The Brvtalist is pleased to present a new track from Death Qualia. "Mask Surgery" comes off the upcoming 12", Intention Versus, out March 17th on Berlin's Portals Editions. The guise of artist Jonathan Baruc, Death Qualia is a burnt offering to an undead rave. The 12" is 4 tracks of meditative compositions that gracefully sway between engulfing sonic atmospheres and assaulting splintered beats. "Mask Surgery" immediately swallowed us whole and is a great introduction to the record.
New Brvtalism No. 087
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by RENDERED. The recently launched collaborative project of Clément Perez (14Anger) and Daniel Myer (Haujobb, Covenant), we are thrilled to host the duo's first DJ set. Fusing industrial/EBM/acid/techno and more, the styles of these two great producers couldn't work better together and the coming months will see EP releases on some of our favorite labels including Aufnahme + Wiedergabe, Fleisch and Body Theory. New Brvtalism No. 087 is the perfect introduction to the project and sure to get repeat plays.
Also look out for RENDERED's first remix of Rezystor's "Inner Core" coming on T/W/B and the duo also have their first gigs coming up in Berlin on March 30th, Paris on April 19th and Nocturne (Toronto) on May 2nd. We were fans of both of these artists already so we could not be more excited for the upcoming material and shows.
-JRS
Orphx | Archive 1993/1994
Mannequin Records / Hospital Productions
A Review,
By Josh Beck
I’ve never been to the suburbs of Ontario in 1993, but if one listens closely to these rare recordings, they might be transported to that time & place - through the minds & sonic noise-scapes of Rich Oddie, Christina Sealey, and Aron West. Thank you first and foremost to ORPHX for this vulnerable glimpse unto their minds, their expression, and for taking the listener on such a savage journey. Additionally, shout out to Mannequin Records / Hospital Productions for making these recordings available to a larger audience.
I wasn’t completely sold until track seven, “Excruciate.” It’s relentless chugging and hammering still fresh and unforgettable. Slight whispers marred the background. From the distance I make out some sort of bass line - but who the fuck knows really. Three minutes in and I am attacked by a fully distorted wall - as if Phil Spector grew up in East Berlin & decided to start banging pipes on cement. Highlight the two minute, forty four second mark.
Orphx - Archive 1993/1994 (Mannequin Records/Hospital Productions, 2017)
The wave subsides as the mood changes drastically into “Monophilia.” The piece begins gently, almost luring the listener in - but do not be fooled. It’s disjointed punches and kicks are glued together by a haunting melody, almost frightening. Meanwhile, somewhere in New Jersey Lenny Kravitz is recording “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Odd.
“Veil of Dream” could easily be playing in the waiting room before entering David Lynch’s black lodge, or perhaps the score to a strange wormhole, portal to a different dimension or multiverse. Throughout most of this recording I feel as though I have taken drugs, though I’m not quite sure which one(s).
The general lack of a consistent BPM is one of the things that impresses me the most about this archive, the percussion flows in and out like a tide beating on cold, jagged rock. What’s even more startling is hearing this recording much later and in the scope of history, comparing it to the music of it’s time. ORPHX was so non-linear, so far beyond any of the song writing of their era that it’s not hard to imagine this recording emerging today - where experimental electronics and noise have become a part of our vocabulary. The archive is nothing short of a dystopian masterpiece. Put on a decent pair of headphones, dim the lights and let this chilling “Landscape of Wounds” take over - highly recommended.
Available now on Mannequin Records.
Autumns Video Premiere + Clan Destine New Releases
The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere the music video of "Posthumous Remorse" from the UK's Autumns. Off the recently released, The Product of 30 Years of Violence (Clan Destine, 2016), the track is a tension-filled offering of grinding industrial and off-beat techno that pulls you into its hypnotic world. This is one of our favorite tracks off a great EP that is leading up to the artist's highly anticipated debut album. The striking visuals are courtesy of Cari Gummer.
As per usual, Glasgow's Clan Destine Records has a standout Spring lineup and we thought we would take the time to highlight a few of the releases.
Marc Ash - Ostracism
We are thrilled to see Italian-born, Berlin-based producer Marc Ash on Clan Destine. Ostracism is a stellar release of body-infused electro anthems dripping in acid with synth-pop sensibilities. The infectious, "Pray For Me" has already been on repeat and with tracks like "Le Corbusier" and smash remixes from Alexey Volkov and Huren, this is not one to miss.
Collin Strange - How I Creep
The one and only Collin Strange returns with a massive release of techno and acid warehouse bangers. We were able to catch Collin annihilate live at Darkmatter Soundsystem in L.A. recently and were quickly inspired to revisit his prolific discography. After yearning for new material, How I Creep couldn't be timed any better and it's great to see a master of the sound at work.
DJ Loser - S/T
Another favorite is the self-titled release from DJ Loser. Raw, slow burning techno mixes perfectly with blackened industrial overtones. The elusive Greek producer took us by surprise with this standout offering well as a great new mix for Abyssal.
Another recommended release is the filthy Hellenic techno of Penelope's Fiance, as well as a crushing new tape from Brvtalist favorite JT Whitfield. Always a lot of good stuff happening at Clan Destine.
-JRS
New Brvtalism No. 086 + Summa Cum Laude Issue No. 2
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Domenico Crisci. The Italian artist has released material on labels like Jealous God, L.I.E.S., and Eerie and has quickly become one of the best producers and DJs in the realms of techno, industrial and experimental electronics. New Brvtalism No. 086 is a punishing mix of Crisci's own productions as well as other favorites in the current wave of underground techno artists.
We are also pleased to announce Issue No. 2 on Crisci's label, Summa Cum Laude. Last year we featured the first offering titled The Violinist, and we are thrilled to provide a look at the label's second release, 1804 by Lowfreq77. The 12" features powerful primetime rave cuts that are sure to destroy the warehouse. Look out for this release in April 2017 with mastering by Matt Colton and artwork by fine artist Mariangela Levita. We look forward to more from Crisci and Summa Cum Laude.
-JRS
New Brvtalism No. 086 - Track list
Ontal - PI02.1 – (Pi Electronics)
Domenico Crisci – Thinking Of You – (Semantica)
Domenico Crisci – Black Roses – (Opal Tapes)
Domenico Crisci – Body Punishment – (Opal Tapes)
Domenico Crisci – Knife – (Opal Tapes)
Veil Of Light - Medusa (Blush Response Remix) – (Aufnahme + Wiedergabe)
B R 1 0 0 2 – Hate – (Scuderia)
Al Ferox - Evil Groove – (MFM Records)
Al Ferox – Cannibale – (Kobayashi Recordings)
Domenico Crisci – EX – (Opal Tapes)
Domenico Crisci – Your Scent – (Opal Tapes)
Domenico Crisci – White Frames – (Semantica)
Domenico Crisci – Our Love – (Semantica)
Domenico Crisci – United Tribes – (Opal Tapes)
Ontal – The Visionary Movement – (Killekill)
Ken Utterson – Domination (Al Ferox Remix) - Qubiq Records
Ancient Methods - I Am Blazing Sound – (Persephonic Sirens)
Ontal - PI02.3 – (Pi Electronics)
Video Premiere: Verset Zero - Purgare
The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new video from French artist Verset Zero. Off the recently released cassette EP, Sacrificium (AMOK), Purgare is a blistering assault that is just as much black metal as it is industrial. The video by X-IMG perfectly captures the track's war-like intensity and engulfing wave of terror.
Sacrificum is a must listen release that bridges the gap between dark ambient and techno. The metal clad electronic experimentations create blackened atmospheres that will punish fans of any genre. Berlin's AMOK Tapes continues to offer a great selection of current and progressive electronic music and this is another great example. For more Verset Zero visit Soundcloud.
Helic.al
Since 1991, New York's Todd Sines and Charles Noel have pushed the boundaries of punk, industrial, synth and techno with countless releases on labels like Ghostly, Planet E, Raw Fusion, Circus Co. and more. Few have a more storied history with genres that have evolved and mutated into completely new sounds and concepts. Enter Helic.al, the new label of Sines + Noel. Instead of focusing on the obvious, the duo now aim to neglect restrictions and offer releases that shatter genre constraints and present artists new and old that match the pair's ethos.
The label's first release is transmit, by Interval, the project of Sines, Noel and their good friend Andries Boekelman on bass. Interval gets back to the artists' post-punk and goth roots with shadowy, minimal shoegaze and melancholy vocals. A truly infectious blend of so many sounds we love.
Helic.al 002 comes by way of Soviet duo Amanda Berkowitz and Alyssa Barrera as Artefactos de Delor. A left of center, experimental project, de Delor fuses electronics with a slow burning, ritual serenade which hypnotizes the listener into submission.
Another Helic.al favorite is the side project, Vertical Silence aka Charles Noel aka Archtyp. A post-punk heavy, amalgamation of synth-pop and gothic splendor, Vertical Silence bleeds through the speakers and wears its influences on its sleeve.
This is just a preview of what's in store for the label. We are also excited about releases from Crash Course in Science’s Michael Zodorozny as I/TMSZ, Möthersky, SSPS & Gramma, in addition to side-projects of side-projects of side-projects. It's always refreshing to see a new label with such a unique vision emerge and this is definitely an imprint to watch. For more music, visit Soundcloud.
-JRS
transmit by Interval (2016)
Keta Gutmane S/S 2017
The Brvtalist is pleased to present the Spring/Summer 2017 collection from Latvian designer Keta Gutmane. One of our favorite artists practicing in fashion, Gutmane follows up on last year's stunning Spring/Summer collection (featured here) with new forms, shapes and concepts. For S/S 2017, Gutmane explores the depths of individualism, creating garments that are both bold and polite, but also kick against the establishment.
*Photography by Martins Cirulis
We are continuously impressed with the evolution of Gutmane's brand as it manages to evoke a rebellious spirit within the confines of classic and sometimes even traditional garments. This season's cropped bombers and oversized coats maintain a very poetic splendor while still managing to exude a punk aesthetic.
Also nicely mixed in to the collection are slashed skirts and re-defined dresses that showcase Gutman's unique form of contemporary elegance.
Overall, another standout collection from the Latvian designer that demands to be both seen and experienced. For more information, please visit Keta Gutmane.
-JRS
SS17 credits:
Photography: Martins Cirulis
Creative consult: #marlosaalmink
Garments: all Keta Gutmane SS17
Shoes: all The Last Conspiracy
Model: Daniela Sokolova, Starsystem Latvia
MUA: Aija Udentina
New Brvtalism No. 085
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Los Angeles-based project Bombardier. Just one of many aliases of multi-disciplinary artist, Jason Snell, Bombardier explores the outer realms of sound and atmosphere, crafting powerful compositions that exist somewhere between ambient and industrial techno. New Brvtalism No. 085 is an interdimensional journey through the artist's mind.
Last year's 2x12" masterpiece, Fury, has received a lot of plays at Brvtalist HQ and Snell's latest short film, Fever, recently screened at the 2017 Berlin Independent Film Festival. We look forward to the next offering from this prolific artist. For more information visit http://jasonjsnell.com/
-JRS
Track list:
Mondkopf - Ancient Dream
Mahr - The Call
wk[es] - Two
Kangding Ray - Transitional Ballistics
Orphx - Devourer
A001 - Agra
Mahr - Voices in Decay
Oake - He Licorde
Periskop - North IV
Kangding Ray - Ardent
Oprhx - Vanishing Point
Blush Response - Screaming First
Orphx - In Flames
Hyo - Japanese Train
Kwartz - Ultraviolence
Bombardier - Beneath the Surface
Tuomas Rantanen - Osiris in Shrine Attended
Kwartz - Escape to Nowhere
Joseph McGeechan - Failed By The Conformists (Ancient Methods Sgt. Howie Remix)
Hyo - Acheron (Balatro remix)
Ontal - Radiation
Mondkopf - Ruins
Mondkopf - 33 000 Bells
Mahr - In Memories
Kangding Ray - Crystal
The Brvtalist Premieres: Savage Cult - "Face Orion"
The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Renne-based Savage Cult. Off the forthcoming cassette release, Blood Artefacts, out February 22nd on France's Tripalium Corp, "Facing Orion" is an atmospheric onslaught of drone and techno that completely swallows you. Conjuring ritual percussion and rhythmic body music, this is the perfect way to commence the release.
Blood Artefacts represents No. 016 in Tripalium's Digital Mutant Series. The cassette offers 5 tracks of spectral drone, experimental techno and rhythmic noise. The music recalls everything from crushing, black metal-inspired ambient to hypnotic, analog techno. Another standout release from the stellar French label. For more visit Tripalium Corp.
-JRS