The band has actually had to release two versions of the video, the uncensored version (above) and a censored version for YouTube. The band and their label, Alfa Matrix, literally uploaded the uncensored video to YouTube, which was promptly banned from distribution on the site. What’s so controversial? Not too much. Just some nudity and sexually suggestive situations. Thank god for Vimeo, right?

The video was directed by Aleksei Kulikov and was made possible thanks to a crowd-funding campaign the band set up on IndieGoGo.

Just four years into their career, Freakangel have already released three albums: The Faults of Humanity, Let it all End, and The Ones to Fall (technically, that last album won’t be out until November 1st.). The band has also released a DVD and two EPs. This is a hungry band and one to watch out for, even if they only end up with 15 minutes.

As a thank you, all funders on IndieGoGo will get an extra bonus CD featuring 10 extra tracks and more.

Freakangel is:

D. Darling – voices, keyboards, programming
Art – lead & rhythm guitars
Roman D. – drums, percussion

Rock Hard \m/

Puscifer

Puscifer have set an August 27th street date for All Re-Mixed Up, a track-for-track remix album of the band’s sophomore release, Conditions of My Parole.

As Maynard James Keenan explains:

“All Re-Mixed Up is the continuation of the Puscifer tradition to release alternate versions, reworks, and remixes of what we consider initial thoughts. For instance, Carina Round was nervous about how to approach her version of ‘Telling Ghosts.’ Mat Mitchell put her at ease by asking her to think of it as a song half written, advising her to ‘now write the other half.’ It’s extremely liberating in the digital age to approach composing and creating in this manner. Infinite paths to explore, reinterpret, and re-present.”

I get what Maynard’s goal is, and I can even see the appeal to it, but is it just lazy? Especially since Pucifer just released the Donkey Punch The Night EP, which is a bunch of covers – great covers, but covers nonetheless. Pucifer also recently performed at Coachella, Australia’s Soundwave Festival, and Lollapalooz Brazil and Chile. To me, releasing a remix album at this point sounds like, “OK, we’re on a roll, let’s keep it going; what can we do that we can put out real quick?”

All Re-Mixed Up track listing and remixers:

1. Monsters (Deconstruct) remixed by Mat Mitchell
2. The Green Valley (Verde River Maestro 507 mix) remixed by Rani Sharone (Stolen Babies)
3. Monsoons (JLE Motorik mix) remixed by Josh Eustis
4. Telling Ghosts (Giorgia O’Queef mix) remixed by Carina Round
5. Horizons (Dream of a Lie remix) by John Fryer (This Mortal Coil)
6. Man Overboard (11AD remix) by Alain Johannes
7. Toma (Burn Out remix) by Five Knives
8. The Rapture (JLE Needs Service mix) by Josh Eustis
9. Conditions of My Parole (F.U.B.A.R. remix) by Sir Mix-A-Lot
10. The Weaver (Virtual Vacuum remix) by Aaron Harris (PALMS)
11. Oceans (Green Mussel Mix) by Zac Rae
12. Tumbleweed (Delusions of Grandeur mix) by The Beta Machine

Rock Hard \m/

The Maynard James Keenan side project, Puscifer, will be releasing an EP on February 19th. Donkey Punch the Night features covers of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Accept’s “Balls to the Wall,” plus two original tracks, “Breathe” and “Dear Brother.” The rest of the seven-track EP offers various remixes of the songs already mentioned.

As a vehicle for Keenan’s subconscious to play around, don’t expect anything as hard-hitting as Tool or A Perfect Circle. Donkey Punch the Night offers a pretty chill ride into your own subconscious. The tone is soft, the beats are like honey, and the mood is calming. It’s an ethereal collection of smooth tunes.

Even the cover of “Balls to the Wall” is stripped down and reworked into something much more relaxed than the original. As it should be with a “Pillow Fight Mix” identifier.

The “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover is as authentic and faithful as it can be. As a result, it’s the most aggressive track on the EP. Strange indeed. It’s an awesome cover, but those who aren’t Keenan fans (or at least familiar with him) will find faults in it. I do wish that Keenan would have reinterpreted the Queen track as he did with Accept’s. I think cover songs, especially iconic and band-defining songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” should stray from the original. What’s the point in doing it exactly the same unless you’re in a cover band or a wedding singer?

Donkey Punch the Night is streaming over at Spin.com if you’d like to take a listen before buying.

While Puscifer is mainly a Keenan solo side project, he does need help. Here’s a list of additional artists who played their part on Donkey Punch the Night: Carina Round – additional vocals, guitar; Mat Mitchell – bass, guitar, programming; Josh Eustis – guitar, piano; Matt McJunkins – bass; Juliette Commagere – additional vocals; Jeff Friedl – drums, percussion; Zac Rae – piano; Josh Morreau – bass; Claire Acey – vocals

The Verdict: [rating:3.5]

If you’re in the mood for some futuristic take on the futuristic techno beats from the ‘80s by an artist that you don’t have to be ashamed of, then Donkey Punch the Night is for you. The music is great for intense, focussed listening, but it can also serve as unobtrusive background music for working. In a way, the music seems perfectly suited for a soundtrack, perhaps Blade Runner, Terminator, or a Mad Max remake. Something gritty, dirty, and bleak that needs juxtaposition from something smooth and clean. It would take a sociopath to make this a daily listen, but it definitely has replay value – especially when a certain mood strikes you.

Rock Hard \m/

Similar Artists:

Tool, A Perfect Circle, Marilyn Manson, Smashing Pumpkins, Peeping Tom

Yell! Rating (x/5 Skulls):

[rating:3.5]

Artist

Puscifer

Album:

Donkey Punch the Night

Year Released:

19 February 2013

Label:

Puscifer Entertainment

Genre

Electro-Industrial, Industrial, Alternative/Indie Rock

Official URL:

Puscifer