AESTHETIC PERFECTION vs PRIEST

Aesthetic Perfection, based in Austria, have released a new single in collaboration with one of Sweden’s most hyped bands: Priest. 

This is top-tier body music, the blend of EBM and electro is unmistakable, and together they have crafted a monster hit, one that will certainly get heavy rotation on my dance floor.

 

"Rorschach" is a metaphor: The title refers directly to the well-known psychological inkblot test, in which people interpret abstract patterns based on their own thoughts and feelings. The idea is summed up in the line: “You see me like a Rorschach / You see what you want to see,” which reflects the frustration of constantly being misunderstood or reduced to others’ own mental images. 

"Rorschach" was released last friday, through Out Of Line music, ahead of their joint European tour. 

Aesthetic Perfection is an independent electronic music project created in 2000 by singer, songwriter, and producer Daniel Graves, (born in Los Angeles, later based in Linz, Austria). The music is often described as industrial pop or dark electro, blending elements of industrial rock, synth-pop, and goth. 

If you wanna know more about PRIEST, go HERE when I wrote about the new album from PRIEST. 

Aesthetic Perfection @ FACEBOOK 

PRIEST @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

 

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

TORUL

The days are just flying by, and the music keeps on coming. I thought we’d continue by taking a look at music that was released last Friday. Since it was Halloween this past weekend, some bands released songs that have some connection to Halloween. One of those is TORUL and the track "On Halloween" that is out NOW exclusive on Bandcamp. 

TORUL is a successful alternative electropop and synthpop band from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Originally founded as a solo project by musician, songwriter, and producer Borut Bernik (better known as Torulsson), the act quickly evolved into a full-fledged band. 

Within the European synthpop, darkwave, and indie scenes, TORUL is particularly well-known for a unique and ever-evolving sound that blends catchy electronic pop melodies with melancholic undertones and organic guitar elements. 

The band often resists being strictly confined to a single genre. 

Their music moves fluidly between: 

• Synthpop and electropop, featuring captivating choruses and danceable beats. 

• Darkwave and indie, incorporating deeper, more atmospheric, and experimental elements. 

• Club and techno influences, stemming from Torulsson’s background as an underground producer and DJ. 

TORUL consists of the members: 

• Torulsson (Borut Bernik): The band’s founder, primary songwriter, producer, and keyboardist. 

• Borut Dolenec: Live synths and guitar. 

• Maj Valerij: Current vocalist (who replaced Jan Jenko in 2016). 

TORUL @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

 

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

ENGRAVED GARDEN

Up next is more new music from Sweden and this time, the duo of Engraved Garden that released their new single "Mr. Blue" this Friday everywhere. 

"Mr. Blue" is a dark and atmospheric cover of a classic song by Yazoo (Vince Clarke). 

The originalsong by Yazoo is a melancholic and atmospheric synth-pop ballad, released in July 1983 on their second and final studio album, "You and Me Both". The song was written entirely by one half of the duo, Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode, later of Erasure), while Alison Moyet’s powerful, bluesy voice gives the track its deep emotional resonance. 

The story and the lyrics behind "Mr. Blue" are filled with dark and poetic imagery. They depict a cold, wintry landscape ("Winter sounds the crying, like an old man slowly dying") and make references to war, suffering, and starvation ("...food supplies will only last a day"). Amidst this darkness, "Mr Blue" serves as an invented, imaginary friend. The character acts as a symbol of comfort and solidarity in the face of loneliness—a sentiment encapsulated in the well-known chorus: "I'm Mr. Blue, I'm here to stay with you. And no matter what you do, when you're lonely, I'll be lonely too." 

Engraved Garden is a Swedish synth-pop project based in Helsingborg, hometown of big names like Covenant and Cold Connection just to mention some. The project is run by the duo Niklas Thillgren and Kenneth Svensson. 

Their musical direction is deeply rooted in classic electronic music and the 1980s new wave scene. Niklas handles most of the production, while Kenneth primarily serves as the vocalist and lyricist.

Engraved Garden’s sound is characterized by atmospheric synthesizers, electronic rhythms, and an often dark, emotional undertone. They draw much of their inspiration from legendary 1980s bands and artists, such as: 

• Depeche Mode 

• Yazoo 

• Ultravox 

• Howard Jones 

• Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) 

Engraved Garden @ FACEBOOK 

Engraved Garden @ BANDCAMP 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

   

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

IRONIC SWEDEN vs SOPHIE RAE

New week and after a busy weekend and issues with hackers I can do some posts and I start up with the new single from Ironic Sweden in "Get It Right" and the Sophie Rae remix that came out last Friday on Town And Towers Recordlabel. 

If you like the track is one of the challengers for Klangwald Radio Chart, so go and vote on Klangwalds webpage. 

Ironic Sweden is a Swedish electronic music project/synth-pop act run by Dan Ritzén (who has his roots in Småland). The musical style and background is characterized by synth-pop and electronic music inspired by the sonic landscapes of the 80s and 90s, where the dark forests of southern Sweden meet a blend of modern software and vintage hardware synthesizers. 

Pressrelease: 

Ironic Sweden team up with UK producer and vocalist Sophie Rae for a new interpretation of "Get It Right", bringing fresh electronic textures, expressive vocals and a renewed sense of energy to the track. 

Ironic Sweden continue to explore new musical territory with the release of the Sophie Rae Remix of "Get It Right". The collaboration offers a fresh perspective on the original, introducing a different sonic club approach while preserving the electronic spirit, that defines the Swedish act. 

Ironic Sweden @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

 

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

DEN DÄR KILLEN

Time now for some upbeat Swedish synthpop sung in Swedish though, as they say, language is rarely an issue within our genre, that’s part of the charm. Along with Germany and England, Sweden stands as one of the true giants in the synthgenre. 

´Den Där Killen` is a solo project by the Swedish DJ and producer Per Fall, and in the beginning of October he released "Ankaret I Laget" 

Den Där Killen Biography:

• Sound: The music consists of electronic pop and synth-pop, heavily inspired by 90s energetic dance music and the New Romantic era. The sound is characterized by analog synthesizers and features infectious rhythms. 

• Lyrics: The songs often contain clever, poetic, and thoughtful lyrics in Swedish. • Notable releases: He originally debuted with a synth-pop interpretation of the Neil Young classic "Heart of Gold." Since then, he has released several EPs and singles, including the well-received EP *Festen är över* (2020). 

In 2025, he has released tracks such as "Svart Lucia" and the EP *Hjärta av sten*. 

Den Där Killen @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

   

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

CLAN OF VECTREX

Now, let’s go back to the beginning of October and talk about the Swedish band Clan Of Vectrex. They released their new EP "Volume 6" on the 9th. 

As a music journalist, you have to do thorough research, or so I’ve learned, that’s something Robert Enforsen from Elegant Machinery told me when I featured them in a special on *Electric Cafe*. So, that is what I’ve done, to the best of my ability, at any rate. 

The Music and the Concept 

• A tribute to vector graphics: At the core of this project is the creation of music for the unique, line-based vector graphics games that defined this short-lived yet legendary console. Tracks have been released for titles such as Solar Quest, Hyperchase, Polar Rescue, and Armor Attack. 

• Authentic 80s hardware: The group creates its music with a "garage-synth focus." They primarily use analog and hybrid vintage synthesizers from the 1980s (such as the Kawai K3) and consciously avoid modern tools like Auto-Tune, excessive reverb, or AI-generated elements. 

• Visual style: In line with their retro music, they create intentionally simple and "charmingly raw" video backdrops and visual effects that mimic the analog TV and VHS aesthetic of the early 80s. 

Current Activity and Collaborations 

The project is very much active and has released several albums, including *Volume 6*. Their music has also gained recognition and been featured in connection with the community-driven hardware project Vectrex Mini, a modern, miniature version of the original console, for which Clan of Vectrex has provided music for game demonstrations (including for the game *Fortress of Narzod*). 

So, for me this Stranger Things in music, and if you like me, love the classic analog synths from the 80s you gonna love this music. And dream back to the 80s.

Clan Of Vectrex @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

   

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P

TRAIN TO SPAIN

I´m proud to give you the new single from my friends in Train To Spain. "Into The Unknown" is another masterpiece from the duo. 

Train to Spain is a Swedish electronic synth-pop duo formed by Jonas Rasmusson and Helena Wigeborn. Helena is also one of the members in SCALA and Jonas have an alternative band called Folk Är Folk (people are people) with John Lindqwister from Machinista and Cat Raped Dog. 

The name of the duo, Train to Spain comes from a line in The Human League’s song "The Things That Dreams Are Made Of". Jonas Rasmusson is responsible for synths and production, while Helena Wigeborn handles vocals and lyrics. 

The musical style is described as melodic and danceable 80s-nostalgic synth-pop with modern influences, often compared to acts such as Depeche Mode, Camouflage, and Ladytron, and every song tells a story, a musical journey with emotions, dreams and life. 

The duo debuted with the album *What It's All About* (2015), followed by, among others: 

• *A Journey* (2018) 

• *Love? The Album* (2022) 

• *Nothing To Win* (2023) • 

Later singles and tracks such as "I Wanna Know," "My Spirit Is Free," "Likeable," and "Heal You" (released between 2023 and 2026). They have toured extensively—including in Germany and the UK—and have performed at festivals and venues within the European synth and EBM scene. 

Train To Spain @ BANDCAMP 

Train To Spain @ FACEBOOK 

Supported by Muzik Mag Sweden

 

DJ Thessla / Tobbe P