HOW TO DANCE GOTH- HYSTERICAL..LOL

HOW TO DANCE GOTH

This is absolutely hysterical!

http://vimeo.com/39084398

EASTER HOLIDAY HORROR!

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH YOUR HOLIDAY HORROR FEST!

Start with THE BUNNYMAN

Then watch THE BUNNYMAN MASSACRE (BUNNYMAN 2)

 
Then top it all off with a big ole hunk of cheese...

EASTER BUNNY KILL KILL!

 

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH YOUR HOLIDAY HORROR- APRIL FOOLS DAY!

DON"T FORGET TO WATCH YOUR HOLIDAY HORROR!

MUFFY ST. JOHN IS THROWING A PARTY...PRAY YOU'RE NOT INVITED!

APRIL FOOLS DAY
(btw..make sure it's the original one from the 80's NOT the disastrous "remake" that I won't even acknowledge it's existence") 

WATCH THE TRAILER!

GRAVE CONCERNS REVIEW- SPEKTRALIZED "IN BETWEEN THE OPPOSITE"

LOOKING FOR YOUR DARK MUSIC FIX?
COME CHECK OUT YOUR NEW HOME FOR THE LATEST DARK MUSIC NEWS & REVIEWS...GRAVE CONCERNS
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Spektralized- In Between The Opposite

DEPECHE MODE WANNABEE'S? ... Maybe, maybe not, but this Norwegian synthpop band is out to prove that there is much more to them than meets the..ear?

Find out why in just 3 days from the release, the EK Product label office was completely sold out out the first pressing of CD's!

Read the full review.....

Spektralized- In Between The Opposite

Written by Nivek Tek

Artist: Spektralized
CD Title:  In Between The Opposite
Label: Space Race Records (EK Product)
Genres: Synthpop,EBM, industrial, electronic



Spektralized is back with a brand spankin' new album called In Between The Opposite. It is signed under the popular Italian industrial label (EK).Elektro Kommando. This is the same label as well known artists (Vomito Negro, Impakt! and one of my favorites, Darkmen.). In Between The Opposite, is making quite a splash already. In just 3 days from the release, the EK Product label office was completely sold out out the first pressing of CD's! No worries, we are assured that they are pressing up fresh copies of the hit album as we speak.

Before I dive into my review, I'd like to share some Spektralized history with you. Technically, Spektralized was formed in 1994. They released a cassette tape called "Genetic" that was only limited to 100 copies.  The cassette was sold out in three weeks and it even made it to a review in the biggest newspaper in Østfold, Norway. The band split up in 1997. The founder, Richard Bjorklund (Vox,lyrics,Music), decided that he wanted to continue making music himself, so rather than using his own name for his solo venture, he took the name Spektralized again and started working on his own material. Nine years later after Genetic, Richard released his debut album Elements of Truth in 2003, under the name Spektralized. This would be the first record released under the name Spektralized since their promo debut Genetic in 1994. The album was produced by Sebastian R. Komor (  Komor Kommando, Icon of Coil) and was widely received by fans and critics alike. It also produced the hit single "Allied". The follow up album Capture The Moment, was not released until three years later in 2006. This album too was met with great success. In fact, it actually made it all the way to the top five list for Best Album at the Scandinavian Alternative Music Awards in 2007, along with bands such as Covenant and Apoptygma Berzerk. 

In between the second and third album The Puzzle, which would not be released for four more years. Richard decided to try his hand at remixing his famous friend's records like Apoptygma Berzerk and Komor Kommando. The Puzzle released in 2010, was also a huge success. Two years later in 2012 he released the My Needs EP which would act as a precursor to their brand new album In Between The Opposite just released a few days ago in 2013.

First off, I have to say that I'm really on the fence on this one. I just don't like Richard's voice and I just can't get past that. Besides his accent being very strong, there is just something about his voice that doesn't sit right with me. I thought since I like the music so much, maybe I could walk away from it for a day, come back to it and listen to it with fresh ears, but that did not work. If I'm going to listen to something vocal, I have to like the voice, and in this instance I just don't.
There are many acts like have strong accents like 80's synthpop legends Cetu Javu,Camouflage,Savage and Boytronic. Savage is a great example, because his accent is so thick and heavy that you couldn't cut it with a knife. However, on most of his records, his voice is pleasant to the ear, even the Depeche Mode cover of Strangelove works for me. Athough it is an awful cover and his accent is the strongest, there is still a certain quality to his voice that flows with the bubbly synthpop music he makes. Look at bands like Depeche Mode, Red Flag, Cause & Effect, Celebrate The Nun, and T42, their voices have this soothing sweetness that fits their music like a glove, and even flows better than Savage. I just don't think that his voice fits his music. I know a lot of you will disagree with me and that's fine. As I've said many times before, my reviews are simply one man's opinion. Like them or hate them, they are still just my opinion. Now that being said, I am not usually an advocate for instrumental albums, but in this case, since I don't like his voice, I'd make an exception. I'll be honest, usually if I don't like something as huge as a vocal, I'm going to be turned off. Much like a fart at the dinner table, not only will it ruin the meal, but the whole experience as well. 

I will say that his voice did not bother me as much in a song like "Changes". I actually enjoyed his vocal performance. It really reminded me of Red Flag, who I am a big fan of. But honestly, as far as Richard's vocals go, "Changes" was the only song I could stomach. On some songs, like the more Nine Inch Nails- influenced 'Reborn" and "Children of Tomorrow", his voice sounds like Trent Reznor if Trent was from Norway. I didn't like that much either.

However, I was very impressed with the music. Richard and his crew (Ken A Nilsen -Guitars, Magnus Sørli - keys and second voice) are extremely talented. I love how the album politely danced around from old skool synthpop and industrial to more modernized styles like futurepop. In Between The Opposite is cleverly adorned with big dancefloor anthems like  "Children of Tomorrow", To Be Recalled", "Unite Us All" and 'Reborn' , an electro, almost experimental track "Sci-Fi Break Up"  to more downbeat and moody tracks like "Reflecting Memories", "Different People" "Looking Forward" and "Changes". Overall, a very solid album with strong substance and many layers.

There is an obvious Depeche Mode influence here. Especially classic 80's Depeche Mode throughout most of the album. Depeche Mode had this certain dark magic that only they could brilliantly execute. Although I do not think Spektralized came close to re-creating that magic, I was still strongly reminded of those wonderful, early, dark and foreboding Depeche Mode records that became a part of the very fabric of my soul. Songs like "Reflecting Memories", "Different People" "Looking Forward" and the aforementioned "Changes", reminds me of that comfortable and familiar place that only Depeche Mode could ever take me. 

Don't get me wrong, I think In Between The Opposite is an excellent album in terms of musical composition and production, but for me it's a miss, because I don't care for his voice. Much like Depeche Mode and many other synth bands of their ilk, Spektralized's lyrics are deep, though provoking and intense. I can really appreciate an album that so many diverse and eclectic influences and styles on one record, especially because it really works for them. One really bright, shining moment I wanted to mention is the two incredible remixes by Sebastian Komor  (Komor Kommando, Icon of Coil) who I love.

Now you might think my next comment might contradict everything I just said, but please read carefully the words I am saying, it is quite the opposite. I highly recommend Spektralized  In Between The Opposite . Besides the vocals, which many of you will probably love and enjoy, the music and the fantastic overall feeling and atmosphere of the album is a winner. Fans of many diverse styles like synthpop, goth, industrial, EBM and futurepop will love Spektralized.
Sadly for me, I'm going to have to pass.

NOTE: Possibly due to it selling out, Amazon says that the album will not be released until April 30th, 2013. Buy you can pre-order it now.

Listen to Spektralized-"Reflecting Memories"

 BUY SPEKTRALIZED "IN BETWEEN THE OPPOSITE

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBQD60S?ie=UTF8&tag=gravconcezine-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BBQD60S

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GRAVE CONCERNS REVIEW- NEW ORDER 'LOST SIRENS"

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NEW ORDER- LOST SIRENS

NEW ORDER IS BACK!!!!...(well sort of) I can't tell you how exciting it is to see and hear the 80's so fresh and alive. I think 2013 is the year when all of these classic bands are getting back to basics. That is the way it should be. Sometimes a winning formula just shouldn't be messed with.

IS NEW ORDER ACTUALLY BACK? WHY IS THE ALBUM CALLED LOST SIRENS? IS LOST SIRENS AN ALBUM THAT SHOULD HAVE STAYED LOST?

Find out all this and more...

New Order- Lost Sirens

  Written by Nivek Tek

Artist: New Order
CD Title:  Lost Sirens
Label: Rhino Records
Genre: Alternative, Indie



NEW ORDER IS BACK!!!!...(well sort of)  I can't tell you how exciting it is to see and hear the 80's so fresh and alive. I think 2013 is the year when all of these classic bands are getting back to basics. That is the way it should be. Sometimes a winning formula just shouldn't be messed with.

Most of you are quite familiar with supergroup New Order, but just in case, let's do a quick recap. From tragedy breeds genius. Shortly after the untimely suicide of Ian Curtis ( Joy Division, Warsaw) New Order was born.  The band was formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner (vocals, guitars, keyboards & synthesisers), Peter Hook (bass, vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums, electronic drums, keyboards & synthesisers) – the remaining members of Joy Division, following the suicide of vocalist Ian Curtis,with the addition of Gillian Gilbert (keyboards & synthesisers, guitars). In 1993, the band broke-up amidst tension between band members, but reformed in 1998. In 2001, Phil Cunningham (guitars, keyboards & synthesisers) replaced Gilbert, who left the group due to family commitments. In 2007, Peter Hook left the band and the band broke-up again, with Sumner stating in 2009 that he no longer wishes to make music as New Order. The band reunited in 2011 without Hook, with Gilbert returning to the fold and Tom Chapman replacing Hook on bass. During the band's career and in between lengthy breaks, band members have been involved in several solo projects, such as Sumner's Electronic and Bad Lieutenant; Hook's Monaco and Revenge and Gilbert's and Morris' The Other Two. Cunningham was previously a member of Marion and with Sumner and Chapman was a member of Bad Lieutenant.

From their debut album Movement in 1981, New Order produced some of the most amazing and well produced music that the music world would ever know. From lush, acoustic, almost balearic and thought provoking songs, to high octane dance club anthems, New Order carved out their own place in history as one of the most influential,innovative and exciting bands. They would eventually become one of the most important and recognizable bands of all time.  New Order have not released an album since Waiting For The Sirens' Call in 2005, now  almost eight years later, New Order has returned in full force with their ninth studio album Lost Sirens.
Now that you are brought up to speed, let's talk about Lost Sirens. Lost Sirens is a collection of eight tracks all recorded during the sessions for their 2005 studio album Waiting For The Sirens Call. The bands line-up at the time consisted of Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Philip Cunningham. All tracks are previously unreleased. 'Hellbent' as featured on a 2011 Rhino compilation, is featured here in its original, non radio-mix form and 'I Told You So' is a previously unreleased mix. My favorite song on Lost Sirens "I'll Stay With You", is like slipping your feet right into your favorite old pair of comfy warm slippers. I'm not sure how such a great stand out track missed the cut for Waiting For The Siren's Call?  It almost seems a crime, but better late than never. Shake It Up, sounds like something from their more electronica styled album Get Ready,  If you are looking for any club anthems like Bizarre Love Triangle or Blue Monday, you will not find it here. This is pretty standard mellow New Order. However, Sugarcane is probably the most upbeat, catchy and danceable track on the album.With songs like Hellbent and I've Got A Feeling, this probably ranks as one of the most heavily guitar dominated records New Order has ever made. 

So, no I lied, New Order is not back, but since they just found these unreleased songs from 2005, and released them in 2013, it could very well be a new album. I think although it is a solid effort for a collection of lost or previously unreleased tracks, it does not have the strength to withstand a whole album's worth of music that is worthy of New Order's awesome potential. There is a nice eclectic mix of styles to choose from, but it lacks that certain something that we have come to expect from New Order. It really is what it is. It certainly isn't a "new" New Order album, nor does it profess to be, but I'm damned happy that they released it anyway. Think of this as the deluxe edition of Waiting For The Sirens Call, nothing new or exciting, but something all New Order fans just have to have. I will buy it and add it to my collection. 

I just wish that New Order would release a new New Order album. Your fans are patiently waiting. The time is now!

Listen to I'll Stay With You from New Order- Lost Sirens

BUY- NEW ORDER "LOST SIRENS"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8LRIEW?ie=UTF8&tag=gravconcezine-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A8LRIEW

GRAVE CONCERNS REVIEW- JOHNNY MARR "THE MESSENGER"

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JOHNNY MARR- THE MESSENGER

This is the album you have all been waiting for folks. This is the official debut album The Messenger by Johnny Marr. Besides Morrissey, Johnny Marr was the driving force behind 80's rock legends The Smiths. Johnny was also a member of several successful outfits like The The, Modest Mouse,The Pretenders, The Cribs and Electronic, the supergroup that featured Marr, Bernard Sumner (New Order) and Chris Lowe & Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys).

WILL THERE BE A REUNION FOR THE SMITHS? DOES MARR NEED TO HIDE IN THE SHADOWS OF POP ICON MORRISSEY? DID CRITICS CRUCIFY MARR FOR HIS FIRST SOLO RELEASE?

Find out all this and more...

Johnny Marr- The Messenger

Written by Nivek Tek

Artist: Johnny Marr
CD Title:  The Messenger
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Alternative, Indie



This is the album you have all been waiting for folks. This is the official debut album The Messenger by Johnny Marr. Besides Morrissey, Johnny Marr was the driving force behind 80's rock legends The Smiths. Johnny was also a member of several successful outfits like The The, Modest Mouse,The Pretenders, The Cribs and Electronic, the supergroup that featured Marr, Bernard Sumner (New Order) and Chris Lowe & Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys). 

In 2002, Johnny formed the group Johnny Marr & The Healers and released an album called Boomslang. This featured Johnny Marr on vocals as well as guitar. Though Marr was still actively making music in The Cribs, it would be almost ten years later before he would dip his toe into solo waters. In an October 2007 interview on BBC Radio Five Live, Marr hinted at a potential reformation of The Smiths in the future, saying that "stranger things have happened so, you know, who knows?" Marr went on to say that "It's no biggy. Maybe we will in 18 or 32 years' time when we all need to for whatever reasons, but right now Morrissey is doing his thing and I'm doing mine, so that's the answer really." This was the first indication of a possible Smiths reunion from Marr, who previously had said that reforming the band would be a bad idea. 

To the delight of Marr fans everywhere, Marr announced in 2012 that he would be releasing a full solo album in 2013.  In 2013, the NME awarded Marr its Godlike Genius award, hailing Marr as "not content with rewriting the history of music with one of the world's greatest ever bands, The Smiths, he's continued to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career, working with some of the best and most exciting artists on the planet". Marr was voted the fourth best guitarist of the last 30 years in a poll conducted by the BBC in 2010.

So does Johnny Marr shine as a solo entity, or should he only make a career out of collaborations with other artists? As a fan of The Smiths and Electronic, it was a wild and unexpected pleasure to hear guitar legend Johnny Marr actually sing. His light and airy voice is more than pleasant to listen to. While at times, often borders on an edgier, more powerful and throaty delivery that reminds you instantly of a cross between Bernard Sumner (New Order) and Julian Cope ( The Teardrop Explodes).

Unlike the easily forgettable Boomslang, which sounded more like The Healers influence and less Marrs, his solo debut is exactly the kind of solo album you would expect to hear from Marr.  Fans of The Smiths and New Order's more acoustic offerings, will instantly gravitate towards this album chocked full of Marr's distinct guitar style. The 80's are once again fresh and alive as we see and hear things through Marr's retro colored glasses. The Messenger delivers a strong message indeed that Johhny Marr is an incredible songwriter, musician and artist, who can stand the test of time. Not many musicians can create magic 30 years ago and make it sound just as fresh and exciting today. The Messenger brings back the feeling of all of those hours spent listening to alternative music on college radio.

There is honestly not a bad moment on The Messenger. Each song seems to be woven together like a perfect, rich, alternative rock tapestry. Strong melodies, catchy songs and Marr's aesthetic brilliance is a treat to the ears and soothing to the soul.As you listen to The Messenger you can't help but wonder why it took Marr so long to put out a proper solo release.

Many critics will be at the ready, cross, hammer and nails to crucify Marr for not sounding like Morrissey, but Marr is not, nor will he ever be Morrissey. Marr has proved time and time again that he is a force of nature on his own without having to hide in the shadows of a huge pop icon like Morrissey. The Messenger is filled with layers of smooth guitar riffs and expertly crafted rhythms. Marr's voice fits his music like a glove. I can't pinpoint a particular track that I enjoyed most, as they all are just incredible. Some tracks might remind people of The Stone Roses, The Church, The Cure and even REM. Anyone who knows me, knows that I loathe the digital age and digital files. I am so happy that there is a CD available, because I will most definitely be buying this CD and adding it proudly to my vast collection. 

Johnny Marr is an absolute genius. From start to finish, The Messenger is simply a work of art. I highly recommend it.

If you want to get the full Johnny Marr experience, be sure to also buy the Upstarts single as it includes a great non album track called Psychic Beginner.

Listen to Johnny Marr- Upstarts from The Messenger

BUY- JOHNNY MARR "THE MESSENGER"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJ3TMSE?ie=UTF8&tag=gravconcezine-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AJ3TMSE