News
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
We're participating in the $5 sale at CD Baby. Choose three or more different CDs from the Sales Bin and get each
CD for $5. All the BATZZ in the belfry CDs are included, as well as other great music at CD Baby.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hi everyone ~
While BATZZ in the belfry remains on hiatus, we'd like to recommend
Verney 1826. This group has produced a number of great records.
The music is a unique blend of ambient, classical, electronic, and gothic styles. Beautiful music and sounds,
masterfully written, recorded, and arranged. We encourage you to take a listen to this great band from Berlin.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hi everyone ~
We're on a bit of a hiatus, but want to share with you a song called "G" we did earlier this year with our close friend
cLint. cLint's moving lyrics and vocal performance were a perfect fit for us. The song is available on iTunes,
Amazon, etc, but you can also take a listen on our Facebook and Myspace pages. We hope you like it!
We have a couple more collaborations planned for 2011, and hopefully some new BATZZ in the belfry music.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Hi everybody ~
Infectious Unease Radio recently released a great 4-CD compilation of various dark music genres: industrial, goth,
ambient, darkwave, etc. It's really quite a nice collection of tunes and you will surely find something new you'll
enjoy.
You can read Mick Mercer's review here:
You can pick up a copy here:
A big "thank you" to Gordon for putting it
together.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
We’re very grateful to Mr. Moonlight from Erba della Strega Dark Webzine and Lux_Atman from Lux Atenea Webzine
for their reviews of our new CD, “Glow in the Dark.” Check out the links for the reviews in their native languages
(Italian and Spanish). Below are our best efforts to translate them into English.
Erba della Strega Dark Webzine: http://www.erbadellastrega.it/_NewSite/articolo.php?mcat=4&cat=24&art=1290
Lux Atenea Webzine: http://luxatenealibros.blogspot.com/2010/01/batzz-in-belfry-glow-in-dark.html
English translations:
songs and marginally to guitar-heavy tracks. Listening carefully to "Glow in the Dark" it is apparent that the mood is
darker than previous works. The record is melancholy in synth-wave compositions like "Touch the Stars" and
"Monochrome," grim in "To the End," and depressed in songs like the final track, "These Hands," that with its
combination of sad guitar, mournful keyboards, and restless baritone vocals, is perhaps the darkest track ever from
BATZZ in the belfry. It should be pointed out that the San Francisco group is also and above all a gothic rock band,
and there is no lack of driving adrenaline goth on the disc, with songs like "Tyranny" and "Testify," while a new
BATZZ style is found in the biting guitar reverb in "For the Dead" and "Lost City," that brings to mind the style of Mr.
Galvin and his Mephisto Waltz. I conclude by affirming again the dark tone and pessimism that permeates "Glow in
the Dark" where the only true light, or "glow," is found in the Christmas song "Still, Still, Still," that is, that faith in
God remains the only "glimmer of salvation."
______________________________________
BATZZ in the belfry is the name
under which the brilliant
musician and composer Nelson
presents us his musical
proposition in tune with the
dark-wave style, through a
modern, present, and dark rock.
His album “Glow in the Dark” is
a record that’s enjoyable from
the first to the last song,
maintaining a balance between
slow and reflective songs and
other much more powerful ones,
which result in their hearing, a
musical experience that urges
another listen. With a style for
composing songs with premium
instrumental and melodic quality,
Nelson’s deep voice will take us through gloomy landscapes where the fog and mystery offer that enchantment so
fitting of the gothic spirit, and with which we so easily identify ourselves. “Glow in the Dark” is a musical work that
will surprise more than one lover of the best dark-wave rock of the 21st century.
The heart of BATZZ in the belfry is Nelson, composer, musician, and vocalist, who, for this album, counted on the
collaboration of Rick for the acoustic guitar on the song “Lost City.” In charge of the album design and photography
is Araina, with a profoundly dark spiritually-influenced style. With excellent programming for a high quality musical
production, “Glow in the Dark” is an album in which the vocals are very well equalized, perfectly integrating bass
with other recorded instruments, offering an impressive special sensory sensation. It’s incredible how current
technology is allowing musical groups to self-produce their own professional albums.
The recording is perfect and has left me speechless, which is the reason why all the praise will be too little. No
distortion, no spatial loss, not even one instrumental overlapping. It’s that not even Nelson’s low voice is at any time
drowned out, nor are any instruments. It’s a self-produced effort to which I take off my hat for its excellence. With
such a good record like “Glow in the Dark, all that’s needed by BATZZ in the belfry is publicity and more publicity for
the public to hear about their musical art, and that one of the better record companies take note of their work.
We begin listening to this album with the neo-classical atmosphere of the song “Nightfall,” an evocative song that’s
perfect for initiating this magical entrance to the gothic rock of “For the Dead” in a progressive form. With an
essentially sinister musical structure, “For the Dead” is surprising in its musical structure that is so classic in the
German groups, and which I love so much. Some sharpened notes and the melodic song “Scarlet” appears,
surrounded by a decadent atmosphere where the piano becomes the foundation on which to add pulses by drums
that enamor by their radical power and force. A musical structure that, in a gothic rock song, hooks you into one
and then another new listen before moving on to the next song. “Pictures” follows, giving continuity to that musical
style characterized by furious drums, but here, the voice gains more grace in an outlined interpretation, more
defined, more suggestive. “Pictures” is one of the jewels of this album and a song that should be included in the
gothic rock set list of a DJ that reviews, of a DJ that enjoys investigating and offering the best new gothic music to
their public.
The song “Still, Still, Still” arrives with a calmer tempo, offering us a marvelous musical version based on the
Austrian musical tradition of the 19th century. A song which was given a dreamy instrumental aura, finds its perfect
setting in the winter. Moving up a level in emotional scale we find “Touch the Stars,” a much more reflective song,
more intimate, and which spurs you to close your eyes to feel it with more intensity. Moving on, with the song
“Tyranny” we return to intense gothic rock of swelling musical shadows where the voice becomes the focal point in
the midst of the grandeur. But instrumentally we return to reclaim the lost terrain in “Monochrome,” a precious
delicate song that is like an ice sculpture. “Monochrome” is highlighted by its musical beauty and for being a
composition inspired in the contrast between a voice easily associated to the first person, and an instrumental
melodic background with sublime atmospheric passages.
“Lost City” is another new musical genius written by Nelson for this album. Listening to this song you’ll feel how the
gothic spirit of “Lost City” is vigorously maintained, throwing it inside the thick fog of human thought. With “Testify,”
the intense emotion of “Lost City” is maintained, but “Testify” is much more turbulent and much more dramatic in its
essence until that passion quiets down in “To the End,” a song that is clearly nocturnal. “To the End” dreams of a
contemplated abyss, an illuminated church in the middle of the immensity, an aristocratic tomb opening in the
darkness of the night. In the way it closes this brilliant album, the song “These Hands” converts itself into a
sentimental goodbye against a darkening horizon, which, little by little, will return to be illuminated.
In the end of this decade, it’s nice to receive promotional albums that so profoundly surprise with cutting edge gothic
rock. This 21st century is bringing us impressive musical freshness. If you’re unconditional about the best gothic
rock, and love good music, in BATZZ in the belfry you’ll find that new musical group that you’ve been waiting for.
“Glow in the Dark,” an album with which Nelson has taken the sinister witness of the best gothic rock inspired in
Romanticism. Enjoy!!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
It was a real pleasure
for us to do an
interview recently with
Phil from Gothic Rock
Russia, a really
wonderful website for
fans of traditional
gothic rock.
You'll find the Russian and English versions here:
http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.243
Saturday, October 17, 2009
We're happy to announce the release of our new CD
titled "Glow in the Dark." You'll find links to audio samples
and retailers on our music page.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Merry (early) Christmas, everyone ~
We have posted four Christmas carols that we've covered over the years. These are MP3 downloads:
Still, Still, Still (recorded last year)
What Child Is This (our most recent)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (from the 2004 EP)
O Holy Night (from "Sparks Fly Upward")
We hope you enjoy them and we wish you a most blessed Christmas!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Crawling Tunes Issue 5:
Tyves Oben from Place4Tears has
produced another beautiful issue of
Crawling Tunes Magazine, this time
offered with an accompanying DVD
that includes videos and music from
a lot of great artists.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Gothic Magazine Issue 61:
A big "THANK YOU" to the kind folks at Gothic Magazine for
including us in the latest issue (No. 61) and the
accompanying compilation CD (No. 41)!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hello everyone -
We're thankful to the gracious Kitty Gunn from the Overthrow webzine for her very kind review of "Sparks Fly
Upward."
After hearing BATZZ in the belfry on their myspace page I was pretty excited to hear this new CD of theirs, Sparks
Fly Upward.
The first track was an unexpected instrumental; I didn't see that coming after hearing the hard hitting tracks on their
webpage. After playing the disc a few times I really began to enjoy that opening instrumental, its melancholy tinge is
a great transition into the triumphant and driven second track "speak" which really brought to mind for me the
beloved Sisters of Mercy.
Mercy and a bit of Peter Murphy with their own unique precision of musical talents. The vocals where never
disappointing and especially wonderful in track 10 "war of roses", the entire album continues to present true gothic
beauty.
Kitty Gunn - Overthrow
May 26, 2008
April 5, 2008
We’re flattered to be included in the current issue of HM Magazine
in their "Pick of the Litter" section.
A special "thank you" to Erin from Gyroscope Arts for keeping us
in the loop.
http://www.hmmagazine.com
http://www.myspace.com/hmmag
Thanks!
February 17, 2008
We're thrilled to have our CD "Sparks Fly Upward" reviewed in the Erba della Strega webzine by the very gracious
Mr. Moonlight!
The link to the Italian version is http://www.erbadellastrega.it/_NewSite/articolo.php?mcat=4&cat=24&art=58.
Below is the "unofficial" english version.
Thank you Mr. Moonlight!
________________________
BATZZ in the belfry
"Sparks Fly Upward"
(self-produced)
The musical project BATZZ in the belfry
originates in San Francisco in 2003,
endeavored by Nelson, the "deus ex
machina" of the group, with the
objective of creating a sound that is tied
to the most traditional goth and
ethereal. To that end, five years after
their debut, the American band has released their first full-length work "Sparks Fly Upward" in early 2007, consisting
of twelve songs with a fifty-three minute duration.
The excellent compositional aspect of BATZZ in the belfry is quickly apparent in the opening instrumental track
"Radiance," which is reminiscent of the best composers of the nineteenth century. The cinematographic sound that
begins the record could surprise those approaching a goth album, but in reality, the ability to create intimacy and
surrealistic atmospheres is a distinct characteristic of the group.
Less cold than Diary of Dreams and more gothic-rock than any other group categorized as "heavenly voices," the
"ethereal" of BATZZ in the belfry is derived from the synth-wave pieces of "Floodland" by Sisters of Mercy. The
influence, more or less conscious, by the group of Andrew Eldritch is most obvious in "Trusting" but generally
present in all the atmospheric songs on the album, like the ascetic "Knowing God" or the cathartic "Soon," in which
there is an absolute harmony between the deep baritone voice and the acoustic piano and violin. Along those lines
there is "O Holy Night," which is destined to be placed side by side with "The Christmas Song" by London After
Midnight as a gothic Christmas favorite.
In the DNA of BATZZ in the belfry, however, there is not only the ability to create atmospheric tracks, but there is
also a strong component of gothic rock and guitar wave: "Speak" has all the elements to be a classic on the dance
floor, thanks to its powerful pace, which musically places it between The Wake (US) and the latest Screams for Tina,
and the same goes for "Come and Die" or "Praying Hard," while "War of Roses" is the only one outside of the trend,
due to the "clean" acoustic guitar asserted against the electric instruments and drum machine.
Much more cold wave is "Dream," characterized by layered synth, and "Fade to Grey," where the ideal wave-pop
beat is accompanied by bells and reverberated guitar in the style of Mephisto Waltz.
In summary, this album by BATZZ in the belfry delivers every bright expectation in the long distance debut of a
band, confirming again the richness of the American underground scene and, above all, it demonstrates that old
school gothic-rock can still make its followers dream.
Mr.Moonlight
December 13, 2007
Hi everyone ~
We've posted our Christmas songs for free download (click the links below), including a new one, our rendition of an
old Austrian carol called "Still, Still, Still."
Merry Christmas!
Still, Still, Still
O Holy Night
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
November 17, 2007
We're very thankful to Alex and Silvia from Italy's Ascension Magazine for their kind review of "Sparks Fly Upward"
in their recent issue 16. Below is the review in Italian and English and here is where you can check out their cool
magazine:
Da San Francisco, ecco qualcuno che con personalita si ricorda ancora come fare del bel dark di stampo classico
come una quindicina di anni fa (soprattutto nella vicina Los Angeles).
Nonostante la collocazione geografica di questi Batzz In The Belfry (do non confondere con tre o quattro alter band
chiamate "Bats In The Belfry"), il synth-punk della Bay Area stavolta non centra nulla. Il romantico impeto gotico
con cui questa band californiana accarezza i suoi strumenti e come un dolce requiem dedicato alla notte e alle sue
creature piu affascinanti: o perlomeno questo e l'effetto che fanno i pezzi principalmente imperniati sul binomio
tastiere (o piano) e voce.
Le cose cambiano notevolmente quando in aiuto di voce e tastiere arrivano le chitarre elettriche e la batteria. Anche
se il suono tende qui a rimanere "notturno" e romantico, si propende per soluzioni piu rock (dark) che sono a meta
strada tra i Last Dance degli inizi (quando Rick, Jeff e compagni non sapevano ancora cosa fosse l'elettronica) e tutte
quelle alter band (americane o europee) che una quindicina di anni fa presero spunto dai Sisters di "First and Last
and Always" per dare vita a qualcosa di nuovo, buio ed intrigante.
Qualche ballad di meno e qualche pezzo veloce di piu avrebbero reso il CD ancora piu interessante e facile da
digerire al primo ascolto; ma "Sparks Fly Upward" funziona in fondo anche cosi.
Consigliato a chi abitualmente annovera tra i propri ascolti cose tipo Rosetta Stone, Clan of Xymox (periodo "Hidden
Face"/"Creature"), Sisters, The Last Dance, The Prophetess, London After Midnight, Ikon, etc….
Alex Daniele
Ascension Magazine
________________________
From San Francisco, a band with personality that still remembers how to make beautiful dark music of the classic old
school mold, like it was fifteen or so years ago (above all in the neighborhood of Los Angeles).
In spite of the geographic positioning of this Batzz In The Belfry (not to be confused with three or four other bands
called "Bats In The Belfry"), synth-punk of the Bay Area does not apply. The romantic gothic style with which this
California band approaches their instruments is like a sweet requiem dedicated to the night and its fascinating
creatures; or at least this is the effect of the pieces that hinge on the keyboards (or piano) and voice.
Things change notably when the electric guitars and drums arrive in aid of the voice and keyboards. Although the
sound tends to remain "nocturnal" and romantic, it leans more towards gothic rock, halfway between The Last Dance
it their early days (when Rick, Jeff and company did not know about electronics) and all those other bands
(European or American) that fifteen or so years ago took their cue from the Sisters of "First and Last and Always,"
giving life to something new, dark and intriguing.
Fewer ballads and more fast pieces would have made the CD still more interesting and easier to digest on the first
listen, but "Sparks Fly Upward" works from top to bottom.
Recommended for fans of Rosetta Stone, Clan of Xymox ("Hidden Face"/ "Creature" period), Sisters, The Last Dance,
The Prophetess, London After Midnight, Ikon, etc....
Alex Daniele
Ascension Magazine
September 28, 2007
We were honored to be interviewed recently by Gothic Rock Russia.
Here's the link (scroll down for English version):
http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.170
Thanks, Phil!
July 16, 2007
You are cordially invited to the House of Voodoo 8th Anniversary Gala Celebration in San Francisco on August 24th.
Although we won't be playing, a few of us are bound to be there, so come and say "hello." The Voodoos will be
giving away BATZZ in the belfry CDs, along with other fine CDs from Kooper Kain, S/N Ratio Records, and others.
June 27, 2007
We're very honored to be included in the latest "newcomers" compilation CD from Gothic Magazine, titled "Goth Is
What You Make It, Vol.6." Unfortunately, the CD is only available in Europe, but also online. It's a double CD.
Track listing below.
CD1
1 Black Heaven - Durch leere Straßen
2 Nadia Sohaei - Strong
3 James D. Stark - Realize
4 Cryptcha - Sorrows Away
5 BATZZ in the belfry - Come And Die
6 Lacasa Del Cid - Thinking Of Sin
7 Lament - Time Off (Cut Version)
8 Curious - Thrill B.
9 Apareil - Glory
10 Experiment Nnord - Feindesland
11 New Days Delay - Uniform
12 Eisherz - Ihre Welt
13 The Offering - How Far
14 Dada Dumdums - Hourglass Land (2007)
15 Legacy Of Music - You'll Never Know
16 Decades - Chemicals
17 No Tears - Prisoner
18 Place4Tears - Illusion
CD2
1 Tat - Vampyr
2 The Flaw - Shadow Play
3 Downscarred - White Lilies On A Coffin
4 The Sin:Decay - Deathlike Addiction
5 Red Cell - Society
6 Krachwerk - Tod der Masken
7 Virtual Victim - Schicksal
8 Aseptie - The Cage (remixed by X-Fusion)
9 Siva Six - Opponent
10 Patenbrigade:Wolff - Ostberliner Bauarbeiter (Clubmix)
11 Mechanical Moth - Obsession
12 Zelle 40 - Kapitulation (Radiocut)
13 Eisschock - Sag mir nicht
14 Amnistia - Red Coloured Emotions
15 Wynardtage - No Human Survive
16 The Dark Unspoken - Ich schleich umher
17 Superikone - Dein Spiel
April 28, 2007
Almost five months after the release of "Sparks Fly Upward," we're very grateful for all the encouragement and
positive feedback we have received. Thanks to all of you that have been so supportive!
Here are links to a couple of reviews:
Balaam's Miracle
Mick Mercer
February 3, 2007
We're very happy to announce the release of our new CD, "Sparks Fly Upward." It is currently available at CDBaby
and will soon be available at Apple iTunes, Yahoo Music, Best Buy, Rhapsody, Napster, MSN Music and elsewhere.
Listen to samples on our music page.
December 2, 2006
Hello again. We've posted a couple of Christmas songs for download, one new, one old:
O Holy Night (MP3 download, 7.5MB)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (MP3 download 4.8MB)
(Listen to streaming versions at http://www.myspace.com/batzzinthebelfry)
"O Holy Night" is from the upcoming BATZZ in the belfry record titled "Sparks Fly Upward," which is due out
after the first of the year.
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is from the original BATZZ in the belfry 7-song CD.
We hope you enjoy our rendition of these classic hymns. We wish you a most blessed Christmas.
August 19, 2006
Hello everyone. We're so sorry for the long period of silence. We've been very, very busy with BATZZ stuff
and other things. We're wrapping up the full-length CD, tentatively titled "Sparks Fly Upward." The release
date will depend on whether it is picked up by a label or we release it independently, which at this point is
undecided, so stay tuned. We should have news about that in the next month or so.
At the risk of being trendy, you can now find us at MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/batzzinthebelfry). Not
much there yet, but we'll flesh it out soon and probably post some previews of the upcoming album.
Thanks to everyone who has written. We really appreciate the support. 'Til next time.
April 2, 2006
Hello everyone. Just some quick updates:
The BATZZ in the belfry 7-song CD is now available here on our website, on the Music page. You can
use PayPal, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
We hope to add some other merchandise later this year, so stayed tuned if you're interested.
We're hard at work on a full-length CD of new material. Lord willing, that may surface late summer or
early fall.
March 3, 2006
In loving memory of Carl Crandell, Owner, President, and Founder of PsychoAcoustiX Records, who passed
away on December 6, 2005. Carl was a good friend to BATZZ in the belfry. He inspired us in many ways. Our
heartfelt condolences to his family and the PsychoAcoustiX Family. Until we meet again, be at peace, Carl.
December 24 2005
A very blessed Christmas to all from your friends in the belfry.
December 20 2005
The Lunar Eclipse CD from Cold Fusion Music is now available. You can pick up a copy at Flaming Fish Music,
Amazon, and other fine retailers.
I our humble opinion, this is a great collection of "dark" music. The styles vary (dance, metal, goth, ethereal).
BATZZ in the belfry is honored to be among such a fine group of artists.
October 15 2005
Watch for BATZZ in the belfry to appear on the Lunar Eclipse CD, available November 2005 from Cold Fusion
Music. This is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Moonlight Cathedral compilation CD. The CD will
include the following artists and songs:
The Last Dance - Desperately Still
Necromance - The Beyond
Subterfuge - The Judas in Me
Coriolis - Resurrection Night
Virgin Black - Rennaissance
Simple Shelter - Common Thread
BATZZ in the belfry - Lie
Lost in Place - Kardion
Ever - Idyl
The World Black - In Me
Kohllapse - Gravitation
Leper - You Don't Know Me
Bitter Grace - Burning Kisses
Frolic - Forged
August 02 2005
Underground Press review of the BATZZ in the belfry 7-song EP (http://www.undergroundpress.co.za):
"The album unfolds delicately like a black rose in the early hours of dawn. A shadow of dark old-school Goth
embraces the album and a religious presence lingers in the gloom with “O come, O come Emmanuel”. The
vocals are abysmal and funereal, sustained by euphonious guitar and warm, subdued keyboard. Batzz in the
Belfry is aesthetically mature and a majestic EP."
CD Reviewed By Morticia Devine
March 16 2005
Darker Than The Bat review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.proservcenter.
be/darkerthanthebat/cdreviews.html):
"Ur Of The Chaldeans opens the CD as an intro. The dark rock Shinar is next. Bazz (In The Belfry) comes from
San Francisco, USA and introduces a five song disc. You can enjoy the peaceful Sunday Mourning or the
instrumental Aspire To Heaven. The drums play an important role in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, another
dark rock piece that ends the short album."
February 05 2005
Chain D.L.K review of the BATZZ in the belfry single "Come and Die" (http://www.chaindlk.com):
"It doesn't happen very often that CDs with just one song on them are released and it happens very rarely that
I like gothic music that is sent my way, but it happened this time. Packaged in what looks like a Xmas card, this
3" mini CD (less space wasted) delivers the lyrics and music of "Come and Die". Some of you might know that
I stopped reviewing goth/dark a while ago because everything sounds the same and is mostly crap or, when
you are lucky, a good carbon copy of the old masters of the genre... Well, altough you still can hear the echo of
the Sisters and the Nephilim (if you consider the drums, the Peter Steel-ish vocals and the nice string
arrangements and songwriting) or even the Cure or Lycia (for the lush chorused guitars), Batzz's echo is
actually a pleasant one, one that doesn't necessarily lack in personality. It is hard to be original in the genre,
but it's quite something when at least you can get personal, and that is what Batzz have done. Beautiful gothic
music, just short enough not to bore me or anybody and offering you a good time with some deep vocals and
almost unusually fast-paced and (dare I say?) even ever so slightly happy solar progressions. Very beautiful
indeed."
Review by: Marc 'the MEMORY Man' Urselli-Schaerer
January 14 2005
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on 120 Minutes of Goth Music with Louis LeStat
(http://www.lestats120minutes.net/)
September 01 2004
Starvox Music Zine review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.starvox.net):
"They must be new, going on the Spartan website, but I can well see this bunch growing on people and
enjoying a fine reputation for the gentler side of Goth with some highly artistic constructions. From opener ‘Ur
Of The Chaldeans’, whatever that might be about, their use of winsome keyboards works to their advantage in
creating a gentle song, will fills out weirdly like some kid’s xmas film, then they cut back with ‘Shinar’ displaying
deep dark vocals, a mean guitar riff and Great Big Drums, and that severe beast keeps going, as the vocals
turn into a grim mist, with an abrupt ending that I suspect was a mistake. The clash between the two styles
shows they have depth in abundance which they are only experimenting with right now.
The understandably emotional ‘Sunday Mourning’ has slow, beautiful keyboards, and soothingly reaches a
sedate end, but with weird pomp trills throughout that seem jarring and quite mad. The ‘Aspire To Heaven’
instrumental may remind some of Laurie Anderson’s biggest hit initially but in its soft and twinkling icing there is
something deeply uplifting, then they take a grave religious tone for their ‘Emmanuel’ item, and it becomes an
ominous malaise, with disciplined drums. It is unusual and refreshing.
Easily a band to watch."
~reviewed by Mick Mercer
August 07 2004
Automata Magazine review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://flamingfish.com/automata):
Automata Issue 7.0
Review by the Saj
"Batzz in the Belfry show themselves to be a surprisingly catchy act. At first it seemed like another “pretty
ambiance” album, but the second track erases all such notions as it runs straight into thumping drumbeats
followed by cavernous vocals. And although simplistic, all the aspects are wonderfully woven. The next piece
takes things back down quite a bit, but in so doing brings the listener to an eerie, worshipful tranquility… only to
be struck moments later with chords and notes reminiscent of the ‘80s… then right back down into mellowness.
The fourth track is a mellow neo-classical new age-style piece. The CD then closes with perhaps the most
surprising song of all: a gentle, brooding rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” with vocals that cause
your mind to drift as the words blow them to and fro."
March 06 2004
Chain D.L.K review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.chaindlk.com):
"It's nice to see that somebody actually reads and pays attention to our submission guidelines. BATZZ have
provided us with their latest CD-R EP (whose songs are also available as MP3's on their site). They are
shopping for a record deal for what basically is a sound made of dark facets, long reverbs, electronic layers,
melodic atmospheres and mixed feelings of sadness, melancholy, happiness and fear. Their ethereal mixture of
darkwave and electro is a good support for lyrics about evil and good, heaven and hell, politics, life and
spirituality. The instrumentation used includes software drum machines, guitars and synths. I particularly like
the episodes where the deep low voices create somber soundscapes. When these goth vocal parts are joined
by martial drumming or grand neo-classical orchestrations, they sort of sound like a band that could be on Cold
Meat or the Dungeon Fossil. They have a polished sound and good ideas but they're not quite evolved as much
as other bands are. I do think, though, that in a few years or a few records, whichever comes first, they might
be able to score a deal with, say, Projekt records."
Review by: Marc 'the MEMORY Man' Urselli-Schaerer
January 29 2004
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on The Shape of Things to Come radio show:
(http://www.theonebob.com)
January 19 2004
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on the Darker Than The Bat radio show:
(http://www.proservcenter.be/darkerthanthebat/radio.html)
December 07 2003
BATZZ in the belfry in the "Artist Spotlight" at Balaam's Micracle Gothic and Industrial Pages:
(http://www.balaamsmiracle.com)
December 06 2003
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on flishRadio (http://www.flamingfish.com)
November 16 2003
Welcome to the BATZZ in the belfry website. Drop us a line and say "hello."
Saturday, December 03, 2011
- Merry Christmas, everyone! We're happy to share
with you our version of an Austrian Christmas song
named "Es wird schon gleich dunkel." It's not well
known in the U.S. We took the liberty of coming up
with our own translation, which is hopefully true to the
original, calling it "Darkness Comes Quickly."
- Please feel free to download MP3 copies of the new
song and our other Christmas covers.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
We're participating in the $5 sale at CD Baby. Choose three or more different CDs from the Sales Bin and get each
CD for $5. All the BATZZ in the belfry CDs are included, as well as other great music at CD Baby.
- CD Baby BATZZ in the belfry page: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/BATZZinthebelfry
CD Baby $5 Sale page: http://www.cdbaby.com/Sale
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hi everyone ~
While BATZZ in the belfry remains on hiatus, we'd like to recommend
Verney 1826. This group has produced a number of great records.
The music is a unique blend of ambient, classical, electronic, and gothic styles. Beautiful music and sounds,
masterfully written, recorded, and arranged. We encourage you to take a listen to this great band from Berlin.
- You'll find their music at
Shinto Records and Reverb Nation.
- Two copies of the original wooden
tape cassette box of the recent
release "Catonium (Archive I)," a
split album with Project: N.A., are
still available.
- We hope you like them as much as
we do.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hi everyone ~
We're on a bit of a hiatus, but want to share with you a song called "G" we did earlier this year with our close friend
cLint. cLint's moving lyrics and vocal performance were a perfect fit for us. The song is available on iTunes,
Amazon, etc, but you can also take a listen on our Facebook and Myspace pages. We hope you like it!
We have a couple more collaborations planned for 2011, and hopefully some new BATZZ in the belfry music.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Hi everybody ~
Infectious Unease Radio recently released a great 4-CD compilation of various dark music genres: industrial, goth,
ambient, darkwave, etc. It's really quite a nice collection of tunes and you will surely find something new you'll
enjoy.
You can read Mick Mercer's review here:
You can pick up a copy here:
A big "thank you" to Gordon for putting it
together.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
We’re very grateful to Mr. Moonlight from Erba della Strega Dark Webzine and Lux_Atman from Lux Atenea Webzine
for their reviews of our new CD, “Glow in the Dark.” Check out the links for the reviews in their native languages
(Italian and Spanish). Below are our best efforts to translate them into English.
Erba della Strega Dark Webzine: http://www.erbadellastrega.it/_NewSite/articolo.php?mcat=4&cat=24&art=1290
Lux Atenea Webzine: http://luxatenealibros.blogspot.com/2010/01/batzz-in-belfry-glow-in-dark.html
English translations:
- To familiarize yourself with BATZZ in the
belfry, I would refer you to my review of
"Sparks Fly Upward," the first album released
in 2007 by the American group, which is
proceeded by this new full-length album, "Glow
in the Dark," released at the end of October.
songs and marginally to guitar-heavy tracks. Listening carefully to "Glow in the Dark" it is apparent that the mood is
darker than previous works. The record is melancholy in synth-wave compositions like "Touch the Stars" and
"Monochrome," grim in "To the End," and depressed in songs like the final track, "These Hands," that with its
combination of sad guitar, mournful keyboards, and restless baritone vocals, is perhaps the darkest track ever from
BATZZ in the belfry. It should be pointed out that the San Francisco group is also and above all a gothic rock band,
and there is no lack of driving adrenaline goth on the disc, with songs like "Tyranny" and "Testify," while a new
BATZZ style is found in the biting guitar reverb in "For the Dead" and "Lost City," that brings to mind the style of Mr.
Galvin and his Mephisto Waltz. I conclude by affirming again the dark tone and pessimism that permeates "Glow in
the Dark" where the only true light, or "glow," is found in the Christmas song "Still, Still, Still," that is, that faith in
God remains the only "glimmer of salvation."
______________________________________
BATZZ in the belfry is the name
under which the brilliant
musician and composer Nelson
presents us his musical
proposition in tune with the
dark-wave style, through a
modern, present, and dark rock.
His album “Glow in the Dark” is
a record that’s enjoyable from
the first to the last song,
maintaining a balance between
slow and reflective songs and
other much more powerful ones,
which result in their hearing, a
musical experience that urges
another listen. With a style for
composing songs with premium
instrumental and melodic quality,
Nelson’s deep voice will take us through gloomy landscapes where the fog and mystery offer that enchantment so
fitting of the gothic spirit, and with which we so easily identify ourselves. “Glow in the Dark” is a musical work that
will surprise more than one lover of the best dark-wave rock of the 21st century.
The heart of BATZZ in the belfry is Nelson, composer, musician, and vocalist, who, for this album, counted on the
collaboration of Rick for the acoustic guitar on the song “Lost City.” In charge of the album design and photography
is Araina, with a profoundly dark spiritually-influenced style. With excellent programming for a high quality musical
production, “Glow in the Dark” is an album in which the vocals are very well equalized, perfectly integrating bass
with other recorded instruments, offering an impressive special sensory sensation. It’s incredible how current
technology is allowing musical groups to self-produce their own professional albums.
The recording is perfect and has left me speechless, which is the reason why all the praise will be too little. No
distortion, no spatial loss, not even one instrumental overlapping. It’s that not even Nelson’s low voice is at any time
drowned out, nor are any instruments. It’s a self-produced effort to which I take off my hat for its excellence. With
such a good record like “Glow in the Dark, all that’s needed by BATZZ in the belfry is publicity and more publicity for
the public to hear about their musical art, and that one of the better record companies take note of their work.
We begin listening to this album with the neo-classical atmosphere of the song “Nightfall,” an evocative song that’s
perfect for initiating this magical entrance to the gothic rock of “For the Dead” in a progressive form. With an
essentially sinister musical structure, “For the Dead” is surprising in its musical structure that is so classic in the
German groups, and which I love so much. Some sharpened notes and the melodic song “Scarlet” appears,
surrounded by a decadent atmosphere where the piano becomes the foundation on which to add pulses by drums
that enamor by their radical power and force. A musical structure that, in a gothic rock song, hooks you into one
and then another new listen before moving on to the next song. “Pictures” follows, giving continuity to that musical
style characterized by furious drums, but here, the voice gains more grace in an outlined interpretation, more
defined, more suggestive. “Pictures” is one of the jewels of this album and a song that should be included in the
gothic rock set list of a DJ that reviews, of a DJ that enjoys investigating and offering the best new gothic music to
their public.
The song “Still, Still, Still” arrives with a calmer tempo, offering us a marvelous musical version based on the
Austrian musical tradition of the 19th century. A song which was given a dreamy instrumental aura, finds its perfect
setting in the winter. Moving up a level in emotional scale we find “Touch the Stars,” a much more reflective song,
more intimate, and which spurs you to close your eyes to feel it with more intensity. Moving on, with the song
“Tyranny” we return to intense gothic rock of swelling musical shadows where the voice becomes the focal point in
the midst of the grandeur. But instrumentally we return to reclaim the lost terrain in “Monochrome,” a precious
delicate song that is like an ice sculpture. “Monochrome” is highlighted by its musical beauty and for being a
composition inspired in the contrast between a voice easily associated to the first person, and an instrumental
melodic background with sublime atmospheric passages.
“Lost City” is another new musical genius written by Nelson for this album. Listening to this song you’ll feel how the
gothic spirit of “Lost City” is vigorously maintained, throwing it inside the thick fog of human thought. With “Testify,”
the intense emotion of “Lost City” is maintained, but “Testify” is much more turbulent and much more dramatic in its
essence until that passion quiets down in “To the End,” a song that is clearly nocturnal. “To the End” dreams of a
contemplated abyss, an illuminated church in the middle of the immensity, an aristocratic tomb opening in the
darkness of the night. In the way it closes this brilliant album, the song “These Hands” converts itself into a
sentimental goodbye against a darkening horizon, which, little by little, will return to be illuminated.
In the end of this decade, it’s nice to receive promotional albums that so profoundly surprise with cutting edge gothic
rock. This 21st century is bringing us impressive musical freshness. If you’re unconditional about the best gothic
rock, and love good music, in BATZZ in the belfry you’ll find that new musical group that you’ve been waiting for.
“Glow in the Dark,” an album with which Nelson has taken the sinister witness of the best gothic rock inspired in
Romanticism. Enjoy!!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
It was a real pleasure
for us to do an
interview recently with
Phil from Gothic Rock
Russia, a really
wonderful website for
fans of traditional
gothic rock.
You'll find the Russian and English versions here:
http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.243
- Phil was also kind enough to write a review of our new record, Glow in the
Dark: http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.244
An older interview from 2007 is also still posted:
http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.170
We hope you'll take a look and spend some time visiting this great site.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
We're happy to announce the release of our new CD
titled "Glow in the Dark." You'll find links to audio samples
and retailers on our music page.
Monday, September 14, 2009
- Hi everyone ~
We're very grateful to Down the Line Magazine for including us in their
current Goth Issue along with Dead Artist Syndrome, Seventh Circle, and I-
Dragon-I. It's a free download and you can find it at these links:
http://www.downthelinezine.com
http://www.myspace.com/downthelinezine
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Merry (early) Christmas, everyone ~
We have posted four Christmas carols that we've covered over the years. These are MP3 downloads:
Still, Still, Still (recorded last year)
What Child Is This (our most recent)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (from the 2004 EP)
O Holy Night (from "Sparks Fly Upward")
We hope you enjoy them and we wish you a most blessed Christmas!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Crawling Tunes Issue 5:
Tyves Oben from Place4Tears has
produced another beautiful issue of
Crawling Tunes Magazine, this time
offered with an accompanying DVD
that includes videos and music from
a lot of great artists.
- In the issue you'll find an interview
with BATZZ in the belfry. The DVD
includes a song by Scarlet Slipping,
the haunting work of our good friend
and Shinto Records label-mate Dawn
Wagner, and a song by BATZZ in the
belfry.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Gothic Magazine Issue 61:
A big "THANK YOU" to the kind folks at Gothic Magazine for
including us in the latest issue (No. 61) and the
accompanying compilation CD (No. 41)!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hello everyone -
We're thankful to the gracious Kitty Gunn from the Overthrow webzine for her very kind review of "Sparks Fly
Upward."
After hearing BATZZ in the belfry on their myspace page I was pretty excited to hear this new CD of theirs, Sparks
Fly Upward.
The first track was an unexpected instrumental; I didn't see that coming after hearing the hard hitting tracks on their
webpage. After playing the disc a few times I really began to enjoy that opening instrumental, its melancholy tinge is
a great transition into the triumphant and driven second track "speak" which really brought to mind for me the
beloved Sisters of Mercy.
- The third track "fade to grey" (no, it's not a cover) has a
solid gothic rock bass line intro and smooth transitions
through a melodic mix of keyboards and dreamy guitar.
And just when I thought I was off to never-neverland in
sleepy time after their gothic orchestral rendition of "oh
holy night" the track "come and die" enveloped me in a
velvety blanket of warm, bellowing male vocals and
swimming guitars, the vocalist, Nelson; reminds me a
bit of Peter Murphy in this one.
Next we moved through another instrumental "once
darkness", a cavernous atmosphere of synthetic
ambiance followed by the seventh track "trusting"
where I found myself really enjoying the male choir-like
backing vocals. This was one of the most moving tracks
for me as there is something very desolate and
emotionally vulnerable about it. However, the weight of
this is quickly uplifted by "praying hard" with its upbeat
tempo and beautiful chorus line. It's this track where I
really begin to notice the articulation in Nelson's words,
I think this guy has a lot of insightful things to say and
I would love to read the lyrics to this album sometime.
It's a solid album that exercises the bands many talents
Mercy and a bit of Peter Murphy with their own unique precision of musical talents. The vocals where never
disappointing and especially wonderful in track 10 "war of roses", the entire album continues to present true gothic
beauty.
Kitty Gunn - Overthrow
May 26, 2008
- Take a peek at the new issue of Crawling Tunes Magazine, the beautiful work
of Tyves Oben from Place4Tears. All in German, you'll find interviews and
articles featuring Martin Sprissler, Tragic Black, Bone Orchard, and others.
Oddly enough, you'll also find a review of "Sparks Fly Upward" by yours truly.
If that wasn't enough, there's a great compilation CD with songs by some of
our friends: Blood Penny, Dr Arthur Krause, Immundus, Leper, A Rebours,
and again, yours truly.
You can order a copy here: http://crawlingtunes.kilu.de
April 5, 2008
We’re flattered to be included in the current issue of HM Magazine
in their "Pick of the Litter" section.
A special "thank you" to Erin from Gyroscope Arts for keeping us
in the loop.
http://www.hmmagazine.com
http://www.myspace.com/hmmag
Thanks!
February 17, 2008
We're thrilled to have our CD "Sparks Fly Upward" reviewed in the Erba della Strega webzine by the very gracious
Mr. Moonlight!
The link to the Italian version is http://www.erbadellastrega.it/_NewSite/articolo.php?mcat=4&cat=24&art=58.
Below is the "unofficial" english version.
Thank you Mr. Moonlight!
________________________
BATZZ in the belfry
"Sparks Fly Upward"
(self-produced)
The musical project BATZZ in the belfry
originates in San Francisco in 2003,
endeavored by Nelson, the "deus ex
machina" of the group, with the
objective of creating a sound that is tied
to the most traditional goth and
ethereal. To that end, five years after
their debut, the American band has released their first full-length work "Sparks Fly Upward" in early 2007, consisting
of twelve songs with a fifty-three minute duration.
The excellent compositional aspect of BATZZ in the belfry is quickly apparent in the opening instrumental track
"Radiance," which is reminiscent of the best composers of the nineteenth century. The cinematographic sound that
begins the record could surprise those approaching a goth album, but in reality, the ability to create intimacy and
surrealistic atmospheres is a distinct characteristic of the group.
Less cold than Diary of Dreams and more gothic-rock than any other group categorized as "heavenly voices," the
"ethereal" of BATZZ in the belfry is derived from the synth-wave pieces of "Floodland" by Sisters of Mercy. The
influence, more or less conscious, by the group of Andrew Eldritch is most obvious in "Trusting" but generally
present in all the atmospheric songs on the album, like the ascetic "Knowing God" or the cathartic "Soon," in which
there is an absolute harmony between the deep baritone voice and the acoustic piano and violin. Along those lines
there is "O Holy Night," which is destined to be placed side by side with "The Christmas Song" by London After
Midnight as a gothic Christmas favorite.
In the DNA of BATZZ in the belfry, however, there is not only the ability to create atmospheric tracks, but there is
also a strong component of gothic rock and guitar wave: "Speak" has all the elements to be a classic on the dance
floor, thanks to its powerful pace, which musically places it between The Wake (US) and the latest Screams for Tina,
and the same goes for "Come and Die" or "Praying Hard," while "War of Roses" is the only one outside of the trend,
due to the "clean" acoustic guitar asserted against the electric instruments and drum machine.
Much more cold wave is "Dream," characterized by layered synth, and "Fade to Grey," where the ideal wave-pop
beat is accompanied by bells and reverberated guitar in the style of Mephisto Waltz.
In summary, this album by BATZZ in the belfry delivers every bright expectation in the long distance debut of a
band, confirming again the richness of the American underground scene and, above all, it demonstrates that old
school gothic-rock can still make its followers dream.
Mr.Moonlight
December 13, 2007
Hi everyone ~
We've posted our Christmas songs for free download (click the links below), including a new one, our rendition of an
old Austrian carol called "Still, Still, Still."
Merry Christmas!
Still, Still, Still
O Holy Night
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
November 17, 2007
We're very thankful to Alex and Silvia from Italy's Ascension Magazine for their kind review of "Sparks Fly Upward"
in their recent issue 16. Below is the review in Italian and English and here is where you can check out their cool
magazine:
- http://www.myspace.com/ascensionmagazine
Mail Order:
Directly through editor: ascensionmagazine@yahoo.com (PayPal accepted!)
Rosa Selvaggia: www.rosaselvaggia.com
Masterpiece Distribution: www.masterpiecedistribution.com
Final Muzik: www.finalmuzik.com
Transmission: transmission@acamtel.com
Da San Francisco, ecco qualcuno che con personalita si ricorda ancora come fare del bel dark di stampo classico
come una quindicina di anni fa (soprattutto nella vicina Los Angeles).
Nonostante la collocazione geografica di questi Batzz In The Belfry (do non confondere con tre o quattro alter band
chiamate "Bats In The Belfry"), il synth-punk della Bay Area stavolta non centra nulla. Il romantico impeto gotico
con cui questa band californiana accarezza i suoi strumenti e come un dolce requiem dedicato alla notte e alle sue
creature piu affascinanti: o perlomeno questo e l'effetto che fanno i pezzi principalmente imperniati sul binomio
tastiere (o piano) e voce.
Le cose cambiano notevolmente quando in aiuto di voce e tastiere arrivano le chitarre elettriche e la batteria. Anche
se il suono tende qui a rimanere "notturno" e romantico, si propende per soluzioni piu rock (dark) che sono a meta
strada tra i Last Dance degli inizi (quando Rick, Jeff e compagni non sapevano ancora cosa fosse l'elettronica) e tutte
quelle alter band (americane o europee) che una quindicina di anni fa presero spunto dai Sisters di "First and Last
and Always" per dare vita a qualcosa di nuovo, buio ed intrigante.
Qualche ballad di meno e qualche pezzo veloce di piu avrebbero reso il CD ancora piu interessante e facile da
digerire al primo ascolto; ma "Sparks Fly Upward" funziona in fondo anche cosi.
Consigliato a chi abitualmente annovera tra i propri ascolti cose tipo Rosetta Stone, Clan of Xymox (periodo "Hidden
Face"/"Creature"), Sisters, The Last Dance, The Prophetess, London After Midnight, Ikon, etc….
Alex Daniele
Ascension Magazine
________________________
From San Francisco, a band with personality that still remembers how to make beautiful dark music of the classic old
school mold, like it was fifteen or so years ago (above all in the neighborhood of Los Angeles).
In spite of the geographic positioning of this Batzz In The Belfry (not to be confused with three or four other bands
called "Bats In The Belfry"), synth-punk of the Bay Area does not apply. The romantic gothic style with which this
California band approaches their instruments is like a sweet requiem dedicated to the night and its fascinating
creatures; or at least this is the effect of the pieces that hinge on the keyboards (or piano) and voice.
Things change notably when the electric guitars and drums arrive in aid of the voice and keyboards. Although the
sound tends to remain "nocturnal" and romantic, it leans more towards gothic rock, halfway between The Last Dance
it their early days (when Rick, Jeff and company did not know about electronics) and all those other bands
(European or American) that fifteen or so years ago took their cue from the Sisters of "First and Last and Always,"
giving life to something new, dark and intriguing.
Fewer ballads and more fast pieces would have made the CD still more interesting and easier to digest on the first
listen, but "Sparks Fly Upward" works from top to bottom.
Recommended for fans of Rosetta Stone, Clan of Xymox ("Hidden Face"/ "Creature" period), Sisters, The Last Dance,
The Prophetess, London After Midnight, Ikon, etc....
Alex Daniele
Ascension Magazine
September 28, 2007
We were honored to be interviewed recently by Gothic Rock Russia.
Here's the link (scroll down for English version):
http://gothicrock.ru/din/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.170
Thanks, Phil!
July 16, 2007
You are cordially invited to the House of Voodoo 8th Anniversary Gala Celebration in San Francisco on August 24th.
Although we won't be playing, a few of us are bound to be there, so come and say "hello." The Voodoos will be
giving away BATZZ in the belfry CDs, along with other fine CDs from Kooper Kain, S/N Ratio Records, and others.
June 27, 2007
We're very honored to be included in the latest "newcomers" compilation CD from Gothic Magazine, titled "Goth Is
What You Make It, Vol.6." Unfortunately, the CD is only available in Europe, but also online. It's a double CD.
Track listing below.
CD1
1 Black Heaven - Durch leere Straßen
2 Nadia Sohaei - Strong
3 James D. Stark - Realize
4 Cryptcha - Sorrows Away
5 BATZZ in the belfry - Come And Die
6 Lacasa Del Cid - Thinking Of Sin
7 Lament - Time Off (Cut Version)
8 Curious - Thrill B.
9 Apareil - Glory
10 Experiment Nnord - Feindesland
11 New Days Delay - Uniform
12 Eisherz - Ihre Welt
13 The Offering - How Far
14 Dada Dumdums - Hourglass Land (2007)
15 Legacy Of Music - You'll Never Know
16 Decades - Chemicals
17 No Tears - Prisoner
18 Place4Tears - Illusion
CD2
1 Tat - Vampyr
2 The Flaw - Shadow Play
3 Downscarred - White Lilies On A Coffin
4 The Sin:Decay - Deathlike Addiction
5 Red Cell - Society
6 Krachwerk - Tod der Masken
7 Virtual Victim - Schicksal
8 Aseptie - The Cage (remixed by X-Fusion)
9 Siva Six - Opponent
10 Patenbrigade:Wolff - Ostberliner Bauarbeiter (Clubmix)
11 Mechanical Moth - Obsession
12 Zelle 40 - Kapitulation (Radiocut)
13 Eisschock - Sag mir nicht
14 Amnistia - Red Coloured Emotions
15 Wynardtage - No Human Survive
16 The Dark Unspoken - Ich schleich umher
17 Superikone - Dein Spiel
April 28, 2007
Almost five months after the release of "Sparks Fly Upward," we're very grateful for all the encouragement and
positive feedback we have received. Thanks to all of you that have been so supportive!
Here are links to a couple of reviews:
Balaam's Miracle
Mick Mercer
February 3, 2007
We're very happy to announce the release of our new CD, "Sparks Fly Upward." It is currently available at CDBaby
and will soon be available at Apple iTunes, Yahoo Music, Best Buy, Rhapsody, Napster, MSN Music and elsewhere.
Listen to samples on our music page.
December 2, 2006
Hello again. We've posted a couple of Christmas songs for download, one new, one old:
O Holy Night (MP3 download, 7.5MB)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (MP3 download 4.8MB)
(Listen to streaming versions at http://www.myspace.com/batzzinthebelfry)
"O Holy Night" is from the upcoming BATZZ in the belfry record titled "Sparks Fly Upward," which is due out
after the first of the year.
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is from the original BATZZ in the belfry 7-song CD.
We hope you enjoy our rendition of these classic hymns. We wish you a most blessed Christmas.
August 19, 2006
Hello everyone. We're so sorry for the long period of silence. We've been very, very busy with BATZZ stuff
and other things. We're wrapping up the full-length CD, tentatively titled "Sparks Fly Upward." The release
date will depend on whether it is picked up by a label or we release it independently, which at this point is
undecided, so stay tuned. We should have news about that in the next month or so.
At the risk of being trendy, you can now find us at MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/batzzinthebelfry). Not
much there yet, but we'll flesh it out soon and probably post some previews of the upcoming album.
Thanks to everyone who has written. We really appreciate the support. 'Til next time.
April 2, 2006
Hello everyone. Just some quick updates:
The BATZZ in the belfry 7-song CD is now available here on our website, on the Music page. You can
use PayPal, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
We hope to add some other merchandise later this year, so stayed tuned if you're interested.
We're hard at work on a full-length CD of new material. Lord willing, that may surface late summer or
early fall.
March 3, 2006
In loving memory of Carl Crandell, Owner, President, and Founder of PsychoAcoustiX Records, who passed
away on December 6, 2005. Carl was a good friend to BATZZ in the belfry. He inspired us in many ways. Our
heartfelt condolences to his family and the PsychoAcoustiX Family. Until we meet again, be at peace, Carl.
December 24 2005
A very blessed Christmas to all from your friends in the belfry.
December 20 2005
The Lunar Eclipse CD from Cold Fusion Music is now available. You can pick up a copy at Flaming Fish Music,
Amazon, and other fine retailers.
I our humble opinion, this is a great collection of "dark" music. The styles vary (dance, metal, goth, ethereal).
BATZZ in the belfry is honored to be among such a fine group of artists.
October 15 2005
Watch for BATZZ in the belfry to appear on the Lunar Eclipse CD, available November 2005 from Cold Fusion
Music. This is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Moonlight Cathedral compilation CD. The CD will
include the following artists and songs:
The Last Dance - Desperately Still
Necromance - The Beyond
Subterfuge - The Judas in Me
Coriolis - Resurrection Night
Virgin Black - Rennaissance
Simple Shelter - Common Thread
BATZZ in the belfry - Lie
Lost in Place - Kardion
Ever - Idyl
The World Black - In Me
Kohllapse - Gravitation
Leper - You Don't Know Me
Bitter Grace - Burning Kisses
Frolic - Forged
August 02 2005
Underground Press review of the BATZZ in the belfry 7-song EP (http://www.undergroundpress.co.za):
"The album unfolds delicately like a black rose in the early hours of dawn. A shadow of dark old-school Goth
embraces the album and a religious presence lingers in the gloom with “O come, O come Emmanuel”. The
vocals are abysmal and funereal, sustained by euphonious guitar and warm, subdued keyboard. Batzz in the
Belfry is aesthetically mature and a majestic EP."
CD Reviewed By Morticia Devine
March 16 2005
Darker Than The Bat review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.proservcenter.
be/darkerthanthebat/cdreviews.html):
"Ur Of The Chaldeans opens the CD as an intro. The dark rock Shinar is next. Bazz (In The Belfry) comes from
San Francisco, USA and introduces a five song disc. You can enjoy the peaceful Sunday Mourning or the
instrumental Aspire To Heaven. The drums play an important role in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, another
dark rock piece that ends the short album."
February 05 2005
Chain D.L.K review of the BATZZ in the belfry single "Come and Die" (http://www.chaindlk.com):
"It doesn't happen very often that CDs with just one song on them are released and it happens very rarely that
I like gothic music that is sent my way, but it happened this time. Packaged in what looks like a Xmas card, this
3" mini CD (less space wasted) delivers the lyrics and music of "Come and Die". Some of you might know that
I stopped reviewing goth/dark a while ago because everything sounds the same and is mostly crap or, when
you are lucky, a good carbon copy of the old masters of the genre... Well, altough you still can hear the echo of
the Sisters and the Nephilim (if you consider the drums, the Peter Steel-ish vocals and the nice string
arrangements and songwriting) or even the Cure or Lycia (for the lush chorused guitars), Batzz's echo is
actually a pleasant one, one that doesn't necessarily lack in personality. It is hard to be original in the genre,
but it's quite something when at least you can get personal, and that is what Batzz have done. Beautiful gothic
music, just short enough not to bore me or anybody and offering you a good time with some deep vocals and
almost unusually fast-paced and (dare I say?) even ever so slightly happy solar progressions. Very beautiful
indeed."
Review by: Marc 'the MEMORY Man' Urselli-Schaerer
January 14 2005
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on 120 Minutes of Goth Music with Louis LeStat
(http://www.lestats120minutes.net/)
September 01 2004
Starvox Music Zine review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.starvox.net):
"They must be new, going on the Spartan website, but I can well see this bunch growing on people and
enjoying a fine reputation for the gentler side of Goth with some highly artistic constructions. From opener ‘Ur
Of The Chaldeans’, whatever that might be about, their use of winsome keyboards works to their advantage in
creating a gentle song, will fills out weirdly like some kid’s xmas film, then they cut back with ‘Shinar’ displaying
deep dark vocals, a mean guitar riff and Great Big Drums, and that severe beast keeps going, as the vocals
turn into a grim mist, with an abrupt ending that I suspect was a mistake. The clash between the two styles
shows they have depth in abundance which they are only experimenting with right now.
The understandably emotional ‘Sunday Mourning’ has slow, beautiful keyboards, and soothingly reaches a
sedate end, but with weird pomp trills throughout that seem jarring and quite mad. The ‘Aspire To Heaven’
instrumental may remind some of Laurie Anderson’s biggest hit initially but in its soft and twinkling icing there is
something deeply uplifting, then they take a grave religious tone for their ‘Emmanuel’ item, and it becomes an
ominous malaise, with disciplined drums. It is unusual and refreshing.
Easily a band to watch."
~reviewed by Mick Mercer
August 07 2004
Automata Magazine review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://flamingfish.com/automata):
Automata Issue 7.0
Review by the Saj
"Batzz in the Belfry show themselves to be a surprisingly catchy act. At first it seemed like another “pretty
ambiance” album, but the second track erases all such notions as it runs straight into thumping drumbeats
followed by cavernous vocals. And although simplistic, all the aspects are wonderfully woven. The next piece
takes things back down quite a bit, but in so doing brings the listener to an eerie, worshipful tranquility… only to
be struck moments later with chords and notes reminiscent of the ‘80s… then right back down into mellowness.
The fourth track is a mellow neo-classical new age-style piece. The CD then closes with perhaps the most
surprising song of all: a gentle, brooding rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” with vocals that cause
your mind to drift as the words blow them to and fro."
March 06 2004
Chain D.L.K review of the BATZZ in the belfry 5-song EP (http://www.chaindlk.com):
"It's nice to see that somebody actually reads and pays attention to our submission guidelines. BATZZ have
provided us with their latest CD-R EP (whose songs are also available as MP3's on their site). They are
shopping for a record deal for what basically is a sound made of dark facets, long reverbs, electronic layers,
melodic atmospheres and mixed feelings of sadness, melancholy, happiness and fear. Their ethereal mixture of
darkwave and electro is a good support for lyrics about evil and good, heaven and hell, politics, life and
spirituality. The instrumentation used includes software drum machines, guitars and synths. I particularly like
the episodes where the deep low voices create somber soundscapes. When these goth vocal parts are joined
by martial drumming or grand neo-classical orchestrations, they sort of sound like a band that could be on Cold
Meat or the Dungeon Fossil. They have a polished sound and good ideas but they're not quite evolved as much
as other bands are. I do think, though, that in a few years or a few records, whichever comes first, they might
be able to score a deal with, say, Projekt records."
Review by: Marc 'the MEMORY Man' Urselli-Schaerer
January 29 2004
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on The Shape of Things to Come radio show:
(http://www.theonebob.com)
January 19 2004
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on the Darker Than The Bat radio show:
(http://www.proservcenter.be/darkerthanthebat/radio.html)
December 07 2003
BATZZ in the belfry in the "Artist Spotlight" at Balaam's Micracle Gothic and Industrial Pages:
(http://www.balaamsmiracle.com)
December 06 2003
Listen to BATZZ in the belfry (and lots of other great music...) on flishRadio (http://www.flamingfish.com)
November 16 2003
Welcome to the BATZZ in the belfry website. Drop us a line and say "hello."
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