The Weeknd

I can't imagine someone not bitching about me putting this on this particular blog, but this is me giving a fuck.  The Weeknd is probably one of the best new acts of 2011 with his electronic/rhythm and blues sex songs he's had to offer with his two free mixtapes thus far in 2011.  Listen to them, enjoy them and don't be a genre snob.

Ministry - Psalm 69

Let's suck some eggs fellas, Ministry's back together!

Yep. rejoice.

CygnosiC - A Deity In Pain

From the cover art to the beginning Silent Hill like drone of "To Spread the Chaos" CygnosiC really know how to grab my attention. Vocals distorted just enough to make the audience tilt their heads, beats that are danceable yet dark, CygnosiC's debut album is worth checking out.

VNV Nation - Automatic

Ah VNV... I don't want to talk about how this album makes me feel.
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Imperative Reaction - Imperative Reaction

It's here, it's new, it's good! Go get it!
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M83 - Before The Dawn Heals Us (2005)

Release Date: January 25, 2005

Not only did I say I was going to post the rest of M83's discography, but I also might as well keep up with the M83 streak we having going here. Before The Dawn Heals Us is another great album from M83; be sure to listen.



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M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming [2011]

I'll be quick. M83 is fun, sexy and exciting.  But you already know that since you're reading this don't you? In any case their new album for 2011, a double album, is out and its top 10 material for sure.  Spanning 22 tracks it's a bit long but it flows well enough where the time passes in mere seconds. Order the vinyl at the link below.

Sweet dream pop wax

xXRx - 333 Ch1

Crazy things happen late at night, some good and some bad. If for some reason you searched for me last Tuesday you would have found me in luc1d's living room, listening to the dark ambient and industrial tones of the his latest project, xXRx. The latest album is meant to be the beginning of a trilogy, and while it's always great to know that there's more to come from an album that is fast becoming a favorite that's not the best part of 333 Ch1. The ambiance found throughout the album is reminiscent of a tastefully done horror score, often I get the urge to watch Silent Hill while this is playing; though I feel that describing this album such is almost doing it a disservice it's one of the only ways I can describe it to potential listeners. One of the standout tracks is "Ma Mere," whose beginning synths conjure memories of numerous Birthday Massacre songs though it is far creepier than anything Chibi and Co. have done. While I should have been sleeping and getting prepared for college the next morning I most definitely don't consider my time wasted this is one album that shouldn't be missed, go check it out!

M83 - Saturdays = Youth (2008)

Release Date: April 14, 2008

In anticipation of M83's new album, I thought about posting my favourite album from the one man dream pop act. It's only been recently that I've looked into this man's work but it has definitely proved to be fruitful. There really isn't a bad album M83 has ever made so if you like the following track be sure to not only check out Saturdays = Youth but also the rest of M83's discography, which I plan to be posting after this. Enjoy



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Ming + 2Beeps - The Nutz

Electro and dubstep? In the same song? Sign me up!

Evol Intent - Era of Diversion (2008)

While it might be a bit old Era of Diversion still has plenty of merit left to offer. With a whopping 19 tracks the album is littered with different directions, sounds, and samples; if you haven't already go give it a try!

Feindflug - Vulk Und Armee

If you're in the mind for some purely instrumental Industrial I cannot recommend Feindflug enough. While the German group has quite a bit of controversy surrounding them I couldn't care less when masterful tracks like "AK-47" and "Feindbild" are blaring out my headphones.

*If you are one who dislikes images from WWII or war in general I'd stay clear*



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Rabbit Junk - Lucid Summations/What Doesn't Kill You Makes You A Killer

Not only is the single art tasteful, it's also accompanied by two great tracks!

Omega Lithium - Kinetic

It's almost a complete 180 for the once Gothic Croatian group Omega Lithium. From dressing in various dark shades and wearing heavy black makeup to dressing in military fashion and looking similar to Lady Gaga is quite a transformation. Kinetic is a new direction for the band, and while sometimes sounding average there are a few gems to be found throughout the album such as "Time Of Change" and "Kinetic." The album does feel quite torn on it's direction however, it seems as if the Croatians have yet to fully settle into this new genre as many a track resembles their debut album in some way. At least go give this a listen, you might be surprised at how some of the tracks manage to stick in your memory.

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Ashbury Heights - Take Cair Paramour (2010)

Release Date: July 2, 2010

Call me crazy, but tag team of man and woman Ashbury Heights disappointed me with this album, Take Cair Paramour. However, if I were to dwell on the reason why you would have absolutely no reason to check this album out! But let's end off with a high note; their track Unbearable Beauty has GOT to be one of my favourite songs of 2010. Ah, I have you now...



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Rhythm Monks - Candomblé

I have always been greatly fascinated by world religions, and it is quite exciting to me when I stumble upon a religion that I have not studied in full yet. Consider this video:



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KMFDM - Hau Ruck

KMFDM has been around for awhile, yet the group has always been hit or miss for me. Their brand of industrial has garnered many fans of all ages, and so far the one album that I can thoroughly enjoy from beginning to end is Hau Ruck. From the fast, 144+ bpm's of "Free Your Hate" to the gorgeous "Professional Killer" Hau Ruck makes for an entertaining listen. And while the group still doesn't take themselves completely serious that's part of the albums charm; it's over the top, quirky, and yet somehow you find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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Aesthetic Perfection - The Devils In The Details E.P.

Urg, feels like a long time since my last post but I brought you something juicy to make up for being gone so long!!!! See everyone's favorite EBM act Aesthetic Perfect is on tour right now, and they (yes they, Daniel added permanent "live" members) decided to release a tour-only E.P. featuring the new singles, as well as numerous remixes, from the upcoming album All Beauty Destroyed. Luckily enough for us this is the age of teh internetz, people share things! Go forth blogwalkers, go forth and rock!

Get Me!

Crosses - EP [2011]

So this seems to be the bees knees all around the interwebs these days. Chino Moreno has a pretty...pretty voice and he's put it work again.  It's a pretty cool, free download.

RIYL: Deftones or Team Sleep

Neuroticfish - No Instruments (1999)

THIS IS HOW FUTUREPOP IS DONE

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M83 - Saturdays=Youth [2008]

So you should listen to this album to hype yourself for the new double album coming out this year. Besides "We Own The Sky" slays for days.

The Flashbulb - Soundtrack to a Vacant Life

Hey guys, sorry it's been a while, between getting married and starting a new job it's been a busy couple of weeks...

Most of you may know The Flashbulb, if not, this is a quintessential electronic album - it covers just about every genre possible; and is perfect for almost any mood.

You can buy it here.

Seriously, it's $5 for 31 tracks of sheer awesomeness, totally worth supporting.
ch

John Maus - We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves

Although this album is rather well known, it was important that I post this. It is the essential synthpop album of 2011 and must not be missed. Don't miss it.

Dreams Divide - Puppet Love

Synthpop! Well done, juicy synthpop! It would be a misteak to not eat it up.

Unitary - Safe From Harm

It's been a ridiculously long wait, but Unitary has finally released a new album - 12 tracks of futurepop goodness. But is it good?

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Manufactura - The Pleasures of Damned

After ten years of making music, Manufactura have compiled a greatest hits album. The album includes old songs chosen by the fans, two new (unreleased) songs, and a crapload of remixes. It expands two discs of material. If you've never heard of this band before, now is the time to listen! Here's the first song on the compilation:

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Buy

Bluetech: - Rainforest Reverberation

Probably the most overlooked album of the year, Rainforest Reverberation is an incredible electronic album. Although downtempo, it is comprised of funky beats and catchy synths. The music also sounds organic like a rainforest come alive, and is very compelling. Check it out!

Buy or Try

Left Spine Down - Voltage 2.3 Remixed and Revisited

What do you get when you have your only album remixed by the likes of Combichrist, The Birthday Massacre, Angelspit, and KMFDM? One hell of a 20 track album that's what! Each artist adds variety to LSD's already solid tracklist with their own take on "Last Daze" and none get repetitive. The entire album practically oozes fun, ever hear The Birthday Massacre scream anywhere else before??? While this is my first foray into LSD and one really should start with their debut this is too catchy and eclectic to ignore!

Handout

Dealer

Einsturzende Neubauten - Halber Mensch [1985]

There's something quirky about listen to music with lyrics I can't understand, at least for me.  I don't know whether it's the fact that it allows me to focus more on the music or the exotic factor.  In any case Einsturzende Neubauten are a pinnacle industrial act from Germany and this album is one of their best, if not their magnum opus. 

Blackcentr - Disease

VampireFreaks occasionally offers up some good free Industrial, and that's where California natives Blackcentr fall. Apparently they are making waves locally and opened for Combichrist earlier this year so they've got something going for them. One of the first things noticed upon playing Disease is that this a group who really love their beats; each track seems produced so as to bring these to the forefront. The vocals switch between harsh ("Salvation") and some rather nice cleans ("Down") and the synths are noninvasive and normal. For longtime genre listeners or those who are critical about music the E.P. brings to mind one Norwegian industrial group that everybody loves/hates, and while it will help Blackcentr sell I'm glad that they show just enough of a soul that they haven't completely gone Combichrist yet.

Legal and Free

Solar Fake - Frontiers (2011)

Release Date: July 22, 2011

The newest album from the duo that combines futurepop with a few harsh elements. Wasn't expecting this to be excellent or anything, but Frontiers really exceeded my expectations by making it one of the better EBM albums of the year.

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UnterART - Memento

While browsing youtube with a friend we stumbled on UnterART, and I can't emphasis enough how happy that made me. Sadly the band is now defunct (as far as I can find) but this just adds to the appeal; sounding like a mix of Icon Of Coil, Imperative Reaction, and featuring vocals slightly reminiscent of Covenant the group really is instantly catchy to anyone who has a grasp of the futurepop/industrial genre. The synths are driving, the tracks are layered, and slight additions such as guest vocalists make this a fun album to listen to. While I have yet to check out the bands debut I can easily see UnterART making it's way into the hearts of many new listeners.

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Haujobb - Dead Market

Haujobb are back in 2011 with a new sound, and Daniel Myer is a great as ever. While the E.P. is loaded with remixed tracks (and their variety outshines that of the original) the one to watch out for is "Letting The Demons Sleep (Nightmare)." This track features all the glorious, subtle simplicity that Haujobb have always been a master of, yet showcases the catchiness and slight vocal change that makes the E.P. so great to perfection. If you enjoy anything by Daniel Myers I highly recommend you try this, as Haujobb are far from dead, keep an eye out for the groups new album New World March!

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Imperative Reaction - Surface

Imperative Reaction have a new album coming soon, apparently the group enjoyed their creation so much that it is self titled. Surface contains two tracks from the upcoming album, as well as six remixes. Normally I'm not a fan of remixes, but some of these flat out rock! The Shok's Zeitmahl and Under The Surface by Scandy remixes steal the show here, though there's a little something for everyone on the E.P. The group has also stepped up their layering game, and with the vocals becoming slightly subdued it really shows growth and promise for the new album.

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CTRL - Make Things Right (2011)

Release Date: June 1, 2011

On behalf of Hopeless Sound, I apologize to all of our followers for the long absence. But enough chit chat; CTRL is back with another guitar-tinged futurepop album and let me just say that it kills. As much as I love some of CTRL's releases, there are others that I feel are just terrible. Make Things Right was a pleasant surprise where CTRL return to that particular sound that I just love and BOOM, a good album was born. Only problem is that it's short; only 7 songs. But I dare you to skip one.

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Carbon Based Lifeforms - Hydroponic Garden (2003)

Hey everyone, new contributor here =) This is my first post, a nice little bit of chilled out Psybient for your listening pleasure. Great music for listening to on warm summer nights, or the early hours of the morning.

"This space fantasy is a beautiful example of the crystalline textures and deeply moving melodies which a sound journey is capable of attaining in the hands of talented composers such as Johannes Hedberg and Daniel Ringström. Lilting synth compositions accentuate the acidic tribal ambient grooves to hypnotic/trancey effects, evolving into soft and more meditative moments without sliding into isolationism; all the tracks are crafted as aural explorations into altered and elevated state of consciousness and are excellent for drifting off into timeless reflections, orchestral and multilayered sounds for journeys into the vastness of inner landscapes."

Try It.

Buy It.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stgsEP_7E0g