A new limited (to 50 copies) cdr by Roger H. Smith aka Chefkirk. I was not impressed by his split with Iversen, but this work is definitely better and shows a clear progression in his approach to noise. Chefkirk basically makes digital harsh noise, apparently mincing sound samples through some plug in or real time processing. Here and there the tracks sound redundant or unrefined, and I'd have cropped this short cdr even more - but as a whole, Chefkirk's vandalism is quite well done, fierce and varied enough to keep it interesting. The sound quality is crisp, so even basic frequencies are well audible. At his best, Smith reaches a disquieting organic variation of harsh noise - when he uses natural sounds (insects, horses, wolves... or so I think) he definitely gets captivating results ("Wolves, varieties of", "Blind insects"). Chefkirk still has to further develop his sound, but as it is this is a nice work.

Spanish band Ebony Ark is at its first work with this selftitled promo CD. They show great technique and compositive qualities since first track, the orchestral intro "Open The Ark (Overture)". Their music can be described, using some violence on terms, as Prog-Gothic Metal, mixing dark and intense atmospheres, neoclassic and baroque influences and a prog attitude. Songs’ structure, even if sometimes simple, shows an always moving and technically complex work, and I hear DREAM THEATER’s mark especially in the guitar lines. Vocals are good and pleasant, melodic but also aggressive in choruses, alternating a deeper timbre, closer to Gothic Metal female voices, and Power Metal high notes. "Night’s Cold Symphony" starts with a disturbing and obscure riff, a slower and heavy rhythmical section, to grow in intensity with the voice’s entrance, like a medieval sacred melody. The song shows a good taste for melody and a complex instrumental intermezzo. "Stones In The Way" is a powerful ride, a bright song with a very good chorus, something closer to ICED EARTH and the above mentioned DT. "Farewell" seems an American rock ballad, but at once shows its metal aggressiveness. Chorus is great, in style with the song, while I think the softer chorus (with male vocals) and the too long and virtuoso intermezzo make the track lose the immediacy it needs. It could be a single to let the band go out of their fans’ base. "Dreaming Silence" is a well made song but I can’t find the right hook, even if the melodic chorus is very touching. Probably, as in the previous track, there’s too much, in terms of notes and parts. Progressive, as jazz, is a great way to express all the emotions a musician feels without the cage of a restricted genre, but on the other hand is not so simple for a listener to follow the music and fly, and often seems a pleased soliloquy. This promo ends with a cover of Flashdance’s well known track "What a Feeling", starting with a piano but soon exploding in a heavier and involving way.A very good work, they’ve only to give more importance to songs and not to show everywhere their technique.

James D. Stark is a classical trained pianist who have the skills to make beautiful darkwave music. To paint a visual picture of his debut release "Fortress Of Solitude", all of his songs are about love. A magical moment and a lovely tale of being in love. Ah, imagine Disney use James music for a new animated fairytale love story. Even the voice of James singing is ethereal. So heavenly, he can serenade to a woman by sweeping her off her feet and win her heart. The music have a laidback soft touching feel that will shift you to oblivion where the heavens and the undivided skies are above. The tracks are smoothe and soothing with emotion. It delivers a heart warming compassionate electronic synth-pad solace. Favorites on the album include "Dying Beauty", "Need", "Home", "Sole Desire", the instrumental "Mists", and the remake of Depeche Mode "Halo", which the original composition is re-arrange in a unique way. If you're looking for something soft and mellow down and a album that will fit for your romantic evening with your lover, let James D. Stark be your choice and help set the mood. And if you're a darkwave fan who's looking for something totally very different, this is the album to buy.

All My Faults is Steve Becker. His project is gothic/darkwave, but more electro-gothic-industrial with harsh guitar feel. This four track ep release is indeed a dancefloor catch. The first track "Sand Of Time" kicks off with its gothic-industrial vibe that contains an EBM element. Surprisingly, the second track "Forest After Midnight (Short)" reminds me of the band The Last Dance. I'm quite sure the band will be astonish if they hear this song. For those that like New Wave and a child of the 80's, then "These Hours Of Emptiness (Radio Edit)" will suit you well. The final track "Allest Ist Gesagt" brings out more of the guitar in the song, which may sound industrial-metal, a good blend that sets in a well mannered standard. As been listening to this disc numerous of times, this is totally a club/dancefloor killer!

Sometimes by listening to the new releases you feel that e.b.m. has already told everything and even if each band claim itself as the new sensation, by doing so, they throw another handful of ground on the e.b.m. grave. Fortunately sometimes, thanks to some new bands, you start to think that electonic body music could give some new thrill, again. Violent Entity doesn't represent an electronic miracle but MECHANIZED DIVISION is a good album, if you think that it is his first one. The tracks have got a good balance of dance/beat attitude, simple melodies and powerful mix without sounding too fake angry. Also the structure of the tracks differs one from the other (only a couple of them are similar) and they don't create that lousy effect of xeroxed songs. Also the two remixes (thanks to Batterycage and to Supreme Cout) offers to the listener good electro entertainment moments and if you love granitic albums, MECHANIZED DIVISION could be a good choice.