A surge of darkness and precision erupts as Aesthetic Perfection joins forces with SWARM for their latest release, “Sorrow.” This isn’t just a collaboration—it’s a calculated collision of two sonic forces operating at full intensity.
A Fusion of Power and Atmosphere ⚙️
“Sorrow” channels the signature aggression and polished industrial edge that Aesthetic Perfection has mastered, while SWARM injects a raw, cinematic darkness that amplifies the track’s emotional weight.
The result?
A soundscape that feels both massive and suffocating—where melodic precision meets crushing low-end and razor-sharp production.
Emotion Weaponized ⚡
At its core, “Sorrow” transforms pain into propulsion. It’s not passive. It’s not reflective.
It moves.
Driven by pounding rhythms and layered textures, the track captures a sense of internal pressure building beneath the surface—ready to break at any moment. The collaboration elevates that tension, pushing both artists into a space that feels heavier, darker, and more volatile than expected.
A Strategic Collaboration 🔥
Aesthetic Perfection has never been afraid to evolve, and teaming up with SWARM signals a continued push into deeper, more aggressive territory. This partnership feels intentional—two artists aligned in vision, creating something that hits harder than either might alone.
“Sorrow” isn’t just another release.
It’s impact.
🎶 Listen Now:
Deep Dive into the Universe of Aesthetic Perfection
After nearly four years away from American stages, Aesthetic Perfection is officially returning home — and they’re not easing back in quietly.
Fronted by Daniel Graves, the long-running industrial pop force has announced the “Suckers for Punishment” US Tour, a full-scale headline run that marks their first major American tour in years. And if the title sounds self-aware, that’s because it is. Graves jokingly admits they may not have “learned their lesson” the last time — but fans across the country are more than ready to welcome the chaos back.
This tour follows their high-profile 2023 run with Till Lindemann, but this time Aesthetic Perfection stands center stage — commanding the spotlight on their own terms.
Joining them on select dates are longtime allies Priest and Julien-K, both previous tour partners who helped shape key eras of the project in 2009 and 2019. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a reunion of industrial-era architects.
After 26 years of evolution, reinvention, and razor-sharp production, Aesthetic Perfection is aiming to make this the most definitive run of their career.
Exclusive VIP Experiences
In addition to general admission tickets, each show will offer a strictly limited VIP upgrade — capped at just 15 spots per city. These upgrades provide a rare, intimate opportunity for fans who want more than just a setlist — they want proximity to the machine.
As if the tour wasn’t enough, Aesthetic Perfection has also delivered a pulverizing new remix of “We Bring the Beat”, re-engineered by longtime collaborator Sebastian Komor.
Komor — known for his work in Icon of Coil, Zombie Girl, and Komor Kommando — strips the track down to its mechanical skeleton and rebuilds it for maximum dancefloor impact.
Released via Out of Line Music, the remix hits hard, fast, and without apology — a preview of additional collaborations on the horizon as the US tour approaches.
Suckers for Punishment – US Tour 2026
APR 02 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky a Go Go APR 03 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick APR 04 – Pomona, CA – The Glass House APR 05 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge APR 09 – Madison, WI – The Annex APR 10 – Chicago, IL – WC Social Club APR 11 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry APR 12 – Harrisburg, PA – Capital City Music Hall APR 14 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz APR 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Nikki Lopez APR 16 – Rochester, NY – Photo City Music Hall APR 17 – Brooklyn, NY – The Meadows APR 18 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater APR 19 – Manchester, NH – Jewel Music Venue APR 21 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones APR 22 – Nashville, TN – Cobra APR 24 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live APR 25 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar APR 26 – Dallas, TX – Trees APR 29 – Glendale, AZ – The 44 APR 30 – Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar MAY 01 – Salt Lake City, UT – Liquid Joe’s MAY 02 – Denver, CO – Ritual Noize Festival
Summer Festivals 2026
MAY 07 – Berlin, DE – Out of Line Weekender (Old-School Electro Set) MAY 22 – Leipzig, DE – Wave Gotik Treffen AUG 08 – Hildesheim, DE – M’era Luna Festival
Suckers for Punishment – EU Tour 2026
NOV 03 – Cologne, DE – Essigfabrik NOV 04 – Berlin, DE – Frannz Club NOV 06 – Oberhausen, DE – Kulttempel NOV 07 – Liberec, CZ – Sever Synth Fest NOV 10 – Munich, DE – Backstage NOV 11 – Frankfurt, DE – Das Bett NOV 12 – Hanover, DE – MusikZentrum NOV 13 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser NOV 14 – Hamburg, DE – Markthalle
Deep Dive into the Universe of Aesthetic Perfection
Industrial provocateurs return to the stage with a transatlantic run backed by scene heavyweights and festival firepower.
Aesthetic Perfection have officially locked in their 2026 tour, delivering a stacked schedule that spans the United States and Germany, blending intimate club shows, high-energy support bills, and major festival appearances. Known for confrontational performances, sweat-drenched crowds, and relentless momentum, this tour marks another decisive chapter in the project’s ongoing evolution.
⚙️ A Relentless Live Force Returns
Fronted by Daniel Graves, Aesthetic Perfection has built a reputation for shows that refuse complacency. Every performance is engineered for impact—aggressive electronics, razor-edged hooks, and constant audience interaction. The 2026 tour continues that tradition, reinforcing the project’s position at the crossroads of industrial, EBM, aggrotech, and dark alternative culture.
This run also brings strategic support and collaborations, reinforcing scene unity while pushing the intensity higher night after night.
🇺🇸 United States Tour Dates — April 2026
The U.S. leg kicks off on the West Coast before cutting across the Midwest and East Coast, closing out in the Southwest.
Apr 2 (Thu) — Whisky A Go Go — West Hollywood, CA withJulien-K
Apr 3 (Fri) — Brick By Brick — San Diego, CA with Julien-K, Priest
Apr 4 (Sat) — Flyway — Pomona, CA
Apr 5 (Sun) — DNA Lounge — San Francisco, CA with Julien-K, Priest
Apr 11 (Sat) — The Foundry Concert Club — Cleveland, OH with Julien-K, Priest
Apr 12 (Sun) — Capital City Music Hall — Harrisburg, PA with Julien-K, Priest
Apr 14 (Tue) — Dingbatz — Clifton, NJ with Julien-K
Apr 17 (Fri) — The Meadows — New York City, NY
Apr 24 (Fri) — Come and Take It Live — Austin, TX
Apr 25 (Sat) — Scout Bar — Houston, TX
Apr 29 (Wed) — The 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife — Glendale, AZ
🇩🇪 Germany — Festival & Fall Tour 2026
Aesthetic Perfection’s European presence begins with a major festival appearance before returning for an extensive fall club run across Germany.
May 2026
May 7 (Thu) — Out Of Line Weekender 2026 — Berlin (Festival appearance alongside Priest, Chrom, Ashbury Heights, Dawn of Ashes, Massive Ego, and more)
May 8 (Fri) — Astra Kulturhaus — Berlin
November 2026
Nov 3 (Tue) — Essigfabrik — Köln
Nov 4 (Wed) — Frannz Club — Berlin
Nov 6 (Fri) — Kulttempel — Oberhausen
Nov 10 (Tue) — Backstage — München
Nov 11 (Wed) — Das Bett — Frankfurt am Main
Nov 12 (Thu) — Musikzentrum — Hannover
Nov 13 (Fri) — Hellraiser — Leipzig/Engelsdorf
Nov 14 (Sat) — Markthalle — Hamburg
This isn’t a nostalgia lap—it’s a forward strike. With Julien-K and Priest reinforcing the U.S. dates and a high-profile appearance at Out Of Line Weekender, Aesthetic Perfection’s 2026 tour reflects a scene that’s still evolving, still aggressive, and still unwilling to dilute its edge.
Expect packed floors, no-filter performances, and nights engineered for maximum impact.
Deep Dive into the Universe of Aesthetic Perfection
The ever-fierce I Ya Toyah returns with a new surge of energy through “Denial (Aesthetic Perfection Remix)”, reimagining her haunting industrial sound with Daniel Graves’ signature electronic venom. This remix blends icy synth lines, pulsating bass, and a dose of Aesthetic Perfection’s dark-pop flair, transforming the original into a dancefloor inferno for the disillusioned and defiant.
Fans can expect the remix to amplify the raw emotion and cyberpunk tension that I Ya Toyah is known for—twisting the edges of pain and beauty into something electrifying.
🎶 Listen Now:
💬 “Denial is about confronting the uncomfortable truths we try to bury,” says I Ya Toyah. “This remix turns that confrontation into a dark celebration—a scream disguised as a song.”
⚡ About I Ya Toyah
Born in Poland and now based in Chicago, I Ya Toyah’s name translates roughly to “It’s just me”—a fitting declaration for the one-woman army behind her music. Blending industrial, darkwave, synth-pop, and electronic rock, she writes, records, and produces everything herself, championing a fiercely DIY ethos under her own label Femme Fatale Records.
Her work delves deep into themes of mental health, human rights, and self-empowerment, often donating proceeds from her music and merchandise to causes such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Animal Hope & Wellness. I Ya Toyah views her project not merely as music, but as a movement—a rallying cry for individuality and strength in dark times.
Her debut album Code Blue (2018) introduced her as a formidable voice in the industrial underground, with subsequent releases and collaborations pushing her further into global recognition. “Denial (Aesthetic Perfection Remix)” continues that legacy, fusing raw emotion with machine-driven precision.
🌍 Upcoming Tour Dates (Post November 1, 2025)
I Ya Toyah is currently bringing her electrified stage presence to Europe, delivering an immersive live show that merges sound, light, and sheer intensity.
Nov 2, 2025 – Zik-Zak, Ittre, Belgium
Nov 4, 2025 – L’Ampérage, Grenoble, France
Nov 5, 2025 – Backstage By The Mill, Paris, France
Nov 7, 2025 – Salle de Spectacle, Saint-Ismier, France
Nov 8, 2025 – Beasto Blanco, Telfs, Austria
Nov 11, 2025 – Analog Music Hall, Budapest, Hungary
Fans describe her performances as cathartic, defiant, and hypnotic—a raw surge of emotion set against pulsating visuals and cybernetic rhythm.
Happy Monday, Perfectionists! Things are busy at Aesthetic Perfection HQ. While we’re gearing up for our upcoming winter tour with Till Lindemann, we’re also excited to announce a series of headline shows on the We Bring the Beat Tour. All dates and ticket links are listed below.
We’re also secretly working on a new album and even discussing a potential return to North America in 2026. Stay tuned for more details as they develop, and if you want access to top-secret information and regular updates, consider joining our Imperfect Society community.
In the meantime, the reimagined reissue of my debut album, Closer to Human, is finally available in the North American shop, and my Dark Force Fest lecture has been published on YouTube. You can find all the details on these below. Your support means the world to me!
Closer to Human | Out Now!
On June 20th, I released the long-awaited reissue of my debut album. This isn’t just a simple re-release; it’s a complete reinvention of the 2005 original, rebuilt from the ground up using all the original samples and synthesizers.
During the initial preorder, the red vinyl editions nearly sold out, but a handful were reserved for my online shops. They’ve just arrived in our facility and are shipping now. Don’t miss out, because once they’re gone, they’re gone! Closer to Human is available in all formats in both the Aesthetic Perfection North American and European webshops.
How to Make It When You Haven’t Made It
On May 3rd, 2025, I finally held the talk I’d been planning for over a decade. Originally conceived for SXSW in 2014, my lecture explores the realities, promises, and pitfalls of being an independent musician. It’s meant to help artists turn their passion into a profession without relying on the traditional music industry.
Give it a watch on YouTube and let me know if you’d like me to do more presentations like this.
Spotify | Curated Playlists
I’ve made many of my private Spotify playlists public. In my free time, I love curating playlists that feature my favorite vibes and genres, and I thought you might enjoy them too! So far, the response has been great. Here are some of my current playlists:
Dark Electro + Aggrotech Essentials
Industrial Metal Essentials
Futurepop + Synthpop Essentials
This is Industrial Pop
Sick, Sad, Lovesongs
Live Dates
OCT 28 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser* | Tickets
OCT 29 – Leipzig, DE – Quarterback Immobilien Arena+ | SOLD OUT
OCT 31 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome+ | Tickets
NOV 02 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis+ | Tickets
NOV 03 – London, UK – Camden Underworld* | Tickets
NOV 04 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley+ | Tickets
NOV 06 – Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle+ | Tickets
NOV 07 – Braunschweig, DE – westand* | Tickets
NOV 08 – Dortmund, DE – Westfalenhalle+ | Tickets
NOV 10 – Dresden, DE – Messe Dresden+ | SOLD OUT
NOV 13 – Barcelona, ES – Sant Jordi Club+ | Tickets
NOV 15 – Madrid, ES – Palacio Vistalegre+ | Tickets
NOV 17 – Lisbon, PT – MEO Arena+ | Tickets
NOV 20 – Paris, FR – ADIDAS Arena+ | Tickets
NOV 21 – Düsseldorf, DE – PSD Bank Dome+ | Tickets
NOV 23 – Hamburg, DE – Barclay’s Arena+ | Tickets
NOV 25 – Munich, DE – Olympiahalle+ | Tickets
NOV 27 – Nuremberg, DE – Arena Nürnberger Versicherung+ | Tickets
NOV 28 – Wroclaw, PL – Club Liverpool* | Tickets
NOV 29 – Vienna, AT – Stadthalle+ | Tickets
NOV 30 – Vienna, AT – Szene* | Tickets
DEC 01 – Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena+ | Tickets
DEC 02 – Budapest, HU – MVM Dome+ | Tickets
DEC 04 – Bucharest, RO – ROMEXPO+ | Tickets
DEC 06 – Istanbul, TR – Ülker Sports Arena+ | SOLD OUT
DEC 08 – Sofia, BG – Arena Armeec+ | Tickets
DEC 09 – Belgrade, SER – Zappa Baza* | Tickets
DEC 10 – Zagreb, HR – Arena+ | Tickets
DEC 12 – Milan, IT – Alcatraz+ | Tickets
DEC 13 – Karlsruhe, DE – Stadtmitte* | Tickets
DEC 14 – Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion+ | Tickets
DEC 16 – Stuttgart, DE – Hanns-Martin-Schlyer-Halle+ | Tickets
DEC 17 – Frankfurt, DE – Das Bett* | Tickets
DEC 18 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena+ | Tickets
DEC 19 – Prague, CZ – Cargo Gallery* | Tickets
* = Headline Show+ = Supporting Till Lindemann
Deep Dive into the universe of Aestetic Perfection:
20 Years Later, the Debut Album Returns—Reborn and Reinvented
💥 Two decades after its original release and long believed lost to time, Daniel Graves has resurrected his debut album under a new name and form—Closer to Human is available now via Bandcamp, with pre-orders for ultra-limited physical editions going fast.
“This isn’t a remaster. It’s a resurrection.”
Meticulously reconstructed using the original gear and samples, this version of the album breathes fire into the foundations of Aesthetic Perfection with a renewed precision, fury, and spirit. This is the album that started it all, rebuilt for a new generation of perfectionists.
💿💿 Double CD – Includes original 2005 master by Mike Wells (Gridlock) + era remixes by genCAB, XP8, UnterART, [distatix]
🔴 Vinyl Edition – Pressed on bold red vinyl
Only 1,000 CDs and 500 vinyl copies exist. 🎯 Official Release Date: June 20, 2025 💻 Pre-orders include instant downloads of “Beautiful,” “Master,” and Bandcamp-exclusive “Architect.”
🧠 Why It Matters
Lost in a catastrophic hard drive failure, Close to Human was once thought to be gone forever. But Daniel’s refusal to let the past die has given birth to something more powerful—a rebirth that doesn’t just revisit history, it rewrites it.
💀 Deep Dive into the Universe of Aesthetic Perfection
Rammstein Frontman Ignites the Festival Season with a Haunting New Solo Anthem via Out Of Line Music
Till Lindemann, the iconic and polarizing voice of RAMMSTEIN, has dropped a brand-new solo single, “Und Die Engel Singen”, alongside a visually striking official music video now streaming on his YouTube channel. Released through Out Of Line Music, the track marks a bold entry into Lindemann’s festival campaign for 2025, fusing his signature theatrical power with a haunting, melodic undercurrent.
🖤 “Und Die Engel Singen” is available for pre-order now in a variety of collector formats, including:
Limited Picture Vinyl 7″ (Out Of Line exclusive)
Limited Minimax Picture CD (Out Of Line exclusive)
Standard Vinyl 7″
Maxi CD Edition
📦 All physical editions will ship on August 8, 2025, just in time for the heat of summer tour season.
Lindemann previously dropped the solo track “Meine Welt” in December 2024, a release that stood apart from his debut solo album ZUNGE (November 2024). While not included on ZUNGE, both tracks continue to shape a compelling solo vision, separate from his work with RAMMSTEIN.
🌍 LIVE SHOWS: Europe in His Crosshairs
Till Lindemann wrapped his first-ever North American solo tour in late 2024, backed by a formidable lineup:
🎸 Jes Paige & Emily Ruvidich – Guitars
🎸 Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails) – Bass
🎹 Constance Day – Keyboards
🥁 Joe Letz (Combichrist) – Drums
Now, he’s preparing to dominate stages across Europe with a massive solo festival tour through summer 2025, followed by his Meine Welt European headline tour in October 2025, with Aesthetic Perfection as the special guest.
⚠️ CONTROVERSY & CLEARED CHARGES
In August 2023, German prosecutors dropped all investigations into accusations of sexual misconduct against Lindemann, citing lack of evidence. Lindemann has consistently denied the allegations, with his legal team branding them “without exception untrue.” The controversy, while sparking media debate, did not stop Lindemann’s artistic momentum.
🔥 FROM STADIUMS TO SOLO DOMINANCE
Hot off Rammstein’s 2024 European stadium tour, Lindemann continues forging a bold solo path, balancing industrial aggression, lyrical provocation, and gothic grandeur.
👉 Pre-order “Und Die Engel Singen” now and immerse yourself in the latest dark vision from one of music’s most notorious figures.
The long-lost debut reemerges after 20 years—pre-orders and pre-saves now open!
Two decades after a catastrophic hard drive crash seemingly erased Close to Human forever, Aesthetic Perfection’s Daniel Graves has painstakingly rebuilt his iconic debut from the ground up. Renamed Closer to Human, this resurrection is no mere remaster—it’s a fully reimagined and meticulously reconstructed release. And it’s finally available to pre-order, with a worldwide drop coming June 20th, 2025.
In 2024, Graves began the ambitious project of sourcing original hardware and samples, recreating each beat and note by hand. The result is Closer to Human—a rebirth of his debut that captures all the soul, energy, and intensity of the original era.
Partnering with Dependent Records, the physical editions are the most deluxe Aesthetic Perfection has ever offered:
💿 Single CD Edition: Digisleeve with 8-page art booklet
💿💿 Double CD Edition: Includes a never-released master by the late Mike Wells (Gridlock) + remixes by genCAB, XP8, UnterART, and [distatix]
🔴 Vinyl Edition: Limited red vinyl
Limited run: Only 1,000 CDs and 500 vinyl copies worldwide!
🎤 Beautiful | One-Take Vocal Performance
Don’t miss the raw, pajama-clad one-take performance of “Beautiful” now on YouTube. A perfect reminder of Graves’ vocal power—and his Birkenstock loyalty.
🧠 Spotify: Curated Playlists
Daniel’s private Spotify playlists are now public! Explore his favorite moods and moments across genres:
Dark Electro + Aggrotech Essentials
Industrial Metal Essentials
Futurepop + Synthpop Essentials
This Is Industrial Pop
Sick, Sad, Lovesongs
🎟️ Final Close to Violent Throwback Shows
Catch the last old-school electronic shows before they’re gone for good. New dates added in Denver and Oberhausen, plus a replacement LA stop!
🗓️ Tour Dates (Select Highlights)
APR 20 – Sheffield, UK – Resistanz Festival MAY 02 – Parsippany, NJ – Dark Force Festival MAY 24 – Oberhausen, DE – Kulttempel JUN 06 – Denver, CO – HQ JUN 07 – Los Angeles, CA – The Paramount OCT 31 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome (+ Till Lindemann) DEC 02 – Budapest, HU – MVM Dome (+ Till Lindemann)
Industrial Techno Fury Ignites New Round of Remix Madness!
COP International cranks the dial to full destruction with the latest installment of the Schattenmann Remix Series—this time enlisting industrial-pop icon Aesthetic Perfection for a thunderous rework of the track “Hände Hoch.” 🎧 Listen Now
🔥 About the Remix
Following the December detonation courtesy of Faderhead’s Día de Muertos remix, the stakes are raised once more. Aesthetic Perfection injects surgical precision and dancefloor domination into the remix, crafting a pure techno-metal monster that escalates with every pulse.
This is the soundtrack to collapse—unapologetically intense, relentlessly kinetic, and engineered for chaos. Get ready to lose control.
💀 No Seats. No Limits. No Mercy.
“Hände Hoch (Aesthetic Perfection Remix)” is built to destroy the silence—and possibly the stage. Turn it up and prepare for impact.
Three-Day Dark/Alt/Dance Music Festival May 2nd to 4th, 2025
VampireFreaks proudly presents Dark Force Fest—a spectacular 3-day music festival featuring a powerhouse lineup of goth, industrial, darkwave, and post-punk acts from around the world.
This thrilling event will showcase 35 bands across two stages, including headliners ORGY, The Birthday Massacre, Covenant, and Suicide Commando, along with standout performances by: Aesthetic Perfection, Genitorturers, Funker Vogt, Razed In Black, Calabrese, SITD, Haujobb, Klutæ, TRAITRS, Beborn Beton, God Module, Flesh Field, Dead On A Sunday, Rosegarden Funeral Party, Amelia Arsenic, NYXX, Panic Priest, 2 Shadows, Seraphim Shock, Dancing Plague, genCAB, Occults, SINE, Circuit Preacher, Corbeau Hangs, Die Sexual, Frenchy and the Punk, Everything Goes Cold, Contracult, Project .44, and Whorticulture.
Venue Details
Dark Force Fest will take place at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, NJ, just one hour from New York City. This castle-style hotel boasts 44,000 square feet of event space and 370 hotel rooms. While accommodations at the main venue sold out quickly, there are still rooms available at overflow hotels in the surrounding area.
Activities Beyond the Music
In addition to its impressive musical lineup, Dark Force Fest offers a wide variety of activities, including:
Over 100 Vendors
Sideshow Performances
Drag Queen Shows
Goth-Industrial DJ Club Events
Classes & Activities
Panels and Presentations
Food Trucks
About VampireFreaks
Founded in 1999, VampireFreaks is a globally recognized lifestyle brand and community hub for the gothic and alternative scene. With over two decades of experience hosting gothic events and designing alternative clothing, VampireFreaks continues to inspire and innovate within the scene.
Aesthetic Perfection announces American Psycho Tour 2023 + very special guest
Empathy Test
Aesthetic Perfection and Empathy Test embark on the American Psycho 2023 Tour covering most major cities in Europe.
The first tour stop is in Glasgow, Ireland on March 30th, and wraps up in Hamburg, Germany on may 13th.
I remember the first time seeing Empathy Test tour with Aesthetic Perfection. A very dynamic duo of counterbalancing and complimenting live performances! this was my 3rd time seeing AP. Opened the bar for AP once in Dayton, OH., ages ago.
LAZERPUNK opened, and my favorite memeory, (aside from meeting and speaking to the projects) was singing along, and the speakers cut out.
Very energertic vibes, and visually awesome live performances, so if you make the time, please take the time to see them both live.
Go out and support these artists, and thanks for keeping it Evol!!!
Dark/Alt/Dance Culture, Music Entertainment News, Mental Health/STEM updates, Educational/Informational Community Outreach resources, Fashion, and Interviews with the artists you know and love – Featuring a HUGE mix of THE Most Dirty, Heavy, Danceable, Electronica, Rock, Metal, and Industrial! from the underground to the mainstream, coast to coast, and ALL around the globe.