>o< -- "Sampo" -- CD-R -- €7
2006/2010 Operator Produkzion, OPERPRODUKT17, (ltd. 17)
Long-awaited digital reissue of the legendary album. North ritual material. Mountain river exorcism, rite "forest" industrial. Ecstatic to death endless song on Ultch language and a drone-industrial "live track" played on a steel wire pulled through the attic of an old village house. Handmade sleeve, all info is hand-written. [label info]
A Minority Of One -- "Bathe In Fiery Answer" -- CD -- €14
2009 Autumn Wind Productions, awp026, (ltd. 1000)
A Spirale -- "Agaspastik" -- CD -- €11
2009 Fratto9 Under The Sky Records, Fratto009 / Deserted Factory, DF051
Free Jazz from Italy. Try to imagine Kevin Drumm and Bhob Rainey playing rock together, with a drummer that deviate their already deviant music playing something coming from the sixties. The aim is to make music "not playing" (barbarous music, quoting Cornelius Cardew), a torn body that spits blood, whose only movement is generated by spastic contractions due to injuries. Agaspastik represents the "step beyond" of A Spirale, that from electroacoustic destructuration of "Porosita" (cd-r) and "Gariga" (SM -- 1360) expand their range of possibility and control over the sound matter, losing themselves in the languages of radical improvisation, of power noise, of punk... Very dark and violent music, with bewildering moments of melody... [press-release]
[mp3]
Agnivolok & Chaos As Shelter -- "Henbane" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 024, (ltd. 1000)
Agnivolok is the neo-folk and experimental music project of Vera Agnivolok, Igor Krutogolov and Vadim Gusis. Vadim Gusis stands also behind the project Chaos As Shelter, his solo project. So this album seems a very logical collaboration, but could it not just been an Agnivolok album? Well, not quite. Since Agnivolok is very neofolk oriented and Chaos As Shelter makes mostly instrumental industrial soundscapes. Both projects take turns with each track, so we go from experimental neo-folk into experimental soundscapes. This way the album has a very interesting synergy. I very much like the, somewhat distorted, vocals of Vera Agnivolok, although I can’t hear what she really sings about, it has a very nice ambience to it. Neo-folk for me is often a hit or miss, but here it’s a definite hit. Because the neo-folk of Agnivolok has very industrial elements, it really fits with Chaos As Shelter soundscapes, to create one somewhat unique whole. With this album I really feel like walking in some dark industrial world, or some torn apart cities, and then getting some narrative in-between. It has therefore a somewhat cinematic quality, sometimes even theatrical. A very excellent release, even if you are perhaps not really into neo-folk. Though both projects have a significant sound of their own, together it works very well because they complete each others input. The Eastern Front has already delivered some fine releases, and this one they can put up there with some of their best albums! [Fabian, Gothtronic]
[listen]
Ambelion -- "Winter Breed" -- CD-R -- €9
2002 Quasi Pop Records, QPOP CD016, (ltd. 50)
First of the two "winter albums" 2002 of Ambelion, which are establishing hard and new style of the project, quite avant-garde and experimental even for such progressive style as IDM. Music, created by one person on a very simple equipped computer, recorded in real time directly into the hard disc. Once created the compositions and loops combinations without bar programming are impossible to replay next time. These are solid feelings, total improvisations, and the charm of accidental coincidence. [press-release]
Ambiansu -- "Tagebuch" -- CD -- €9
2009 Noori Records, NR011 / New Approach Records, NAR001, (ltd. 500)
Ambiansu is a Portuguese Dark Ambient project, joining the efforts of two well-known artists in that scene: Merankorii and Ambience. Together, they created a dark new world, that you can visit by purchasing their debut release “Tagebuch”. “Tagebuch” is an opus of 5 pieces, a mix of what's classical with what's disruptive, and what's traditional with what's unconventional. It was released in a 500 copies limited edition CD in cardbox. [label info]
[myspace]
Apatheia -- "Lifethesis" -- CD -- €14
2003/2009 Cold Meat Industry, cmi204
As All Die / FDH -- "North American Underground Alliance" -- CD-R -- €7
2005 Absolute Zero Media, AZM-001
Neo-folk and Martial Industrial from North America. [YAOP]
Ataraxia -- "Concerto No. 6: A Baroque Plaisanterie" -- CD -- €14
1996/2009 Twilight Records, TW 1.63
Autumn Galaxy -- "An Emperor's Garden" -- CD-R -- €7
2007 House Of Alchemy, #008, (ltd. 123)
A collaboration between Ville Moskiitto and a prolific artist Brad Rose known for Charlatan, Dick Test, Electronic Exercises, Little Jupiter, Modem Doom, North Sea, The, Space Dive, Ukraine and many other projects. Acoustic phych-folk and shamanic drone ambient, fairy atmosphere, landscapes and trips... Carboard box with an insert. [YAOP]
Azoikum -- "Endzeit" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 Produck, Produck 13
72 minutes of superb Harsh Noise from the German project witha 13-year history. To listen and to enjoy. [Abgurd]
Bardini, Gregorio & Gerstein -- "Arise Of A Bleeding Rose" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 025, (ltd. 1000)
Collaborative work of two legends of Italian industrial scene Gregorio Bardini and Gerstein featuring S. Rukavina (Bleiburg) and Paolo Longo Vaschetto. Gerstein (a.k.a. Maurizio Pustianaz) and Gregorio Bardini knew each other in the mid '80s. At that time Gerstein was moving his first steps composing his piano experimental suites, while Gregorio was active as keyboard and flute player with Thelema first and with Kino Glaz then. They missed their contact and during the last twenty years Maurizio experimented with musical styles and atmospheres (see his 1993 «Sucker» album for his intimate piano/guitar ballads as well as the CD released by Discordia in 1996 for his first steps into anxious electronic/guitar soundtracks composition, to name few) and Gregorio studied flute with Severino Gazzelloni, became a trained blow instruments concert artist and collaborated with Tuxedo Moon, T.A.C. and many others. Gregorio studied also Euro Asiatic and Indo European cultures/sounds and explored these themes producing different albums on the Arx Collana label. Their paths crossed again when Maurizio received the Gregorio Bardini first release for The Eastern Front label (titled «Sentinelle del Mattino») for a review on Chain D.L.K. (magazine that he founded with Marc Urselli in the mid '90s). Maurizio asked to Gregorio if he was interested into a collaboration and after his positive answer, he prepared ten electronic tracks that were aiming to create a timeless suspended in time effect where fears and hopes were battling like a clash of titans. Electronic sounds, piano, kettledrums and drum machine patterns have been used having in mind the Keith Emerson soundtrack to the «Inferno» movie as reference for the atmospheres he wanted to create. Gregorio added flutes, ocarina and performed spoken word and singing, Maurizio gave his voice only to the main track «Arise Of A Bleeding Rose», a song/anthem for the whole album which is focused on the regain of the original self... «Arise Of A Bleeding Rose» sounds like no other album of the genre and sees as guests Bleiburg and Paolo Longo Vaschetto whom also took care of the final mix. [press-release]
[listen]
Bardini, Gregorio & Thierry Jolif -- "Kantalon" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Folk 002, (ltd. 500)
Kantalon is an ancient Gaelic word, it refers, in this old Celtic tongue, to the «chant» but also to the lessons that the druids were teaching to their pupils. This name has been found engraved on a votive pillar, so we could see a symbolical link traced between the knowledge the druids were transmitting through the oral, and often singing, courses and the pillar rooted deeply in the soil and with his peak touching to the skies, sacred domain of the invisible. By the years has been transmitted in the old Celtic land of Brittany, many popular song in the Celtic local tongue. Of course those songs they had nothing to do (or so far) with the teachings of the ancient druids, but often they are also «lessons». Lessons about events of the past times, mainly sad events, stories of crimes, of battles, of losing ... Sometimes the exact subject of the story is not so easy to recognize, sometimes the words are quite obscure in their meaning but most of the times, with a little feeling of what really means symbolism, we are able to find the real and concrete spiritual meaning of the song. As the Kantalon is rooted into a particular soil so we are, and those songs are too, they belong to us because we belong to this particular ground and country even if we are living in a time far away from the time in which they were created. So we took those songs not «as they were», but as they could be now, with all the musical background we had inside of us. We had worked on this distance between their origin and us as a real musical matter. Our aim was not to try to do a kind of mix between medieval music and modern one but to express the spiritual reality and complexity of those lyrics and melodies into our own musical field as if those songs made a travel through time and had to pass through the filters of modern music (experimental, concrete, classical, free-jazz, industrial ... and so on) to reach our brains and our instruments. [press-release]
Barracker -- "Calmness" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Necrophone, C, (ltd. 12)
Mid-frequency harsh noise turning into collage noise in vein of Veprisuicida, and then into shimmering industrial drone ambient. Handmade cardboard cover with stickers. [YAOP]
Beachhead -- "Drowning Tonight" -- CD -- €14
2004 Sonderübertragung!, SÜ09
Bianchi, Maurizio & Siegmar Fricke -- "Primordium" -- CD-R -- €7
2007 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 014, (ltd. 250)
Experimental acoustic ambient. Primordial sounds created by Maurizio Bianchi/M.B. using a rudimental five strings guitar, afterwards polarized effects added by Siegmar Fricke utilizing a shapeless analogtronic apparatus. Comes in semi-handmade digipack. [label info]
Biosphere -- "Wireless - Live At The Arnolfini, Bristol" -- CD -- €16
2009 Touch, Tone 38
Bizarre Uproar -- "Purification" -- CD -- €11
2009/2010 Freak Animal Records, FREAK-CD-051
Already legendary 2009 album was originally issued 200 copies on Filth & Violence. This is 2nd edition, published by Freak Animal in 2010, packaged in standard b/w jewelbox style. Music and disc is exactly the same, cover is the same artwork modified to fit the 4 page booklet + double sided inlay type packaging. [label info]
Black Wings -- "Going to the End" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Satanarsa Records, STN-054
Monumental dark ambient and neoclassics mixed with low-key doom. Sporadic invasions of quiet distorted guitar and funeral drums don't affect the overall "postindustrial" mood created by an organ and field recordings. Atmospheric melancholic work. Jewel-case. [YAOP]
Bleiburg -- "Indivisibiliter Ac Inseparabiliter" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 026, (ltd. 1000)
Following 2008’s Open Wound live CD and DVD releases, the martial industrial project of German-Croatian musician Stefan Rukavina launches a fresh offensive on The Eastern Front with this nostalgic tribute to the glory and pathos of a vanished empire... «Indivisibiliter ac Inseparabiliter»—Latin for ‘indivisibly and inseparably’—was the motto of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Formed in 1867 under the aegis of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty and constituting the most important power bloc in central Europe, the empire was consigned to oblivion by the First World War, a war precipitated by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Habsburg throne. The empire’s rise and fall is vividly evoked in 15 new tracks by Bleiburg, with styles ranging from orchestral grandeur through stirring folk melodies to sample-laden EBM. The album booklet is copiously illustrated with beautiful period artwork, and contains a detailed German-language history of the Rukavina family, in particular the illustrious Croatian general Baron Georg Freiherr von Rukavina, commander of the fortress of Temesvar (Timisoara). [press-release]
[listen]
Blood Axis -- "Born Again" -- CD -- €14
2010 Storm, STRM-12
The second full-length studio album in the group’s twenty-year history, Born Again signals startling developments and a radical maturation. Old vines have been cut back and carefully tended in order to bear strange new fruit. Over the course of the twelve tracks that comprise Born Again, Blood Axis explores an epic yet human universe in which gods are summoned, kingdoms rise, riddles are unlocked, love is lost, and worlds crumble. This is psychedelia in the literal sense: a “mind-manifesting” journey through the collective psyche of its creators. Born Again weaves a web of potent pleasures. Whereas the earliest Blood Axis music was marked by keyboards and samples, Blood Axis in 2010 is stripped down to an essential core of natural instrumentation, but with force and bombast fully intact. The sonic ingredients on Born Again include electric and acoustic strings (guitar, violin, bass, bouzouki, banjo), melodeon, piano, highland bagpipes and Galician gaita, marching percussion, the mysterious Annabel-a-tron, and Bobby BeauSoleil’s growling, prison-vintage guitar eruptions circa 1976. Underpinning the album and propelling much of the music is the traditional Irish drum the bodhran, recorded here with unprecedented power. Moynihan’s ominous voice is well matched by Annabel Lee’s elfin intonations, just as her violin finds a perfect counterpoint in Robert Ferbrache’s protean guitar parts. A selective cabal of guest musicians from Europe and the USA add tasteful embellishments to these deceptively simple arrangements. Shot through by myth and romance, the expressive lyrics on Born Again have their roots in ancient and modern poetry, archaic invocations, and tragic laments. Alongside modern English and German, songs are sung in medieval 10th-century Old English and 13th-century Middle High German. The end result is both unclassifiable and unforgettable: neither folk nor rock, traditional nor avant-garde, modern nor archaic. It is simply Blood Axis. Born Again was recorded over a span of many years in remote locations ranging from rural Vermont to the catacombs of Absinthe Studios in Denver, Colorado. Engineered and produced by founding Blood Axis member Ferbrache, the dense sonic tapestry of Born Again is simultaneously raw and refined, synergistically more than the sum of its primal parts. Packaged in a beautiful gatefold cover, Born Again includes a 24-page booklet with complete lyrics and translations, striking portraits of the band members, and solemn photographic images from France, Germany, Austria, Portugal, and the USA. To everything there is season. For those who are cursed, a time to die and to be forgotten. And for the blessed, a time to be born again: to live on, beyond death, in the minds of men. Now is the time for Blood Axis to be Born Again. [press-release]
Brandkommando -- "New Fucking Radical Orthodox" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Deserted Factory, DF047, (ltd. 100)
If you live in a flat and if you like to have a peaceful neighborhood, well, then don’t switch on this music! BRANDKOMMANDO is a Polish Industrial/Noise/Power Electronics act, which can look back on a rich discography. "New Fucking Radical Orthodox" is already the 15th release for Karol, who is the brainchild behind this act. It is musically one of the roughest and most disturbing releases I’ve heard so far. Walls of abrasive noise manipulations, effected, processed and overdriven in different frequencies with a high amount of improvisations. Add to this Karol’s not lesser manipulated screaming voice performance, and you’ll an album especially designed for the fans full of anger and hate. Radical may in its message, but surely radical of its music content, these 7 tracks are a pure sonic assault to breakdown your nerves. Powernoise in its roughest kind. [Marc Tater, Chain D.L.K.]
[mp3]
Buben -- "Prayers Of Steel – Prologue" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 025, (ltd. 100)
Vladislav Buben, the acknowledged industrial ambient presents his new album Prayers Of Steel–Prologue. Vladislav Buben — musician, promoter, artist, creator of some radio and art projects from Belarus. Vladislav represents TV show about alternative electronic music «Called for the electricians» on local MTV (Belarus). During 7 years Vlad represented radio show 'The Lost World' (the oldest radio show in Belarus about extreme & alternative music) and Radio "Mir" 107.1 FM. Vladislav is a main coordinator of Lostworld webzine and label. [label info]
Buben -- "Vim" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 024, (ltd. 100)
Experimental Electronic | Ambient. Vladislav Buben the acknowledged industrial ambient musician, promoter, artist, creator of radio and art projects from Belarus presents his new album Vim. Comes in jewel case with full-colour insert. [label info]
Cat'n'Bone -- "Deep in the Bottle (Overload and Glass)" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 self-released
The project from Northern Russia continues its explorations of the Art of Noise. This album presents electroacoustic drone noise ambient performed on a glass bottle. Drones, rustlings, noise and blurry voices. [YAOP]
Cat'n'Bone -- "Sniff a Tree" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 self-released, (ltd. 8)
Art Noise / Noise Ambient with mysterious stalking atmosphere. Jewel-case with tho cards and a piece of dendromaterial. Just 8 copies!! [YAOP]
Cellerino, Edgardo Moia -- "L'Amore Che Gira Il Mondo" -- CD -- €11
2009 Oltrelanebbiailmare, CD200903
Oltrelanebbiailmare is proud to introduce the solo debut CD of Edgardo Moia Cellerino, best known as Le Masque's singer. "L'amore che gira il mondo" is a collection of songs taken from various Le Masque albums, compilations and very rare and unreleased tracks. Edgardo has just got back during November from the prestigious Tenco Festival, a showcase dedicated to the most valid Italian singer-songwriters, where he received the SIAE/Club Tenco Prize as the best emerging author/songwriter with the following mention: "His lyrics are illuminated by all-consuming landscapes. His language is made of an almost embarassing extreme and refined elegance, and reminds the greatest Italian writers of the Twentieth Century, from Pavese to Buzzati. Nonetheless he defines himself just like "a polka-dot illustrator on clowns costumes". At the Tenco Festival he presented some of his songs in concert, including the new album title-track. For all the Le Masque aficionados and for all the lovers of Italian songwriting... This is a must! [label info]
Chaos As Shelter -- "Dead Air Broadcasts" -- CD -- €11
2003 Immanence Records, imm003 / DTA Records, DTA 014
One of the early releases by this Israeli dark ambient act. Relying on processed and sampled radio sounds as the basis for most of the tracks, "Dead Air Broadcasts" shows much more depth once you familiarize yourself with it. Might definitely appeal to Kryptogen Rundfunk fans. [Mechanoise Labs]
Circulum Musicum -- "Phases" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Thar Records, Thar 001
Circulum musicum is one of the most promising names in contemporary ambient/electronic music. With the use of classic-orchestral elements in combination with a variety of electronica, Circulum Musicum creates a atmospheric, deep, lush, spacious and beautifully put together sound. There's a lovely balance between the dark, atmospheric and the ethnic, thematic side and although it's contemporary electronic music, there's a old-school tribal ambient feel to it all. Combined with the excellent sound quality, makes this album an absolute winner. [Databloem]
[listen]
Coil -- "Musick To Play In The Dark 1" -- CD -- €21
1996/2006 Chalice, graal cd003
ConDemek -- "Technological Shack Job" -- CD -- €11
1997 Functional Organisation, functional 011
"Technological Shack Job" is a tour-de-force of experimental mayhem within a tight conceptual framework. Damian Catera, Steve Lombardi, and Roxanne Benedetto weave an alluring sonic landscape that veers simultaneously towards rock, experimental power electronics, and more. This concept album explores the socio-political and psychological dimensions of humanity's relationship with technology and in its inter-mingling with reactionary belief systems. The American project presents over 60 minutes of mixed rhythms and soundscapes, with outbursts of noise and samples developing into a wall of rhythms. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Contagious Orgasm -- "Confession Of Mannequin" -- CD -- €11
1988/2009 Industrial Recollections, IR-CO2
Highly worshipped earliest material of the cult industrial-experimental band from Japan. This 2nd tape from 1988 (SSSM) shows a very different project to what CO is known to be today. You can see why they established in early 90s deals with many leading European Industrial / Power Electronics labels (Tesco, Ant-Zen, Praxis Dr. Bearmann etc). 45 minutes presented with original sound from metal master tapes without any modern day boosting gimmicks. Great dynamics and amazing quality. Covers include full re-print of all original tape artwork as it was. [press-release]
Contagious Orgasm -- "Impregnate" -- CD -- €11
1987/2009 Industrial Recollections, IR-CO1
Highly worshipped earliest material of the cult industrial-experimental band from Japan. This debut from 1987 (SSSM) shows a very different project to what CO is known to be today. You can see why they established in early 90s deals with many leading European Industrial / Power Electronics labels (Tesco, Ant-Zen, Praxis Dr. Bearmann etc). 45 minutes presented with original sound from metal master tapes without any modern day boosting gimmicks. Great dynamics and amazing quality. Covers include full re-print of all original tape artwork as it was. [press-release]
Creation VI -- "s/t" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Satanarsa Records, STN-052
Gorgeous Drone Ambient with field recordings and a touch of light noises and rhythms. Jewel-case. [YAOP]
Dannagoischd -- "Emm Dichda Ondrholz" -- CD -- €14
2009 Percht, Percht13
Death In June -- "Braun Buch Zwei" -- CD -- €18
2009 New European Recordings, BAD VC CD11/2
Death In June -- "Symbols And Clouds" -- 2 CD BOX -- €130
2009 Nerus, BAD VC BAD VC 3638
Deltidseskapism -- "Dunklets Hogtid" -- CD -- €11
2003 U-Cover 40, u-cover 40/02, (ltd. 500)
U-cover 40 proudly presents it's second relase coming from Deltidseskapism aka Bauri aka Martin Abrahamsson (Stokholm, Sweden), known for his releases on fine electronic labels such as Neo Ouija, Awkward Silence, Pitchcadet and on compilations for City Centre Offices, Benbecula, Surgery, Merck, Mille Plateaux and Mitek. On this album Abrahamsson presents six tracks of his irresistable blend of clicks'n'cuts inspired rhythms mixed with beautiful melodies and founded sounds resulting exactly in 40 minutes of music. -special cardboard packaging. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Der Blutharsch -- "Live in Leiden" -- CD -- €14
2010 WKN, WKN 37
Live in Leiden by Der Blutharsch is the 3rd album in a series of live recordings - after "Live at The Monastery" and "Live in Copenhagen". Live in Leiden was recorded at "The Night of Confusion" held September 28th 2oo4 at legendary venue LVC (where already artists like Nico performed) and was the "most cntroversial" concert in the 40 years history of this venue. Nevertheless, this night was a huge success and this recording is a document of this night. At the same time it is the last live recording of the "old" Blutharsch - a small reminder about what Der Blutharsch was dreaded for before they morphed into "era two" and turned into a dark psychedelic kraut monster. This is a great live document of a concert of the thee band who invented "martial industrial" as well as "military pop" - a MUST of all die hard fans of this genre as well as for people who want to know why this band once has been considered "dangerous". The CD comes in a foilblocked digipak. [press-release]
Derniere Volonte -- "Immortel" -- CD -- €14
2010 Hau Ruck!, HR!96
Immortel, Derniere Volonte`s 5th studio album took 4 years in making and marks their 15th anniversary! It is a huge development from the former style which redefined the therm "military pop" to a more homoguene, less neoclassic but much more modern in sounds, more electronic but organic at the same time - and reinvents a style Geoffroy D has been influenced since his early days. The themes on Immortel are effected by books, movies or personal experiences of Geoffroy but reflects in general his personal feelings about beloved people and their spirit which is and always will be present in our souls and memories. Immortel is another milestone in the oevre of one of France`s most interresting band from the underground scene and will for sure attract fans from the early days but a lot of new fans from other musical scenes. [press-release]
Divisionofdarkradioinduztrie -- "Tek..A.D..Stereo..Apocalypse.." -- CD-R -- €7
2008 Deserted Factory, DF044, (ltd. 200)
Nothing is really known about this anonymous Italian project with the only one released album consisting of three long tracks lasting for nearly 40 minutes. Stylistically it can be described as improvisational guitar ambient, but not dark ambient, rather it's a cinematic collage of slowly moving contemplative melodic themes. Limited edition of 200 hand-numbered copies. [Monochrome Vision]
[mp3]
Edge of Lament -- "Ka of Fall" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 Satanarsa Records, STN-028
A wonderful work coming from Doom subculture, but staying in the context of post-industrial scene. A fine blend of neoclassic, industrial, ambient and post-rock. Melancholic fragments turn into wonderful melodic tunes and industrial rhythms. [YAOP]
Emulsion -- "Blue Sky Objective" -- CD -- €11
2006 Lens Records, LENS0010
Emulsion’s full-length debut CD brings together elements of 80’s electro, cutting-edge IDM, and bouncy melodies steeped in indie influences. Blue Sky Objective is electronic pop music: an accessible and appealing mixture of pretty, emotive melodies and lo-fi electro beats. Thanks to an NES-lit eighties childhood, Emulsion’s Nathan Koch never lost his obsession with the eight-bit aesthetic and its resulting digital artifacts- leading to his immersion in San Francisco's gaming industry, with a Game Boy planted firmly in his palm. With the prior release of a single and an EP, Emulsion spent over a year touring and promoting across the US with strong support from niche press and college radio. For fans of: Solvent, Casino Versus Japan & Ulrich Schnauss. [press-release]
[listen]
Encomiast -- "Havens" -- CD-R -- €7
2005 Crucial Bliss, Bliss09
This disc contains three exquisite new driftworks from ENCOMIAST, entitled Havens. Formed from vaporous clouds of guitar, gamelan, shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute), violin, vina, voice, flute, and field recordings, Ross Hagen and Megan Garland have stretched these sounds into infinite ribbons of metallic shimmer, twisting and swirling into gorgeous hum. The three tracks on this disc are extended works that range from eleven to twenty-five minutes in length, and drifts within the angelic regions between Andrew Chalk's minimalist explorations, the dream music of Troum (and their predecessor, Maeror Tri), and the bleary melodic smear of My Bloody Valentine. Havens distills the bliss of deep dreams and early morning haze into captured hymns, and is one of ENCOMIAST's finest drone offerings to date. [press-release]
Escuadron De La Muerte -- "Omnia Vincit Mors" -- CD-R -- €8
2010 Ufa Muzak, UFA 34, (ltd. 141)
Apocalyptic noise / Power electronics. Going wind in black pits, in ropes with no way out. This is the situation of reality. All of you are sitting tied to chairs, and information goes right in your brain. Abnormal, infinitely violent and compressed. Blood, lies, hunger, money. Smell of a burned human being and nature of depravity felt in killing fields. Bile of the world, in all corners of constant inconceivable depression. The project from South America presents an hour of music full of total strain and moral hardiness. This is not just noise in it's common form, this is a completely new level where this project exists, leaving behind all rivals. Prepare for adrenaline shock and remember - there's no way out. Escuadron De La Muerte is the music of crisis, all and everything, without an end. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Ex.Order -- "The Law Of Heresy" -- CD -- €11
1997/2010 Industrial Recollections, IR-EX01b
Re-issue of famous 1997 tape of Ex.Order. Presenting the band at their gloomy and dark approach to german power electronics. Throbbing echo drenched and suffocating material atmosphere. Oscillating synthesizers, vocals, samples, loops.. Including collaborations with Dagda Mor and Dies. Original artwork used and sound mastered from DAT tape showing the clarity and power as it originally was! [press-release]
Feindflug -- "Feindflug (Vierte Version)" -- CD -- €14
1999 Black Rain, BR 001
Feindflug -- "Hirnschlacht" -- CD -- €14
2002 Black Rain, BR 012
Feindflug -- "Im Visier" -- mCD -- €12
1999 Black Rain, BR 003
Feindflug -- "Sterbehilfe EP" -- mCD -- €12
2000 Black Rain, BR 008
Fjernlys -- "Beyond The Undulant Quiescence" -- CD -- €14
2010 Loki Foundation, LOKI 51
Fractional -- "Aliwen" -- CD -- €11
2006 AKH Records, akh 10061-2
On his first cd-album on the Dutch label AKH Records, Pierre Remy finds himself among the spiralling worlds of modern and experimental electronic sounds. Aliwen is a 60+ minute journey through several landscapes, that results in lightweighted industrial collages, melodical and downbeat dub and minimal percussive aural excursions. Not making use of extended long dreaded passages, featuring steady rhythms and endlessly played chords, Fractional's variety of styles comes to the surface. Pick out the best of the Intelligent Techno from Albion, for example, Autechre and Squarepusher, add some subtle elements, a pinch of the harshness of Muslimgauze and Aliwen proves to be Fractional's ideal showcase on this self produced first album. This is the urban style of modern electronic music. [label info]
Gae Bolg -- "Petite Introduction Aux Pratiques Des Gymnosophes" -- CD -- €15
2009 Le Cluricaun, CL014
Galerie Schallschutz -- "Cocoon - Live In Antwerp" -- CD + DVD -- €19
2008 Tesco Organisation, TESCO073
"Only the awakening of the individuals from prejudice and recovering from the capacity to act will collapse the entity." GALERIE SCHALLSCHUTZТs first ever live appearance at the Tesco Festival / Antwerp 2007 is now available on DVD-Video and CD! With the sole purpose of giving the audience a great night's entertainment, not just the usual mundane "live act", Galerie Schallschutz have put together an exceptionally amazing multimedia show with a profound stage concept. To maximise attention G.S. have optimised their performance almost theatrically, with a highly topical theme that covers the controlling of willpower, observation and constrictions of individual basic rights, and the ideology of freedom! Moreover, the musical concept with its layered ambient-drones, deep pulsed frequencies and manipulated interferences, was produced specifically for this special event and contains completely new, and most importantly, previously unreleased sounds. This rare and exclusive live recording of the outstandingly excellent debut in Belgium was skillfully filmed and tastefully produced by a professional German TV- and multimedia company! The 2 disc edition comes in a luxury 6-panel DVD digipak and includes additional information in the 8-page glossy inlet booklet. Box-set includes the full 46 min. Video Pal Stereo DVD in region free quality and a live 6-track Audio CD. "For all who still want to think - For all who still can think." [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Geriht -- "Ruins Of Humanity" -- CD -- €9
2010 Rigorism Production, RP044, (ltd. 500)
Dismal Drone Ambient with dusty cello sound and periodical invasions of slooooow Depressive Suicidal Black Metal with typical Burzum-ish guitar tunes. Artwork contains dark landscape photos. [YAOP]
Ghosts Of Breslau -- "Sacred Place" -- CD -- €11
2008 Twilight Records, TW 1.50
Third album by GHOSTS OF BRESLAU, this time it's a collection of material from numerous compilations, split releases and never before published tracks. Including extremely limited and hard to get "Gas" mini-cd (released by Z-Bugle Records in China), very special song "Warszawa" (intended for now defunct "63 Days" - 7" vinyl series from Fluttering Dragon) and special guest appearance by Ritual Front. 18 amazing soundscapes that will haunt you for a long time... We all have a sacred place - what's yours? [press-release]
Gomberg, Billy -- "Days" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 The Land of, LND007, (ltd. 100)
Days collects five studio pieces drawn from acoustic recordings of piano and voice, treated, amplified, and arranged. The arrangements are simple: long passages of sound material lay next to each other, their closeness and distance outlining a structure. Billy Gomberg is a musician and occasional video artist living in Brooklyn NY. His studio practice incorporates analog synthesis, digital treatments, acoustic recordings and custom programming, creating electronic sound caught gazing at its own physicality, acoustics in love with their abstraction. [Databloem]
[listen]
Grunt -- "Petturien Rooli" -- CD -- €11
2009 Freak Animal Records, FREAK-CD-049
Freak Animal is proud to present new full length CD of Grunt! Recorded between 2007-2009, making it longest recording task of project so far. Presenting some of the new sides of Grunt, but with the touch known from before. Album contains no harsh noise, but is innovative mixture of fierce power electronics with echoes of early 80's Ramleh & Sutcliffe Jugend, mixed with experimental organic noise influences a la Organum, Ferial Confine, to heavy dominant euro PE/industrial attacks to rhythic elements and metal percussions linking towards Vivenza, Test Dept and Militia. Exclusively Finnish language lyrics and samples, with themes related to history of Finland since early turbulent years of civil war to post WWII atmosphere. 64 minutes with 9 songs presenting wide variety of moods, sound sources, compositions, approaches, blended into album that could be said unique even in extensive Grunt discography! Packaged in jewelbox with b/w artwork. [press-release]
Hattifnatter -- "Ololiuqui" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Operator Produkzion, OPERPRODUKT57, (ltd. 112)
A collaboration project of Evgeny Savenko (Lunar Abyss Deus Organum) and M.M. (Kryptogen Rundfunk). Transcendental mystical electroacoustics and Musique Concrete, improvisations in psychedelic Drone Ambient and Lo-Fi Easy Noise style. Dark and funny atmosphere of a parallel existence. Music of electromagnetic lifeforms. Intuitive journey in sound through the spaces of wave fields and noise veils. Cult of Barometer and Lightningism. Handmade cardboard cover. [press-release]
Helmond -- "Fruhe Werke" -- CD -- €14
2008 Trutzburg Thule, TrutzCD002, (ltd. 300)
Helmond -- "Licentia Poetica" -- CD -- €14
2007 Trutzburg Thule, TrutzCD001
Holtzman Engine -- "Music For Abandoned Harbours" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Deserted Factory, DF052, (ltd. 100)
"MUSIC FOR ABANDONED HARBOURS" is the attempt to create a soundscore, evocating the image of someone exploring an abandoned harbour: so water, boats, machineries, iron, chains, wood, rain, and so on are trying to make their work! All samples are hand recorded and mixed, no synths, no loops; the will is to give the idea of something real, earthly... following an independent path from "artificial" soundscores. [label info]
[mp3]
Horologium -- "Le Paradis des Chasseurs" -- CD -- €11
2008 Twilight Records, TW 1.47
HOROLOGIUM is one of the most important acts in Poland if we talk about dark ambient, martial music. With lot of works in different labels and important collaborations with important bands they return with a new beautiful work trought Twilight Records. We think we are an exotic label and Horologium is an exotic band too. The title of this release is "Le Paradis des Chasseurs” and it contains material from "Songs For Hunters” and "Paradise Inverted” – two mini albums that embody Horologium’s most bombastic recordings to date. Both 3 inch CDr releases were out in a strictly limited amounts (100 and 150 copies, accordingly). We believe that this sonic output needs much more recognition! Additional bonus track was recorded with a wonderful assistance from Juan A. of Der Arbeiter. [press release]
Hotel 74 -- "Rooms" -- CD -- €11
2008 self-released
Hotel 74 are a French electronic music duo based in Paris, created in 2007 by Alexis Gelinet and Jean-Christophe Villain. Their highly atmospheric music is practically entirely instrumental and reminds of Boards Of Canada, Moby, Clint Mansell or Mogwai. Their sound, combining analogue keyboards, guitars and organic rhythms, echoes the soundtracks of John Carpenter's movies or 80's American TV series like Miami Vice or Twin Peaks. [Databloem]
[myspace]
Howden, Matt -- "Voyager" -- CD -- €11
2004 Ars Benevola Mater, ABM 08, (ltd. 1077)
Twenty-one neo-classical tracks that follow the progress of the Voyager space probe from Jupiter, past Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and out to The Heliopause, the outermost reaches of the Sun’s rays. As the album progresses out through the Solar System, the time signatures, keys, and conventional sounds and phrases mutate - the music becomes wilder and manipulations of conventional sounds, and time elements become more pronounced. The last track, The Heliopause, brings together all the elements of the album in a seventeen minute finale, capturing the relentless journey of Voyager heading out of our Solar System. [press-release]
[mp3]
I Am Nothing + Light Collapse -- "Levelheaded / Urban Machinery" -- 4 CD-R BOX -- €11
2010 Operator Produkzion, OPERPRODUKT69, (ltd. 19)
A great collaboration of two leading Russian industrial artists - Noumen (MNL9, Yadokhimikaty, Morbus Mundi, Hyperborea, etc.) and Vitaly Maklakov (Obozdur, Kromeshna, 581C, etc.). Three-hour long canvas of rough pulsating retrograde Industrial and urban lo-fi drone in vein of early releases of Industrial Records and Ultra, and old records of NON. Dedicated to the founder of Japanese "School of pure land" in Buddhism Sinran Shohin and all the fathers of dadaism. Artwork contains technological scheme unique for each copy. [press-release]
Imanishi, Masayuki -- "Land" -- CD -- €11
2008 Deserted Factory, DF008
Some very tasty science-fiction incoherent noise escapades from Masayuki Imanishi, whose Land (DESERTED FACTORY DF-8) is filled with many distorted, swirling and hyper-edited adventures in boldly reverberating insanity. Unlike many noise artists who place too much faith in violence and volume, Imanishi pays close attention to fast-moving dynamics and juxtaposing of sonic layers, and somehow maintains a high degree of obnoxious unlistenability throughout. Recommended to all you noisician sophisticates who are getting bored with the usual daily diet of Hair Police, Pain Jerk and John Wiese. [Ed Pinsent, The Sound Projector]
[mp3]
IRM -- "Order4" -- CD -- €14
2010 Cold Meat Industry, CMI205
Jahrtal -- "William Blake - Lieder Von Unschuld Und Widerfahren" -- CD -- €14
2009 Ahnstern, Ahnstern39
Jarvis, A. -- "Thread (Uproot And Scatter)" -- CD-R -- €7
Fencing Flatworm Recordings, ff015
Atmospheric Psychofolk with transparent acoustic guitar, mild ambiences and melancholic voice samples. Sleeve. [YAOP]
Klammheim -- "Heimwarts" -- CD -- €14
2009 Heimatfolk, HF 10
Kora Et Le Mechanix -- "Excursin Forte (16:9 Progressive Remixes)" -- CD -- €11
2007 Nextera, ERA 2047-2
Following the critically acclaimed debut album "Excursin", Kora et le Mechanix the Czech experimentalists decided to invite some of the most interesting Czech and Slovak artists from the alternative scene to participate on their remix album! The result is a unique compilation of exclusive remixes from 16 different artists covering various musical genres including dub, chill out, click'n'cuts, drill'n'bass, electronica and electroacoustic music, but mostly exploring the experimental sides of ambient music. Carefully selected and mastered, this conceptual remix album is highly recommended to everyone, who likes progressive and experimental music with a fresh feeling full of new sounds and ideas. [press-release]
[myspace]
Krepulec -- "Martial Industrial Power With Parabellum In The Hand" -- CD -- €11
2008 Twilight Records, TW 1.51
This is not a new KREPULEC album, but a re-release of an old and long delete mini album with the adition of some more tracks to complete an album! Is like parabellum, a shot in your head, martial industrial music for all the fans of Krepulec and also for the fans of this kind of sounds. A very intense experience, different than the other works, but with the sign of Krepulec. In the beginning this album was an split: Krepulec and Cold Fusion and was released by Beast of Pray in a very Limited edition 3"CDr of 66 handnumbered copies in special package. Now you could take and enjoy this album and more! [press-release]
Kreuzer -- "In Hoc Signo Vinces" -- CD -- €11
2008 The Eastern Front, Front 018, (ltd. 300)
New album of the very young Israeli project Kreuzer. Martial dark ambient sounds mixed with industrial elements. Feel spirit of the Crusades and medieval Jerusalem in Kreuzer new album – «In Hoc Signo Vinces»! [label info]
[listen]
Kreuzer -- "Lilium" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 027, (ltd. 100)
The newest work of Israeli power electronics ambient project Kreuzer – mini-album «Lilium» is out now. It is the second mini-album released on T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!! following «Noises Of Independence» released in 2008 on T’an! Kaven!! Ash!!! and «In Hoc Signo Vinces» full-length album released in 2008 on The Eastern Front label. [label info]
Ladder House -- "Aaron" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Happy Family
Seven pieces of frantic doxology in alien dialect to the accompaniment of violint, piano and sounds of nature. Art without looking back at human logic and common sense. Predecessor of the project Negligee. [label info]
Liquid Bridge -- "Cornucopia" -- CD-R -- €7
2005 Strange Charm Records, SC05003
This project was formed by Tony Sharp and Brian Cosgrove. Cornucopia is their first officially released work that will please all fans of classic EM sounds and analogue electronics. The following equipment was used on this release: EMS VCS3, DK2, ARP 2600, Roland JP8000, Juno 60, SH02, SH09, SH101,MC202, VK1, VP330 Vocoder Plus, XP10, TR707, SH1000, PK5, Emu Emax, Vintage Keys plus, Kawai K4, Korg MS10, N5ex, Kurzweil PC88, Oberheim OB12, Matrix 1000, Fender Rhodes Stage 73, Moog Minimoog, Yamaha DX7 Mk1, DX7II, MU80, Alesis Air F/X, Lexicon MPX100 and a late appearance by the NED Synclavier II. [Databloem]
[listen]
Lomakin, Andrey -- "The Attack" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Necrophone, Е, (ltd. 25)
Guitar noise, improvisation, pseudo-sludge. DIY artwork from cardboard and burnt reports. [label info]
Majdanek Waltz -- "Hamlet’s Childhood" -- CD -- €11
2007 The Eastern Front, Front 012, (ltd. 500)
Beautiful lyrics in Russian (original poems of Symbolist poets Boris Poplavsky (1903-1935), Maximilian Voloshin (1877-1932) and translated poems of German Expressionist poet Georg Heym 1887-1912), acoustic guitars, violins, traditional Russian accordion (bayan). Decadent tragic atmosphere of Russian Silver Age faded away in cafe's of Paris and Berlin, nostalgic and gloomy music rooted deeply in classical European and Russian musical traditions of XX century... [press-release]
[listen]
Mantra, Michael -- "Sonic Alter (Deepchord Remix)" -- CD -- €11
2004 Silentes, cd 200401
This is a new re-working of the classic ambient masterpiece by Michael Mantra. Sonic Alter was originally issued by Kim Cascone on his Silent imprint in 1994. For this version, Rod Modell (Deepchord Records in Detroit) added rhythmic elements and further processing. The original Sonic Alter was one of the best selling atmospheric records, and possibly the best on Silent. Many brain-hemisphere synchronization techniques / frequencies are employed. With headphones, this cd has a stunning drug-like effect. An updated classic. [press-release]
Mercuri, Damiano -- "European Music And Ballads From Renaissance And Baroque Era" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Folk 001, (ltd. 500)
Damiano Mercuri (Rose Rovine E Amanti) plays Renaissance and Baroque epoch ballads and courtesy music. Damiano Mercuri is known as neo-folk artist while being a professional classical musician Damiano virtuously played and recorded popular in Renaissance and early Baroque era ballads and classical pieces. Pressed CD in quantity of 500 copies. Comes in 3 folded glossy packing with Renaissance painting themed artwork. [press-release]
[listen]
Miel Noir -- "Der Honigflugel" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 021, (ltd. 500)
Apocalyptic Chanson Doctrine, created by Miel Noir. Another, absolutely different project of Dimo Dimov (Svarrogh, Sturmpercht, Allerseelen, Sagittarius). Brilliant piano symphony with industrial elements and samples from Russian movies inspired by classical Russian novel «Crime and Punishment» written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Goncharov’s novels. [press-release]
[listen]
Miel Noir & B-Machina -- "Weiss" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 The Eastern Front, Front 015, (ltd. 300)
Miel Noir which was created in 2007 is a side project of Dimo D. founder of Svarrogh and playing in Allerseelen and Sturmpercht. Miel Noir’ sound, concept and atmosphere differ from Dimo's main project Svarrogh, it's another way and another music. Miel Noir performed live for the first time on MLB Festival in Madrid on 31 May, 2008 and those who will be lucky to attend this great event heard the Miel Noir premiere performance. 6 melancholic industrial tracks adorned with deep unique Dimo's vocal are titled «Miel I, II, III, IV, V, VI» and run about 25 minutes... B-Machina is former well-known industrial act Bonemchine from Austria, presented 16 tracks on "Weiss". Only 3 tracks «The Color Of My Innocence», «Fahne Empor!» and «Wald aus Stein & Rost» are full tracks while the other 13 ones is a silence completing perfectly the concept of the album... "Weiss" comes in quantity of 300 hand numbered copies in CD-R format in glossy high quality 3-folded hard paper packing. Artwork designed by A.W. was created in quiet misty colors and enhanced with original photos made by Dimo D. [press-release]
[listen]
Nadja & Troum -- "Dominium Visurgis" -- CD -- €13
2010 Transgredient Records, TR-07
This is something you could call a "dreamlike liaison". When the Canadian "avant metal / drone doom"-duo NADJA (who name TROUM as one of their early influences) and the German post-industrial / experimental drone pioneers TROUM (years ago active as MAEROR TRI who are still discovered by many drone-fans these days) combine their exceptional styles, they form something even vaster as usually known from them. These three long collaboration tracks were recorded as a result of a spontaneous improvisation in April 2008 "live in the studio" near the Weser-river in Bremen, Germany, and suck you in with their powerful & emotional drone melancholy that works in many micro-& macrocosmic ways, using electric & acoustic guitars, bass, accordeon, drum-machine & voice. [press-release]
Negligee -- "Wet Conversation" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Happy Family
An unprecedented case of blending folk tunes, free improvisations and crafty sophistications about near-religious themes. Completeng the picture are slightly limping rhythmics and inimitable acidity. [label info] A young Russian project playing nice melodic synth-ambient with a good touvh of absurdity.
Noise Novosibirsk Institute -- "Black Rectangle" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Necrophone, D, (ltd. 40)
Rhythm'n'Noise with broken rhythms mixed with harsh noise. A couple of home live sessions + remix of a mobile phone tune + a couple of noise improvisations. A very quality work of this Siberian project. Mini-DVD-box. [YAOP]
NRYY -- "Kiss" -- 3"CD-R -- €6
2009 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 029, (ltd. 50)
Weird guitar industrial album from Japanese project NRYY. Mix of guitar industrial sounds and melodic noise. Released as 3 parts, each under its own title, come on 3" CDs in quantity of 50 copies each part. Album 1: «Kiss», Album 2: «Wind and Cloud», Album 3:«Red». [label info]
NRYY -- "Red" -- 3"CD-R -- €6
2009 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 028, (ltd. 50)
Weird guitar industrial album from Japanese project NRYY. Mix of guitar industrial sounds and melodic noise. Released as 3 parts, each under its own title, come on 3" CDs in quantity of 50 copies each part. Album 1: «Kiss», Album 2: «Wind and Cloud», Album 3:«Red». [label info]
NRYY -- "Wind and Cloud" -- 3"CD-R -- €6
2009 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 030, (ltd. 50)
Weird guitar industrial album from Japanese project NRYY. Mix of guitar industrial sounds and melodic noise. Released as 3 parts, each under its own title, come on 3" CDs in quantity of 50 copies each part. Album 1: «Kiss», Album 2: «Wind and Cloud», Album 3:«Red». [label info]
Obozdur -- "Live - 9.01.08" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Operator Produkzion, OPERPRODUKT68, (ltd. 32)
Lo-Fi Mechano Industrial Noise. Dirty old-school sound, rough tape collages, clangs of metal, unstoppable mid-frequency crack and heavy overload. For the fans of YAO 91404 D, Anti-Verstand, Veprisuicida, Vivenza, Reductio Ad Absurdum. A5 artwork containing vintage Soviet art. [press-release]
Orom -- "8" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Satanarsa Records, STN-039
A wonderful Hungarian band playing completely acoustic Doom with a good touch of Neoclassic and Dark-Folk. Depressive transparent music with dark recitations. Fine material in stylish package. [YAOP]
Phragments & Korinth -- "Mysteries Of The Greylands" -- CD -- €11
2010 Greytone, GREY001
On this album, Phragments and Korinth have united into one monolithic entity, to produce a common opus. Orchestral choirs, dark ambient and ritual passages create a perfect cinematic journey over the mysterious Greylands, an archetypal and symbolic travel through the hidden side of the world. All songs are the result of collaboration of the two projects, resulting in a unique narrative experience. After three years of work, Phragments and Korinth deliver a ripe album – a great journey for the listener. ‘Imagine a hidden side of the world, a landscape of archetypes and symbols. A place where reality becomes myth and myth becomes reality. Where repressed longings lurk, waiting to be awakened. Enter the Greylands.’ [press-release]
Pugna -- "Filje Pod Kolybelju Iz Gvozdej" -- CD-R -- €11
2007 Kerpg, Kerpg04, (ltd. 27)
Pugna -- "Without Sky" -- CD-R -- €11
2007 Kerpg, Kerpg05, (ltd. 18)
Quercus -- "Postvorta" -- CD -- €11
2007 Deserted Factory, DF034
Avantgarde Doom Metal. "Excellent doom metal comes from Czech republic, basically its drone doom metal mixed with doom/death metal and funeral doom metal. Apocalyptic mid tempo riffs and beautiful female vocal surrounds listener slowly and drag them into the darkness. That's a doom metal nature. World of true doom metal, as usual, hides in the shadows... Masterful work!!! [Deadwebzine]
[mp3]
Radio Kuolema -- "10050 Cielo Drive" -- CD -- €11
2005 Ars Benevola Matter, ABM20, (ltd. 545)
With this new release Radio Kuolema attempts with closed eyes a real documentary, where the tragic events linked to the Manson “family” offer the black humus on which the music ideally sticks the obsessions of homicide mysticism which marked out an enduring trail of blood in the american collective unconscious. “10050 Cielo Drive” is the sound, the image, the memory. In these atmospheres the innocence and the frenzy of a world already on the edge of the abyss find shelter: an abyss where the children stare silent at whole cities devoured by flames, while they are still holding tight long knives in their hands. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Radio Kuolema -- "Broadcasting the Dead" -- CD-R -- €9
2003 Amplexus, (ltd. 166)
Dark industrial with symphonic atmosphere. Somewhere between Ataraxia and In Slaughter Natives. Cardboard sleeve. [YAOP]
Radio Kuolema -- "Symphony No.2 Op.29 For Cembalo and Dying Children" -- CD -- €11
2007 Ars Benevola Matter, ABM28, (ltd. 535)
Radio Kuolema's new work is a journey in seven stages carved in dark ambient landscapes which taste of infinity. Atmospheres suspended in time, true industrial symphonies melting in the sideral space. Hearts of rust facing the stars. Without possibility of redemption. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Re-Drum -- "S" -- CD -- €11
2009 Zoharum, ZOHAR 007-2
An excellent piece of work by Pavel Aleshin whose drone soundscapes were released by Oophoi's record label Umbra and Slovakia-based Black Orchid Productions. The album explores the area of sacral and infinite, hence the title. S can be seen as the symbol of them. Re-Drum was founded in 2002 by Pavel Aleshin. The sound of Re-Drum varies from deep drone/noise soundscapes on the first albums to light, warm, even melodic textures in the last works. For fans of Robert Rich, Lustmord, Troum, Maeror Tri, Lull, Yen Pox. [label info]
[myspace]
Refuse To Die -- "The Penguin" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 031, (ltd. 100)
Weird experimental work «The Penguin» of acknowledged Israeli industrial avant-garde project Refuse To Die. The conceptual album consists of four parts: «The Penguin: Spring», «The Penguin: Summer», «The Penguin: Autumn» and «The Penguin: Winter». Comes in snowwhite digipack with inner penguin themed artwork. [label info]
Resonant Drift -- "The Call" -- CD -- €11
2009 self-released
Resonant Drift creates ambient atmospheres with occasional tribal rhythms in the vein of Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Jonn Serrie, Paul Ellis and Brian Eno. Mastered by Steve Roach, which have enriched the 60-minutes of compelling and intimate desert music enormously. The outcome has gained a lot of depth, as it slowly goes by in textural beauty and serenity, only occasionally supported by minimal sequencer patterns on the background. [Databloem]
[myspace]
Resonant Drift -- "Flow Mingled Down" -- CD -- €11
2006 self-released
Resonant Drift is a music project of the USA-based musician Bill Olien, who mentions in the cd-booklet he was inspired by Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Jonn Serrie, Paul Ellis, Brian Eno and even TD. The 55-minute disc takes off with the peculiar, heavy sequencer-based "Until", thereafter shifting to a quiet mode as the nicely rendered Roach-kindred ethereal sonics step in on the 7-minute title track.
The sequenced, cinematic "Is this the Dream" comes next with its TD-like sequencers, after which the music slows down to the free form textural "Indescribable" with unsettling undercurrents. The latter feel continues on the darker shaded "Within, Still". The short piece "Moment" turns to much lighter atmospheres with accessible floating soundscapes, quickly followed by the well-rendered moody as dynamic sequencer outing "Spiral Nowhere". After the sedate interlude "Moment Again", "Yearning" offers a rather uneasy mood with its fx’s and beat-driven electronica, extending this atmosphere as it leads the way to the dark textural dronescapes and grainy fx’s of "Ground of all". The album ends with the gentle, transparent soundscapes of "Sorrow and Love" with water backdrop. Unfortunately there are some crackles discernable in these not as expansive and deep Roach-like textures. All in all, "Flow Mingled down" contains an interesting as adventurous mixture of ambient and sequencer-driven electronics, of which the darker sound paintings might need a bit more time to be appreciated. Just give it a try and let the music speak its own magic… [Best Stolenberg]
[listen]
Schattenspiel -- "Schattenkrieger" -- CD-R -- €8
2010 Ufa Muzak, UFA 35, (ltd. 150)
Neoclassic / Noir Industrial / Military Pop. Prologue. The scene's being filled with strange people, all covering their faces. The curtain trembles a bit, inviting into the mystery of dance decorated by fear. Hardly heard whispers, agitation and tension of a spring inside the audience, the way of blood will be started. We remember this mystery, we've heard all this in childhood. But who's the main character and what hides in his trickster soul? New German avant-guard theatre of post-industrial music invites to the hidden room of stylistic delicacies and a fad of soul movements. Collaborative artistic work of the musicians behind Schattenspiel, Igniis, Barbarossa Umtrunk, Art Abscons, Orpheus Enthroned. Tickets are sold out and burnt, no way out, only walls covered with brocade and someone's shadows on them. Epilogue. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Servants Of The Machines -- "Get Right" -- CD-R -- €5
2010 NitroAtmosfericum Records, {NR0049}, (ltd. 100)
Young Ukrainian project performs Darkwave / Industrial Electronics with the elements of Neoclassic and Ambient with metal guitars. Slim-case. [YAOP]
Shadow Theatre -- "s/t" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 T'an! Kaven!! Ash!!!, Ash!!! 022, (ltd. 150)
Noise | Power Electronics. Shadow Theater is an acknowledged power noise project from Germany created as a result of collaboration between Flutwacht and Vincenzo Bossi. This is a record of live show of Shadow Theater performed at Kramladen, Kaiserslautern, Germany on 08/04/07. Special shadow theater (light and shadow) performance of noise/power electronics project Shadow Theater took place in Germany in Spring 2007 and here is the record of this mystified action... Noises, machines, synths, manipulations, vocals and visuals... [label info]
Shinjuku Filth -- "Raised By Wolves" -- CD -- €13
1997 Iridium, Ir 193.6, (ltd. 1000)
The author himself calls the style of Shinjuku Filth dance-industrial. Most of the tracks contain industrial-noise background, looped and distorted samples and quite harsh rhythm enriched by some ambient fragments. As a whole the album sounds quite cinematic, even resembling Hollywood style. [YAOP]
Silverthread / Cartagra -- "Secretum Clausum Mansit In Ore Construktoris Sui / ...Behind The Gates Of Hell..." -- CD-R -- €7
2006 Beverina, bp 048, (ltd. 150)
Split-release of two Dark Ambient / Ritual / Death Industrial projects. Silverthread material was recorded in various audio-mental sessions from 1996 to 2003. Cartagra recorded its part in 2004. Archon Satani of "Mind Of Flesh & Bones" ega comes to mind. Factory made black CD-R with serigraphy, professional cover, DVD case. [YAOP]
Skalpell -- "Some Of Nothing" -- CD -- €11
2005 Art Konkret, Dark Ambient Series, ART 40, DAS 03, (ltd. 300)
With "Some Of Nothing" the swiss project Skalpell delivers its second full length CD release as the third release in the dark ambient series on the german Art Konkret label. The CD comes with a high quality 17 x 17 cm printed artwork in a plastic packing and is strictly limited to 300 copies. Crushing fluid ambient sounds are descending upon the listener, slowly moving waves of pulsating machine sounds and cold atmospheric elements mixed together with urban athmospheres. Hollow vocal samples and echoing percussions in the background pull the listener into their ban. The album includes also very dark tracks with high pitched sound and dark cut up«s but also tracks with slow rhythm structures. You will discover also ritual influences but also dark ambient soundwork. As with every Skalpell release this album is not easy categorizable but all in all very varietal and you won't get bored for sure. [press-release]
Skrol -- "New Laws / New Orders" -- CD -- €11
2000/2009 Twilight Records, TW 1.59
The return of one of the most amazing industrial acts. The conception of of Czech ensemble SKROL arised from the visions of its spiritual father Vladimir Hirsch (composer, keyboards, drums, programming, vocal) in autumn 1995, when he was joined by Martina Sanollova-Sweeney (vocal) and Tom Saivon (lyrics, noise structures). Formation employing original principles of composition, with added depth of classical program influences. Their inspiration derives mainly from Slavic melodic and harmonic systems. Album New Laws / New Orders was originally instrumental suite of Vladimir Hirsch, created in the beginning of 2000. Later, some of tracks from that composition were together with some unreleased pieces from the period 1996-1999 reworked as fully conceptual title of the ensemble. SKROL majestic and uncompromising music is based on specific melodiousness and orchestration of contemporary neoclassical music, situated in the arch of industrial ambient and brutalized by noises and modern technology sounds. This album represents some “swan song” of the band, that definitely discontinues the activities by it. Probably, that is why musicians eclectically capitalise here all the forms used until now. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
The Soil Bleeds Black -- "The Knightly Years" -- CD -- €11
2009 Twilight Records, TW 1.48
The Soil Bleeds Black celebrate 17 years of composing neo-medieval music with the release of "The Knightly Years", a compilation of select favorites and rare tracks featured only on previous vinyl record releases. Also included is an unreleased track to appear on their next full-length album as well as a cover version of Tears for Fears "Shout". In sum, this special release features of 15 tracks of TSBB's best work over the years. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Stahlwerk 9 -- "RetroMekanik" -- CD + CD-R -- €17
2009 Steinklang Industries, SK 48, (ltd. 200)
Streicher -- "Der Sturmer / Hammerskins / Compilation Of 90's" -- CD -- €11
2010 Industrial Recollections, IR-STR-05
5th part of Streicher collection presents two full tapes: "hammerskins" and "der sturmer" and additionally all his compilation appereances from 90's except War Against Society. 70 minutes of material is guaranteed Streicher skins hatefuck! Original master tapes used for maximum sonic damage! [press-release]
Strup -- "How to Drill the Soil Sacredly" -- CD-R -- €7
2010 Operator Produkzion, OPERPRODUKT63, (ltd. 49)
A full-length album of the musician from Belarus, made in style of low-profile Rough Art Noise. The album is conceptual, dry, emotionally and aesthetically heavy, dirty, melancholic, tragic and lengthy. It is dedicated to the death of human self ("Ego"), when only will-less body remains... the eart and sky are drilled, stones answer no more to the prayers, only hardly heard whisper of soils, the last song of drying out stinky swamp. Three-panel black & white cover. [press-release]
Surma -- "Allocutio" -- CD -- €11
2008 The Eastern Front, Front 019, (ltd. 300)
New album of the very young Ukrainian project Surma. Martial ambient sounds mixed with industrial elements and nostalgic old samples. [label info] Walking those desolate battlefields of Les Joyaux de la Princesse and Der Blutharsch Surma is operating in their vein making sober martial ambient. Old shellac and repetitive loops of battle sounds grinding you through this war machine. As the smoke slowly disappears the horror will become visible and the stench of rough blood penetrates your nostrils. Allocutio brings you the oppressive atmospheres from the trenches. Starting with some kind of anthem in the “First Vision” we enter the rotating war samples of bombing with some metal percussion and a distant voice in the “Second Vision”. The martial genre is a genre with not much room for innovation and so this release continues with four more other visions with the same ingredients. Surma makes filmic martial ambient creating pictures of war and desolation. Allocutio is a nice record but the genre itself has nothing new to offer and so does Surma but Surma can compete with the best acts from the genre and is therefore interesting enough for those who like acts such as Combative Alignment or LJDLP. [Gothtronic]
[listen]
Surma & Kreuzer -- "Viltis" -- CD -- €11
2008 The Eastern Front, Front 020, (ltd. 300)
New split of two young projects — Ukrainian Surma and Israeli Kreuzer. Viltis in spite of being composed by two different musicians, sounds as a whole-hearted album... Like the full-length albums of both musicians, here music flows in industrial and dark ambient music space and complete the nostalgic atmosphere by the samples of old records in Lithuanian language. [press-release]
[listen]
Sylvian, David -- "Alchemy - An Index Of Possibilities" -- CD -- €11
2003 Virgin Records Ltd., 7243 5 91308 2 8
A collection of works from 1985. Impressive list of collaborationists: Jon Hassell, Holger Czukay, Steve Jansen, Robert Fripp, Ryuichi Sakamoto. Very lively and bright works. No loosy tracks at all. The album is mostly filled with atmospheric ambient. Last track is an 18-minute grand ambient "Steel Cathedrals" (Sylvian, Czukay, Fripp, Sakamoto, Jansen): new-wave style (electronic rhythms,...), post-bop cool tube, spoken word, "crawling" electronic background. Deluxe edition in golden digipak. [YAOP]
Taphephobia -- "Access To A World Of Pain" -- CD -- €11
2010 Greytone, grey006, (ltd. 500)
Templebeat -- "The Grey Space" -- CD -- €11
2010 Silentes Minimal Editions, sme 1035
Templebeat was an Italian electro/industrial group related to Thee Temple ov Psychic Youth and its Italian branch T.O.P.Y.TV. Templebeat released a number of eps and tapes in the early 1990's. This album gathers tracks from their tapes "Interzone", "Treviso Underground" and "V.I.T.R.I.O.L. #3", remastered as usual. Includes a cover of DAF's "Der Mussolini". Musically, this is more in line with say Clock DVA than Psychic TV, also more or less reminiscent of the band's more famous country mates Pankow and Limbo. This is a radical departure from the Silentes label catalogue that mostly focuses on lush ambient soundscapes. Nevertheless a historical release! [Some Place Else]
Thee Void Ov Zr19.84 -- "...Ov Silence & Pinky Elephants" -- CD-R -- €7
2009 Deserted Factory, DF048, (ltd. 100)
New side-project of Italian musician Ricardo 777 known for his releases as Zr19.84 on such labels as Apocalyptic Radio and Skulline. Normally his works are based on post-war songs and melodies, marches and speeches of political leaders placed in atmosphere of dark ambient and distant industrial noise. The debut album of Zr19.84 ”Adieu!” carried decadence and sickly memories crafted in a theatrical piece without characters, an impressive audio poem in vein of Nueva Germania and Spiritual Front. However here Ricardo steps aside towards more experimental electronics, this is completely instrumental music - synthetic, melodic and contemplative. The album "...Ov Silence & Pinky Elephants" was released in October 2009 and consists of 10 tracks, 2 of which are cover-versions of ”The Model” (Kraftwerk)and ”Into Thee Silence” (Testing Vault). Limited edition in A5 cover, 100 hand-numbered copies. [Monochrome Vision]
[mp3]
Thompson, Robert Scott -- "Sidereal" -- CD-R -- €7
2002/2007 Aucourant Records, AUREC 0705
The incomprehensibly vast distances of intergalactic space are continuously permeated by a subtle auditory ambience of shifting drones, elegantly gestured events and unique rhythms. Radio astronomy and SETI (among other scientific discoveries) have confirmed and given voice to this splendid background noise whose origin and meaning is impossible to fathom. This recording does not use any sounds of extraterrestrial origin, yet it does allude to the ambience of the vast cosmology. The background sounds of the universe cannot be temporally framed due to their very nature. In this work, I have attempted to fashion a long-form ambient recording which takes its cue from the cosmological sounds which surround us... Sidereal is unique within my collection of compositions. Firstly because is presents a collection of distinct compositions with a clearly defined framework - more like an album of largely unrelated works - and, secondly, the works are coerced into relatedness through their framing by a complex, evolutionary, drone texture which forms the basis of the work. The background drone is positioned somewhere between cosmic radio static and pitched harmonic resonance, alluding to the drone flux of the distant starfields which were its inspiration. [from the author]
[listen]
Thunderwheel -- "Credo" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 022, (ltd. 500)
Industrial Instrumental Romance. «Thunderwheel» is a new project of Vadim Gusis, a mastermind of acknowledged Israeli project Chaos As Shelter and member of Agnivolok. Thunderwheel musically differs essentially from Chaos Of Shelter and Agnivolok and may surprise for the best. Igor Krutogolov (Kruzenstern & Parohod, Agnivolok, Igor Krutogolov's Carate Band) and Slava Smelovsky (Grundik + Slava, Crossfishes) feature on the record. [press-release]
[listen]
Topografia -- "Genius Loci" -- CD -- €11
2010 Greytone, grey005, (ltd. 500)
Toroidh -- "Eine Kleine Marschmusik" -- CD-R -- €14
2009 205 Recordings, 205REC-894, (ltd. 300)
Trama Afona -- "s/t" -- CD -- €11
2010 Greytone, grey004
TriORE -- "Three Hours" -- CD -- €16
2009 Cold Meat Industry, CMI.201
Tuhat Kuolemaa Sekunnissa -- "s/t" -- CD -- €11
2007 Anima Arctica, AUER-002, (ltd. 1000)
Noble & Honest Neo Folk Rooted firmly to the pagan grounds of Finland. These songs are made to rise higher than pines, and the brilliant melodies glitter like silvery lakes under the holy sun. Some of these tracks are surely to be sung along with tears in eyes by lonely listeners, and some out loud by like-minded minds affected by blessed beers and wicked wines. This record is mainly performed two acoustic guitars and bass guitar held by men with fierce fire in minds and souls, with voice - sometimes fragile like icicles, sometimes hard like the wind from the arctic ocean, but always in the language of their ancestors - and with occasional elements of other traditional instruments. Humble and traditional approach to composing leads to traditional, yet innovative song writing... a reverend nod is given to the direction classics of British isle's neo folk genre, which shake hands with archaic songs sung by Finnish tribes next to fireplaces in nightless night, in lightless winter of this cold, cold country. [press-release]
Vance Orchestra -- "At Random Again" -- CD -- €11
2000 Noctovision, NCVCD 09
This is another one of those CDs meant to be played in shuffle mode, with the main longer tracks followed by a large number of shorter ones. The longer pieces are in the cut-up / experimental vein with lots of found sounds while the short tracks are mostly random goofy samples. [Mechanoise Labs] All covers are handmade collages of newspaper ads, each copy is unique.
Viridian Sun -- "Infinite In All Directions" -- CD -- €12
2009 Hypnos
Wakeford, Tony -- "Not All Of Me Will Die" -- CD -- €11
2009 The Eastern Front, Front 023, (ltd. 1000)
«Non omnis moriar» — «Not all of me will die». Over 2000 years ago, the Roman poet Horace wrote this line. Its poignant defiance of human mortality and faith in the transcending power of art rings out down the ages, finding an echo in this new work from Tony Wakeford, best known as the founder of seminal English dark folk band Sol Invictus. Not All Of Me Will Die is Tony Wakeford’s fourth solo studio album. It commemorates the life and work of the Polish-Ukrainian Jewish poetess Zuzanna Ginczanka, who was executed by the Gestapo in Krakow in 1944. All of the album’s lyrics are based on Ginczanka’s verses. As with his last solo outing, 2007’s Into The Woods, Tony Wakeford is joined here by a range of guest musicians and vocalists, including avant-garde composer Susan Matthews and members of Orchestra Noir, Zunroyz and Sol Invictus. [press-release]
[listen]
Wander -- "s/t" -- 3"CD-R -- €7
2009 R.O.N.F. Records, [RNF-038], (ltd. 50)
Drone, Dark Ambient and white noise ensemble from The Netherlands. 1 track / 19 minutes Length / 50 copies pressed. Packaged in mini-dvd plastic case. [label info]
Watkiss, Thomas -- "Ancestor: Phase II - Machine" -- 2 CD -- €13
2008 The Seventh Media, VII0801-CD, (ltd. 1000)
Thomas Watkiss ia an American visual artist and experimental composer and this is his second release in the Ancestor triology. Dense drone ambient music for uneasy listening, with a great sense of darkness and mystery. This deluxe edition includes a live bonus CD, documenting a concert in Norway. Comes in a lovely slimline 6 panel digipack with UV matte coating. [Databloem]
[mp3] [mp3]
Zero Kama -- "Live In Arnhem & The Goatherd And The Beast" -- CD + mCD -- €17
2008 Athanor, ATNR 033
V/A -- "Collection 2 - Moving" -- CD -- €11
2003 Databloem, DBCD 004
Collection 2: Moving is, as the title suggests, the second compilation from the Dutch label Databloem. This label has been making a terrific name for itself, releasing high-quality electronica albums from a number of new and exciting artists. Moving is billed as "a collection of ambient explorations and grooves" - and it's a very satisfying collection; seemingly a denizen of an alternate universe where techno artists chose to discard their club roots in favor of the ambient sound. Don't expect banging tracks of stunning beatwork - this is a fine selection of laid-back, downtempo head-bobbers. Mantacoup, Carbon Boy, The Circular Ruins, Spielerei, Saul Stokes, Psychetropic, ENV(itre), Makunouchi Bento, Subradial, Vir Unis, Cyscape. [label info]
[listen]
V/A -- "Collection 3 - Blending" -- CD -- €11
2005 Databloem, DBCD 012
A collection of contemporary ambient and ambient-glitch that takes the listener on a journey that stretches the old boundaries into a shape of things to come. 70 minutes of bliss with not a sub standard track in sight, an impressive collection. Waki, Jason Corder, Krill-Minima, Lingua Lustra, Mendigo, Lufth, Dreaming The Seed, MOC, Danny Kreutzfeldt, Svartling, Liquid Bridge. [label info]
[listen]
V/A -- "Collection 4 - Transforming" -- CD-R -- €9
2008 Databloem, DB 08022
Another fine selection of ambient explorations and grooves. The subtitle "transforming" stands for the physical transformation, new
packaging and media (professional cdr). The music still offers a wide range of styles within the ambient domain, from Sgnl_fltr's clicky beats to Con_sense's dreamy atmosphere's. Exclusive, previously unreleased tracks by: Sgnl_fltr, Nostalgia, Daniel Maze, Johan Agebjorn, Bpolar, Con_sense, ESE, Cymphonic, Opium & Stefano Patruno, Beta two agonist and Muhr. [label info]
[listen]
V/A -- "Message From A Subatomic World" -- CD -- €11
2008 Hypnos, hyp2854
Austere, Evan Bartholomew, Relapxych.0, Numina, Jason Sloan, Phaenon, Stephen Philips, True Colour Of Blood, Svartsinn, Oophoi.
V/A -- "Sounds Of A Universe Overheard" -- CD -- €11
2007 Hypnos, hyp2752
Jonathan Block, M. Peck, Freq. Magnet, Kirk Watson, dreamSTATE, Seren Ffordd, Dwight Ashley, Justin Vanderberg, Igneous Flame, Tau Ceti.
V/A -- "VII Congresso Post Industriale" -- CD -- €13
2010 Old Europa Cafe, OECD 127, (ltd. 318)
This compilation features 7 exclusive unreleased tracks by the five projects which took part to the "VII Congresso Post Industriale" live venue organised by OEC on the 20th February 2010 at club Siddharta in Prato / Florence - Italy. Not much more to say than: "this is best industrial stuff!" Folding cover, silver prints on high quality cardboard. Tracks from Fecalove, Con-Dom feat. W. Herich (Genocide Organ), Satanismo Calibro 9, Beyond Sensory Experience, Con-Dom / Antichildleague, Brighter Death Now. [label info]
V/A vs. Kirlian Camera -- "Kalte Container" -- CD + mCD BOX -- €40
2001 Radio Luxor, RL 21401, (ltd. 998)
An assortment of remixes and covers of Kirlian Camera songs. Cover versions from Shining Vril, Naevus, Collection D'Arnell-Andrea and remixes from Wumpscut, 6 COMM and Allerseelen and many more. Limited Box Set Edition (inc. CD + Book + mCD + T-Shirt + Poster).
Armageddon Dildos -- "That's Armageddon" -- LP -- €9
1991 Zoth Ommog, ZOT LP 04
Harsh Electro Industrial / EBM from Germany.
Aun -- "Utica" -- 7" -- €7
2009 Drone Records, DR-96, (ltd. 300)
Behind AUN we find Montreal's Martin Dumais, a long time activist in the Canadian scene. With AUN he has already released 3 solo albums on ORAL, and lately the acclaimed Motorsleep on ALIEN8. The sound of AUN is a marriage between very harmonic/emotional drones and distorted machine-power, between sensibility and noise-strength, usually based on guitar sound-sources. The two pieces on his DRONE EP (first AUN vinyl) show his melancholic side: "The tracks were put together after a summer of very noisy concerts and AUN recording. Usually a split entity, AUN always has a lighter and more heady and melancholic side to the more physical powerdrone material, these two tracks are of the lighter more luminous nature." The material on the A-Side ("Utica") is still very expansive and builds an impressive suspense curve, but especially the B-Side "Lelehudah" is full of touching & yearnful harmonic structures, a majestic dance of polyphonic overtones. Filed under: ROMANTIC POWER-DRONES. WHITE VINYL. GREAT GEOMETRIC PATTERN DESIGN BY MATHIEU BEAUSE'JOUR, HAND-ASSEMBLED FULL COLOUR COVERS M BY ARIANE GAGNE'. WHITE INLAY w. RED PRINT. [press release]
The Boyd Rice Experience -- "Hatesville!" -- LP -- €27
1995/2009 Caciocavallo, CAD 33, (ltd. 1000)
The Boyd Rice Experience -- "Hatesville!" -- picture LP -- €29
1995/2009 Caciocavallo, CAD 33 P
Circular / Inade -- "Deep Space Illumination" -- LP -- €18
2008 Skogholt, nummer 02, (ltd. 333)
Ctephin -- "Duad" -- 7" -- €7
2009 Drone Records, DR-97, (ltd. 300)
"For I am divided for love's sake, for the chance of union". CTEPHIN is a curious "drone-family" built around the main couple StF & Aedria Hughes who create atmospheric & noisy soundscapes, with various friends and their 7 children. Calling themselves "Umbrella Noize Collective", they live to the: "Law of Liberty as laid out in Liber AL vel Legis". DUAD is their first vinyl release and uses pumping drones, field recordings (rain), guitars, metallic effects and a kind of very harmonic cembalo instrument. The two tracks develop in a lovely way; from pure ambience to noise and back. The same use of beautiful harmonics & noise-drones creates quite a special atmosphere, from NOISE LIGHT to LIGHT NOISE. Filed under: THELEMIC LIGHT DRONES AND DRONE LIGHTS. GOLDEN VINYL WITH LOVELY MARBLE EFFECT & SILVER-GOLD LABELS. BLACK COVERS WITH THICK WHITE PAINT STAMPED ON. RED INLAY WITH GOLDEN PRINT. [press release]
Death In June -- "All Pigs Must Die" -- picture LP -- €29
2001/2008 Leprosy Discs, LEPER 04
Fjernlys -- "Beyond The Undulant Quiescence" -- LP -- €37
2010 Loki Foundation, LOKI 51, (ltd. 120)
Herbst9 -- "Snake Of Saigon / From Below" -- 7" -- €9
2006/2009 Shortwave Transmission, SWT05, (ltd. 159)
Inade -- "The Crackling Of The Anonymous" -- LP -- €17
2001 Loki Foundation, LOKI 29, (ltd. 750)
Irgun Z'wai Leumi -- "Klirrfaktor" -- LP -- €17
2008 Verlautbarung, Mitteilung 45, (ltd. 286)
Kammarheit / Phelios -- "Of Dawn And Of Ice" -- 12" -- €13
2009 Power & Steel, PAS 26, (ltd. 333)
Melanchoholics -- "Masking My Monkeys" -- 7" -- €7
2009 Drone Records, DR-98, (ltd. 300)
The MELANCHOHOLICS are a german trio producing "thick atmospheric darkness" as they call it. With a background rooted in Death Metal & Grindcore as well as in Industrial, they still use guitar, bass & electronic sounds nowadays, but their aim is to explore the realms of loneliness and melancholy by sculpting almost filmic soundtrackish atmospheres with not much aggression anymore. This is their first vinyl-release and both tracks are filled with beautiful accordeon drones, desert-like guitars, electronic sounds and voice-samples (for the experienced: on the second track "MESSAGE FOR THE OPERATOR" you might recognize a very famous old man). Thus they are enlarging the "classic" drone sound in a very fruitful way. Filed under: ADDICTIVE BLUE BLUES-DRONES. DARK BLUE TRANSPARENT VINYL. SILK-SCREENED COVERS IN SIX DIFFERENT CARDBOARD COLOURS & WITH TWO PRINT COLOURS. BLACK INLAY WITH SILVER PRINT. [label info]
Nadja -- "Ruins of Morning" -- 10" -- €12
2010 Substantia Innominata, SUB-13, (ltd. 500)
RUINS OF MORNING shows NADJA in a very experimental & dark poetic mood. Their contribution for the "Substantia Innominata"-series (dealing with / drawing inspiration from the "Unknown", "Unnameable" or "Not-Knowable") comes in two long parts based around one musical theme that appears again and again (a great dark harmonic phrase moving through different levels through this epic track), linked by very beautiful drone-sections & more noisy outbursts. Song-orientation and a more experimental sound-art approach are thus combined perfectly.
The phantastic lyrics from Aidan Baker point in a very poetic way to an utopian new morning where material values play no role anymore, but a new state of sensual being is settled in an almost J.G.BALLARDian way, when perceptions of the environment (sky, lights, sun) and the beloved (eyes & skin) fall into one. Or is this a nocturnal boundless dream-phantasy? The wish / fear to return to mothers womb, a state where everything is one (one is all) again? These lyrics open up a scope of vague possible interpretations witch match up perfectly with the impressing music; a music that describes "The Unknown" in strong metaphors of surrealistic psychic states of being. Experience the avantgardish drone-metal duo at their most dark & beautiful and on their very first 10"! Edition of 500 copies on GOLDen vinyl, fantastic artwork by Marcin Lojek (ibsendesign.pl). One track in two very long parts, playtime 40+ minutes!! [label info]
Sangre Cavallum -- "Patria Granitica" -- LP -- €15
2006 Ahnstern, Ahnstern18, (ltd. 400)
Satori -- "Kanashibari" -- LP -- €17
2008 Dogma Chase, DOGMA 005, (ltd. 300)
Sonne Hagal -- "Only Echoes Remain" -- 2 LP (black) -- €50
2010 Fronte Nordico, SH I, (ltd. 125)
Sonne Hagal -- "Only Echoes Remain" -- 2 LP (green) -- €60
2010 Fronte Nordico, SH I, (ltd. 100)
Sonne Hagal -- "Only Echoes Remain" -- 2 LP (wooden box) -- €120
2010 Fronte Nordico, SH I, (ltd. 25)
Sturmpercht -- "Schattenlieder" -- 2 LP -- €21
2009 Percht, Percht12, (ltd. 500)
Troum -- "Eald-Ge-Streon" -- 2 LP -- €25
2010 Beta-lactam Ring Records, mt181 / Equation Records, E=mc21, (ltd. 400)
Welcome to the Thunderdome. Troum’s bone-cracking reverberations respirate with such ferocity that all non-Troum molecules are blown away. Eald-Ge-Streon is a massive, rising beauty. It is a great becoming, and we are nothing but an ant in the afterbirth. Troum has set its controls beyond the heart of the Sunn. The pulsating inferno of these 7 drone concertos may require an insurance adjuster, but what a lovely way to burn. It is in your nature to do one thing correctly. Before Troum, you rightly tremble. But fear is not what you owe Troum. You owe Troum awe! [press-release] Finally the vinyl-version of last years album is available, comes in a "book bound" gatefold-cover with expensive silver-blue metallic coloured design & artwork by STEPHEN O'MALLEY.
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Waldchengarten -- "The Leech" -- 7" -- €7
2006 Drone Records, DR-81, (ltd. 300)
WÄLDCHENGARTEN is a danish duo from Aarhus that could be best described as “noise ambient” or “raw / harsh drone” in what they do. After some already very promising releases (i.e. a CD in the Desolation House-series of Relapse Recs) this is their very first vinyl. Their music on "The Leech" is very raw and filled with tiny noisy outbursts, at the same time ultra-sluggish & powerful. Low whistling feedback & pure electronic whirl-tones are omnipresent, everything seems to gradually sink to an alien center of heavy gravity like an organic entity that is slowly sucking energy while everything around is pulsating and rumbling in menacing cascades... this is dark, but its a darkness of sheer beauty. Filed under: heavy-gravity drones. Edition of 300 on dark violet vinyl. Black Covers with silver silk seen print. [press release]
Wright, Peter -- "Air Guitar" -- 7" -- €7
2006 Drone Records, DR-82, (ltd. 300)
Welcome to the Dance of Overtones! New Zealand's PETER WRIGHT (residing for some time in London, UK) has raised a reputation over the last few years with his music built mainly by guitar & field recordings. This 3-piece EP "Air Guitar" consists of little fluxion-mantras, made by waving guitar-overtones & sounds of air & water, with little additional sounds of daily room-noises. Ultra-minimal & harmonic, but with a certain raw directness & concreteness that creates a unique atmosphere, these wonderful over-tonic vibrations & sounds seem to tell little stories or daydream-phantasies... Filed under: Guitar-Mantra drones. BEAUTIFUL STENCIL-COLOURED SLEEVES (ORANGE / WHITE / BLACK). ORANGE VINYL & ORANGE INLAYS. [press release]
You can download the full list of rare & used items here.
Ahnstern -- "Label Shirt" -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Ahnstern, (ltd. 50)
Brown shirt with Ahnstern label logo. Image. Sizes L, XL.
Allerseelen -- "Gotos=Kalanda" -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Aorta
Brown shirt with album cover. Image. Sizes M, L, XL.
Aube -- "Le Syndrom Aquatique" -- t-shirt -- €13
Silentes
Black shirt with white print. Image. Sizes M, L, XL.
Aube -- "Metal On Metal" -- t-shirt -- €13
Silentes
Black shirt with white print. Image. Sizes M, L, XL.
Mauthausen Orchestra -- t-shirt -- €13
Silentes
Bright white-gray shirt with M.O. logo. Image. Sizes S, M, L, XL.
Percht -- "Label Shirt" -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Percht, (ltd. 50)
Green shirt with Percht label logo. Image. Sizes L, XL.
Silentes -- "Label Shirt" -- t-shirt -- €13
Silentes
Red shirt with white label logo. Sizes M, L.
Stahlwerk 9 -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Steinklang
Image. Sizes M, XL.
Sturmpercht -- "Band" -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Percht, (ltd. 100)
Brown shirt with band photo. Image. Sizes M, L, XL.
Wilde Jaeger -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Percht, (ltd. 150)
Dark-green shirt. Image. Sizes M, L, XL.
Wir Rufen Deine Wölfe -- t-shirt -- €16
2010 Percht, (ltd. 150)
Image. Size XL.
Agnivolok -- "Cherries" -- CD -- €11
2006 The Eastern Front, Front 005, (ltd. 1000)
Israeli neo-folk project Agnivolok presents its album «Cherries». The album was planned to be released on a few years ago under the original title «Cherries for the Golden Skull», was re-worked slightly and out now. An impressive musical meltdown that takes traditional music into a new dimension. Passionate folk, rich of eastern and oriental characteristics, skillfully combined with experimental acoustic ambient layers, and a female voice that is haunted by melancholy. [press-release] Psychedelic folk with female vocals and some unusual instruments (two-handed saw, stone chello, ice flute), and some usual too.
[listen]
Agnivolok -- "Sculptor" -- CD -- €11
2006 The Eastern Front, Front 004, (ltd. 1000)
Now on CD with a previously unreleased bonus track «Angels». The alchemy of Agnivolok, an Israeli ensemble of musicians whose roots lie in the depths of Russia and the Ukraine, takes you to a place where unspeakable events fall into place... An impressive musical meltdown that takes traditional music into a new dimension. Passionate folk, rich of eastern and oriental characteristics, skillfully combined with experimental acoustic ambient layers, and a female voice that is haunted by melancholy. Agnivolok is Near Life Experience—traditional music for spiritual travelers. [press-release] Reissue of LP previously published by now defunct German label StateArt with bonus track. Mournful female voice in company with lots of acoustic (guitar, bass, piano, harmonium, etc.) and electronic (samples, effects) instruments. Israeli import.
[listen]
Alio Die -- "Suspended Feathers" -- CD -- €11
1996/2005 Silentes / Hic Sunt Leones, cd 200505 / HSL 031
One of the best known works of Alio Die, originally released in 1996 on Amplexus and long sold out. 5 long tracks made in collaboration with Gregorio Bardini and Vidna Obmana.
[mp3] [mp3]
Apoptose -- "Bannwald" -- CD -- €14
2010 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 078
On a Friday in September many years ago three girls went into a large forest in northern Germany. They never returned. Apoptose followed their path into the woods and listened closely to the voices whispering among the trees. The new album »Bannwald« reflects the girls' journey to a realm of witchcraft, fairy-tales and ancient goddesses. Here in the green twilight of rustling leafs and crackling twigs nothing is as it seems and reality is covered by a thick layer of autumn foliage. The German term »Bannwald« bears a double meaning: On one hand it stands for a protected woodland where nobody is allowed to cut trees or even to enter. On the other hand »Bann« is an ancient word for ban or spell. After the urban nightmares of the last CD »Schattenmaedchen« Apoptose come back to the northern wilderness once more - the home of their very first album »Nordland«. This time with extended lineup: Those who had the chance to attend one of the rare live performances already know the voice of singer Silke and the enormous rhythms of the 15 drummers of the Fanfarenzug Leipzig. On »Bannwald« they join forces again to invoke the spirits of moss-covered stones and hidden glades. Needless to say, this CD comes in an outstandingly designed multiple-panel foldout cover featuring an 8-page booklet and a separate cardboard CD-sleeve. [press-release]
Apoptose -- "Schattenmädchen" -- CD -- €13
2007 Tesco Organisation, Tesco 068
Schattenmädchen (English: »shadow girl«) has always been around, waiting patiently for seven years to step out of the shadows and reveal its face. Apoptose's third album explores dystopian locations: the undergrounds of Japanese megacities, the depths of worldwide data highways, the nightmares of little children. The seven tracks express images of a desolate and dying world, far removed from the solitude of the beloved Northern woods. A world lacking daylight and oxygen. A bleak vision of reality. Over the years, several of these tracks made their way to compilation CDs all over the globe. There they laid dormant to be reunited some day to form this album. In autumn 2006, Apoptose joined forces with Japanese cyberpunk author Kenji Siratori to complete the cycle. On this album, Apoptose works for the first time with spoken word lyrics. Featured languages are Japanese, English, and German. The tracks previously on compilations have been polished/remixed/rerecorded and renamed especially for the unique listening experience of Schattenmädchen. The CD is housed in an embossed 6-panel cardboard cover with an additional booklet. 7 tracks, 62 min. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Arditi -- "Marching on to Victory" -- CD -- €14
2007 Equilibrium Music, EQM015
The original release of "Marching on to Victory" dates back to 2003, with a small pressing of 1000 copies on the obscure Swedish label Svartvintras. The legacy that one half of the project brought from his work with Puissance was fairly evident, yet the focus on his work as Arditi was not so much beautifuly orchestrated narrations of the apocalypse, but far grimmer depictions of the past centuries world conflicts. Field recordings and blurry speeches were incorporated into Arditi's compositions, adding a rather disturbing tone to the predominant military snare-drums, obscure symphonic arrangements and hypnotic soundscapes. The suffocating combination between martial classical arrangements and somber atmospheres would set Arditi's debut album as one of the bleakest releases on the Militaristic Neo-Classical movement that was starting to flourish at the time. "Marching on to Victory" is now made available again, in a deluxe Digipak release featuring 2 bonus tracks. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Austere -- "Solyaris" -- CD -- €11
2008 Hypnos, hyp2753
This is a creative peak for this much-overlooked ambient duo, their first release on Hypnos, following their Hypnos Secret Sounds album Pulse in 2007. In their 10 years of productivity, Austere has covered territory from Pulse's drone minimalism, ranging back through odd and trippy Coil-inspired sonic experimentation, to seamless dark ambient, and occasionally glitchy weirdness. Despite some challenging material in their back catalog, Austere have in this case produced an album as friendly and pleasant as any Austere fan could have imagined possible, and yet without resorting to the usual tricks that make music sound "listenable." [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Baghiri, Amir & Wee Bandits -- "A Brief History of Light" -- CD-R -- €9
2007 Blue Box, BB0706
On "A Brief History Of Light" Amir Baghiri and guests mix mesmerizing floating textural electronica and high tech chill-out/down tempo music. The cd kicks off with the dynamic "Falling Star", which featured quite a heavy dance beat, before we move into the great sequencing and soundscapes of the engaging "Cosmic Axis". More floating textures follow in the very nice tracks "Ghosts of the Dark Wood" and "Between Shadows and Fog", which beautifully realm in sort-of Steve Roach territory. The ten minute "Origins of Light" is another atmospheric outing with mesmerizing, deep sound worlds, fx's, vocal samples and a slow sequence, in which more trance rhythms pop in halfway. "Asphalt Wolf" is next, a four minute trance dance track with lots of fx's, moving into "Princes of Light", which has some vocals. The realm in this and the following tracks is overall chill-out. It's difficult to describe the music on this album, so you best check out the sound clips. [press-release]
Bates, Martyn & Troum -- "To a Child Dancing in the Wind" -- CD -- €12
2006 Transgredient Records, TR-03
Profound songs inspired by Yeats-poems: The acoustic transformation of the deepest yearning for this release, the German 'transcendental-drone'-duo Troum teams up with the legendary British singer/songwriter and Eyeless In Gaza-member Martyn Bates. More than 2 years in the making, Martyn Bates has sung & played (mouth organ & melodica) over basic material Troum provided - consisting of harmonic minimal loops & basic song structures derived from accordion, e-bass & guitar, percussion, who were then also responsible for the final subsequent additional mastering (adding more guitar-work, voices & balalaika). Martyn Bates has chosen to sing four poems of the famous Irish poet W.B.Yeats, and he did this with a most impressive sensitivity for Troum's very sublime & rather hidden harmonic structures. There are also two instrumentals in a more experimental style on this disc, one being a dark drone reprise of the main piece 'Mad As the Mist and Snow #2.' Martyn's voice is surely not something for everyone - it's of an extreme emotional & yearnful quality that might be not easy to stand - a yearning which is like a deep 'cry out to the horizon,' to something that is unreachable per se, feeling a passion that tears you apart inside. This is pure emotional poetry transformed into yearnful audible spherics! [label info]
Birch Book -- "Vol. III - A Hand Full Of Days" -- LP -- €17
2009 Ahnstern, Ahnstern41, (ltd. 500)
Bisclaveret -- "Psyche noMine" -- CD -- €11
2006 The Eastern Front, Front 007, (ltd. 1000)
Bisclaveret - A Polish dark ambient/dark wave duo presents its album Psyche noMine. It took two years to conceive, resulting in 6 songs (clocking at around 53 minutes). Musically, it's a piece for those interested in moving, yet extraordinary art. Lush strings, industrial rhythms and even noise tones at times summarize the background for Dragos' voice coming from the other, subconscious side of his mind. Lyrically, it's a concept-album of sorts. All the lyrics deal with human sub consciousness. The words on 'Psyche noMine' shows a man entangled in the arcane of the world, somebody who does not notice phenomena around him. The man whose recklessness or even arrogance so natural for him is the cause for him being lost in the surrounding reality. The album's ambiguous title suggests what receivers will deal with when listening to new Bisclaveret album. A must-have album for fans of Nordvargr, Dead Man's Hill and Cold Meat Industry acts, such as In Slaughter Natives & Sanctum. [press-release]
[listen]
Blood Axis -- "Blot: Sacrifice in Sweden" -- CD -- €14
1998Cold Meat Industry, CMI X
In November 1997, Blood Axis was invited to fly to Sweden and present a special live performance for the Cold Meat Industry 10th Anniversary Feast. The show was recorded on digital multi-track directly from the mixing board, and the resulting tapes were brought back to USA and re-mixed and re-processed by Blood Axis temselves for an exceptional result: a crystalline and intense summoning of everything from haunting heathen mantras to electronic aggression, traditional European melodies to crushing bombastic anthems. [press-release]
Blood Axis & Les Joyaux De La Princesse -- "Absinthia Taetra" -- CD -- €17
2004 Athanor, ATNR 023, (ltd. 1000)
Two 10" from the "Absinthe" boxset are presented here in a single CD digipack with remastered sound. No extra material or graphics but all the music from the original release. Some studio tracks along with the complete live in Sintra, the only time BA and LJDLP ever presented Absinthe on stage. [label info]
Brighter Death Now -- "Obsessis" -- CD -- €15
2000 Cold Meat Industry, CMI.91
This is more than merely the new album by Brighter Death Now. 'Obsessis' is the completion of a cycle, a testimonial summing up themes touched on by Roger Karmanik over the years. It captures the schizophrenic visions of the Lille Roger era, the deadly paranoia of BDN, and the wonderful world seen through the eyes of a family father. 'Obsessis' is the brain scan of a sonic ninja: lost in confusion - left in disillusion - lusting in seclusion - living in commotion - launched from obsession to obsession. Now is the time, and you are the prey. Featuring the immaculate Lina B Doll as guest on one track. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Chaos As Shelter -- "Live in New Jerusalem" -- CD-R -- €8
2003 Solipsism, Solipsism-48, (ltd. 100)
Two live tracks of beautiful dark ambient sounds from Israel. Over an hours worth of music, the first track was recorded in December of 2000 at New Jerusalem Studios, the Second is from August of 2000, and was recorded live at the Abama Theatre, in Jerusalem. Mixing drifting, dark ambient electronics with subtle rhythms and ethnic sounds, Chaos as Shelter are one of the more interesting new projects from the last couple of years, and his live work adds another layer to his already complex sound. Haunting, and meditative, this is music that evokes a world of it's own. [label info]
Cisfinitum -- "Tactio" -- CD -- €11
2008 Mechanoise Labs, mn033, (ltd. 500)
With a parsimonious discography mostly released on seasoned Russian labels such as Waystyx, Ewers Tonkunst and Monochrome Vision, Evgeny Voronovsky has established himself as a uniquely engaging artist in the country's current ambient scene. Under the name of Cisfinitum, he has taken a syncretic approach to an often codified genre, uniting his formal training as a violinist at the Moscow State University with his affinity for concrete sounds and experimental structures. Past releases have shown a capacity to synthesize these factors at times while emphasizing the contrasts between them at others, sometimes over the course of a single track. In this aspect, this album follows the tradition faithfully... Tactio is the live recording of a Cisfinitum concert at the St. Petri Dom (St. Peter's Cathedral) in Bremen, on November 24, 2005. The particular (and as expected highly favorable) acoustics of this environment were consistently used not only as an enhancing effect but as an integral foundation for the performance, making it unmistakably tied to its context. Presented in the form of six continuous tracks, the album is a contemplative composition of vibrant drones, reverberating bells and synthesized resonance, gracefully evolving from the celestial tones of its start to the tellurian pulses of its climax. This is a piece of work that is elaborate in its simplicity, and it's with much appreciation that it is presented here today. The beautiful iconic artwork by Evgeny Kuprienko further emphasizes the relic-like qualities of this recording. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Con-Dom -- "Holy Bible" -- mCD -- €14
2007 Freak Animal Records, FREAK-CD-028, (ltd. 500)
Con-Dom "Holy Bible" mCD is the latest studio material what was originally to be released by Tesco Organization, but changed to Freak Animal. Great and unusual power electronics. No walls of noise, no heavy distorted screech, but innovative and experimental approach for real power electronics-industrial! Comes in A5 black cardboard sleeve with silver printing, including lyrics. [press-release]
Contrastate -- "A Live Coal under the Ashes" -- CD -- €13
1992/2008 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 010
1992 saw the release of "A live coal under the ashes" which was inspired by the events leading up to the changes across Eastern and Central Europe during 1989. This release marked the change conceptually in which the group's ideas became more specific and more focused on contemporary political issues. "A live coal…" was critically acclaimed not just for the music, but also for the artwork and packaging: - a CD placed in the middle of a 12 inch clear vinyl record. After many years of unavailabity Tesco can finally present a rerelease with remastered tracks and a new yet unreleased track called: "Death follows the one eyed cow." An album full of ambient atmospheres, drones, percussion, suitable dark narrations and some steady muted rhythms. These are intense, highly charged recordings with a powerful mystic and ritual feeling. A masterpiece of sound poetry. Comes in nice Digipak. [label info]
Contrastate -- "Throwing Out The Baby With The Bathwater" -- CD -- €13
1995 Functional Organisation, Functional 008
Ambient soundscapes interspersed with rhythms and noises from the masters of ritual industrial. [label info]
Cruelty Campaign -- "Distressed Signals" -- CD -- €10
2002 Tesco Organisation, TESCO048
The Los Angeles-based group Cruelty Campaign utilizes site recordings, found sounds, and interviews to create musical atmospheres and harsh soundscapes that are both beautiful and disquieting. Excellent experimental dark tech. Packaged in a Digipak. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
D-Darkradioinduztrie -- "Appunti di Dolore Metropolitani" -- CD-R -- €7
2006 Deserted Factory, DF029, (ltd. 100)
This Italian (i guess?) artist is not familiar to me from before, despite the fact that he (?) seems to be making music with an experienced touch. Appunti di Dolore Metropolitani is music that could be best described as industrial compositions. The sound world is rough and distorted, but at the same time very musical, even melodic. On one side this reminds me of Bad Sector, but something in the cold and concrete feel is closer to Wilt. Opening track Paure che affiorano dalle tenebre.. fails to create any other impression than of the kind of sad droning soundscape that has already been heard enough times. The second track Note fra macchine meretrici.. manages to turn my head around completely with its beautiful melodies. The impression is something like very beautiful classical music was being played with an industrial music sound palette. This gives it the same charm that many russian industrial artists have (this should not be mixed with the kind of cliche melancholia represented by CMI at its worst). Unfortunately the record fails to bring another track of the same beauty, although it often comes close - especially on the ending track Canti delle madri e nuove battaglie industriali.. A promising name, worth getting to know especially for fans of genuinely emotional soundscapes a la Reutoff. [John Bjorkman / Kuolleen Musiikin Yhdistys]
[mp3]
Dahlia's Tear -- "Under Seven Skies" -- CD -- €11
2007 Thonar Records, TR.07, (ltd. 1000)
Dahlia's Tear is coming with the third album, entitled "Under Seven Skies". This album clearly differs from preceding releases of ambient dark project with the extension of new sound elements layered by masterful narrative layout. With seven ethereal and dark tracks Dahlia's Tear creates an an enigmatic story, the renewed sound bears hypnotic touch of dreamy mood and specific abstract atmosphere... Anil ED uses Distorted guitars, skillfully embedded lush skin of strings, gloomy slow frequencies and twisted layer of vocal layers to combine different moods to entire conception of tiresome longing and adding a huge depth to the sound. "Under Seven Skies" album is bringing an atmosphere between harsh and haunting feeling. [press-release]
Darkwood -- "Ins Dunkle Land" -- CD -- €14
2009 Heidenvolk, HV12
This new recording is a work of magic realism presenting harsh industrial themes, catchy neofolk songs, and hypnotic folk tracks on a torrent into the Dark Land. 12 tracks like 12 pillars of perception are seperating the realm of darkness from the realm of light. The album comes with a rougher sound using a lot of drums, completed by industrial patterns, acoustic instruments, and again English and German vocals. The CD is delivered in a noble digipack with 20pages booklet. [press-release]
Death In June -- "All Pigs Must Die" -- CD -- €18
Leprosy Discs, Leper CD4
Here it is! You begged for it?! Death in June is back with the guitar and other traditional instruments, such like accordeon, flute and trumpet. Together with A. Ritter of the German folk-band Forseti and the famous trumpet player Campbell Finley, Douglas P. recorded a new album very much in the style of his folk highlights, "Rose clouds.." and "But, what ends...". The album is splitted in 6 folk orientated and 5 experimental tracks, remember records like "Wall of Sacrifice". Inspired by Charles Mansons night of Helter Skelter, Douglas P. found a way to haunt his own nightmare. Comes in extraordinary coverdesign and deluxe manufacturing with embossed titles and debossed images. [label info]
Deathpile -- "Final Confession" -- CD -- €11
Pain Compliance Productions, PCP 001
Collection of the best DEATHPILE material from rare and out-of-print releases plus one previously unreleased track (with guest DAVID E WILLIAMS). Includes all lyrics and extensive liner notes. This is the definitive DEATHPILE collection. Harsh American power electronics with layers of noise and aggressive vocals. Definitely one for fans of TAINT, GRUNT etc. As the title indicates, this is the final work of DEATHPILE. [Cold Spring]
Deutsch Nepal -- "Comprendido!... Time Stop!" -- CD -- €14
Cold Meat Industry, CMI.49
For more than six years this project haunted the world with deformed soundscapes and harsh noises. Within the school of industrialism, Deutsch Nepal manage to combine psychedelia with dark atmospheric ambience. The earlier releases has been filled with dark mourning sounds with ritualistic drumming that now burst out into aggression. Gone is the ethnic influence and you will meet a new form of electronic treatment and distorted voices earlier not used in the Deutsch Nepal sound-image. [press-release]
Different State -- "More Than Music" -- CD-R -- €9
2005 Requiem Records, 23/2005
This is the latest album of Poles from the U.S. very personal with sentimental spleen. Narcotic trance, sonic magic full of references to explosive mixture of trip hop, new wave, illbient and postindustrial. A steamroller of heavy rythm and strong base – fusion of new sounds with experimental acoustics. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Falkenstein -- "Kraftort" -- CD -- €14
2009 Heimatfolk, HF 08
Falkenstein -- "Urdarbrunnen" -- CD -- €14
2008 Heimatfolk, HF 04 / Kraftplatz Records, KRPL 02
Flatline Skyline -- "All Sound / No Vision" -- CD -- €11
2009 Mechanoise Labs, mn 034, (ltd. 500)
The second album from Jacen Kemp and Robert Andrew Scott stands as a stylistic counter-statement to 2005's "Horizon Grid." Fierce, emotionally driven and abrasively textured, "All Sound / No Vision" confirms Flatline Skyline's masterful sense of tension and release and melodic sensibility while further evolving their sound beyond any previous expectation... Where "Horizon Grid" forged atmospheres of lethargic bliss and nocturnal stillness, these eleven new tracks are united by their restlessness and unstable nature. From the energetic vocals and metallic shard-like pulse of "Fox Fight" to the improvised noisy electronic shudders of "One Secret," there is a new-found sense of visceral life that breathes, screams and seeps into every moment of this album. Jacen Kemp's voice plays a prominent role in this aspect; its multi-faceted intonations are perfectly suited to the shifting electronic foundation. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Flatline Skyline -- "Horizon Grid" -- CD -- €11
2005 Mechanoise Labs, [mn026], (ltd. 400)
Absolutely non-typical release for this French underground noise-oriented label. The thing is that in fact represented music should be described as "electro-pop". But! This is very unusual electro-pop because it somehow harmoniously combines best features of IDM, abstract electronic noise and psychedelic trip-hop. And while listening to this CD you just don't know what to expect next minute: will it be synth passages in vein of Depeche Mode, or digital clicks typical for contemporary computer-based music, or heartfelt melancholic vocal. In general this is beautiful non-extremal electronic music almost approached mainstream level which can't be called disadvantage in this case.
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Galerie Schallschutz -- "H.A.A.R.P." -- CD -- €13
Tesco Organisation, TESCO053
This album of a German project is based on a US military project referred to as HAARP. The material is composed of extended structures that usually evolve from and into pulsating frequency patterns and deep enveloping patterns of noise... Here some more infos about the concept: The U.S. government has a new ground-based "Star wars" weapon which is being assembled on a military base in Alaska, by the Air Force and the Navy. HAARP stands for High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program. This new system has the capability to manipulate the environment in such a way as to change weather patterns, disrupt global communication systems, disrupt human mental processes, negatively affect health and impact the earth's upper atmosphere in an unnatural and damaging way. All participants involved in designing HAARP are part of a giant partnership of government and it's done in secret. The military gives the impression that this project is mainly an academic project with the goal of changing the ionosphere to improve communications for our own good but they has deliberately misled the public, through sophisticated word games, deceit anf outright disinformation... for all who still want to think and who still can think... Comes in nice DVD package. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Galerie Schallschutz -- "Montauk Project" -- CD -- €16
Tesco Organisation, TESCO 063
The price seems to be high but this release comes in a a very outstanding and impressive package and with a very nice effect lenticular card afixed. Finally 3 years after the "H.A.A.R.P." CD, Galerie Schallschutz comes with another superior release and again with strong thematic content... We all know something is out there, but we're not sure exactly what. Galerie Schallschutz at long last, begins to provide some solid clues. "Montauk Project", also called the Phoenix Project during some of its phases, was a covert government's ultra-top-secret electromagnetic mind control and time experiment project that took place during the 1970's and early '80s at an abandoned Air Force radar base at the southeast tip of Long Island, New York. Much evidence has surfaced indicating that the base and the subterranean facilities were and still are used for a tremendous amount of top secret, ultra-classified research and experimentation into interdimensional technology, quantum and particle physics, black hole simulation, super-powerful electrical and electromagnetic fields, weather control, psychotronics (interfacing mind and machine), particle beam technology (HAARP transmissions…), and electronic and drug- based mind control...! Galerie Schallschutz provide you with the perfect soundtrack to go further into this secret world. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Genocide Organ -- "Live in Japan 2003/2007" -- DVD/CD -- €19
2009 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 077 / Teito Sound Company, TEITO-010
Japan has been a wasteland for German "industrial" and/or "power electronics" bands for many years, but in 2003, Genocide Organ entered the motherland of noise. Invited by Teito and MSBR, Genocide Organ played two remarkable shows in Tokyo. The first in a typical noise/hardcore club called 20000V, and the second at a small theatre called Die Pratze. Because of the two different locations and atmospheres, G.O. prepared two completely different sets. While the material at 20000V featured tracks from what was, at the time, the forthcoming album "In-Konflikt," plus a selection of powerful, well-known tracks, the setlist at Die Pratze featured more "calm" and unreleased tracks integrated into a theatrical-type performance. Both gigs represent the repertoire of Genocide Organ, which makes this band more than just a phenomenon of one genre. The two shows are presented here on DVD in their entirety, edited from three different camera angles by Frank Merten of SWT, known for the visuals of Herbst9 and Land:Fire. The DVD is professionally mastered and features a fully animated menu. In 2007, Genocide Organ returned to Tokyo for two more shows, both hosted at 20000V, and again, each show had a different setlist. The audio CD in this collection features a selection of the best tracks from both evenings. Many had never been released or played live before, while some "old favorites" appear here in completely different versions. The quality of the recording is amazing, and you will feel the full power of these two gigs. [press-release]
[trailer]
Ghosts Of Breslau -- "And Should the Spring Come..." -- CD -- €11
2007 Twilight Records, TW 1.35, (ltd. 555)
After the big success of the oficial release of "Peste" album (we sold 500 copies in no more than 3 weeks) now a new piece of food of martial industrial ambient fans!!. "And Should The Spring Come..." - long awaited second album by Ghosts Of Breslau. Thirteen brand new tracks, more than 54 minutes of amazing, haunted sounds, inspired by old songs and poems from Polish resistance movement from World War II. This is a tribute to brave men and women who kept on fighting even when all hope seemed to be lost. You will not forget this album after listen it, cinematic, deep, dark and full of evocative moments. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Ghosts Of Breslau -- "Peste" -- CD -- €11
2007 Twilight Records, TW 1.33
Finally the long awaited album "Peste" originally released in a CDR format in only 150 copies, will be officially release under TW. The dark ambient martial act GHOSTS OF BRESLAU only appeared with some tracks in different compilations. Music "Peste" is a voyage to the beginning of the World War II - a time when the world was on fire. Postindustrial, apocalyptic war hymns, dark evocations of the forces now hopefully forgotten. Neoclassic, industrial, Martial music! "Breslau was the German name of Wroclaw, a city in southwestern Poland, Lower Silesia. Since the beginnig Wroclaw was multicultural town, where Poles, Germans, Czechs, Jews and many more nations lived together - sometimes peacefully, sometimes not. Throughout history Wroclaw was Polish, German, Czech and Austrian. The influences of all cultures are still visible. The XXth century and especially the events of both World Wars left strong marks in the spirit of this city. Ghosts of the past are still present here. Ghosts of Breslau. In my music I try to capture the unique soul of this city and madness of the totalitarian ideologies". [press-release]
Griffin, M. -- "Fabrications" -- CD -- €12
2008 Hypnos, hyp2806
Herbst9 -- "The Gods Are Small Birds, But I Am The Falcon" -- CD -- €14
2008 Loki Foundation, LOKI 48
Hildebrand, Gustav -- "Starscape" -- CD -- €15
2004 Cyclic Law, 7th Cycle
Known from his Lithium (CMI) project and his collaboration with Karjalan Sissit and now working under his own name, Gustaf Hildebrand takes us through the sonic confines of space with his own vision of how space could aurally be experienced. First pressing of 500 copies in textured fold out sleeve. [press-release]
Illusion Of Safety -- "Fifteen / Finite Material Context" -- CD -- €12
1993 Functional Organisation, Functional 001
Excellent material from a long deleted tape. Odd rhythms with cut-ups, tape manipulations and haunting ambient textures. The best IOS release if you prefer their harder, noisier side. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Inade -- "Colliding Dimensions" -- 4 CD -- €30
2005 Loki Foundation, loki 38
Live retrospective box with 4 individual CDs and 16-pg. booklet. All material recorded and sculptured during live shows and rehearsal sessions 1995-2002.
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Inner Vision Laboratory & Roto Visage -- "Cinema Stain" -- CD-R -- €9
2009 Beast Of Prey / No Angels Productions, NAP-CD 011, (ltd. 200)
We would like to present a unique opus, which appears as a co-operation of Inner Vision Laboratory (Poland) and Roto Visage (USA) projects, symbolically entitled "Cinema Stain". Here, the listener is forced to wale in pathological and "impure" visualizations of human pain, fears and suffering, which are surprisingly seducing with subtle beauty. Some of the soundforms are painted heavily with a brush of rhythm while others flow like the spools of film spinning through a mechanical projector. The aim of both of the composers was to write an original soundtrack to a non-existent horror film – the result is excellent, and by taking vocal samples from other movies, they created also an auditory record of tension and melancholic darkness. For layout of this release, we used modified photographs from the very talented photographer - Karolina Kosowicz. Packaging is non-typical: professionally printed and professionally duplicated CDR with additional graphical insert are placed in a plastic box (slim dvd box type). Inserts and covers are professionally printed on gloss paper. Edition is limited to 200 hand numbered copies. Album production by No Angels Prod. and Beast Of Prey. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Ionosphere -- "Angular Momentum" -- CD -- €14
2004 Power And Steel, PAS 19
With the first full length work of this German project another remarkable release in dark and space ambient has earthed that accompanies with the classic works of this genre. The ten tracks on this album following their previous 10 inch release on Avatar Records, creating a giant sphere full of thick and brooding soundscapes with thunderous eruptions, imploding stars, ghostly voices, powerful machine noises and pulsing rhythms. On "Angular Momentum" Ionosphere probing the darkness until it's deepest core! Digipack CD. [label info]
Isomer -- "Face Toward The Sun" -- CD -- €14
2009 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 076
Isomer's third cd with Tesco takes a sharp turn toward more aggressive territory, with the raw industrial hinted at in previous outings getting a proper airing. The dark ambient textures for which he is known still feature, but Face Toward the Sun forges new stylistic ground for the project. From the throbbing electronics of the opening track, through power electronics, walls of noise, violent vocal deliveries and carefully structured dark ambience, this is a characteristically varied album. Never one to shy from a dirty old blending of styles, a nice little martial ditty even makes an appearance for the militant in all of us. Face Toward the Sun was assembled from improvisations, previously unused material and nights of MS-20 hard-ons, making a lusty, varied album of industrial music. Some of the tracks here has been already presented on the well received DVD Cold Meat Live in Australia, where Isomer delivered one of the most surprising gigs of the festival. The studio versions of the tracks here will appeal to listeners of martial industrial as well as to an industrial dark ambient audience. Presented in a double gatefold digipack with potent imagery, total running time: 58 min. [press-release]
Isomer -- "Zero Lounge" -- CD -- €13
2005 Tesco Organisation, Tesco 061
The follow-up to "Serpent Age", the highly acclaimed first CD by the Australian artist David Tonkin, the man behind Isomer. Isomer does not remain in the field of dark rhythmic ambience, with the second release it explores new fields. This CD brings a blend mixture of classical industrial elements, power elctronic noises and ritual soundscapes... it still has its very own touch and varies its style often but never losses the thin red led of an extraordinary brilliance in recording. [label info]
Janitor -- "Qoumran 4-ever" -- CD -- €13
2006 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 064
Long time no see! ...and then suddenly a new Janitor release on Tesco. This is Janitor's 3rd full-length release, after УReceiving a Flower on Mothers' Day.Ф The two masterminds Peter Andersson (Lina Baby Doll / Deutsch Nepal) and Benny Nilsen (Hazard) got together again and managed to produce a very good follow-up to their highly acclaimed first release on Tesco. Again Janitor delivers an outstanding mix of rhythms, industrial elektronikk soundscapes, romantic tunes with the distinct voice of Lina, a sentimental journey into the world of weirdness. After years of contemplation and research in the monastery caves of Qoumran, Nilsen and Baby Doll found the hidden treasures they were looking for. The dry wind as a tapestry of sand in an elektronikk desert, structures and ornaments hidden in the storm of Saudi. Another surprising release from the swedish duo recorded in the woods of Sweden at Studio Habelsbolet. All music/artwork by Nilsen/Baby Doll. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Jannerwein -- "Abendlauten" -- CD -- €14
2008 Heimatfolk, HF 05
The Joy Of Nature And Discipline -- "The Fog that Life is Haunted by" -- CD-R -- €9
2006 Bunkier Productions, BX CDr, (ltd. 213)
The Joy of Nature And Discipline is a musical project from Azores (Portugal), exploring musically its own concept of purity. Musically The Joy of Nature and Discipline is like a live force, like a serpent always renewing itself - never resting on one shape, changing the form but keeping the same essence... Sometimes folk, others ambiental, traditional and experimental. Musically it draws inspiration from Ethnic, Dark/Folk and Industrial music. Thirteen tracks, over 40 min of music. Real powerfull music! [label info]
[mp3] [mp3]
Kirlian Camera -- "Erinnerung" -- CD -- €14
2006 Twilight Records, TW 1.22
Returning after the massive success of the three last releases "Invisible Front", "Pictures from Eternity" and "Cororner's sun", the legendary band commanded by Angelo Bergamini and Elena Fossi, KIRLIAN CAMERA, present the re-release under Twilight Records a masterpiece deleted for ages: Erinnerung. The album will come in very nice digipack with brand new artwork and will include some bonus unreleased tracks. Erinnerung is one of the most incredible, amazing album on the KC career and a trip into the time to the post war Europe with beautifully expressive female vocals. Another piece of the puzzle into the band discography. The line-up at this time was: Angelo and Emilia Lo Jacono, and guest appaerances as Grace Osei (aka Nancy Appiah) Simon Balestrazzi, Ivano Bizzi, Vicenzo Pastorino, Francesco Germini and Alessandro Nidi. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Kirlian Camera -- "Pictures from Eternity" -- CD -- €12
1996/2008 Twilight Records, TW 1.10
After the highly deserved success of their current album ‘Invisible Front .2005’, is a big honour to our record label to re release this beautiful and cult album from one of the most important and popular electro bands in the gothic scene. This is the re-release of – in my opinion – one of their most legendary and best albums. Originally on Discordia in 1996, it comes with 3 exclusive bonus-Tracks! ‘Pictures…’ followed the very ‘difficult’ conceptual album ‘Solaris’, and marked the return of KIRLIAN CAMERA to their earlier, darker, romantic and melodic days. It’s a definite RETRO album and includes some of the most beautiful tracks, Angelo Bergamini has written in 20 years! The opening track ‘Ascension’ has become a CLASSIC, but also the highly infective single ‘Your Face in the Sun’, the original version of ‘I am the Light’, the remake of a very early KC-track from 1981 (Meine Nachte sind heiser zerschrien’) and the amazing Kraftwerk-inspired track ‘Haalh’ are real jewels of Angelo’s discography – as well as the orchestral ‘Wasted Bridges’ or the neo-folkish ‘The End of Days’… Kirlian Camera today are without a doubt one of the most important acts in the electro scene and this work marked without a doubt one of the peak moments of their career and is regarded as their most ‘accessible’, and most ‘darkwave’ kind of album. This new version runs more than 72 minutes now – in fact it not only contains 3 bonus tracks, but also the ‘Kuolema’ remix of ‘Ascension’ from the original edition has been replaced by a much better sounding version! [press release] This is a second re-release in digipak limited to 300 copies.
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Kirlian Camera -- "Schmerz" -- CD -- €12
2007 Twilight Records, TW 1.39
Originally released in 1992 as a 7” single, enclosed to a magazine (tracks 1 to 6) and as MCD on KC’s own ‘Heavens Gate’ Label (incl. track 7) and finally as full-length CD in 1995 (all 13 tracks) on extinct record label Discordia, this album sounds as fresh and new as it was recorded yesterday! Schmerz is one of the top masterpieces by Kirlian Camera and contains some of the best tracks ever written (Heldenplatz or Twilight Fields to mention just two)! Kirlian Camera are the historical pioneers of the Italian electronic scene. Active since 1980, it is one of the most important cult bands in Europe and it was about time, to make this amazing album available again! Schmerz is eclectic - we can find dark folk, electronic, ethereal and many other different stiles on the same record. [press release] Sdandard edition in jewelcase.
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Krepulec / Outofsight -- "Furious Friends" -- CD -- €11
2007 Twilight Records, TW 1.37, (ltd. 500)
This cult-album was originally released by the Polish label "Beast of Prey" in an extremely limited edition of 222 copies in CDr and was immediately sold out. This new edition is limited to 500 copies. Re-release in new Artwork and including 2 previously unavailable bonus-Tracks! Dark folk, martial sounds, timeless hymns and bombastic noises are the ingredients for this amazing split album. The two artists created a rich and varied release – ‘Furious Friends’ evokes the right timbre of dignity that the subject of the album requires. The album deals with tales about humanity, their weaknesses and heroism during German occupation and oppression of the Polish Nation in WW2. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Land:Fire -- "Physical:Mental:Psychological" -- CD -- €13
2004 Tesco Organisation, TESCO059
Land:Fire is the more clinical technical project of the men behind Herbst9. Ritual technical ambient music, if this is possible... sound layers of real brilliance which leave no room for a way back to archaic orchestration. This album is a documentation and a reflection of the historical instant of 5:29:45 a.m. on July 16. 1945 when the first atomic device, "Trinity", detonated. Comes in nice cardboard DVD digipak with extensive booklet. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Land:Fire -- "Shortwave Transmission" -- CD -- €14
2009 Power & Steel, PAS 25
Coming back with an all new album after more than 5 years the Alter Ego of HERBST9 delivers another outstanding soundtrack about radiological warfare and it's debris during the last century. SWT is like a massive energy spike with a surrounding maelstrom of machine noises, rhythms, interferrences and electromagnetic waves. The complex arrangement of technical sounds creates a deadly atmosphere of fallout and devastated landscapes with an apocalyptic aura reflected by dissonant harmonies and deep shimmering ambient scapes.
Presented in a 6 panel digipack. Mastered by Andreas Wahnmann. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Last Dominion Lost -- "The Tyranny Of Distance" -- CD -- €13
2004 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 058
The multi-talented John Murphy (currently in Foresta di Ferro, Kraang, and Shining Vril) did these recordings with Dominik Guerin in Australia in the early nineties. The music is more or less a follow up to classical SPK music like "Leichenschrei" - hard aggressive screams, rhythms, and noise loops with a partly tribal touch. All produced with old analog equipment. If there is a music to be labeled "old school" than here it is! [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Law -- "Our Life through your Death" -- CD -- €11
2000 Triumvirate
The gun on the cover of this album, LAW’s Mitchell Altum tells us in the liner notes, “is the pistol my younger brother used to commit suicide.” The music itself is scarcely more cheerful or forgiving, but it’s certainly a compelling expression of Altum’s misanthropy. With occasionally recognizable guitar buzzes and snippets of spoken word, it’s pretty clear that the work of Boyd Rice’s project NON is one of LAW’s big inspirations. Atmospheric and minimal but never quite sedate, tracks like “Scars of Isolation” and “100 Degrees” employ various metallic sounds, ranging from crashing cymbals to percussive springs, and a large dose of studio effects to generate a sort of dull pessimism. Despite the intensely personal event that apparently inspired it, this album is less emotive and cathartic than numb and hopeless. Even the sad moans of “Unseen Existence” are produced electronically. Such a bleak response to personal tragedy, however, makes for a fine approach to industrial ambient, and there are some beautiful tracks here. “Forged Motion” is soft and eerily creaking, full of deep feedback and muffled pulsing rhythms, while “Your Body Is Immobilized” and “It Is Beyond Us Now” have more of a martial feel– again, reminiscent of NON’s early work – with its extended brassy drones. The one soft spot in all this unforgiving industrial ambience is “Betrayal of the Flesh,” which begins with soft, almost folksy psychedelic guitar strums. The song itself is a betrayal, however, and turns unexpectedly into an extended noise composition full of high-pitched squeals and distorted percussion. Pitiless music for a pitiless world, LAW is soul music for the sociopath within. Listen with caution. [Matthew Johnson, Grave Concerns]
Light of Shipwreck -- "From The Idle Cylinders" -- CD-R -- €7
Crusial Bliss, BLISS20, (ltd. 200)
Light Of Shipwreck is a one-man project of Ben Fleury-Steiner, owner of Gears of Sand Recordings. Dense ominous feedback drones and heavy pounding riffs freely flowing under the massive of the mechanical tribal rhythm. Three tracks of intense crushing power-ambient, with huge resonating metal slabs glimmering in an ocean of heavenly feedbacks and reverbed guitar on the back of trance-krautrock percussion. Colour A5 cover. [YAOP]
Linija Mass -- "Pas D'Acier" -- 10" -- €15
2002 Der Angriff Nr. 4 (Prometheus PYRO Alpha), (ltd. 300)
Ideological mechano-futuristic industrial. "Aesthetics of futurism, noise of great machine-building plants and steel works, voices of poets and central radio announcers proclaiming hymns dedicated to production pace-makers." [Denis Vederko, "Mashinnoe Otdelenie"]
Llovespell -- "Signatures Of Sympathy" -- CD -- €14
2005 Sonderübertragung!, SUE15, (ltd. 300)
Llovespell -- "Symmetric Poetry" -- CD -- €14
2004 Sonderübertragung!, SÜ05, (ltd. 500)
Lustmord -- "Heresy" -- CD -- €15
1990/2004 Soleilmoon, Sol 99 CD
It's not often that an album comes along that both initiates and defines a genre. From the deepest vault at Soleilmoon, precisely such a cherished but long unavailable classic has been remastered, repackaged and re-issued. "Heresy", the album that launched and defined the dark ambient genre when it was first released in 1990, has been hailed by critics and fans as one of the most important works of its time. Nearly 15 years after its release it regularly features on top-ten lists of ambient music. "Heresy" was recorded in various subterranean locations and manipulated in the studio with Andrew Lagowski providing engineering and additional programming. It was the first Lustmord album to feature extensive sampling and computer assisted sound design. Recent improvements in sound technology permitted Lustmord to re-master and significantly improve on the original recordings for this new version, which comes in a digipak and even bears a new catalog number. Based on recognition established through recordings like "Heresy", Brian Williams, the man behind Lustmord, went on to work as a sound designer in Hollywood and has over 40 major motion picture credits as well as TV, games and now commercials. His resume includes musical collaborations with The Melvins, Adam Jones (Tool), Chris & Cosey, Coil, Paul Haslinger (Tangerine Dream), SPK, Robert Rich, Current 93 and Nurse with Wound. He has done remixes for Jarboe (Swans), Venetian Snares, Lori Carson and Mortiis. From 1985 until 1999 he ran Side Effects Records, the label launched by SPK, releasing more than 30 albums. As Lustmord he has released 11 albums since 1981. "Heresy" stands as Lustmord's signature work, the gauntlet that birthed a genre, and this new edition shows even more why it's been a best seller for such a long time. [press-release]
Lustmord -- "The Monstrous Soul" -- CD -- €15
2000 Soleilmoon, SOL 97 CD
Lustmord -- "The Place Where The Black Stars Hang" -- CD -- €15
1994/2006 Soleilmoon, SOL 141 CD
"The Place Where the Black Stars Hang" was first released in 1994 on Side Effects, via Soleilmoon and while the earlier Lustmord album "Heresy" (Soleilmoon) gave birth to the "dark ambient" genre, it is "The Place Where the Black Stars Hang" that defines it. It's a work regularly cited by critics, audiences and musicians as being amongst the very best and most influential albums of its decade. "Black Stars" has been unavailable since 2002. It has been re-mastered and given new artwork for this edition. The differences are subtle yet powerful, giving the album a more nuanced feeling of space and detail than ever before. Oft imitated, but never equaled, Lustmord: The Power of Sound. [label info]
Lustmord vs. Metal Beast -- "s/t" -- CD -- €14
1997 Side Effects, dfx 32
A collaboration record made during their live performance on radio and afterwards enhanced in the studio. Typical Lustmord's obscure atmospheres and dark-ambient versus rhythmic electronics of Metal Beast.
Merzbow -- "Don't Steal My Goat" -- CD -- €10
2009 No Music Records, noise 015 / Olmolungring, OLR 01
The Moon And The Nightspirit -- "Osforras" -- CD -- €13
2009 Equilibrium Music, EQM023, (ltd. 1000)
Muridae -- "Under The Fable Of Meaning" -- CD -- €11
2009 Silentes, 200925
Opium + Jason Corder + Brian Archinal. A variegated and original universe of electronic visions; leading ryhthmic parts, cosmic suggestions, echoes of filtered human voices and hints of concrete noises extraordinarily mixed with catchy electronic progressions, among pulsating basses, sequencer patterns and winning melodic arpeggios… A surprising “mix” of ideas that “draws” from a wide range of stylistic influences, an extraordinary deep impact sound quality rich in dynamics, for an uninterrupted flux of incredible emotions… [label info]
Naevus -- "Soil" -- CD -- €14
2001 S.P.K.R., THUK I
The long sold out classican from Naevus available again in small quantity! CD comes in beautiful digipack.
Necromondo -- "s/t" -- CD -- €11
2007 Mechanoise Labs, [mn030], ltd. 525
Have you ever watched horror movies in childhood? What can be more frightening than a rotten mug of a deadman, slowly but steady striving after main hero's throat? Or stained porridge, dripping out from a broken skull... or malicious indigenes, dismembering stupid white men... or a warlock, raising up hordes from the ground to lead them on a decisive fight between good and evil? All these dreadful fantasies, realized in trash cinematograph of 70-80-ies, especially Italian (City of the Living Dead, Zombi 2, Burial Ground, Cannibal Holocaust, Inferno Dei Morti-viventi, etc.), start to leak through the acoustic system via itching sinewaves, omnious ambience and of course proper samples. The release has wonderful thematic artwork by studio STPo. Absolute must-have in a B-side horror fan's collection!
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
New Risen Throne -- "Whispers of the Approaching Wastefulness" -- CD -- €14
2007 Cyclic Law, 18th Cycle
The latest offering and first for Cyclic Law of one of Italy's finest Black Ambient master. The main concept and transpiring feeling of this album and the title "Whispers of the approaching wastefulness" can best be described as the "steps" or "journey" leading to the acknowledgment of the approaching end of all things. "Whispers" represent doubts and thoughts about the prevalent decadence that is around and deep within us and "wastefulness" translates to the imminent, definitive end of all things, to oblivion... NEW RISEN THRONE's latest opus offers a bleak and sorrow filled soundtrack celebrating death with little hope for rebirth... This Enhanced CD features an exclusive bonus video clip of the unreleased track "Unknown (II)". [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Ninth Desert -- "Neyss" -- CD-R -- €7
2008 Deserted Factory, DF042, (ltd. 150)
Desolated landscapes of various feedback sounds like a blowing wind over monolithic plateaus grinding the rocks into dusty clouds of sand. Ninth Desert creates atmospheric sonic landscapes made of subtle feedbacks and other cavernous metallic sounds. Unfortunately most tracks are short and end abruptly awaking me rude from my listening experience. Ninth Desert is an ambient project by Frenchman Cyril Herry who may also be known from other projects like Ashes to Ashes. Neyss is already his fifth album for his Ninth Desert project, and second for Japanese Deserted Factory label. The atmosphere on this CD is dark and industrial but the tracks are very much the same in construction and structure. I do like to hear the separate tracks but the whole CD in one run causes some lost of attention and makes Neyss into nice background sound. [Remco / Gothtronic]
[mp3]
Nocturne -- "Fleisch und Metall" -- CD -- €14
2007 Steinklang Industries, SKD 17, (ltd. 500)
"Fleisch und Metall" is a conceptual album, a soundtrack for an actionistic performance, done by the French Industrial / Noise act Nocturne. The performance took place in a old, ruined factory and the 20-page booklet shows impressions from this event, as well as several artistic fotos from industrial areas. "Fleisch und Metall" is a very organic and icecold album, sometimes reminding to early Werkbund, sometimes even to japanoise-like metall-orgies. All in all the album is very complexly structured and many changes in music and style don't let come up any boring moments. Nocturne also uses a lot of samples in French language and even more sirenes, saws, metal-hammerings and more machine sounds, what gives "Fleisch und Metall" the grade of a 100% pure Industrial album. An additional 11 minute video brings you a challenging hommage to industrial work and revolution, accompanied by an amazing Industrial soundtrack. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Nordvargr / Drakh -- "The Betrayal Of Light" -- CD -- €15
2007 tUMULt, TM373
Numina -- "Eye of the Nautilus" -- CD -- €11
2005 Hypnos, hyp2548
One thing that becomes apparent listening to Numina's work is the craftsmanship is very high. For those that don't know his work it falls under the American ambient school, drones and floating textures with some rhythmic underpinning in places. Jesse Sola weaves his sounds with slow tonal shifting and that's one of my favorite aspects of his work is that unfolding quality which in the right hands is the musical equivalent of storytelling... Numina releases are very heavy on the synths. Jesse's work would appeal very well with those that prefer the synth as the main timbre... There's always a deeply Gothic quality to his work too... no fey crystal happiness here. The whole "Eye of the Nautilus" theme fits the sound perfectly as it spirals out of your speaker putting the whole room under a spell... A definite sonic psychedelic experience. [Paul Ellis]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Numina -- "Shift to the Ghost" -- CD -- €12
2007 Hypnos, hyp2650
Numina's third album on Hypnos Recordings is "Shift to the Ghost," a long-form continuous piece, which is a format that is actually fairly new for Numina, despite his many prior recorded releases. The album does include indexed track points for convenience in navigating through the CD, and each song is distinctly different in feel, but the songs evolve seamlessly into one another. The continuous, long-form ambient format works very well here, never droning on too much or dwelling too long in a certain sonic space. Numina himself states that the album "is about the life and death of the physical self," hence the title. Whatever the concept, this album contains all the elements Numina fans enjoy, from deep and sombre ambient, to twinkling, swirling space music, constantly evolving. It's a long, fascinating visual journey, and it never grows tired. The latest work from ambient "rising star" Numina is possibly his best yet. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
O Paradis -- "Serpiente de Luna, Serpiente de Sol" -- CD -- €14
2003 Aorta, AORCD08
Most of the songs are based on samples, exquisitely knitted together over original bass-lines, and topped off with Demian's somewhat mournful and nostalgic vocals. Despite being richly produced, some of the songs have a bare, folky quality about them, with Demian's Spanish vocals creating an air of impenetrability to my Anglo-Saxon ears. This is not a negative, just something that underlines the difference between this project and its patron. It is also something that is less noticeable when concession are made to, how does one say, catchiness, such as on the simply gorgeous 'Por Cuidar de Mi, Amor', in which a beautiful synth line carries the song along. One could say that the folkier songs are solid and beautiful, whilst tracks like 'Por Cuidar', and the equally gorgeous 'Palabras', are just transcendent. The clarity of the album‚s production is worth emphasising, as is the stunning foldout digipak. [label info]
Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio -- "Make Love and War - The Wedlock of Equilibrium" -- CD -- €14
2001 Cold Meat Industry, CMI.94
Perfected and refined, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio returns once more with the second chapter of "Make Love, And War" - The Wedlock of Equilibrium. Darker, improved and additionally urging, Make Love, And War / The Wedlock of Equilibrium presents an additional 40 minutes of immaculate equilibrium on the illusive boundary of conjectural extremes. Accompanied by the sounds of acoustic guitars, cyclic soundscapes and martial percussions, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio presents another ten songs on the threshold of the sensually seductive and morally reprehensible, gospels on the verge of the conjecturally acclaimed and what's soon to be inflamed. Make Love, And War / The Wedlock of Equilibrium embarks further and beyond the previous accomplishment and success of Make Love, And War / The Wedlock of Roses, and congregates into an amazing work which completes the bond of Love And War, making two become one, Roses & Equilibrium = Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio & Spiritual Front -- "Satyriasis, Somewhere Between Equilibrium and Nihilism" -- CD -- €14
2005 Cold Meat Industry, cmi144
The sound of world demoralization presented in a stylish digipak with 12-pages booklet; as Italy's most enigmatic band, Spiritual Front, join forces with the leg-fetishists from Sweden, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio. The idea of this collaboration was conceived already in year 2003; and now, after considerable anticipation, this most incredible little creature has finally been born to seduce and deprave a whole world with promises of salvation through nihilism and sexual depravity; all accompanied by some of the most wonderful tunes of apocalyptic-neo-suicidal-pop-folk. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Post Scriptvm -- "Raspad" -- CD -- €13
2007 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 066
Raspad is Russian for disintegration. This is the third full length album by Post Scriptvm. It was mastered by Jerome Nougaillon (Propergol). Dense, thickly-layered industrial ambient music, exploring the abysmal pathology of modernity - illusion of progress, dissolution of memory, abandonment of higher meaning and paralysis of the will. The advanced lethargy of human spirit. Rich structure of music plays subtle tricks on the listener's subconsciousness, and the mood slowly drifts from quiet melancholy to visceral intensity. An example on how to use analog and digital equipment in creating a special way of sound, a brilliant example of innovative music outstanding form the mass of releases. [label info]
Propergol -- "Renegade" -- CD -- €13
2001/2006 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 043
A limited re-release of the famous fourth album originaly released in 2001 from this highly recommended French project. Pounding repetive rhythms, cold power-electronics filled with noise effects and well-placed striking samples and cut-ups. Includes the most wanted track "La vie en Rose". Comes in a special cardboard package and four inserts. [press-release]
Propergol -- "Un Dechainement De Violence / Cleanshaven" -- 2 CD -- €16
2006 Functional Organisation, 015
Both first released in the last decade as CD-Rs only in a very ltd. edition of 99 and 200 copies! This are the first releases and first recordings by Propergol and are true pearls and wanted Industrial releases. Both are digitally remastered for a perfect sound like a sharp knife or lets better say razorblades! This French project delivers dense unhealthy atmospheres, well structured power-electronics, noise supported by dark & loud rhythms and samples, collages and some vocals. Total Play time: 143 min. Comes in a very nice 8 panel double CD Digipak. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Pugna -- "IDR_IDR" -- CD-R -- €11
2007 KERPG, KERPG_9, (ltd. 79)
Black archaic noise. The Swings, getting-disappearing, Crackles, casual motion, overload;transfer, wheezes, rare shouts. Dampness, sharp hissing looping. Endless spaces. The Hard cassette sound. Analog synthesizer, floor droning returning drum, slowly beating off care with other. Spaches in gas mask, iron, ravens and cellars. The Certain of the motion CERTAIN. Depriving power, but all depriving gives. Dirty, yore droning-rumbling sulphur-black SKY MOAN And WILL MOAN ALWAYS.. The Poster from oiled industrial paperboard 50/50, 2 black\white cards 15/15, cd-r in envelope. [press-release]
Pugna -- "Iedsh_Skho" -- CD-R -- €11
2007 Kerpg, KERPGXIII, (ltd. 56)
Military ambient. The Immersing story about an eternal test. Speech, iron, faint sounds of fortepiano. Painful atmosphere by the enveloping structures of transition a bow on twined about the barbed wire in unison to voices of explosions and hardenings in earth monuments, to concentrating Strength of Spirit on initiating Battlefield. Envelope from a dense bog-green cardboard 20x23, coloured postal 15x11, green and black paint. It is soldered in a polyethylene. [label info]
Pugna -- "Lit'sya Chyornoy Vode (Pour Black Water)" -- CD-R -- €11
2007 KERPG, KERPG_3, (ltd. 81)
Latest conceptual sound canvas from Pugna. Ritual in front of the magic source of the black water, symbol of Nigredo, alchemic complex of artificial death experience of initiatiative kind. "Bathing in black waters", ritual act of taking off "not Me" from oneself and waking of the other personality. Close presence of atmosphere of dying and disintegration, secreting black sulphur through the leaking waters of unconsciousness. 1 track 40 min. long, a photo nailed to the wooden plate. [Ufa Muzak]
Rasthof Dachau -- "Prison Poems" -- CD -- €12
Steinklang Records, SK36
7 years went by since the last album from this Austrian Cold-Electronic project was released. "Prison Poems" is a conceptual work about the Irish civil-rights movement in the 70ies of the last century. The album deals about the fate of a handful young IRA volunteers, imprisoned for political affairs, but then simply sentenced as criminals. After a long hungerstrike, the young men died, forgotten from the rest of the world. Most songtexts on this album were written by one of these young men who died from hunger. He wrote these poems on toilet- and cigarette-paper with the refill of a biro-pen, hidden inside his body in the years before he died. The sound on this album varies from dark and cold songs a la GalaktHorroe to early SPK-like Heavy-Electronic tracks. All with hard or subliminal rhythms and psychic analogue frequencies. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Reuter, Markus -- "Digitalis" -- CD -- €12
2001 Hypnos, hyp2128
A varied album of abstract and experimental ambient music put forth from this interesting German composer. Better known as one of the four members of The Europa String Choir, He uses a rather unique instrument referred to as a Warr Guitar. This is an 8-stringed guitar, which has a very different sound over the conventional guitar. The music presented on this album is not your typical ambient. It's a spacey album, full of chaotic swirling samples. The first half of the album is restless, ceasing to slow down. Slowly, the drawn out chaos turns dark and distant. Ever so slowly blending in with the next track. The progression is built from the first track to the last, making this a nice long journey into something special. Capturing harmony and originality, the artist makes this experiment work. A hard album to digest upon the first listen, but given time turns into a unique classic. [jackthetab, Discogs]
Reutoff -- "ReuTRauM IV" -- 7" -- €7
2000/2005 Drone Records, DR-46, (ltd. 300), 2nd edition
The re-release of this classic first REUTOFF 7“ from 2000 ! Comes with nice full-colour cover and on extraordinary brown-black vinyl! “This russian trio comes from a suburb of Moscow (called Reutov), and this, following some cassette-releases, is their vinyl-debut and first release outside of Russia. As one of the pioneers of the Russian industrial-scene REUTOFF create an ultra dark visionary music, using elements of ambient as well as rhythmic industrial. "WAILED", the A-Side, begins with atmospheric, but rather unpleasant samples & sounds, before harsh electronic beats come in; "VEILED" on the B-Side however, is a perfect example for the group's ability to build unsettled, sinister & creepy dark ambient industrial sounds, with an overall atmosphere of despair & deep melancholy, maybe mirroring today's "Russian soul". There is no light in this darkness, maybe only behind it. "The space of Reut as the dream of regret" [original Drone Records press release]
Reutoff / Antlers Mulm -- "Kreuzung Eins" -- LP -- €16
2005 Ewers Tonkunst, HHE 008 V, (ltd. 330)
This release will start a series of collaborations between Reutoff and other projects. The collaboration with Antlers Mulm includes 6 tracks, 2 different remixes of Antlers Mulm's track "Schau unseren Jubel" made by Reutoff and two different remixes of Reutoff's track "Die Sunden der Vater" made by Antlers Mulm, as well as exclusive track of each of the band. The result turned out to be one of the most melodic and melancholic release for both of the projects. The beauty of eschatological sadness and profound nostalgia of the past revealed by the delicate sounds of this record, atmospheric and fragile but with some inner strength inside. [label info]
Rich, Robert -- "Somnium" -- DVD -- €15
2001 Hypnos, hyp2131
Somnium is a single continuous track, a 7-hour "sleep concert" recording in DVD format (playable on ordinary home DVD video players). "This is really a mesmerizing and intense work and although it starts out as a very recognisable Robert Rich work, it slowly shifts into a long part of minimal and dissonant drones which I really love, to end up in a sort of sublte brightness again. Very strong and soothing." [Vidna Obmana]
Sophia -- "Spite" -- CD -- €15
2002 Cold Meat Industry, cmi116
Tired of taking out the daily trash and constantly hearing those whining voices commenting your stout body? This could serve as an inspiration to action! Comprising a few tracks from last years live performances around Europe, along with some fresh ones composed this spring, "Spite" offers a fine blend of orchestral viciousness for those dissipated and anguished. Evolving the theme of spite certainly spawns anger. Here the rhythmical pounding, a bit more tasty clinical than before, spews forth a scary atmosphere and the oppressive walls of heavy stringarrangements fuels the picture of an imaginary, personal hell. This time rather exploring inner war, "Spite" elegantly leaves tiresome warcliches behind. So what stands up to this fierce, wretched beast one may ask? Well, not much. Features a steep vocal sample from Swedens finest: Carola! [press-release]
SPK -- "Information Overload Unit" -- CD -- €15
1992 The Grey Area, SPK 1 CD
SPK -- "Leichenschrei" -- CD -- €15
1992 The Grey Area, SPK 2 CD
Stahlwerk 9 -- "Der Tod Nagelt Die Augen Zu..." -- CD -- €14
2006 Steinklang Industries, SK37
The new album of Germans grandmaster of death ambient. On this album the artist presents his noisy side. Still it sounds like a typical Stahlwerk 9 album, but loaded with dronning and pulsating noise sequences and deep voices from the valley of death. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Stahlwerk 9 / Cold Fusion / Rukkanor -- "Triumvire" -- CD -- €22
2006 War Office Propaganda, WOP 27, (ltd. 660)
Dark and poetical musical vision of stormy times of ancient Roman Republic, civil wars, Triumviratus and Empire. Triumvire is an alliance of three martial industrial projects - Stahlwerk 9, Cold Fusion and Rukkanor. Beautiful wooden box with gold embroidered velour, gold printings and golden CD - 660 copies in three colors (black, red and grey) - only 220 of each! Full handmade, hand numbered unique limited release. [press-release]
[mp3]
Stalingrad -- "Court Martial" -- CD -- €11
2002/2006 Twilight Records, TW 1.23
This is the first album by STALINGRAD, the more orchestral side of Kirlian Camera side-project. An amazing mixture of bombastic pompous orchestration, combining neofolk elements with neoclassical and industrial atmospheres. This limited re-release come with a new artwork, remastered in very nice digipack. But few years ago Stalingrad was an unknown act and they impressed the audience and the presse with the track ‘Der letzte flug’, which could be found on some compilations. This full album 'Court-Martial' was released in 2002 by SPKR, but nowaday its delete in all the mailorders and the original label dont exist enymore. Opressive neo-classical, utilising militant percussion and heavenly voices, though some tracks have a more industrial feel. Perhaps the soundtrack for a movie about the battle of Stalingrad? [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Thompson, Robert Scott -- "At the Still Point of the Turning World" -- CD -- €11
2005 Hypnos, hyp2547
Robert Scott Thompson is one of the mainstays and legends of ambient music. He has created music in a variety of styles but his atmospheric ambient efforts are his best. At The Stillpoint of a Turning World is his first release on the Hypnos label... This is an awesome CD! While it might be Robert’s best music ever, it is certainly among his top five or six. It is also one of the top Hypnos releases ever. Robert combines organic textures and metallic timbres with gentle drones and deep atmospheres. There are just enough gray washes to keep the disc somber but not dark. It plays as a long-form soundscape with 12 movements. The gentle drones provide the continuity. There is a certain progression here as well. Robert has always been on the cutting edge and he combines spiritual approaches to his craft. That approach gives his compositions and this set special appeal. This is a great CD and a wonderful start to a new year of more great sounds! [Jim Brenholts]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Toroidh -- "European Trilogy" -- 3 CD -- €34
2006 War Office Propaganda, WOP33
The campaign starts again - European Trilogy 3CD box in War Office Propaganda! Reworked and remastered legendary Toroidh records: "Those Who Do Not Remember The Past Are Condemned To Repeat It", "Europe Is Dead", "Testament" in new versions, made especially only for this release. 3 x CD packed in unprecedented excellent case. No need to say more. [press-release]
Traum'er Leben -- "Ursprung" -- CD -- €16
2007 Lower Saxony, LS0701, (ltd. 480)
The first professional pressed cd from this great folk band, know from their Split cd with Seelenthron and Thrinitos! It is limited to 480 copies. You will get beautiful folk songs in best tradition! A must for fans and collectors. [Steinklang info]
Troum -- "Symbiosis" -- 3"CD -- €8
2002 Transgredient Records, TR-02
Mini-album on which BarakaH and Glit(s)ch recorded their tracks separately. Guitar and balalaika tunes, layers and psychedelic harmonies.
Turbund Sturmwerk -- "s/t" -- CD -- €14
2003 Loki Foundation, LOKI 36
Finally, after nearly 8 years this sensational album is returned to the homeland, manifesting once more the piercing effect of Turbund Sturmwerk. 6 stormy compositions--beautiful and poignant--linking the subtle concept with innovative sounds and arrangements. With this first album, a collection of tracks was compiled seeking independence and continuity of a musical style - Neurosemiotic Marching Tunes at it's best. This masterpiece is a milestone of the post-industrial culture and affected the scene world-wide. The recordings were digitally revised and enhanced, so that they radiate now in a clean, insidiously pristine new light. Turbund Sturmwerk polarize calculated, set gauges and create music like a functional text - acoustic information as sophisticated reading. This introductory work is the often referenced catalyst within the Turbund Sturmwerk catalogue, bent on changing the expectations of the listeners, altering the norm and creating a manifesto for things to come. Digipack. [press-release]
[mp3] [mp3]
Turbund Sturmwerk -- "Sturmgeweit" -- CD -- €14
1992/2002 Rabauken Records, 20892
Finally after 10 years the first official release is available now for a wider audience. Once released as MC in a limited edition of ca. 100 copies only, "Sturmgeweiht" documents the musical starting point of Turbund Sturmwerk and already set a standard in this genre. A powerful and percussive manifestation of classical industrial structures and spoken word collages. [press-release]
Ultra Milkmaids -- "Vorely Relay" -- CD -- €11
1999 Noctovision, NCVCD 07
Ultra Milkmaids started their career in mid-90s and have later collaborated with lots of other musicians. In 1997 both members were just 20 years old! But the fact that just after a couple of albums many musicians agreed to make their own remixes on their tracks just prooves the remarkable quality of their music. This is the album of remixes from the original "Vorely" CD (1997, Noise Museum). Remixes recorded in 1998 and released in 1999, and all of them are completely different: dub (Etereo Expandeum Club), ambient (Telepherique, Troum and Vance Orchestra), minimal techno (Goem), electro and breakbit (Icon Zero, Celluloid Mata and Captain Black). Those who didn't listen to the original album only have to guess - how it sounds at all? [Monochrome Vision]
Ure Thrall -- "Arabian Knightmares" -- CD -- €15
2006 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 065
Arabian Knightmares is one man's effort to reflect the unfolding events of the current worldwide sectarian war in a series of harmonic constructs, utilizing actual sounds from the major events of the struggle (9/11, the Iraq War, etc.) to provide a historic point of reference. The forlorn yet beautiful emotions that are unmistakable in Muslim song and prayer are reflected here in a context so unique that it is deeply stirring in a musical sense and simultaneously brutal with its emotional impact on the listener. Tears are not uncommon. Comes in a special well designed cardboard box folder with 8 postcards. [label info]
The Vein -- "The Fragile Surfaces" -- CD-R -- €9
2004 Requiem Records, 18/2004
Strong, stepping loops, base percussion sequences with wide ambient landscapes stack inbetween, noisy distortions, pulsating sounds on the verge of tribal dance (B. Laswell, Scorn, Different State). Very hipnotic and trance inducing on the whole. [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Vetrophonia -- "Turning Virgins into Doves" -- VHS -- €5
1996 Ultra Video 01, (ltd. 500)
Performance of the futuro-industrial project of Nick Soundnick and Alexander Lebedev-Frontov in St. Petersburg on August 3, 1996. Bonus - video track of Veprisuicida (solo-project of Alexander Lebedev-Frontov).
Vidna Obmana -- "The Contemporary Nocturne" -- CD -- €13
2000 Hypnos, hyp2027
Vidna's work has become more experimental lately, and thats certainly more evident since his recent numerous collaborations in 1999. One senses a multi-layered approach here: first, there are his trademark minimalist pieces with long sustained drones as the basis and now, melodic creations and improvisational elements of a more unusual nature (by his older standards) are starting to emerge as a presumable desire to explore new and unknown musical teritory. [Vladimir Jovanovic, Zagreb Croatia]
Vidna Obmana -- "An Opera for Four Fusion Works" -- 4 CD -- €30
2007 Hypnos, hyp2239
The usual disclaimer applies... this music is not in any real sense "opera" music, and the term is used only to suggest the varied, multi-part quality of this ongoing release. AN OPERA FOR FOUR FUSION WORKS is a unique project by Vidna Obmana and Hypnos label - a four-CD album, released one CD at a time, and now - 4 parts together in a discounted package. Act I used guitar pieces from Dreams in Exile, Act II used Bill Fox's saxophone recordings, Act III worked from the foundation of Kenneth Kirschner's piano works, and this last installment utilizes the voice of Steven Wilson (No-Man, Porcupine Tree, and the artist behind Bass Communion). [label info]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Von Thronstahl -- "Bellum, Sacrum Bellum!?" -- CD -- €14
2003/2006 Vaws, VAWS223
Vortex -- "Phanopoeia" -- CD -- €13
2008 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 074
The German ritual drone project Vortex is dedicated to the British art movement of Vorticism of the early Twentieth Century (1913-1920). Founded as an own vision of Futurism by Wyndham Lewis and expressed in the legendary magazine Blast (1914) Vorticism defined the artist as someone gaining creative power and inspiration out of the chaotic vortex of creative energy. The name was introduced by the Vorticist protagonist Ezra Pound who also coined the phrase 'phanopoeia': the idea of creating poetry for all senses. The music of Vortex pays audiovisual homage to the great Vorticist art. Psychedelic drones, ritual drums, processed sounds, glimpses of acoustic harmony, and original sound documents are blended to grant a holistic sensory experience. Vortex, the solo-project of a :Golgatha:-member, transcends the limits of dark ambient soundtracks on a quest for the unknown. Vortex is pure psychoactive energy. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Watkiss, Thomas -- "Ancestor: Phase I - Silence" -- CD -- €11
2008 The Seventh Media, VII0801-CD, (ltd. 1000)
After nearly a year of writing, recording, rewriting, re-recording and finally completing in the studio, the first full length of the 'Ancestor' triad from Thomas Watkiss is now available. Recorded in 2007 and mixed in early 2008, 'Silence' clocks in at just over 63 minutes of somber forms, ambient soundscapes, drones and found sounds. Ltd x 1000 copies in a digipak. [Cold Spring]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
Wertham -- "Memories From The Pigsty" -- CD -- €13
2008 Tesco Organisation, TESCO 069
WERTHAM is the solo project of Marco Deplano, Italian mastermind of Mediterranean cinematic post industrial/folk combo FORESTA DI FERRO and active collaborator of numberless sound and visual projects spawning from post industrial culture to punk/hardcore. After more than 10 years of wait and a fistful of smaller releases, "Memories from the pigsty" is the first full length CD, displaying a sound rooted in a mix of full frontal power electronics and industrial music with a plethora of samples and very aggressive vocals. All words and lyrics should be interpreted as a real life diary which paints human landscapes describing domestic violence, white trash mentality, ghetto culture and street life in general. A real breakthrough for the Italian power electronic industrial scene, long overdue manifesto of Marco Deplano. [press release]
[mp3] [mp3] [mp3]
YAO 91404 D -- "LenShumZavod" -- CD -- €11
2009 Freak Animal Records, fa-cd-047
The newest album of YAO 91404 D makes deeply psychedelic, almost religious effect. Rich analogue Old School Industrial, tons of heavy basses tumble down into listener's mind, gramophone records roar and howl in antediluvian defective player speakers, brutally warped 7-inches overstrain in primeval harsh-noise, distorted sounds of railroads sound like proclamations from the Underworld... A meditative canvas somewhere between Soldnergeist and Veprisuicida. [YAOP]
:zoviet*france: -- "Digilogue" -- CD -- €16
1998 Soleilmoon Recordings, SOL 62 CD
“Digilogue”, originally issued in 1996 by Soleilmoon as a limited edition vinyl album, is presented for the first time on compact disc. The music recorded for “Digilogue” examines the subtle and shifting nuances that contrast the Digital and Analog worlds. :zoviet*france: have always professed their fascination with the failings of the technology by which music is produced, recorded, mass-produced and played back, and have frequently adapted the faults that their own machines develop into means of reshaping sound - the basic material with which they work: “All audio equipment distorts sound to some degree and, eventually through mechanical and electrical failure, fucks it up. Since indeterminacy as a compositional parameter has been a constant in our work, this often produces what we regard as interesting new developments. “Digilogue” was recorded using a mixture of failing analogue equipment and high-end digital equipment, and monitored in our studio exclusively on damaged hi-fi speakers. Sound can be as dirty and as clumsy as anything else we perceive with our senses. This is just as true of sound generated in the digital domain, much as we would all like to believe the claims of near-perfection made by audio equipment manufacturers.” Three tracks from original recording sessions are presented for the first time on this compact disc. They were omitted from the original release because there wasn’t space for them... [label info]
[mp3]
:zoviet-france: -- "Loh Land" -- CD -- €16
1987/1992 Staalplaat, STCD 018
V/A -- "DRONE RECORDS - A Selection of Drones Past: Singles 1993-2000" -- 2 CD -- €14
2006 Tumult Records, TM000, (ltd. 1000)
A selection of tracks from Drone Records Vinyl-only EPs 1993-2000, most of the material presented here is for the first time on CD! Tracks by MAEROR TRI, ALIO DIE, DUAL, ULTRA UNITED, DELPHIUM, INADE, AUBE, VANCE ORCHESTRA, OSSO EXOTICO, KLOOD, VIR, REYNOLS, SPEAR, DRONAEMENT, TOY BIZARRE, TARKATAK, F. LOPEZ, KALLABRIS, YEN POX, FEINEN TRINKERS BEI PINKELS DAHEIM. Double-digisleeve, full-colour inlay / mini-poster with all 7"-covers.
V/A -- "Echoes Of Polyhymnia - A Hypnos Compilation" -- CD -- €11
2008 Hypnos, hyp2855
Margaret Noble, Stellaria Fennica, Kristin Miltner, Clarissa Borba, Sara Ayers, Rose Bolton, Gydja, The Floating World, K. Cornelius, Lena Griffin.
V/A -- "Finnish Military Marches: Suomalaista Sotamarssia II" -- 7" -- €10
2005 Der Angriff Nr. 22, (ltd. 220)
Second part of selection of Finnish military marches.
V/A -- "The Other World" -- 2 CD -- €16
1998 Hypnos, hyp1804
Vidna Obmana, Ruben Garcia & A Produce, Thomas Ronkin, Saul Stokes, A Produce, Jeff Greinke, Ron Boots, M. Griffin, David Tollefson, Egghatcher, Larry Kucharz, Meg Bowles, Exit, Alpha Wave Movement, Robert Scott Thompson, Viridian Sun, Jeff Pearce, Katsuya Hironaka, Richard Bone.
V/A -- "Perception Multiplied, Multiplicity Unified" -- CD -- €14
2001 Cold Meat Industry, CMI.90
This collection of songs covering all projects of Peter Andersson (aka Raison d'Etre) is the ultimate window into the wild and wondrous world of his music, and while it may not help us to fully understand what drives him, we can at least grasp his genius. Stratvm Terror, raison d'etre, Atomine Elektrine, Cataclyst, Panzar, Necrophorus, Bocksholm, Svasti-ayanam, Grismannen. [label info]
V/A -- "Pere Lachaise" -- CD -- €14
2006 Divine Comedy, DC045
A great compilation of dark and neoclassical music, dedicated to Père-Lachaise cemetery, which is one of the most romantic and mysterious places in this holy world. It's also an unmissable reference in gloomy and cinematic "tragical" culture. Together, Steinklang & Divine Comedy Records are producing a tribute to this worldwide and legendary atmospheric icon. This musical journey is depicted by four top bands (with two tracks each) from the new emerging Dark-Ambiant and Neo-Symphonic scene: HOROLOGIUM; PROJECT WINTER and ARTEFACTUM from Poland completed by FOUNDATION HOPE from the Netherlands. The mood is dark, menacing and epic at time with Horologium being the most martial act. "Paradise One" symbolises a passage from life to death surrounded by fading memories from different areas and destinies. The CD is packed in a beautiful book with full pages sepia pictures by Fabrice Billard, known for his previous pictures and illustrations for DCR releases and bands such as Sonne Hagal. Art and history beyond the graves. Père-Lachaise is a feeric and beautiful place. A place you'll need a whole existence to know "tous les coins et recoins". [press-release]
V/A -- "Sacral Symphony" -- CD -- €14
2008 EE Tapes, EE14, (ltd. 300)
Caution: this limited compact disc contains highly meditative drones only, compiled and mastered by our comrade Eugeny Voronovski from Moscow! Five well-known contemporary artists/projects out of the dark drone forests created each around 15 minutes of their best output for this exclusive production on EE Tapes: 1000Schoen (Germany), Troum (Germany), Cisfinitum (Russia), Rapoon (Great Britain), First Human Ferro (Ukraine). No doubt this is a classic compilation in the true Russian spirit! Outstanding cover artwork too by Eugeny Kuprienko. Silver print on anthracite 7" cardboard cover. [label info]
V/A -- "...Where Tattered Clouds Are Stranding" -- 2 CD -- €15
2008 The Eastern Front, Front 013, (ltd. 1000)
Neofolk / Dark ambient / Martial / Industrial. Double CD compilation of European neofolk, industrial, dark ambient projects dedicated to the art of Icelandic sculptor and painter Einar Jonsson (1874-1954). Almost all the songs presented on the compilation inspired by Einar Jonsson's art are unique, previously unreleased and composed especially for this compilation. Part I «Grief» is a neofolk / martial part with the songs of Belborn, Storm Of Capricorn, Westwind, Rukkanor, H.E.R.R. / Von Thronstahl, Horologium, Weihan, Cold Fusion, Larrnakh, Zebaoth, Agnivolok, Kammer Sieben, Aeldaborn and Cawatana. Part II «Birth Of Psyche» is the dark ambient / industrial / esoteric part with the songs of Rose Rovine E Amanti, Wach, Objekt4, Hoarfrost, Gandolfs Gedanken, Shining Vril, Echo West, Gregorio Bardini, Artefactum, Kadaver, Bisclaveret, Sitra Ahra and Simulacra. [press-release]
V/A -- "Wir Rufen Deine Wolfe" -- CD -- €14
2003 Aorta, AORCD09
DER ARBEITER / GRAUMAHD / Ô PARADIS / WALDTEUFEL / ERDGEIST / WERKRAUM / CAWATANA / LADY MORPHIA / TURBUND STURMWERK / BLOOD AXIS / ALLERSEELEN / STURMPERCHT / SANGRE CAVALLUM / BELBORN / CIRCE / RIHARC SMILES / DER FEUERKREINER.