Mankind Is Obsolete - Metamorph EP

I was really digging the two songs Mankind Is Obsolete have up online, but I have to say the EP was nothing that I was expecting...in the very best sense possible. Mankind Is Obsolete's songwriting style has astonished me. I loosly compare the sound between a mix of Nine Inch Nails and Ever, but really, the unique sound is found in the flow and mix of the the music itself. There is such a new and cutting-edge technique in MKIO's music that is not to be ignored.

In most music, you'll find a very traditional rise, climax, and resolution in songs that is fairly recognizable, but not here. MKIO ignores convention and simply does what feels right - the first track is neither a song nor an intro...just something in between that makes perfect sense to the album. The following song is long and perpetual, but certainly not dull or lifeless. The entire CD is composed the same way; unexpected, captivating, yet natural and melodic.

In a similiar way, the vocals also defy convention. Instead of being pushed to the forefront, singer Natasha uses her voice more like another rhythm instrument added to the mix. The result is memorable and spectacular, from the added effects to the layered whispering.

To complete the mood, the band follows through with truly unique compositions of sounds and a refreshing simplicity, unmatched in a music genre that favors heavily in distortion. From the harpsicord-esqu intonations in the beginning, to the faint wooden-ish clicks at the end, this is a very unique twist on today's industrial/gothic music.

Dead Inside The Chrysalis - The Humanoid Expansion Pack

I would go as far as to say that Dead Inside The Chrysalis’s “The Humanoid Expansion Pack” is my top album pick of 2004.

Think back to the late nineties and all it’s original musical glory from artists like Korn, Orgy, and Circle of Dust. Now take that and add Madonna’s iconic sexuality, the entirety of the milky way galaxy, and the color fuchsia - and you’ve got the futuristic-retro-perversion that is the genius of Dead Inside The Chrysalis.

The album kicks into hyper-drive with three bouncy musical bombs, including two DITC classics “Future Shock” and “Neon” along with the retro-future wave “All In Vogue”. The album segues into darker territory of the self-described dreadrock with the help of the orgasmic haunting guest vox provided by J Karsten of Vanity Beach on “Dreadlock”, and continues with the grinding industrial melodies, revisited in songs such as “Erase Your Face” and “The Invisible”.

Doomsday has come and gone, and it’s time to get off with the help of a guest appearance by Fluffy Starr in the new, cartoon fantasy “Release Your Freak”, that leads into the classic agonies and wails of “Poison”, and finishes with a dark, body-shaking bass of “[esc]”. But listen closely, it’s not over yet. Producer Craig Sue brings it back with an alternate mix of “Release Your Freak”, leaving the listener ready to press play on the album again.

There isn’t a bad song on this album. The entire CD is a completed masterpiece, as well as a collection of 13 individually outstanding tracks. Dead Inside The Chrysalis is beyond association with modern day rock, yet has an accessibility, a power, and a catch sure to enrapture every listener.

Suggested Tracks:
“All In Vogue”
“Dread Lock”
“Release Your Freak”
“Poison”

Club Decease - Ending Forever

**Congratulations to Club Decease - Winners of the Best Album of the Summer 2004**

I remember driving in my car when I first popped my copy of Club Decease’s “Ending Forever” in, and being surprised by the gritty quality of the sound. It could be a slight recording error I thought at first, but as time passed on, I knew that this delicate distortion was the unique presentation of sound that only Club Decease could own.

‘Decease’ says it all. The band has created a glorious image of death in their music, matched only by the conceptual genius of bands such as The Birthday Massacre and Tool. The entire album is a flowing, rocking, moving work that brilliant captures the common angst of society.

My two favorite tracks on this album are back to back, and are on constant repeat. “The Sound of Forever” and “Death Next Door” are perfect examples of the creation of sound that is both flowing and natural, yet ensnaring and memorable.

At the end of the album I knew where the title had come from. The song really does end forever. While it was a brilliant concept, I have to admit the song itself drives me nuts after about 10 minutes and I have to turn it off; I’ve never actually made it to the end of the track. That’s really my only drawback to the album, but with the amount of musical winners on this CD, it’s forgivable.

Suggested Tracks:
“The Sound Of Forever”
“Death Next Door”

2004 Radio-Active-Music.com Awards

And the final results for the 2004 Radio-Active-Music Awards are in! Congratulations to our winners, and also a big thumbs-up to everyone that was nominated. 2004 was a fabulous year for indie artists in our genres, and I know 2005 will be just as good. Now, for our winners...

Album of the Year 2004: Ever - Ever
These newcomers to the scene have definately made a lasting mark. Their first release is splashing over the indie genres, appealing to fans all over the spectrum. With Michelle's haunting voice and Jesse's magical manipulation of sound, Ever is not to be matched. And if this is only the beginning, imagine what's in store.

Male Vocalist of the Year 2004: Manek, Dead Inside the Chrysalis
With the fantastic release of The Humanoid Expansion Pack, Dead Inside The Chrysalis again proves the unstoppability of Manek's dread sexy voice. There are singers few and far between that can master manic delivery of lyrics the way he can.

Female Vocalist of the Year 2004: Michelle, Ever
Anyone who hears Ever's first release must be stunned by the unimaginable beauty captured in Michelle's voice. With an almost gothic chant quality, who needs more?

EP of the Year 2004: The Birthday Massacre - Violet
A release by veterans, there's no underestimating the quality of production on this musical masterpiece. With a sound that flows like water, yet a grip that holds your CD player hostage, no fan of gothic industrial will be disappointed.

Single of the Year 2004: The Anix - "Through You"
On an album full of superb songs, The Anix made an excellent choice to release "Through You" as their first single on PureVolume. A less intense, but intimately lovable melody makes this a sure hit on steady rotation.

Demo of the Year 2004: Otto's Daughter - May demo
The two new songs coming off of Otto's Daughter's May demo had the whole indie community excited; with two hot releases under their belts so far, it's no surprise that the upcoming third release is going to be even heavier and more intricate than before. Otto's Daughter has brilliant control with mixing JVB's enchanting voice with some of the hardest industrial metal to be found.

Collaborative Tour of the Year 2004: Punk Statik Paranoia with Orgy and countless other Radio-Active-Music artists
You haven't seen a good show until you've seen Orgy live. The entire band is larger than life, and full of energy and passion. With a whip of the mic cable, Jay ensnares the audience in an instant. And with a commitment to indie music, they surely didn't go wrong by taking on several Radio-Active-Music.com artists with them on the bill - including 51 Peg, Aphasia, Deadstar Assembly, Ion, and more.

Non-Traditional Release of the Year 2004: The Birthday Massacre - Nothing and Nowhere (re-release)
With copies of the original release selling for fifty or more bucks on Ebay, more than one fan of The Birthday Massacre was thrilled to have this re-release. With brand new artwork and a clean, original sound, this was a great way to end out the year.

Collaborative Song of the Year 2004: Dead Inside the Chrysalis ft. Fluffy Starr - "Release Your Freak"
On Dead Inside The Chrysalis' latest release, they did not hesitate to bring on a bit of help, including the stellar sexy sounds of Fluffy Starr. Just one of many examples of the awesome genius that can come together when our artists combine! "Release Your Freak" has already gained airplay on Australian and US radio.

Superior Support 2004: Simon of Pixelghetto.com
If you're a true fan of the industry, you've seen at least one piece of this man's work. Specializing in kick-ass sites for kick-ass bands, he's produced quality eye candy for bands such as Orgy, The Birthday Massacre, The Anix, and more. So Radio-Active-Music.com and the fans would like to say thanks to Simon for helping great bands on their way up!

And there you have it folks! Thanks to all the fans who came over and supported their favorite artists by voting!