New Brvtalism No. 121 - Belief Defect

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new and decadent mix from Belief Defect. Shrouded in mystery, the project is hidden behind the idea of "monothematic delusion", meaning a delusional state that concerns only one particular topic. The duo recently released their debut LP, Decadent Yet Depraved, on the iconic Raster label and played an incredible live show at Berlin Atonal. New Brvtalism No. 121 aptly blends the unmistakable martial sound of Laibach with Skinny Puppy's old-school industrial with the hypnotic power electronics from Maska Genetik. An overall exquisite journey which doesn't need an identity nor names to validate its beauty and harmony. For more visit here.

-Maria Bungau

The Brvtalist Selections (November 2017)

We are back with another edition of Selections, our monthly installment of sounds from the underground. This month we feature current favorites across a variety of genres from techno to black metal. See our picks below.

RAZGRAAD - The Ideology Of Pessimism (Yerevan Tapes)

Techno/Wave

Raffaele Attanasio - Remixes 1 (Letters from Jerusalem, 12")

This is the second release from the impressive vinyl only label and Remixes 1 definitely delivers. Three of the best producers today contribute their signature style to create remixes that are at the top of the class. From the devious, "pogo" production of Ancient Methods (ft. Douglas McCarthy) on "Credible Threat", to the rave madness of AnD's twist on "Eutanasia", side A starts fast. On the flip side, Headless Horseman's pitch black ride carries you into the night, closing things out with "Raijin". Pick this one up and play it anywhere. Available here.

Size Pier - The Human Face EP (RND Records)

From the artist behind one of our favorite New Brvtalism mixes, Size Pier now offers a new EP on French label RND Records. Much like his mix, the EP shows a producer influenced by the best elements of some of our favorite genres. "The Human Face" is one of the most played tracks at Brvtalist HQ and it's easy to see why. Its militant, techno infused beats seize you while the evil vocals seep into your mind. Italian favorite Vittorio Di Mango contributes a perfect remix to the track and "Dystopie" transports you to the darkest corners of the warehouse. Looking forward to more from the Parisian artist. Pick up the 12" here.

Size Pier - The Human Face (RND Records, 2017)

Experimental/Noise

RAZGRAAD - The Ideology of Pessimism (Yerevan Tapes)

Italy's Yerevan Tapes has been on a quiet roll, releasing some of the best material in underground electronics. The latest cassette from RAZGRAAD is no different as the project offers a mind-expanding work that is part ritual, part doomtronica. The six track release focuses on the extreme condition of self and the music reflects the turmoil from within. From the massive drones of "Before it Disappear" to the metallic despair of "Thaw.Breath.Light", this is one to fully absorb. Pick up your copy here.

  
    <a href="http://yerevantapes.bandcamp.com/album/razgraad-the-ideology-of-pessimism">RAZGRAAD - The Ideology Of Pessimism by Yerevan Tapes</a>
  

J. De Sosa - Flesh Ochre (Summer Isle)

The L.A.-based artist has made a nice name for himself after releasing some killer material on local imprint Night Gaunt Recordings, as well as a string of stand out live and DJ sets. Flesh Ochre marks J. De Sosa's debut on Toronto's stellar Summer Isle, and it does not disappoint. Oscillating between the confines of haunting drone, post-industrial and left-field techno, the release offers a raw and honest look at the sound of now. From the pulsating machineries of "Silent Betrayal" to the cinematic paranoia of "Ransom" there is a lot to like here.

Other New & Notable

Gerten EP (Heartworm Press)

A great surprise from the Moscow duo behind industrial outfit Manunkind. Gerten pulls from minimal synth, post-punk and the European avant garde to build a noir-ish narrative of surrealism and intrigue. The EP is a nice collection of songs from the inception of the band to present day. Get the physical copy at Heartworm Press.

Coal - "Forgive Me Mother"

The new project from Anthony Ayarcana and Oliver Kohlenberg, Coal is hard to pin down in all the right ways. Part electronic duo, part metal band, part animal, Coal comes heavy but maintains an infectious rhythm. Check out the video for their first track below and be sure to catch the live debut in Berlin on December 30th.

THROANE - Plus Une Main A Mordre (Debemur Morti)

We conclude with some outstanding black metal from France's THROANE. Plus Une Main A Mordre is the second full length from photographer/illustrator/designer Dehn Sora (BLUT AUS NORD, ULVER, DEATHSPELL OMEGA). You can add music to Sora's list of talents as this is a master work of crushing atmospheres, heartbreaking ambient and intelligent thought. While reminiscent of bands like Blut Aus Nord and Godflesh (both with excellent new records out!), THROANE is an entirely different entity that begs to be experienced. Out now on the mighty Debemur Morti.

  
    <a href="http://throane.bandcamp.com/album/plus-une-main-a-mordre">Plus Une Main A Mordre by THROANE</a>
  

-JRS

THROANE - Plus Une Main A Mordre (Debemur Morti) — **THROANE - *Plus Une Main A Mordre* (Debemur Morti)**

Dissociō Modus Trāns - "DMT" Video Premiere

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new video from Dissociō Modus Trāns. "DMT" comes off the artist's EP of the same name, out November 27th on Fleisch Berlin. Esoterica meets unadulterated acid to combine for a psychedelic trip direct from Sweden.

The four track EP from the anonymous Scandinavian has quickly become one of our favorite new releases, as we became entranced upon the first listen. From the ritualistic charms of "Bardo Thōdol" and "Origin/Destination", to the face melting journey of "Trans Dimensional", fans of acid, techno and the occult should definitely pick this one up. For more visit: Bandcamp.

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 120 - Verset Zero

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new set from Verset Zero. The French artist delivers an evil contribution that crushes both the mind and body. Referencing sounds from Black Metal to Industrial, this is one of our favorite projects going. With big releases on Tripalium, Amok Tapes and more, the artist always brings his unique brand of electronic destruction. For more visit: Facebook.

-JRS

Track list:
Tribe Of Neurot- The Doorway
Verset Zero- Aurora
Verset Zero feat Lady Marie of The Infinite Spiral- Grex Perditus (Live rework)
Verset Zero- Morbus (Live rework)
Verset Zero- Maledicti Nativitate
Verset Zero- Vir Sanctus (Live rework)
Verset Zero- Inmundus (Live rework)
Verset Zero- Turbatus (Destructive Live rework)
Verset Zero- Anima Mea Amissa
Verset Zero- Tenebris
Tribe Of Neurot- Descent
Verset Zero- Umbra
Verset Zero- Sortilegium
Verset Zero- Poenitentiam (Live rework)
Verset Zero- Nigrum Venti

T.A.S. Spring/Summer 2018

Born from forward thinking design and traditional technique, Japan's T.A.S. is an accessories brand like no other. Designer Tetsuya Ando began the line in 2012 and has helped reshape and redefine the accessories category. His multi-faceted, multi-functioning items carry a conceptual edge with a practical appeal. From keychains, shoes, bags, candles and even ceramics, there is no telling what you might find. Each collection is an assortment of marvels that all stand on their own while exuding the same ethos.

The Spring/Summer 2018 collection is no different. From striking bags and fresh scents, to hardwearing belts and elegant jewelry, Ando offers a tool kit of sorts for everyday life. His use of materials mixed with Japanese skill takes each piece to a new level.

There's a lot to love here and while the collection is very raw, it offers pieces that are just as comfortable on vacation as in the city. The designer has struck a delicate balance between luxury, functionality and practicality that is nearly unrivaled on today's market. You can fill your home, pockets and more with all that the brand offers.

T.A.S. invites you to dive in to their world and that's exactly what you should do. There's always something interesting and a surprise around the corner. We love the ceramics, fragrances and bags but would take one of everything. For more visit: http://www.t-a-s-japan.com/

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Headless Horseman - "Follower"

Split Music is a renown publishing agency which has placed music in film trailers like Blade Runner 2049 and The Dark Tower, while also collaborating with designers like Adidas, Dior and Puma. The agency is now launching its own record label, re•search, and November 24th will see the first release, an introductory compilation titled Spheres. With re•search, they are aiming to "showcase the artists they represent by challenging them to push the boundaries of their production process to new levels.”

Today, The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere, “Follower”, which comes from the talented and mysterious Headless Horseman. A shadowy and hypnotic track, it slowly unfolds like a story that is about to reveal a dramatic secret, and maybe bring us one step closer inside the mind of the artist.

The Spheres compilation is set to be released on November 24th as a gatefold vinyl set. With other favorites like Oake, Grebenstein and more, this is one not to miss.

Tracklist
1. These Hidden Hands - Radon
2. Mondkopf - The Runaway
3. SNTS - Dunkelheit
4. OAKE - Blemmyae
5. Headless Horseman - Follower
6. Grebenstein - Meet My Needs

-Maria Bungau

*artist photo by Joi Bix

An Interview with Fallbeil

Fallbeil "finish tracks at the rate of butchers kneading meatballs”, says the press release of their upcoming album Macht Macht Zement, which will be released on Killekill on November 27th. That's actually quite true - their sound is so raw it almost sounds unfinished, yet the energy of their tracks is so appealing you realize that a more polished work would change everything. They throw in elements of electro and punk, synths and vocals, with the ease of someone who knows what to expect, but the result is far from it. We had a chat with Wosto and Kluentah, aka Fallbeil, ahead of the album release party at Griessmuhle to discuss their upcoming album, the Hamburg scene and more.

Fallbeil - Mach Macht Zemet (Killekill, 2017) — Fallbeil - *Mach Macht Zemet* (Killekill, 2017)

The Brvtalist (Marie Bungau): First off, who is Fallbeil?

Fallbeil: Wosto and Kluentah.

TB: What does Fallbeil mean and why did you choose this name?

F: Fallbeil is the German word for guillotine. The word chose us.

TB: You come from Hamburg. How was it to grow up in this city and how is the music scene over there?

F: We live in Hamburg, but we don't come from here originally. The scene is small, but alive. Where we come from the scene was even smaller.

TB: What would you recommend to someone who’s never been to Hamburg in terms of bars and clubs? How about music coming from that city, what artists do you like/listen to?

F: You will have to visit of course the Pudel, any party from the Kraniche Boys and Hafenklang. Artist and music-wise you have to check out all peoples from the Pudel squad like Helena Hauff, F#X, RVDS, Dietroiter, Nina, Good News, Nikae Ratkat, Shari Vari, Cindy Looper, Phoung Dan, Ralf Köster usw and of course Sleazy Pictures of Teapee, Scheich in China, OnBrr, IX and Hafenschlamm Ralph + Otaku Hardy + Raffa Rekord.

TB: You’re releasing the “Macht Macht Zement” album on the Berlin-based label Killekill. How did you get in contact with them and why this particular label?

F: We got invited to their Krake Festival in 2016 and from that developed the connection and friendship.

TB: This album seems to be a collage of themes and experiences, with tracks which date back to 1999 or which were recorder as Grand Malheur, your side project. How did the album come together and what are some of the inspirations behind it?

F: We gave Nico from Killekill a folder with tracks we had recorded, he picked up what he liked and that’s it. The process of making tracks is always the same. We meet in our studio, drink beer and smoke some weed, and then the magic happens.

TB: The sound combines elements of electro, industrial and even punk. What music are you listening to and how does your musical background influenced the creation of “Macht Macht Zement”?

F: We listen to all kinds of music, there´s no one specific genre. We both have been collecting vinyl for almost 20 years, so that’s our education.

TB: What can we expect from Fallbeil in 2018?

F: We just opened up a record label called Teerpappe. The first record is out now. Go get it! There is more to come of that and of course more playing live and deejaying.

  
    <a href="http://killekill.bandcamp.com/album/macht-macht-zement">Macht Macht Zement by FALLBEIL</a>
  

Be sure to catch the album release party in Berlin on November 18th at Griessmuehle. The duo will be performing live and joined by Dietroiter, Killian Krigs and more. The night will also celebrate the 11th anniversary of The29nov Films. More info here.

-Maria Bungau

New Brvtalism No. 119 - Manni Dee (*Live in L.A.)

The Brvtalist is proud to present a mix from Manni Dee. This entry in our series was recorded live on October 20th, 2017 at the Omen Recordings night in Los Angeles, CA. This was the U.K. artist's U.S. debut and he destroys.

With big releases on Perc Trax, Leyla, Candela Rising and more, Manni Dee is one of the most crushing producers out right now. For more visit Facebook.

-JRS

Q&A with Blush Response

After releasing the impressive “Human Augmentation” EP earlier this year, Blush Response is back on Sonic Groove with “Infinite Density”, a full length which proves the artist is slowly, but surely moving towards a more polished sound that still manages to remain Brvtal. Theres an infectious rhythm that makes his music actually worthy of that ubiquitous EBM "label" we keep seeing these days. He’s definitely a name to follow closely as his passion for music and prolific creativity (you should also check out his other projects KONKURS and Impulse Controls) are a sign that there’s more goodness to come from Blush Response in the near future.

We caught up with Joey to talk about Infinite Density, Rhys Fulber (Front Line Assembly) and to find out whether or not he’s a replicant.

The Brvtalist (Marie Bungau): Hi Joey, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You've just released your first full length on Sonic Groove. How does it feel and how has been the feedback so far?

Blush Response: This is definitely my proudest achievement at the moment. Sonic Groove is my favorite techno label. I was a fan way before I was their artist, and it feels like a perfect fit. So far reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and that definitely puts the pressure on me for the next release! haha

TB: This is your second release on Sonic Groove, after the amazing EP “Human Augmentation”. How did you and Adam meet and why do you think this collaboration works so well?

BR: Adam and I met at Berghain. I went to see him DJ, and we got to talking. I think I annoyed him enough that eventually he let me release on the label. Adam and I are both major rivetheads so it was an instant bromance once we started talking about music.

Blush Response - Infinite Density (Sonic Groove, 2017) — Blush Response - *Infinite Density* (Sonic Groove, 2017)

TB: Walk us through the release a bit. What inspired “Infinite Density”?

BR: There are several inspirations for Infinite Density - both from things I have experienced personally, and observed happening in the world. I prefer to keep the real intentions to myself. This album was a catharsis for me. An expurgation of a lot of negativity and angst I had held inside of me, an anxiety that was infinitely dense. That is just one side of it.

TB: How does your creative process work? Do you just prefer to go with the flow, play with the gear and see where the inspiration takes you or do you start with something in mind and try to work in that direction?

BR: I always go with the flow. Many times when I have an idea in mind and I try to force it out, it never comes out the same way, or takes too long to achieve the perfect image in my mind. I'd much rather let things happen organically. I usually scrap things if they aren't working out in a short enough time.

TB: The album features a collaboration with Rhys Fulber. How did you two work on this one and how did you meet Rhys?

BR: The story of how I met Rhys is actually pretty cool. Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode was doing his Recoil tour, and some friends of mine had seen him on a few dates and gotten to know him a bit. For whatever reason, he needed a Korg MS20 for two nights, and they called me because they knew I had one. So I went down to Baltimore with my MS20 and Alan used it there and in New York. Rhys was opening for him as Conjure One, and Daniel Myer was doing his Architect project as well. I always think how strange it would be if I hadn't gone. I was a bit conflicted since it was the night of Halloween. This conflict didn't last long though. If I hadn't gone I wouldn't have met Rhys or Daniel, both of whom I love dearly. As for the collaboration, I sent the track to Rhys just for feedback, and he said he heard a part for it, so I told him to do it, and that's that!

TB: There is one track called “Aum Shinrikyo”, which is a Japanese cult who carried out a sarin attack in the Tokyo underground in 1995. Was this event a source of inspiration and if so, how come?

BR: The event didn't inspire the track at all, but the entire idea of cult thought and mind control - how someone can be driven to insanity because of their belief in something, was a big inspiration. Sometimes for me, track titles are as much about how the words look as they are what they mean. One example of this is TESSELATE. To me, the way the word looks and sounds is similar to the track itself in my mind. With Aum Shinrikyo, I really loved the way the name sounded, and it went well with what I had in mind with the mental slavery/terror concept.

TB: I believe Infinite Density has a powerful sound with a story that seems to keep it all together and make it flow, almost like a film score. In a way, it reminds me of Tetsuo: The Iron Man. Would you ever consider doing music for films?

BR: That would be a dream of mine. I would love to score films and video games. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to present my music. If I knew how, I would make some sort of game that ties directly in with the music. The full experience in VR, some way. Where you can only hear the rest by progressing through the game, and everything ties together. I have no idea how to go about this, or what sort of mechanics I would use in the game to make it work, but it's something I've considered.

TB: You mentioned previously that for you a live performance is like a statement, where you are communicating with your audience through your gestures and sounds. Do you see this performance as a dialogue where the input coming from the listeners determine where the sound will go or do you prefer to create a journey and just guide them?

BR: When I'm on stage, I am the master of ceremonies. I control the energy levels. I think we all experience a shared hallucination, and I help guide the crowd on their way through our imagined world. Feedback from the crowd influences when I make moves, but what world I decide to move us to is entirely up to me.

TB: Why does cyberpunk and anime seem to have such an appeal to you?

BR: I don't know why, I just know that it does. From the first second I saw anything like that, I knew it was cool and something I wanted to explore. I think the first cyberpunk thing I saw was the Aeon Flux cartoon on MTV in the 90s. Something about the look and feel really touches me.

TB: I know you saw Blade Runner 2049. What does 2049 look like?

BR: 2049 looks pretty bleak if we don't figure out climate change now. I don't want to see my hometown under water. We are all pretty fucked and it seems like nobody is doing anything about it. Still, I have hope that in the end, once big business starts losing a lot of money, that the illuminati will band together to solve things, in the name of profit. Never underestimate the motivational value of profit losses.

TB: One last question: are you a replicant?

BR: Nobody will ever know.

Blush Response’s “Infinite Density” album is out on Sonic Groove and you can buy your copy here.

-Maria Bungau

The Brvtalist Premieres: smog - "Seethe"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Smog. "Seethe" comes off the upcoming EP, DualExercise_I, by Daniel Ruane and smog on the Berlin based multi-disciplinary collective and label oqko. "Seethe" is a track of contrasts, an entanglement of melody and bleak metallic overtones. Smog knows how to fuse mechanical noise with poetry in 8 minutes of boiling shattering beats, breaking it down into 2 alternating dimensions, where you switch from depths of tension into short blissful breaks and plunge back into the abyss.

Smog is a sound artist focusing on the phenomenon of experimentation, creating music that’s at the crossroads between techno, industrial, ambient and noise.

DualExercise_I is out on November 28th and you can preorder it here.

-Maria Bungau