End of 2015
End of 2015.
Here are a few things created this year that I liked more than I liked other things.
No order of preference implied, though bias for the artists featured certainly is.
-DEMO-
Nycterent – Imprisoned By Reflection, Last Mercy
I asked myself whether or not I could separate the compelling backstory behind the artist (which I’ll keep to myself) from the release itself since this tape is so sparsely adorned (it is a tour tape after all). Upon re-listening, it is evident that this is a powerful demo tape which stands on its own from any further narrative. The demo is limited, but the official version adorns a split with Scrotal Tear.
-ALBUMS-
Ochu – Tvärsnitt, Verlautbarung Label
I read someone describing this as harsh noise, but it’s secretly modern composer music made with a classy sense of subtle invidiousness. Very organic and implemented with austerity. Created here is a visceral sense of environment where you can almost taste the rocks used for some of the compositions
Pig Heart Transplant – For Mass Consumption, Iron Lung Records
PHT uses a punk approach that essentially exfoliates the dead skin that often surrounds sometimes needlessly lengthy death industrial/power electronics. Here you are met with short, fast blasts of compositions, strung together like rusty Christmas ornaments. Very unique.
TRTRKMMR – Avec La Souillure Nous Entrons Au Règne De La Terreur, Iron Lung Records
The fact that a punk/hardcore label released two of the best noise-related releases this year (in my opinion of course) is not an accident. Avec is a whirlwind of samples and electronics that offers no diplomacy in harshness and outsider music. Find your Survivalist guide and curl up with this.
Vehement Caress – Frailty, Divergent Series
So uh, I put this out, but it doesn’t mean I can’t give it some props. Boston-based death industrial…exceptional recording of lots of shimmering, quivering, and quaking modular oriented compositions. Dense and powerful arrangements that translate well live.
-SPLIT-
Regosphere/Teeth Engraved split, Dumpsterscore
Those that work within the realm of power electronics often do so as a way to break out from the tumult of the pressures of modern life. Many play, but few make the inner turmoil apparent sonically as Regosphere and Teeth Engraved With The Names Of The Dead. One of the best death industrial/PE splits to come out in a while.
-OTHER MENTIONS-
Horologium – Der Volksmund Sagt II, La Esencia
Horologium is my new favorite industrial related obsession lately. Der Volksmund Sagt II is a 10″ released earlier this year that offers an interesting look at an exploration of sample-based music outside of mid 90’s hip hop. Inspired by traditional Polish music, it’s a bit more sparse and loop based than some of his other works like Labyrinthos, but every bit as mesmerizing. Lots of violins. Official write up coming soon.
Vomit Arsonist – Only Red and Bridgewater, Malignant Records
On my ever growing list of things to listen to. For more meat and potatoes PE/DI, this is a tortured affair that lashes out with discomfort and pain for both the artist and the listener. The former release offers a more personal approach while the second release is a more externalized approach to the same coin.
A couple of slightly noise related releases include:
–Chaos Echoes – Transient is a mix of black metal, some death metal bits, some free jazz parts, and some noisy garnishes. I don’t usually buy them, but the die hard version looks great.
–Centum was released by Auris Apothecary and it’s one hell of a compilation. All 100 of Auris Apothecary‘s releases are packaged on a micro sd card lodged in the cork of a canopic bottle…the bottle contains physical bits of the releases and some other detritus. Wax seal and an info scroll tie the release together wonderfully. Conceptually genius, and an easy way to dive into the label’s roster and aesthetic.
Images by GHOSTSAFE
That’s it for now. Thanks.
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