Exploring the audible outer realms of outsider electronics, strange computer games and exquisite and thrilling movies from the past and beyond.
tirsdag den 31. oktober 2017
Pumpin Witch - Hovel of the Pumpkin Witch
It´s Halloween! (31´rd Oktober), and on that special occasion let me introduce you to (yet) another pumpkin synth treat. This was actually the first act I stumbled upon who did that sort of synth music. They were also the first who used the term, pumpkin synth. So what is pumpkin synth anyway, it´s basically scary and eerie synth-based Halloween-themed music.
In this case with Pumpkin Witch, we´re caught in a strange dimension between raw, "horrible", adult-horror B-movies on VHS and the eerie soundtracks for children soft-core "horror" series like Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark?. Sort of, campy children-themed horror-soundtrack for adults if you please!.
It is in fact quite dark and weird!. And experimental, some of their synths takes me back to early Italian industrial music (Maurizio Bianchi), or just ... John Carpenter on crack!. Or if just, that Maurizio Bianchi was to do a soundtrack for a Dario Argento flick kind of. Can just say, that the soundtrack lies between trashy U.S horror flicks and the progressive and acid-drenched synths of the Italian horror flicks (Chk. the band Goblin or the soundtrack for Susperia!). It´s campy beyond any description and filled with the kind of sounds that any horror fan would love and laugh at. BUT (as I said earlier), it is STILL a unique and strangely experimental treat nonetheless. Way more dark and disturbing than any Halloween party. Ever been to a spookhouse as a kid and u just wanted to get out (BUT CAN´T!), that´s the feeling of listening to this act. Childhood fears and horrors are being stirred up again in your adult and reasonable mind!
The release is also QUITE obscure. No info on either Youtube, Facebook or Discogs. The release has been made by three individuals; The Disgraced Scientist, The Vampire Tyrant and Haunter of the Darkened Forest (so BEWARE!). The physical cassette release has been sadly sold out, I was one of the lucky ones to get it. And as you can see in my photo, Skeletor is pleased beyond description. The package which the ordered cassette came in also contained spiders-web, 2 spiders being orange and black and a small bouncy eyeball!.
Take my advice and give this a spin 2night. Bound to make you (and the small ones) shiver with fear of the unknown.
On a dreary and cold Monday morning, it can be hard to find something decent to review... BUT I managed to find something! I´m not a HUGE fan of EBM/Electro-industrial, but I don´t mind whatever came out of the 80s. Huge admirer of Fad Gadget, Portion Control and the early Front 242 without a doubt! What I cannot stand and listen to are trashy 90s electro-industrial like Læetherstrp, Wumbscutt, Funkervogt and the rest of the cybergoth-bunch feeling trendy with aggro-tech and all that drama bullshit. But our time with cool minimal-wave/post-industrial acts with danceable and catchy tunes (good taste) is looking promising, and Black Cell is one of them.
In a matter of few seconds, I fell in love with this act and their sound!. Perfectly executed, cold and machine-like (almost 8-bit/c64) synth-keys gives you that robotic and analog feeling, lush and atmospheric John Foxx´ish dark melodies and decent sounding grim Klinik´ish vocals. These two gents (in nice outfits) may look like decent chaps doing future pop, and being into the likes of Covenant and VNV Nation BUT DONT LET IT FOOL YOU!. They practically know WHAT sounds cool and what doesn't!. It just sounds bloody right, modern minimal wave/synth-pop with a truly grim post-industrial aftertaste.
As for the information about this act, they are actually WAY older then I thought they would be. Formed in 1996, and have had several releases (4 physical released albums and 1 EP) on Backwards Records based in Denver. And the latest thing is these 2 independent released cassettes, Phase 6 vol.1+2 which are just amazing. For me, it is a must-buy!... Give it a try and lighten up your Monday!. Also worth checking out is the article published by Bandcamp, about the industrial/dark-wave scene happening in Denver (see link below)
Here it is ladies and gents, the uncompromising and essential guide to the early sound of Cold Meat Industry. THIS IS an attempt at representing (my own) personal taste and guidelines to this cult label of old. Which means that some early (and essential) releases have not been represented, so bare over with me. Alphabetic listed!
First classic in my CMI alphabet .. 37 minutes of truly grim Norwegian witch hauntings. An interesting fusion of ideas combining ritual-ambiance, industrial harshness being put in the middle of the cold and dark forests of Scandinavian. Still, scares the shit out of me!.
From Aghast to black-ambient masters of satanic esoteric mysticism Archon Satani!. An excellent CMI release, a compilation containing most of the tracks submitted to various compilations, the entire 12" EP Beyond All the Sickness plus not-released material. A true gem!
Since I don´t own a record player (Right Now) I´m gonna have 2 go with the CD release. Another CMI landmark; the debut of Brighter Death Now´s Pain In Progress was first released on tape (1988) and then on LP (1990) via Unclean Production. It was then re-issued on CD in 1998. If anyone should ask me, then I can reply that this represents the sound of true death industrial. Prima materia!. In accordance with notes from the artist himself, I will not include a "free" Youtube clip with this post. You want to hear it, seek this underground industrial cult gem out yourself!
Consono was a different breed, not being comparable to either death-industrial or dark-ambient. Working in the fields of mystical folklore and esoteric writings. Esoteric and gloomy folk-inspired industrial-ambient?. A classic nonetheless, released as a compilation of sorts back in 1995. Limited to 1000 copies.
Another landmark, another CMI classic. The first Deutsch Nepal album on CMI, after the first cassette release on Sound Source (pre-CMI-tape label). Surreal and hypnotizing industrial moods, nothing sounds like Deutsch Nepal. The man behind this cult act is also a co-founder of CMI. This album/CD I bought from the man himself, at a Death In June concert in Aarhus, Denmark. Around 1997? Thanks again Peter Andersson!
"...And Also the Wolves Hid Their Teeth" was the very first CMI compilation I bought and gave a thorough introduction to the bands of the label. It was also marketed through the US label DarkWave (side label of Projekt) with different tracks by the same bands. It was a magnificent introduction to Cold Meat Industry, every cool band from that best era of the label could be found here...
CMI x2 CD compilation compiling all the GREAT early achievements of their early cassette-only label named Sound Source. The not released material was also being show-cased here also. True treasures taken from the tombs. Made in the cooperation with the German label Vuz. Interesting side projects as well, Un-Core (In Slaughter Natives side-project), Deaf Machine (Megaptera side-project).
Not entirely through with the CMI compilations yet!..Ltd. 4000 copies. Back then in 1993, there was an overwhelming demand for information and band photos, so the label decided to release The Karmanic Collection. A VERY non-typical compilation (which is ALOT of ways) didn´t show what the sound and future of CMI would be. Kickstarts withs XXX Atomic Toejams´s multilayered (and slightly psychedelic) industrial rock, further on with the technoid outsider-craziness of En Halvkokt I Folie, raw and primitive electro/EBM-industrial with Systema etc. Then you also had the moody classics like Deutsch Nepal, BDN, Raison D´être, Mental Destruction, ISN etc, which more or less laid down some of their best tracks. All rounded up with ambient atmospheres with Archon Satani, Consono, Atomine Elektrine and Morthond. And again, one of the best tracks by Archon Satani is one this comp, that also goes for Morthond! ... One of my favorite CMI comps!
Ildfrost (like Consono) was also a different and unique band on CMI, from the icy fields of Norway. The first non-Swedish band on the label released this magnificent debut in 1995. Aghast (And maybe Nico) fans should check it out. Cold, atmospheric, haunting and beautiful "gothic" dark-wave/ambient...
The label CMI also had side-labels. One of them was called Death Factory (taken from TG maybe?). ´A side-label for international artists in the same vein as the CMI bands, with the emphasis on dark industrial music´ (taken from the booklet of the Absolute Supper) ... One of the releases on here was a side project to U.S industrial pioneers Controlled Bleeding called In Blind Embrace. Orchestral, apocalyptic, sacred hymn of darkness and despair. With a guest appearance by Rozz Williams of Christian Death. Quite an underrated and ambitious release. BEST release on Death Factory, and one of the true greats by the guys behind Controlled Bleeding!
CMI.13.The second release from this apocalyptic proto-martial industrial act. A classic CMI release, also having a tape out on Soundsource. This one was a cooperative release between CMI and Staalplaat. The title came from a Hellraiser comic. For me, it is, without doubt, the BEST with In Slaughter Natives. Sure to give you a smell of burning heretics on the cross!
Think the photo effect burlesque, fitted this kinky and sexy cult release. Limited to a 1000 copies, or whatever Roger Karmanic was doing in his younger days before the necromantic carnage of Brighter Death Now. A compilation of sorts, Collecting split tracks, unreleased, compilation tracks, Undead 7inch and from the Älskar Dig cassette. Released in 1993. And again with my respect to Roger Karmanic, I will not post a free stream from this album. Raw, minimal and moody old-school industrial.
Soo many good bands on CMI starts with the letter M. First one is Swedish death industrial monoliths Megaptera. An excellent introduction/release for curious ears!
Limited edition of 2,000 copies. Released in an 8 panel Digipak
CD1 is a reissue of Songs From The Massive Darkness (Megaptera's first LP). CD2 is a remixed version of Beyond The Shadow (Megaptera's first CD) with two new versions of tracks from The Curse Of The Scarecrow CD.
Memorandum was one of the great dinosaurs of CMI, having the perfect sound and vision. Again, a unique sound. Apocalyptic tribal industrial at its best!
Reissue of the whole Memorandum discography plus unreleased material.
1-3 from the Ichor 12" (CMI.08). 4 from the Projekt Neue Ordnung LP (TESCO 002). 5 from the Karmanik Collection CD (CMI.20). 6-13 from the Aux Morts LP (CMI.05). 14 from the Ecstasy By Current LP (SCH 8801). 15-16 and 18 previously unreleased. 17 from the In The Shadow Of Death 7" (CMI.02).
Track 18 contains a uncredited track after 55 seconds of silence. Total duration of track 18: 7:12
For the first time, the Christian-themed picture behind suits the CD! .. Swedish Mental Destruction was called ´Christian Orthodox Doom Industrial´.. Were they Christians, hell yeah. The nasty apocalyptic types .. Were they Doom?. Never heard anything as DOOMish as these guys!. Industrial? .. Machine grinding, metallic percussions... Heavy shit. One of my favorites of the early CMI bands. They released 3 albums, this is their first CD release on CMI .. CMI.11 released in 1991.
First CD release with Morthond, before that there was a tape out on Sound Source (Death Time). 1991. An amazing release, one of the best regarding the early days. Ancient and esoteric ambient, almost kind of dark middle ages at times (Proto dungeon synth?). One of the few CMI releases which I could imagine listening to when I get REALLY old! ...
MZ-412 - In Nomine Dei Nostri Dei Satanas Luciferi Excelsi
From the Christian moods of Mental Destruction to infernal gravings of MZ.412. ´True Swedish Black Industrial´. A mythic band with a background in metallic percussive industrial and EBM (Pouppée Fabrikk), they then head-crashed into a satanic image. This is their first CD release on CMI and their first "satanic" album. Industrial-ritual music with percussive and dark ambient elements. A VERY influential band/Release. True Swedish Black Industrl
Ordo Equilibrio - Reaping the Fallen ... The First Harvest
The debut of Ordo Equilibrio, and as some called it ´The true continuation of Archon Satani, carrying on their spiritual legacy´... To me, this is the best album by Ordo Equilibrio. As you might expect, I´m more into their ambient-ritual orientated releases then the latter pop n´ neo-folk stuff. Still finding this releases highly enjoyable! .. Infernal, erotic and spiritual stuff... It still holds to this day!.
What is 2 day about Raison d^ëtre Which haven´t been said?... This isn´t the first release, but the first CD on CMI released in 1993. A grand and truly classic act, which is clearly still loved 2 this day. It´s almost possible 2 this day, 2 hear the influence of Raison d^ëtre in most modern dark-ambient acts! As you might notice, this is the first pressing of this magnificent release. The cover-art is WAY cooler than the later (and cheaper looking) computerized version. As quoted from the CMI compilationThe Absolute Supper ´A historical masterpiece!´.
Italien Tombstone has been in existence since 1993, and this is the only CMI release (Released on the side label Death Factory like In Blind Embrace). A collection of the tracks previously released on cassettes. Sacred, classical horror themed gothic death-ambiance. Fuckin love and still do, nothing sounds like Tombstone!. Almost works like a tribute to the classic Italian horror movies!.
U.S Black-metal inspired youngsters trying their best at doing Scandinavian death/black-industrial. The debut of Valefor released on CMIs side-label Death Factory. If you look away from the pseudo-gothic/doom metal kind of cover art (and the awful band photo!) BUT we´re actually dealing with a REALLY good death-industrial album. Sort of a minimal version of Brighter Death Now´s Necrose Evangelicum!. I´m still listening 2 it 2 this day.
2 years ago, I did a playlist+article for the Brvtalist (also puplished in Tironas Magazine) about Italian death industrial. For those who missed it, you can hear it via Brvtalist´s Mixcloud. It´s a decent morbid treat 2 your senses, includes classic proto stuff like MB, Mauthausen Orchestra to later stuff like Atrax Morque, Progretto Morte etc .. Further below you can always read (or reread) the article which is still availeble on the Brvtalist. Depression guaranteed!.
Things being temporary, things not being a constant static hum of repeats. Kind of describes life (as it is); jumping from jobs, relationships, homes etc... The only thing that is temporary for me, is jobs. Which gives me the time and pleasure to work on this site (and among other things). I felt slightly seduced when I read the concept and idea of this release;
Even If Only Temporarily was written after a time of intense travel. Whilst moving around allot James became interested in the idea that everything he was experiencing was only temporary; temporary jobs, temporary homes, temporary relationships. He discovered that understanding everything was the only temporary intensified all the experiences that were happening. He began sending small snippets of his sonic experiences to Finn who would expand on the ideas. This back and forth would continue until something more permanent appeared from these ideas, in the form of the EP ‘Even If Only Temporary’.
Well? Gave me the interest of reviewing it off course. We´re dealing with a netlabel release, which has been released on Audio Gourmet Netlabel (Sounds delicious... right?). Which has since 2010 released 50 albums/eps. Having its primary focus on drone, ambient music, and field recordings. Whatever these two gents are doing is no exception. You know how it is; at rare occasions, you not only fall into a complete relaxed sense of being, but you also feel slightly hypnotized and highly spiritual and physical focused. I felt it last time in front of my PlayStation, while my two kids were playing lego REALLY quiet (a rare thing!). The game I was to play on my console, was a retro fuelled and slightly stressful shoot em´up. game. Why I felt 100% relaxed like a zen master, I don´t know. BUT I do know this, this mini-album is all about that!. Feels like the sounds are entering your blood veins through your ears, even my chair feels like it is levitating a bit. It is not a dark ambient treat, nor suicidal and boring new-age shit either. It´s pure, drone´ish and glitch´ness, mystical/ethereal and balanced ambient. music. Even having minor distorted sounds here and there, a lovely release and a perfect way to start the day!. Give it a try, make the perfect morning breakfast with this in the background! It´s one of those lovely ambient treats that you want to hear again... and again!
Cordis Cincti Serpente means, heart wearing a serpent. It is also the title of one of the early esoteric writings (1909) by Aleister Crowley. These writings (or texts) were later published by Ordo Templi Orientis and collected as The Holy Books of Thelema. More information about the mystical world of Thelema can, of course, be obtained via a provided link (further down). The title of the release Cenobirorium isn't (for that matter) something you can look upon the world wide web. I think it is a likely a nod/tribute to Clive Barker´s Hellraiser theme. OR, it simply means; A monk who lives in a religious community, rather than in solitude. I´m not 100% sure what the artist intentions were, but I think the theme lives somewhere between the Hellraiser theme and the religious monk idea. Simply because that the album offers you the sounds of tormented souls screaming from some parallel universe to religious and hypnotic ambient drones.
The style can be described as early esoteric ambient industrial, made me think that of that old and cult worshipped Portugal based label Maldoror Tapes. First track Cenobitorium gives you a hint of a hell-like parallel universe, showing its presence while someone is performing a ritual. Strange and metallic bell-like sounds, eerie and rhythmic electronic glitches, growling pig sounds, screaming and reversed subdued human voices and drone´ish synth. To me, it sounds pretty scary because it sounds serious. Not some horror-movie fan who think blood-piles is the latest thing! Next track Cenobitorium II offers you strange synths, a camera like noises, atmospheric drones. Sounds like sort of trans-dimensional journey, going through one universe and further on to the next. You probably need to hear it to fully understand what I mean!. The final track Cenobitorium III (almost 24 minutes long), takes you back to more primal ambiances. Early Raison D´être, or retro Cold Meat Industry sound is one way to describe it. That (almost religious) sort of sacred sound, mixed with an esoteric-based soundtrack mood. A beautiful way of ending this fantastic journey of an album!. Proud of owning this tape, and proud of reviewing it. A rare and good achievement indeed!.
The album has been released on Italian based Industrial Ölocaust Recordings (like Empty Chalice, see review). In a limited 23 copies, and the cassette and cover art is a sheer beauty. You´ll have to be quick on this!.
