PIG : "Dirt Box"

 

Raymond Watts has been particularly prolific these days. After releasing "Hurt People Hurt People," he is releasing this EP. It opens up with the very guitar-driven "An American Ideal of Beauty". If it reminds you of KMFDM, it's probably because Gunter Schulz is laying down the metallic riffs on it. There is almost a more 90s industrial metal feel to "Your Reptillian Overlord Presents" that is not unlike the kind of thing Rob Zombie was doing on his most recent album, though a bit darker and more nuanced industrial vocals than the roar Zombie normally delivers. But the crunch and groove are present and working well here. 

"Infidel" carries more atmospheric fear in the more lurking tension of its verses than the anthemic chorus. The vocals drop down into a lower, more dramatic register before building up in the more arena-ready Rob ombie manner. Yes. I am well aware of the fact KMFDM was making this kind of music long before Rob Zombie, or at least back when he was making crusty sludge punk that was trying to be the Stooges. However, since then he has perfected a formula that keeps him headlining stages, so it must be working.  Watts is certainly drawing inspiration from artists that came after him, as there is a Marilyn Manson feel to "Butterfly", another artist whose beginnings were different than where they are today, but has developed a formula that has a proven track record. Here Watts perhaps winks too heavilly in that direction. 

This ends the original song format, and the rest of the album is remixes. The thing about remixes, when presented in this fashion, almost makes me think if the remixed version is better than the original, then why did they just not make the remixed version the original and release an album of the best vision of these songs? With "Your Reptillian Overlord Presents," the breakbeats give a more original soung but the mix lays the vocals bare and makes them sound more like Marilyn Manson, so it's a mixed bag. "An American Ideal of Beauty" is remixed by Stabbing Westward, who brough a more 90s sound to things. It takes the heavier guitars out of the equation until the chorus. Which works well enough, and I can hear a "goth night " DJ  spinning this version rather than the original.

Combichrist's re-mix of "Butterfly" sounds more likea cover with Andy's vocals added to it. It is softened by the synth sounds. , however it all works well. Rabbit Junk's take on "Infidel" is heavy but from a different anglee as it's more industrial and less metal. If you do not know what that means, then why are you reading this review?  Anyway they capture a solid groove.Despite leaning into a more modern sound what his does here works great I will give it a 9 and see how it grows on me . Drops on Metropolis Records

pst418

The Top 10 Goth / Post-Punk Albums of 2026... so far

As the Doomsday Clock races, time speeds up, as 2026 is at its midpoint. With the impending end of times comes a celebration of darkness, and these bands are making substantial soundtracks for that. This year, there is more emphasis on post-punk than industrial, as that is what has been worth listening to this year so far.  Maybe by October, there will be more worthwhile industrial releases. These lists serve as a decent snapshot of where the year is heading in terms of music. I have already received promos for albums dropping as far out as August in my inbox, so they will need to bring it to compete with the top five albums on this list. For the mid-year report card list,  I have included links to full reviews if you want to check these out, and with all that said, here are the top 10 Goth / Post-Punk albums of 2026 so far. 

10-KMFDM-"ENEMY"

They might be somewhat confused as to what the majority they have no pity for. Their mission statement is 40 years of conceptual continuity, but the concept expands in recent years, aside from the more rock n roll vibes the title track opens the album with, there does seem to be a similar vibe that checks off all the boxes you expect from the long-running electro-industrial band. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/kmfdm-enemy.html

9-Deeper Gaves- "Pull Me Toward the Dark"

 This serves as the third album from  Jeff Wilson's more dark wave-leaning project since. Where Chrome Waves has gradually drifted in a darker, more post-punk direction, this album bridges the gap where darkness becomes heavy. In some ways, it is closer to what a band like Cold Cave does, which is a fair comparison as it is forward-thinking rather than just paying homage to the 80s.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/deeper-graves-pull-me-toward-dark.html

8-Wailin Storms- "The Arsonist"

Here is a project that has improved over the past decade. Each album has been a little more impressive as it has morphed from a noisy cow-punk band into something more focused, serving songs rather than working on a sound. They have moved in the right direction, and this album si a testament to that; It is dark enough to appeal to fans of post-punk who work more of the kind of brooding summoned here.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/04/wailin-storms-arsonist.html

 

7-Shadowlands - "004"

The album opens with them threatening to take us down "Fascination Street" before the verse breaks things up into something more haunting and dark wave. They work with the required sounds of the genre without sounding like a stale tribute act. The choice of effects draping the atmosphere works in their favor to help solidify their identity. The Sabin sisters get props for not trying to be Siouxsie Sioux, another key element. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/shadowlands-004.html

6-Traitrs-"Possessor"

The Canadian post-punks are back. They open their newest album with the lead single "Burn in Heaven," which is grooving and dark enough to be in regular rotation at goth clubs everywhere.  It bridges the organic guitar focus of post-punk with the slinking slither of dark-wave to fit nicely into the goth paradigm. Even for all its Cure worship and ballads halting the momentum, it sounds great, and there is a depth to the melodies that makes you a believer in the moping going down here. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/03/traitrs-possessor.html

 

5-Astari Nite -' Medications in Bloom"

The Miami-based goth project continues their journey away from their death rock beginnings into somewhere new yet not far removed from the more new wave sound they expanded upon with  2024's "Resolution of Happiness." The excellent productions help put it toward the top of the heap when it comes to goth so far this year. I like that overall the mood is darker and more melancholy than the previous album. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/05/astari-nite-medications-in-bloom.html

 

4-Crucifera-"Exostential"

The creative force behind this project is Danielle Astraea, who combated the problem that the vast majority of new dark wave runs into by giving the music some sonic rock balls. In doing so, she invokes the spirit of 90s electro-tinged alternative. Highly recommended for fans of 90s goth who would like to hear it in the context of today's production values.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/crucifera-era-exostential.html

3-Crippled Black Phoenix: "Sceaduhelm"

I have enjoyed watching this band descend further into darkness with each album. This is an impressive display of refined and dynamic songwriting and is likely the band's best album yet, as it feels the most focused.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/01/crippled-black-phoenix-sceaduhelm.html

 

2-The Secrecty-"Pins and Needles"

 The first song blew me away as it's what I want from post-punk, taking inspiration from my favorite bands like Killing Joke and Fields of the Nephilim, but without sounding like a blatant tribute to any of them, as they have their own thing going on. From the darker rock vibes to a more hypnotic pulse, they can also shift into a dance beat that adopts a new wave touch.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-secrecy-pins-and-needles.html

1-Twilight Sad- "It's the Long Goodbye"

f there is any justice in the world, the 6th album from this Scottish band will find them getting the recognition they deserve. They have toured with the Cure multiple times, but also had some hardships in their daily lives, which led to their bass player and drummer being replaced with Arab Strap's drummer and Mogwai's bass player. Vocalist James Graham's distinct voice is centerstage, with guitarist Andy MacFarlane providing the needed backdrop.n some ways, it is more experimental and raw, but it holds up well against their legacy.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-twilight-sad-its-long-goodbye.html

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February's Top 10 Albums

Another February is done, so let's get you abreast of new releases. This might help you, casual readers, with what you might have missed.  I am not doing little blurbs on them, just linking the reviews. This helps me organize my lists for the end of the year by listing the album's genre. This does not mean that these albums have been released this month, but it is a list of new or upcoming albums I have enjoyed the most. I have albums in my in-box that are not coming out til June, so I am normally way ahead of the curve in this regard. They are ranked in order of what I have listened to the most. This month, there is a wide variety from pagan folk pop to grind-core to black metal, so perhaps you will find your new favorite among them. Here are the Top 10 albums for February of 2026.

10-Mothica- "Somewhere In Between." 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/mothica-somewhere-in-between.html

9-Final Gasp -"New Day Symptoms." 

Dark Hardcore 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/final-gasp-new-day-symptoms.html

,

 8-KMFDM-"ENEMY" 

Electro / EBM

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/kmfdm-enemy.html

7-lights,-"A6EXTENDED" 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/lights-a6extended.html

 6-Puscifer, -"Normal Isn't" 

Alternative Rock

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/puscifer-normal-isnt.html

5-Worm- "Necropalace"

 

Black Metal 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/karnivool-in-verses.html

4-Joji-"Piss in the Wind" 

Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/joji-piss-in-wind.html

3-Karnivool-"In Verses." 

Prog Rock

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/karnivool-in-verses.html

2-Converge-"We Were Never the Same." 

Hardcore

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/converge-love-is-not-enough.html

1-Rob Zombie- "The Great Satan." 

Industrial 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2026/02/rob-zombie-great-satan.html

pst85

KMFDM : "ENEMY"

Their mission statement is 40 years of conceptual continuity, but the concept expands in recent years, aside from the more rock n roll vibes the title track opens the album with, there does seem to be a similar vibe that checks off all the boxes you expect from the long-running electro-industrial band. They have a new guitarist that knows what the job descripstion call for, and Sascha continues to steer the ship in the right direction. There is a more ominous stomp that fulfills the dystopian obligations when it comes to "L'ETAT". It casts a darker mood over things, while the Lucia crooned "VAMPYR," finds them conscious of their goth-leaning fan base. Her delivery is aggressive as needed when it comes to an anthemic chorus. 

Annabella Konietzko takes the mic for "YOU" which is a great deal poppier than what we expect from this band, but it works pretty well for what it is. In fact, even with the small sonic shifts into perhaps more accessible terrority the songs flow pretty well. Better than I expected. Perhaps their strongest work in a decade. Lyrically, it does not feel as overtly political as some of their more recent efforts. Though the first hints creep in on "OUTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION," which might be about aliens stepping in to sort through things on Earth. There is a more Gary Numan-like synth pulse to "A OKAY" when coupled with the vocal melody here, it almost soundsl ike k-pop. 

They bring the dub back with "Stray Bullet 2.0."  Not the first time they have flirted with this sound.  Given the title "Catch & Kill" was not what I expected, which would have been more along of a "Light' style thrashing, there is very little on this album, but the melodic direction they go here works well enough. The highest doses of heavier guitar might be found on the instrumental."GUN QUARTER SUE".  I listened to the last song through headphones, and the production sounded not only much better, but actually stellar, so high volumes with headphones is the recommendation for this album. it sounded much better . I will give this album a 9.5, and see how it grows on me, but it stacks up pretty well against their other stuff and is less poppy than the last album.Out on Metropolis  

</div>pst59

the Top 10 Industrial Albums of 2024

In an Election year, nothing is a more fitting soundtrack to watching the world unravel into a dystopian nightmare than Industrial? You would think fans of the genre would be celebrating this but from what I have seen online, they are crying under the covers like the rest of the sheeple. If you are someone who believes that leaning into the end should be celebrated since it is a natural destination in the cycle then you might appreciate the mood these albums created as much as I did.  After I sort through the top 10 albums of all the respective genres, I use those lists to compile the top 10 albums of the year. 2024. The very fact that these bands made it on the list speaks to how great these albums are, so it's not a slight that the number 8 album is above the 9th album; there is something that just gives it an edge that makes me want to listen to it more. After all, we can try to look cool and pick the hippest bands for a list, but at the end of the day, what makes an album the best is that it makes you want more, you look forward to listening to it again. Perhaps you can find your next favorite on this list; and have included links to reviews of these albums if you want to check out the audio on these guys. Anyway here are the top 10 Industrial albums of 2024.

10--Black Asteroid - "Infinite'

 This project's evolution makes sense as Bryan Black was a keyboard tech for Prince at Paisley Park Studios, which is a great place to learn your craft and network in the industry. He teams up with everyone from Ian Astbury to ACTRS on this album. It tends to lean in the direction of electronic rather than the stricter definition of industrial. . 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/10/gothtober-black-asteroid-infinite.html

9-Combichrist-"CMBCRST"

Andy is back for the project's 10th album. He has kept this industrial entity going for the past 21 years, so we know he at least has that experience under his belt. The best I have heard from these guys yet, thanks to he more focused and melodic nature of the songwriting this time around. 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/05/combichrist-cmbcrst.html

8-Livernois -  ":ablation:"

There is a great deal to like when it comes to this project from New Orleans. It also raises the question of why more goth and industrial bands are not coming out of that city? They are very dark and gritty and do not give a fuck about the dance floor. If we think about some of the best industrial that came out of the 90s it also did not care about the dance floor. There is noise, and plenty of rough edges to the opening track that slithers through the gutters

 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/05/livernois-ablation.html

7-Persher - "Sleep Well" 

This German duo is making electronic oddities with enough drive, to be considered industrial if we consider the more experimental bounds of the genre. A unique experience, that feels like  nothing I have heard before with distorted vocals over what sounds to be real drums playing again a barrage of synth farting in an angular groove that gathers forward momentum

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/10/persher-sleep-well.html

6-KMFDM -"LET GO" 

 KMFDM is doing it again. This treat for the freaks is less of a truth or dare, and more of a neon-dripping funk explosion that does coke in the same dirty bathrooms as My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. There is more guitar in "Push!" but it is executed less aggressively than what might be thought of as their classic sound. This gradual change over the past few albums has come to a more noticeable head here,

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/kmfdm-let-go.html

5-Bad Omens  -  "Concrete Jungle" 

Yeah this band seems ike they would just be Gen-z's take on Myspace metal, they have pretty decent taste in music when it comes to the artists they are pairing up on the collaborative album, as the guest list includes Poppy, HEALTH, Bob Vylan, and WARGASM. This album churns out some slappers by taking the nu-skool of industrial and applying it to what Bad Omens does.

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/06/bad-omens-concrete-jungle-ost.html

 

4-Fange -"Perdition" 

This French band delivers the post-apocalyptic goods again. The overall sound they bring is an equal dose of industrial crunch given its sludged-out weight. The vocals are harder than what your average industrial band coughs up. It's pretty crushing

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/09/fange-perdition.html

 

3-Cyberaktif - "eNdgame" 

This industrial project features an all-star industrial lineup of cEvin Key, Bill Leeb, and Rhys Fulber. It sounds like what you would expect, a cross between Skinny Puppy and Frontline Assembly. They are song-focused rather than just throwing beats and sounds at you as the vocals have a purpose. Granted given the minds this music is coming from it could easily slip into the set of any "goth nite" DJ who is worth a shit.  

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/10/gothtober-cyberaktif-endgame.html

 

2-Louvado Abismo- "S/ T" 

This band from Portugal gets it They pack a punch rather than just being loud EDM. This album stomps with a dark aggression making it more sonically intense, The plead of the vocals feels real rather than someone trying to recreate what has already been done, but true to the legacy of the genre

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/04/louvado-abismo-st.html

 

1-Death Killer -"Total Destruction of the Entire Universe" 

Here is the kind of industrial album I was waiting for. It is both pissed and heavy as hell with a fair dose of chaos in its veins. There is a great balance of instrumentation and programming/ electronic elements. It is not industrial music to dance to it is industrial music that is going to kick your face. Not unlike Ministry's "Filth Pig" album in that regard though this is heavier. It blasts at you like a jackhammer, as it sonically fucks your brains out right from the first song

 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/10/gothtober-death-killer.html

pst533

January's Top 10 Albums

Here is something I decided to do this year. Granted we do not know if we are going to make it to the end of the year, and 2025 will surely be our last, but staying abreast on the month's highlights might help casual readers see what they missed, and give this the option to check these artists out. I am not doing little blurbs on them, just linking the reviews. I think it will help me organize my lists for the end of the year, by listing the genre of music the album falls under. This does not mean that these albums have been released this month, but it is a list of new or upcoming albums I have enjoyed the most, I have albums in my in-box that are not coming out til June, so I am normally way ahead of the curve in this regard. They are ranked in order of what I have listened to the most. This month there is a wide variety from indie pop to punk to black metal, so perhaps you will find your new favorite among them. Here are the Top 10 albums for January of 2024.

10-Slower- "s/t" 

Doom

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/slower-st.html

9-Inquisition- " Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence"

Black Metal 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/inquisition-veneration-of-medieval.html

8-New Model Army - "Unbroken" 

 Rock/ Post-punk

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/new-model-army-unbroken.html

7-KMFDM- "Let Go" 

Electronic 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/kmfdm-let-go.html

6-Rejoice-"All of Heaven's Luck" 

 Hard Core

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/rejoice-all-of-heavens-luck.html

5-Modern Life is War -"Tribulation Worksongs"

Punk

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/modern-life-is-war-tribulation-worksongs.html

4-Alkaline Trio-"Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs" 

Pop Punk 

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/alkaline-trio-blood-hair-and-eyeballs.html

3-Infant Island -"Obsidian Wreath"

 Screamo / Black Metal

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/infant-island-obsidian-wreath.html

2-Middle Kids -"Faith Crisis" 

Indie Pop

https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/middle-kids-faith-crisis.html

1-Cold in Berlin -"the Body is the Wound" 

Doom /Post Punk

 https://abysmalhymns.blogspot.com/2024/01/cold-in-berlin-body-is-wound.html

pst45

KMFDM : "LET GO"

 KMFDM is doing it again. This treat for the freaks is less of a truth or dare, and more of a neon-dripping funk explosion that does coke in the same dirty bathrooms as My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. There is more guitar in "Push!" but it is executed less aggressively than what might be thought of as their classic sound. This gradual change over the past few albums has come to a more noticeable head here,  I really like the more robotic tone to "Next Move". It is a more dystopian song, a vibe I can live with if they are moving away from industrial. While in some ways different the first three songs at least meet expectations of a KMFDM album even if it is less aggressive. 

"Airhead" is surprisingly melodic, and almost pop-rock. They seem to be reflecting on the 80s here. "Turn the Light On" is more like something the Revolting Cocks might have done in one of their more lucid moments. It is not one of this project's most powerful grooves if we are weighing against their legacy of work. "Touch" falls somewhere between dark wave and future pop.  The underlying pop sensibilities of this album should be noted here. While I am fine with it I am not sure where this is going to fall with their rivet-head industrial fans. However, there are a few moments that are almost passable as industrial. 

While there is less grit and heft to the tones used to capture these songs, most of the songwriting is pretty on point. 'Totem E Eggs' perhaps being too weird for its own good. "WW2023" steps back into a darker path, even with the dub elements. The last track is under a minute and really just more of an outro of odd grooving. This album is going to take a bit to grow on me, but I am optimistic that it will so I will go ahead and give it a 9.5, despite the fact it is not as dark or aggressive as I might want it to be. Being dropped on Metropolis Records.  

pst35

Gothtober-The Top 50 Industrial Albums -10-1

 After perusing other industrial lists released earlier this year  it became apparent , this this had to be done. Industrial music should create an adversarial sonic force that is transgressive, confrontational with the , the message being that we  are fucked, the system is corrupt and now we living in a post apocalyptic nightmare.  I made sure my list reflected this. Certain  artists are darlings of the critics, because the cool kids are supposed to like them. Some of these might make artful challenging cool sounding music that   lacks aggression or just isn’t industrial . So lets set things straight here. 

I saved this for October, despite the fact Industrial and goth are not the same thing, It is almost like comparing science fiction to horror, at times they share the same elements and cross over, industrial should be more aggressive. In making this list aggression was at the forefront when deciding what was or was not industrial music. The name itself suggests the machine-like gears of a factory pounding, which in fact are staple sounds found in the earlier works of the genre.  

I gave myself a few guidelines first off only one album by each artist, though side projects stand separate in this regard. The other guideline being to consider not what album  sold the most, or was supposed to be the most influential , but think of the albums that have the best songs that have stood the test of time and find me returning to the album again and again? After all that is what makes good music. So with that here is the 10 top ten of my Top 50 Industrial albums list.

10-HEALTH- "Death Magic" 

If any band to emerge post 2000 should have their names uttered alongside the icons of the genre it's these guys. This was the last album to feature founding guitarist Jupiter Keyes, though they have done an impressive job of carrying on without them, it is hard to surpass this level of bleakness.

   

 9- Pigface-Notes From the Underground- 1994

This collective never put out a bad album, that fact Michael Gira is on this one certainly gives it the edge, but there is also slappers like "Fuck It Up" . 

 

 8-My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult- "I See Good Spirits...and I See Bad Spirits" 1988

When it comes to the early days of industrial , this album was ahead of it's time in the dark psychedelics it brought to the dance floor.

   

7-KMFDM-"Angst" 1993

7 albums deep in their career KMFDM was doing it again, but this time they achieved perfection. So bow down and worship a true creation.  

6-Swans -'Holy Money" 1986

Another case where it might not be their best album, but it's their best industrial album, which also happens to be better than what most industrial bands did in the years to follow. The three albums before this were more raw and crushing , but this album had a better balance of those elements mixed with more atmosphere and melody.

   

5-Frontline assembly -"Millennium"1994 

Another case where it's album number 7 and  thanks to the guitars everything clicks into place and captures lightning in the studio./ Great songs driven by mean grooves .

 

 4-Skinny Puppy-"Too Dark Park" 

This is where limiting it to one album per artist got hard. I had to comb their their entire catalogue and see where are they just creating collages of creepy noise and where did they actually write songs, which is why this album beat out "Last Rights"  and squeaked past 'the Process", it was tough spread sheets came into play for this decision. 

 

 3-Killing Joke - 'Pandemonium"1994

 This is an interesting album as these guys are bad that had already influenced industrial music then on this album they showed up to demonstrate to the bands making big bucks on the genre at the time how it was supposed to be done, bringing apocalyptic beats, and powerful vocals with them.

   

2-Nine Inch Nails -"the Downward Spiral" 

If we were talking album sales and most mainstream appeal then this album would be number one, it did garner all of that for more than just marketing , as it's a wonderfully constructed album, and has songs that have stood the test of time making it more worthy of respect despite all the time you have seen a bunch of drunk girls giggling over the fact they are singing "Closer" at karaoke.  

 1-Ministry -"Psalm 69" 1992

-

This did not garner the kind of mainstream exposure as Nine Inch Nails , nor was it intended to. This is the most apocalyptic and transgressive album on the list, but it packs the kind of punch that was equal to mopst metal albums at the time. The fact it has the smae kind of balls and aggression that most metal hits with is impressive and why it belongs in the top spot. Ends for the end of the world stand the test of time, as the end of time gets closer.

 

Gothtober- the Top 10 Industrial Albums of 2022

Industrial music is the much-needed herald for the looming apocalypse, the news networks conveniently seem to ignore. This year industrial is getting its own list. In the past it was lumped into goth or electronic.  Much like in years past sort through the genre lists before making the overall top ten of the year list. The fact these artists made it on the list speaks to how great these albums are, so it's not a slight that the number 8 album is above the 9th album, there is something that just gives it an edge that makes me want to listen to it more. After all we can try to look cool and pick the hippest bands for a list, but at the end of the day what makes an album the best is that it makes you want more, you look forward to listening to it again. I do hope you can find your next favorite on this list and have included links to reviews of these albums if you want to check out audio on these guys. Anyways here are the top 10 industrial albums of 2022

10- Suicide Commando-"Goddestrucktor" 

The 10th album from Belgium's dark industrial aggrotech. With lyrics like " kill all humanity" opening the album I am onboard for the message they are spreading this time around.  I appreciate the use of samples on this album, it reminds me of Electric Hellfire Club. The darkness is reignited for this album. 

Abysmal Hymns: Suicide Commando : ""Goddestruktor"

9-Celldweller-" Satellites" 

Klayton is back with the fifth album from this project that's he has kept in motion since the 2003 debut. Almost 20 years of smartly written industrial strength electronic based hard rock. Sometimes cross over more into nu-metal in the early days but written with more finesse than bands who are household names now. This time there is a touch of metal in his mind, He barks out some of the vocals and sings other in a manner that is more familiar.  He is great at creating almost robotic vocal harmonies he can flip into a hook. A talent he has continued to refine on this album. 

Abysmal Hymns: Gothtober- Celldweller : "Satellites"

8-Rabbit Junk-"Apocalypse for Beginners" 

These guys are on the fun trailer park nu-metal side of industrial. The emphasis on fun. Very groove and hook oriented. Growled vocals collide with almost dub-step sounds. Industrial music should be equal parts apocalypse and catchy melodies contrasting the militant crunch.

Abysmal Hymns: Gothtober- Rabbit Junk : "Apocalypse for Beginners"

7-Luminous Vault -"Animate the Emptiness" 

This is not merely just another sludged out metal band working in industrial, nor is it industrial revivalist fare, which tends to be less ballsy than what goes down here. The death metal rasp tends to give things a more metallic feel. They quickly prove the drum machines were not going to be weak, and they would not just be playing against the monochrome dynamics of a preset drum pattern.

Abysmal Hymns: Luminous Vault : " Animate the Emptiness"

6-Psyclon Nine-"Less to Heaven" 

The 7th album from the dark industrial projects, continues down a similar path though the focus this time around leans more toward gritty electronic beats and the darker vocals seething from the shadows rather than the almost black metal screeching we have heard from them on some of their past releases.

Abysmal Hymns: Psyclon Nine : "Less to Heaven:

 

5-Rammstein-"Zeit" 

The band's 8th album came about as a result of their touring being cancelled due to the pandemic. The 9bum opens with synths overpowering guitars in the mix. I can appreciate that they are not just rehashing the classics

 

Abysmal Hymns: Rammstein : "Zeit"

4-KMFDM- "Hyena"

22 albums later and KMFDM is doing it again. This might be the band's most rock n roll album. Yes, there are electronic elements in place. The guitars do not bring the synchronized crunch that once had them labelled as an industrial band. Sonically it has more in common with My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, as it is more fun loving and less aggressive militant guitars

Abysmal Hymns: KMFDM : " Hyëna"

3-HEALTH -"Disc4 Part 2"

HEALTH is back with another collaborative album, the first part of this somehow flew under the radar here or I figured it to be a remix album so did not give it much thought. The choice of collaborators normally draws from the right of center names in heavy adjacent hipster electro you might expect. These kids are cool so they are not going to have guys like Slipknot or Motionless in White on their shit.

Abysmal Hymns: HEALTH : "Disco4: Part II "

2-Black Magnet - " Body Prophecy" 

This project gets right what many of the industrial revivalists downplay at best, altogether ignore more often than not, which is the influence metal had in brining industrial music to the masses. There is far too little guitar in most. Here there is not only more guitar, but more aggressive vocals that pack a heavier punch with their anger. All of the iconic elements come together in perfect apocalyptic unison

Abysmal Hymns: Black Magnet: " Body Prophecy"

1-Author & Punisher-"KRÜLLER"

This is a more organic and atmospheric feeling album than any of Shore's previous releases. The more experimental touches that detract from the song writing are balanced out by the songs where he really goes above and beyond by striving to push himself as a singer and a song writer rather than just being the guy who makes music with machines

Abysmal Hymns: Author & Punisher : "KRÜLLER"

Skold : "Die Irae"

I wa

I was surprised how mean and metal the guitars were going into the opening track of this album. There is more of a Marilyn Manson or Orgy vibe on "Unspoken". Considering he has played with both Manson and KMFDM this makes sense. "the End is Near" falls more in line with more typical industrial , but is not as gripping as the first two songs. There begins to be less guitar and more electronic elements by the time we get to this song. This trend continues with "Terrified" , though it is moving in a more experimental direction. The vocals are well produced , but the melodies wander a bit . It is easy to here where Street Sects was influenced by this project.  

A more synth wave style of sound emerges on " Love is a Disease". I like when the song finds it's slinking groove . There is a smoother drive than what you might expect of industrial music that is not Nine Inch Nails, who is the most commercial project of the genre. They are back to a more metallic sound on "This is the Way" .  The works better than the more disjointed experiments of "Silicone Dreams". The guitar plays a more minor role there. The darker groove to " As Above so Below" works well , the song overall has a much more Orgy like sound. But Orgy has not sounded like they used to in decades so if you have been missing that sound this will be a welcome return to it. 

They continue down the darker alleys of groove on "Kill Yourself". Anything in this sonic zip code is going to work for me as long as they are leaning into the groove like they are here. The song has a much more epic scope to it's dynamics . The metal guitars return to book end the more 90s goth musings that close out the album with "Goodbye" this feels more like something Filter would have done. On a whole this album works with me , some of the more experimental turns that are not groove oriented might not play to Skold's strengths , but grew on me so I will give this one a 9. 

the Top 10 Goth Albums of the Decade

Of course I had to obsess over this one. I am less sure of it than the post- punk list, however I am going with both quality and quantity. Quantity being how much I actually listened to the album. Goth is a broader label. This is demonstrated here. There is every thing from metal to death rock to industrial to bizarre dark forms of indie rock. There are not only dark albums, but ones that were addictive as well. This year I am sparing with the long winded explanations as to why they are where they are on the lsit or on the list at all. You might have albums you feel belong on this listen. That is fine and good, so go start your own blog and write about them. I know for a fact I listned to these a ton over the course of the past ten years. It could be they are going to be on one of my other lists in the coming months, and you are just dumb and do not know what goth is. Do not hold your breath. Or actually do hold your breath and maybe you will pass out. Any way here are the top 10 goth albums of the past decade.



  

10- Marilyn Manson- "the Pale Emperor"






9- KMFDM - "Hell Yeah"









8- Street Sects -"Rat Jacket" 





7- Swans - 'the Seer"




6-Atriarch - "Ritual of Passing"








5-Killing Joke - "xxmi"


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4-Strvngers -"amor noir"





3-Zola Jesus- "Stridulum 2"





2-Beastmilk- "Climax"




   1-Chelsea Wolfe - "Pain is Beauty"