The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from H880. The masked French producer lures listeners into his dark, industrial world while telling a unique narrative of past, present and future. "The Haunted Palace" is a punishing track off the upcoming release, Self Perception, on the mighty Instruments of Discipline. True to form, this is a relentless onslaught that leaves us destroyed, yet begging for more. Pre-order the release on Bandcamp.
-JRS
Sept - Challenge EP (Voxnox Records, 2018)
by Anna-Maria Vuosmala
This spring music producer Sept returns to his Berlin home label, Voxnox Records, with the new EP Challenge, to be released on May 18th. The Warsaw-based half-Polish half-Ecuadorian artist Michel Morales is no newcomer to the scene, as he has released solid techno tracks on several labels since 2015 and is a regular face playing at many respected European venues. The full-length album is currently in the works and it will be released on Voxnox later this year.
The powerful EP starts a dark musical journey through the typical analogue sound of Sept with the title track "Challenge", supported by haunting vocals and sinister soundscape which keeps the listener on their toes and wanting more. A rougher and more piercing remix of the track made by a longtime collaborator Violent follows, giving the track an even darker tone. Next up is the B-side "Six Doors" bringing more synth based and heavily UK influenced beats into the listener’s ears that won't leave anyone cold. The EP finishes of with the track "Astral Spirits" sending the listener into an eerie space, where you feel like something or someone is constantly lurking around the corner. Finally closing this well produced EP is the remix for the track made by one of Berlin's most well-known producers, Headless Horseman. Staying true to the style of the original, his mix adds an interesting and more rhythmic layer to the track, better suited for the dark hours on the dance floor. The Brvtalist was also able to reach Sept and Headless Horseman and ask a few questions about the release (see below).
The Brvtalist (Anna-Maria Vuosmala): Sept, you have returned back to your home at Voxnox for this release. Can you tell us a little bit about the process behind this EP, and how does it differs from the previous ones?
Sept: I finished the Challenge EP right before one of the biggest electronic music festivals happening in Poland – Audioriver Festival 2017. I was asked to play as a live act there (I was playing mainly DJ sets back then), so it was a great motivation for me to work on something more special. What makes this EP differ from my previous releases is the production process – the tracks are mostly produced with use of my modular synthesizer and some other machines. Before this EP, I was using software only.
TB: What was your main source of inspiration while working on this EP?
Sept: When this EP was during production process, I was watching a lot of thrillers and sci-fi films. I was making it imagining it could be a sound track to some movie scenes.
TB: You also collaborated with Violent and Headless Horseman on the EP, how was it working together with them?
Sept: Violent is my longtime friend and collaborator. In the past we made some shared releases: one for 2561 Records and one for Voxnox, but it all started because of playing b2bs regularly in the clubs all around Poland. The story behind working with Headless Horseman is way different. We were looking for a special remixer, so we decided to reach the “mysterious rider” by sending him a request. After few weeks of talking he decided to work with us and delivered a remix totally characteristic of his sound.
TB: You are originally from Poland, a country that is not so known for its techno scene. How did you start making techno initially, and has growing up in Poland influenced your music in some way?
Sept: When I was teenager I was into totally different music genres. I started attending electronic music festivals, which were combining lineups including artists from various music genres, also techno orientated. That’s how I got familiar with it. Also some of my friends were listening to techno at that time and they kept sending me some tracks to make me get inspired. Then I started to make my own tracks oscillating around what I really admired. Of course growing up in Poland influenced my music in some way, also because of the club events. Back then I was going to the clubs that are unfortunately closed right now (1500m2; Nowa Jerozolima), but from time to time they had parties with top notch players from the scene i.e. Speedy J, DVS1, Tommy Four Seven, Shifted, Ancient Methods and so on.
TB: Headless Horseman, what can you tell us about the remix you made for Sept, and why did you choose this specific track to mix?
HH: There is so much space in the original track to expand on its already ever so powerful existing story. The gloomy and dismal soundscape and blanket of atmosphere is right up the Horsemans alley. I had a pleasure making a second chapter to Astral Spirits and the path I chose devised of sonically extracting the elements that felt most natural to my ears.
TB: Will you be collaborating with Sept also in the future?
HH: We can’t predict the future but I’m certain I would find equal pleasure in doing another remix.
TB: Sept, you also have your full-length album coming up later this year. What kind of sound can we await from the album?
Sept: It is going to include some “regular 4x4 techno” tracks, however its keynote is going to be ambient and experimentally oriented. I want to go beyond the borders and let my listeners experience my inner world.
Sept
Track list:
A1 Challenge (unmastered)
A2 Challenge (Violent remix) -6dB
B1 Six Doors Room (unmastered)
B2 Astral Sprits (unmastered)
B3 Astral Spirits (Headless Horseman remix)
Listen to Sept's "Challenge" EP on Soundcloud.
Order the EP now here.
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Choronzon. The moniker of London-based artist Lee Adams, he is also the mastermind behind the city's infamous KAOS parties and the always stellar Khemia Records. As a DJ, Choronzon has shared the staged with some of electronic music's most well regarded names including Orphx, Phase Fatale, Rrose and much more. Outside of London, he's made waves with guest appearances for the CTM Festival at Tresor, Antiworld at Brixton Academy, Gegen at KitKat Club and Temple Club, Athens alongside Ancient Methods just to name a few.
Aptly named, "Between Bloodlust and Oblivion", New Brvtalism No. 141 is a truly powerful experimental set which features a staggering survey of material from across the music spectrum. We were instantly drawn to this cerebral and hypnotic work which will lure you in and have you submit. (track list included below).
-JRS
Track list
Time Machines - 7-Methoxy-β-Carboline: (Telepathine).
Medusa’s Bed - Bloodlust & Oblivion.
Croatian Amor - Breathe Into Me.
Damien Dubrovnik - Fingers in Majorelle.
Koenraad Ecker - Rats Cost.
Cindytalk - On A Pure Plane.
Chafik Chennouf + Katsunori Sawa - Same Script, No Solution.
Damien Dubrovnik - Penis Corset.
Blanck Mass - The Rat (Gazelle Twin remix).
Damien Dubrovnik: Arrow 1.
David Lynch - The Line It Curves.
Yasuhito Fujinami - Elegy.
Mia Zebelka - Cellular Resonance #1.
Cindytalk - As If We Had Once Been.
Pan Sonic - Lahety’s Transmission.
Prurient - Shoulders of Summerstones.
Chafik Chennouf + Katsunori Sawa - No Divine Saviour.
Becoming Animal - Doorway to the Sky
image by Hector de Gregorio
We're back with another installment of Selections, our monthly picks of the new, now and next. As always we like to focus on what's coming out of the underground in the industrial, techno and left field electronic realms. We have a nice batch of releases this month that are available now or will be out soon. Enjoy.
Crash ID - Sacrificio (Private Selection Records)
A top notch release from L.A.'s Private Selection. This crew has been throwing some of the best parties in the city and now they're releasing great records as well. For the latest, they're shedding some light on Crash ID, a killer producer out of Argentina. Sacrificio is a 6 track vinyl EP of twisted techno, weirdo electronics and quiet mind-melters that disrupt the the monotony of the the every day. Pick this one up here.
V/A - Infidel Selections Vol. 1 (Infidel Bodies)
We've featured a few releases from this Italian imprint and with good reason. They're always coming with both emerging and established talent and their latest compilation has a it all. An incredible survey of industrial/ambient/EBM artists from across the globe which includes Dee Grinksi (Russia), Ryuji Takeuchi (Japan), Kollaps (Australia) and much more. Dive into this for maximum exposure of quality darkness. Cover art by the amazing Lagomorphosis. Out soon on Infidel Bodies.
V/A - The Great In The Small (Gooiland Elektro)
A thrilling 12" out of the Netherlands, this Gooiland Elektro comp is perhaps the most dance floor ready release on the label to date. Featuring four artists, Max Dalhous, ЯTRA, Vitriol and Utroid, this is doom laden techno for societal collapse. Can't get enough of this Vitriol track but the whole release excellent. For more visit here.
DJ Loser & Penelope's Fiance - Λ196 ΠΡΟΣΚΛΗΤΗΡΙΟ (She Lost Kontrol)
Another Brvtalist favorite out of Italy, the label is back with a split from two Greeks who are some of the best in today's underground. Indulge in dark, ritual waves and haunting experimentations as these two provide tracks both solo and together to create a seemingly out of body experience. Out May 31st on She Lost Kontrol.
V/A - The TrackHead EP (Slaying Medusa)
A nice one from the newly launched Slaying Medusa Records. This features jaked up house and mutant disco jams for the new generation. Featuring the legendary Mystic Bill and Black Lodge residents Vexation and Optimistic Misanthropes, give this one a spin and let the bizarre flow through you. Pick up the vinyl here.
-JRS
Basel's Orden has been behind some of the best events and artists coming out of Switzerland in recent memory. From techno to industrial and even black metal, they continue to push the boundaries of sound and visual art. Today we are pleased to highlight the brand's new shirt release. Designed by Orden with a logo by View from the Coffin, we love the black metal influenced look and in true Orden fashion, the crew accompanied the release with a killer photo shoot taken at the stunning Kunsthalle Basel. The shirts are all handmade and have a distinct high fashion feel. Elevate your merch collection with this tee, to be released with an extremely limited run on May 26th. For more visit Orden Agency.
-JRS
Photos by: Nicolas Gysin Photography
Credits:
Design @orden
Logo @viewfromthecoffin
Model @weissdorn
Photographer @yovnghavte
Location @kunsthallebasel
This year marks the 10th year anniversary of Killekill, one of our favorite labels and promoters from Berlin. To celebrate this milestone they are throwing a series of events in the city and across Europe, but also by releasing the compilation, Killekill Megahits III. The comp is the perfect expression of Killekill’s message and energy, a crew who always puts music first. With a sound ranging from techno, acid to electro and even punk, the compilation features artists like Alienata, The Horrorist, Swarm Intelligence, Dez Williams and more.
Today we’re premiering Poison Green’s (an alias of Cassegrain's Alex Tsiridis aka Rhyw) contribution “Diamino Butane”, a powerful and wrecking track embodying the spirit of a proper genre-defying rave, proving once again that Killekill is here to “Kill Your Boredom”.
The compilation Various Artists - Killekill Megahits III is set to be released on May 28th, and you can preorder it over here (including anniversary posters and stickers). The label will also celebrate with huge event in Berlin on June 8th.
-Marie Bungau
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from STEREOCiTi. The Japanese artist has made waves as of late after a successful tour of his home country, a great new record on Waveguide and some massive live sets across Europe. New Brvtalism No. 140 is a beautifully crafted journey featuring music by Mor Elian, Donato Dozzy, Peter Van Hoesen, Karen Gwyer, Hodge, Answer Code Request, The Maghreban, Gunnar Haslam, and more. This is one to get lost in.
-JRS
The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from HOGG. The Chicago-based duo has been one of our favorite acts to watch over the past few years and they continue their streak of mind expanding electronics with the new LP, Self-Extinguishing Emissions, out May 11th on Scrapes. "Eternal hate Created" is a viscous offering which exemplifies HOGG's genre destroying sound which hammers straight through your skull for one of the best experiences of the year. The rest of Definitely one to pick up and if you can catch the pair live, we encourage you to take advantage. To pre-order the record visit Bandcamp.
-JRS
ARTWORK BY: Rebecca Walz and Ryan Pfeiffer
Cover: Offset lithography professional binding by Stumptown Printers
Insert: 17” x 23” Double-sided folding poster insert also printed by Stumptown Printers
Photo by Chester Alamo Costello
While being rather new to the electronic music landscape, Alienata’s label Discos Atónicos, launched in 2017 stays true to its own credo, which is passion for music. After releasing killer records from the Dutch veteran Roland van Oorschot aka BS–1 and Artificiero, Discos Atónicos surprises us with a split 12” from one of the Brvtalist long time favourites, Beta Evers, and Alienata herself.
Today’s premiere, “Predictions”, comes from Beta Evers (real name Brigitte Enzler), an unreleased track from the years 2007/2008 where distorted industrial beats go hand in hand with Brigitte’s unmistakable gaspy and seductive voice, a mesmerising track which manages to hypnotize the listener through its provocative and almost ravishing rhythm.
Tracklist
A1: Beta Evers, Predictions
A2: Beta Evers, Only For My Satisfaction (Bodyvolt Remix)
B1: Alienata, Memory
The “Devotion” EP will go out on Discos Atónicos at the end of May, and you can catch Alienata at the Discos Atónicos label showcase happening this week at Säule (Berghain), alongside BS-1 (live) and Dez Williams.
-Maria Bungau
The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from VTSS. The Warsaw-based DJ and live act brings some of the purest, more raw energy to her expressive sets and performances. As a resident of the infamous label/party Brutaz, VTSS has been challenging crowds in Warsaw and across Europe. Oscillating around techno, industrial, EBM and beyond, this all vinyl mix is a prime example of the artist's power.
-JRS
VTSS upcoming shows:
27.04 Rye Wax, London, UK (live),
28.04 Sheffield, UK
29.04 NTS Radio, London, UK
11.05 Jasn# 1, Warszaw
12.05 Schron, Poznań
26.05 Weeirdos, Modular + Space, Berlin, DE 02.06 About Blank, Berlin, DE
23.06 Warszaw (live)
29.06 Szpitaln#1, Kraków (live)
3.08 Nachtdigital Festival, Leipzig, DE (live) 11.08 Pornceptual, Berlin, DE
