Moon Cat’s blog #5: Mechanismus Festival: United

May 27-31, 2025 Seattle, Washington

[[FYI, long festivals call for long reviews. Consider yourself warned.]]

I’m writing these words while dealing with a severe sleep deficit. It’s true what they say, Mechanismus is the endurance test of goth/industrial festivals. In previous years it was a full eff-ing week!! Now it’s four days of shows plus a pre-party. In theory, I like this schedule because no bands overlap. If you want to see everything, you can! And I did... or at least I tried. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

For context, I was not planning to go this year. I went to Mechanismus: Defiance with my partner in 2024. It was both of our first times visiting Seattle so we tried to fit in all the sights in addition to the marathon of shows at night. As you can guess, we burned out early and ended up missing a bunch of the headliners. On top of that, last year’s Mech Fest was sold out to the point that the Crocodile was uncomfortably packed. I could barely see the stage most nights. AND to add insult to injury, our flights from Philadelphia were a nightmare both ways! My partner has since sworn off air travel for a very long time, and I don’t blame him.

This was a completely last minute decision for me. After an incredible Dark Force Fest the previous month (Quinn’s review coming soon), I needed something to deal with the intense festival comedown. Basically, I wanted to chase that high, but I’d be totally on my own. To my luck, several things fell into place that made it possible. My NYC based concert buddy Swag hooked me up with the Airbnb where she was staying with two other east coasters. Luckily I was able to reschedule my appointments and got coverage at work, so that night I did the totally irresponsible thing and pulled the trigger on tickets and flights.

As you know, concerts and festivals are better with friends, but as a Jersey girl that doesn’t get out west much, I didn’t know who I’d be hanging with other than possibly my roommates. So I reached out to the illustrious Brian of Void Signal and let him know I’d be back again, but solo this time. This would be his third Mechanismus, so he had established a respectable group of concert buddies by now. Plus, he was on the schedule of panels doing Void Signal trivia for the second year in a row. He graciously offered to hang out at the show and do some sight seeing around town.

The view from my window seat.

At this point I was properly psyched. I packed light and booked a non-stop flight to avoid all the air travel bullshit I dealt with last year. I also arrived a day earlier than my roommates to avoid missing the pre-party. Again, my amazing NYC friend hooked me up with another friend of hers for a couch to crash on. [Side note: Pacific North West area people are some of the most generous folks on the planet.]

Day One: Pre-party

It was very nice waking up in Seattle already settled and somewhat adjusted to the time change. My lovely host drove me over to the Airbnb a bit before check-in to drop off my luggage. Turns out the cleaning person is super chill! We got to talking about the area and stuff to do. Once my roommates showed up, we picked up (too many) groceries for the house, got changed and made our way over to the pre-party.

The Mercury

To the uninitiated, the Mercury might seem like an odd choice for a festival pre-party. Forgive me for comparing everything to Dark Force Fest, but I’m used to epic nights with bands and multiple packed rooms that go hard right up to close at 2am. I’m talking of course about QXT’s in Newark. By contrast, the Mercury is a long-running members only goth club without a stage for performers. So no bands. Also, it’s somewhat small, one dance floor. Which honestly was enough space since it wasn’t jammed. Good cheap drinks and friendly bar staff. However, my one gripe is the dress code. No blue jeans, no jerseys, etc. I talked to multiple locals that justified the policy since it’s members only. They’re trying to keep tourists (non-goths) out. On one hand, if they’ve had trouble in the past, I get it. But it feels suuuuper gate-keepy to me. The younger less confident version of myself would have been scared away. And last year, I had a front row seat to the one person that was in fact turned away at the door for wearing dark wash blue jeans. That gentleman traveled from the midwest spending money he didn’t have, and was so crushed he almost went back home to skip the festival entirely. Luckily cooler heads prevailed after his friends convinced him to stay. This was my first impression of the Mercury.

This year, I roll up with my roommate and some of the Void Signal crew and Brian is wearing a kick-ass Ministry jersey. Immediately, the staff waltz over and make him take it off. So I guess it’s not just sports jerseys, it’s also industrial band jerseys. Kay…

Inside, it’s chill, dark, with solid beats provided by the Mechanismus crew and DJ DrX from Electrograve Entertainment. Daniel Graves of Aesthetic Perfection was scheduled to be the guest DJ. I saw him there, along with his live band mate David Dutton and David’s wife Alayna (both in genCAB). However, it didn’t look like he was in the DJ booth for very long. I found out later that he wasn’t able to spin because of technical issues. So that’s a bummer. Fortunately, the other DJ’s were professionals and more than picked up the slack. Who knows, maybe it was better this way. I didn’t mind because I was shaking my butt until close.

Day Two: Skull Cultist, genCAB, Ego Likeness, Beborn Beton, Aesthetic Perfection, Suicide Commando

This was the only day at El Corazon. I really dig this venue. I can always find a spot with a decent view of the stage.

Skull Cultist opened up the night with a solid set, and Void Signal Brian along with DJ DrX joined the stage during a cover of Caustic’s Fuck That Fascist Beat with merch from bands that we’ll just say, don’t seem to oppose fascism. They were destroyed on stage and thrown in the trash where they belong.

genCAB's David & Alayna

Next up, genCAB. David Dutton recently added his wife Alayna to his live shows and I really think it was the right call. No surprise, they have great chemistry on stage. [#marriagegoals] Normally, they also have Tim Van Horn on drums but not tonight. I was already a fan of theirs since they’re semi-local to me in PA. This was probably my fifth or sixth time seeing them live, and they didn’t disappoint.

Ego Likeness was next up, another married couple! Unfortunately I needed a break to step outside at this point because it was hot as hell in there. They’re based out of Baltimore so I’ve seen them at east coast festivals a bunch of times, so I already know how awesome they are. Side note, Donna Lynch did a poetry reading from her “Choking Back the Devil” and “Girls From the County” collections at last year’s Mechanismus. It was haunting. If you’re a poetry fan, absolutely check out her work. Steven Archer’s band Stone Burner performed last year which I did catch.

Beborn Beton next. Wow, I’m very late to the party with this band. Admittedly, I had several opportunities to see them locally but life kept getting in the way. Their synth driven sound and sultry vocals are right up my alley. My friend and I made sure to visit them at their merch table. They were so sweet and clearly appreciate their fans, which I now am.

Aesthetic Perfection kept the night going playing an old-school set of their hits from 20 years ago. Daniel Graves along with David Dutton sounded really tight and it was kind of a trip for me hearing these old tracks again. My first time seeing them live was at Coney Island at Triton Festival back in 2010. It brought me back. Daniel even wore his old style from that era. Nice touch.

Suicide Commando closed out the first night with their signature killer hard electro style. To be honest, I didn’t stick around for their entire set because I was flagging by that point. Alcohol may have had something to do with it.

Day Three: Void Signal Trivia, Nuda, Intent:Outtake, Sine, Liebknecht, [:SITD:], Klutæ

After my third day of waking up with the sun on the couch, it was time to see some sights with the Void Signal crew so we did something totally wholesome and went to the Seattle aquarium. We got to touch sea anemone, watch otters play around, and generally chill out in a quiet dark environment which was a welcome contrast to last night. After lunch at Ivar’s, Lyfted back to our respective hotels to get ready for the night.

Team "Electro Gravely Incorrect" sporting our glowing snap bracelet prizes.

This was the first night at the Crocodile, which is where it would stay until the end. All shows are downstairs in Madame Lou’s with panels in the Here After theater. I started my night not with the bands, but with trivia! Because all four of us from the house came over in one cab, we ended up on the same team. Our fifth member was DJ DrX (aka Hollingsworth) from Electro Graves so of course our team name was “Electro Gravely Incorrect”! And guess what?? We freaking won which is crazy because I knew exactly one answer!! We even got cool prizes that I will treasure.

Nuda was first up. Holy hell, Kaylie is a force of nature. I’m glad I was front-center for her set. I’d argue she had the most thoughtful visuals with multiple banners, creative lighting, and what I can only assume is war paint. Her killer set was entirely instrumental, alternating between playing keyboard and guitar, with supporting performer Dru on drum pads. She strikes me as not only a musician but a true artist. I love that. Added bonus, she’s a fellow cat lady. But I guess that’s pretty common in this scene, innit?

Intent:Outtake was another new one for me. Electro-industrial duo from Leipzig, these two brought the energy and got the crowd moving. Stompy rivet heads rejoice.

From what I saw, Sine’s set was super sexy and lush. I was in and out of the main room at this point of the night to refill my cup a few times. Things were starting to get fuzzy.

I made sure to get a good spot for Liebknecht. I had listened to some of their stuff on the flight in and was immediately hooked. My personal music taste skews more electronic than harsh aggro so I was pleasantly surprised when I heard their tracks. This is what I imagine an underground rave in Berlin sounds like. I absolutely could not stay still at this point. Luckily everyone around me had the same idea so we all collectively freaked the fuck out.

I’m pretty sure I saw most of [:SITD:]’s set, but things have gone from fuzzy to blurred. I blame the sleep deprivation… yeah. I remember rocking out with the crowd, but this is another band I’m less familiar with so I can’t recall details. But they definitely kicked ass. That much I do know.

Klutæ wrapped up the night with his signature hard hitting beats and unfiltered lyrics. I actually remember Claus’s set because I made a point to catch him after missing it at Dark Force the previous month. His infectious hooks were just what the crowd needed to rally one more time before crashing. Long live EBM indeed.

Afterparties upstairs and a late night Lyft back to the house. Details are non-existent after 1am. Good God, how am I getting through two more nights of this??

Day Four: North American Label Alliance panel, Normoria, Red Lokust, DSTR, Angels & Agony, Eisfabrik, 16Volt

Woke up too damn early AGAIN! Made a mental note to squeeze in a nap later. I can miss today’s panel, even though I’d rather not.

Brian booked a tour of Beneath the Streets in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. I’m completely unfamiliar with this part of the country so I appreciated the history crash course. And not gonna lie, the underground tunnels were a little spooky, maybe haunted.

After a too-short midday nap and not enough food, I put on my getup for the night and Lyfted back to the Croc. Unfortunately I missed most of Normoria’s set. I walked down the stairs during their last song, immediately regretting not rushing over sooner.

Luckily I did catch all of Red Lokust’s set. Jim Semonik’s energy is infectious and even though I’ve seen them live a bunch of times, this night felt different somehow. I think he was really enjoying himself and that came through in the performance. Festivals have that effect on everyone, performer and attendee alike. He was super enthusiastic and smiley. It’s safe to say, Jim is a treasure in the industrial scene with what he’s done with his label and Electronic Saviors. I just wish more people outside our tiny niche music-based subculture knew about and supported his efforts to raise money for cancer research. That man deserves more credit.

DSTR’s set was beautifully melodic and super danceable, perfect for this EBM fan. Because I guess I’ve been living under a rock, I wasn’t familiar with this project until recently. The highlight for me was their closing song. Shaun from Glis joined Daniel and Sebastian to lend his vocals for the Weeknd’s Blinding Light. I was standing near the front so I couldn’t tell if the rest of the crowd was as into it, but I was bopping around like some preteen swiftie. I don’t listen to much pop, but there’s something about that song that does it for me… I’m basic.

I was told not to miss Angels & Agony’s set, but this is the point in the night where I started losing focus again. Before they went on, I abandoned my nice spot near the front to get another drink. Luckily I found some friends hanging out on the ramp to the side which had a great view. A&A’s intensely moody yet uplifting synths put me in the perfect headspace to spaz out with my buds. This must be what it’s like to approach nirvana.

Eisfabrik’s hard driving future pop kept the energy high. Their synths were a good compliment to the previous acts. Hard hitting while brooding, I never left my spot on the ramp so I wouldn’t miss a second.

So I lied. I did leave my spot because nature calls, especially after … drinks. Fortunately I only missed one or two of 16Volt’s songs by the time I got back to the ramp. This is another band that completely flew under my radar. I really need to get out from under that rock. I’m pretty sure this was the only act of the night that was strictly guitars and drums. No synths, no laptops, just raw live music with a few samples. I consider this my quintessential “Seattle rock” experience of the festival, even though they’re originally from Portland. Close enough. Their sexy melodies and vicious beats brought me back to that peak 90’s era. Hey, I’m old enough to remember it mostly.

Obligatory post-show shenanigans with the Void crew upstairs I wish I could remember. Lyfted back to the house and to my surprise, one of my roommates had already claimed the couch! I was confused until I saw the glass of chardonnay on the table. No complaints from me. Guess who gets to sleep in a bed for the first time all week??

Day Five: Electronic Saviors panel, The Secret Light, Mortal Realm, Glis, DJ? Acucrack, Funker Vogt, Front Line Assembly

Even though I was still up too early, I got some solid sleep. Good thing because this day would be epic.

The one museum I regret missing last year is the Museum of Pop Culture (aka MoPop). My partner and I are both movie nerds and I’ve been dying to see their collection of props. So Brian, Sadie, and I met for one last round of sight seeing.

I highly recommend MoPop. The movie section is worth the price of admission. I was in disbelief with what I saw in the sci-fi section alone: T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2, Greedo’s mask and hands from Star Wars episode IV, Sigourney Weaver’s flamethrower in Alien, outfits and scripts with notes from Blade Runner, three hoverboards from Back to the Future Part II, Imperial Dalek and Cyberman from Doctor Who, proton pack and ghost trap from Ghostbusters, Picard’s Starfleet uniform, the weirding module and Sting’s knife from Dune!! I could go on but I’m already rambling.

We had to do a speed run and completely skip whole sections because we were on a tight schedule. Brian wanted to introduce me to his local buddy Kristian of Us3r and wife Debbie to hang out on their swanky apartment rooftop. Brian and Kristian met back in 2022 when he played at Mechanismus: Stronghold. Too bad about the weather, this was the dreariest day of the week. Luckily there were drinks and a fire pit to keep us warm.

Look at that view.

We were getting hungry so Kristian decided to show us a super hip bar/restaurant walking distance from his place called the Pine Box. It’s a converted mortuary!! So on brand. He bought us a round and a bar pie and I was in heaven, mostly because this was the most calories I had in several days. I could launch into a rant on the superiority of east coast pizza but I’ll restrain myself. Besides, he paid for it! With our stomachs uncomfortably full, we called our cabs back home to prep for one final night.

I’m bummed out I missed the Electronic Saviors panel. My partner owns every single volume and he just picked up the deluxe edition of Volume VII at Dark Force Fest and had it signed by Jim himself.

I staked out a spot near the center for tonight’s opener The Secret Light. When I heard a few of their tracks on the flight over, I knew I had to catch them. Mechanismus doesn’t book many post-punk acts so I appreciated their inclusion in the lineup. When they walked out on stage, I was delighted to see the lead vocalist with a keytar! They looked and sounded rad as hell. I love me some darkwave. After their set, I hit up their merch table hard.

Next up, Mortal Realm… HOLE - LEE SHIT. I’ve heard rumblings about this band here and there. In fact, Void Signal did an interview with Adam Jones this past October. But like everything else, I slept on it. Turns out there’s been a ton of buzz after their first album dropped last year. Imagine my surprise when I learned that tonight was their very first live show with this project anywhere!! I’m so grateful I was there to bear witness. They lit the crowd on fire! Their sound has a lot of familiar elements while also bending genres incorporating some fresh techniques. This band is going places. I’ve been listening to their Stab In The Dark album on repeat ever since the festival. Great music to speed to, which I don’t condone.

A quick run to the back for drinks and shenanigans in between sets. No surprise, this is the point in the night again where things get hazy. However, I will never forget this. While checking the dwindling liquor options I could tell someone was behind me. I turn around and was jump-scared by none other than Bill Leeb (!!) whose towering presence and almost tired demeanor caught me completely off guard. I quickly moved aside, mumbling something like “sorry the pickings are slim” or some shit and scurry away. Someday I’ll tell this story to my non-existent grandkids.

Seattle locals Glis were up next. They unleashed a barrage of catchy future pop riffs onto a crowd still barely recovering from the last band. Their beats were hard, fast, and compelled us to keep moving. I was getting sweaty.

I had a chance to meet Shaun from Glis the day before and we somehow got on the topic of Twin Peaks, required viewing (I assume) for anyone from the PNW. I tried impressing him with the fact that I’ve seen every episode, old and new, plus the movie. RIP David Lynch, gone too soon.

Unlike some of the other legacy acts at this festival, I found out about DJ? Acucrack ages ago. When I saw them on the bill, I was legit shocked. I love old skool drum n’ bass but had forgotten about it over the years. Dieselboy’s ProjectHuman was my intro to the genre back in college. I still have a bootleg CD of Acucrack’s Killing Mobius floating around somewhere.

Jason Novak took his place behind his control station, and immediately started cooking. Mercifully, he started out with the lower bpm tracks and worked his way up. I was back on the ramp next to Kaylie and Dru of Nuda during the set and it was rad seeing them as into it as me. After a solid warm up, he cranked up the bpm melting my face clean off. All of us on the ramp and the rest of the venue lost our minds.

After the set, I exchanged IG handles with Dru and Kaylie. Turns out Dru is also a huge DnB fan and has since sent me some killer recs. I really need to dig into those.

Before Funker Vogt took the stage, I noticed the Mechanismus staff suddenly sporting Predator style camo paint on their faces. When did they have time to do that??

The troop of Germans that are Funker Vogt walked out in their signature military aesthetic, each taking their place behind instruments covered in jungle camouflage. Full disclosure, I’m not familiar with their whole discography, but I know they kick ass live. I’m always blown away at the energy this legendary group still brings to the stage. They clearly have no intention of slowing down.

Finally, Front Line Assembly. Not to be anti-climatic, but I didn’t have the energy to stick around for their full set. I know… I know, I came this far. But I had seen them twice recently touring with Ministry and Gary Numan. Besides, my cup was empty and needed a refill. To the upstairs! At some point, the guys of Funker Vogt join the after party. I’ve never seen so many loud Germans in one spot before. To their credit, these guys were professional partiers. I don’t know if they ever slept. God bless ‘em.

I don’t remember what time it was when I finally called my Lyft, but it was light outside. Yikes. Check out is at 11am and I still need to shower and pack! Maybe I’ll sleep on the plane.

so tired

A final catch up with my roommates, and we all call our separate cabs. I unwisely booked a red eye later tonight so I had time to kill in the city, all on zero sleep. After dropping off my luggage, I wandered around Pioneer Square near the waterfront, watching the tourists. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon so the crowds were out. It all felt so normal in contrast to the last few nights. I made my way to Pike Street for one last cup of Seattle coffee and sat trying not to nod off.

One last expensive Lyft ride to the airport (no energy for the light rail) and I’m winging my way back east. It’s bittersweet. I hate to leave, especially because I won’t get to do this again until 2027! Until next time Seattle. This was better than it had any right to be.

Epilogue

My trip would not have been possible without certain people so please forgive me for listing them all here.

-Brian, thank you for making this festival experience so special. And for taking me out to see the sights. Can’t wait to record the festival recap.

-Swag, thank you for hooking me up twice with places to crash and being an awesome roommate. I can’t wait to travel around to more festivals. And who knows, maybe Japan someday!

-Jillian & Kris, thank you both for finding a sweet townhouse. The couch was super comfy. Thanks also for listening to my bitching and rambling. Jillian, maybe I’ll meet you in Vancouver for Verboden someday. But before that, definitely at Johnny Brenda’s. Kris, I’ll definitely see you around in Philly at the next stompy event. Hope the Mercury membership was worth it!

-Freedom, you are such an amazing host, always willing to open your doors to guests. And your puppies are the best. One of them slept on me while I was crashing on your couch reminding me of my fur babies back home.

-Sadie, thank you for keeping Brian in line. Especially for getting his phone back from that damn Lyft driver!

-Kristian & Debbie, thank you for inviting us into your lovely home and treating us to lunch and drinks in one of the coolest spots in the neighborhood!

-Hollingsworth, thank you for keeping the beats flowing when certain guest DJ’s flake out and for making sure I never drink alone.

To the rest of the Mech staff:

-Ali, we never got to talk but thank you for literally doing all of this!

-Brain, thanks for looking out and being the responsible one.

-Zero, my 5’1” twin! You’re a beast!

-Fairy, thanks for keeping my jacket safe! Don’t forget to look up Circuit Preacher.

Forgive me if I left anyone out. I know I didn’t get to chat with all of you but it’s clear how much work goes into this festival. You deserve all the credit. See you in two years.

your girl

-Moon Cat

💜🌙💜

Past Moon Cat blogs: 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4