Various Artists – "Cage of Flesh II"

Label: Kindcrime Recordings

Release date: January 28, 2025

Influences: EBM, Techno Body Music, Industrial Techno, Trance, Acid, Techno, New Beat, etc.

Reviewing a compilation always comes with its own set of challenges — balancing coherence against diversity, and personal taste against objective analysis. But some releases simply demand attention, and Cage of Flesh II, the second entry in Kindcrime’s ongoing series, is certainly one of them.

Based in Berlin, this label has steadily carved out a reputation as a hub for dark electronic music that spans EBM, techno body music, industrial techno, techno, and new beat influences, etcetera. With previous releases from the likes of Alessandro Nero, Unconscious, 14anger, and Kris Baha, the label has proven itself unafraid to explore the murkier, more intense corners of the dance floor. This latest 17-track compilation continues that mission, bringing together a who's who of the genre’s contemporary vanguard.

From the outset, Cage of Flesh II feels like a love letter to the dark electronic underworld — a space lit by strobes and neon, steeped in sweat and smoke, where time dissolves into relentless rhythm. This is music tailored for open-minded EBM purists and adventurous younger club-goers alike.

Naturally, as with most compilations, Cage of Flesh II walks the line between hit and miss depending on individual taste. But it must be said: the hit ratio is impressively high. For fans of techno body music, tracks like Survival Paradox’s “Dissociator 9,” Nightly’s “Combat System,” and Persona Non Grata’s “The Substance” deliver pounding, hypnotic grooves laced with minimalist synth work and sharp filter sweeps. The latter, in particular, flirts with trance sensibilities, its spiraling synth lines creating a kind of pacey, EBM-tinged trance-techno hybrid.

Alpha Sect adds a welcome melodic touch on “Enlightenment,” pairing understated vocals with subtle harmonic layers, staying true to the artist’s established style. On the harsher end of the spectrum, Statiqbloom and Codex Empire bring gritty industrial textures and claustrophobic atmospheres, pushing the compilation toward its most abrasive territory.

To the uninitiated, these tracks may at first blur together. But there’s much to uncover here for the patient and curious listener. The subtle distinctions between each producer’s approach become clearer with each play, and the compilation rewards both focused headphone sessions and full-body immersion on the dancefloor.

As a DJ, I can easily imagine weaving several of these tracks into my ongoing series of TECHLECTRO sets. But beyond the club context, many of them hold up in more introspective settings — on a long walk, during travel, or even stretched out on the sofa. That versatility speaks to the depth and craftsmanship present in this compilation.

Ultimately, Cage of Flesh II is a strong offering from Kindcrime — one that showcases not just the state of the scene, but also its evolving potential. For fans of dark, genre-defying electronic music in this context, I really think that this release acts as a complete no-brainer. To the rest of you all I can say is that it holds a great value and it's a great way to discover something new. (Jens Atterstrand)

Cage of Flesh II comes digitally or in a limited casette edition.

Support your scene and buy this album here.