The evolution of electronic music has made for some truly intriguing and interesting music. When you hear an artist of band in this genre that really hits you, it’s a different feeling than that of a metal or rock band. It’s filled more with a pulsating and ethereal vibe. And on the latest release from Justin Hanson aka LVX, is just that and more.
“Supplicant” is a track that explores a haunting cinematic universe mixed with a prog sense that has tinges of post punk and goth. The real drums give it a very human feeling that strikes at the right chords to make a very intimate and intense track. The additional guitar parts courtesy of Paul D’Amour adds an extra layer of depth to “Supplicant.”
LVX is one to keep your ears and eyes on! I know I am!!
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!
