There are few things we love more than multi-disciplinary projects and collectives. The Brvtalist has always supported artists who operate outside of confined boundaries, genres and mediums. Area Z is a prime example. The emerging group is a non-profit DIY collective and independent record label run by Thomas Schall, Pablo Bozzi, Thomas Rcd and Arthur Bdt from Toulouse, France. Primarily operating within the realms of EBM, techno, industrial and noise, the imprint has already released stand out material from Sarin, Unhuman, Tomohiko Sagae, Elements of Joy (UVB alias), Crystal Geometry, Unconscious and most recently Savage Cult (which we examine below).
While the label’s tape and vinyl releases have already made waves, late last month the collective presented Zero, a limited tee shirt run designed by Arthur Bdt and released in conjunction with German second-hand/street wear shop Cologne Street Market. Inspiration for the shirts came from Zero, a post-war movement which sought to push the boundaries of artistic mediums and create works which aim to distort and not decorate. The campaign images and video (below) perfectly achieves this goal - fusing radical intentions and industrial atmospheres. In addition, each shirt comes with a download code which includes four track from residents and friends of the label including A.T.T.CORP (Templer + Incendie), Blime Dust, Foreign Policy and VU.
Savage Cult - Unknown Banner
The latest tape from the label side comes from fellow frenchman Savage Cult. As the name implies, the artist crafts heavy, ritualistic industrial soundscapes which penetrate deep into the psyche for a hypnotic rush to the senses. Unknown Banner delivers 5 original tracks and two remixes from Hypnoskull and Templer. From the thrilling tribal drums of “Warpaint Ritual” to the massive, cinematic work of “The Secret Grave” these tracks shatter all boundaries and are as equally at home with techno and black metal fans alike.
Unknown Banner is another powerful release in a very good group of recent tapes which also feature Brvtalist favorite Unconscious and more. You can pick up the digital above and for the physical head to Area Z’s page here. There is much more in store from Area Z and you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on this collective.
-JRS