Sensuous Enemy is a female fronted darkwave electronic band from Madison, WI, currently consisting of JAI (vocals/lyrics/piano), John Freriks (programming/guitars), Bob Hensley (programming/syths/drums), and Katja Lunde (live keyboards/guitar). They are currently signed to Distortion Productions label out of Pittsburgh, PA.
They have released to date two full length albums, three EPs, and one single and are currently working on another full length album to be released in 2020.
Early Years and The Approach (2004-2006)
editSensuous Enemy was conceptualized in Madison, WI by JAI, Briah Schuh, and Jeff Winton. In January 2004. Upon formation, they immediately began writing and performing new music that Brian Schuh had written. They performed their first live show in 2005 at a music festival in Madison, WI called Reverence.[2] and their first album Deadly Sinswas finished and self-released July 19, 2006. The album contained six original songs written by Brian Schuh, one cover by Lindsey Buckingham and sung by vocalist JAI. Album artwork was designed by Keith Graves.
Sonic Mainline and Fragments (2006- 2009)
editIn August 2006, Brian Schuh left the band and Jeff Winton began programming new songs and played guitar live. John Freriks joined the band as a new programmer and also played bass guitar live. The band started working on the release of its first full length album, Fragments, which included eight original songs, four remixes and one cover song.
Fragments highlights their first collaboration with producer and artist Wade Alin, who is known for music works Christ Analogue and The Atomica Project. Fragments was released by Sonic Mainline November 22, 2008. In addition to the originals, there was one cover song It's a Sin by the Pet Shop Boys, and four remixes from their first album Deadly Sins by Razed in Black, CTRLSHFT, Iris, and Wade Alin.
Parity and Radio Active Music (2010-2012)
editAfter Jeff's departure, John Freriks took over as the primary programmer and Chris Wenzel joined as the new live drummer and additional programmer. On October 23, 2010, Sensuous Enemy released an eleven track collection titled Parity, that was written by JAI, John Freriks and Chris Wenzel on their new label Radio Active Music. The album consisted of three new songs and eight remixes by CTRLSHFT, Heliosphere, The Light Asylum, DJ Psych0tron, Beta VIrus, Incekt, Re Tension, and The Dark Clan. The album was Recorded, mixed & produced by Dan Clark of The Dark Clan and mastered by Eric Oehler of Null Device. Artwork for the CD was created by Leigh Szuch and Justin Szpak. Band photography was provided by Darrell Budic.
Sirens of the Sea, Voyager and Nilaihah Records (2013 - 2015)
editOn September 29, 2013 Sensuous Enemy release their new single Sirens of the Sea along with four remixes of the single by I:Scintilla, Endless Blue, Loss, I.X.XI, and Killcrop. Music and programming were written by John Freriks and lyrics and vocals were provided by JAI. The single was mixed and produced by Dan Clark of The Dark Clan and Eric Oehler of Null Device. Artwork was designed by Kathryn Sewell Designs and band photography was done by D&G Photography. The single was released as a teaser for their upcoming full length album.
Sensuous Enemy's next full length album Voyager, covering ten original songs, was written by JAI and John Freriks and released on Nilaihah Records, November 19, 2013. Cover artwork was provided by Kathyrn Sewell of Kathryn Sewell Designs and layout was provided by Justin Szpak.
Immediately following the release of Voyager, John moved to Chicago, IL for a job opportunity and joined I:Scintilla as their live guitarist. During this time, JAI required decompression and fusion spine surgery and decided to put the band on hold until further notice.
Rebirth and Distortion Productions (2018 - 2019)
editFive years after Sensuous Enemy released their last full length album Voyager, John Freriks moved back to Madison, WI for another job opportunity. Once John moved back to Madison, Sensuous Enemy began writing music again, this time with JAI, John Freriks and Bob Hensley all collaborating on music together. Sensuous Enemy released their new EP Rebirth, November 1, 2019, recorded and mixed by Jim Marcus of Die Warzau and Go Fight from Blackout Labs in Chicago, IL and mastered by Eric Oehler of Null Device in Madison, WI. Sensuous Enemy was immediately signed by Distortion Productions managed by Jim Semonik the infamous mastermind of the project Electronic Saviors - Industrial Music to Cure Cancer.