Bloom Offering + Pull Rank Video Premieres

Accompanying another run of strong cassettes from Glasgow's Clan Destine Records, The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere two videos from Bloom Offering and Pull Rank. First up is "Swallow (this city)". With her debut release on Clan Destine, long time Brvtalist favorite Bloom Offering crafted perhaps her most powerful and evocative work yet. A stellar release of 5 post industrial hymns which are both brutalizing and melancholy. The video for "Swallow (this city)" takes us below ground level for a truly decaying, urban experience.

For more Bloom Offering visit Facebook. To listen further and order the physical release, please visit Bandcamp.

Bloom Offering - Unmasking the Wound (Clan Destine, 2017)

Next is "Last Ditch" by Pull Rank. This took hold fast after we heard the latest cassette, Hostile. Industrial and techno beats fuse with devious, haunting vocals which reminds us of some of our favorite death metal bands. The video is an acid drenched journey through militant worlds that could leave you singing by the end. For more Hostile visit Facebook and to order visit Bandcamp.

-JRS

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The Brvtalist Premieres: Oake - "Anhedon"

One of our favorite Berlin-based projects is back November 3rd with the EP, Sentiment of Callousness, their debut on SNTS Records. Today we’re premiering Anhedon, the powerful and hypnotizing closing track.

Anhedon is OAKE’s final journey as they put together the pieces of past and present. It’s a short travel back to their first release Offenbarung, on Downwards Records, but without lingering in the past the duo are always looking toward the future. Voices crystalize, creating a cinematic tension which is slowly transforms into a crushing, yet at times, ethereal experimental techno piece.

Oake's creative process is a testament to a transformative journey which brought forth another side of them- more raw and ready to explore new avenues of sound and emotion. From the artists:

We started to write Anhedon out of an older project that was almost forgotten. It was one of the sessions, in which I (Eric) sat in the studio one night and just jammed for a few hours and recorded everything. The project was overblown with endless amounts of sounds, samples and ideas. When I stumbled upon it again in the course of writing the EP, I cleaned the whole project up, stitched new sounds together and stripped it back to what you can hear in the first 3-4 minutes of Anhedon.

Throughout every track of the EP we used variations of a specific CS-80 patch that sounds like a very raw and mean brass sound. It was important to us to have certain elements reoccur in every track to create a sonic consistency holding the EP together. The first versions of Anhedon lacked this particular sound but for us it needed to be in there. By recording these new sequences we could immediately feel how the whole energy of the track was slowly transforming into something different.

I wanted to show Bathseba an idea for the vocals and therefore used and processed the original “Erajh nur Dwfa” vocals from our first record Offenbarung. We both liked it so much that, in the end, we decided to leave them in exactly like that and recorded additional vocals on top.

When we thought the track was done, we packed our carriage and rode over to Headless Horseman and his studio. There were so many kicks, bass sounds and thuddy elements in the track that we needed a fresh pair of ears during our mixing process. We were also still mixing in our 5sqm chamber back at that time, which made it impossible to get the track sounding the way we wanted it to sound. HH helped us tons with this first initial mix adding a lot more punch and depth to the sound. After that we moved into a new studio, which sounded so much better than what we were used to… which also led to us starting another round of week-long mixing, fine tuning and re-arranging until we did hit record for the last time to capture what became the version of Anhedon that is now the closing of our new EP.

SNTS Records will release Sentiment Of Callousness on November 3rd, 2017 in 12" and digital format and Sentiment Of Callousness Remixed in early 2018 (track lists below). For more information visit SNTS.

-Marie Bungau

Sentiment Of Callousness
01. Alog
02. Apath
03. Abul
04. Anhedon

Sentiment Of Callousness Remixed
01. Alog (SNTS Remix)
02. Apath (Regis Remix)
03. Abul (Samuel Kerridge Remix)
04. Anhedon (Phase Fatale Remix)
05. Anhedon (Stephanie Sykes Remix) (Digital Bonus)

Pirosmani - "Karmic Icon"

ANTIPODIUM: No Fashion No Trends No Season

This is the ethos behind Saint Petersburg fashion house Pirosmani. Founder and head designer Evgeniya Malygina creates thrilling works which exude a unique energy and mystifying elegance. To showcase their latest collection, the brand presents a great short film which journeys from breathtaking landscapes to industrial warehouses and beyond.

The collection itself is a striking take on smart, casual wear with a firm eye to the future. Malygina has great point of view whose collections are not confined to time or place. For more visit: http://www.pirosmani.info/

-JRS

Film credits:

Sound mixed by KÇR soundcloud.com/katsuraa/
Starring Models: Agripine, Vlad Katsura, Angel Ulyanov

Production: NOIR Films - noir-films.com
DOP: Maxim Eruzhenets, Marina Kirakosyan
Edit: Marina Kirakosyan, Maxim Eruzhenets
Sound design: Maxim Eruzhenets

New Brvtalism No. 115

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from NX1. The Barcelona duo is one of our favorite projects in techno and have released some huge material on their own imprint and the recently launched Nexe Records. New Brvtalism No. 115 is a massive offering which helps prove why we are such big fans.

This mix comes on the heels of NX1's recently released Remixed EP 2. The second record of a 3 EP set, this volume finds superb contributions from the legendary Orphx, Serbian artist Scalameriya, Italy's Lucindo and Surit (half of NX1). Another one not to miss. For more visit: https://nexerecords.bandcamp.com/

-JRS

The Brvtalist Selections (October 2017)

This Fall has seen an avalanche of a quality releases across the techno, industrial and experimental genres. This is by no means an exhaustive list but here is a look at a few current favorites of the heavier variety. Remember to support the artists when you can.

Voitax X Compilation (Voitax)

The Berlin-based, vinyl only label returns with perhaps its most ambitious release to date. Staying true to the ethos of the imprint, the comp spans various electronic spheres from bleak industrial environments to acid stained excursions, there is a lot to like here. Check out the nihilistic banger, "Coiled" by Swarm Intelligence and the blistering "Respond to Call" by Rory St. John just for starters. With it's signature minimal packaging, it is a good reminder there's always more than meets the eye. Video teaser below. For more info visit http://www.voitax.com/

Unknown Collective - UCD005

An apt name for this project, as little to none is known about the artist(s) behind the material. With sparse cover art and track names that are simply sequential, the presentation is completely stripped down. The mystery deepens though once you listen to the EP, as industrial experimentation collides with haunting cinematic compositions to create a complex offering that requires repeat listens. Out now via Bandcamp.

Stave - Fought 12" (aiia recordings)

Be prepared for an alarming array of techno punishment on the latest EP from Chicago's Stave. Fought is five tracks of raw material that is expertly crafted and built for destruction. Also includes a killer remix from Grebenstein. A great release on French imprint aiia recordings. Out October 27th on Vinyl + Digital via Chez Emilie.

**Stave - Fought (aiia recordings, 2017)**

Domenico Crisci - Electra 12" (Summa Cum Laude)

One of our favorite Italian producers is back with an evil EP that is not for the faint of heart. Crisci is among the best at creating heart pounding, mind splitting techno and rave that infects your central nervous system. From the opening of "Vai" to the final note of "I Know You", Electra offers four warehouse crushers. Out October 20th via Triple Vision.

Domenico Crisci - Electra (Summa Cum Laude, 2017)

Walk Onto Sun - Grow Static

An emerging artist from L.A.'s healthy electronic scene, Walk Onto Sun offers a strong EP which showcases the producer's wide ranging musical influences. From underground techno to post-industrial soundscapes and infectious EBM, Grow Static blends all of the above in a refreshing package that is gives us a lot to like. Driven by our inevitable dystopian state and current global crises, the EP is both cerebral and rhythmic. With an LP on the way in 2018, we look forward to hearing more from the artist. Out October 20th via Bandcamp.

This is just a small sampling of some of the great work happing right now in electronic music. Keep an eye out for more Selections in the future.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: B R 1 0 0 2 - "Damage Control"

The Brvtalist is pleased to present a new track from B R 1 0 0 2. The Italian duo brings their signature sound to Instruments of Discipline for a powerful EP. Born in 2015, Bruno Di Berardino and Bruno Ruggieri have pushed beyond the limits of techno and cultivated a true sonic assault weapon. "Damage Control" is an excellent example of the release's crushing force.

B R 1 0 0 2 is a key part of an explosive Italian scene. In addition to releasing material on other standout labels like Scuderia, they have also collaborated with Luciano Lamana(Lunar Lodge) and Assalti Industriali, which have also seen releases on Instruments of Discipline. We are also very much looking forward to the upcoming vinyl on WarinD's label, which will see remixes from Sarin and Huren as well. To witness the duo live, we have included their upcoming dates below.

For more information and to pre order the release visit Bandcamp.

-JRS

Upcoming Tour Dates

November 4 - w/ WarinD at Zoo bar, Rome

December 2 - w/ UVB - Fortezza del girifalco at Cortona

December 8 - Elektrowerks, London

New Brvtalism No. 114 - Gaul Plus

Drown the big cats, send more rats to space, dogs are angels, give what you can to whoever you think needs it most. Love you mom. - Gaul Plus (Oct. '17, NYC)

We are proud to present New Brvtalism No. 114 from New York's Gaul Plus. A heavy, cerebral mix that traverses vast electronic realms. For more visit Soundcloud and we recommend checking out the artist's split cassette with Bergsonist on angoisse.

-JRS

Track list:
Dark Boi - Shut Up Skit
Avaidor Dro - Desafi?
Richard Horowitz - Never tech no foreign answer
Royal Drum Ensemble - Zigezi Karagwe
iiisubi llllvxel
Mace. - Fragments of the machine
Oli Xl - Rouge Idiot pt. 2
Black Sun Productions - Johnny over the sea
Petit Singe - Rapsodia
Negativland - Destroying Anything
Sunk - Fey
Spooky - Discharge
Suicide Commando - Cor!
Gaul Plus - Digi-peasant VIP
Dj Target - Pick Yourself Up
Blake Baxter - When a thought becomes you
Head Hurts - Fingerlouie
Scalameriya - Blood lust
SESSJONIJIET - Low Noise Cassestte
Gaul Plus - Show me off
Dj Zirk - Shit Popz Off
CVN - BNC Boys

The Brvtalist Premieres: Phase Fatale - "Redeemer"

The name Phase Fatale is gaining more and more attention lately, both in the techno and EBM/industrial scene. Few artists can bridge these 2 worlds almost seamlessly, while still maintaining an authentic identity and sound that stays with you (or rather haunts you) long after you’ve listened to the releases. Hayden, otherwise known as Phase Fatale, has a sensibility which draws its influences from post-punk, EBM, films and a certain sense of dread and desolation coming from the world around us. When translated into music, the result is a piece of the artist's restless soul.

This is definitely the case for the latest release, Redeemer, Fatale's debut full length to be released October 13th, on Dominick Fernow’s Hospital Productions. Today we premiere the title track, a perfect illustration of that unmistakable Phase Fatale sound which drew my attention a few years ago and placed him among my favorite producers of the moment. Listen to the track “Redeemer” and get to know him a little more in the interview below.

The Brvtalist: How does it feel to release a Phase Fatale full length? Talk about the process of making the record and did you change your approach at all?

Phase Fatale: I felt like I could close one chapter and open another with this album. It collectively takes my long list of past influences, ideas flirted with in my other releases, and experiences made here in Berlin and fuses them all together along with even darker and more destructive sonic and conceptual ideas to create something entirely new for me, laying the groundwork for more experimentation into the unknown. With the making of this album, I had a reasonably shorter deadline than I’ve had in the past, which I’m thankful for actually. It made me work harder and more efficiently, lending itself to a more direct and intimate sound. I also used more vocals and guitars as main instruments in the productions to bring my past full circle and combine seemingly disparate elements that also recontextualize those sounds.

TB: Talk about Redeemer, both the name of the album and track we're premiering. What is the meaning or idea behind it?

PF: The meaning behind it is, once again, the beginning and the end, destruction, transmutation of body and flesh, gravity. This song in particular is the closing song and title song, but also deals lyrically with how fluid things are and how meaningless they always are as well.

TB What is inspiring you outside of music right now?

PF: The absurdities of walking out my door as usual, but also film. Right now I’ve gravitated towards Polish directors such as Andrzej Żuławski and Piotr Szulkin. They worked in a time when the Polish government was censoring everything. It’s beautiful to see films that were partly destroyed or had to be created in a subversive way to still deliver their message, through these surreal, dystopian films that are so dark yet have a strong critique on society.

TB: You've been involved with lots of great projects over the years. How did Phase Fatale take shape and how would you describe the evolution of your sound?

PF: As I had always been working with drum machines, synthesisers, and electronics in my past bands, it was only natural for me to find a more direct, solitary outlet to create something even more extreme, darker, and colder than the post-punk genre I was within. The connection between these two genres is so apparent, and they share many of the same sonic elements and a strong industrial aesthetic. Eventually, Phase Fatale became my main focus after playing in many bands as I found this was where I could really do something different that I wanted to do and push boundaries in the seemingly limitless world of electronic sounds. I want to reference my multitude of references; like wave, post-punk, industrial, or shoegaze; and create something entirely new without looking back. And through this alchemy, I can also combine it with harsh and new concepts. With each release, I think it has grown more into its own identity, shedding so many references to the past environment.

TB: You've been traveling a lot recently. What are some your highlights and what's coming up next?

PF: I’m writing this interview now from Tbilisi where I’m staying for a couple of weeks. It is starting to become a second home. I just debuted my new live set at KHIDI, the club here where I am a resident DJ. I’ll take the live set on the road to select events later this year and next too. In Tbilisi, there is a beginning of a new scene in electronic music, especially for the darker and more industrial side. It is completely fresh here and without any prejudices or preconceptions of this music that are hard to shake off in most of Europe or North America. Especially at KHIDI, I think together everyone can create a strong community around this music in a place that really needs this specific sound and feeling to express themselves and do something entirely new. As far as plans for next year, things are forming as they always do…let’s see what’s going to happen.

Redeemer is out October 13th, in 12", CD and digital download. For more visit: http://hospitalproductions.net/

-Marie Bungau

Photography and design by Silent Editions

Masha Ma S/S 2018

Sound, video and fashion perfectly collide in the latest catwalk show from designer Masha Ma. The Paris-based, Chinese artist presented her stunning S/S 2018 collection on October 1st, 2017 during Fashion Week at the Palais de Tokyo. The show featured a collaboration with Champ Libre Records which included a hypnotic new video from Gildas Madelénat along with sound composition by Second Spectre.

The sound and visuals are great accompaniment to the designer's sharp, sexy edges and chic, flowing outerwear. The stiletto boots and leather trench are just a few of our favorites.

In addition to the great catwalk photos, we were also given some great backstage images from the day of the event (see below). For more information visit http://www.masha-ma.com/

-JRS

Credits:
Sound by: Second Spectre
Video by: Gildas Madelénat
Masha Ma x Champ Libre Records
Curation: A.M.

New Brvtalism No. 113 - Litüus

The Brvtalist is proud to present an new live set from Litüus. The Chicago-based artist is behind some of our current favorite compositions, his work operating completely within an unknown sonic universe. The tracks are subtle yet powerful, with a quiet sense of urgency that echoes throughout their evolution. Minimal electronics collide with pulsating beats to create a shadowy existence that is difficult to pinpoint. New Brvtalism No. 113 is comprised of all unique material that has never been released, nor performed publicly.

Litüus also has two excellent new releases on the U.K.'s Avian and L.A.'s Nostilevo. To mark the occasion, there will be an exciting release show in Chicago on October 21. Other acts on the bill include, Siobhan, Rawaat, Soundoferror (Daniel Burke of Illusion of Safety) and Beau Wanzer (DJ set). For more visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/120231588665180/

-JRS