There are paths that are destined to meet and that has been the case of Gerd Van Geel and JG Outsider. The Spanish producer, lover since the eighties of dark sounds, had remixed the “Phantom Chase” by The Arch (the legendary band of Gerd Van Geel) in 2020, and later made a couple of remixes of the classic “Ribdancer” that appeared on the tribute compilation of the label Banshees Records (which we hope that someday they will release on vinyl). Gerd liked one of the remixes so much that he used it as an intro in his band’s DarkMad concert.
The next step, which was not long in coming, was to collaborate together and for that, they have chosen the poetic name of Bella Eterna. Now they present us the first preview of what will be their first album Pornographic Shadows, which will be released in October by the referential label Unknown Pleasures of which, as you all know, we are great fans. On the album we find together with “Emperor”, the first single, eight more tracks and one remix of “Ribdancer”. For the lyrics Gerd has worked with our colleague Nel Mertens.
Although I admit I was expecting something more electronic as a first preview, “Emperor”, has a fantastic classic flavor, great production and Gerd Van Geel who delivers an incredible performance. An instant classic.On the other hand, “Pornographic Shadows” does have more electronic touches although of a very emotional and melancholic electronica. If in the previous track we said that Gerd does a great work, here JG Outsider really stands out. The other track we can listen to “Withered Flowers (Night Seeds)” also pulls to the electronic side, but one with a more danceable and aggressive sound.
