Dubbed by many as Avant-garde metal but self-described as "Dark Cabaret Metal," Russian five-piece TARDIGRADE INFERNO released their first EP "Arrival of a Train" this past May since their previous single "Spooky Scary Skeletons" in 2021. If the kitschy cartoon depiction didn't give it away, the band is known for their distinct usage of tardigrades (or the water bear) in their album graphics, making them easily recognizable in the community and playing alongside their circus-like theme. TARDIGRADE INFERNO has been releasing music since 2016 and will be on tour this fall.

TARDIGRADE INFERNO has a very dark and whimsical aesthetic, specifically their lead singer Darya Pavlovich dawns gothic clown makeup, taking inspiration from the 1920s silent film era for inspiration for this latest EP. Their music is heavy but very fun with a melody playing hommage to "Entry of the Gladiators," the very recognizable circus tent song. In the first track, "Arrival of a Train" the beloved band's tardigrade mascot makes an appearance throughout the music video as the ringleader. While not entirely similar, TARDIGRADE INFERNO reminds me of the older, now ressurected band THE DRESDEN DOLLS. From the general style to the chaotic-style vocals, fans of THE DRESDEN DOLLS can definitely feel a sense of nostalgia with a harder style in this band. As many of us may have grown up through the emo-era with baroque-style punk, TARDIGRADE INFERNO is exactly that for today's metal fan - and maybe anyone who still watches Killer Klowns from Outerspace for fun. Also, where fans of MELANIE MARTINEZ favor this type of eccentric and almost offbeat type of music, this makes them stand out even more as they can produce tracks that don't quite fit the mainstream image of the genre. "Engine of Skin" will give you a clearer picture of Darya Pavlovich's talent, perfect for this vocal style. Their sound especially noted in "Evoke" can lean towards gothic rock.

TARDIGRADE INFERNO is, in the simplest terms, gothic fun. While they, of course, play with macabre themes, they manage to keep their aesthetic appealing to a variety of audiences. They're very active across social media, often interacting with their fans, many of whom are international despite tours only currently going through Russia. If or when they are able to perform at festivals in North America, audiences will be met with a pleasant surprise for this type of sound. They might have a niche fanbase, but it's a strong one that is surely going to grow with easy upcoming release.