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Cold Transmission Music’s Selected Works 2024 is a vivid proof to the label’s unparalleled ability to curate a tapestry of sounds that embody the dark and emotive currents of the modern alternative music scene. Guided by the discerning vision of Suzy and Andreas, this compilation not only highlights the extraordinary talent of the artists but also underscores the label’s unique ethos—empowering creativity and delivering authenticity with every release. Having seen many of these bands perform live, whether at intimate shows, the unforgettable Cold Hearted Festival in Dresden, or the atmospheric Cold Transmission Label Night in Russelsheim, it’s clear that the label’s support enables their artists to soar creatively and reach new heights.
This release captures the spectrum of genres under the Cold Transmission umbrella, blending darkwave, post-punk, goth, industrial, and electronic influences into a cohesive yet diverse experience. The result is a compilation that brims with raw energy, profound emotion, and the artistic innovation that Cold Transmission has become synonymous with.
The album launches with S Y Z Y G Y X’s  "Your Sex Is An Accelerant", a visceral, hypnotic opener that sets a commanding tone. This track’s ethereal allure paired with its pulsating rhythm creates a magnetic pull. Witnessing S Y Z Y G Y X live at the Cold Transmission Label Night on 2023 was an immersive experience—a perfect synthesis of haunting sensuality and unrelenting drive, as captured brilliantly here.
NECRØ’s "Into Oblivion" follows, plunging listeners into a dark, brooding soundscape that is as unsettling as it is captivating. The intensity I’ve seen in their live performances is mirrored in this track, with an enveloping atmosphere that lingers long after it fades. KALTE NACHT deepens the emotional resonance with "The Last Breath", a cinematic and melancholic composition that transports you to the shadowy edges of introspection.
LOVATARAXX’s TILDA VAAST stands out as a daring exploration of sound, merging post-punk with an industrial edge. Their live shows, brimming with layered intensity, echo the intricate soundscapes they craft in the studio. Similarly, Dead Astronauts’ "Murder Hotel", a personal highlight, delivers glitchy, distorted industrial brilliance. The duo’s narrative depth and haunting production make their performances and recordings equally unforgettable.
IAMTHESHADOW offers a bittersweet, driving anthem with "Pain Come Close", expertly balancing melancholia and vitality. On the other hand, iamnoone’s "In Fear" takes a more subdued but hypnotic approach, with trance-like rhythms and introspective tones that resonate in their live shows as deeply as on record.
The compilation shifts gears seamlessly, with Mark E Moon’s anthemic Daemons and The Cold Field’s brooding Quiet On The Border showcasing the breadth of Cold Transmission’s catalog. From the post-punk vigor of Mark E Moon to the atmospheric expansiveness of The Cold Field, these tracks illustrate the label’s commitment to curating variety without compromising quality.
Deus Ex Lumina’s powerful "Black Theater of Love" and HUIR’s pulsating "Triumphal" further expand the compilation’s sonic palette. Meanwhile, New Haunts’ "Something Falls Away" introduces an emotionally charged, anthemic dimension, reflecting their ability to channel raw feeling into captivating soundscapes.
Other standout contributions include Propter Hoc’s experimental Zodiac Carousel, Oliver Decrow’s introspective Maybe I Won’t Die Tonight, and Noromakina’s rhythmic and entrancing Luna. JG OUTSIDER’s LIFE pulses with unfiltered emotion, while A Sinister Light’s Common Sense closes the core lineup with a perfect blend of darkwave rhythms and lyrical depth.
Finally, the compilation wraps up with Carlo Onda’s evocative Friscolino (Roomer Mix) and other gems, each adding their unique touch to the overarching narrative. The result is a release that not only encapsulates the diversity and talent within Cold Transmission but also affirms the label’s role as a driving force in the dark music scene.
Released on December 4, 2024, through Cold Transmission Music, Selected Works 2024 is an essential listen for fans of darkwave, goth, and post-punk, and a fitting tribute to the talent and vision that continue to define the label’s legacy.

Author: khocico
Translator: khocico
Add date: 2024-12-05 / Music reviews