By: Chris Stead

Man and Machines
Self-Titled EP

Not just another Horror-electro group. They give the whole notion of horror-electro a new spin by adding a dual gender sound to their work. The work is cohesive, alluring, a little scary and very dance-able. Nothing like Blood, Guts Rhythm and Steel to get your blood pumping.

Helalyn Flowers
E-Race Generation

The only wish I have is that there were more songs to listen to. Alas this is the European way. Lots of little releases all the time and not as many big albums. No matter, this is electro-rock to pay attention to. Similar to Orgy, yet with a fantastic twist, they have a new album coming and it will behoove you not to miss it.

Regenerator
Disease

I was expecting something a little more dirty industrial than what I got with an album name like disease. If you are looking for electronic music to dance to, this album is your ticket, but if you are accustomed to industrial that is a little more noisy then you might not be as excited. The mixture of Wrex’s rough tones and Synthea’s smooth delivery create an interesting texture. Highlight track is definitely the Blue Oyster Cult classic “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”

Regenerator
Regenerated X

Cool remixes from some more and some less well known artists. Interesting to see remixes from A23, Razed In Black, Front 242 and Collide. One song that particularly caught my ear was “God Is On My Side.” Overall a very enjoyable album.

The Divine Madness
Secrets

This 2-CD juggernaut is worth it’s weight in gold. Smooth and seductive, Victoria’s delivery mixed with instrumental bliss develops a soft, introspective feel to the music; very intelligent. With an interesting play on Milton’s Divine Comedy, Paradiso truly is paradise while Inferno is hellish only when you consider the addiction to the album. My hell would most definitely be being stuck in a world without this album.

Envinity
Empyreal Progeny

A strong second release for Envinity. While some bands suffer from a sophomore slump, Envinity has definitely grown musically from their first release. The writing is better as is the singing. If you are looking for melodic metal this is the album.

Adrian James
Das Gift

With a name like “The Poison” and cogs on the front of the album I was expecting something akin to industrial music. Instead what is offered is some sort of soft rock. Don’t get me wrong, this is a well produced, easy-to-listen-to album that would be great for time spent reading and following intellectual pursuits. It was billed as industrial and I think that it is in need of a recategorization.

Emilie Autumn
Opheliac

What an original sound! Listening to this album is like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes careful, other times seemingly careless, Emilie’s blend of classical and industrial is intriguing. A wonderful listen for anyone looking for something new to add to their collection.

Stromkern
Light It Up

They call themselves a mixture of Rap and Industrial. If this is rap, then they need to stick with Industrial, which they do very well! This is undoubtedly Stromkern’s finest release to date. This album is more cohesive, intelligent and mature than anything I have heard prior from them. The songs are fluid and intelligible, the musicianship, instrumentally is exciting and the rhythmic feel of the album fits well with Ned’s vocal style. Well done.

Ego Likeness
Water to the Dead

The singles that were released from this album were sadly not representative of what Ego Likeness presents on the rest of the album. Their work is rather unexciting and some of their songs fall flat. After the first few songs, the album seems to become some rambling disaster with a rather anti-climactic close.