Cloama – Lernaean Catacomb Complex C55

Erratic Sporadicism Tapes

Now here is some elaborate packaging! With 2 plexiglass pieces screwed together containting a tape and transparent inserts to form an odd-looking object here I’m boggled at how Erratic Sporadicism had the time and resources to make 199 and of these puppies. Very creative but unfortunately not very practicly designed as the case is extremely frustrating because you have to assemble/disassemble the tape and artwork every time you want to listen to this. But definitely worth picking up for the odd packaging alone, not to mention this is fucking CLOAMA!!!

Lernaean Catacomb Complex has a wide range of styles featured on it’s variation of tracks. Although Cloama spans several different styles over separate releases it’s usually not so common when he does it all on one release. This tape is an exception, where power electronics, death industrial and even some of Cloama’s more electroacoustic influences can be heard – sometimes even in the same track like with the live set on side B with its morphing textures and styles.

If I were to compare Lernaean Catacomb Complex to any of Cloama’s previous recordings this would probably be most similar to his collaborations with Blutleuchte. Especially since “Lingering Loyalty” features some moments that use guitar as a sound source. The noticeable and incredible thing about this release is how beautifully the tracks evolve. Alternating from rhythmic to more drone influenced ‘Voices Transformed Into Oblivion” offers a great old-school industrial rhythm mixed with Cloama’s token power electronic belts. Just when it started to wear out “Artificial Weather Manipulation” kicks in with a lo-fi alternating synth arpeggio stuck on one note. The track eventually works it’s way into a howling industrial noise machine with alternating frequencies, crashing junk noise and subtle creepy melodies.

And that is just side A!!! Side B features a recording of a live performance with minimalistic morphing and twisting into different textures which offers great contrast to the varying songs of side A. There are moments that remind me of side A, but also moments that bring to mind Cloama’s self titled CD and even some of his earlier work. But the track ebbs and flows into unfamiliar territory which really brings things around full cricle and despite the meandering factor Cloama manages to use his explorations as a strength rather than a weakness.

Lernaean Catacomb Complex is a great release with a wealth of material and the fact that it’s all new is even better. This is essential listening for any fan of Cloama and for fans of dark experimental industrial electronic music in general. Cloama is one of the best long standing noise acts around and should not be ignored!

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