Cold winter’s journey
Oh your soul keeps bleeding on
Through the storm and the war
You’re going home, into the unknown
The Sweet Kill, led by the singular Pete Mills, is a formidable gothic-rock powerhouse melding a cinematic blend of cold wave synths, atmospheric guitars, minimal drums, and melodic bass with his own velvety baritone. Evoking a spacious atmosphere that evokes the misty moors, Gothic manors, and tree-lined forests of romantic novels, Mills channels romantic sorrow that resonates with the echoes of Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, and London After Midnight.

The latest album from The Sweet Kill, Nowhere, delves into profound existential questions about the soul’s state between two realms: Are we perpetually adrift in the ether, or are we always anchored, never truly lost? The records’ narrative poetically captures the essence of grief as love with no destination. It portrays life as a cycle where some souls may return for another experience while others linger, forever haunting our world, trapped in the nowhere.

“Nowhere questions the final analysis of the soul’s journey between life and death, are we eternally floating in the ether or are we never lost and always found?” says Mills.

Beneath the chilly moonglow, one contemplates the allure of the Forbidden, driven by a deep, unnamable yearning. In life’s grand opera, hearts are drawn to secretive duets, hidden from the world’s view, where forbidden romances flourish like exotic, concealed flowers. The song’s lyrics, ‘I know you’re craving; we were outcasts all along,’ resonate with those drawn to the allure of the forbidden. The video, featuring the haunting voice of Pete Mills, guides us through this mysterious realm, shedding light on a shadowy adventure. Here, outcast protagonists navigate their intense yet prohibited desires, finding themselves in a dark, irresistible love, exiled in their own paradise.

Next comes Undead. In an endless night shrouded in gloom, cursed beings from the Undead realm grapple with a timeless romantic dilemma. Their love, unfolding like a silent opera against the backdrop of mortality’s relentless advance, threatens to separate them from their mortal beloveds. Their heartbeats resonate with a mournful melody as they face a harrowing decision: either damn their loved ones to eternal night to save them from death, or watch them perish. Oscar Wilde’s reflection, “The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death,” underscores the profound struggle of the Undead, caught between tender love and icy despair, in a melancholy dance where love challenges the bounds of life and death, yet remains bound by fate.

“The romantic seduction of vampires has prevailed until the dawn of this present day,’ says Mills about the next track, Queen. “This arousal poetically mirrors a bond where both lovers dissolve into one universal entity as their love conquers all. This world remains governed by the dark reign of this gothic King and Queen.”

The powerhouse anthem Evil was forged in the fiery crucible of confronting personal demons head-on. The song delves into the darkest corners of the soul, exploring the haunting depths before ascending into a cathartic embrace of its own end. The song masterfully transforms inner turmoil into a compelling celebration of release and redemption, marking a bold exploration of the shadows that reside within us all.

Kicking off with a chilling horror movie motif, Creeper is an anguished plea emerging from the depths of sleep-induced paralysis. As the conscious mind surrenders to slumber, the body becomes a prisoner to night terrors. The track vividly portrays the turmoil of fear and suppressed emotions that run wild in the dead of night, painting a haunting picture of the struggles faced at bedtime.

Destroy heralds triumph and liberation from intense internal conflicts. It confronts the paradox that the greatest battles are endless and that sometimes, surrender is the path to victory. The song powerfully explores the toll exacted to attain mental peace, allowing one to face the world with renewed conviction and confidence. Through visceral storytelling, “Destroy” vividly depicts the raw, lived reality on the far side of addiction, offering a resonant perspective on recovery and renewal.

Nowhere and Alive are tracks that explore the emotional landscapes carved out by loss and remembrance. The former confronts the grief that accompanies the death of a loved one, suggesting that while our bodies may perish, our energy remains infinite. The song proposes that the soul survives death, possibly manifesting as either a peaceful presence or a restless specter among the living, emphasizing the immortal nature of spirit and memory despite mortality.

Alive, on the other hand, captures the poignant moment when the essence of a deceased loved one returns, impacting those they once knew. This powerful reconnection raises profound questions about the afterlife—be it heaven, purgatory, or hell—and prompts a reflection on the enduring ties that transcend the physical world. Both songs address the deep emotional responses elicited by these spiritual encounters, underscoring the belief that while death is inevitable, the suffering it brings can be transcended.

The tumultuous emotions of a relationship on the brink of collapse take the stage in Explode, embodying the tension between knowing it’s time to part ways and the desperate cling to companionship. The song captures the rawness of realizing a love has run its course while grappling with the fear of solitude. It portrays this conflict with a mix of power and poignancy, mapping the internal struggle of holding on to the familiar to stave off the void of loneliness.

Paying homage to a former bandmate who tragically ended her own life, Divide grapples with the feelings of helplessness in the face of another’s suffering and the haunting regret of failing to intervene. This track poignantly captures the emotional and moral dilemmas that come with loss and the human condition. “The Great Divide” explores the fierce inner conflict between the forces of good and evil within us. It contrasts the “Sweet”—the righteous path that one is meant to follow—with “The Kill,” which represents the alluring pull of darker impulses.

Step 1 is a raw outcry for escape from the grip of loneliness, heartbreak, and addiction. The song delves into the deceptive comfort of “one more hit,” an anthem familiar to those entangled in addiction’s hold. It reflects on the paradox of solutions that seem to make sense when the problem itself is misunderstood, a cycle that perpetuates unending suffering. The track captures the profound struggle until a glimmer of hope—a light at the end of the tunnel—finally appears, suggesting a path out of the darkness.

Finally, this emotional roller coaster of an album concludes with Goodbye, a poignant tribute to a lover who’s gone but not forgotten, probing the haunting question: is it ever truly too late to say goodbye? It touches on the deep sorrow and confusion that follow the tragic losses of icons to addiction, overdose, or suicide, capturing the struggle of those left behind to understand the senseless endings.

Nowhere, out now under Young & Cold Records in Germany and Shadow Zone Records in the USA, is available on digital streaming, CD and black marble vinyl.

Order Here

Nowhere by The Sweet Kill

Pete Mills, initially a guitarist, revolutionized his musical approach upon harnessing his distinctive vocal talents, which he chillingly refers to as “a creepy instrument.” By 2021, this evolution gave rise to The Sweet Kill, a venture aimed at connecting with those navigating life’s darker moments. The 2022 release of their album “Darkness” established The Sweet Kill as a significant presence in the genre, signaling Mills’ transformation and ushering in a fresh era for darkwave.

Operating out of his own studio, Shadow Zone Sound, Mills takes the helm in recording and producing all of The Sweet Kill’s work.

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The post The Journey Between Life and Death — Listen to Los Angeles Dark Post-Punk Project The Sweet Kill’s Latest Album “Nowhere” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

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Untie
The few and far behind
Interest informant redefined
Form a feed within and without
St. Petersburg, Florida, serves as the creative hub for Liquid Pennies, an avant-garde indie-psych quartet known for blending a wide array of influences into dynamic new musical creations. The band recently released Doom Doubt, a song with a unique rhythmic flair and electrifying sound. It is accompanied by an engaging photographic stop-motion music video that captures the song’s liveliness and spirited nature.

Doom Doubt is the second single showcasing Liquid Pennies’ innovative dual drummer configuration, marking a bold new phase for the band. Known for their experimental edge, Liquid Pennies have explored a variety of styles, but with violinist/vocalist Zoë Turtle, they’ve delved into complex, King Crimson-esque prog rock, folk, concise punk blasts, the sharp-edged post-punk of Gang of Four, and the expansive post-rock landscapes reminiscent of Mogwai.

Doom Doubt opens with dual drummers Casey Jones and Pierson Whicker setting a dynamic pace with traded solos, diving into themes of modern societal malaise driven by technology’s drawbacks—doom-scrolling, fleeting attentions, and pervasive fear mongering. The song questions the dominance of digital interactions over real moments. Lyrically, it reflects on disconnection and disillusionment, portraying a society lost in endless choices and collective indifference. It calls for a reassessment of values and a search for authenticity and deeper meaning amidst fleeting realities.

The video for Doom Doubt showcases Liquid Pennies’ eclectic style with a dynamic visual range, oscillating between rapid, intense live performance footage and more serene scenes featuring the band against the backdrop of guitarist Chas Binns’ timelapse photography. This visual mix effectively highlights the broad spectrum of influences that the Tampa Bay area brings to their music. Filmed by local videographer Gabe Luggo, the video blends animated gifs with beautifully shot clips of the band performing at various venues around their hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, capturing the energy and essence of their live shows.

Watch the video for “Doom Doubt” below:

Engineered and mixed by the acclaimed Ryan Boesch, known for his work with powerhouses like the Melvins, St. Vincent, Foo Fighters, Helmet, and Andrew WK, the live essence of the St. Petersburg quartet has been expertly captured. Boesch, with his extensive experience crafting sound for some of the biggest names in the industry, brings a seasoned touch to the band’s dynamic performances, ensuring that their on-stage energy translates seamlessly into their recordings.

Doom Doubt by Liquid Pennies

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Lost in a dream again
Tell me that you want me, no need to pretend
I’m giving my heart to you
Kiss me like no other, I’m nobody’s fool
British philosopher Alan Watts, renowned for translating Eastern philosophy for Western minds, frequently explored the idea of embracing the present fully, while acknowledging the impact of past experiences. Watts championed a profound understanding of the self as intertwined with the universe, advocating that balance is found not through exertion, but by accepting life’s inherent rhythms. The concept of the “dreamer” in his teachings refers to viewing life as a series of interconnected moments rather than discrete events. Reflecting on the past and planning for the future serves as a metaphor in his philosophy, illustrating the intricate weave of life’s continuum and challenging the perceived boundaries separating past, present, and future.

Alan Watts’ emphasis on mindfulness resonates in Wish, the hauntingly beautiful new shoegaze single by Philadelphia’s Forest Circles. The track begins as listeners are drawn into a black hole, entering a dream-like realm. Within this ethereal space, the protagonist embarks on a quest for equilibrium, revisiting past events and envisioning future possibilities. This introspective process is depicted as a puzzle, where each piece is a fragment of memories that collectively point towards what’s to come. The act of putting these pieces together symbolizes a deeper understanding of life’s continuity and the interconnectedness of time.

The lyrics express the emotions of someone deeply lost in love, yearning for affirmation and intimacy. The speaker gives their heart willingly, seeking a permanent connection, but experiences heartbreak and regret when things end. Despite attempts to push their lover away, they are left with the realization that the relationship’s failure is their own fault, and they mourn what could have been.

The monochromatic video for Wish amplifies the emotional and psychological undertones of this endeavor, highlighting the often non-linear and complex nature of personal growth and planning. The dream state and flashes of Jungian imagery provide a unique space where the boundaries between time and memory blur, allowing a deep dive into one’s aspirations and the dynamics of personal change.

Watch the video for “Wish” below:

Forest Circles, the creative outlet of multi-instrumentalist Angel Ocana, masterfully melds dream-pop, post-punk, and shoegaze into a unique musical concoction. His introspective, slow-burning style refreshes the listener, while also channeling the deep, emotional currents that defined the late 80s and early 90s music scene. Ocana’s work resonates with a nostalgic echo yet pulses with contemporary energy,

Listen to and order Wish via Bandcamp:

Wish by Forest Circles

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You can’t believe what they say, they’ll treat you like a fool
It hurts me just to watch you follow everything they do
Well if you go out looking, you’ll find something so pure
You’re leaving me with nothing till I come down from the cure
Just a year after the release of their darkly intense album Krypt, LA-based band Male Tears has made a stunning return with an entirely new sound. The group has now expanded to include four members, with vocalist James Edward at the forefront, steering their musical direction from dark wave to high-energy Italo disco.

This transformation unfolds in the dimly lit nooks of a nightclub bathed in deep reds and magentas. Here, the charismatic James Edward takes center stage, adorned with ruffles and makeup that nod to icons like Steve Strange and Robert Smith. His presence is commanding, offering a masterclass in the captivating allure of New Romanticism.

Regret 4 Nothing, a standout track from Male Tears’ latest album Paradisco, pulls the band from the dark depths of goth into a whirlwind of ecstatic disco fever. The song is filled with sweeping orchestral hits, relentless disco rhythms, and a cascade of synth arpeggios. It wraps listeners in a cozy blanket of sweet nostalgia and renewed romantic flair, with a sound that honors legends like Miko Mission, Ken Laszlo, Lisa Lisa, Exposé, and The Smiths. This track is a bold departure that celebrates the euphoric highs of disco while nodding respectfully to its synth-pop predecessors.

While the music pulses with an ecstatic energy, Male Tears’ lyrics retain the gothic essence they’re known for, wrestling with external forces and inner chaos. The protagonist feels overwhelmed by the turmoil around them yet stands firm, unapologetic for their past and unyielding to remorse. They watch as others naïvely follow the crowd and express sorrow over the world’s harsh realities for people like them, continuously searching for truth and clarity in their rebellious stand.

The video, directed by Megan Ixy Sanchez, showcases the song in a typical goth club scene, with cameos from various characters in the Los Angeles scene.

Watch the video for “Regret 4 Nothing” below:

Paradisco features eight new tracks that delve deep into the realms of Italo disco, hi-NRG, and freestyle. This new album marks a departure from the darker tones Male Tears has explored over the past three years. With their quest for darkness now behind them, the band invites listeners to dress up and embrace the lighter side of life, encouraging a break from self-pity and urging them to cut away the unnecessary and stagnant.

The album is available in a variety of limited editions via Avant! Records, with only 250 copies each of light blue vinyl, yellow vinyl, and digipak CDs, along with a digital version. Fans can look forward to the release on July 12th.

You can pre-order Paradisco here

Paradísco by MALE TEARS

Catch Male Tears live:

Apr 26 Catch One Los Angeles, CA

Jul 20 Kensington Club San Diego, CA

Jul 25 The Virgil Los Angeles, CA

Sep 27 Metro Chicago, IL

Oct 10 Crowbar Ybor City, FL

Nov 8 Warehouse Live Midtown & Numbers Nightclub Houston, TX

Nov 23 Lodge Room Los Angeles, CA

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The post Los Angeles Darkwavers Male Tears Debut Video for “Regret 4 Nothing” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

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As we reported earlier The Swedish postpunk trio Then Comes Silence just released their newest album, their seventh, “Trickery” on Metropolis Records. They now announce their North American tour dates.

The trio will be performing in 21 cities across the US and Canada, joined by Vision Video, Aurelio Voltaire and Tears For The Dying at various times throughout their tour.

And here is the full album to check out.

Trickery by THEN COMES SILENCE

Then Comes Silence Tour Dates

April 20 – Parsippany, NJ @ Dark Force Fest

April 21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo *

April 23 – Rochester, NY @ Photo City Music Hall *

April 24 – Brattleboro, VT @ Stone Church *

April 25 – Boston, MA @ Sonia *

April 26 – Lewiston, ME @ L/A Arts *

April 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB **

April 28 – Toronto , ON @ Velvet Underground **

April 30 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom *

May I – Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme *

May 2 – Chicago IL @ Subterranean **

May 3 – St. Louis. MO @ The Crack Fox **

May 4 – Dubuque, LA @ Fox Den Motel *

May 5- Milwaukee, WI @ The Vivarium *

May 6 – Minneapolis, MN @ Green Room *

May 7 – Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar *

May 8 – Louisville, KY @ Art Sanctuary *

May 9 – Detroit, MI @ Smalls ***

May 10 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery ***

May 11 – Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom ***

May 12 – TBA ***

Related newsThen Comes Silence returns with 'Like a Hammer' single - Out now* with Vision Video
** with Vision Video + Aurelio Voltaire
*** with Vision Video + Aurelio Voltaire + Tears For The Dying

Source: EBM.gr