By: Chris Stead

Emilie Autumn
Laced/Unlaced
2007

Being that this is Laced and Unlaced (i.e. Her corset) then it would only make sense that the Laced CD is much more of her classical roots. It is in spades. If you are looking for some well-produced and well-played classical music, this is the CD for you. I can’t think of many people that can argue with Bach, Corelli and the like. If, however you were much more enamored with her previous effort, Opheliac, then Unlaced is for you. Emilie describes her music as Violindustrial. I think that some of the songs a little more Violinwave, but all the same, very enjoyable. Definitely a unique take on a wonderful instrument from a talented artist.

Skinny Puppy
Mythmaker
2007

I am addicted. Every time that I take this CD out of my CD player, it goes right back in. There is not a bad track on the album. If you liked Greater Wrong of the Right, you will definitely like this. If you are a Skinny Puppy fan of old, this may or may not suit you. The composition, lyrical content and even the track ordering leave nothing to be desired. Mind you, this is not Greater Wrong of the Right part 2. It is different. There is musical growth and that is always key.

VNV Nation
Judgement
2007

If you are a fan of VNV Nation from the days of Praise the Fallen and Empires then about half of the tracks on this album are for you. However the other tracks are experiments in a trend that they have been following since Futureperfect. I am still not sure how I feel about this. I enjoy electronic music, but I feel that there is something amiss with Futureperfect and Matter + Form. All the same, I would have to say that for the die-hard VNV fan this will definitely be a good addition to your collection.

The Horrors
Strange House
2007

This is a fun romp through the punk-influenced Goth music of yesteryear. Just when I was starting to believe that those days were gone, The Horrors renewed my faith. The music is catchy and fun, but at the same time I don’t feel like bopping around the house like a Goth full of uppers. There is still something dark hiding underneath it all.

Ex-Voto
Doloroso
2006

Though the name of this album is “Painful” the music is not. The songs are worthy of a legendary band such as Ex-Voto. They have been around since the neo-batcave era and time has proven to be their friend musically. Every song creates its own atmosphere and tells a unique story. The best part of this is that no matter where the CD is started the listener doesn’t lose what is being said. This is something that I wish other artists would emulate more: an album full of great music rather than an album that supports a single.

Ostia
Between Two Cities
2007

Ethergoth is back. This album is soothing and enjoyable. Between Two Cities is very reminiscent of some of the sounds that were coming from artists on Projekt records in the late nineties. There is something cold about the music, but at the same time very relieving. If you enjoyed Soul Whirling Somewhere and especially Lycia, then you must check this album out.

Mankind is Obsolete
Rise
2007

There are not enough good things that I can say about this album. I have heard people say that coldwave is dead, but I think it was simply lying dormant until the right group came along. Then we got Mankind is Obsolete. Female fronted and edgy, this album is a good way to let your emotions out. Some of the songs are hard driving guitar-driven industrial, while other are softer, more reflective songs. The important thing to note is that the emotional changes feel natural, as if the album were meant to tell a story. Without a doubt, the opening track, “Still Right Here” is the standout track, but listen all the way through, there is a lot to hear and you don’t want to miss out.

Older Albums

Ostia
From The Aether
1997

This whole album flows like the ocean, which is conveniently pictured on the cover. Once you start in, you can’t stop listening. The album moves fluidly from one track to another in a comfortable, easy kind of way. Ethereal is the best way to describe this album, but that would be too obvious given the title, so let us say that the album is emotionally sensual.

Mankind is Obsolete
Metamorph
2003

Although a good introduction to the sound of MKIO, sadly I feel that Rise is a far superior album. I think there was still a little work being done to find the right sound, so at times the album could feel a little disjointed. This is definitely worth getting to complete the collection, but I would start with Rise and then move to this album.