Metropolis US レコード& CD

Review: Bill Leeb is the Vancouver-based musician and mastermind behind electro-industrial scene mainstays Front Line Assembly and ambient-pop duo Delerium, as well as a key member of recording projects such as Noise Unit, Intermix and Cyberaktif. The first solo venture by Leeb takes the form of Model Kollapse: a mutative electro-metal odyssey of shocking proportions. Firmly footed in the 80s industrial zeitgeist while still bringing an ear to the sound that could've only been brought to it in the present era, the likes of 'Demons' and 'Terror Forms' are incredible retromorphoses, with heavy EBM and techno production shunning any hint of over-simplicity; precision editing, multiband attentiveness, and controlled caprice, all conjuring images of a seedy but frenetic future Cronenbergian or Gigerian rave, as the old human models collapse all around us.

Review: The March Violets' latest album, Crocodile Promises, marks a strong return for the reformed post-punk band that originally made waves in the early 80s. Now composed of founding members Rosie Garland (vocals) and Tom Ashton (guitar), joined by Mat Thorpe (bass, vocals), the band revisits and evolves their signature sound. The album starts off with 'Hammer the Last Nail,' a track about breaking free from toxic relationships. Garland's vocals blend seamlessly with shimmering guitar riffs, proving the band's chemistry is as strong as ever. 'Bite the Hand,' with its assertive yet measured energy, explores themes of betrayal and ingratitude, while 'Virgin Sheep' offers a rock-driven number with heavy bass and whispered vocals, hinting at deeper metaphors. The slow-burning 'Kraken Awakes' seems to address themes of deceit, subtly building tension throughout. The previously unreleased 'Mortality' finds its place alongside newer tracks, maintaining the album's cohesive feel. 'Crocodile Teeth,' fast-paced and filled with glistening guitar lines, might symbolise controlling relationships, while 'Heading for the Fire' invites introspection with its compelling vocals and mid-song guitar solo. Closing with 'This Way Out,' a hypnotic, pulsing track, Crocodile Promises will resonate with long-time fans while attracting new listeners to their timeless sound.

Review: It is now a full three decades since Australian industrial trio Snog debuted with their still brilliant album Lies Inc on Machinery Records. To mark the occasion it gets a special 30th anniversary remastering and reissue on purple vinyl courtesy of Metropolis with all new artwork. Interestingly, not only is the searing, sarcastic, nihilistic electro contained within still relevant these days, but so too are the anti-establishment references in the track title from 'Corporate Slave' to 'Control' and 'Bank.' Some of those became rather unlikely global hits back in the day and their dark sense of humour and body poling rhythms will make just as much impact again now.