SUBTERFUGE official website
SUBTERFUGE are a goth band formed in Melbourne, Australia in the early 1990's and have been described as being "Australia's finest in Gothic Rock".
Members: Clifford Ennis and Rick Mullen.
Subterfuge came to prominence with the release of the CD EP "Darkland Awakening" in 1994 and new songs appeared on compilation albums in the years following but the much anticipated Subterfuge album never eventuated............but wait!!!
Fast forward to 2013 and the good folk at Strobelight-Records put together a comprehensive collection of Subterfuge material from the heady days of the 1990's. The 16 track CD album is full of previously unreleased songs, mixes and demos as well as all the old favourites (available to purchase from the shop page or from the strobelight-records website)
AND it doesn't end there! 2016 saw new songs recorded and a new album (yes, a brand new album) will be released on March 20th, 2017. The album is called "Blind to Reason" contains 9 tracks, released on LP and CD and is on the Heartland Records label (same label as the Darkland Awakening CD all those years ago).
2020 saw Subterfuge releasing a 6 track CD EP entitled "Heat". The title track 'Heat' is a cover version of the classic 1983 Soft Cell song. There are 2 versions of "Heat" on the CD plus 3 brand new original songs, "The Empty Embrace", "Apathy", "As Strong As Your Weakness" & the CD ends with a live cover of "Body Electric" (The Sisters of Mercy), this live track was recorded way back in 1997 on a humble Camcorder so is an audience recording but it captures a certain energy.
The customary Subterfuge holiday ensued which saw a couple of very Limited 30th CDr anniversary releases. In September 2023 we did a CDr of our original 1993 Demo tape and then in May 2024, to mark the 30th anniversary of 'Darkland Awakening' we released a CDr of LIVE performances of the 4 Darkland EP tracks.
2024 will see us recording new material. If we release anything this year it will most likely be a digital release but will endeavour to get back to physical product in 2025.
Members: Clifford Ennis and Rick Mullen.
Subterfuge came to prominence with the release of the CD EP "Darkland Awakening" in 1994 and new songs appeared on compilation albums in the years following but the much anticipated Subterfuge album never eventuated............but wait!!!
Fast forward to 2013 and the good folk at Strobelight-Records put together a comprehensive collection of Subterfuge material from the heady days of the 1990's. The 16 track CD album is full of previously unreleased songs, mixes and demos as well as all the old favourites (available to purchase from the shop page or from the strobelight-records website)
AND it doesn't end there! 2016 saw new songs recorded and a new album (yes, a brand new album) will be released on March 20th, 2017. The album is called "Blind to Reason" contains 9 tracks, released on LP and CD and is on the Heartland Records label (same label as the Darkland Awakening CD all those years ago).
2020 saw Subterfuge releasing a 6 track CD EP entitled "Heat". The title track 'Heat' is a cover version of the classic 1983 Soft Cell song. There are 2 versions of "Heat" on the CD plus 3 brand new original songs, "The Empty Embrace", "Apathy", "As Strong As Your Weakness" & the CD ends with a live cover of "Body Electric" (The Sisters of Mercy), this live track was recorded way back in 1997 on a humble Camcorder so is an audience recording but it captures a certain energy.
The customary Subterfuge holiday ensued which saw a couple of very Limited 30th CDr anniversary releases. In September 2023 we did a CDr of our original 1993 Demo tape and then in May 2024, to mark the 30th anniversary of 'Darkland Awakening' we released a CDr of LIVE performances of the 4 Darkland EP tracks.
2024 will see us recording new material. If we release anything this year it will most likely be a digital release but will endeavour to get back to physical product in 2025.
NEWS : NEWS : NEWS : NEWS : NEWS
MAY 2024 - It's another 30 year anniversary, this time of the release of our debut CD EP "Darkland Awakening" which came out on April 23rd 1994,
I thought about re-issuing it on vinyl (but that's a costly and lengthy exercise) so I have opted to trawl the archives and dig out live versions of the tracks that appeared on the EP. "DARKLAND AWAKENING - Live Audience Recordings" CD is similar to last years anniversary effort in that it is a CDR and comes with a Darkland Awakening T-Shirt.
We never went to the trouble of recording our gigs but luckily there was a local who used to turn up with a video camera, the tracks on this live CD are from those recordings. As the title says, they are "Audience Recordings" so a bit raw, some crowd noise, a little bit of hiss but considering its from a humble video camcorder I think they turned out rather well.
Funds from the sale of this release will go directly into recording new material (YES, WE DO HAVE AND WILL RECORD NEW MATERIAL SOON).
To Purchase "Darkland Awakening Live Audience Recordings" go to our SHOP PAGE
I thought about re-issuing it on vinyl (but that's a costly and lengthy exercise) so I have opted to trawl the archives and dig out live versions of the tracks that appeared on the EP. "DARKLAND AWAKENING - Live Audience Recordings" CD is similar to last years anniversary effort in that it is a CDR and comes with a Darkland Awakening T-Shirt.
We never went to the trouble of recording our gigs but luckily there was a local who used to turn up with a video camera, the tracks on this live CD are from those recordings. As the title says, they are "Audience Recordings" so a bit raw, some crowd noise, a little bit of hiss but considering its from a humble video camcorder I think they turned out rather well.
Funds from the sale of this release will go directly into recording new material (YES, WE DO HAVE AND WILL RECORD NEW MATERIAL SOON).
To Purchase "Darkland Awakening Live Audience Recordings" go to our SHOP PAGE
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SEPTEMBER 2023 - 30 years since we released our 4 track demo tape. In honour of this anniversary a CD-R was released (this also came with a t-shirt. I was reluctant to re-issue the demo tape but the 30 year anniversary called for some sort of recognition. The CD was limited to 30 copies only.
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AUGUST 2023 - Wow, it's been a hell of a long time since any "news".
Most of my involvement in music over the last couple of years has been with Ikon, this included a short European tour in May/June 2023. We played in Leipzig (WGT), Rome and Athens. This was my last involvement with Ikon.
It was good while it lasted but after 15 years in Ikon it's now over for myself and the drummer David.
I knew the end was imminent so I wasn't at all surprised or disappointed when I received a text message informing me it was over. It means I can now try and concentrate more on Subterfuge.
Huzzah!
Most of my involvement in music over the last couple of years has been with Ikon, this included a short European tour in May/June 2023. We played in Leipzig (WGT), Rome and Athens. This was my last involvement with Ikon.
It was good while it lasted but after 15 years in Ikon it's now over for myself and the drummer David.
I knew the end was imminent so I wasn't at all surprised or disappointed when I received a text message informing me it was over. It means I can now try and concentrate more on Subterfuge.
Huzzah!
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JANUARY 2021 - These two handsome young lads have recently reconnected and while we may not be so young (or handsome) anymore we have been collaborating on a number of tracks with a view to a new release once all this COVID-19 nonsense has dissipated (which I think rules out 2021). Recent Subterfuge releases have featured songs jointly written by Clifford and Rick but they were recorded very much at arms length. Working closely together again brings a new (or should that be old) dynamic to the writing process. |
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SEPTEMBER 2020 - if any of you follow us on facebook then you may have noticed our page is not visible at the moment. That is because the powers that be at facebook decided to play God and unpublish the page without any warning or justification. I have appealed their ridiculous decision and hope that they see sense and re-instate the page. In case they don't, I have had to start a new FB page from scratch, which is annoying and all this could've been avoided had facebook simply contacted me to verify that I was the rightful owner. IDIOTS.
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JULY 4th 2020 - Another one of Bandcamp's "waive the fees" days and I've uploaded another 3 unheard songs/mixes. Will be only available for a couple of days before I take them down. UNREFINED AND UNUSED II 1. Hand in Hand (devil's spawn mix) 2. I'll Take Tomorrow With Me (rough home demo) 3. Jealousy (stripped bare) demo "I'll Take Tomorrow With Me" will eventually be recorded properly and be on a future release.......! not even going to speculate as to when that may be though. |
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JUNE 5th 2020 - Bandcamp have one of their "waive the fees" days today so I uploaded 3 previously unheard tracks under the banner "Unrefined and Unused". Available to download but only for a limited time as I intend on taking them down after 3 or 4 days. It includes 2 home demos and 1 unreleased mix. 1. Nobody's Listening (home demo). 2. The Empty Embrace (rough home demo). 3. Only the Righteous (Alternate mix). Perhaps I will upload them again at some point in the future (but that will more likely be years down the track). Might even decide to record and properly mix "Nobody's Listening" for whatever the next Subterfuge release may be. I imagine it will be somewhat different than this demo though, I'd possibly "goth it up" a bit. |
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MAY 2020 - The Coronavirus / Covid-19 has had a big impact on postage around the world. Items from Australia are taking forever to reach their destination. Apparently, after sitting at the airport for over a month Australia Post decided to send items but via SEA MAIL. So if you are still waiting for your copy of "Heat" to arrive please be patient, it is on it's way still. I know it's ridiculous for it to take close on 3 months to arrive but these are pretty ridiculous times.
APRIL 2nd 2020 - 'Heat' CD ep is officially released today (YES, today in the middle of a global pandemic). CD contains 6 tracks and is limited to 200 copies only. CD is a proper factory pressed silver disc and can also be available to download from April 2nd via BANDCAMP >> www.subterfuge-au.bandcamp.com <<
You can also buy the CD on this website (obviously). Head on over to the SHOP page.
You can also buy the CD on this website (obviously). Head on over to the SHOP page.
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MARCH 11th 2020 - Subterfuge will release a 6 track CD ep "HEAT" on April 2nd 2020 (with a pre-sale starting today). The CD is limited to 200 copies only and each one is hand numbered. The CD should be in my hands next week and I will start posting them out on March 19th (give or take a day) so you should receive before the release date of April 2nd (providing the postal service behave themselves).
The track listing for the CD is: 1. HEAT 2. THE EMPTY EMBRACE 3. APATHY 4. AS STRONG AS YOUR WEAKNESS 5. HEAT (Blood and Sand mix) 6. BODY ELECTRIC (live 1997) |
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FEBRUARY 2020 - That "monthly news" idea went awry very quick, ooops. Since the last update the recording of the forthcoming EP has been completed and I have been finishing off other details regarding the EP albeit rather slowly (is there any other way to do things?). Will supply more details of the release VERY SOON.
NOVEMBER 2019 - Subterfuge was put to the side for most of November as IKON had a gig thrust upon us in tribute to local video maker, friend and fan of both Ikon and Subterfuge Mr Guy Jukes who sadly passed away far too soon, so time was spent rehearsing etc. Will attempt to finish the recording of the Subterfuge EP in December if time allows.
OCTOBER 2019 - Apologies for neglecting to update anything on here for so long, ANYWAY, this month has seen a return to the studio for Subterfuge. The initial plan was to release an EP before the end of the year BUT I still need to go into the studio to finish a few things off so in true lazy Subterfuge style I've decided to take my time and release it some time in the first quarter of 2020. Will attempt to keep the news updated more often from now on (monthly at the very least) so that anyone interested can keep abreast of progress.
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MARCH 2018 - Head on over to bandcamp for a free download of the "Alternate mix" of "Hang Your Head in Shame"
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FEBRUARY 2018 - Webmagazine 'Terra Relicta' are running a poll entitled "Dark Music Awards 2017" to find the best album of 2017. SUBTERFUGE "Blind to Reason" has made the shortlist of 20 and the final round of voting is underway. You have until the end of February before the voting closes. You can VOTE HERE if you wish.
JANUARY 2018 - Last month on "GLOBAL GOTHIC CHART" Subterfuge - Vow was listed as being at the dizzy heights of number 6
JANUARY 2018 - VIRUS G WEBZINE have listed their 30 Best Albums of 2017 and "Blind to Reason" makes the list. Click HERE to view (list is in alphabetical order).
JANUARY 2018 - The Votes have been counted in the Gothic-Rock.com poll for "Best album of 2017" and Subterfuge "Blind to Reason" came in at NUMBER 2.
Final results listed below.
Final results listed below.
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December 2017 - Gothic-Rock.com are at it again with another poll, this time asking for people to vote for the best songs of 2017.
There are 3 Subterfuge songs on the list to vote for (they ask you to vote for a minimum of 15 songs) so if you find the time please vote for the 3 Subterfuge songs among your 15.
VOTING CLOSES ON 31st DECEMBER.
Cheers.
There are 3 Subterfuge songs on the list to vote for (they ask you to vote for a minimum of 15 songs) so if you find the time please vote for the 3 Subterfuge songs among your 15.
VOTING CLOSES ON 31st DECEMBER.
Cheers.
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DECEMBER 2017 - |
Video for VOW (track 6 from the 2017 album "Blind to Reason") |
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DECEMBER 2017 - T-Shirts, Mugs (and some other stuff) can be purchased from HERE. Really should've sorted out T-shirts ages ago but was too lazy to organize them hence why I have gone down the 'redbubble' route. |
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NOVEMBER 2017 - Over at GOTHIC-ROCK.COM they are holding a poll for the best album of 2017. SUBTERFUGE- "Blind to Reason" is on the list of 60 or so. You have to vote for a minimum of 5 albums. So head on over and get voting >> http://gothic-rock.com/vote-for-the-best-album-of-2017-vote-now/
(voting closes on December 15th)
(voting closes on December 15th)
".... a flawless goth rock album"
A review of "Blind to Reason" which appeared in SONIC SEDUCER which is one of Germany's biggest music magazines.
The review was featured in the magazine back on August 6th (somehow missed it at the time).
A review of "Blind to Reason" which appeared in SONIC SEDUCER which is one of Germany's biggest music magazines.
The review was featured in the magazine back on August 6th (somehow missed it at the time).
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FREE download of the song Blind to Reason (low tide edit) from the Subterfuge BANDCAMP page.
Only free for a limited time so head on over before October 25th click "buy now" then select $0.00 when asked to "name your price". |
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SEPTEMBER 26th -
Blind to Reason (low tide edit) Video for an edited version of track 4 from the album. Available to download from our bandcamp page & FREE for a ltd time. |
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AUGUST 2017 - "Blind to Reason" is Album of the month in Darkitalia webzine.
"We are facing one of the most beautiful and interesting albums of 2017 which I strongly suggest you don't miss" 8.7/10 (wise words indeed).
If your Italian is better than mine then you can read the REVIEW here.
"We are facing one of the most beautiful and interesting albums of 2017 which I strongly suggest you don't miss" 8.7/10 (wise words indeed).
If your Italian is better than mine then you can read the REVIEW here.
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JULY 13th 2017 -
A quickly thrown together Video for "Bitter End" which is track 7 from the album. |
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MAY 19th 2017 - Finally sorted out distribution (phd in the UK, Audioglobe in Europe as well as other distributors for further afield) and Today is the global release date. |
Also decided to do another Album sampler / preview / trailer video thing just for the hell of it. |
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MAY 8th 2017 - Although "Blind to Reason" was officially released on March 20th 2017, it was only available to purchase from our website and at a select few stores BUT distribution has finally been secured and the album will get a global release on May 19.
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MAY 1st 2017 - Video clip for "YOU PLAY THE VICTIM SO WELL" Track 3 from the album "Blind to Reason" (A majority of the footage for this video is taken from the 1929 French film "Brumes d'Automne") |
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MARCH 22nd 2017 - Video clip for "UNHINGED" track 2 from the album "Blind to Reason" (Footage taken from the 1933 film "Lot in Sodom") |
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MARCH 2017
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The new SUBTERFUGE album "Blind to Reason" features 9 tracks and will be released on March 20th, 2017.
It will be released on the Heartland Records label and will be available on Vinyl and CD. The LP will be $20AUD The CD will be $12AUD |
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SUBTERFUGE - 2017 Album sampler / preview / trailer >> >> >> >> |
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FEB 15th 2017 - The album is currently at the pressing plant! So I suppose I should divulge a little bit of information about it. The album will be called "Blind to Reason" and will be released on CD and also on Vinyl. It will be released on Heartland Records (the same label that released our Darkland Awakening EP back in 1994). It features 9 tracks and it's quite fucking good.
2017 is here and I can reveal that SUBTERFUGE will be releasing an album this year. No release date yet but it will probably be in March so keep an eye and an ear out for further details. I will update this webpage more regularly from now on (yes, I know I've neglected updating things in the past, sorry about that). So keep checking back for more info or check the facebook page as details will also appear there. Start saving up your pennies.
2016 is quickly drawing to a close and I've just noticed that I haven't added any "news" since 2014, at least my reputation as a lazy git is still firmly intact. Let's see if I can change that sooner rather than later. There's life in the old dog yet.
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AUGUST 2014
FRIENDS OF ALICE IVY are a local Melbourne band who I have had the pleasure to work (and drink) with recently Kylie and Amps (formerly of Brisbane band OSTIA) this month released their album "The Golden Cage and its Mirrored Maze". I make a guest appearance playing guitar on track 1 "The Aerial Mariners" and also played guitar live on one occasion. Yes, yet another side project, that's band number 5 I believe. FRIENDS OF ALICE IVY is a slight deviation from what I've been previously been involved in musically, very mellow. |
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MAY 31st 2013
The album "reflect << rewind" was released on May 31, 2013 and is available to purchase NOW from the Subterfuge "SHOP" page or from www.strobelight-records.com Tracklist: 01. resurrect (intro) 02. hand in hand (previously unreleased) 03. darkland awakening 04. six before dawn (previously unreleased) 05. curses 06. pre-dawn hours (original unreleased mix) 07. the judas in me 08. a prayer for the kindred (original unreleased mix) 09. the crystal sky 10. haborym (original unreleased mix) 11. only the righteous (previously unreleased) 12. the judas in me (iscarot mix) 13. lady of mystery (demo 1994) 14. jordanna (demo 1993) 15. transgression (demo 1991) 16. the hard way (demo 1998) |
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MAY 8th 2013
Towards the end of this month, Subterfuge will be releasing an album entitled "reflect<<rewind", on Europes STROBELIGHT RECORDS. It is a comprehensive collection of material from the 1990's (16 tracks in total). More details to follow soon. In the meantime, here is a promo video to whet the appetite >>>>>>>>>>> |
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APRIL 13th 2013
This year is the 20th anniversary of our first release (a 4 track self-titled demo tape). Released in September 1993.
So what better time to finally get a website?
So what better time to finally get a website?
