PROFILE OF SABBY (Co-Organizer of Plack Planet).

1. What is your favourite type of music ? The sound of the Univers, Anything my Soul & Body can respond to but essetialy New Wave, New Romantic, 80's, Dark Wave, Chopin, Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Etheral and Operatic genres

2. Who are your Favourite Band of All - Time ? DEPECHE MODE, DEPECHE MODE, DEPECHE MODE!

3. Best Gig you have Ever been to ? I would say Indochine (French New Wave band from the 80's) because it was my first ever!

4. Favourite Five Albums of All - Time ? Violator/Depeche Mode, Songs of Faith and Devotion/Depeche Mode, Purple Rain/Prince, Veuillez rendre l' âme à qui elle appartient/Noir Désir, 3éme Sex/Indochine.

5. Top Three Songs ? Enjoy The Silence/Depeche Mode, Marian/The Sisters, Lettre à Elise/Ludwig van Beethoven.

6. Favourite Drink ? Corona with Lime

7. If you could go to a gig anywhere in the world, where would it be and which three bands? In the Catare country which is near where I was born and bread (there are stunning catare castles ruins perched in the mountains) and it would have to be of course Depeche Mode, The Sisters (there always a chance to see Eldritch jump off the cliff after he realised that he is too much of a genius for his own good), The Cure (because it is my fantasy so free of charge and I can't afford £35 to see them in a horrible venue).

8. Fantasy Date for a night out ? Ummmm.. tuff one.........decision, decision............ I suppose a man that come close to Aragorn, Faramir or Eomer in The Lord of The Rings (book not film) and a bonus if he looks like Josh Holloway from Lost (yum yum). But essentialy a date with Jack Sparrow Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

'IN THE WESTERN SKY, MY KINGDOM COMES ...'

It was so dark all over Bedford on the night of Saturday 15th September 2007 ... Black Planet's first Nite - would anyone turn up ?? OF COURSE THEY WOULD ; and have a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Out of the darkness came the black-clad hordes, and they were served up the treat that is The Tallyman's Dark Omnibus. People were drawn in ever closer as his Set went on - climaxing with the classic 'Fuck 'Em All'.

Headliners The Ghost Of Lemora (from London) were excellent. Twinkle and the boys (+ one girl ...) had the crowd in the palm of their hand with a superb Set. Tracks from the 'Reach For The Ground' Album went down well, as did newer songs (they have an Album released in the very near future on Resurrection Records). Encores followed, before they retreated Swifty-ly to the bar for refreshments !?!

DJ CyberAndy then kicked in, and the Dancefloor was soon full ; plenty of Goth, Electro and old favourites kept people bopping until 3am !! Someone even complained that she'd danced so much her feet hurt .......

As the clock reached three what had begun now had to end. We headed out of The Angel with the Black World in our minds - knowing that it had been a GREAT Nite and that it will all begin again on 20th October !!

TUNE IN, TURN ON, BURN OUT .......

INFEST 2007, Bradford Uni.

To come straight to the point, the best weekend of the year !! Infest '07 was everything ... and more.

Bradford may not be renowned for it's culture, but for 3 days at the end of August it's Cyber-A-Go-Go !! As always at these events it's a combination of the music and the people that make it so special. Time to catch up with a few old faces, and meet plenty of new ones. The venue is excellent and really well set up. A not too big main room, VERY cheap bar (!?!) which was well used throughout the weekend, and an 'Escape' area where you could actually sit and chat without having to ruin your vocal chords.

Greyhound are the first Band we see - and what a noise they kick up. Industrial beats and a harsh wall of sound. Some people later were complaining they'd been too loud !!! ... but I thought they were excellent. A great way to kick things off.

Headliners Portion Control have been around for years and have undoubtedly been a major influence on the scene. They split for a while but are now back - and as good as ever. Anyone wanting a nice pressie to put on their Christmas List need look no further than the mega 'Archive' ; a 5 CD Box Collection !! Portion Control hit the spot and had Pete and I dancing !?!

Anyone worrying that Infest is TOTAL 'Bleep Bleep' need worry no longer ... after the bands there is a 2nd Dancefloor that aims directly at the more Goth / 80's end of things. The DJ's played a brilliant mix each evening, and the Dancefloor was packed throughout the 3 days with people thinking that they looked good on the ............

Saturday and Sunday gave many (too many !!) opportunties to spend your cash at the stalls selling clothes and CD's. We were staying at Arkwright Halls, which both had superb rooms and facilities - and was ideally placed ; literally a 5 minute walk to the venue. Very handy when you are ataggering back at 3.30 in the morning .....

Pete had somehow managed to lose his CashCard on the trip up to Bradford, so Saturday morning was spent finding a branch of Barclays. Luckily we managed this ... then had a late breakfast.

As we were making our way to the venue early afternoon someone shouted
 out 
"I recognise that voice" and a guy giving away MOMT Flyers said he 
remembered me from the FLA Gig in London a couple of months ago !!
I have to say I had a brilliant night then (Portion Control were
 headlining 
...) but my memories of it are a bit hazy !!??!!
David turned out to be a great guy and a real enthusiast who co runs
 the 
Mindphaser WebSite.

We had a good chat, then got inside to see Synnack. Described as a 'Experimental Electronic Band' in the programme, they soon had a fair sized crowd bopping away. I thought they were really good.

With The Halls being so close, we retired for a shower and change ... then got back in time for the Dope Satrs Inc !!! Undoubtedly the most 'rock n roll' band of the weekend The Dope Stars brought a Punk attitude and some bone shaking beats to Infest 2007. Rock tunes were never far from the surface and they showed their roots with a last song cover of 'Ace Of Spades'. A real hit !!

We were on a roll now, and this continued with the mighty 13th Monkey - just where did they get that name ?? Pounding beat follows pounding beat as the Monkey Machine takes no prisoners. By now both Pete and I were totally into the groove !?!

Headliners Apoptygma Berzerk - or Apop to their friends - were brilliant. Formed way back in '91 by Stephen Groth, they have always been dependable for danceable electro music. Mixing EBM, Industrial and Techno - and using Guitars !! - they bring great energy to the live arena. The crowd responded well and Apop's Set flew by. A real high of Infest was them ending with 'Love Will Never Die'.

After more drinking, chatting and dancing - plenty of dancing ... - it was back to bed !!!

A good lie in on Sunday morning - and we were ready for it again !!!!!! The outside Patio area of the venue was a great place to have a Pint, and chat to people (the lovely weather all weekend helped as well ...). We met a girl from Leicester who we'd seen on the Friday - Sunday pm she was limping and having to use a stick. Apparently she had injured herself dancing to Dope Stars - and had ended up having to go to A & E. Warning ; dancing to Dope Stars Inc can be SERIOUSLY bad for your health !!

We caught Rupesh Cartel - and were very glad that we did. This duo had a superb Electro Depeche type sound. Pete liked them so much he brought the T-Shirt !!! I too loved them and will try to investigate 'The Disco And The What Not' soon.

I can honestly say we really enjoyed each band that we saw at Infest '07. If I had to pick one however it would have to be Sunday's Headliners VNV Nation. The main hall was packed as they bounced onstage - and Ronan was on great form ! Lots of chat and jokes and rushing around the Stage. The music blasted along and the whole crowd danced as one. Many Glow Sticks were raised in the air ....... A truly brilliant finale to Infest - but it wasn't quite over yet. The DJ's kept going until nearly 3am, again with the DanceFloor packed.

What an end to an utterly fantastic weekend. As we wearily headed back to Northamptonshire on the Monday lunchtime one thing we knew for sure was that we'd be back at the same time next year !!!!!!!

A.W.

MARC ALMOND. Shepherds Bush Empire, London. 9th July '07.

I have been to many, many gigs over the years ... lots of which have been superb - but it's only very rarely that an evening such as this comes along. Marc's 50th birthday, a couple of years after the motorcycle crash that nearly killed him.

The term 'special relationship' between an Artist and their fans is a frequently over-used statement. With Marc Almond it only starts to explain things. He has one of the most loyal audiences out there. We have been through the highs and the lows with him, wondered if we would ever see him perform again ... and come out the other side !!

As he walks onstage you can feel the emotion flowing both ways. Never, ever someone who just 'goes through the motions' tonights set is a Career spanning epic of truly legendary proportions. A totally 'I was there' one for years to come. We really are - as Marc says - 'Sharing a moment', and you can't ask for more than that.

Material from all eras is played ; The Mambas, Solo and, of course, Soft Cell. Prolonged applause follows every song. Marc tells us how 35 years ago he saw Lou Reed, and the affect it had on him ... he then sings 'Caroline Says' as though it's the last song he'll ever sing.

Taking us back to The Mambas, 'Your Aura' and the still magnificent 'Torment' are show stoppers ... except this is a gig where nearly every song is a show stopper !!!

As the crowd sing 'Happy Birthday' it is just all too much for Marc. He disappears for a while to compose himself before 'Tainted Love' and 'What' are mere preludes to the incredible climax that is a mass sing-a-long of 'Say Hello Wave Goodbye'.

Around two and a half hours after coming on, Marc finally leaves us. He looked great and his voice was superb throughout. At some stage during the evening he had been joking about how now he's 50 perhaps he should slow down a bit ... 'Not a chance' he told us !! Let's hope not.

I don't believe that anyone at Shepherds Bush Empire for this show left with any feeling other than one of having been part of a totally epic evening that was really, really something special. Marc Almond is an absolute star and 100% for real. Here's to the next 50 years !!

ANDY WEBSTER.

THE COVEN GOTH NIGHT, LUTON.

PROFILE OF NEPHILIMBABE

1. How long have you been DJing for ? Five years.

2. What Genre of Music do you play ? Goth / Industrial / New Wave / Punk / Darkwave / 80's

3. Who are your Favourite Band of All - Time ? Garden Of Delight / Sisters / Fields / The Jam

4. Best Gig you have Ever been to ? The Cult, Brixton. '86.

5. Favourite Five Albums of All - Time ? First And Last And Always - The Sisters Of Mercy Elisium - Fields Of The Nephilim Dreamtime - The Cult Necromanteion - Garden Of Delight The Clash - The Clash

6. Top Three DanceFloor Fillers ? I can't possibly answer that.

7. Favourite Drink ? Cider

8. 'Dream Nite' to DJ ? My tastes change from day to day ....

9. Fantasy Date for a night out ? Not answering that on moral grounds !!

This event has been running for 5 years now, and is DJ'd by NEPHILIMBABE.

HISTORY OF GUNS.

Gothic Industrial Noise Terrorists History Of Guns have been around for a while now. They usually have a 'flexible' Line-Up - depending on which new Guitarist Del has just recruited from the local Pub ....

The core of the band are Max Rael and Del Alien. They give away more than their fair share of free CD's, and never say no to the offer of an alcoholic drink in return !!! They also have a fine selection of T-Shirts available for purchase.

An excellent live band, Guns have played Whitby Goth Weekend and FuturePunk. They hope to headline Wembley before they die, and are currently practising hard for a Career-Defining performance on Saturday 15th March '08 at Black Planet, The Angel, Bedford (who needs Wembley when you can headline Black Planet ?!?).

Visit their Website at www.historyofguns.com

PROFILE OF DEL - VOCALIST WITH HISTORY OF GUNS.

Andy and Del at The Met, Whitby.

1. How would you describe your Bands sound ? I would like to say the sound is unique, at least I've heard nothing like it !! If there is then I want to know about it !!

2. How long have you been together ? I didn't know the answer to that one !?! I phoned my old mucker Stagger Lee ; it's eleven and a half years - damn, you get less for murder !!!

3. Favourite Band Of All-Time ? This is well ard to answer, but under pressure I would say Bauhaus. Ni I mean, oh damn ...

4. Best Gig you have ever been to ? Alien Sex Fiend because I had fallen out with an old mate of mine Tony Keppler (RIP). All of a sudden Tony jumps onstage, grabs hold of Nick and screams into the mic 'Tell Del I'm Sorry !!' With that a load of bouncers grab Tony and I have never seen a human body projected so far into the audience !! I have never laughed so hard. Bless him.

5. Top 5 Albums Of All-Time ? No, no, no ... I can't answer that - it's a mood thing.

6. Favourite 3 Songs of All-Time ? Here's another mood thing - it changes all the time ! At the mo I would say ; Scary Monsters - David Bowie, Martin - Soft Cell and Alive And Kicking - Club Country (what a voice, RIP).

7. Favourite Drink ? No, no ... this is wrong !! Don't make me do it. According to the DVD it's Lager, Vodka and Wine.

8. If you could have one Musician guest on your next Album who would it be ? Would have to be Daniel Ash (Bauhaus). What a Guitarist. The other would be Dead Heaven 9this one is going to happen !!). I'm working on this so listen out ...

9. If you could play one 'Dream Gig' where would it be, and who else would be on the bill ? Brixton Academy, and I'm not answering the rest !! It'll make me out the git of the band. I'm more of a wind em up and watch it go sort of bloke !!!

10. Whjo would be your 'Fantasy Date' for a night out ? The woman out of Final Fantasy ... Yes, I know she's computer generated. I have a screwed mind !!

So there you have it - an insight into the mind of History Of Guns vocalist Del !! we can only presume he doesn't drink his Lager, Vodka and Wine all mixed together as some sort of 'Guns Cocktail' ... and we are disappointed that Max Rael wasn't Del's 'Dream Date' !!??!!

LINEOUT RECORDS.

Lineout Records have a number of excellent bands on their books ; Deathboy, Earth Loop Recall, Xykogen, Trauma Pet, Katscan and the soon-to-be-massive History Of Guns.

Check out their Website for more Info - plus they often give away free Sampler CD's !!!

www.lineoutrecords.com

UNSCENE MAGAZINE.

Unscene Magazine is published approx. twice a year, and is VERY worth buying. Covering the Gothic Scene it features Interviews, Album and Live reviews ... and usually comes with a free CD !!

Click here to go to UNSCENE's MySpace Page

MARTIN OLDGOTH

Martin OldGoth co-runs thirteen13 and DJs a monthly Nite at InsanitoriuM in Colchester. He PARTICULARLY doesn't like Cyber and Glowsticks .........

PROFILE OF MARTIN

1. How long have you been DJing ? 22 years. I started because the DJ at the Club I went to quit and the Club would have closed if someone didn't take over. Three of us did and the rest is a blur.

2. What genre of Music do you play ? Goth. Post Punk. Deathrock. A tiny bit of Guitar based Industrial. I love stirring choruses and tribal drums, proper ones ...

3. What is the Best Gig you have ever been to ? I'd have to cheat and say Fields Of The Nephilim 'Electrostatic' tour in '87. Following the band around the country for a week or so was such a great experience. People don't do that anymore. They just moan if a band doesn't play within a mile of their house.

4. Top three All-Time guaranteed Dancefloor fillers ? It varies, but for now ... Israel - Siouxsie And The Banshees Nightmares - The Last Dance Kick In The Eye - Bauhaus

5. Favourite Band of All-Time ? The Clash, without a doubt. Joe Strummer changed my life and affected so many other peoples whether they realise it or not. The man is/was a fucking lefgend. There should be statues in town centres. His lyrics should be studied in schools. The Clash gave me my attitude and Politics.

6. Favourite Drink ? Captain Morgan spiced, Absolut Vodka or a Pint of Mild please !

7. If you could DJ a 'Dream Nite' where would it be and which Bands would play ? Whitby Goth Weekend with Miguel and the Living Dead, The Last Days Of Jesus and Scarlets Remains - just to show people there is life in Goth and we don't all have to listen to Techno and Metal ! There is a whole world of Goth out there beyojnd our little island, and the Company I co-run (thirteen13) is determined to bring it here to wake this place up a bit.

8. Top 5 Albums Of All-Time ? Peepshow - Siouxsie And The Banshees Whispers In Rage - The Last Dance 101 Damnations - Carter USM Dawnrazor - Fields Of The Nephilim London Calling - The Clash

9. Who Is Your Favourite DJ ? Apart from me ? Tricky one ... Depends on the mood. Probably someone who's a combination of Sexbat, Cavey Nik and Dave Exile.

10. Who would be your Fabtasy Date for a Nite out ? Monica Richards (Faith and the Muse) or if she's busy washing her hair I'll take Patricia Morrison (before Dave and the baby came along ; I don't want to upset him !).

DARK CITY '07.

Edinburgh.4, 5 & 6 May.

The May Bank Holiday Weekend saw Edinburgh turn into CyberCentral, with everyone out for a good time - and for the vast majority that was what happened. A late change of venues meant that things kicked off at around 8pm on the Friday evening at Studio 24.

DIMP (Dark Improvised Music Project) had the 'task' of being first on - never the easiest slot - and only a hardened few gathered anywhere near the stage. I wasn't really taken with them, feeling too many of their songs just went nowhere ... and went on for far too long.

We didn't have to wait long however for the Festival to get moving. Siva Six - from Greece and featuring ex-members of Septic Flesh and Rotting Christ - were excellent. Vocalist Z has great stage presence and prowls menacingly around - his dark vocals fitting perfectly with the heavy EBM/ Industrial beats. With 2 Albums (Rise New Flesh & Black Will) behind them they soon had the crowd dancing. More people investigated them as the set progressed - always a good sign - and for me they were one of the real highs of Dark City '07.

XP8 continued in the right direction. From Italy this was only their 2nd UK performance, and they were lively with lots of catchy, dancy tunes. 'Lies' was superb and there was plenty of interaction with the crowd.

Headliners were Germany's Solitary Experiments. Their VNV-esque Electropop went down very well and they provided a fine end to the first part of the evening. With Studio 24 having to be emptied at 11pm sharp (for some reason or other ...) there was then the highly unusual sifght of the Gothic 'masses' making their way to the Aftershow venue !!

Any moaning about the walk (hey, at least it wasn't raining) was surely offset by the highly atmospheric Nicol Edwards. Lots of VERY small intimate rooms with a fine DJ set taking place in one of them that kept plenty of people dancing until 3am.

Saturday kicked off at around 5.30pm (although Saturday and Sunday both ended up running a bit late due to 'technical' problems) at The Caves. The name says it all and it was most suitable for this sort of bash.

Cybercide make no claims to be revolutionary pioneers, but they are a band who are certainly on the rise. Originally formed in '99 the present line up only released their superb debut Album 'Adrenaline' in '06. They aim to make accessible dancefloor Electronic music - and they achieve this with style. The trance-ish sound was well received, and everyone that I spoke to about them later in the evening agreed that Cybercide had really hit the spot.

The one man event that is Dyspraxia came next. Mr PineappleHead indeed !?! Jumping around and punching the air continually, this guy was having great fun - as were the audience. How many of the vocals were actually 'live' is probably debateable, but the techno style had plenty of punters bopping up and down. Highly entertaining.

One of the real plusses of the entire weekend was how friendly everyone was - both the locals and those that had come from afar.

Plenty of stamina (or vodka and red bull ...) is needed to complete the course, and things continued apace with Modulate. They've recently been supporting VNV, and you could see why. Another hit with the crowd at the front.

The stars of Saturday for me were probably 32 Crash. From Belgium and making their British debut this duo of Front 242 vocalist Jean-Luc De Mayer and Implants Len Lemaire went down a storm. They certainly lived up to their reputations, had the crowd buzzing AND had the best slogan Tee-Shirt of the weekend for sale at the desk ; 'Humanity Is A Disease'.

A difficult act to follow, but Absolute Body Control managed it. Dirk Ivens has been around forever, years ago being part of the highly influencial Klinik outfit. Here with his partner in crime Eric Van Wonterghem they show great enthusiasm and deliver a fine headline set.

It was back to The Caves early Sunday evening for the hardened Rivetheads !! I thought I had wandered into the wrong venue when I was met by the sight of a band onstage with ... guitars !! Rumour had it that there might have been one such instrument played over the previous 48 hours, but I certainly didn't remember seeing it. The band in question turned out to be Head Trauma, and they weren't my cup of tea - sounding more like they should be at Download.

They were followed by - shock, horror - ANOTHER group with guitars. Tin Omen were much better. A more Trad Goth type sound and an excellent female vocalist. They soon had a few people dancing and their set included a great cover (I am partial to a cover or two - you have a job to beat Libitina's 'Gothic Pepole') of 'Confide In Me'. I would like to see these again in the near future.

'Normality' was restored by the excellent Pre Emptive Strike 0.1. Formed in 2002 the main Strike duo of Jim 'The Blaster' on vocals and Cryon (Synths) were joined by a girl wearing a gas mask. Their brand of EBM had plenty of meaty songs and on tonights performance I would say it's well worth checking out their 2006 debut Long Player 'Lethal Defence Systems' (which is on Infected Recordings).

More old school Goth followed with Voices Of Masada. Making no secret of their influences (Sisters, Fields, Mission) Voices were right up my street. They've been around for a while now, but appear to have lost none of their enthusiasm. Their set just flew by.

Dirk Ivens and Erik V.W. reappear in the guise of Sonar. A real mishmash of Industrial, Techno and Noise the 2 protaganists stand face to face on stage - sending out an almighty sound towards the audience ! Again they get a positive reaction.

If you have survived this far then there is no way headliners Grendel will let you down !! These boys certainly know how to get the adrenaline flowing ... Coming on at around 1.30am the diehards near the stage are soon using up any remaining energy they have left. Pounding beat follows pounding beat with the frenzied vocals adding a great edge. 'Prescription ; Medicide' was a Classic but surely the 3 year wait for 'Harsh Generation' will be worth it. On tonights showing I can't wait for it's release. As Grendel brought Dark City '07 to a brutal end surely not many people could have gone home unhappy !!

A total blast from start to finish, if EBM / Industrial is your thing you could do a lot worse than head to Edinburgh next May for Dark City '08.

ANDY WEBSTER.

PROFILE OF SIVA SIX

(Top notch band from Greece).

How would you describe your bands sound ? HORROR BEAT

How long have you been together ? LATE 90'S IS WHEN WE GOT INTO THAT SOUND..IT WAS REALLY HARD FOR US BACK THEN SO IT TOOK US LONG UNTIL TO COME UP WITH WHAT SIVA SIX SOUNDS LIKE TODAY

Who are your biggest Influences ? ALEISTER CROWLEY- HORROR B MOVIES-SCI FI-DRYGS-PORNO-DOOMED LOVE STORIES

What are your Top 5 Albums Of All-Time ? ONLY THEATER OF PAIN-CHRISTIAN DEATH,FRONT 242- TYRANNY FOR YOU,EINSTURZENDE NEUBAUTEN -1/2 MENSCH,SHEEP ON DRUGS-GREATEST HITS,MINISTRY-KEFALI

What are your Favourite 3 songs of All-Time ? DAF-DER SHERIF,CRAMPS -HYMAN FLY,GUTRUN GUT -BUTTERFLY

If you could play one 'dream gig' anywhere in the world where would you choose ? THE CITY OF ANGELS ...WITH CHRISTIAN DEATH ...GOD..COMBICHRIST...AND CELTIC FROST

If you could pick one musician to guest on your next Album who would it be ?APHEX TWIN...ALL THE WAY...

Who would be your 'fantasy date' for a night out ? ALEISTER CROWLEY+ALIEN JOURGENSEN IN A RED FAST CAR WITH 10 GRAMS FROM THE GOOD WHITE SHIT...

Click on the link below to go to Siva Six Official Website.

SIVA SIX

WGW APRIL '07.

Amazingly SmashedPete wasn't TOO late picking me up, and we were off and running fairly early on the Friday morning. "We're On The Road To Whitby ..."

It's a great feeling ; the whole weekend ahead of you at one of my very favourite places. A great selection of tracks (both on tape & MP3 Player !?!) - The Damned, The Mission, The Sisters etc. - raised the spirits even higher and somewhere on the journey we were caught by The P[olar Bear and Rachel. As Whitby neared 'Dominion' gave way to 'This Corrosion' ... and we knew that the fun was about to start !!

After unpacking it was straight down tp The Shambles for the Unscene Magazine Meet-Up. As we walked into the bar I heard a voice call my name - no I wasn't hallucinating !! It was Del sitting at a table by the window. The Guns crew had arrived on Wednesday. There was no sign of Max however ... He arrived around 20 minutes later looking - it has to be said - very rough indeed !! Was it a good idea for someone who obviously has no idea at all about 'pacing himself' to arrive as early as Wednesday ??

For the past couple of years myself and Dr Skubbins had somehow managed to avoid meeting each other. This was rectified today - and I met Mrs Skubbins too ! Mark, the editor of Unscene, was there and managed to sell me a couple of back issues of his excellent mag. After a very pleasant hour and a half Pete & I wandered down to the Spa to get our Wristbands, and have a quick look around. I was tempted by a Front 242 CD that I'd been after for a while !!

We got back to the Spa early evening in time for the first band. Craig was chatting away to a healthy sized crowd that had gathered. He asked if anyone was here for the first time - and one brave soul put their hand up. WGW is so good that everyone just comes back time after time after time ....

Razorblade Kisses were up first and for me were the only band that I wasn't impressed by of the 7 that we saw at this Whitby. Two girl vocalists - never a bad thing - but their songs just didn't really go anywhere for me. Dust followed and were pretty impressive but things really kicked off with the next lot. The Soho Dolls were very 80's Electro-ish with plenty of catchy songs. Not 'Goth' as such, but they got the audience moving and went down very well (After all, most Goths are partial to The Human League / Soft Cell / Duran etc). The final song 'Stripper' saw the attractive singer left wearing ... not a lot. I'm surprised Smashed didn't try to get onstage with her !?!

Headliners were The Last Dance from the U S of A !! We'd seen them before at WGW a few years back and enjoyed them Tonight they were superb ! Full of energy and verve, there were lots of danceable songs and plenty of banter with the crowd. They jokingly (presumably) slagged the Cyber Scene ... and their Guitarist had the most Cyber hairstyle of the whole weekend ! For the final encore their was a mass stage invasion and sing-a-long. Great value.

Saturday morning was spent looking around the stalls ... and buying another CD - well, where else apart from Camden would you find the new Angelspit Album with a CD of remixes thrown in ??Via the WGW Forum I had arranged the first Goth Pool Tournament for 3pm at The Met bar. despite lots of cynical 'nobody will turn up' comments from Smashed & THe Bear there were 8 competitors who started.

The Final saw CyberAndy take on Gothdadin a best-of-three shootout. There was a certain inevitability that - with it being Goth Pool - it would all be on the final black ... and so it proved to be the case. One frame all, and just one ball left on the table. Andy cooly rolled the crucial ball into the middle pocket to claim the Title !?! Generously he gave the prize of a box of Jaffa Cakes to Gothdad ! This will DEF. become a regular event at WGW .....

After a shower and something to eat, by the time we reached the Spa we had unfortunately missed Rome Burns. Pete & I had seen them a couple of years back supporting NFD and had thought they were pretty impressive.

Machine Gun Symphony and Bella Morte were both very good, but the stars for me were Cruxshadows. I was near the front and bouncing to them - plenty of bleeps and beats !! I thought they were great. Interestingly some people later thought they hadn't been very good. It just goes to show how any one gig can be so different for two people. Lots of it depends on how you feel, your mood, thoughts, level of vodka intake, etc rather than if it's actually a good 'performance' by the band. Plenty of punters were dancing away to The Cruxshadows set and seemed to be really into them. I would go and see them again if I get the chance.

Lots of late night dancing followed. Max seemed to have brought along most of his family, and Del's wife-to-be was on fine form.

Sunday morning was a bit cold and windy - especially up at The Abbey !! Pete and I then revisited The Met for a few more frames of Pool before going to the Football. October '06 had been a tight match - 1/0 to The Gazette so the large away following were hopeful of a victory today ! Hopes were soon dashed however as a couple of early Goals put Athletico Gazette in control. The Goths were unlucky to twice hit the bar, but were outclassed and ended up getting thumped 7 - 1.

Rupert - whom we had met at the Pool Competition - had an exhibition of Photos on at the Art Gallery in the park, and this was well worth a look. The pictures were excellent, but really came to life when viewed through the special 3D glasses.

Food isn't a major priority over the weekend, but Andy was starving by now. A trip to the Seafront found a cafe and a hearty tea of fish and chips hit the spot. Just the job before a nights bopping at Sexy Sunday !!

We warmed up with some banging Cyber, then popped into The Elsinor for a quick couple. You could feel the heat as you entered The Met - as ever at Sexy Sunday the dancefloor was pretty full all night !?! Industrial mixes with classic Goth and EBM - with the occasional pop classic (Kaisers, Killers) thrown in. The 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' remix (? by Cyber Axis) is always a favourite.

The time just whizzes by, and before you know it it's 1.45am and time to make that last walk back up the hill ....

This had been a top, top WGW - for me as good as any I've been to. Great bands, superb music, brilliant people ; and Whitby being just the best place to be. You just can't beat it !!!!!!!!!!!

PROFILE OF AMON ZERO OF XYKOGEN

How would you describe your sound ?? Dancefloor electronica, with an experimental edge. Techno-industrial. People sometimes refer to our sound as futurepunk or EBM.

How long have you been together ?? I formed Xykogen in 2004, and got together the live lineup in early 2006. Before that, I'd been in (Wasp Factory Recordings artists) Arkam Asylum since 1999.

Favourite Band Of All-Time ?? Nine Inch Nails, I'd say. Runners-up would include David Bowie, Devo, Dead Kennedys, Throbbing Gristle, and Skinny Puppy.

Top 5 Albums of All-Time ?? The downward spiral - Nine Inch Nails Are we not men? We are devo! - Devo Fresh fruit for rotting vegetables - Dead Kennedys Too dark park - Skinny Puppy Compulsion - Earth Loop Recall

Fav. 3 songs of All-Time ?? Life on mars - David Bowie Zero-sum - Nine Inch Nails Gut feeling/slap your mammy - Devo

If u could play a dream gig anywhere in the world where would u play, and which 3 other bands would play ?? Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy, Combichrist and Xykogen at the Whisky a go go in LA ;)

Favourite drink ?? Single malt or Jack Daniel's.

Which musician would u choose to guest on your next Album ?? Genesis P Orridge.

Who would be your Fantasy date for a Nite out ?? Aleister Crowley.

PROFILE OF MARK FROM XKYOGEN

How would you describe your sound ?? A natural yet innovative progression from the Deep Ipswich Ambient Spoon Sounds scene of the mid to late 90s.

How long have you been together ?? I don`t think I`ve ever been together. But thank you for suggesting that I can still fake the appearance thereof.

Favourite Band Of All-Time ?? Public Enemy pre 1992.

Top 5 Albums of All-Time ?? Chill Out by The KLF. 45 minute trip across the US with hallucinogens. Whats not to love? It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back by Public Enemy - the finest hip hop album ever and quite close to being one of the finest industrial albums ever also. We can argue that last bit if you have a few days spare. Disintegration by The Cure. because it`s lovely. The Downward Spiral by NIN. Because it went grr arrgh at me in all the right ways when I was a young lad not getting enough head and that seemed to make things better. Screamadelica by Primal Scream. Anyone who says an Acid House version of the Rolling Stones (when they were good) isn`t a great thing should have their ears cut off because they clearly don`t need them. This list may change tommorow. As it should.

Fav. 3 songs of All-Time ?? Never really thought about that sort of thing before. Off the top of my head, Hurt by NIN, Until She Comes by the Psychedelic Furs and the Theme from Fraggle Rock.

If u could play a dream gig anywhere in the world where would u play, and which 3 other bands would play ?? I`d do a music concrete piece at The White House composed to be performed on JCB Diggers. Einsturzende Neubaten could support doing a reprise of their London ICA performance, The KLF could turn up and play whatever they liked on using whatever plant hire equipment they`d got their hands on and Chris De Burgh because there might be beautiful ladies who needed saving.

Favourite drink ?? The one before the one that makes me get bolshy.

Who would be your Fantasy date for a Nite out ?? ( Audrey Hollander. We`d probably stay in though.

FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM. Astoria, London. 24 May '07.

This review of Fields is by Andrew Collins.

From the very moment the first bars of 'The 24th Moment' sounded out there was no doubt that this was really happening. After a few years away Fields Of The Nephilim were back and ready to deliver one of the most blistering yet moving sets of their 24 year career.

One of the most anticipated gigs in a very long time had been announced exactly two months earlier, and from every part of the globe Nephilim fans old and new descended on London for something that many prayed they might one day be witness to. I say this for Fields Of The Nephilim concerts aren't just random events, but highly anticipated ritual acts that call out to everyone, everywhere.

Following the ambience of 'The 24th Moment' came the intro for 'Shroud'. As the opening track from the acclaimed 'Mourning Sun' Album it set the pace for the rest of the evening - building from a magnanimous beginning to a blistering finish, making way immediately for 'Straight To The Light'. This was the first time any of these tracks had been played live.

Enter Carl McCoy, all in black, wearing his talismatic drifter-style hat ceremoniously dusted down for the occasion. He emerged from the dry ice to rapturous applause, like an old friend returning from a desert wilderness. This was something that Carl and the band had been waiting for - and here we all were ; 3,000 strong experiencing it live where The Nephilim last played exactly 11 years to the day.

Next up was 'Penetration', a stark reminder of just how hard they can be when they choose. Coming from the dark headscape that was 1996 Album 'Zoon' it was a statement that this event wasn't going to be treated with an air of calm comfort.

Then an early surprise, a beautiful rendition of 'Dawnrazor', which actually sounds so fresh today - yet familiar enough for the first round of crowd surfing and pyramid building to go into effect - telling us that yes this really was a time to rejoice and enjoy.

Stepping forward one Album the audience were treated to 'Moonchild'. expecting a return back to 'Mourning Sun' The Astoria got 'The watchman' instead. Not played live for over 16 years, the crowd suddenly knew that it was going to be a night to remember.

After this we got Zoon Part Three - wakeworld, which flowed seamlessly into the Set. Then it was onto 'Requiem' - a truly beautiful track. Building nicely, carried aloft by a soul-raising rhthym guitar, and for me this track flies you to far away places.

From the rousing tones of 'Requiem' it was straight into 'Xiberia' - a powerful almost Industrial slice of madness. Then the first few bars of 'Last Exit For The Lost' raised the greatest cheer of the night. A Nephilim anthem par excellence, it is almost impossible to think of it not being played. Here it was - cementing still further the fact that this was a classic Fields gig.

Hands raised in the air for the chorus ... and then it was over - the return to darkness meaning the band had left the stage. It was time enough away for Carl to change into a white shirt. For encores we got 'Xodus', a Single from the 'Zoon' Album which was quickly followed by another sweet excess in the form of 'Love Under Will'.

After this epic we felt we had been blessed enough for one night, yet there was no way Carl and company were not going to give us 'Mourning Sun', which climaxes the most recent Album. Even after Carl vanished for the last time, the band remained to make sure nothing was lost from the powerful studio version of the song.

The fact that Fields Of The Nephilim can just waltz back on stage after a time away, and have the audience eating out of their hands from start to finish says something very important. Some thought, or wondered, whether they could still do it - but this was a spine tingling reminder that they can. It was a performance that showed the world that The Nephilim have never been away - they have merely been pondering their next move.

It is safe to assume that we can expect more from Fields Of The Nephilim sooner rather than later - allowing the whole ritual to begin all over again and taking the band places that only the imagination can comprehend.

I look forward eagerly to that time.

Click on the link below for another Fields review + Pictures.

FIELDS AT THE ASTORIA

Max Rael's Views On Fields At The Astoria.

I'd been briefly into The Nephilim many years ago. I had the 2nd Album and live one on cassette and used to play them in the car when I first passed my test - but for whatever reason I'd lost interest and never got them on CD

I wasn't sure what to expect, and I'd heard a rumour that it was just one original member (Carl) and a load of disinterested session musicians and maybe a drum machine. I'm pleased to report they sounded excellent. Dynamic, punchy, loud, and I surprised myself my recognising some of the songs from all those years ago.

The Astoria was dangerously hot, and we were mostly drinking cans of Strongbow. As always capacirt gigs at The Astoria seem more packed than at other venues. Towards the end of the gig I had a wander and found that they had a couple of massive fans (of the blowing air variety !) upstairs. It was like heaven.

PROFILE OF STAR INDUSTRY (Belgian Goth Band)

1. How would you describe your sound ? Anthemic rock with a touch of Electronica, leant towards the dark staples of Goth Music.

2. How long have you been together ? We saw the light of day sometime in '96. The year after that they entered the Studio and came out with the first CD 'Iron Dust Crush'. Immediately they gained a lot of positive response in the Press all over Europe. This resulted in their first Festival Gigs in Germany, Belgium and the UK. The song 'Nineties' topped the Alternative Charts in Israel and is still a Dancefloor filler in Clubs.

During the Summer of '99 the 'New Millenium E.P.' was released at that years EuroRock Festival in Belgium. This was followed in '01 by the full CD 'Velvet'. During this period Star Industry played a lot of Festivals.

Now our new Album 'Last Crusades' has been released in April '07.

3. What are your 5 Favourite Albums of All-Time ? There are many ... Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie Seventeen Seconds - The Cure First And Last And Always - The Sisters Of Mercy Once Upon A Time - Siouxsie And the Banshees Electric Shades - March Violets

4. What are your Favourite 3 Songs of All-Time ? Again so many ... Alice - The Sisters Of Mercy Israel - Siouxsie And The Banshees Sanctuary - The Cult

5. Favourite Drink ? Lots of Belgian beer and Whisky !

6. If you could play a 'Dream Gig' where would it be, and with whom ? Red Square, Moscow with NiN, Marilyn Manson and David Bowie.

7, Which Musician would you get to Guest on your next Album ? Mike Garson, the pianist with David Bowie. A duet with Susan Janet Ballion (aka Siouxsie). And of course the one and only David Bowie.

8. Who would be your Fantasy Date for a Nite out ? Maybe Angelina Jolie and another 3000 ... chicks whose names I forget !!!

NINE INCH NAILS.
Birmingham Academy 4 March '07.

We came to worship at the Temple Of Trent Reznor, and surely nobody could have left the Academy disappointed. The intensity of the performance was unbelievable ; there was no 'going through the motions' tonight !!

'Somewhat Damaged' kicked things off in fine style, and it was just onwards and upwards from there. The crowd were jumping from the start, and full of an energy that fed back to the band. 'Help Me I Am In Hell' may be a title that sums up some of Trent's well documented personal problems, but the audience were in heaven.

Surely it is one of musics great ironies that an Artists torment can spawn songs that are celebrated so esctatically. The pace is unrelenting. Time after time hundreds of arms are raised in the air as one. New Single 'Survivalism' sounds great, and whets the appetite for the forthcoming 'Year Zero' Album.

As the Set nears a climax 'The Day The World Went Away' is a mere prelude to an unmatchable finish. After being Sonically Assulted, suddenly there is total quiet for the religious experience that is 'Hurt'. It's certainly a moment .... 'The Hand That Feeds' then crashes in, and of course it's 'Head Like A Hole' that winds up the whole thing ; "I'd Rather DIE Than Give You Control ..."

The light show had been superb, the band excellent and Trent Reznor amazing. Nine Inch Nails are the kings of Industrial Nihilistic Rock. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE NITE !!!!

Setlist. Somewhat Damaged. Lost. Heresy. March Of The Pigs. Piggy. Ruiner. Closer. Burn. Gave Up. Help Me I Am In Hell. Eraser. Wish. The Big Come Down. Survivalism. Only. Suck. The Day the World went Away. Hurt. The Hand That feeds. Head Like A Hole.

WGW OCTOBER '06.

'Her name is Rio ...' was blasting out over the stereo as we spotted The Abbey through the rain - hey, Goths have always been fans of Simon and co. !! As ever it's a great moment when you see Whitby in the distance.

If anyone wants to know why Goth Refuses To Die then they should just attend WGW (or watch the bit on The Culture Show !?!). It truly is an event, and one where everyone is so friendly ; old, young. very young ...... all descend on Whitby to eat, shop, drink, dance, pose, remember their youth, relive their youth, consume half pints of cider and black (through a straw of course so that it doesn't spoil your lipstick) and generally have a GREAT time.

First surprise was the return of SmashedPete !! We walk into The Resolution and he's standing at the bar. Excellent ! Smashed had actually managed to get organized and buy a ticket ; well, miracles do happen occasionally ....

At The Spa we caught most of Trauma Pet, who sounded very good - then it was The Vampire Beach Babes. I have to say the girls didn't look as good 'in the flesh' as on google images but I really enjoyed them. WGW Legend Geoff The Neff was already doing his own totally unique Whitby Dance through the crowds !?!

By now we'd bumped into Max & Del (who was wearing a very cool hat - did he take it off all weekend ???). As ever Max had new History Of Guns Promo CD's to give away, and I got a namecheck on this one !!!! I've made it at Whitby at last ..........

Headliners were The Damned, and they were great. The Captain was sporting a new 'heavy' hairstyle (we'd spotted him in the town earlier with his 'normal' hair) and Dave Vanian looked the same as ever - these people that dye their hair black, I don't know !?!

The set fizzed from the opening 'New Rose'. 'Elouise' was greeted like the WGW classic it is and one of my long time personal favs 'I Just Can't Be Happy Today' was brilliant. The Captain gave us a choice of final encore and 'Smash It Up' was chosen. Smashed and Cyber were jumping with glee to that one !!

As is the way at The Spa after the bands there is a good hour+ of top DJ action - mucho dancing into the small hours.

After some Saturday shopping (I went mad and brought a shirt) Sarah a & I attended a very interesting book launch in The Rifle Club (complete with free sarnies).

We met up for tea with a friend at The Resolution, drank quite a bit of wine then it was off to The Spa for another superb evening. Inertia were excellent but the real treat of the whole weekend proved to be main band XPQ-21. Loud, Hard and Dancy ... the vocalist also had the sideburns of WGW !!

It's a bit of a tradition for bands to do covers, and these guys did a storming 'Bela Lugosi'. The crowd loved them, and I'll DEF. be checking out XPQ-21's stuff in the future.

Smashed & I danced the night away until the bitter end to the sounds of The Mission, Killing Joke, New Model Army and many more.

Sunday afternoon saw a bitter battle in The Goths v The Gazette football match. The Goths put in a sterling performance - and deserved a draw at least. It all kicked off at one stage, with a mass brawl in the centre circle. The April rematch should be a tense affair ......

There's only one way to end a WGW ... it has to be Sexy Sunday !! The Met was heaving and the dancefloor packed all night. DJ's Glenn Psychosis and Axy spend as much time dancing onstage as DJ-ing. They play an unbeatable mix of classics and 80's stormers. A true highlight of the weekend was dancing and singing aong to 'Stand And Deliver' !!??!!

We lasted until nearly 1am ... not bad for oldies. Sarah declined one last walk up the hill - so we had a taxi (not quite the same as walking ...).

Another TREMENDOUS WGW was over. It is my favourite weekend of the year - and it's TWICE a year. HORRAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roll on April '07 ...........

PROFILE OF SKINJOB.

What sort of Music do you play ? Heavily EBM influenced Electronica.

How long have you been together ? Skinjob was formed in '91 but I quickly realised that the technology needed to get the sound we wanted simply wasn't attainable at the time. We wrote some songs in the early 90's (including 'Insects & Metaphors' and 'Move') but never recorded them properly (however it's strange how the lyrics are still appropiate). I decided to push forward with the project after upgrading my Studio just over 2 years ago and did a few Remixes for people like KiEw and XPQ-21 which got me known.

Favourite Band of All-Time ? Difficult to single one out - I grew up listening to Depeche Mode. Nitzer Ebb and FLA who I still like, but I'm also a fan of Covenant, VNV, and CombiChrist.

Best Gig you have ever been to ? Nitzer Ebb at Agra Halle, Leipzig 2006. The first third of the 8000+ crowd turned into a pit which was INSANE.

Favourite Drink ? Typically anything with alcohol in it, but I have an affinity for good German beer. actually any German beer is better than what we get over here.

Top 5 Albums of All-Time ? Violator - Depeche Mode. Absolutely perfect. Wonderful Life - Black. He spent 10 years trying to get somewhere, finally got a deal and recorded this. Unfortunately the 2nd Album wasn't great. Pretty Hate Machine - NiN. Very influential in shaping modern Electronic music. Rendezvous - Jean Michelle Jarre. One of the pieces of music 'Ron's Piece' was going to be the first piece of music recorded from Spaceas Jarre's friend Ron McNair was an Astronaught on the Challenger Shuttle which unfortunately was destroyed. Artificial Soldier - Front Line Assembly. FLA back on form with a superb Album.

Favourite 3 Songs of All-Time ? World In My Eyes - Depeche Mode. The first track on the seminal Album Violator - still a fav today. Godhead - Nitzer Ebb. Remember hearing this back in the day and thinking 'whoah !' Like Tears In Rain - Covenant. I really like Eskil Simmonson's work and a great use of the Nord Lead on this Blade Runner influenced track.

Which Musician would you have Guest on your next Album ? Probably Jay Smith from Deviant UK - he has an amazing voice plus he's said he'd do it.

Where would you play your Dream Gig, and which 3 Bands would play ? Probably Agra Halle in Leipzig for WGT or the Main Stage at M'era Luna (but I'd settle for a Hangar). As for other Bands ..., not that you would probably ever see them on the same stage for the same show but the Bands I'd be honoured to Support would be Nitzer Ebb, Covenant and VNV - all have inspired and shaped me musically.

Who would be your Fantasy Date for a Nite Out ? Probably Bettie Page. Well - when she was younger obviously.

PRETTY HATE MACHINE - NINE INCH NAILS (1989).

The debut NiN Album was written, arranged and performed by Trent Reznor. Combining catchy melodies with dark introspective lyrics Reznor spoke of this Album being "A sincere statement of what was in his head at the time." It was a release that set a benchmark for certain types of 'Alternative' Music.

As track one - the fantastic 'Head Like A Hole' - kicks in the power is there for all to hear. Anger, frustration, angst .... As with all truly great Albums each song totally stands up on it's own, yet also they all complement each other 'Something I Can Never Have' follows 'Sanctified' and you just don't want the CD to reach it's end !!

Incredibly Pretty Hate Machine spent 2 years in the Charts in America, and became one of the first Independently released records to go Platinum. All the instruments were played by Reznor ; maybe he'd rather die than give anyone else control ...

Over the past 18 - yes, eighteen ... - years this release has just grown and grown on me, and influenced my musical taste. I love it more now than I did in the mid-90's !?!

Still sounding vibrant, powerful and fresh Pretty Hate Machine is probably my number one thing for putting on if I am feeling angry / frustrated / pissed off !!

Trent Reznor - we salute you .....

FLOODLAND. The Sisters Of Mercy. (1987).

'All washed up and drugged out in Hamberg ...'

Those were the rumours surrounding Andrew Eldritch following the break up of The Sisters Of Mercy in 1985 and the battle over band names with a certain Mr Hussey. Surely The Sisters were over ....

A period of relative calm followed, before an announcement that Mr E had recruited the goddess that was Patricia Morrison to be at his side - and there would be a new Album to follow (in those days that didn't mean a 16+ year wait ....).

And so it came to pass ... in 1987 the epic that is 'Floodland' was released to the world. Magnificent in EVERY way, from the superb cover right through to the closing track.

'This Corrosion' had been released as a Single. On first hearing it sounded incredible. It still does today. Layer after layer of building climaxing with Eldritch's call to arms ; "Floodland And Driven Apart !!"

Worries over this record damaging The Sisters history were immediately banished. It was a total classic. Everything and more than the die hard fans could have possibly hoped for.

'Dominion/Mother Russia' is an opening track to die for. Seven minutes of gothic splendour. 'Flood 1' follows then 'Lucretia' andd so on and so on ... The vocals are perfect. The sound of a man stating his case with a certainty bordering on arrogance.

From the driven dancefloor fillers such as 'Lucretia' through to the beautiful '1959' this is an Album from heaven.

What happened after this has been debated (and still is !?!) endlessly. Maybe it was just IMPOSSIBLE to follow this.

As the GREAT man himself sang "I've Got Nothing To Say I Haven't Said Before."

Undoubtedly one of my top 10 Albums of All-Time !!!!

INFEST.

"They said go to Infest, I said NO, NO, NO !!"

If you like your EBM/Cybergoth then it doesn't come much harder than this !?!

Infest is an annual three day music Festival held at Bradford University featuring Alternative Electronic music acts from various genres ; Industrial, EBM, Futurepop, Synthpop and PowerNoise.

Infest was born in early 1998 through the efforts of 3 students at the Uni. The concept was a one day event for local Goth bands. Even before it started however, it spiraled into an altogether bigger beast when the Students Union agreed that funds could be found to book some much bigger acts - notably Gothic/Deathrock-ers Alien Sex Fiend.

The student organisers were already fans of the Whitby Gothic Weekend and took the idea of Infest to the WGW Festival goers and traders to gauge how popular the show might be. The response was positive and the first Infest was confirmed as 14 & 15 August '98.

The following year the Festival paid more attention towards the electronic side of the Goth / Industrial scene by booking Apoptygma Berserk for their first UK show.

By 2000 the Students Union felt that they were unable to carry the costs of the Festival any longer. In addition the original students who had promoted the show had all moved on. Fortunately an independent Goth / Industrial Promoter and DJ stepped in to fill the void. As a result of the heavy involvement with Terminal Productions, another twist to the shows music style took place. This defined Infest in it's current form with it's theme moving from Goth / Industrial to Alternative Electronic.

Since 2000 Infest has gained an International reputation, with festival goers travelling from as far as Canada and acts flying from as far as Australia to play. The show continues to provide a market for traders, which helps to bring the music and the lifestyle of the fans together.

There is also a full Festival programme where Nightclubs, DJ's, Bands and Businesses can make their voices heard. Infest is supported by a number of Electronic Record Labels, notably Ant-Zen and Hands Productions. It has also been sponsored by the online music store Music Non Stop, the drink Jagermeister and the software publisher Ableton. The Festival was originally known as 'InFest', however in 2003 it's name was altered to 'Infest' which is how it remains.

Infest is about music, dressing up, and having a good time by dancing for hours to Alternative Electronic Music. It's the 10th Anniversary in August '07. Smashed and Cyber WILL BE THERE !!??!!

INFEST LINE-UPS.

'98. Alien Sex Fiend, Dust To Dust, Horatii, Leechwoman, Man(i)kin, Nekromantik, Passion Play, Sneaky Bat Machine, Squid, Ultraviolence.

'99. Fri. DJ Wars ; Bratcave Vs Deathstar Disco. Sat. Apoptygma Berserk, Faithful Dawn, Killing Miranda, Sneaky Bat Machine, Man(i)kin. Sun. Spahn Ranch, Inertia, Narcissus Pool.

'00. Fri. Ultraviolence, Synapscape. Sat. VNV Nation, Manuskript, MS Genteer, Intra Venus, Project X, Void Construct. Sun. In Strict Confidence, Dream Disciples, Imminent, Man(i)kin, Libitina

'01. Fri. Inertia, The Nine, Swarf. Sat. Suicide Commando, Beborn Betron, P.A.L. Leechwoman, Katscan, Illumina. Sun. Covenant, Dive, Icon Of Coil, Monolith, Goteki.

'02. Fri. XPQ-21, Psyche, Revolution By Night. Sat. Funker Vogt, Sonar, S.P.O.C.K. Winterkalte, Greenhaus, Synthetic. Sun. Mesh, Noisex, Welle : Erdball, Asche, Aslan Faction.

'03. Fri. Cut.Rate.Box, Scrap, Edx, Tarantella Serpentine. Sat. God Module, Needle Sharing, Seabound, Tarmurred, Culture Kulyur, Jesus Loves America. Sun. VNV Nation, Hypnoskull, (SITD), Resurrection Eve, Arkam Asylum.

'04. Fri. Lights Of Euphoria, Ah Cama-Sotz, Action Directe. Sat. Suicide Commando, Proyects Mirage, Plastic, Combichrist, Angel Theory, Skinflick. Sun. Assemblage 23, Converter, Spetsnaz, Mono No Aware, Silence Is Sexy.

'05. Fri. Fixmer/McCarthy, Powderpussy, Univaque. Sat. Covenant, Punch Inc. Decoded Feedback, HIV+, The Azoic, Tin Omen. Sun. Blutengel, KiEw, Iris, Final Selection, Deviant UK.

'06. Fri. Lab 4, Destroid, Schmoof. Sat. Rotersand Architect, Unter Null, Reaper, S.K.E.T. O.V.N.I. Sun. Front Line Assembly, Wai Pi Wai, Stromkern, Frozen Plasma, Autoclav 1.1

PROFILE OF JAY (DEVIANT UK).

How would you describe your sound ? Dark Electronic pop aimed at the Dancefloor ... with something Gothic going on in the mix. Deviant UK has been described recently as 'VNV Nation with Gary Numan providing vocals' ; I can live with that description.

How long have you been together ? I started writing songs for the first Album 'Barbed Wire Star' in Summer '04. I'm nearly done writing the 2nd one 'Very Bad Things'.

Who are your favourite Band of All-Time ? Gary Numan, Project Pitchfork, Rotersand, and Rammstein are all big favourites.

Favourite Drink ? Personally I don't drink (rest assured, I make up for it with far too many other vices) but my keyboard player BJ makes up for it with his intake of vodka - which is truly frightening.

Best Gig you have ever been to ? So many great ones but I don't think anyone can touch Rammstein for live shows. Outrageously good.

Top 5 Albums of All-Time ? Gary Numan 'The Pleasure Principle' or 'Telekon', Rammstein 'Mutter', Project Pitchfork 'Daimonian', VNV Nation 'Empires' and - if only to fit in with my image - Deviant UK 'Barbed Wire Star'.

Favourite 3 songs of All-Time ? That's a tough one ... Right now 'Are Friends Electric', 'Timekiller' and 'Space Oddity' spring to mind - but there are thousands.

Where would be your Dream Gig and who else would play ? Somewhere in Germany - maybe WGT - and any of the aforementioned Bands would be welcome.

Which Musician would you have to guest on your next Album ? Richard Kruspe or Matt Bellamy on Guitar. Krischan from rotersand would be the perfect Producer though. He is incredible.

Fantasy Date for a night out ? Believe me, you don't want to know anything about my Fantasy Date.

WGW - APRIL '06.

Was it really 6 months ago ... sometimes it goes quickly, sometimes slowly ; WGW is ALWAYS an eagerly anticipated weekend !! This was my 5th whitby, and it was onn the way there in April '04 that Max Rael stuck a CD through our Car window ....

6am Friday morning and Max is landing in London from his honeymoon in Thailand. 14 hours later and Guns are opening WGW in fine style ! As Craig said in his introduction, they deserved to be on the Stage in view of the number of free CD's they've given away over the past couple of years or so. A healthy sized crowd gathered down the front for a superb set whose highlights included 'Empty Eyes' and 'Obedient Servants'. Over the weekend lots of people were very positive about History Of Guns performance.

Next up were Swarf, who were also very good. Sounding a bit All About Eve ish (nothing wrong with that !!) vocalist Liz was particularly impressive. I was apparently down the front dancing with Gerbil, but I have to say I don't remember that ! ... too much Vodka !?! Although the Vodka probably helped me to enjoy the next band ; Misty. A trio with Dave Ball on one synth and an ex Psychic TV member on the other, the frontwoman certainly LOVED herself !! They were OK, and ended with a version of 'Sex Dwarf' - unfortunately Marc didn't appear ....

Headliners were Manuskript. They are WGW regulars, last playing in October '04. The vocalist has plenty of energy and their bouncy numbers go down well. 'It's A Sin' is a great encore !

The weather was amazingly good all weekend - incredible considering how it had been earlier in the week .... As usual it was GREAT to meet lots of (vaguely) familiar faces, and also a few new ones. I even discovered OtherWorld (from the Forum) was staying at the same B & B as us !! Saturday tea-time in The Resolution ; a woman (probably in her 50's) leans across and says "Excuse me, but just what is it you lot believe in ??" Well - I told her that this was a very good question, and started my reply ... an hour or so later Sarah had to get me to stop !?!

Saturday evening History Of Guns were playing the 'Overspill' event at the Met ... some of us were on the Guestlist. There wasn't a massive turnout, but again Del and the boys turned in a superb gig. Guns really are a top live band.

Lager, Guinness, Wine & Vodka apparently (but not any young, nubile Whitby Virgins ...). As we arrived Frankenstein were on ; they got a good reception but weren't my cup of tea. Sarah told me that the singer had a bin liner over his head !!! A few more drinks and Breath Of Life headlined. I found them pretty dreary, and thought they went on far too long.

The last hour at The Spa was Classic music ; 'Sanctuary' and 'Body Electric' got an airing ... and we finished off Guns rider !! It was another 2am walk up Prospect Hill ...

Once again The Goths lost in the highly entertaining Sunday afternoon Foolball match - 7-2 I think to the Gazette. Faith appeared to be still under the influence from her Party that had ended at 7am Sunday morning .....

Sexy Sunday at The Met was packed out and sSUPERB. The atmosphere is great and the danceflo