Electronic Music

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HO99O9- TOMORROW WE ESCAPE

A few years back my friend Adam suggested I check out the band HO99O9 (pronounced Horror). I had heard the name before and was mildly curious. Then after I checked it out, I was hooked. Not long after that, we wound up going to a sort of secret show in the back of a coffee shop in Downtown Los Angeles to see HO99O9. That show really cemented for me what this band is all about. Intense isn’t the right word, more like vicious is a better way to describe this duo. HO99O9 blurs the line between hip hop, metal, industrial, electronic and then some. Having toured with Slipknot, Korn, Alice in Chains, Rob Zombie, Ministry, Cypress Hill, and Ghostface Killah, they definitely have the pedigree behind them.

Tomorrow We Escape is the bands third full length album. This one is very direct and focused on a mission. Throughout the 11 song album, there are many twists and turns that keep you captivated and trying to guess what’s next. The chaos is controlled yet burns its own path. From the instant the first song “I Miss Home” begins all the way through to the epic closer “Godflesh,” there is no letting off the pedal. Chock full of powerful beats that pulsate even in your brain even after the song is done, hooks that feel catchy but not cheesy and an edge that is razor sharp that cuts so deep. Other standout tracks include “Escape,” “OK, I’m Reloaded,” “Upside Down, and “L.A. Riots.” There are two specific songs though that truly shine on this album. The first being “Tapeworm” which features Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan, Better Lovers, The Black Queen, etc) and it’s one hell of a song. Greg takes the song to a whole other level. Just listen and you’ll know what I mean. And the other one is “Immortal” which features Chelsea Wolfe. This track is a complete 180 for the band and it is hauntingly dreamy. There’s a soothing touch to this song.

This is the album, I’ve been waiting for HO99O9 to make. The OGM and Yeti Bones have truly found their path on Tomorrow We Escape. All the elements that were thrown into the mix have a distinct place on these songs. When you think something might be out of place or a little weird, it’s not, just go with it and let it sink in. If you are looking for a barn burner of an album, this one is for you. I highly recommend you play this one loud and make sure your windows are down, it might shatter glass!

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

HO99O9- Tomorrow We Escape:

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: REBA MEYERS AT THE MOROCCAN LOUNGE

When it was announced that Reba Meyers would be going on a solo tour, I knew I had to go. Reba’s Clouded World EP recently was released and after my first listen through, I had a feeling live these songs would be even more special. On a quite perfect Sunday evening in Downtown Los Angeles at The Moroccan Lounge, Reba Meyers definitely left a lasting impression on me and it was one of the most genuine and artistic performances I’ve seen all year.

With minimal lights on, the right amount of ambient noise and armed with guitars galore, Reba took the stage intro t of an audience that was enthralled from the first note. Songs like “Got Your Hold On Me,” “Clouded World,” were breathtaking live. The passion that was pouring out during was real and you could feel it from the stage to the audience. One song in particular “Bring Us All Together” really struck a chord with me. There was something else about this song that gave me chills in the best way possible. It’s one of those songs that can lock you in a trance. When the set was over, I didn’t want it to end. The couple of new songs Reba played has me even more excited for what’s to come on her upcoming full length album.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the direct support band of the night, Melted Bodies. This was the first time I’ve heard or seen this band and I loved every second of it. It’s part industrial metal, part punk and part experimental/psychedelic and they definitely had my attention. Playing against a very stark and dim lighting, Melted Bodies were captivating and have a driving rhythm section that is infectious. I’m definitely keeping this band on my radar!

All in all this was a great show and evening. It’s shows like this and artists like Reba that keeps me doing Audioeclectica and still loving music as much as I do. Truly you should really check out Reba’s music as well as Melted Bodies.

Overall Show Rating: A

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Reba Photos:

Melted Bodies:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- MEGAMANTRA

Over the last couple of years, Black Magnet has been a band I’ve become quite fond of. Each album has upped the ante of not just creating great industrial music but, has breathed new life into the genre. Which brings me to the album of the week, Black Magnet’s new record, Megamantra. If you are a fan of classic industrial a la Ministry, Godflesh, Broken/Downward era Nine Inch Nails then you will absolutely love Megamantra.

Black Magnet’s Megamantra is an album not for the faint of heart. This album is a hard charging, pummeling piece of work. The dark yet lush dynamics found on this record really captivate the listener. While the subject matter on the album is chock full of heavy and harsh realities, the songs are layered with an anthemic sensibility that packs obscene amounts of energy into each track. The guitars are razor sharp and the riffs hit you like a ton of bricks. The synth work on this album is on par with the likes of Nine Inch Nails and it creates an additional mood that compliments the hard driving riffs and thunderous drums (which are live- thank you Noah!!!). Throughout the 9 songs on the album, you can most definitely sense that this is a “complete album.” The whole album is a standout track. I implore you to listen to this album from start to finish.

James Hammontree, the bands founder, guitarist, and vocalist has put together a lineup for this album that truly explodes upon first listen. Compelling is a great way to describe this record. After listening to this album, one, you’ll more than likely want to start it over, because it’s that good, and two, you’ll really want to go see Black Magnet live. The way these songs flow into one another as well as the very direct approach in writing makes Megamantra one of the best albums of 2025. Black Magnet is a band for now and the future so make sure you connect with this one!

Overall Rating: A

Standout Tracks: The Whole Album

Black Magnet- Megamantra:

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: HEAVY HALO- DAMAGED DREAM

I love that feeling of putting an album on without any pre conceived thoughts and getting absolutely swept away by it. That’s exactly what happened the instant the first beat hit on Heavy Halo’s new album Damaged Dream. The moment I put this album on I was hooked. I’m not sure what I was looking for at the moment but, I knew this album was for me. Since I got this album, it has been in non stop rotation for me. Actually I’ve been aching to write about this album and share it with you all.

Heavy Halo’s sound is packed with so many things that I love like industrial, alternative rock, electronic elements and a nice splashing of gothic expression. Imagine if Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure and early New Order (Movement era) all combined forces to create music, that combination is what you get on Damaged Dream. Throughout the ten songs on this album you get lost in the ambience, pulsating beats, driving guitars and great soaring melodies that add the light to a dark setting. There are hooks aplenty found throughout Damaged Dream and they are more like ear candy. Lyrically this is a deeply reflective album that hits you in all the feels in a great way. It’s a more uplifting feeling than what most bands would tend to do.

The way this album flows from start to finish is like blood flowing. It’s quite the rush. There isn’t one song on here that feels out of place. Each track is drenched with this feeling that makes you want to get up and move. Not necessarily in a “dancing way” but, more so in a way that gets you revved up for taking on a day and conquering it. I’d love to pinpoint certain songs but, it’s better if you just listen to this album from start to finish. It’s one of those albums! I really love this album. So much so that it’s definitely in my top 5 of 2025! Do yourself a favor and take some time and let Heavy Halo rock your world!

Standout Tracks: THE ENTIRE ALBUM!

Overall Rating: A

Heavy Halo- Damaged Dream:


SONG OF THE WEEK: BLACK MAGNET- ENDLESS

The other day I heard a song that was absolutely pummeling and punishing and it put a giant smile on my face. That song is called “Endless” and it’s by the mighty, Black Magnet. If you aren’t familiar with Black Magnet you should change that. Black Magnet have been a favorite of mine since I heard them a few years back. Their 2022 album Body Prophecy, is an unsung masterpiece and they are one hell of a band. Black Magnet are one of a handful of industrial metal bands that have really put the genre back on the map. This new song “Endless” is as relentless as it is raw. It reminds me of Broken era Nine Inch Nails and Psalm 69 era Ministry. It’s heavy and chock full of electronic goodies to discover with each listen. Black Magnet’s new album, Megamantra, is set for release on Federal Prisoner June 27th, 2025. I know I will be picking this up for damn sure!

Black Magnet- Endless:

Black Magnet- Endless (Official Video):

NEW RELEASE: YOUTH CODE- IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW
News: Youth Code Release New Single 'In Search of Tomorrow'

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day a new Youth Code song or album would be released and that wait is over! The first single “In Search Of Tomorrow” has arrived and it’s an absolute banger of a track! This song can be found on their upcoming new album in four years, Yours, With Malice will arrive on May 16, 2025 via Sumerian Records. “In Search Of Tomorrow” is drenched in industrial goodness and packs quite the punch. There’s also this really cool new wave vibe that is an undercurrent to the song making it for a grand listening experience! Really looking forward to Yours, With Malice! Enjoy!

Youth Code- In Search Of Tomorrow:

Album Of The Week: Machinekit- GODDAMNVANITY

Well, I can officially say I have a favorite album of 2025 so far. I’ve been completely enthralled with the new album, GODDAMNVANITY by Los Angeles based industrial-techno punks, Machinekit. The ten song album is one hell of a gut punch in a totally great way. Inspired by a recurring dream of a woman singing, “Come home, Honeycomb,” Machinekit has put together an album that plays out partly like an internal breakdown that summons all the anger, hate, despair, and inspired pain into a cocoon that develops into a beautifully yet brutal show of force that on the other side comes a sense of self acceptance and growth.

GODDAMNVANITY is an album that not only strikes hard at the times we live in but, also shows the imperfections of each person. When you take that and add an abrasive yet powerful sound that is dynamic in its influences and inspirations. The way the electronic components mix with the aggressive guitars and rhythms along with tinges of ambience, noise and cinematic moments makes this for one hell of a listening experience. It’s one of those ear candy albums for you audiophiles out there.

Machinekit have drilled in on exactly their sound on this album. This album has quite a few twists and turns on it as well that leaves you wanting to keep listening again and again. Frontman, multi-instrumentalist and producer John Rojas, along with drummer Ryan Janke, guitarist Alexander Gillen, bassist Jeremey Trujeque and multi-instrumentalist, Aj Fructuoso bring the chaos needed to usher in 2025!

Overall Rating: 9/10

Machinekit- GODDAMNVANITY:

The Other Side: Noumenah
Noumenah3000.jpg

Over the last few years electronic music has taken the world by storm. It’s in everything you hear these days pretty much. Through the flood of electronic artists, there are a few that have really done something interesting with it and expanded upon the sound. One such artist is Noumenah also known as Andrew John Napier. His music draws from an expansive and eclectic myriad of influences. On his debut album, Seet, the lush soundscapes feel like they belong as part of a score. The interesting part of Napier’s music on this album, these instrumental tracks feel completely immersive. There is a bit of a narrative to it all as you listen. The ebb and flow of the parts and rhythms make this album something more than just your average electronic album. Having depth in this genre can really take the music to new heights and Noumenah does that with the right elements.


Noumenah- Seer:

Beats Per Minute: Robots With Rayguns

20507584_1643074085705675_7854963913707876063_o.jpg
Because electronic music has become such a force within music, I felt compelled to start a category to feature the best electronic artists I’ve come across. Beats Per Minute will showcase all these bands/artists and give you a nice cross section of different styles and genres within the electronic music scene.

For this first one I’d like to introduce to you Robots With Rayguns. Formed by Lucas Patrick Smith in Phoenix, Arizona, Robots With Rayguns oozes with synth driven ballads a la 80’s New Wave and bits of modern electronica. The latest release Slow Jams is a concept album that incorporates all new songs along with revamped versions of older RWR songs. After taking the time to listen to the entire album, there is definitely a sense of continuity between all the songs and it creates a very intriguing “good time” vibe. The way the songs play out in the “ballad” format gives the album a bit of a 70’s R & B vibe as well.

Normally this isn’t something I would gravitate to but there is certainly something catchy about Robots With Rayguns that sticks out. The “good time” vibe that I mentioned above is contagious. You could put this entire album on while having a party, and I’m sure you’d start seeing people dancing out of nowhere.

Pre-order the 2 x LP vinyl via Sofa King Vinyl HERE

 

Robots With Rayguns- Slow Jams:

Band Of The Week: 20SIX Hundred

20245494_744474689067133_7777649447837049847_n.jpg

In this day and age, electronic music has really taken over. The one thing with so much electronic music is, most people don’t know how to do it right. Enter 20SIX HUNDRED. Darren Jones has taken his love of electronic/synth music and created a soundscape rather than just beats. His ability to create a “score” rather than the same repetitive sounds is impressive and feels natural and not forced. Do you remember the John Carpenter films and the music that accompanied them? That’s what this reminds me of. Among the John Carpenter influence, there is also a bit of a video game sound too, that makes this a bit more cinematic. 20SIX HUNDRED is the perfect soundtrack for today’s electronic crowd. You can also pre-order the new album, The Cold Rise From Sleep, on vinyl by Darren over at Sofa King Vinyl.

 

20SIX HUNDRED- The Cold Rise From Sleep:

 

The Cold Rise From Sleep VINYL ORDER PROMO!!

 

20SIX HUNDRED Live: