Ortrotasce presents a new piece carved from voltage and intuition, a small sonic artifact for those who listen between the lines. Free download on his bandcamp.
Ortrotasce – Mine Sorrow [FREE DOWNLOAD]
new wave
VA – Underground Wave Volume 7 [WR020]
Again, a unique compilation by the leading Belgian re-release label Walhalla Records, specialized in minimal synth, cold wave, electro, and more. Following the widely acclaimed — and mostly sold-out — previous Underground Wave releases, totaling six albums so far and counting, there is now Volume 7. This release features Dutch and Belgian bands, each filling one side of the record. It offers a wealth of ultra-rare and previously unreleased material sourced from cassettes, deeply rooted in the electronic scene of the 80s and 90s.
Leroy Se Meurt – Hier Pour Toujours LP [MNQ168LP]
Two years after their debut on Berlin’s Mannequin Records, Leroy Se Meurt return with their second album, ‘Hier Pour Toujours’. Far from nostalgic, the record mirrors the bleakness of our times: history repeats itself, the future looks dark, and the duo’s fierce electronic punk is its perfect soundtrack. Drum machines set the march, synths flood the space, loops spiral to exhaustion, and vocals lead this orchestra of machines straight into the fire. Leroy Se Meurt sharpen their roots into something even more relentless—bold slogans, narrative fragments, and anthems made to be shouted together. ‘Hier Pour Toujours’ isn’t any more optimistic than their debut—but it still insists on belief. The end hasn’t come yet, and maybe, just maybe, there’s still light waiting on the other side.
Mini Zucchini – Ferment Station 02.09.2025
VA – Nihon No Wave 2 [MEC099]
Japan’s electronic music scene has always stood out as uniquely distinctive. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a wave of underground projects, bands, and independent labels – primarily based in Tokyo and Osaka – began crafting their own sound. Inspired by the post-punk, new wave, and experimental movements emerging from Europe and North America, these artists embraced a DIY ethic, using whatever technology they had access to in order to forge something entirely their own. This movement, often referred to as the “Nippon-wave” scene, remained largely hidden from the outside world. Many of its releases – on cassette tapes, flexi-discs, and privately pressed vinyl – never distributed beyond Japan’s borders, making them rare treasures for the few who managed to discover them. “Nihon No Wave” presents a selection of these long-overlooked recordings, making them accessible to listeners beyond Japan for the first time. This is Nihon No Wave part 2.
VA – Nihon No Wave [MEC030]
Japan’s electronic music scene has always stood out as uniquely distinctive. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a wave of underground projects, bands, and independent labels – primarily based in Tokyo and Osaka – began crafting their own sound. Inspired by the post-punk, new wave, and experimental movements emerging from Europe and North America, these artists embraced a DIY ethic, using whatever technology they had access to in order to forge something entirely their own. This movement, often referred to as the “Nippon-wave” scene, remained largely hidden from the outside world. Many of its releases – on cassette tapes, flexi-discs, and privately pressed vinyl – never distributed beyond Japan’s borders, making them rare treasures for the few who managed to discover them. “Nihon No Wave” presents a selection of these long-overlooked recordings, making them accessible to listeners beyond Japan for the first time. This is Nihon No Wave part 1.
Grauzone – LIVE LP [WRWTFWW052]
WRWTFWW Records releases Swiss cult band Grauzone’s recording of their April 12th 1980 live show at Gaskessel in their hometown of Bern. The 9-track album, documenting the very beginnings of the group, is available as a limited edition white vinyl LP in heavy 350gsm sleeve with special artwork by band member Stephan Eicher. Experience the early Grauzone days, live from Bern, Switzerland, with a concert recorded at legendary local venue Gaskessel, with Martin Eicher on guitar and vocals, Christian G.T. Trüssel on bass, Marco Repetto on drums, Stephan Eicher on synth, and Claudine Chirac on saxophone. The performance is a true time capsule of the early 80s underground, showcasing the punk side of Grauzone with renditions of songs that were never officially released, as well as future fan-favorite “Moskau”. A piece of Swiss music history, This limited release is a must have for all Grauzone fans and DIY archivists.
Sex Kino – Defcon One [SOIL031]
Retro synth provocateurs Sex Kino are back with their latest offering, ‘Defcon One’ on the highly vaunted Spanish underground label, SOIL Records. From the explosive electronic disco sounds of such tracks as ‘Space is the Place’ & ‘Ubahn, to the soaring synths of the formidable ‘East Meets West’, Sex Kino whacks the judges gavel calling to order 50 years of dance music and offers 4 fully realised tracks of poptastic synth wizardry.
Robi Insinna – Neoist [IND046/SA001]
‘Neoist’ is the 3rd and last release of the Robi Insinna aka Headman trilogy on the INDUSTRIA label. The A side features the title track Neoist a club orientated Post-Punk-Funk track. Side B starts with the original DGTC, a synth driven darkish new wave track. The second track on the B side features the The Lunacy of Flowers Maximum Version. An uptempo Vocal version inspired by DAF and Nitzer Ebb, interpreted by Dave ID (The Lunacy of Flowers) a one man post- industrial act from London.
Closed Mouth – You Don’t Need A God [OR140 ]
Catalan label Oráculo Records presents “You Don’t Need A God” by Closed Mouth, the musical project of Yannick Rault (France). The music is influenced by coldwave, dark wave and post-punk.
Zona Utopica Garantita – La Aberranti Selection ZUG Super Compilation [OR139]
Oráculo Records with a crazy compilation featuring 9 tracks by Italian band ZUG Zona Utopica Garantita. Includes also a remix by Unconscious.
Plague Pits – Escalator To The Abattoir LP [YCR204]
Swiss coldwave DIY collective Plague Pits deliver their third full-length ‘Escalator to the Abattoir’ on Young & Cold Records. “One skill that you master while working at an abattoir is disassociation. You learn to become numb to death and to suffering. Instead of thinking about cows as entire beings, you separate them into their saleable, edible body parts. It doesn’t just make the job easier – it’s necessary for survival.”
Grauzone – Eisbær [WRWTFWW041]
The official reissue of Grauzone’s essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic ”Eisbär”, proto-techno beast ”FILM 2”, and romantic synth ballad ”Ich Lieb Sie”, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band’s formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve.
Facets – Party Edits [BUMP-E001]
Blkmarket Underground Music Party Edits is a sub-label to the influential Blkmarket, an esteemed label and event series in New York. Contrary to what that catalogue number might indicate, this is actaully their second release and has Facets at the controls. First up is ‘Computers’ with its raw and snappy analogue drum sounds and late-night synth details. ‘Time Of War’ is another full-fat blend of analogue drum thump and driving synth motifs, ‘Talk To Me’ has crashing cold-wave synths and deadpan vocals and ‘Paranoia’ has loopy vocals and moody atmospheres for freaky dancing. ‘Lies’ and ‘Dub To Destruct’ shut down this varied and retro-tinged EP with jerking rhythms that will do plenty of damage.
Schulverweis – Chacha LP [OR137]
“Chacha” is the third album from one of the most groundbreaking European acts of the moment. Schulverweis, the collaboration between the prolific Levente Pavelka and the elektro enfant terrible Johannes Haas (aka L.F.T.), delivers an exceptional blend of eerie, lo-fi post-punk. This album breathes new life into an otherwise seemingly explored genre, making it an undeniable must-have for collectors drawn to the experimental edge of darkwave sounds.
Les Animaux Sauvages – Futurespective LP [OR136]
“Futurespective” is a remastered compilation featuring the very best releases from the iconic Bulgarian band Les Animaux Sauvages. For the first time ever, these timeless tracks are available on vinyl.
Parade Ground – The Hidden Side [DE329]
Parade Ground march back to Dark Entries with ‘The Hidden Side’, a compilation of B-sides and unreleased material. Brothers Jean-Marc and Pierre Pauly started Parade Ground in Brussels in 1981. Their Dada-laced brand of post-punk fuses propulsive drum machines and icy synths with skeletal guitar riffs and Jean-Marc’s distinct and powerful voice, pioneering the subgenre of emotional body music. In 2011, Dark Entries released ‘The Golden Years’, a compilation chronicling the band’s A-sides and exposing them to a new generation of EBM enthusiasts. ‘The Hidden Side’ continues this mission, illuminating lesser-known facets of the band’s oeuvre. The tracks here were written between 1982 and 1989, and showcase Parade Ground’s range of styles – all cold, dark, and brooding.
Marlon Lopez – Enjoy Discipline EP [ORIOR01]
Orior’s first release introduces Marlon Lopez with a record that boldly explores the boundaries of time and genre. This debut EP is as uncompromising as it is unique. Crafted in near isolation amidst the forest, Marlon’s work is untouched by the usual club influences, offering a refreshing, introspective take on new wave and 80s-inspired EBM. Featuring live bass, 70’s synths, and guitars, the tracks exude an uplifting energy – capturing the raw spirit of punk while steering clear of darkness. Orior (Latin for “I rise”) is the brainchild of LVCA. Born from a journey of resilience and creativity, Orior reflects a commitment to artistic individuality and is a celebration of rising through challenges with limitless vision.
Elektrokohle – Kalt Wie Du Bist LP [OR135]
Elektrokohle’s debut album has instantly become a legendary record due to the tragic loss of their incredible bassist just hours after its release. This album is a masterclass in future punk sound; it couldn’t be more powerful or punchy, being a great legacy to actual and future generations interested in furious music.
Yvgoslavia – Zairja [OR134]
Yvgoslavia is undoubtedly one of the best post-punk and minimal wave acts from Spain, and they’re returning to Oráculo with their second mini-album, following the highly sought-after “Vertebra”. Their frozen atmospheres and relentless, punishing beats immediately captivate any advanced darkwave enthusiast.
The Hipodrome Of Music 