Gothic Topic
In an age when most label artists are pumping out less than 45 minutes worth of music, it is a refreshing to see the underground giving the consumer much more for their money. Resistor is the latest compilation from Nilaihah Records which supplies close to 75 minutes of pure musical enchantment. Some time ago, when vinyl was being replaced by the compact disc, consumers were told that the CD will house more music, so you will get more for your money. The prices went up but I have yet to see any major label give more than 35 minutes, much less 45 minutes for any recorded work thus far. Goddess bless the underground movement and the phenomenal artists who are making a difference to stretch our buying dollars and giving us more entertainment for our hard earned cash. That digression aside, I must tell you folks, Resistor is one of those compilations you will want to put high up on your shopping list. Many of these tracks have been unreleased previously and some are exclusive edits for this compilation. I will even go out on a limb here to state if you buy this CD and are NOT happy I am willing to buy it from you!! I doubt there will be ANY returns though; it is just THAT good.

To quote the liner notes, "Resistor is a combination of EBM, Electro, Darkwave, and Gothic sounds that blend as one dynamic force." Needless to say, this is wall to wall sonic sound, expert vocal harmonics and pumping music to make your day or night much more bearable. Fiction 8 opens the disc with "Let Go" which pumps a mid range bass beat that will have you addicted to the sound in 33 seconds. This song is so good in fact that I am scouting around for other releases by this group. God Module has the most exquisite electronic harmonics with overlaid sotto voce female vocals and vocoder style singing. I can't even compare this to anything I have ever heard before since it is that fresh and new sounding. The Azoic veer into an electronic medium which is unlike their previous dark and eerie work which I have come to love beyond belief. "Progression," their latest song, demonstrates Kristy's vocals in top form. This song manages to create a haunting electronic backdrop to pulsating dark electro dance music. TNV w/Athan Maroulis, offer sensuous electronics with great pelvic pounding grooves. Athan, by the way, is the remarkable genius who brought us the Cleopatra compilation, "The Unquiet Grave," which also featured a number of unknown bands at the time. Many on that compilation have since gone on to make a name for themselves in the underground as well. Distorted Reality is another band that you have heard somewhere and are not sure where. This song, "In My Dreams," was not released in the US previously. Most DJ's who have played this song are in the "know" and managed to get it through various channels. However they got it, it was worth every penny. Lovely female vocals and harmonies blend around electronic rhythms that vacillate between softly warm tones to high edged cold darkness. Inertia's "Regime" is a hard edged electronic EBM that grabs you by the shirt and flings you up against the wall. You like it so much that you will come back begging for MORE! Bio-Tek marries eerie tones with EBM with vocals that you can actually understand! It is a dark song of an almost science fiction nature. A couple of movie like soundbytes are blended in with the music that fit perfectly with the body of the music. This Ascension is a band that I was introduced to by NY Gothic Goddess, Mistress McCutchan. Mistress happened to DJ one night and out of the realm of the darkness came this luscious, almost operatic, pagan style vocalist with the most intriguing rhythms. Needless to say, the sound stayed with me for some time that I just HAD to go shopping at Middle Pillar ( www.middlepillar.com ) to pick up the latest CD "SEVER" by this group. On this compilation, the song "I Wish" is re-mixed for a dance club friendly outing. Magenta's "Eccentricity" is also on the Unquiet Grave compilation, but it is SO good that owning it in two places does not bother me in the least. This group has a full release out, but it is a Euro pressing, so if you see it available, GET IT. Otherwise you will pay through the nose like I did sending to Europe to get it. Heavy Water Factory creates a dark ambient sound that coalesces into a gentle electronic background with impassioned vocals. A minute into the song and you are segued into a sonic dance rhythm to cart you off across the dance floor. The Strand utilized a voice sample at the opening of the song that questions our own reality. The male vocals are compressed and somewhat angry while the female voice takes us into the heavy layers of a song that wont let you sit still. Manhole Vortex created so many hybrids that to pinpoint the style is near impossible. It falls under all the categories including Euro pop but in no way is schmaltzy. Autumn is a favorite among many and with good reason. This compilation provides us with an EXCLUSIVE edit for the song "Still Breathing" with vocals that are as lush and as passionate as ever. Advent Sleep/Anita Haxsaw is a promo only cut that will confirm your status as a fan after hearing this. The combined work of Advent Sleep with Anita Haxsaw on vocals works really well is among Ms. Haxsaw's finest works. The Machine in the Garden pretty much owns the New York goth underground and a few other locales as well. They have a hard driven electronic and rock sound with sexy female vocals that reminds one of the spider welcoming the fly. Seductively lethal and inviting like a siren in the sea drawing the sailors to their ultimate doom. Attrition provided a "live" version of the song "The Mercy Machine" that sounds like it came from a top studio. Oneiroid Psychosis provided an exclusive track for this compilation as well. They create a dark hybrid of goth, electronic and gloom that makes you grateful to be among the dark music fans of the world.

All things being said, RESISTOR is not a compilation you want to put off purchasing. Generally I don't push people to spend money in any kind of way, but you just HAVE to have this recording. There is a little of something for everyone which is good if you have non-goth friends as well. This is one of those discs I have played constantly. (Michael Ventarola) --- Gothic Topic's website

Grinding into Emptiness
I must admit, the only reason I got this CD originally was because it has one song on it that I've been trying to find for about six months, but I was informed that this was a great dance industrial comp, so I decided to pick it up. I'm quite glad I did because it has some great stuff on it. The one track I was searching for, Magenta's "Eccentricity" is one of the best tracks, but there are many others that are equally appealing. The track from Magenta originally came out on the band's 1997 EP "Secret Sky," which is extremely had to find, but this is the second compilation it has appeared on this year. Another of my favorite tracks is "Let Go" from Fiction 8, one of the best industrial dance tracks to come out this year. Some other favorites include God Module's "Resurrection" and "Cleanse" from The Strand.

Manhole Vortex contributes "Loss," almost sounding like an electronic version of The Psychedelic Furs meets Thomas Dolby. Heavy Water Factor, who have been getting some excellent reviews in the struggling world of EBM, appears here with "Translucent Amber," a peaceful but fast-moving track that will keep your feet moving. I was also pleased to hear the track from This Ascension, an exclusive mix for this disc, as are the tracks from Autumn and Bio-Tek. Most of This Ascension's material that I have heard has been relatively somber, but this one is very upbeat and melodic. "In My Dream" from Distorted Reality combines two seemingly incompatible divisions of music, with dark gothic-like female vocals over a techno-ish beat. Attrition does an interesting live version of "The Mercy Machine," originally from their 1993 CD The Hidden Agenda.

If you're looking for a good industrial compilation to dance to, this one should be at the top of your list, it's definitely worth a listen. (arron) ---Grinding into Emptiness

Hidden Sanctuary Radio
"...This disc has CLASSIC written all over it. 17 cuts of pure, fabulous, wall to wall sonic sound..." (Mike) --- Hidden Santuary's website

The Industrial Bible
The Resistor compilation is the 4th release for Nilaihah Records, home of The Azoic and Oneiroid Psychosis.) Captured within this CD are 17 tracks of pure electro dance bliss. One really nice thing about this compilation is the diversity between the sounds and styles of all of the artists involved. Another great thing is the abundance of exclusive / rare tracks, 13 in all. Fiction 8, who I haven't anything from in years, start off the CD with Lets Go, a thick electronic piece with shared male / female vocals, a pounding beat, and crisp synths. Next up are God Module and their contribution, Resurrection. Recently signed to Inception Records, God Module has a very mature, Euro influenced sound that is both dark and highly danceable. Driven by a hard beat, squeaky synth patterns, and robotic sounding vocals, both Resurrection and God Module themselves are sure to be a hit! Progression by The Azoic is a very clean piece comprised by Kristy's sensuous vocals, hollow sounding beats, and wavering electronics. This piece changes many times within its 4 ½ minute boundary, giving it a fresh sound every time around. Televisual by TNV (featuring Athan Maroulis of Spahn Ranch fame) couples a slowed down retro EBM beat together with a thudding rhythm, minimal guitar sounds, and Athan's unmistakable vocals. Anyone remember Deep Red? That south Florida band that were once signed to Project Pitchfork's Candyland label? Well the lead singer from Deep Red, Martha M. Arce is back with a new project entitled Distorted Reality. Their piece, In My Dreams, combines a wonderful break-beat with a combination of Martha's sweeping vocals and passionate whispers. The electronics are equally as strong, ranging from the ethereal backing synths to the metallic rhythm. London's Inertia struck back last year with Negative Prime, their second true full length. One of the tracks from that CD, Regime, is presented next. Inertia creates fast-paced electro dance pieces for those who absolutely love the 404 and 808 sounds. Twittering synths and hard-hitting beats are joined together in perfect harmony on Regime. With more side-projects than I have white corpuscles, Jonathan Sharp (aka New Mind, Hexedene, Hyperdex-1-Sect, etc. etc. etc.) utilizes his Bio-Tek project to present him work on Resistor. With its thundering beats, gruff vocals, a turbo-charged rhythm, and a smattering of samples, Shield is an electro-heads dream. Blissful strings, operatic vocals, and a stalwart beat are all combined beautifully on I Wish by This Ascension. Continuing in this darkwave pattern is Magenta with their track, Eccentricity. I'm a sucker for breathy female vocals and, combine that with mild electric guitar background sounds and a steady beat and you'll have Eccentricity. Jesse McClear has been around for quite some time now (working under the name Heavy Water Factory) and I've never felt that he's gotten the recognition he so rightly deserves. With Translucent Amber (which is also the name of Heavy Water Factory's latest CD) McClear takes on a more intelligent dance music style by joining a rolling beat, aquatic synths, and toned down vocals. Also found in the mix are some ever-so-slight guitar sounds, but you have to listen hard to hear them. Arizona spawns a monster with The Strand. With Cleanse, The Strand tread down the coldwave path vocally, but musically they veer off onto a solid electro trail and even add in a dash of refreshing female vocals. Very nicely done. Manhole Vortex has been kicking around the underground US electro scene for years upon years. The Rev. has also been spotted at several Assemblage 23 shows, dancing naked while monkeyboy spreads cream cheese all over his body, but we won't go there. On Loss, Manhole Vortex surprise me with their more laid back approach to electro. There's an abundance of sounds shifting about throughout this track over top of a solid beat and beneath the calmly delivered vocals. Swaying over to the gothic side of things, Autumn's Still Breathing displays the band's very confident vocalist, who has amazing control over her delivery. Underneath her astonishing vocals the music is a hybrid of dark electronics and superbly orchestrated beats. Both enigmatic and subdued, Guardian Angel by Advent Sleep / Anita Haxsaw is another goth structured piece that is constructed with robust beats, lofty vocals (I can't help but to make the comparison to Bjork), and clinky electronics. The Machine in the Garden's Control is a more rugged goth piece that relies on the heavier guitar sounds, whimsical vocals, and mild electronics to carry it through. A live version of The Mercy Machine by Attrition is next. This is an early 90's Attrition track that finds them utilizing weighty electronics beneath the shared male / female vocals. While the electronics on this piece are harsher than those they use today, there is still that bit of light atmosphere found in the vaporous female vocals. Resistor rounds itself out with an exclusive Oneiroid Psychosis track entitled Non Omnis Moriar. Non Omnis Moriar is an ebbing darkwave piece that has some dark elements found within its electronic structure, especially the bombastic bass drum beats and the ghostly vocals. Resistor is one of the few compilations that I truly enjoyed from start to finish. Mega thanks to the joint forces that be (Arts Industria and Niliahah Records) for putting out such a high caliber product. (Dachar) --- The Industrial Bible's website

Legends Magazine
Out of Ohio comes the latest round of new and upcomers in the industrial/darkwave/electronica gambit. Nialaihah Records, home of deep and dark favorites The Azoic and Oneiroid Psychosis, has just released their latest CD - a compilation bearing the name Resistor. Emblazoned with a wonderful slogan: "A dissipation of energy that resists the current flow," Resistor is, for all intents and purposes, an absolutely phenomenal compilation release. Macross of In Perpetual Motion (http://www.gothicindustrial.com) lauded it greatly when it first arrived in my hands and I casually mentioned it to him, spurring me to immediately cut off whatever it was that was playing at the time to begin this. And I wasn't disappointed.

A combined effort of Nialaihah and Arts Industria, the folks behind Resistor include the voice of The Azoic, Kristy Venrick. Joining forces with her is Paul Seegers of Arts Industria and the sound master, Steve Laskarides. A highlight of the compilation that I must mention is the inclusion of quite a few female fronted industrial/electronic acts: The Azoic of course, Distorted Reality (a favorite of mine), This Ascension (Dru rawks my world), The Machine In The Garden (awesome live performers) and others. Additionally Resistor is 17 tracks long - seventeen! And not one is a downer, leaving you with a near dual-length collection of some great material, much of it previously unreleased and brand spanking new. So let's begin - track by track, band by band, groove by groove.

Fiction 8 - Let's Go - I'm not sure how, but somewhere between studio time working on their upcoming third release, Tales from the Prophecy Club, Michael Smith, Steven Hart and Paisli have found the time to pass along to Nilaihah their single Let's Go for the compilation. Previously unreleased, it is possible this is an upcoming track from Tales from the Prophecy Club - I'm not sure. But nonetheless, Kristy couldn't have picked a better opening to Resistor. Smooth, rhythmic, a bright keyboard melody, awesome heavy-beat breakdowns, subdued vocals. A very complicated arrangement and very well put together. The chorus is amazingly catchy and begs you to sing with them. "Why can't you let go? Let go!"
God Module - Resurrection - The band name alone is great. Kicking off with more melodic synth-work, Resurrection is a dancefloor classic in the making. Stomping bass lines kick in to pound through you, effecting every dancing neuron in your brain. Metal-tinged, just-a-hint of whiny vocals coalesce just under the beats. Based out of Florida, God Module are Andrew and Jasyn, attempting (and succeeding quite nicely) to meld synth-pop elements with hard-beat electro. And they're just about done with their own debut release - Artificial. Resurrection was also unreleased prior to its appearance on Resistor.
The Azoic - Progression - If I was mad about Kristy Venrick before after being introduced to her on The Azoic and spinning Resistor, I'm in love by track three. Joining with Steve Laskarides to form the darkwave genius of The Azoic, this is a side that you haven't heard yet. Previously unreleased, Progression is a deeper, faster and more synth-pop style that I remember from their last, more ambient and darkwave style releases. It's a refreshing change as the group show they can pick up the pace just as much as any.
TNV w/Athan Maroulis - Televisual - Adding in a little bit more of the deeper, darker, more-bass, less synthesizer sounds, Televisual makes its US debut here on Resistor. Featuring the voice of Athan Maroulis of Spahn Ranch, TNV provides a harsher and more riveting, less-poppy track to the compilation. Rhythm is bass-ridden and vocals are powerful and up front, a forefront of the arrangement.
Distorted Reality - In My Dream - I had the luck of receiving this track on a demo I received a while back (reviewed in Legends #88), so I've already had the pleasure to swoon to the sounds of the female-fronted Distorted Reality. Featuring the sweet yet strong vocals of Martha M. Arce and the programming of Christian Kobusch, Distorted Reality's In My Dream is a bright and rhythmic piece of music. Martha's vocals are extraordinary - it's not something you're soon to forget after the song has ended.
Inertia - Regime - German artist Reza Udhin forms the core of Inertia, a German industrial act formed in 1994 from the ashes of former band Mutagenic. Previously released on a Nightbreed compilation, Regime is a sonic barrage of old-skool, Mentallo And The Fixer style industrial programming. The beats are strong, the vocals subdued and hiding from you, the synthesizers keeping that nostalgic computeresque sequencing. Play this one over the dance floor and watch the old crusty industrialites come out and crush the new-fangled.
Bio-Tek - Shield - A Resistor highlight, Bio-Tek is fresh from their Punishment for Decadence release on Doppler Effect which followed two previous releases on Zoth Ommog - a great among German industrial. With near-constant keyboard chords under which is laid a riveting drum track and vocals with just a tinge of growl, Shield is an amazing piece of work. You know damn well I'll be dropping these guys a line for a review request. This is another you can pivot over a dancefloor with similar effects as the previous Regime. And this mix of Shield is exclusive to Resistor.
This Ascension - Wish - Going from deep German industrial into the ethereal/folk-like Wish from This Ascension. I can't get enough of this group. I just completed a barrage of interview questions for this California sextuplet just a few days ago after lavishing their latest release, Sever, in another review. In the interview I asked which version of Wish appeared here - I fear I've answered my own question - the John A. Rivers remix of course. This Ascension is a band of six that meld so well together to create beautiful and moving arrangements, even Dru's vocals becoming an instrument in itself alongside the others.
Magenta - Eccentricity - Keeping the female-fronted ethereal-style flow going, on Eccentricity from Magenta the vocals are deep and sultry. Guitars help the drum track keep rhythm with precisely placed and executed cuts. The track has a deeper groan to it overall, contradicted by the female vocals during the chorus that meld with the guitars.
Heavy Water Factory - Translucent Amber - Heavy Water Factory contribute the nominal track from their just-released CD, Translucent Amber, for this compilation. A heavier industrial feel returns again, harking back to older style Mentallo with lots of chunky bass and drum pounds. Rhythm breakdowns are fast-paced and precise, vocals subdued just under a mirage of anguish with breathy tones and a touch of whisper.
The Strand - Cleanse - Taking a techno stance, The Strand's Cleanse is a highlight track of the compilation. Scream/breathy vocals and well-placed monologue samples, ambient-style keyboards and heavy-riff guitar-like keyboards make up Cleanse. Dave Levy (Strand) is the guiding force of this vision. The Strand are one of the largest industrial-electronic bands I've come across. Backing vocals are by Kim Brown.
Manhole Vortex - Loss - Another previously unreleased track, Loss is rife with ambient/ethereal keyboard style and a heavy rhythm. The drums/percussion are actually quite heavy and pile against each other a bit much, but the brightness of the keyboards during chorus periods helps to lift the song up more. Manhole Vortex is one of Arts Industria's contributions to Resistor.
Autumn - Still Breathing - Another female fronted electro unit, Autumn has powerful vocals compliments of Julie Plante, comforting and subdued keyboard chorales from Neil McKay and rhythmic bass movements from Jeff Leyda. Another band from the Tess Records label that holds This Ascension, Still Breathing has a lot of sound to it - keyboards rise to a crescendo as Julie's voice grows stronger and stronger.
Advent Sleep/Anita Haxsaw - Guardian Angel - A promo track from the one and only Advent Sleep appears on track 14. Opening with electric guitars and growing percussion. Also fronted by female vocals, the guitars are a refreshing change from the previous tracks of Resistor. Anita Haxsaw does a find job of continuing our womanly tread on the latter portion of the compilation.
The Machine In The Garden - Control - The Texas duo of Roger Frace and Summer Bowman (who let me buy her a drink once [swoon]) offer up Control from their latest release via Middle Pillar Presents (reviewed in Legends #91). A guitar-heavy track, Control is an amazing piece of work and is only more so when performed live. Ethereal keyboards climb and twist as the guitars strokes remain precise and controlled, yet with just that hint of chaos. Summer is an amazing vocalist to round off the piece.
Attrition - The Mercy Machine - A wonderful surprise on the sixteenth track of Resistor with a live track! Attrition's The Mercy Machine is a sample-laden barrage with orgasmic female sighs and a heavy, oh-so-stompable bass/drum line. The samples are some of the most memorable I've heard in both placement, clarity and perfect choice. Vocals are growled or sighed, dependent on whether or not it is Martin Bowes or his female counterpart's turn to speak, just under the twisty-computer-blip synthesizer and oozing between the rumbling/droning bass. Punctuated by guitar hits and the "HELP ME!" screams of some unknown sampling, long-time UK favorites kick out a highlight to Resistor.
Oneiroid Psychosis - Non Omnis Moriar - The final track. Choosing to close with one of her own, Kristy places the exclusive, here-only, Non Omnis Moriar from fellow label mates Oneiroid Psychosis on track 17. Closing beautifully with classical flair and ambient keys, NOM bring Resistor to a comfortable, deep down ending. Not like a period ending a sentence, but more like an ellipse wonting more to come…

In the course of writing this lengthy review I did finally come up with something I didn't like about Resistor. Something indeed quite bad. You see, now I can't decide whether I want Kristy to head back to the studio with Steve and record more from The Azoic, or whether I want her to hang out with Arts Industria more and put together another compilation. (Marcus Pan)


Morbid Outlook

Here are our top ten “musts” compiled from the answers of a survey conducted via e-mail (on our very own e-list, Twilight, Goth/Industrial NY-NJ, and Gothik, to name a few...)

1. Resistor - Nilahah Records
“Dark and dancy” as Dru of This Ascension puts it! According to our survey results, this was the most popular comp of our audience.
--- Morbid Outlook's website


Movement Magazine
RESISTOR
Compilation
Nilaihah Records

I love getting compilations. Especially when most of the bands are unfamiliar to me. It is delving into the unknown in a sense, you never know what you are going to come across. I have been exposed to so many great bands by purchasing compilations,so I am always on the prowl for ones that look interesting. This particular compilation is a rare treat. I was familiar with threebands on this CD, and the rest were totally foreign to me. Just about every band presented here has something great to offer.Resistor covers a wide spectrum of music such as, industrial, ebm/electro, and gothic/darkwave. Also, many of the tracks are unreleased which is another great reason to own this CD. The first track is by "Fiction 8". It is immediately catchy, very danceable, and just a fantastic song. It is followed by two more incredible bands, "God Module, and The Azoic". One band that really surprised me was, "The Machine In The Garden." Great female vocals, blended with a dark driving electro beat, mixed with heavy guitar parts. As a matter of fact, there were several bands on this CD, that had female vocalists. Distorted Reality, This Ascension, Autumn, Magenta, Advent Sleep, The Azoic and Oneiroid Psychosis" all had female vocalist as well, and they were all very good. My favorite had to be the singer from "Autumn." I had heard them previously and was very impressed with her incredible voice.Some of the other great bands that I thought really stood out were, "Inertia, The Strand, and Manhole Vortex. I think the only band that I really did not care for was Attrition. I know that they have been around for some time, but I have never really cared for their music. It was not terrible or anything, but as far as I was concerned it was the only weak track on this CD. I have to say that by far "Fiction 8, God Module, and The Machine In The Garden really blew me away. Especially "Fiction 8." I will definitely be getting their CD's very soon. This 17 track compilation is definitely worth the money, and with all the unreleased tracks as a bonus, what more could you ask for?
Movement Magazine's website

Negative Pop
In the liner notes of this fantastic compilation, “resistor” is defined as a dissipation of energy that resists the current flow. So it is with this delightful elektro-dance compilation put out by my favorite little independent label, Nilaihah records. This compilation features Nilaihah artists such as the Azoic, Fiction 8, and Oneiroid Psychosis, but also tosses in quite a few from other independent label artists such as Tess Records’ Autumn and This Ascension. This is one of the better compilations I heard in the past year, and I definitely recommend it for any fan of electro-dance music.

Fiction 8 is one of Nilaihah’s up-and-coming industrial-dance bands, whose track “Let Go” has been getting rather a lot of club-play in the past year. Its an irresistibly catchy little song. I also really like God Module’s song “Resurrection”. Very thumpy and electronic and dark, perfect for stomping. (If you can find it, check out my friend Klugenratte’s remix of this song, “Resurrection ( Klugenratte Industrial Underworld Mix)”)

The Azoic’s wildly popular track “Progression” makes an appearance here, but I won’t say too much about that. If you’ve read last months column you know that I’m simply WILD about the Azoic and hence, won’t gush and waste space here when I”ve already gushed madly in a review of their album Forward.

I was very pleased with the track “In My Dream” by newcomers Distorted Reality. It’s a very fast, syncopated dance track with sprawling electronics and gorgeous female vocals topping it off. Inertia and Bio-Tek contribute dark, thumping, tightly-controlled elektro anthems that mostly make me want to punch a lot. That is not a bad thing.

“Resistor is a combination of Industrial, EBM, Electro, Darkwave and Gothic sounds that blend as one dynamic force”. The goth/darkwave contingent is represented on this album by the female-fronted bands This Ascension, Magenta, Autumn, and the Machine In the Garden. Each combines lovely heavenly female vox with danceable elements. This Ascension’s “I Wish” has a more medieval feel to it with the use of choral vocals and hammered dulcimer. Magenta, on the other hand, is definitely “woo-woo” ghosty goth. Autumn’s track “Still Breathing” happens to be one of my favorites off their album “Return to the Breath”, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it compiled here. Julie Plante’s vocals are marvelous and strong and un-wispy. Not that I mind wispy, I’ll have you know, but sometimes strength and power is a “breath of fresh air” if you’ll forgive the pun. The Machine in the Garden’s contribution, “Control”, is great goth-prog-rock with Summer’s beautiful vocals highlighting the great guitar and bass-work. A few other female voices are represented with the addition of The Strand’s “Cleanse” with its back-and-forth male-female lyrics (a great dance track!) and Advent Sleep’s track “Guardian Angel” featuring Anita Haxsaw.

What I like best about this compilation is the various moods it moves through as it goes --- from ethereal-goth through hard ebm to industrial, it features only quality work. I would be remiss not mentioning the the fantastic elektro dance contributions of Heavy Water Factory with “Translucent Amber” and Manhole Vortex with “Loss”. Even dark electronic legend Attrition is represented here, as well as the more atmospheric electronic act Oneiroid Psychosis. The only small flaw (as I see it) in this work is the inclusion of “Televisual” by TNV w/ Athan Maroulis. It’s not bad, but its only slightly more than OK, a bit plodding and by-numbers, and one of those tracks I skip every time. Kudos are in order to the fine folks at Nilaihah who put out this great compilation; its definitely one to take with when travelling.

Rating: Dark dancey goodness
4.5 Stars out of 5
Recommended if you like: Industrial, electronic, darkwave, or goth music of any variety
Negative Pop's website

Outburn
issue #12 - May 2000
EBM, Industrial and Darkwave comp featuring unreleased tracks and female vocalists from the cream of the darkmusic crop.
With so many comps on the market, it's hard to distinguish one from the other! But no comp so far this year has been able to capture so much excellent and danceable music on one disc… until "resistor", that is! The disc kicks off with a wonderful track from Fiction 8 that I can't seem to get out of my head, called "Let Go"… it gets things started in style with an irresistible beat and wonderful atmospherics, culminating in possibly THE dance floor song of 2000! Florida based God Module hits hard and fast with the thumping synth bass of "Resurrection", before we get to darkwave darlings the Azoic. Their newest song "Progression" strays a bit from the darkness of earlier pieces, with more of a focus on keeping your ass moving, with exquisite vocals from Ms. Kristy Venrick. The poppiest song by far comes from another great Florida band, Distorted Reality… it forays into melodic drum and bass that just blows me away, despite my aversion to techno! The fabulous Norwegian band Magenta show up with a song sure to please any fans of guitar based dance music in the vein of Garbage and Curve… Other standout tracks on this wonderful comp come in the way of hard-hitting industrial cuts from Bio-Tek, Inertia and TNV (featuring Athan Maroulis from Spahn Ranch), as well as appearances from ethereal goth faves This Ascension, appearing with the Rivers mix of "I Wish", the deliciously dark song from Advent Sleep (with Anita Haxsaw), which has wonderful female vocals similar to Sarah McLachlan mixed with Bjork. The Machine in the Garden and Autumn also make impressive appearances here, along with a cool live version of "the Mercy Machine" from UK darkwave favs Attrition. The comp closes out with the dark orchestrations of "Non Omnis Moriar", an exclusive track from the delightfully dark Oneiroid Psychosis. This comp is by far the best representation of the current state of Industrial, Darkwave and EBM available, especially for you female vocals lovers out there… if you buy any comps this year, this should be first on your list! (Gary Thrasher)--- OUTBURN's website

Sequencer Magazine

This superb compilation from this new American label promotes itself as `an electro dance compilation` but it`s actually much more than that,as the inner sleeve notes reveal. The music herein will appeal to electro goth,ethereal symphonic & darkwave fans as well as those who enjoy the many forms of electro now prevalent within the scene. Another bonus is that many of the tracks are unreleased, including the opening track from Fiction 8, whose up-tempo electro sound is perfectly demonstrated by `Let Go`.accessable but harsh & danceable as hell. Pretty much the same can be said for the following track from the new US sensation God Module, whose `Resurrection` leans more towards the European standards of Evil`s Toy, etc. Pacey & euphoric, the vocodered vocals give the track a more individual edge. Electro fans will also enjoy the harsh EBM of Inertia as well as `Televisual`, the offering from Spahn Ranch frontman Athan Maroulis` latest side project TNV. The booming beats play host to some soaring melodic & sequenced drives with Maroulis` velvet smooth vocal delivery topping the whole thing off. The OK`s Bio-Tek (AKA Johnathan Sharp) offer a typically dark slice of electro-industrial with `Shield` while the strangely named Manhole Vortex, from the States are represented by a superb up-tempo number entitled `Loss` ,the upbeat feel of the track hardly echoing the title. Another US band, The Azoic, offer a slightly more downbeat take on the electro style with the understated female vocals complimenting the music perfectly. The styles of gothic & related music have always been full of talented female musicians & vocalists & a number of tracks here benefit from the female touch, including The Strand`s electro offering `Cleanse` with the vocals of Kim Brown contrasting with Dave Strand`s harsher delivery. Magenta also boast a most talented female vocalist with a strongly ethereal voice on `Eccentricity` which succesfully bridges the gap between ethereal goth & rock. Majestic & full of emotion this is another superb track as is Autumn`s deliciously dark & soulful `Still Breathing` which cannot fail to send shivers down the spine, such is the emotional content of this track. Anita Haxsaw teams up with Advent Sleep on `Guardian Angel` & she turns in another assured vocal performance with a style somewhere between Siouxsie Sioux & Kate Bush while the music is just about the most accoustic to be found here, bar the bass that voices that appear here & there. The Machine In The Garden should appeal to fans of The Cult with their heavy rock style while Heavy Water Factory offer the album`s one weak spot. Their `Translucent Amber` just seems a bit wishy- washy & lacklustre despite the drum & bass influenced rhythms. Distorted Reality do a better job of incorporating these influences into their music with `In My Dream` which just leaves Attrittion & Oneiroid Psychosis to finish the album with the former`s dark,minimalistic electro style contrasting sharply with the latter`s symphonic soundtrack-like influences. A heavy rhythmic presence makes for a darkly overwhelming feel which is helped by the impenetrable symphonic mass,this is no easy listening music! As compilations go,this stands up there with the best of them,managing to showcase different styles whilst retaining a cohesive centre ,this is recommended without question. (Carl Jenkinson) ---Sequencer Magazine

The Sentimentalist
issue #4 - Spring/Summer
Resistor is Nilaihah's collection of Industrial, EBM, electro, darkwave, and gothic bands. The majority of these tracks are listed as unreleased ... and the CD really captures the true essence of the electronica of today in all its diverse forms. There is not a bad track on the whole CD. Songs of special note: Distorted Reality's "In My Dream", This Ascension's "I Wish" (the hammered dulcimer really makes this song), Magenta's slow and sultry "Eccentricity", The Strand's (Devo meets Heaven 17) "Cleanse". I am a little suprised to see Autumn on this type of electronic CD, but their track definitely fits in and adds its own dynamic to the compilation. Advent Sleep's "Guardian Angel" is also a really enjoyable track, reminding me a little of Bjork's solo work, and a bit of a departure from previous Advent Sleep material I've heard. Other favorites are the Machine in the Gare's "Control" and Attrition's "The Mercy Machine". True to it's claims, a compilation of some of the best electro artists around today. (CD) of The Sentimentalist

Spirit in the Sky - #80 - May 2000
Brand new, hot off the press, top notch US compilation featuring the likes of Bio-Tek, Inertia, and Attrition. The compilers have made a real effort to make this something a bit different, by seeking out exclusive edit's promo's, live, and unreleased tracks. The packaging is also pretty stylish. All in all a quality product which stands head and shoulders amongst a whole bunch of similar projects which have flooded the market. Perhaps even the best compilation in years as it contains something for everyone. Delightful. - 74 minutes of thought provoking electro. Seek this out! (5/5) -- Stephen of Spirit in the Sky

Starvox
This comp is a MUST for darkwave/EBM DJ’s. Comprised by Nilaihah Records, this release features big name acts as well as up and coming acts, united by the frequent use of female vocals. There are remixes, alternate versions, and altogether unreleased material featured here, and in all honesty, every song has a memorable quality and every song is dance floor friendly.

Some tracks stand out to me more than others, The Azoic of course, always being one of my favourite bands, have contributed “Progression,” sort of a teaser of what is to come with their third full length release later this year. Kristy’s voice is smoother and more resonant than ever! An excellent track, further along the synth-pop edge than the oppressive frightening style they have been moving away from since their first release. Which is disappointing yet exciting at the same time to witness their maturity and ascension into a new realm they are obviously more comfortable with. Though still very dark, the song is more polished and electronic. Athan Maroulis of Spahn Ranch appears with TNV for “Televisiual,” which is one of the tracks featuring exclusively male vocals. Very cool, I think anyone would make an exception for Athan to sing! A breathtakingly beautiful contribution from a band called Distorted Reality highlights this disc for me. “In My Dream” is a hypnotic track, with sweet female vocals and great techno break beats. A beautiful and driving track, with a great melancholic vibe. Simply gorgeous and has me on a quest to find more material from this Florida act! The offerings from This Ascension and Autumn are also standout tracks, as both bands driving, anguished Goth Rock sound as been slightly modified with an electronic edge. Yet still present are those powerful, deep female vocals to retain what fans are already familiar with and love about these acts. Advent Sleep surprised me, as I find their usual style of metallic Goth rock sort of trite and tiresome, this was pretty cool. Wrought with feeling and spooky watery guitar and female vocals from Anita Haxsaw (lol! What a name!). Very cool surprise… Attrition contribute a live version of “The Mercy Machine,” which can be found on the new live album they have just released. The original version is from “The Hidden Agenda” though this version is more akin to their new style of dark Electro found on “The Jeopardy Maze” CD. Oneiroid Psychosis close the disc with their classic spine chilling darkwave style, this one with Kristy of The Azoic to add a little extra ambiance.

It is difficult to review this CD as each track deserves a positive nod, but I can safely recommend this comp to electronic and darkwave fanatics, as every song is of a superb quality and conviction. An excellent scrapbook of the new wave of darkness fogging our clubs. (Matthew Heilman) --- Starvox's website

Tentacles
Being married to Toronto's foremost gothic diva has had an interesting effect on my musical tastes. One of the things it's done has been to allow me to share my favorite little darkwave label (Nilaihah Records) with someone who's actually interested.

Goths love Oneiroid Psychosis. Trust me on this one. They also seem to really dig the first two tracks on the new Nilaihah compilation "Resistor". Fiction 8 turns in a catchy synthpop track called "Let Go" thats probably the best track on this compilation(If you dig the whole retro thing). This is followed by some incredibly catchy EBM by God Module. Athan Maroulis (of Spahn Ranch fame) delivers the vocals on the cheezy, but effective "Televisual". Synthpoppy, fun, and infinitely superior to any of the Cleopatraisized crap that Spahn Ranch has turned out lately.

One of the selling points of this comp is the excellent female vox on a bunch of tracks. In an Inception-esque display of estrogen-laden emotion bands like "This Ascension" and "Magenta" give the listener more than his share of crooning. Whereas "I Wish" is pretty heavy on the simulated cheese product, "Eccentricity" is really pretty good.

Inertia and Bio-Tek churn in harder, somewhat familar, EBM tracks, both of which are pleasant listens. Heavy Water Factory turns in a solid effort... and ...The Strand's "Cleanse" starts with a cute sample and a nice, rough synthline...

Tracks 13 through 15 then move into territory that is more distinctly gothic. Female vox along with slower, more natural sounding beats. Decent enough, but not really my thing. Chugga-Chugga guitars, reminiscent of adolescent zit-popping experiences make an appearence on Track 15. Attrition's track had a lot of potential. It's almost trance, with straight beats floating along underneath ethereal vox. Like most trancey material, it gets repetitive after a minute or two. This track could have used another loop or two. The comp ends with a solemn effort from the aforementioned Oneiroid Psychosis. A very nice, epic darkwave song. These guys are really, really good and make a bunch of the preceeding material sound like it was composed by amateurs. (Drew) --- Tentacles's website


The Resistor Compilation is pretty synthpoppy, which sort of turned me off it at first. It did have some songs that caught me right away, and got me to listen to the CD a pile of times. It was then that I noticed that it was all slowly growing on me. What's good about it, I realized, was that although it had a heavy synthpop feel, there was enough variation to keep me listening.
I'm not keen on synthpop, but I don't absolutely hate it. What I do hate, however, is the tendency of most synthpop bands of sounding the absolute same, song after song, album after album. The Resistor comp avoids this. Further so by having a good dose of female vocals throughout the comp.
God Module, who recently signed to Inception Records (Canadian Label plug), have an excellent track. Great synthy-EBM. Perhaps the best track of the disc. If Drew says (above) that the Heavy Water Factory track isn't so hot compared to the rest of there stuff, I have definitely got to check out more of them, because I was impressed with the one on this comp. The Azoic, Inertia, Bio-Tek, Oneiroid Psychosis, and even the heavyily synthpopish Fiction 8 also prove themselves well. This CD is well worth the price of admission. (Squid) --- Tentacles's website

Wrapped in Wire
Band: Various Artists Album: “RESISTOR” (2000) Label: Nilaihah Records Style: Electro-industrial/darkwave Rating: A
This electro-industrial, EBM and darkwave compilation offers seventeen excellent tracks by: Fiction 8, God Module, The Azoic, TNV w/Athan Maroulis, Distorted Reality, Inertia, Bio-Tek, This Ascension, Magenta, Heavy Water Factory, The Strand, Manhole Vortex, Autumn, Advent Sleep/Anita Haxsaw, The Machine In The Garden, Attrition and Oneiroid Psychosis.
A lot of the bands on this CD are already well known and fairly popular amongst industrial/goth music fans. What makes this album so special is the fact that most of the tracks here are previously unreleased and exclusive to this CD. So even if you are familiar with a lot of these bands and own their CDs, you won’t be able to get these songs anywhere else but here.
What this CD basically gives you is a phenomenal blend of electro-industrial, EBM and darkwave music. The variety included is simply amazing. Some tracks are dark, angry and aggressive with growling distorted vocals; others are clean and polished with upbeat rhythms and beats mixed with harmonic vocals; and there are even some moody, cold and haunting songs featuring beautiful female singing. It’s safe to say that no matter what style of industrial or goth music you enjoy, it’s on here.
Since the full name of this CD is Resistor: an electro dance compilation, you know that the music here is both electronic and upbeat. However, I wouldn’t consider everything here as dance music. There are a lot of fast paced moments to be found, but there are also a few mellow and moody instances as well. This is good for variety as even the most energetic dance floor stomper needs a rest from time to time. But in reality this music can be enjoyed just as much on a home, car, or portable stereo as it can be in clubs.
What makes this compilation so great is the fact that each and every song delivered here is superb. There isn’t one that you will want to skip past. Also, they are placed in an exceptional order in which they flow extremely well from start to finish. However, there are a few that stand out in my opinion. They include: Fiction 8 “Let Go”, God Module “Resurrection”, The Azoic “Progression”, Distorted Reality “In My Dream”, Inertia “Regime”, Bio-Tek “Shield”, This Ascension “I Wish”, Magenta “Eccentricity”, Heavy Water Factory “Translucent Amber”, The Strand “Cleanse” and The Machine in The Garden “Control”. The bottom line is that this compilation CD shouldn’t be missed by anyone who likes industrial or goth music.(DarkLight) --- Wrapped in Wire's website

Wetworks Electrozine
Various Artist
Resistor
Nilaihah Records
Nilaihah Records put out one of the better Industrial dance compilations of 2000 with their Resistor Compilation. Geared for the dancefloor, Resistor packs quite a punch.
What better way to start a compilaton than with one of the best dance tracks of 2000, Fiction 8's "Let Go?" Following that is another superb track from the up-and-coming God Module (Inception Records) with their track "Resurrection," which contains one of the most infectious synth patterns I've heard in a long while, layered over vocoded vocal work.
Resistor is not without it's share of female-fronted bands, either. It includes tracks from Nilahihah's own The Azoic as well as Distorted Reality, Advent Sleep/Antita Haxsaw, This Ascension, Autumn, The Machine in the Garden and Magenta. These bands really add more flavor to the CD.
Other notable standouts are Heavy Water Factory with their title track from their latest album, Translucent Amber, and Oneiroid Psychosis' darkwave, orchestrated "Non Omnis Moriar."
In the end, Resistor is a well balanced Gothic/Industrial dance compilation that not only showcases established bands like Oneiroid Psychosis, Heavy Water Factory and Bio-Tek, but even the more underground independent bands just trying to get their feet in the door. If you can't dance to Resistor, you're probably dead (GunHead). - Wetworks' website


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Corridor of Cells
A slightly uneven, but overall above average compilation, covering a wide array of styles, ranging from harsh industrial to more gothy sounds. The highlights are: The Azoic (goth/industrial at its darkest and most disturbing), Numantre (surprisingly enjoyable band in the vein of old Danielle Dax, especially the female vocals), Oneiroid Psychosis (once again proving themselves to be the most original and darkest goth/industrial band out there), Fockewolf (seductive, melancholic goth/industrial with female vocals), Anti-Music Foundation (harsh industrial akin to a noisier, dronish version of old Swans, truly excellent stuff), Wage Class Slave (more harsh, high-pitched industrial pounding that would make Swans proud). The rest of the bands on this CD are not bad, although there are 2-3 stinkers. However, at the end of the day the better tracks on "Circuit Noir" make it a worthwhile addition to any industrial collection. I especially recommend remembering the names of Anti-Music Foundation & Wage Class Slave, as these two bands have something really interesting and savage to offer: I will be awaiting a full-length release from both of them eagerly. (Jacek) ---Corridor of Cells' website

Fallout (Radio Scorpio)
CD OF MARCH : the Circuit Noir sampler. Excellent dark stuff on this one : from industrial to dark ambient, name it, you'll find it here.

Gaze Into A Gloom - Issue #6 (Latvia)
On the cover, in the same size as the title, you'll read the exact definition of music represented on this CD (15 tracks) - it is Dark Elektroniks (inspired by industrial). Gloom and somehow ritual music spiced with mechanical voices and corresponding lyrics will fill the remnants of your mind with horror. This is a general impression, but there is an exception, too: Numantra and it's song "Les Coeurs Danser" where, surrounded by Elektro, you'll clearly hear Eastern tune and woman voice - alluring like Eastern candy. Almost all material was recorded in 1997 and made in America; Two bands are from Australia.

Grinding into Emptiness
From the amazing United Endangered Front label comes another comp packed with new bands and amazing tracks! The variance in styles is incredible, so I can't give a single description for the CD as a whole. Provided on this comp are samplings from genres ranging from noise to goth and planty of other stuff in between. The first track, by The Azoic, is similar to a more electronic Endraum musically, with chantier (is that a word?) female vocals. As you can see, this compilation offers a little something for everyone, and no tracks featured on it disappoint. Visit the UEF Website and pick this one up. (Scott)

The Industrial Bible
Circuit Noir begins strong with Intimate Incisions by The Azoic, a band whose sound has become darker since the release of their last full length. The vocals are male / female shared with the male portions adding a certain evilness to the piece. The music is light, yet creepy in nature due to the haunting sequences and distant, trotting beats. Comprised of mostly unheard of (or rarely heard of) bands, Circuit Noir does what many other US compilations do…it delivers the music of the underground electronic scene to the world. Considering it’s only $10 and over 70 minutes long, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pick it up and see what bands other than FLA and Wumpscut are doing. (Dachar) ---The Industrial Bible website

Musik Magazine - Russia
And now on the example of the absolutely fresh sounding CD-collection Circuit Noir we'll try to describe songs of some bands from UEF's compilation. Beforehand we must tell you also, that percent of opening of really bright names, which has appeared here, is marvellously high. THE AZOIC ("Intimate Incisions") On the background of gloomy cold electronics under sounds of large quantity of little bells the frost-bitten dueing singing of some strange love pair is heard...

Outburn
This brand new comp of dark electronics brought to you by the UEF features mostly newer, lesser known bands and a few familiar names such as Oneiroid Psychosis with a great vocoded and trippy track as usual. Society Burning have a very progressed electronic sound and expressive vocals ranging from harsh to mellow. It's great to have these underground compilations around because there are some interesting new bands that really caught my ear. The Azoic start out the comp with a dark elektro jingling piece with male and female vocals combining for a scary tale. Overall this comp has something for everyone interested in dark industrial electronic music! (Tommy T)

The Plague
This compilation comes close to being a CD I'd actually listen to rather than one I'd buy just to hear a few of the bands. There's actually an overall mood here... and better yet, it's not spoiled by industrial/metal crossover bands!!! My personal tastes aside, Circuit Noir leaves growling vocals, big rigid beats, aggro basslines and chunky guitars behind. The focus is mainly dark atmospheres... there are more pianos and synth bells than rock guitars. THE AZOIC kicks off the disc with an excellent track that reminds me of Die Form. I am definitely looking forward to their forthcoming CD at the end of May. (Laird Sheldahl) --- The Plague's website

Radio Free Underground
What a great name! I'm the music director at Radio Free Underground and I wanted to thank you for sending us the promo for Circuit Noir, it's the best CD I've gotten all month, I really like it.

Sonic-Boom
The United Endangered Front have learned quite a bit from the release of their first compilation "CyberPuncture" a few years back. "Circuit Noir" is their latest release and its quality is leaps and bounds above its predecessor both in form and function. The artwork is stunning despite its dark minimalism, and the production quality is stellar. The artists selected are also of a higher caliber, with artists from the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Colorado, and a lone vagrant from the land down under. Standout tracks include The Azoic, who have finally found the perfect mixture between unaltered female vocals and filtered male vocals unlike their debut album, Nefarium, who feature a odd balance of Gothic vocals and upbeat electronic rhythms that seem to work regardless of their oddity, and Oneiroid Psychosis whose mastery of disturbing ambient is rivaled only by Coil. The UEF have finally found the magic formula with "Circuit Noir" and it can only get better from here. (Jester) --- Sonic Boom website

The Velvet Realm with Stefani
CIRCUIT NOIR is the latest compilation put out by the Colorado-based dark electro label, United Endangered Front. (This review will probably be abbreviated and polished up in time for the next Culture Shock.) Anyway, here are my first impressions of this very interesting compilation:
Strong points (overall) - This comp. exposed me to a number of U.S. artists I hadn't heard of, even a couple of Australian artists...and this is always a good thing, as many of the tracks piqued my interest to hear more. Overall, this comp. has a truly underground feel to it. Stand-out artists on this comp. for me: THE AZOIC, NUMANTRE, FOCKEWOLF, NOXIOUS EMOTION. 'Intimate Incisions' by THE AZOIC (Columbus, OH). Very nice mixture of dark electronics, and gothic atmospheres. Like Puppy with female vocals. Actually, it's a mixture of male and female vocals, but his vocals are processed in a garbled way. I like the nightmarish creepiness that subtly shines over this song. (Stefani)

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Grinding Into Emptiness
"In the typical UEF tradition, "Circuit Noir 2" is both diverse and just plain brilliant. This CD has everything from EBM to noise to coldwave, from quirky to aggressive to fun. Made up mostly of bands unbeknownst to most people in the scene, this compilation acts as a good introduction to the underground dark electronic music scene. Testube's "Convinced" is some of this Colorado band's best work. The track consists of a mix of melody, noise, and incredibly distorted vocals. Though this description may seem somewhat trite, the work is undoubtedly unique and undoubtedly Testube. One of the most impressive tracks, "Cold Comfort Logic", is performed by Fate Razor. Complex rhythms and angry vocals fill this track in almost a ranting style. If you were to take the music from Wumpscut and the screaming vocals from Whitehouse, the result wouldn't be too far away from Fate Razor. Anti-Music Foundation perform exactly what their name -- sounds that contradict any and all song structure, rhythm, or melody. Five minutes of shrieks and cries over monotonous drones and samples creates quite a homicidal mood. Brilliantly performed, angry, demented noise is what you'll find in "All the Pretty Colors". This compilation is the UEF's last. They've given us three years of incredible underground dark electronic music. If they have to go, then they might as well go out with a bang, and that is certainly what you could call "Circuit Noir 2". Check out The UEF Website if you'd like to get your hands on one of the last copies of this comp before they're all gone. --- Grinding Into Emptiness

The Last Sigh
"And so the title suggests, Circuit Noir Vol. 2 is the second and sadly, the final installment of industrial electronic music from bands as far away as Australia and Brazil to the United States on United Endangered Front, [UEF] out of Denver Colorado. There are many varied sounds on this compliation from minimal noise industrial (Wage Class Slave), to more melodic industrial EBM (The Azoic, Fockewolf), lighter IDM (Clone DT) and politically motivated dance oriented industrial sonics (Eye, Aya). Noxious Emotion's track Cover Me Up sounds like most of their other work, same beat (not many changes going on) and vocals (they sound the same on each track/release I have heard in the past) of which I find rather boring (ADSR). Nothing Inside's (NI) S.F.B.S.D. has tasty deep dancy drum beats as does Aya's Psychological Warfare (a great track with lots of drums, percussion, changes, and political commentary). The most deconstructed track on the release is Anti-Music Foundation's All The Pretty Colors which entails a screaming voice and vocal sampling layered with pulsing noise, very wicked. Wage Class Slave's work Undercurrent is also very minimal with noise in the background with a woman discussing politics, Russia etc.. Redonjon's Requiem/Ascent is a beautifully warm, melodic work of art clocking in timewise at only 01:13 -- I'd like to hear more of their music, as the entry on this CD an enticing treat. SMP (ADSR) brings us a spooky twisted mix with Pre-Emptive while The Azoic's Parylize is quite dark and swirling and Kristy adds a strengthening dimension with her angelic vocals (Nilaihah Records). Eye and Aya, both from Australia are projects as powerful musicially as they are politically charged and furious. Testube has me "Convinced" that more inviting EBM-Industrial edge music should come from this project with Jeff Danos. Fate Razor's installment of Cold Comfort Logic has great percussion and a 'raw' quality to it. Infrastructure's Governed by Time reveals more excellent percussion and slower dark minimalist industrial sounds. The "sultry" female vocals of Sevrina in Fockewolf on His Lost Reflection blend with an ominous darkwave melody, dance beats and bassy timbre (ADSR). Bride Of The Atom's track Ibis Rising is a very enticing, dancy, good militant beats, and a lot of changes going on inside a melodic backdrop. Wrack Process has a dark upbeat instrumental track with Last Breath, rolling whispy synth and clapping beats accentuate a sub-melody. Clone DT is a sassy installment riding on beat driven changes and quirky melodic spirts with their track Store And Forward. Overall this is a great compilation to introduce you to darkwave, industrial-dance/noise music by some of the finest musicians in Brazil, Australia and The United States. Eye and Aya are best known for their unrelenting political music as well as their protests against fascism in their government in Australia. ROCK ON Aya and Eye! Keep up the good work down there!" --- The Last Sigh

Wrapped in Wire
This is a seventeen track collection of songs delivered by the bands REDONJON, TESTUBE, EYE, FATE RAZOR, INFRASTRUCTURE, SMP, THE AZOIC, WAGE CLASS SLAVE, CLONE DT, FOCKEWOLF, BRIDE OF ATOM, NOTHING INSIDE, NOXIOUS EMOTION, WRACK PROCESS, AYA and ANTI-MUSIC FOUNDATION. Most of the tracks here sound like ...American electro industrial music with distorted male growling, electronic programming, sampling, drum machines, etc. I feel that the tracks performed by TESTUBE, EYE, SMP, THE AZOIC, FOCKEWOLF, NOTHING INSIDE and NOXIOUS EMOTION are all very good. This isn't a bad compilation... (Darklight) --- Wrapped in Wire

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