The element of surprise and evolution in music is one of the many things which makes people keep coming back to a band. For Genghis Tron, both of those qualities permeate through all of their songs and albums. Just as their 2021 return did with the atmospherically heavy Dream Weapon, the way in which Genghis Tron shape shifts through genres is stunning. Their new album Signal Fire, lights a very powerful path through the start of the band into a very intricate evolution that blooms to a vibrant and visceral sound.
Being a band that can weave melody and hooks into this style of music is an art form. Across the ten songs that make up Signal Fire, there is no letting up. While the atmospheric tension from Dream Weapon is apparent, the sharp left and right turns that blend into heavier experimental territory is very exciting. Signal Fire is an urgent record that calls to the now of a very fragile time.
Starting things off with the call to arms that is “I Am All,” truly sets this album off ablaze. Moving into the title track, you can feel and hear a plethora of treats as it plays out. “Future Worship” is a blast of a track. The playfulness lets you take it all in. “Like Fotochrom” is a great “calm before the storm” track that has a fun futuristic sound. “Tomorrow Mirage” is a burner! Just one listen will wake you up. “Nothing Blooms In The Hollow” is a banger of a song. The perfect mix of classic GT with all the new and a melodic cherry on top. “Without Form” is a subtle segue into the onslaught that is “Born Prey.” By the time you’re listening to this song, the sheer magnitude of volume should evoke auditory clarity! “A Love So Pure” is a great bit of departure from the heavy while still being heavy. The more post-hardcore vibe of the song makes it a great penultimate song. Closing out the album is “New Gods” one of the best end of album songs of 2026. The hypnotic sensibility of the song mixed with the electronics makes it a bit of a psychedelic sensation.
The core of Genghis Tron is Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky. The additions of vocalist Tony Wolski and drummer Nick Yacyshyn are impeccable as each adds their own distinctive character to these songs and makes Genghis Tron into the band that comes to life. The four of them have made Signal Fire one of the best albums of 2026. It’s interesting, when listening, if you are not familiar with the band, you might think something feels out of place but, it all makes perfect sense in the end. Personally I can’t wait for the tour. One can only imagine how much these songs will come to life in that setting.
When bands start to evolve past their origin point, most of the time it’s pretty interesting and shows real growth as songwriters. One band that I’ve had my ears tuned to since I heard them a few years back, have been subtlety showing that growth in their music. That band is Black Magnet.
Black Magnet have released some of the best modern industrial music in the last couple decades. And they’ve only been around for a handful of years. Their album Body Prophecy, is an unsung masterpiece. The follow up, Megamantra, is an all out audio assault of heavy and viciousness. That’s not to say each album didn’t have those outlier songs that hit at different elements and ideas. Which has led us to where we are now in the band’s evolution.
The mastermind behind all this is James Hammontree and on this new song, “Keep It Downtown,” the roots are still intact, only this time an alternative twist has been added to the mix. A move into post punk and more gothic undertones is now more prevalent in an exciting way. The Jesus and Mary Chain and David Bowie (you can hear his late 70’s Berlin era and early 80’s work in this) have been cited as inspirational examples into this new territory. I’d also put The Cure (Faith/Pronography era) into the fold too. “Keep It Downtown” has the grittiness of its origins with a swagger of these new distinct elements. Produced by Nick Rowe (who also co-produced Greg Puciato’s debut solo album, Child Soldier: Creators Of God, as well as being a member of the underrated, Bloodsimple), produced this song. This new collaboration between Black Magnet and Nick is something to keep your ears on!
Enjoy!
By: Brian Lacy
Black Magnet- Keep It Downtown:
Audioeclectica Interviews- James Hammontree of Black Magnet:
The idea of finding a band name that encapsulates the music is never easy. Luckily for Richard Patrick of Filter and Photographer and There Is No Us vocalist, Jim Louvau, A Place To Kill was not taken, as that is quite the band name to debut their new band. There’s an eerie feeling that resonates through the post industrial sound. By delving into EDM and its many sub genres, A Place To Kill has found its kill room.
Each song found on their debut EP, blends crushing electronics that hit at fun nuances, trap beat rhythms, and unadulterated dual vocals that alternate between seething aggression and controlled chaos. These are songs designed to hit hard, provoke, and challenge the status where electronic music can go. The songs themselves from “The Killing Field” through “Something Inside Of Me” explore intriguing themes of the world of today and the future of tomorrow. Through the screams, melodic undercurrents and other urgent vocals, these themes are conveyed in a manner that calls you to attention. Songs like “Jet Engine,” “What Feels Right,” and “Drown In A Sea Of Sorrow,” carve their own niche into the lyrical themes that accentuate the heavy distorted synths, deep grooves, and eerie atmosphere that amplifies the direct unease.
The duo of Richard and Jim is quite seamless. You can hear in this that both have a great contrast of styles and influences that makes A Place To Kill not the run of the mill/generic electronic project. There’s a great deal of potential where this can go and I’m quite intrigued by the possibilities.
The end of the world is closer than ever and having a soundtrack to accompany that feels right. A Place To Kill have made an EP does just that. And live is going to be absolutely crushing and have the crowd screaming and dancing to usher it all in.
After seven years away, The Black Queen made their triumphant return to the stage. The wait for this bands return was well worth it. It’s crazy to think too, that it’s been ten years since their debut album, Fever Daydream, was released. This tour is a celebration of the release of their debut as well as the unveiling of a new live lineup that is truly special.
Los Angeles is a haven for live music and home to some of the most fun venues in the country. The first time I saw The Black Queen ten years ago, was at Catch One. And now for their return they played there again and it felt just right.
As the clock struck midnight, the lights went down and the start of the intro music began to intoxicate the audience. Then Greg, Steve and Danny took the stage to a rousing applause and roar from the crown and instantly began with the great “Ice To Never.” From there it was just an incredible onslaught of banger after banger featuring “Secret Scream,” “The End Where We Start” and “That Death Cannot Touch.” The trifecta of those songs is enough to make one’s head explode with excitement. The crowd singing along too was astounding. “Maybe We Should/Non- Consent” and “Strange Quark” delivered a great sensual performance that fit the vibe on such a special way. “Distanced” was a treat too as that song has a really cool ambience that is moody in the best way. The songs from the bands second album, Infinite Games, sounded bigger than before, especially “Thrown Into The Dark.” Closing out their great set was the fantastic “Apocalypse Morning.” This song is one of my all time favorite end of album songs. The live version of this song is absolutely epic. You have to see it live to know!
The Black Queen’s return to the stage is one of those very welcoming moments. The time away has given their albums, especially Fever Daydream, to reach new heights and acclaim. The addition of Danny Lohner to the live lineup was such a great idea. He adds so much extra to the songs with the instrumentation, arrangements, as well as stage presence. Watching Greg Puciato sing his heart out next to Danny Lohner and guitarist Steve Alexander is a sight to see. The energy of all three on stage emits to the audience and makes for a complete show. Greg sounded great. The way his vocals hit is otherworldly.
Looking around the crowd throughout the show, you could tell there was an excitement in the room. Having The Black Queen back on stage is/was very much needed. I genuinely hope this live lineup stays together. There’s something special about this. And the addition of drummer Chris Pennie will absolutely put it over!
When The Black Queen comes through your town, I urge you to go. You’ll definitely thank me after!
Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy
The Black Queen Photos (I was experimenting with lighting, sorry for the quality. I was also enjoying the show too much):
Late last year I introduced you all to a new electronic group called LVX. Their debut song “Writhe” has yet to leave my suicide rotation. I enjoyed it so much that I had to know more and interviewed Justin Hanson, which was an absolutely fantastic conversation. Now here we are as “Hexer” has arrived. This song continues in the cinematic universe with some great twists and turns. There is a heaviness to this song without it being “heavy.” “Hexer” is the type of electronic song that escalates in a subtle manner and will sway you in way that feels weightless. Be sure to check out the video as well as that will take you places as well. I am very pumped for what else is to come!
The very awesome and genre smashing, Genghis Tron, has returned with an upcoming new album , Signal Fire, and first single, “I Am All.” The bands previous album, 2021’s, Dream Weapon, was beyond a welcome back album. In fact it’s one of those albums that the more the years go by, certain aspects of that record have come true.
This new album though, shifts from the apocalyptic dreams of the previous album, and into a very unhinged and volatile new world. Like the last one with the lyrical themes becoming reality, Signal Fire delivers an urgency that is very direct and precise. “I Am All” is not just the first single but first track on the album. This song is heavy and punishing as well as quite the soundtrack to the end times.
Signal Fire arrives June 12 via Relapse Records! I’m very impatiently awaiting this release!
I’m very excited to bring you this new Audioeclectica Interview with Justin Hanson of the new band LVX. Their debut single “Writhe” has been in my constant rotation since it’s arrival in late 2025. If you are into darkwave/goth/electronic music then you are gonna dig LVX! The conversation Justin and I had was great as we chatted about his musical origins, his band Lesser Key, the new band LVX, and a whole bunch of other fun. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for LVX. The video for “Writhe” arrived today as well as the release of this interview! Check out both of them below!!
I keep saying this because it’s true, 2026 is off to the races in terms of new album announcements, new music, new tours and who knows what else is to come in the next eleven months! That being said, this past week has seen a barrage of new singles from some of your favorites as well as some you might not know yet! In this batch for New Music Friday, I present new music from Lamb Of God, Filth Is Eternal, Nothing, Fotocrime, Gaerea, Metal Allegiance, clubdrugs . Give these a spin and let me know what you are into! Listening eclectically is much more fun than you’ve ever thought!
Over the course of the last few years Puscifer has become more than a side project. In fact, I’m actually glad that it has evolved further past that aspect and into it’s own entity. While it started as a sort of tongue in cheek project, the lyrical urgency of the last album and into the latest, Normal Isn’t, shows Puscifer is more than what the surface shows. The new album, Normal Isn’t, already is emitting sweet post-punk, alternative rock and electro energy. The first single “Self Evident” strikes quite the topical nerve lyrically. Then the second “Pendulum” really ignites the post-punk fire. And the latest “ImpetuoUs” has a way about it that sways into the Nine Inch Nails realm. Which is fine by me. It does have me wondering if there is any subconscious Tapeworm memories that crept in. Just a theory. I’m quite looking forward to this new album and where else it goes. Normal Isn’t sure hits the world and officially arrives on February 06, 2026 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings with a full North American tour to follow!
There’s always so much music being released these days it’s hard to keep up with it all at times. Luckily, you all have me to sort through it all and deliver the good stuff! As always, this batch of bands and albums is quite the eclectic one. This New Music Friday has all sorts of rock, metal, hardcore, electronic, and indie. Do check out all these bands and if they are playing near you, go see them and support your scene! At the end of the day there is no scene if there are no people there! Enjoy these picks and remember to always, Listen Eclectically! – Brian
01) The Anti-Groupies- Pretty Vicious: The Anti-Groupies are the real deal! I’ve been a fan for quite a bit now and it’s been a blast to watch their growth not just as a live band but as songwriters. Their debut album, Pretty Vicious, is out now and it’s a righteous slab of rock. It’s got the attitude and charisma of the 90’s, a fun playfulness that has a late 70’s early 80’s glam/punk rock vibe a la Blondie and Joan Jett and a style that is bombastic. The Anti-Groupies are one of those bands that will kick you in the teeth when you see them. The fun aspect of seeing this band is there along with the feeling of wanting to mosh. Give Pretty Vicious a spin!! And on November 15 come out to The Cobalt Presents show at Bar10 at Corbin Bowl and see The Anti-Groupies live for the Highwire Daze Magazine 35th Anniversary Show!
02) Au Jus- Very Well, Then: I find myself at times being quite intrigued with what the kids are doing musically these days. It’s been fun to watch a new generation of kids get into the things I grew up on. Sometimes there are a few bands that can capture a certain artsy essence of that time. With that in mind, let me introduce you to Au Jus and their album, Very Well, Then. This album is very much in the 90’s alternative vein with that introspective touch to it. It’s got a sort of The Smashing Pumpkins vibe mixed with Blind Melon. So it’s sort of whimsical and spacey with some sprinkles of psychedelia and shoegaze. Give Very Well, Then a spin and see where it takes you! You can catch Au Jus live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!
03) The Barbarians Of California- Pseudo Intellectuals Are Hating On My Band (Pure Power): Ever since I heard The Barbarians Of California I’ve been hooked. It’s been great to hear Aaron Bruno back in the hardcore realm of things. I grew up in the same area as Aaron and watching his old band Insurgence along with a slew of others like Counterveil, Homemade and others was a blast. So it’s been really fun and a bit nostalgic to have this band around. The Barbarians released a new song recently that also features Keith Buckley of Many Eyes/ex Every Time I Die. This is just one of those really fun sing along hardcore songs. It’s infectious! That’s the word I was trying to come up with. Enjoy this one!!
04) God Alone- The Beep Test: I love when I get sent things that I have zero about and I just put it on and then it’s game on! That’s what happened when I checked out Cork, Ireland’s, God Alone and their album, The Beep Test. It’s this crazy amalgamation of math rock, hardcore, punk, electronics and dance. I know, what? But seriously it all works quite well. The experimental nature of the album leaves you really wanting to delve into it more and more. There is so much to unpack in a glorious way, like opening presents on your birthday. I don’t want to say too much of it will give away the fun. Just put this album on and dance your feet off!
05) Jet Black Iris- How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?: A while back a band hit me up about playing a show with The Cobalt Presents. As I always do, I checked out the band and could definitely hear something I liked. So I booked them and DAMN! Jet Black Iris really captured my attention. Firstly, the sound of the band is chock full of things I love. There’s the 90’s quiet/loud vibe but more so in the Failure way, then you add in a really cool Post-Punk element a la Joy Division as well as Interpol (mainly their first 2 albums), and then a punk vibe that sits in that metallic/melodic spot. Put all that together and you really do have one hell of a sound and Jet Black Iris definitely takes flight! Their debut album, How Sweet Is The Taste Of Your Infection?, is ten songs of pure passion poured out onto tape (well the computer these days). Jet Black Iris has fast become one of my favorite new bands. Come see them live Saturday October 25 at The Cobalt Presents Show at Hotel Ziggy!!
06) Motherless- Do You Feel Safe?: More often than not, I’m usually in a heavy music mood. Depending on my mood depends on the level of heavy. The other day I wanted something that was HARD! So I went through my list of things to check out and put on the album Do You Feel Safe? by Motherless. After listening the eight song album, I knew I found what I was looking for and I put it on again. Punishing! That’s what this album is. It’s Metal, its got Hardcore sprinkled all over as well as dashes of Black Metal, Sludge and Doom! Motherless features members of The Atlas Moth (if you haven’t heard their album Coma Noir, you really should) and Without Waves. This album is quite intense and like I said, punishing (in the best way possible)!
07) Puscifer- Self Evident: I’ll admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Puscifer. There are songs I do like a lot but, for some reason it jus wasn’t connecting with me. Then a few months ago, I sat down to do some other work and put all the Puscifer albums on and found myself enjoying it a lot more than before. So when the news came out the other day that after five years, come February 6, 2026 via Alchemy Recordings, we will get a new Puscifer album called, Normal Isn’t. This new album is supposed to align more with the Post-Punk/Goth side of the bands collective influences. The first single “Self Evident” is just that, it’s dipped and swirled in post-punk. I’m sure Beavis and Butthead would be happy with one of the lyrics too!
08) Trace Amount Featuring Fatboi Sharif- Seeing God On The L Train: Over the past few years, I’ve been interested in where all the electronic music is going. There are so many sub-genres to it now that it almost seems made up. There are certain ones though that I’ve taken a liking too. The apocalyptic/atmospheric soundscapes with what seems like post-industrial beats has caught my ear. One artist that I’ve really enjoyed that does this style is Trace Amount (aka Brandon Gallagher). I got to see Trace Amount a few years ago open for Greg Puciato’s solo tour and Brandon’s set was one of those that set a tone sort of foreshadowed the craziness of the night. This new track though is pretty rad in that the sparce sound accompanied by the vocal deliver of Fatboi Sharif makes this a trippy song!
