{"id":1789,"date":"2016-12-08T03:50:26","date_gmt":"2016-12-08T03:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/?p=1789"},"modified":"2019-12-28T02:46:04","modified_gmt":"2019-12-28T02:46:04","slug":"december-2016-new-dark-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/?p=1789","title":{"rendered":"December 2016 New Dark Age"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Layout<\/a><\/p>\n

\nGhost<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Swedish Shock-rockers Ghost performed a 15 song set at the King\u2019s Theater in Brooklyn on Saturday night Nov 12, which served as unofficial \u201cpre-party\u201d to The Red Party in Manhattan, inasmuch as a large contingent on NYC Goths were in attendance at the former concert before heading over to the latter dance club (More about this below).<\/p>\n

This horror metal group is characterized by two features. First, they affect a Satanic routine, dressed in devil masks or monks\u2019 hooded robes, except the frontman who is attired as a kind of anti-Pope, wearing a bishop\u2019s headdress and vestments, topped with skull-face make-up. The band members maintain personal anonymity, but the frontman calls himself Papa Emeritus III, and the tour, of which this was the final stop, is termed \u201cPopestar.\u201d The other outstanding feature of this band is the exceptionally melodious quality of the music, a break with the metal tradition of minimizing melody among the progeny of Black Sabbath.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Dan Ambrose<\/p><\/div>
\n They started their set with some mournful chants creating a creepy, church-like atmosphere. They moved then to a rapidly-paced traditional rock piece called \u201cSquare Hammer\u201d featuring a driving beat. The group has been around since 2008, but tonight\u2019s selections were mainly off their 2015 album \u201cMeliora.\u201d Many of their songs have Latin names in dubious imitation of Roman Catholic liturgy. Much of their set is as melodious and beautiful as something by Boston or Foreigner in the 70s, but with decidedly minor key, power chord accents. They stepped out of the rock formula many times with eerie, ghostly pieces, or during bridges within heavy metal hymns. At the end of highly varied, wide-ranging musical set, they encored an \u201caudience join in\u201d choral anthem called \u201cMonstrrance Clocks.\u201d Those with transportation and freedom to do so, headed over to The Mercury lounge in Manhattan\u2019s Lower East Side for the monthly Red Party.<\/p>\n

The Red Party<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The monthly event was lifted to new heights on Saturday Nov. 12 by the appearance of The Sedona Effect, electro-industrial project of exotic diva Kai Irina Hahn. Deejays Sean Templar, host, and Joe Hart, guest, warmed the audience from 11 pm to midnight with a connoisseurs\u2019s mix of goth and darkwave, which included, besides the usual Sisters of Mercy standards, but a respectful inclusion of several tracks by Leonard Cohen, closing the night with his \u201cChelsea Hotel #2.\u201d <\/p>\n

Even watching Kai arrange the stage for her quintet was riveting as the statuesque diva flitted from one musician\u2019s station to another in her feathered headdress and gorgeous outfit like a force of nature or a regal presence establishing her realm. The set began with a \u201cEvolve Devolve\u201d a slow, ponderous ode, heavy on percussion and bass. It was then we noticed that Kai was performing while entwined by her faithful and sometime restless, live boa, Loki who twisted frequently to gaze lovingly at his mistress.The pace changed to rapid with the second number, rousing anthem, \u201cCross the Line,\u201d off her introductory CD.<\/p>\n

\"Kai<\/a>

Kai Irina Hahn of The Sedona Effect<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cDelicate Silence\u201d followed, featuring hissing, whispered vocals paired with those of keyboardist Nicole Eres. In the middle of her set, Kai gave us the theatrical \u201cGloomy Sunday,\u201d in which inverted arpeggios on synthesizer and a plodding,, relentless cadence created a feeling of madness and anguish. With the 6th selection, \u201cGhost,\u201d Kai took to the keyboard herself and showcased her wide-ranging and melodious vocal command, as she paired in duet, this time with guitarist Phyzal Alhammdani. <\/p>\n

Twice during the performance, Kai graciously called attention to her accompanists, introducing each by name. Eventually she passes off the boa, Loki whose weight must surely have been somewhat of a strain, even for Kai\u2019s distinctly stacked, feminine physique.<\/p>\n

The last two songs, \u201cI Burn\u201d and \u201cI Lose Control\u201d were both heavy-duty, industrial rock numbers as well as recognized standards in The Sedona Effect repertoire, concluding a notably theatrical and musically impressive set that had some in the crowd calling for more.<\/p>\n

\"red-party-101\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The party went on well into the morning and was crowded with celebrants and with celebrities of the Goth Scene including fangmaster Fr. Sebastiaan; DJ Raven; Xris Smack of Stimulate and dazzling beauty Ashley Bad; DJ Patrick of Salvation; Chris Savo, friendly host and manager of Windfall; and noted music patrician, George Grant. The bar was congested, but never too crowded to get service. Those in the back were able to place orders that were relayed to the bar without having to leave the dance hall. The Mercury Lounge once again proved to be an ideal spot for gatherings of this type. Announcements were handed out promoting a New Year\u2019s after-party at the Mercury lounge courtesy of The Red Party, scheduled to commence at 1 am on January 1st,, where party-goers could spend the morning after having celebrated The Eve elsewhere. See you there!<\/p>\n

Disorder
\nA Tribute to the Sounds of Joy Division<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Joy Division tribute band Disorder continues to be highly in demand in this the greater NYC metropolitan area. Dingbatz is famous for its exceptional sound system and for hosting well-known as well as up-and-coming bands ranging from punk to metal to Goth.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by E. Palazzo<\/p><\/div>
\n A crowd of about 30 filled the small SRO space and included some of the most fanatical and enthusiastic Joy Division buffs I have ever noted at these events. Two young ladies, known only as Gabby and Eva appeared to know the lyrics of every song and to respond with squeals of joy and recognition as the band struck up the first notes of each piece. Notables in the audience included multi-instrumentalist Christian Dryden, front man of The Ritualists and participant in numerous other music projects; Deejay Lily-Stephanie Horreur; and ubiquitous scene veteran, Torrin Krrell.<\/p>\n

NJ-based Disorder reprised their renditions of some of Joy Division\u2019s most beloved repertoire, coming on about 11:30 pm, after the Dingbatz staff attended to every last detail of audio perfection. Disorder\u2019s set list that night, like much else about Joy Division, really merits close scrutiny.<\/p>\n

The show opened with snippets of crackly, historical radio commentary and early recognition of Joy Division as an exceptional and potentially scene-changing band. Twelve songs followed, starting with the eponymous \u201cDisorder,\u201d the first track off of the debut album, \u201cUnknown Pleasures.\u201d Next came \u201cDigital.\u201d originally recorded on a 7\u201d LP called \u201cA Factory Sample,\u201d and later included in the compilation \u201cStill.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next song \u201cWarsaw\u201d is a mystery to most listeners. It was intended for an album of the same name, which never got released until 1994, although it appeared on the compilation, \u201cSubstance,\u201d and tells the peculiar story of Hitler confidante, Rudolf Hess, who defected to the U.K but was taken as a prisoner of war by the British. The numbers one hears recited refer to Hess\u2019 assigned P.O.W. number.<\/p>\n

\u201cAtmosphere,\u201d was originally a single released in 1980 with \u201cDead Souls,\u201d (the song that followed in the set) as the flip side, then later included in the \u201cSubstance\u201d compilation. Next up, \u201cTwenty-Four Hours\u201d and \u201cMeans to an End\u201d both came off the second album, \u201cCloser.\u201d “Dead Souls” is perhaps Joy Division’s most mesmerizing song. It is an outstandingly eerie and haunting piece with nightmarish lyrics and a polyrhythmic tribal beat that has captivated generations. It was covered just as dutifully by Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack to “The Crow.” <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s Lost Control\u201d comes from \u201cUnknown Pleasures,\u201d and seems connected with a scene in the movie \u201cControl,\u201d in which Ian Curtis witnesses a seizure by a client while he was interviewing her in his capacity as an employment clerk. Curtis, himself \u2013 it is well known \u2013 was subject to seizures.<\/p>\n

\u201cShadowplay\u201d off the debut album followed and then Joy Division\u2019s more recognizable hit, \u201cLove Will Tear Us Apart,\u201d a hit single from 1979, which is considered significant of Ian Curtis\u2019 deteriorating marital situation that may have led to his suicide in 1980. It made its way onto the \u201cSubstance\u201d compilation.<\/p>\n

When the crowd demanded an encore, Disorder complied with the tragic \u201cCeremony,\u201d a song Joy Division only recorded live, but never as a studio track. It was subsequently recorded by the surviving members as the sequel band, New Order.<\/p>\n

Contemplating Ian Curtis\u2019 esoteric poetry and listening to the scrupulously faithful covers by Disorder, one has the revelation that Joy Division was much more than just another post-punk band, but a significant entry into the post-modern movement that continues to permeate our culture today. Which explains why this group of musicians draws such intense inspiration and sense of commitment to their tribute project. It also explains their phenomenal popularity within the greater metropolitan music scene.<\/p>\n

\nThe Black Lodge at Arkham<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Arkham is a Brooklyn Gothic Party that takes place in the dark bowels of Brooklyn on the last Saturday of every month since 2012 at Don Pedro on Manhattan Avenue since 2012. The theme on Nov 26 was \u201cThe Black Lodge a Tribute to David Lynch.\u201d
\nBesides the customary darkwave\/deathrock served up by hosts and resident deejays Cyclonus and Jose Frances there were live performances by openers Canter, a moody trio from Chicago and headliner, Metropolis Records artists, Noir performing their first area show in over a year. <\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Eric Thorpe-Moscon<\/p><\/div>
\nThis was the fourth David Lynch tribute edition of Arkham, and everything from his Mulholland Drive to episodes of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet was shown on a giant flat screen over the bar or on the projector screen in the dance hall. DJ sets following the live performances included the Smiths, Wumpscut, Ministry and Lords of Acid as well as many more standards as well as rarities. <\/p>\n

Ward 6<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Nov 26 2016
\nFamous deejay and impresario Jeff Ward hosted guest deejays Negrarose, Jaycee (Shadow Nightz) Cannon and D.J. Arsenal for the late November installation of recurring Ward 6, an event of \u201cdark dance, Industrial, New Wave, Synth and Goth\u201d music at midtown\u2019s Windfall. Ward 6 takes its name, not only from the host Jeff Ward, but from a short story about a lunatic asylum in Russia by Chekhov. The atmosphere at the event, while not quite lunatic, runs to the extreme of enthusiasm, owing to the over-the-top feeling of closeness among long-time, faithful attendees and the gala atmosphere produced by the dark and rhythmic musical dance selections. Careful attention to hospitality issues by Windfall manager Chris Savo, plays no small part in making Ward 6 a must-attend event.<\/p>\n

Necropolis <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Fr. Jeff Ward\u2019s three resident deejays, Patrick, Sean and Angel were in rare form, Dec 3, putting dancers through non-stop sets of New Wave, dark wave, Goth and industrial that kept the floor crowded and animated the entire night. Annabel Fagan maintained a stand selling delectable cupcakes until they were sold out, just behind gate-keeper M Banshee\u2019s post. Windfall manager Chris Savo floated both behind and in front of the bar to assure a comfortable and conducive atmosphere as seems to prevail at all Necropolis events. Scene regulars Carmel Carmel, Sir William Welles and Diana Cannone were, of course in attendance, but Shirley Alvarez and her entourage were notably absent and missed this time.<\/p>\n

Record Reviews<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Three artists\/albums deserving special mention came to our attention this month.<\/p>\n

\nTrees of Eternity
\nHour of the Nightingale<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Svart Records
\n\"trees-of-eternity\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Scandinavian doom-metal quintet Trees of Eternity, organized 2009, has just this November released their first full album called \u201cHour of the Nightingale\u201d on Svart Records and totally available for listening on Youtube and for purchase on Amazon. It features ten tracks with titles like \u201cMy Requiem\u201d and \u201cA Million Tears.\u201d These are songs of sorrow and loss. The lilting, echoing female vocals, the baleful tolling bells and the dark, symphonic guitar accompaniment place Trees of Eternity into the company of such successful bands as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and Nightwish, but with sufficient distinction to stand alone. <\/p>\n

The songs are notably slower, more melodious, more mournful and to some extent, more reliant of instrumental accompaniment than others mentioned above. On the last cut, \u201cGallows Bird,\u201d an ominous baritone male voice takes over for a slow-paced and menacing dirge. With that sound fresh in mind, I would say Trees would be perfect to tour with another Scandinavian band – Ghost. Another match would be Antimatter.<\/p>\n

She Past Away<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Volume I – II
\nOn Bandcamp<\/p>\n

\"she-past-away\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Also just out this year comes an interesting darkwave release out of Istanbul, Turkey. Yes, they sing in Turkish, which doesn\u2019t seem the least inconvenient because of the rapid rhythm anthems, sung in deep baritonal vocals. The mesmerizing cadences and the dark vocals keep the listener fascinated and every so often forgetful of the language barrier, half-grasping to understand the mysterious Turkish lyrics. The peculiarities of Turkish language diction actually suit this type of gothic synthpop very well, especially sounded through an echo-chamber setting.<\/p>\n

There doesn\u2019t seem to be a way to buy the CD at this time, but it\u2019s available as download and can also be enjoyed on Youtube. She Past Away provides a deliciously gloomy musical experience. It is easy to compare them with those masters of the Dutch DarkWave, Clan of Xymox, whose sound She Past Away closely resembles – or even to The Cure at their most somber.<\/p>\n

Untitled Art<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The End
\nLine2 Records<\/p>\n

\"untitled-art\"<\/a>
\nAmong the most irresistible music I\u2019ve run into in years comes from an indie\/goth project called Untitled Art which appears to be a resurrected 90s indie\/alt rock band gone electro-industrial. Brainchild of singer\/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Dave Sempier and engineer James Linton on their label, known for the moment, as Line2 Records. <\/p>\n

I was first taken in by the wild, psychedelic video art accompanying an equally mind-blowing trip-hop piece called \u201cPhilly To Long Branch.\u201d Equally infectious was \u201cA Fighter\u2019s Heart,\u201d the vocals of which have a belligerent edge, and rhythm of which was already captivating in the original version, but even more so in the EDM remix. \u201cShutdown\u201d was more melodious and more symphonic, once again featuring Sempier\u2019s signature aggressive vocals. \u201cDarker Days\u201d with its a growling, minor-key instrumental accompaniment fit his accusatory lyrics and strident, gratifying alt rock tenor style which remains a constant through the wide ranging forms that his music takes. \u201cPerfect\u201d has a retro-90s quality that warmed my heart with nostalgia – the good kind – for the era that opened the gates to the musical age that some consider the fulfillment of New Wave.<\/p>\n

These and more are presently coming together in an EP titled \u201cThe End\u201d but most are already quite accessible for listening, and two of the tracks are able to be downloaded on SoundCloud where Untitled Art has a site with seven tracks. \u201cPhilly To Long Branch\u201d will be on iTunes as of Dec 12 and official electronic downloads become available in January. Do not fail to check the video out on Youtube! The CD will be available for sale around the same time through cdbaby or possibly a major label depending on pending negotiations. \"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ghost Swedish Shock-rockers Ghost performed a 15 song set at the King\u2019s Theater in Brooklyn on Saturday night Nov 12, which served as unofficial \u201cpre-party\u201d to The Red Party in Manhattan, inasmuch as a large contingent on NYC Goths were in attendance at the former concert before heading over to the latter dance club (More […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1789"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1789"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3435,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1789\/revisions\/3435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/doktorjohn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}