Despite coming from Germany, the 30-year-strong Atmospheric Black Metal unit Bergthron tend to incorporate strong Norse-themed concepts and influences into their songs. Playing mostly Black Metal with a touch of progressive undertones —that would remind their listeners of Sólstafir and the likes–, they are best known for writing songs that pay homage towards the North and its pulchritude, and the ancient times; references of Norse myths included. This fact somehow also bears relevance with how the concepts of their sounds –both lyrically and sonically– are strongly associated with the cold and winter. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Gothic Rock
CONCERT REVIEW: Lacuna Coil – Blind Channel Live at Manchester Academy
Finnish Nu-Metal outfit Blind Channel are our warm-up act for the night with their energetic and eclectic mix of music styles and song choices keeping the set fresh and intriguing throughout. I’m sure many attendees didn’t have a heavy metal interpretation of “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys on their bingo card for tonight. However, when the classic bop is deployed towards the tail end of the set it’s met with a thunderous reception. Mix this with a mid-set encore that sees one-half of the vocal duo land a brief solo rap session directly followed up with a version of System of a Down’s “B.Y.O.B.”Continue reading
INTERVIEW: Gabriel Franco of Unto Others Discusses Their New Album “Never, Neverland,” Major Labels, and More
In this episode, Ghost Cult Keefy chatted with Gabriel Franco of Unto Others all bout their new album Never, Neverland, out now via Century Media! Gabriel discussed making the new album with Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Killing Joke, The Cult, etc.), working with a new label, songwriting, not liking the tag “Goth,” life in Portland, and much more!
Venamoris (Dave Lombardo) Shares a New Single “In The Shadows” – Joins the Ipecac Recordings Roster for New Album
Venamoris, the duo of Paula and Dave Lombardo, has signed with Ipecac Recordings, prepping a 2025 sophomore release, with a glimpse of what’s to come with today’s release of the entrancing track, “In The Shadows” Watch the video for the song by Displaced/Replaced now! Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: The Other Sun – Daimon, Devil, Dawn
Daimon, Devil, Dawn (Invictus Productions/The Anja Offensive) is the debut album from Dark Rock group The Other Sun. The Swedish trio are described as Occult/Dark Rock but that label does not reflect their distinctive mix of Surf Rock, 70’s rock and Western soundtracks. Featuring members of Saturnalia Temple, and Árstíðir Lífsins this eclectic blending of sunny, Californian surf rock with Ennio Morricone film scores creates a unique gothic rock.Continue reading
CONCERT REVIEW: The 69 Eyes – The Bites – Budderside at The Machine Shop
It was a fine, flowering Friday when The Machine Shop opened its doors for a night of hearty rock and ghoulish gothicness. The prized concert lounge hosts everyone from legends to rising stars making it an ideal stop for the Death of Darkness USA tour. The 69 Eyes have brought their dark music expertise back to the states for a month-long run with support from The Bites and Budderside. Known as Helsinki’s vampires, this hard-working Finnish band has not changed their lineup in thirty-two years and they have routinely been on tour proving their exuberant resolution. They are currently out and about promoting their latest album which was just released last year. Continue reading
PODCAST: Episode 265 – Jyrki 69 of The 69 Eyes on “The Death of Darkness” – Goth Rock, and More!
Ghost Cult’s chief Keefy chatted with Jyrki 69 of The 69 Eyes recently to discuss their new album “The Death of Darkness” out now on Atomic Fire Records. Jyrki is as amazing at interviews as he is ruling the stage. We discussed their entire career, the new album, signing with Atomic Fire Records, touring, discussing the Sick New Work Festival, doing guest appearances on records with friends – such as his recent collab with Blak29 (Steve Zing of Danzig), the age-old question of cassettes versus vinyl, and much more!
ALBUM REVIEW: Liv Kristine – River Of Diamonds
Gothic rock Norwegian heroine Liv Kristine is integrity personified when it comes to representing her chosen genres, the ideal ambassador of grace, fun, shimmery, and shadowy melodic reflection. River Of Diamonds (Metalville Records ) is one of her most digestible yet nonetheless compelling efforts yet, the closest comparison is a merging of a lighter variant of the love rock of H.I.M. with the captivating gothic roots she is known for.
CONCERT REVIEW: Ville Valo – Kælan Mikla Live at Saint Andrew’s Hall
HIM (aka His Infernal Majesty) is one of the biggest, most successful bands to come out of Finland. Love Metal is not only the name of their fourth full-length album, but it is a genre of music they invented. So, it is fair to say many were dismayed when these Finnish fellas broke up six years ago. Yet hope was rekindled when frontman Ville Valo (aka VV) announced his debut solo album in 2022. Neon Noir (Heartagram Records, read our review here) was released earlier this year and has received high praise. Now the man is on the road again sharing his new tunes and some HIM classics on his headlining world tour. Valo brought his romantic rock to Detroit and blessed Saint Andrew’s Hall with his presence. The Live Nation venue was a perfect pit stop for this tour since it is a premiere music site that caters well to hot and flashy rock bands. Our local baseball team, The Detroit Tigers, had their opening day the same evening as Valo’s big show so the streets of the city were bustling and full of hubbub. That energy spilled into the beloved hall and made the night a colorful experience.
ALBUM REVIEW: ISON – Stars and Embers – Avantgarde Music
Stars & Embers (Avantgarde Music) is the third album from Sweden’s ISON. The project is led by Daniel Änghede, who writes and produces the music. For this release, he is joined by new full-time vocalist Lisa Cuthbert, plus guest singers Mikael Stanne, circle&wind, and Dimming.