Velella Velella showcases not only the diversity of Bindrim’s portfolio and her broad artistic talent but also the evolution of her creativity. In her music, Bindrim addresses both personal change and broader societal issues, engaging with contemporary sociopolitical topics and exploring complex aspects of the human psyche. Her lyrics cover a variety of themes, from self-awareness and the balance of empathy and indifference to the harsh reality of disillusionment and the ongoing process of personal growth. This mix of introspection and social commentary in her music offers a profound look at both individual experiences and broader human conditions.

As, Bindrim explains, the songwriting process of each song on the album varied from track to track. “Some songs were spawned from a vocal or lyrical idea, and on a few tracks a synth melody and vocal were first written together all at once,” she says. “In the end, I didn’t try to force ideas or over-think things, so each song on the album developed very naturally and instinctively.”

Velella Velella opens with Obelisk, a more experimental realm for Bindrim, showcasing her versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of her artistic expression. Obelisk distinguishes itself with its forceful, edgy undertones, characterized by unyielding beats and the stark resonance of harsh synthesizers.

“Lyrically, Obelisk explores themes of tribalism, political divides, collective trauma, and surrendering to peace,” Bindrim says. “…I had previously written a lyrical seedling that was close to what ended up in the chorus lines, which I thought fit perfectly and helped spawn the rest of the lyrics in conjunction with the harder, marching energy of music.”

Cast strides in with its array of erratic beats and unconventional time signatures, setting an intriguing stage. Against this backdrop, Bindrim’s ethereal vocals weave through, adding a layer of depth and mystery. Just as you settle into the rhythm’s complexity, the track makes a sudden shift, diving into a killer hook. It’s a clever mix of the unexpected and the irresistible.

The spellbinding One Fixed Point blends dreamy vibes with a touch of darkness, sure to sweep you off your feet as the lyrics delve deep into the whirlpool of intense infatuation and the magical discovery of a perfect match.

“One Fixed Point…is a dark, dreamy love song about finding one’s counterpoint,” Bindrim explains. “The track aims to capture the pinnacle of intoxicating infatuation and bliss – that ephemeral moment where one becomes entangled in the sublime joy of immersing oneself in another. It explores that delicate balance between losing yourself in the intensity of the shared moment and discovering a heightened sense of completeness.”

Fever Dreams ventures into the realm of pure synthpop, set to an anthemic backbeat that instantly grabs attention. The track features gorgeous synth pads that shimmer, casting a spell over listeners with their radiance. Beneath these sparkling sounds, a tense bassline adds a compelling contrast, infusing the track with a sense of urgency that underpins the floating melodies.

In Hearsay, Bindrim draws inspiration from the likes of Zola Jesus, delivering a compelling performance that commands attention. Her vocals powerfully incant the lyrics, each word imbued with emotion and intensity, set against the raw backdrop of a buzzy synth bassline. This blend of forceful vocal delivery and the edgy energy of the synth creates a dynamic contrast.

The Well takes a darker turn with an opener that could easily be mistaken for the soundtrack of a suspenseful thriller. It channels the cinematic mastery of John Carpenter and the innovative soundscapes of John Foxx, creating an ambiance that’s both ominous and hypnotizing. The intro sets a tone that’s thick with anticipation, weaving a spell of mystery and foreboding.

In Fast, the stage is dramatically set with the pulsating rhythm of tribal drums, the whirring of helicopters, and the unsettling whispers of eerie synths, crafting an atmosphere ripe with tension and anticipation. This primal and otherworldly introduction lays the perfect groundwork for Brittany Bindrim’s vocal prowess to take the spotlight. Volcano evokes the same kind of dark, mesmerizing allure of NIN and Siouxsie and the Banshees; a bridge between industrial and gothic, between raw energy and refined artistry. The industrial elements form the backbone of the track, providing a relentless drive. Next, Currents flows with a melancholic melody, bolstered by a frenetic techno backbeat.

As the album draws to a close, Atlas emerges as a poignant finale, offering a moment of reflection amid the diverse array of sounds that preceded it. This ballad is characterized by its sparse piano arrangement, which echoes the haunting beauty found in Zola Jesus’s work, creating a deep, resonant connection through its simplicity and emotional depth. The inclusion of gently soaring choral elements adds a layer of ethereal grace to the track, elevating the overall experience to something transcendent. These choral touches guide the listener through the song, providing a comforting sense of ascension and release.

From beginning to end, Velella Velella stands out as a compelling work of dark electronic pop, encapsulating a range of themes from personal evolution to societal commentary. Through its varied musical landscapes and deep lyrical content, Bindrim’s creation surpasses genre confines, offering a nuanced reflection on contemporary life and showcasing her multifaceted artistic depth.

Velella Velella is out now via Metropolis Records.

Listen to the album below, and order here.

Follow Brittany Bindrim:

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The post Listen to Chicago Dark Industrial Pop Artist Brittany Bindrim’s “Velella Velella” LP appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Stockholm post-punk stalwards Then Comes Silence are back with their brand new single Ride or Die, accompanied by a video directed bu aux animaux’s by Gözde Duzer. The track, which stands as a bold declaration of solidarity, friendship, and community, heralds the arrival of their seventh studio album, Trickery, soon to be released by Metropolis Records.

The video, set against the backdrop of a purple-hued parking garage, showcases the band in a playful yet mysterious light, donning masks reminiscent of something akin to Love and Rockets’ The Bubblemen. This setting provides a canvas for the band’s vibrant and graffiti-inspired lyrical manifesto, encapsulating the song’s spirit of fellowship and resilience.

Musically, “Ride or Die” strikes a balance between brightness and an icy post-punk clarity, maturing into a somber yet steadfast anthem. It celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship, echoing the sentiment that, come what may, we persevere together—Ride or Die. This song encapsulates the essence of enduring together against all the odds, a theme deeply woven into the fabric of the upcoming album Trickery.

Watch the video Ride Or Die below:

Founded in Stockholm in 2012 by Alex Svenson and inspired by a blend of horror, the occult, touring with acts like A Place To Bury Strangers, Then Comes Silence has evolved into a formidable force within the goth and post-punk scene. Joined by Jonas Fransson on drums and Hugo Zombie on guitar, the band continues to forge connections through their music, celebrating the sense of belonging and unity within the dark music community.

Recorded at Stockholm’s Kapsylen Studio by Jörgen Wall and mixed by Tom van Heesch, Trickery is a testament to the band’s roots in punk and alternative rock, enhanced with electronic elements that bring a fresh dynamic to their sound. Following their 2022 album Hunger, Then Comes Silence is set to captivate audiences once again with their dark, compelling melodies and evocative themes.

With a history of touring alongside renowned acts and performing at major festivals, Then Comes Silence is poised to take ‘Ride or Die’ and the rest of their new material on the road, embarking on an extensive North American tour with Vision Video from late April through May.

“Ride or Die” is available now on all major platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, with the full album ‘Trickery’ set for release on April 5 in vinyl, CD, and digital formats.

Pre-Order Here

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The post Swedish Post-Punk Stalwarts Then Comes Silence Pay Tribute to Their Fellowship With The Video for “Ride or Die” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The new single “Something New” is a beacon for the band’s new direction, showcasing a more pop-oriented and straightforward approach than their previous works. The track is characterized by Principe Valiente’s signature soaring guitars coutersy of Jimmy Ottosson, which resonate with the grandeur of a string section. Suave frontman Fernando Honorato’s velvety vocals glide over the instrumentation, echoing a classic Hollywood charm reminiscent of a black-and-white era where a captivating performance steals the spotlight.

The accompanying video for “Something New” presents a cinematic experience, with Honorato commanding the stage with a presence akin to the legendary crooners, serenading a lady in the audience who is lost in the music’s allure. This visual piece not only complements the track’s auditory experience but also highlights the band’s ability to convey deep emotions and narratives through their sound and vision.

Watch the official video for “Something New” below:

“In This Light” promises a rich symphony of mellotrons, samplers, and analog synths, all in perfect harmony with the celestial twang of Jimmy Ottosson’s Rickenbacker 12-string and Gretsch guitars. This lush musical landscape is further enhanced by melodic piano lines, a distinctively distorted driving bass, and enveloped by the enigmatic vocals of Fernando Honorato.

In May, Metropolis Records will unveil the band’s forthcoming new album, and if this new single is anything to go by, it promises to be yet another showcase of their enduring artistry and meticulous craftsmanship within the international post-punk scene.

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The post Sweden’s Principe Valiente Returns in Silver Screen Splendor with their Video for “Something New” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

This process of continual self-renewal, of sloughing off the old to make way for the new, mirrors the journey of intellectual and emotional growth. It is a vivid illustration of the human capacity for transformation, suggesting that within the chrysalis of our existing selves lies the potential for a more enlightened state of being. Ecdysis, in this allegorical sense, speaks to the ever-evolving nature of consciousness, inviting a perpetual renaissance of thought that propels us toward a deeper connection with the essence of our humanity and the universe at large.

This process describes the extraordinary shift Zanias has made with the remarkable new LP Ecdysis, which casts off all language and sound structure, taking us through alternate dimensions with her universal light language. At once human and alien, Ecdysis lays claim to an entirely new electronic soundscape influenced by Dead Can Dance, Enya, and Fever Ray, with the operatic flourishes of Zola Jesus. Mirroring Liz Fraser’s ethereal grace. Zanias has always showcased a distinctive linguistic artistry, drawing words from encyclopedias of flora and fauna, mythology, anatomy, and foreign languages. This unique approach, previously seen in her projects Keluar and Linea Aspera, has now metamorphosized into the abstract rebirth that is Ecdysis. With no narrative, no words, one is left with their imagination to interpret this beautiful mystery in their own soul.

Here, Zanias’ vocal prowess transcends boundaries, effortlessly shifting across species and gender lines, embodying the unity of consciousness often found in profound psychedelic experiences. The recording atmosphere, heavily inspired by the lush Queensland rainforest in Australia, infuses the music with a sense of rich biodiversity, creating a backdrop that is as vibrant and diverse as the natural world itself. This environment played a pivotal role in the album’s genesis, turning the creative process into a profound catharsis.

Designed to mirror this therapeutic effect for its audience, the album is best experienced through headphones, immersed in complete darkness, where its intricate layers and textures can be fully appreciated in solitude.

Submerged in the aqueous embrace of the opening track Earthborn, one feels the serenity of water, where echoes form an underwater symphony, dolphin calls weave through the depths like threads of melody, and distant tribal drumbeats pulse against the liquid canvas, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with the soul’s most primal rhythms. In the haunting expanse of the Martian landscape, a profundity dominates Mars, broken only by ethereal echoes. These ghostly whispers meander through the desolation, casting an eerie yet beautiful spell over the untouched wilderness, highlighting the solitude and majestic mystery of the Red Planet. Euphoric intensity merges with frenetic drumbeats and celestial voices in Duneskipper, articulating a light language from afar, their harmonies pulsating with vibrant energy that transcends earthly bounds and envelops the senses in a cosmic embrace, evoking a sense of boundless connection.

The tempo changes with a hymn to the mighty Acacia, a sacred, ancient tree revered for its symbolic, practical, and ecological significance. The acacia embodies themes of life, death, and rebirth while serving important roles in human livelihood and natural ecosystems. Bloodwood pays homage to the dense, durable hardwood native to Australia, renowned for its striking deep red colour. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics, as bloodwood trees play a crucial role in their native Australian ecosystems.

Habenula pays homage to a small brain structure within the epithalamus, which plays a key role in regulating pain, stress responses, sleep cycles, and reward processing by modulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Its activation in response to negative stimuli makes it crucial in mood and motivation, implicating its function in psychiatric disorders such as depression. Zania’s interpretation of this tiny but might force serves as a poignant dialogue between Earth’s nurturing spirit and a solitary alien consciousness, their harmonies intertwining in a celestial dance, revealing the profound connection between the terrestrial and the cosmic, a symphony of interstellar empathy and terrestrial wisdom, echoing the universal longing for understanding and companionship.

Swim unfolds like a gentle caress to the soul with that strange feeling of murkiness and clarity pulsing through your brain, revealing a serene melody and tranquility that resonates with the heart’s deepest yearnings for peace, each note a whisper of calm, inviting the listener into a sanctuary of stillness. Finally, the title track, Ecdysis, emerges, taking us out of our exoskeletons and urging us to capture the transformation from constraint to liberation. Beginning with tight, dissonant tones, it gradually unfolds into expansive melodies, climaxing in a powerful release, then settles into a reflective, serene finale, mirroring the rebirth and renewal inherent in shedding one’s old self for the new.

Ecdysis is out today from Metropolis Records on limited edition vinyl and CD and through all digital streaming platforms.

Order Here

Alison Lewis, previously associated with revered outfits such as Linea Aspera and Keluar, has etched her own path as a solo artist in the guise of Zanias. This unique solo project effortlessly merges the spectral vibrations of techno and EBM with an immersive emotive resonance. Her discourse has previously been enriched by esteemed collaborations with the likes of Black Rain, Ancient Methods, Dax J, and I Hate Models.

Zanias’s artistry is a quest for transcendence, delving into the rich world of human emotions and their significant role in our evolutionary heritage. Through her music, she investigates her psychological interests, highlighting the remarkable connections that music fosters among individuals. Her creations are more than mere compositions; they are a tribute to the intricate interplay of human experiences, brought to light through her exploration of sound and emotion.

Follow Zanias:

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The post Celestial Songstress Zanias Casts off Her Outer Shell in the Cosmic Pop Rhapsody “Ecdysis” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

This latest track is deftly sculpted by the aural artistry of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor and stands as a testament to the duo’s talent in creating unique synth-electronic compositions. Their signature approach leans heavily on analog production techniques, which puts their music in a league of its own.

With a dash of Kate Bush and a sprinkle of Mylène Farmer, “Présage” weaves threads of theatrical synth soundscapes that resonate with the vibes of ’80s fantasy. The song’s enigmatic atmosphere gets even more magnified by its grainy retro-style music video, meticulously directed by the gifted Nicolas Medy, the creative mind behind the cinematic video for Curses’ “Boundless,” featuring Jennifer Touch.

Medy, offering insights on his creative process for the video (translated from French), stated:

“In my mind, Présage felt like the continuation of “Acqua Fresca.” The “to be continued” narrative left unanswered in Warriorecords and Melodrama intrigued me. It got me thinking about a fugitive from the island of Maldoror’s prison searching for a lost love – someone condemned, perhaps. The lyrics of the song, with their somewhat esoteric nature, brought the myth of Orpheus’ descent into the Underworld to mind.”

“I drew inspiration from Monteverdi’s opera and two profound productions: Claude Goretta’s opera film Orfeo, and Bob Wilson’s stage version. From there, I decided to film in a studio that echoes operatic rather than cinematic sensibilities. However, I leaned more towards the narrative style of a fairytale than an ancient Greek epic.”

“Présage is a cauldron of references from my past: Wagner’s operas, the Skyrim game, animations by Michel Ocelot and Lotte Reiniger, art by Georges de La Tour, José de Ribéra… I also took a deep dive into the comic strip Thorgal, which I continue to be a massive fan of. The city I imagined is a blend of inspirations from The King and the Bird, The Castle in the Sky, and artists like de Chirico, Minoru Nomata, Riccardo Bofill, and Xavier Corbero. All these influences have had a profound impact on my life and career, and continue to inspire me today.”

Feast your eyes on the video for ‘Présage” below:

Paradox Obscur, a band grounded in dark alternative synth-electronic beats, was born in 2014 out of the collective genius of Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor in Athens. With a dedication to creating genuine analog sounds via hardware synthesizers and drum machines, they kicked off their journey into the realm of old-school electronic music and recording tracks imbued with 1980s dance nostalgia in real-time.

Bringing to the table their unique artistic backgrounds – Kriistal Ann’s classical music foundation from the Prague State Conservatory and Toxic Razor’s expertise in synthesizers and drum machines, honed while running his own label Werkstatt Recordings – the duo made their mark. The pair have an impressive repertoire of solo works and collaborations with avant-garde artists, attracting the attention of European organizers and landing them on stage at multiple events alongside internationally renowned bands from the Minimal-Electro, Cold Wave, and Post-Punk scenes.

In 2022, the synth magic of Paradox Obscur found its way into the French Canadian film «That Kind of Summer» by esteemed Canadian director Denis Côté, which had its grand premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, even snagging a nomination for the coveted Golden Bear prize.

Paradox Obscur’s discography sprawls across several European record labels, including the British Peripheral Minimal and the German Young & Cold Records. The year 2020 marked a turning point for the duo as they signed with the Philadelphia based US label Metropolis Records (FRONT 242, KMFDM, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY). Following their 2021 collection «Singles & Rarities», they released «Morphogenesis» in 2022, stamping their fifth studio album in just eight years onto their prolific timeline.

The forthcoming EP, Auto Reverse, consists of five novel tracks composed & performed by the duo, set for a June 16th release through Warrior Records (FR). The tracks vary in rhythm, some lending themselves to dynamic electronic dance, while others imbibe a nostalgic tune. This sonic fusion creates a sensual, gradually dynamic atmosphere that transcends time. Lyrically, they traverse through English & French narratives about love, social struggles, and personal dilemmas, all aimed at paving the way for a superior existence.

Pre-order and Pre-Save the EP HERE

Stay connected with Paradox Obscur:

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The post Darkwave Duo Paradox Obscur Debut Video for Operatic New Single “Présage” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Swedish harbingers of goth-tinged post-punk, Then Comes Silence. move forward toward the light at the end of the tunnel with their powerful new track, “Tickets To Funerals,”…a highly danceable hymn for the dearly departed.

‘Tickets To Funerals’ was the last song that I wrote for the album ‘Hunger,’ says vocalist Alex Svenson. “It sums up what we wanted to do. An album with a little luster of Rock ‘n’ Roll mythology shimmer over the lyrics and the riffs. Rock ‘n’ Roll isn’t dead, it’s just waiting on a new phase and will one day… come up like a flower again. We’re holding the fire alive until that day.”

With this searing, arpeggio-soaked tribute to the band’s dead idols, their mascots “Bengii, Lord Of All Possible Pain And Mischief, El Pseudo, and the big baby with stripes, Nebelmeer” make haunting appearances in the eerie video clip.

“We’ve had band mascots since the early years,” says Svenson. “They could be demons, spirits, saints, or just another character you can blame on or seek comfort whatever happens in life. Trouble, distress,  sadness, anxiety… whatever. It’s a game, but anyway, it makes it easier to put a face on it.”

Watch the video for “Tickets To Funerals”, below:

“Tickets To Funerals” appears on the album Hunger (Nexilis/Schubert Music and Metropolis Records).

Then Comes Silence drafted William Faith (Faith and the Muse, Mephisto Walz, The March Violets) and Swedish alternative scene legends Niklas Rundquist (Leather Nun) and Jörgen Wall (Whale, Thåström) for HUNGER; there are also contributions from current Scandinavian wave scene stars Gözde Duzer (aux animaux) and Mikkel Borbjerg Jakobsen (The Foreign Resort), whilst Karolina Engdahl (True Moon) provides backing vocals.

“This album is the one that we will bring with us into the new changed world,” adds Svenson, “we need to bring back the energy and restore the passion, by taking a handful of rock music and throwing it to the world like a lifeline.”

Hunger was produced by Alex Svenson and mixed by Tom van Heesch. It is available now on vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms.

Order Here via Metropolis Records, or here internationally and via streaming.

Follow Then Comes Silence:

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The post Swedish Harbingers of Gothic Post-Punk Then Comes Silence Debut Video for “Tickets To Funerals” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Swedish darkwave band A PROJECTION announces an emotionally-charged synthpop anthem rooted firmly in the collective anxiety of war-torn society, the passionate “Careless.” The track is about throwing caution to the wind in the face of adversity…even if it seals your fate.

The Stockholm band combines darkwave and electronica with heart and soul, intersecting the past with the present. “The song was recorded both during and after Covid, in different studios,” says the band. “Thus, the restlessness, but also the hope, of the latest years is reflected in the song.” A PROJECTION also enlisted the collaboration of other artists, including their friend Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops). We hear elements of Ultravox, The Damned, A Flock of Seagulls, and Killing Joke via Brighter Than a Thousand Suns in this epic dark synthpop track.

The video was directed by Ukrainian multimedia artist Shorkina Valeri from Ukraine, filmed during the late spring in Stockholm. The film noir gives us a glimpse of a nighttime mystery, speeding through tunnels and a darkened park.

Watch the video below:

“Carless” is taken from the forthcoming album “In A Different Light”. Listen below:

For all the band’s releases and merch, go here or here.

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The post Swedish Darkwave Outfit A Projection Throw Caution to the Wind in their Video for “Careless” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Their brooding new single and video for “In This Place” is a heavy dirge highlighting the tragedy of human trafficking and the misuse and abuse of power. The song is taken from Kill Shelter’s new album Asylum, a collection of songs addressing global humanitarian issues such as domestic violence, exploitation, and the plight of asylum seekers…as well as exploring themes of personal disillusionment and mental health.

“Thousands of adults and children die or go missing every year whilst seeking refuge,” muses Kill Shelter frontman Pete Burns. “The statistics are both heartbreaking and sobering. Extremely vulnerable people are constantly being abused at the hands of opportunistic criminals.”

“The dark and menacing nature…is definitely a departure from what people may have come to expect from me,” adds Beborn Beton’s Stefan Netschio. “It’s a deeply emotive song and needed to be treated with respect and sensitivity to get the tone and delivery right. We wanted it to be both accessible and thought-provoking.”

Asylum, the second part in a series of collaboration albums featuring like-minded artists from around the globe, includes contributions from Ronny Moorings (Clan of Xymox), Agent Side Grinder, Ash Code, Stefan Netschio (Beborn Beton), William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate / Faith and the Muse), Valentina Veil (VV & the Void) and Antipole.

The video for “In This Place” was shot on location in Bochum, Germany by Julia Beyer and in Edinburgh, Scotland with post-production by Pete Burns.

Watch below:

“Asylum” is available now on limited edition vinyl and CD and all digital and streaming platforms via Metropolis Records in North and South America and Manic Depression Records in Europe and the rest of the world.

Order Here

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The post Kill Shelter Teams up with Beborn Beton in the Video for “In This Place” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

The new album, “Edge Sessions (Live From The Edge)”, is a collection of seven classic Chameleons songs performed live in May of 2021 by founding members Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies, and recent members Chris Oliver on guitar, and Stephen Rice on drums.

The record also includes three additional bonus tracks of ChameleonsVox era live recordings to round out the LP.

Following the release, The Chameleons will be joining both The Mission and Theatre of Hate on a tour of the United States and Canada throughout September and October of this year.

The vastly influential post-punk act The Chameleons (UK) was formed in Manchester, England in 1981, with the original lineup of vocalist/bassist Mark Burgess, guitarists Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding, and drummer John Lever (who quickly replaced founding member Brian Schofield).

The band went on to release three classic albums: “Script of the Bridge” (1983), “What Does Anything Mean? Basically” (1985), and “Strange Times” (1986) before breaking up.

“Edge Sessions (Live From The Edge)” will be released on CD, limited edition vinyl as well as through all streaming and digital platforms on April 15, 2022, by Metropolis Records.

Order Here

The Chameleons, Edge Sessions (Live From the Edge)

1. “A Person Isn’t Safe Anywhere These Days”
2. “Return of the Roughnecks”
3. “Up The Down Escalator”
4. “Anyone Alive”
5. “Soul In Isolation”
6. “Singing Rule Britannia (As The Walls Close In)”
7. “Second Skin”
8. “Sycophants”
9. “Heaven”
10. “Ever After”

Live Dates:

Sept. 7: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
Sept. 8: Millersville, PA @ Phantom Power
Sept. 9: Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
Sept. 10: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Sept. 11: West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
Sept. 13: Tampa ,FL @ The Orpheum
Sept. 15: Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Sept. 16: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey
Sept. 17: Austin, TX @ Elysium
Sept. 19: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
Sept. 20: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
Sept. 21: San Diego, CA @ Music Box
Sept. 23: Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco Theatre
Sept. 24: San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
Sept. 27: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Sept. 28: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Sept. 29: Boise, ID @ Visual Arts Collective
Sept. 30: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
Oct. 1: Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
Oct. 2: Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
Oct. 4: Minneapolis, MN @ PNA Hall
Oct. 5: Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Oct. 6: Columbus, OH @ Athenaeum Theatre
Oct. 7: Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
Oct. 8: Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
Oct. 9: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
Oct. 11: Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
Oct. 12: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
Oct. 13: New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
Oct. 14: Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
Oct. 15: Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall

* All dates featuring The Chameleons and Theatre of Hate

The post The Chameleons to Release New Live Album Ahead of North American Tour with The Mission and Theatre of Hate appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

At a time when tortured artists in their droves release introspective, doom-laden, pandemic-obsessed new material, Swedish captains of Goth-tinged post-punk, Then Comes Silence swim against the tide toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

“We need to oppose and challenge the prevailing mood and find a more positive way of life right now to stay sane,” explains founder member and frontman Alex Svenson. “Suddenly, it seems more important to address those little beams of sunlight slipping through the overwhelming gloom, that new kind of darkness most of us had never experienced before, leading to anxiety, fear, and isolation. An involuntary dullness and temperance seem to have numbed many of our creative abilities.”

During the early months of lockdown, Then Comes Silence streamed crowd-free gigs over the internet and release quarantine cover versions on YouTube. But as the months dragged on, they realised that it was time to move on. HUNGER finds Then Comes Silence showing the path to a brighter future, rather than reveling in the misery of the global pandemic.

The video clip for the soaring Gothic Rock anthem, “To The Bait”, the first song from the forthcoming HUNGER, depicts the band performing a masquerade concert. Displaying some sort of “party porn,” Svenson, notes: “It’s still not 100% safe for everyone to let go yet. Some will have to put up with it on video instead of practicing it in real life. I am guessing we will leave an age of reason where the authorities are telling us what we can’t and shouldn’t do and step into a new era where emotion, passion, and romance are more attractive guidelines. The Counter-movement is unavoidable after several years of isolation and having to follow the restrictions. It starts now.”

The track is passionate, earnest, romantic, and uplifting; capturing the crooning panache and dark and debonaire flair of something akin to a lost Damned circa Phantasmagoria.

Watch the video for “Rise to the Bait” below:

Then Comes Silence’s previous album MACHINE was released on the very day most of the world entered lockdown, but instead of simply lamenting their fate, licking their wounds, and withdrawing into their Stockholm bunker, the band stayed focused on maintaining an outlet for their creative passions.

“We had hoped to pick MACHINE up as soon as things gradually came back to life again, ” says Svenson, “but some time around the winter of 2020/2021 we realized that we’d have to leave it behind, carry on and start thinking about the next album. The band knew that they wanted to do something different from MACHINE. If that album was ‘ice-cold water running through a stainless steel pipe on a November morning’ then the next album, HUNGER would be warm like blood… again.”

In their own unique way, Then Comes Silence began their headlong approach towards this new project, resulting in the HORSEMEN covers, four EPs of cover songs released in October 2021.

“We did the HORSEMEN cover project as a study for HUNGER,” Svenson explains.“We went back to school to learn from others, but it was also a way to fill the emptiness of a long period without touring and playing live. The last cover version was recorded in February 2021, and the next month we started rehearsing the first new songs.”

Then Comes Silence drafted William Faith (Faith and the Muse, Mephisto Walz, The March Violets) and Swedish alternative scene legends Niklas Rundquist (Leather Nun) and Jörgen Wall (Whale, Thåström) for HUNGER; there are also contributions from current Scandinavian wave scene stars Gözde Duzer (aux animaux) and Mikkel Borbjerg Jakobsen (The Foreign Resort), whilst Karolina Engdahl (True Moon) provides backing vocals.

At the time of the previous album, Svenson stated, “There will not be any new Bowies, McCartneys, Ramones, or Lemmy’s for a long time. We have to be the Rhinemaidens guarding the Rheingold. Become the guardians of the holy grail until the day the new rock prophets are born,” a view he still stands by today. “That’s still relevant. Nothing has changed.”

“This album is the one that we will bring with us into the new changed world,” adds Svenson, “we need to bring back the energy and restore the passion, by taking a handful of rock music and throwing it to the world like a lifeline.”

HUNGER was produced by Alex Svenson and mixed by Tom van Heesch. It is due out the 1st of July, 2022 via NEXILIS, a new label under the flag of Schubert Music Europe, and Metropolis Records.

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