For over twelve years God Module has injected a healthy dose of creepy into the dark electro scene. We had the chance to interview Jasyn Bangert, the mastermind behind it all, as he once again sets loose his imagination and musical talents to eager fans with the release of God Module’s new album Séance on Metropolis Records.
interview by James S. Cole, Kelly Cole & Mike Kieffer
God Module seems to be a band that cares a lot about and has a close connection with it’s fans, how does this relationship effect the band?
Jasyn Bangert : One of the great things about God Module is that we have some very devoted and supportive fans. In response to this I have always made a point to go out of my way to stay in contact with our fan base on a personal level. Since I was a kid I have been deeply involved in the gothic/industrial/alternative scene and I still remember every time I met people in bands who were important to me. Now that things have changed and I find myself on the other side of these situations, I’ll be honest that I do find it strange from time to time but it is also just as important to me as it is to them. I don’t take our fans or our success for granted in anyway.
What is your personal favorite song on Séance and which song do you think will excite fans the most?
JB : At this point my favorite song is “Doppelgänger” for a few reasons. I really like the synths in the track and think they give the track a pretty but unsettling, eerie feeling. I used samples from the film Happy Birthday To Me when I had my yearly viewing on my birthday this year. They really fit perfectly with the lyrics and the theme of the song. As for the rest of the CD I think the songs “M.D.K.” and “Rituals” are going over really well live.
focused music news for week 32 : August 7th to 13th 2011
August 9 – A new album from The Gothsicles, Industrialites and Magic is out now on WTII Records, and while I didn’t exactly give it a glowing review, the album is still fun and I still love The Gothsicles. While listening to the album for the review, I struggled to figure out what “Save Dat Mermaid” was about and now there is an official video to clue us all in!
August 9 - The Birthday Massacre release a new EP, Imaginary Monsters on Metropolis Records featuring three original new tracks and a slew of remixes. Temporarily, or so I hear, they are streaming the new EP up on their Myspace page. So dig out your old passwords and check it out!
focused music news for week 28 : July 10th to 16th 2011
July 12 – Claus Larsen’s other project Klutæ (not Læther Strip) is out with a new album, Electro Punks Unite, on WTII Records. I remember in the mid 90s running around in circles, filled with teenage angst listening to early Klutæ. This new album still has that classic EBM energy, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and powerful vocals that tuned me into an adrenalin hyped monkey.
Check out the new video (it is one of the slower songs).
July 12 - Remember Juno Reactor? Metropolis Records is releasing Inside the Reactor which is a remix album of classic Juno Reactor tracks. Now I know that remix albums don’t really get too many people all bonkers and the real news is that Juno Reactor is almost done with a NEW album expected to be released this fall! YAY! In the meantime dig up all your old records and purchase this new remix album in anticipation. Also next time you hear “God is God” at the club think about how that track came out in 1997, there is so much more out there and hopeful in the fall there will be that much more.
For a little flash back, check out the classic “God is God” video HERE.
focused music news for week 21 : May 22nd to 28th 2011
May 24 – Out this week from a band that is storming onto the scene is Army of the Universe’sMother Ignorance on Metropolis Records. The duo from Milan, Italy is about to embark on a tour across the USA with a little known band KMFDM! I’m positive their fans will proliferate. Get ahead of the hordes and check them out now, and while you’re at it be sure to enter our contest to get a vinyl copy of their EP Lovedead.
A seasoned rock veteran, from Shotgun Messiah to KMFDM / MDFMK to Marilyn Manson, Tim Skold is back to his solo work with a new album, Anomie, due out on Metropolis Records in May.
photographer : Saryn Christina
makeup artist : Erika Diehl / Glamour Lush
hair stylist : Jeanna Kier
model : Tim Skold
interview by : Rena Finkel
Tim Skold is nothing if not a seasoned veteran of the contemporary rock world. Born in Sweden, he began as a founding member of metal band Shotgun Messiah in 1988. He released his first solo album, Skold, in 1996. He has spent the subsequent years recording, composing, performing, and producing with the rock elite; KMFDM, OhGr, and Marilyn Manson, among others. This May he releases his second solo album as SKOLD titled Anomie. Mr. Skold spoke with us on his extensive experience as musician and a businessman in the recording industry. Like his new album, he’s full of wry, almost rueful wisdom, boldly giving us a good look at one of the key figures in the scene.
From Sweden to LA, how have the places you’ve seen and lived in inspired you? Do you have a favorite place that you’ve lived or visited?
Tim Skold : Well, I’ve been around the block a few times. Since I came to the US in ‘88, I’ve toured around the US seven times. I think there’s something inspirational about going to many places. In touring you don’t spend time in any place too long. I haven’t lived anywhere besides LA. I lived in Seattle for a year and a half. I didn’t like that, it was good, in that there wasn’t any distraction. I don’t think I get inspired from where I’m living, it’s a place in my head, a safe place. Inspiration is a place in your soul, in your heart. Traveling around the globe has been inspirational, it can be really cool, but it can also be really painful. Sometimes, you have time to get around and explore, but a lot of the places you’re sheltered by security. I snuck out the back door in a hotel in Bogota in Colombia to be alone, and everyone thought I was crazy to go without security. I just wanted to be alone and get some coffee.
We are giving away three vinyl copies of the Lovedead EP by Army of the Universe!
Hailing from Milan, Italy, Army of the Universe are about to release their début album Mother Ignorance on Metropolis Records on May 24th. With mixing and production assistance by Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson), Lord K (vocals) and Trebla (production) use power-driven guitars and 80s electronica/trance inspired analog synths to create compelling and anthemic electronic rock.
focused music news for week 19 : May 8th to 14th 2011
May 10 – Nivek Ogre is back in the spot light but it’s not the Skinny Puppy album that has been teased for three years or so, instead we get the ohGr album unDeveloped. Well the last release Devils in my Details was a bit lackluster for the five-year wait, unDeveloped has only two and a half years of expectations to live up to. Let’s just say you wont hear anything like “Feelin’ Chicken”. Be sure to check out our full review in the upcoming June/July issue.
May 10 – In the April/May issue we featured exclusive photos and interview with the multi-instrumentalist, Tim Skold, who has contributed to many bands over the years, including KMFDM and Marilyn Manson. On May 10th he released his second full length album since 1996, Anomie. I personally listened to the début album way too many times to count and once I dug it out of storage I instantly remembered all the lyrics. Anomie doesn’t disappoint this long time fan.
focused music news for week 15 : April 10th to April 16th 2011
April 12 – Post-hardcore/post-rock band Thursday move in a darker direction, a more atmospheric direction on their new album, No Devolucion. Out on Epitaph, this album was recorded in Ferdonia, New York with producer Dave Fridmann from our home town of Buffalo, New York! I always get excited when I find a hometown connection in music.
April 12 – When I say, “The Golden Vagina of Fame and Profit,” what do you think of?? That’s right Caustic’s fantastic new album on Metropolis! Be warned that after a few listens you will wake up in the middle of the night chanting “Bulletproof Lolita” and have your significant other yelling at you to shut the fuck up!
Check out our Seven Deadly Questions interview with Caustic in the April/May 2011 Issue!
focused music news for week 10 : March 6 to 12 2011
March 8 – KMFDM releases their first single in over nine years, Krank. All multiple versions of “Krank” and “Day of Light”, all of which will not appear on their upcoming LP WTF?! out April 26th. This is KMFDM and you get KMFDM, nothing groundbreaking, yet still good. If anything this provides a glimmer of hope that WTF?! will be great.
March 8 – Combichrist sees their single for “Throat Full Of Glass” get a digital release, physicals will be available April 12th through Metropolis Records. Combichrist started the buzz for this release a few weeks back when they delivered a censored and uncensored video for this song. This single itself is worth picking up for the thick and juicy “Dub Mix” by Computer Club. Although if you don’t like the song “Throat Full Of Glass” then stay away because there is nothing else on here.
Below is the “clean” video for “Throat Full Of Glass” which still has a lot of T&A and violence, if you want the nudity you can see it on Vimeo. Is this video the end of Combichrist? All but Joe Letz and a lone beer. Make sure you watch the video til the end for the best part.
I must say I am in love with the new Shiv-r album Hold My Hand. The album itself reminds me of the early Combichrist before they started to write music for their stage show. The video for “The End” is dark and well produced, giving the band a visual presence that helps push them past fellow bands in their genre. Take a peek at the video and enjoy the makeover. ;)
