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News editors: Mikael Kahrle & Johan Carlsson |
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Wolfgang Flür joined Sapporo 72 on stage October 31 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden) Last week I went to the release party for Mobile Homes side project Sapporo 72’s debut album “Business and Pleasure”. The party was organised together with the fashion magazine Bon, and the varied crowd was treated to five songs, performed on stage by the band. As a special treat Kraftwerk legend Wolfgang Flür picked up his drumsticks again for the last song, and it was fun to see him joining a band that’s so obviously influenced by Kraftwerk. The circle is complete. I talked to him earlier during the day, and he said that Sapporo 72 sounded like the good bits of Kraftwerk. Watch out for a Spotlight soon, and the album on November 9. Swedish techno guru Andreas Tilliander also joined the band on stage. He has been working with Sapporo 72 on the album (Flür has not, yet). All set for the delayed Mesh album October 31 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden)
After delay upon delay, Mesh has finally ironed out the label problems and are now able to announce that the Gareth Jones produced album “We Collide” is coming on March 31, 2006. The new label is Königskinder Schallplatten in Hamburg, and they will also release the upcoming single “Crash”, which precedes the album in February. A tour of Germany is in the works, starting on April 21. Breaking news: Nitzer Ebb reunited October 28 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden)
If true, this surely one of the big bangs of the year: After ten years, Bon Harris and Douglas McCarthy have decided that Nitzer Ebb will reunite for a number of live shows in 2006. Dates will follow, but one concert is set: they will headline the 15th Wave Gotik Treffen, on June 2-5, 2006 in Leipzig, Germany. Here's an idea: why not support Depeche Mode again..? Neuwerk Music is handling the booking and is the sole source of this information. In my interview with Douglas McCarthy (in our last issue of the printed edition of Release, 1/98), with the header "Where did Nitzer Ebb go?", he told me the band simply ceased to exist in a hotel lobby in New York in the summer of 1995. - This was at the end of Nitzer Ebb's tour of USA. Just when we were about to leave for the airport, I found out my wife was having our child earlier than expected! So I had to make a quick decision: If I wanted to be with my wife or fly away with the band. It was a simple choice, so I took off in the limo. There, in that hotel lobby, was the last time I saw Bon. - So you're not friends anymore?, I asked. - Yes, I guess, Douglas said with a smile. I have spoken with him over the phone on a couple of occasions, but I had already decided to leave Nitzer Ebb prior to the incident. We cancelled the last concerts in Europe because I left. Bon wasn't exactly happy about this. I was surprised by Douglas statement, because when I talked to him three years earlier, for our two-issue Nitzer Ebb feature in 1995, in connection to the release of their last, album "Big Hit", he said: - We have never felt this complete as a band and it's not until now, we've really been able to achieve everything we want. Therefore, I believe Nitzer Ebb will continue to exist, for a long time. "Ritual Noise" from Covenant on January 20 October 27 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden) Details on the future plans of Swedish electro stars Covenant arrived tonight. The new single is called “Ritual Noise”, and will be out on January 20, 2006. It's pulled from their upcoming album “Skyshaper”, now set for Spring. First, it was expected this year and then in January 2006. The European tour together with Client and Rotersand will kick off on February 2 in Magdeburg and end in Hamburg on February 19, at least as the plans look now. In between, they will also visit The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. First, in December, Covenant look foward to visit Russia for two performances. Release met KMFDM in Toronto October 27 2005 | By: Alex Veronac (Toronto, Canada)
Seattle based KMFDM began their current world tour one year after the last, with a trip across Canada. We met with the band leader Sascha Konietzko in Toronto, as he declared that the "Godlike" era is over. The industrial band is focusing on their newer material live, mixed with some older songs ("Terror", "Nihil") that have never or rarely been played before. Konietzko is enthusiastic about the band's momentum right now, citing "we shall prevail". KMFDM are currently touring the UK with a full-blown tour of Europe starting in November, including a trip to Scandinavia this time. KMFDM's latest "Hau Ruck" album was released on KMFDM Records/Metropolis Records in September but has not yet received European distribution, so fans will have the opportunity to purchase the new CD (review here) at live events. At the afterparty, we discovered fans had come from distances far away such as Regina and Salt Lake City, to catch this gig in Toronto. Konietzko mentions how proud he is of KMFDM's fan base, particularly making note of young video artist Jakub Krompol. He produced a CGI segment that was added to their latest DVD "20th Anniversary Tour 2004". Catch some amazing stills from the making of the "Skurk" video by Krompol here. Sascha tells me that a week after the mastering of their new album, he and Lucia Cifarelli (also from KMFDM) decided to fly to Hawaii to get hitched. The two joked about being an old married couple touring live. KMFDM have come a long way since the start in early 1984, at a performance in Paris. - At a gallery opening we were two guys making horrible noise, playing seven vacuum cleaners through distortion pedals. The glass ceiling started coming down and the police arrived..., Sascha Konietzko remembers. Dependent delivers Seabound side project October 27 2005 | By: Niklas Forsberg (Kungälv, Sweden) News from the Dependent headquarters lets us know that a new project titled Edge of Dawn (taken from the Covenant track, maybe?) will release an EP called "The Flight [Lux]" in November. The band features Seabound vocalist Frank Spinath and programmer/keyboarder Mario Schumacher. Their music is said to be inspired by Seabound (!), older Lassigue Bendthaus and Covenant (there we go again). French avantgardists Morthem Vlade Art quit October 25 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden) We are sad to hear that French band Morthem Vlade Art, that has been covered here in Release from time to time, has decided to quit after seven years and five albums. They don't say why but: - We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project during all these years: artists, musicians, photographers, directors, but also the promotors, press, radios and so on. Morthem Vlade Art will play a final show in Luxembourg on November 26. A new version of the web site. The hand that gives - NIN raises money October 25 2005 | By: Sussi Pettersson (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Nine Inch Nails is, and will be, auctioning guitars on Ebay to benefit hurricane Katrina relief and rebuilding efforts. The guitars have been stage-used as well as abused by Trent Reznor during the current tour, and are now signed by the entire band. Each auction gives information on where and when the guitar in particular became a casualty of performance. New gothic album from Massive Attack October 25 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden) Massive Attack's Robert del Naja talks on line about a new album; a follow-up to "100th Window". Vocals for five songs are complete and he plans to record at least 15 more before Christmas "which is drawing horrifically close". - Been a fertile year. Lots of new recordings and talented people been in and out of our studio which has become home now. I have been trying out new and old techniques and have come up with a new gothic soul direction. Nightwish fires singer October 24 2005 | By: Mattias Huss (Turku, Finland)
Finnish opera-goth-metal-behemoth Nightwish has sacked singer Tarja Turunen at the peak of the band's career. The reasons for this drastic measure are explained in a rather acrimonious letter on the official UK Nightwish fan club web site, and amount to motivational, financial, and ideological differences between Turunen and the rest of the band. Tarja responds: - I am devastated. This thing happened in a way that I didn't have a slight chance to give my opinion about it. I got fired out of a band that represents the last nine years of my life and I am very sad about it. It has been very cruel the way the band handled this in public. This doesn't change the fact that we were doing amazing music together, but I will never forget the fact that they didn't give me the chance to say good bye for the people as a Nightwish singer. Nightwish will continue to make music with another, as of yet unknown female vocalist. The news of the split coincides with the announcement of publication of a "revealing and dramatic" book on Nightwish. The book by music journalist Mape Ollila will be released in Finnish in May.
Pet Shop Girls October 24 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden)
West End Girls is a debuting Swedish pop band with two 16 year old girls, named Isabelle Erkendahl and Rosanna Jirebeck. Those of you familiar with the Swedish electronic scene might recognise Isabelle's last name – she is the daughter of Hans Erkendahl, lead singer in Mobile Homes. She also used to be in Peaches (not the Canadian solo artist), famous in Sweden for their hit “Rosa helikopter”. The West End Girls' first single is currently entering charts in Sweden and it is a synthpoppy (and might I add, very nice) version of “Domino Dancing”. The album ”Goes Petshopping” is scheduled for January, full of Pet Shop Boys covers. Check out the video at www.westendgirls.se. Rammstein countdown October 24 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden)
The main release date for Rammstein's new album "Rosenrot" is October 28 (not 29, as previously stated), but there are a number of alternate dates for different territories. For instance, the Canadian release is scheduled for December 6. A limited edition of the album comes with (just) three live video clips from France, Japan and UK. You can preview six of the bombastic songs in the "Rosenrot" player and Flash card. The "Benzin" video, can be found here. A number of release parties are being put together and so far, parties are scheduled for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Norway. 25th Anniversary live shows from Attrition October 24 2005 | Peter Marks (Portland, Oregon, USA) In recognition of their first ever live show on December 8 1980, Attrition will be taking a tour "from the heartland of England to the heartland of America". These shows will commence on December 1 and conclude on December 12. Cities thus far to be visited stateside include Minneapolis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Dallas and Austin. The tour will be filmed for DVD release to be put out shortly thereafter. Confirmed opening acts are currently Apocalypse Theatre and High Blue Star. Attrition's man man Martin Bowes promises one or two surprise guests also will make appearances. Argentinean label promotes electro for free October 24 2005 | By: Mike Whyte (Tokyo, Japan) An interesting project is bubbling up to the surface from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Titled "Electromap", and presented by NullRepublik Records. The idea from this net label is to promote the synth, electro, EBM and industrial music scenes from around the world, and all for free! This will be achieved through a series of compilations, available on-line, with each one featuring a different area (referred to as zones).The first part of the series features a plethora of artists from the Latin American region. The tracks, chosen by Fernando eFe PI (DJ and party organiser in Buenos Aires), come from across Latin America, incorporating Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Chile among others - with the compilation covering a wide palette of styles (from electro to beats to synthpop - with much more besides) Designed to give total, legal access to these artists' tracks, while giving a snapshot of the talent to be found in that compilations zone - the project should attract plenty of curious fans from around the globe also. Check out their web site www.nullrepublik.com.ar for more details. Bauhaus announced European tour today October 21 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden) | Thanks to: Roy Mårtensson Today, Bauhaus announced a 14 date European leg of their "The Near Atmosphere Tour", starting in Dublin on January 28. The legendary group will play in Ireland, UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Spain. Tonight Bauhaus' North American tour reaches Seattle, followed by Portland on Sunday. Then 26 dates in USA, Canada and Mexico remains. The return of Belgian old-schoolers Parade Ground October 21 2005 | Peter Marks (Portland, Oregon, USA) Yet another old school act, Parade Ground have resumed activities. The Belgian duo have collaborated in the past with Patrick Codenys and Daniel B. (Front 242) - and the legendary producer and Wire member Colin Newman. A lesser known fact is that the members, brothers Pierre and Jean-Marc Pauly, supplied vocal composition on Front 242's 1993 album "...Up Evil". Parade Ground have released several EP:s, the most famed being "Dual Perspective" and "Strange World" in 1987. One full-length album "Cut up" was put out in 1988. Whether or not a new album is in the pipeline is unknown at this time. They recently played the Belgian Independent Music Festival in Antwerp where they are said to have been "energetic, full of rage, melodic and sincere". Wolfgang Flür on stage in Stockholm October 21 2005 | By: Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Furthermore, the album cover is said to feature the BMW the Swedish monarch drove when he was invloved in a light crash earlier this year. The new owner apparently accepted a photo session. Scroll down for a Sapporo 72 article. More Swedish EBM from Code 64 October 21 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden)
The young lads in Code 64 will soon release a new single, titled “Leaving Earth”. Complete with two bonus tracks, and remixes by Universal Poplab and Thermostatic, it’s the first taste of the upcoming album “Departure”. The single comes out in November. The Pain Machinery back with "Hostile" October 21 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden) Swedish noise/EBM one man project The Pain Machinery is back again, with a new release. This time he has signed a contract with BLC Productions, that will release the new album “Hostile” now in October. BLC will also re-release Anders Karlsson’s – the man behind the name – last self released album “The Venom is Going Global”. Carl McCoy to Release: "Time is of no concern" October 20 2005 | By: Kalle Malmstedt (Gothenburg, Sweden)
- I have waited for a moment when I feel that I have something new to say, something that feels fresh. We will be playing in 2006. I feel a need to, now. The new album by Fields of the Nephilim is titled "Mourning Sun" and due out on November 18 in Germany, three days later in the rest of Europe and sometime in January in USA. It is already reviewed here. Feel you have waited for the album for a long time? Ever since "Elizium" in 1990, maybe? Well, Carl McCoy has a word for you. - In the long scheme of things, yes, maybe it has taken some time. But in the short scheme, it was actually put together pretty fast. Time is of no concern to me. Triumphant return for Depeche Mode October 20 2005 | By: Johan Carlsson (Stockholm, Sweden) and Mikael Kahrle (Gothenburg, Sweden) One day after the release of Depeche Mode's new album "Playing the Angel", it is clear to everyone that the album is a success, celebrated by both fans and reviewers everywhere. Just as "Precious" conquers charts all over the world (no 1 in some countries, top 5 in many more), more details about the next single "A Pain That I'm Used to" comes from the Empty World camp. According to them, an exclusive B-side called “Better Days” is on it, as well as remixes by Goldfrapp and Vitalic. They also claim it will be out already in November and that it is more and more likely that Depeche Mode will continue touring next summer. Read our "Playing the Angel" review here. Al J starts label and complete Ministry CD October 20 2005 | By: Kalle Malmstedt (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Much is happening in the Ministry-slash-Al Jourgensen camp. Not only is the word out that Ministry will release their new album "Rio Grande Blood" in April 2006. Al Jourgensen is also announcing that he is starting a new record label – The Thirteenth Planet. The first release will be a new album by the Jourgensen project Revolting Cocks. The so far untitled album will feature many distinguished guests, for example: Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers) and Phildo Owen (RevCo musician from the "Beers Steeers and Queers" days). |
Just in: the management
for Sapporo 72 claims ex-Kraftwerk
member Wolfgang Flür is
coming to the release party
for their album at Mondo
in Stockholm next Wednesday,
where he will perform and
DJ.
Yes, it's true. Fields
of the Nephilim are back.
And they may zoon come
to a town near you. In
a interview this week with
Release (a Spotlight is
being prepared as we speak)
Carl McCoy, sole remaining
member of the legendary
goth rock group, stated: 