By: Chris Stead
A Dark Noel
Projekt Records
Let me start by stating that I am personally not a fan of holiday music. That being said I would like to say that I would listen to this album any time, holiday or not. The album starts with a haunting rendition of Carol of the Bells, which is probably my favorite track. Beyond Arcanta’s beautiful rendition, there are several well known artists performing for this compilation, including Voltaire, The Cruxshadows, Black Tape for a Blue Girl and Faith and the Muse. This is the holiday album to get this year both for Goths and non-Goths alike. A masterful collection from a legendary Goth and ambient label.
The Hours
All My Faith Lost…
Projekt Records
Dark and emotional, this moving disc will haunt you. Although the music is produced in a very sparse way, there is a richness that is evident and a deep understanding of how sound moves the emotions. The vocals blend with the instruments to create a rich tapestry that is much more than the vocal part alone. This is not something that you sing along with, but rather something you listen to when you want to be moved.
Abominations
Schoolyard Heroes
Stolen Transmission
Moving away from the ambient sounds of Projekt Records, Schoolyard Heroes, as has been said to me, will F your S up! This is no joke. They don’t screw around, basically it is balls-to-the-wall punk meets metal. They hit hard and fast with no apologies. The singer sites Courtney Love as an influence, but I’ll tell you, Courtney hasn’t got anything on Jonah. She sets you up for the rest of the band to to smack you around. Kind of like a sonic kick in the balls, Schoolyard Heroes is ready to F your S up.
Listen to “Dude, Where’s My Skin?”
Get With the Programs
Synthetic Division
Self Produced
If you are a fan of synth-pop and older Apoptygma Berzerk, Synthetic division might be your new key to happiness. This is dance-able in the same kind of way that Wolfsheim and Covenant are. This two-man group out of Charlottesville are taking a Goth club staple and making it their own. The disc is crisp and fresh sounding. Some of the music has a very distinct 80’s flavor like in the track “Did I Ever Tell You?” Interesting act, definitely worth a look.
