the quintessential UK gothic rock band of the nineties.

However, head member Porl King does have a new project called misery:lab, which is slowly developing enough material for (hopefully!) an album. Musically, King once cited an 'indie bent' in his sound, but tracks like "No Cure For Life" certainly reek of a Rosetta Stone influence. Apparently, Misery:lab is also involved with an upcoming Cleopatra She Wants Revenge tribute album...but let's no go there, shall we?

A Valentine present from Nine Inch Nails?

Thanks to a little bird, I've been alerted to the fact that the first online taste of Nine Inch Nails' new album, Year Zero, has made it online. From what I've heard, this new disc is a 'sci-fi concept album' that was written and partially recorded while out on the road. In my opinion, it is a welcome return to his industrial sound...but here, take a listen for yourself:

- My Violent Heart

Modulate's limited edition debut - pre-order now!

As tipped off to me via DJ Spider, apparently VNV Nation's opening act for their European tour just put up the ability to pre-order their first EP today! Titled Skullf*ck, Modulate are a new electro act from the UK...and needless to say, if they've been handpick by VNV as a tour-buddy, this disc will sell out.
So, go over to Sistinas today, pre-order a metal-tin version of said EP, and get a snassy mini-CD of remixes (featuring contributions from Combichrist, XP8, Dawn of Ashes, and more) and a limited metal case to boot. With only 200 copies of this version available, I highly recommend grabbing one while you can.

Catching up with VNV Nation...

In case you've been sleeping under a rock, the futurepop heavyweights VNV Nation have quite a few plans for this year. First off, there is thei new album Judgement, which hits the shelves here in North America on April 10th. From all accounts (or possibly just their own), it is their most diverse release yet, veering from guitar-synth indie-rock influenced matierial to their usual, bass-heavy four-on-the-floor, DJ request list smashers. There is also word of an internet single appearing online sometime this March, and an EP of remixes from their last effort (Matter + Form) called Reformation to be released sometime this year as well. Soon after Judgement comes out, it is also quite noteworthy that VNV has the chance to make some headway into the U.S. mainstream via appearances at both the Coachella festival in California and South by Southwest in Texas.
On the side, both Mark Jackson and Ronan Harris have kept busy. Mark will be making a vocal appearance of the upcoming Reaper album, Hell Starts with an H - a debut disc that also features vocals from Johan Von Roy of Suicide Commando. As for Ronan, he has been steadily plugging away at his electro-dance analog synth side-project, Modcom...although there still is no word when that debut will come out.

"Blood Lush" by Anders Manga out now!

While it technically came out yesterday, it's overall color scheme seems quite apropos considering today is Valentine's Day. Blood Lush is the fourth studio album by North Carolina's premiere 'gothtronic' act, Anders Manga. Four albums in two years is quite a feat, especially consdering his work is gowing with leaps and bounds come every release. With Europe already getting clued in to his skills, not to mention a tour of the U.S. about to launch, this would be a good time to acquaint yourself with his 'Numanesque, goth meets futurepop' sound.

Video: L'ame Immortelle's "Dein Herz"

Although their recent work has veered a little towards the mainstream, L'âme Immortelle still remains one of my favorite bands, and their videos are quite stunning. One of the few bands in my mind that salvage a good andd equal mix of goth and industrial.

Northborne to debut this March

The name Northborne may not ring a bell for you. However, if you're a fan of electro-industrial, you probably have heard of Christian Lund's other project - Icon of Coil. While his buddies toil away under the monikers Combichrist and Zombie Girl, Lund has been busy with this, his own solo project. A debut single called The Pill came out last year as the secondary disc in the Industrial For the Masses Vol. 3 compilation, and his sound could roughly be described as 'techno body music'.
Anyway, his new label Out Of Line has announced Northborne's set to release its debut, Force It, this March in Europe. Over there, the European audience will get the chance to see Northborne live, as they are now opening for Combichrist and Reaper as the latest edition to Combi's "What the F**k Is With This Tour?" package.

Edge of Dawn debut on the way

Before Dependent Records shuts its doors later this year, they have a slew of final releases to help sate their rabid fan-base. One of those is the debut full-length by Edge of Dawn. Titled Enjoy The Fall, this follows up their previous (and only) release, the The Flight [lux] EP.
Who are these guys? Well, one of them you might recognize - their vocalist, Frank Spinath also sings for the band Seabound.

Here's a free mp3, hosted by their label, Dependent:

- Elegance

The Mission - "God Is A Bullet" out in 2007

Longtime gothic rock staples The Mission return to stores this April, with a new album entitled God Is a Bullet. With a title like that, I hope there's a Concrete Blonde cover of the same name included, but it looks doubtful. However, there are some rather pleasing guest appearances in store, such as Julianne Regan (of All About Eve), original Mish guitarist Simon Hinkler, and Tim Bricheno (ex-Sisters of Mercy and All About Eve).

Necro Facility's "The Room" out in March.

According to the Swedish music e-zine, Release Magazine, the new album by Necro Facility will hit the market on March 21st. Called The Room, it is said that they will prbably continue their incredibly Skinny Puppy influenced sound, but Release also says that the band has incoroporated more 'NIN-styled guitar' into their latest work. For all Puppy fans, especially those who miss their ViViSectVi and Rabies sound, this album should definitely be worth checking out.

Here's a few free songs links courtesy of their label, Progress Productions:

- Downstairs
- Tuxedo

Combchrist's new disc - EU edition twice the bang for your buck.

In case you missed it the last go-around, the infamous Combichrist has been getting the double-album treatment for his full-length albums. Keep this in mind if you plan on picking up What the Fcuk is With You People?, which is being released domestically on March 6th. Why pick up this special 2CD edition? Well, the second disc is all-exclusive material, so you're essentially getting a limited-run album. From all accounts, this second disc conatins some of Combichrist's most powernoise / heaviest material to date.

Star Industry is back!

As a change-up from my all-industrial news so far, according to Zillo Magazine, Beligan goth band Star Industry has signed a deal with Alfa-Matrix. A new album called "Last Crusades" is in production and should be out this year.

Remember the Psychopomps?

That old Zoth Ommog act that was sort of like a filthy Leaether Strip with a wall of guitars? Well, there's signs that they're back in action. They've joined Myspace, and over there you can check out some new demos on their media player. Maybe if there's enough interest and energy, we might get treated to a 'comeback album'.

Speaking of Zoth, someone in Germany's put together a fan page for the label. Not much to see outside a discography, but it is handy for those who wonder what the label put out besides Leaether Strip, X Marks the Pedwalk, etc.

Video: Implant's "The Creature"

Featuring Jean-Luc De Meyer of Front 242! Since current industrial and goth videos are largely relegated to YouTube here in the United States, here's a fresh one from overseas:

You've got Foetus on your blog!

Since I hadn't heard hide nor hare of that big-band industrial maven know as Foetus since he did that theme for the Venture Bros., I popped by his official site. Apparently, he's selling a new album, called Damp. It's a limited-edition disc that reportedly sound like his older classics, Nail and Hole.

Only $13.00 plus s/h!

New Front Line Assembly EP out on April 24th

As spotted on FLA's fansite, Mindphaser, those heavy EBM-hitters from Canada are soon releasing a companion EP to last year's successful disc, Artificial Solder.

Of particular note to me is a remix by Portion Control; this band has been hailed as a major influence for everyone from FLA, to Skinny Puppy, to Clock DVA. They reunited around '04, and I highly recommend checking out their work as well.

Anyway, here's the tracklist for the new EP - Fallout:

1) "Unleashed"- (Mindless mix) By Sebastian R. Komor.
2) " Buried Alive"- (dj?) Acucrack mix by Jason Novak
3) "Beneath the Rubble" - Combichrist remix
4) Electric Dreams - new song By Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber (Originaly intended for Artificial Soldier, but got finished later, sort of a post B side if you will)
5)"Armagedon" - new song By Bill Leeb, Jeremy Inkel and Chris Peterson Peterson. Featuring Jared Slingerland on guitars, and Adrian white on Drums.
6) "Social Enemy" (anti social mix) remix By Jeremy Inkel
7) " Low Life" Remix by Portion Control.
8 )"Humanity" (Kearley edit) Remixed By Dan Kearley
9) "Reprobate (low life) - Re mixed by Greg Reely
10) "Domination" "Unleashed" Re mixed by Rhys Fulber
11) " The Storm" Covenant remix
12) "Unconscious" New song by Rhys Fulber and Jeremy Inkel. (also a song that was originaly ment for the artificial soldier album, but left unfinished until after."

No Goth-Industrial Blogs?

As has been pointed out to me by a handful of folks, there is a significant lack of gothic-industrial music blogs. In fact, if one googles 'goth music blog' or 'industrial music blog', you get nothing much resembling either one.

Since I work for a couple of 'scene' publications (Side-Line and Virus! Magazine), and I tend to prattle on about music news semi-daily, this seems like a good place to cut and paste my usual observations, tips, and such for those who prefer blogs and RSS over reading publications or surfing a slew of news and label sites...not to mention Myspace accounts and such.

So, please - feel free to spread word, and I'll see if I can make this a regular habit as opposed to a passing fancy.