The Brvtalist Premieres: Tommy Holohan - "Skull Skrushers"

The Brvtalist is proud to premiere a new track from Tommy Holohan. The young Irish upstart makes his vinyl debut on rave imprint Haven with Skull Crushing Techniques. Earning local acclaim at notorious club night Techno & Cans at Dublin's Hangar, Holohan's production skills caught the ears of some of today's top DJs with his recent hit "Subaru Impreza" and EP on Civil Disobedience. He now comes crashing through with new material on Haven with five tracks of dance floor destruction. "Skull Crushers" has been in our arsenal since first listen and is a perfect taste of what to expect.

The EP is available for pre-order now and out September 14th. Visit Haven's Bandcamp to get yours.

-JRS

Berlin Atonal 2018 Festival Guide

We are nearing the end of August and that means a couple things - first, summer is coming to a close and second, it's time for Berlin Atonal. Since re-launching the iconic festival in 2013, it has once again become the preeminent showcase for sound and visual art in the world. Housed in the jaw dropping venue of Kraftwerk in Berlin-Mitte, each year builds upon the next and the lineups feature some of the most groundbreaking acts from across the electronic spectrum. 2018 is no different as we are greeted with five days of performances, art installations and after parties. The festival is set to begin on Wednesday, August 22nd and we now bring you our festival guide with some Brvtalist picks to help your way through the dizzying array of options. (see below)

Wednesday, August 22nd

Opening night always comes with much excitement. Starting at 18:30, Stage Null (which is located to the side of the entrance) sees iconic producer David Morley commence with one of his stunning ambient performances that will set the tone for what's to come. Up on the Main Stage at 20:00, Copenhagen's Astrid Sonne with be the first act to perform. Her live A/V show titled "Ephemeral" will premiere on this night and has been designed for choir, viola and electronics. Expect beautiful compositions which will also feature various other artists and our first chance to see visuals on the breathtaking big screen.

Another nice act to catch is Berlin-based, Colombian artist Lucrecia Dalt. "Syncline" is a site specific live work which accompanies her latest release, "Anticlines", which showcases Dalt's gentle, yet powerful works which see sonic geological forms commingling with gaseous particles and planetary waves. Following Dalt, Persian virtuoso Mohammad Reza Mortazavi shows us how he has revolutionized the wood drum instrument as he teams with New Zealander Fils for a performance of ceremonial energies. Closing the main stage is festival favorite Robin Fox. His "Single Origin" laser show is the newest work which never fails to dazzle the crowd with its unforgettable mix of light and sound.

The night does not end here as the stroke of midnight sees the opening of Stage Null and finds the jazz-rap of Killer-Oma, the dub reggae of Jay Glass Dubs and more. If those sounds are not your thing, no problem as Ohm will also be open from 20:00 with a set from Tutu, which is always an unexpected journey where you might hear everything from acid techno to cosmic trance. Also at Ohm, Lena Willikens (who has been taking the world by storm as of late) plays at 00:00. I would also stick around until 3:30 to catch Vancouver's LNS as she plays furious sets of electro, bass, jungle and more which will pound you into the morning.

Tresor also opens at 00:00 where we recommend the live show of Russia's PTU and a set from Lisbon's Photonz (4:00), an underground producer and DJ who is also known for starting a sex-positive, queer and intersectional-feminist techno party which exists to suspend reality in a place outside the patriarichal structure.

Thursday, August 23rd

Doors open at 18:00 and Day Two begins with a film screening of "The Four Worlds" by Mark Pritchard and Jonathan Zawada. This is the accompanying film to the album of the same name which was released to rave reviews on Warp Records. Up first on the Main Stage (20:00) is a powerful work by Glasgow composer Iona Fortune. Her "Chaotic Profusion" performance explores the hexagrams of the I-Ching and she investigates Eastern philosophy with extraordinary atmospheres and rhythms. Fortune joins a new cadre of artists linked with John Hassell's "Fourth World" concept. We also recommend seeing Swedish master Klara Lewis (Main Stage, 21:00). Field recordings fuse with momentum building rhythms to form a vast, expansive experience and the live A/V show will surely not disappoint. Perhaps the biggest draw of the night will be Neon Chambers (Main Stage, 22:00), the new project from Kanding Ray + Sigha. Atonal will host the live A/V world premiere and experiencing these two artists together will be a real treat. Few producers operate in the worlds of techno and unorthodox electronics like Ray and Signha and this could be a festival highlight.

Thursday's Stage Null is also quite strong with some of the best names in wave, synth and more playing live. From Alessandro Adriani (1:00), to minimal master Le Syndicat Electronique (2:00) and Bruta Non Calculant (5:00) fans of dark, synth driven acts will want to stay to the end.

Ohm opens up at 20:00 with DJ Marcelle of radio show Another Nice Mess and we recommend catching Mun Sing (1:00), the Bristolian producer who is also 1/2 of fan favorite Giant Swan (also playing the fest). Sing's primitive club sounds and militaristic drums will sound great on Ohm's system. Also playing Ohm is Japan's Lil Mofo (23:00) and Changsie (5:00). The later comes highly recommended after a standout set at New Codes and you can expect everything from dub step to techno and beyond.

Friday, August 24th

All that and we are just getting started. Friday's programming is even more astounding with doors at 18:00 and the first act taking the stage at 20:00 (Esi + Octacheron's "Fear Pollution"). Chevel is up next and following him at 22:00 is Pariah's "Here From Where We Are". Just recently released on Houndstouth, Pariah (Arthur Cayzer) is an artist who has gone through extreme musical spectrums from punk to dubstep and more. "Here From Where We Are" came out back in July and quickly became a critics' favorite for its powerful digital environments and imaginative worlds. There are few better places than Berlin Atonal to see this act.

Following Pariah is another one of the most anticipated acts of the festival with Hiro Kone's "Pure Expenditure" (23:00). The New York City-based artist and Drew McDowell collaborator released what many feel is one of the best albums of the year and this live world premiere will expose Nicky Mao's morbid layers of rhythms and complex exploration of the human psyche. Don't sleep on this one. Closing out the Main Stage at 00:00 is iconic duo British Murder Boys. Regis and Surgeon are two legends of the techno and industrial genres and it is a rare appearance to see them perform together (the first time in over a decade in Germany). This crushing experiment in techno will bring together fans of all genres and the floor will be moving.

Flowing from the British Murder Boys, Stage Null opens at 1:00 with Downwards Records' 25th Anniversary event. Featuring new and old acts, the stage will be graced by Layne, current favorites Giant Swan (3:45) and Brvtalist featured artists Ora Iso (1:55). Kathleen Malay and Jason Kudo, now based in Jakarta and New Hampshire respectively, will bring their psychedelic and ritual sounds to Atonal for the first time. We are looking forward to this one as well as Samuel Kerridge at 4:45 and the man himself, Regis, at 6:15.

You also don't want to forget about Ohm and Tresor tonight. The battery room opens at 20:00 and will see a great live set from Sophia Loizou (23:00) which brings together remnants of hardcore and jungle. Later at 3:00, Ena goes b2b with Berlin favorite Felix K and DJ Sports will end things with a big set at 5:00. Tresor plays hosts to some legends as well with Sigha DJing at 00:00 and Hamburg master Helena Hauff going on at 5:00 for what will sure be a packed house.

Saturday, August 25th

The marathon continues starting at 20:00 on the main stage with a mesmerizing show from Prequel Tapes featuring performers nomorless and Valentin Tszin. UK rave is excavated and fused with sounds new and old for a cinematic journey through synthesized moods and heavy emotions. This will engage all senses and disciplines. At 23:00, Scottish composer Claude Speed takes the stage with visual artists Sasha Litvintseva + Beny Wagner. Expect hazy ambient drone and distorted memories of 90's rave. Closing out the room at 00:00 is renown project Actress. Darren Cunningham's moniker has become one of the most celebrated in electronic music and the live A/V will showcase his mythology, architecture and altered instrumentation for all to witness.

Back downstairs at 1:00, Stage Null features some of the best in wave and post-punk infused sounds with Minimal Wave boss Veronica Vasicka opening things up followed by a massive performance by Shifted/Broken English Club/IIlpo Väisänen at 3:30. Over at Ohm, some more great artists are featured with a much anticipated live set by Patricia (22:30) and what's sure to be an explosive b2b closing with Simo Cell and Lowjack (4:00). Tresor opens up the basement at 00:00 and we recommend catching Copenhagen's Emma "Solid" Blake and her destructive techno at 4:30 followed by the euphoric sound of Blue Hour at 7:00 which will no doubt extend beyond breakfast.

Sunday, August 26th

Congratulations, you made it to the final day. At times Sunday can feel a bit more downtempo as festival goers have been through a lot already but don't let this fool you. There are plenty of great acts still ahead and Ohm is packed with quality performances as well. The main stage sees festival favorite Group A with Dead Slow Ahead (22:00) and closing things out is LABOUR presents next time, die consciously (بیگانگی). This will be the debut of the collaborative project which seeks to contribute a space of nonconforming social practices and identities, and recasts the nature of work as a potentially transformative activity. This will surely be a powerful way to close out the Main Stage.

Just because it's closed upstairs does not mean the party is over. Stage Null has a really nice lineup of Skee Mask (00:45) and Objekt (2:45) and we are particularly excited about the closing party at Ohm with Russia's Machine Woman live (00:00) and Anastasia Kristensen going b2b with Sissell Wincent at 2:00.

Be sure to also roam around Kraftwerk and experience the incredible site specific art installations that the festival offers. We can't wait to see "Etiolation", the project of Berlin-based avant garde florist Mary Lennox and Laxlan Petras presents, "Fear not my knell, for the second is not last" among others.

Few other music and art events offer the same kind of experience as Atonal. By the end, you will surely begin dreaming about next year. For more information and full schedule visit: https://berlin-atonal.com/

-JRS

Mary Lennox Floral Arrangement for Jealous God (Atonal, 2016) PHOTOS: VLADIMIR KRAVCHENKO — Mary Lennox Floral Arrangement for Jealous God (Atonal, 2016) PHOTOS: VLADIMIR KRAVCHENKO

New Brvtalism No. 153 - Altstadt Echo

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Altstadt Echo. Originally from Detroit and now based in Berlin, the artist has helped cultivate one of the most vital events and labels in the Motor City. Through his imprint Modern Cathedrals, Altstadt Echo releases forward thinking techno and industrial while bringing this unique vision to DJ sets as well. Ahead of the label's first Berlin showcase on August 22nd, he delivers a massive mix filled with his doom-laden sound.

If you're in Berlin don't miss the Modern Cathedrals x Liber Null event at Griessmühle on August 22nd (RA event page). Also pick up the artist's new release 1954 via Ready Made.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Antechamber - "Lobs Pound"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Antechamber. The newest alias from Mahk Rumbae a.k.a. Codex Empire and one half of Industrial act Konstruktivists, Antechamber dives even deeper into the darkest electronic realms, exploring the nether regions of industrial, drone, noise and ambient. "Lobs Pound" is a crushing piece, putting the listener inside of a collapsed world where violence and peacefulness create a purgatory of doom. The powerful self-titled LP comes out September 17th on Instruments of Discipline and pre-orders are available here.

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 152 - Monya

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Monya. The Berlin-based artist has been one of the most exciting producers and DJs in the scene for the last 10 years. Whether through her own productions, riveting sets or stellar label Corresponding Positions, Monya exists in a class of her own. New Brvtalism No. 152 is a striking mix which showcases the artist's varied influences.

Also be sure to check Monya's latest release, Political Revolution, out now on France's RND Records.

-JRS

*photo by Laura Herz

Halv Drøm x Johnny Welch

The Brvtalist is pleased to present a new short film by Halv Drøm x Johnny Welch. This conceptual piece dives deep into the heart of Aleister Crowley and features captivating performances and haunting visuals. Upon first watch we were drawn into the film's dark universe and the film is infused with hidden meanings, symbolism and more.

Exploiting Aleister Crowley's Liber 777 as structuring device, each image in the film combines to form a sigil. The performers evoke Chthonian rhythms to magnify intent. The music drives a hypnotic path through suspension of the mind, into the realm of the senses. - Johnny Welch

Featured performance artists:
Helena A Tschakaloff
Valentin Tszin
Olyana Skrjabina

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Shrouds - "Litany of Curses"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Shrouds. After a stellar compilation appearance, the artist returns with a new solo EP on Amsterdam's Strange Therapy. Pagan Blood Rituals is three tracks of hexing compositions which also includes remixes by Matriarchy Roots (Restive Plaggona) and Zosima. As the name implies, "Litany of Curses" is a ceremonial work of nightmarish electronics. Out September 6th. Visit Strange Therapy for more.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Selections (August '18)

We are back with The Brvtalist Selections, our semi-monthly installment of new and notable releases from across the spectrum. This month we've got some long time favorites mixed with some exciting emerging artists as well.

Ireen Amnes - Duality of Self EP (Kombinat)

From Italy to London to Berlin, Ireen Amnes is one of our favorite new artists to watch. After witnessing her DJ skills first hand in London last month, we are pleased to see she has taken her varied influences and fused them into her new EP on London's Kombinat. Duality of Self uses analogue machines to traverse through dark, powerful techno, broken beat rhythms and introspective experimental compositions. As the name implies the EP is a thoughtful look inside the artist's psyche and a strong first release on the new label. Out August 29th.

Killawatt - 47016 (47)

Brtalist favorite Killawatt returns to 47 with a massive new release seething with high octane mutations and punk attitude. Falling outside the boundaries of traditional techno structure, these are advanced tracks which explode into space and take on a life of their own. From the evil onslaught of "The Roamer" to the alien soundscapes of "Glacia Systemic", definitely one to pick up for otherworldly escapes. Out now.

AE404 - Dave Simon, Anders Ilar & John H. Split EP (Another Earth)

Dutch label Another Earth unleashes a new limited vinyl showcasing some top notch talent from the acid universe and beyond. Helmed by the great Esther Duijn, the label has put out quality limited pressings since 2016. This offering is no exception as the record oscillates between peak time acid techno, warm Detroit feelings and even psychedelic experiments. Anders Ilar & John H's "Uncertain Principle" takes you off planet, roaming a place unknown while Dave Simon's "Path of Ability" rips through the dancefloor, dripping with acid that could burn through metal. A standout release that has something for everyone. Vinyl only, limited to 300 copies. Out early September through Clone Rotterdam distribution.

Statiqbloom - Infinite Spectre (Translation Loss Records)

New York's Statiqbloom has been at the forefront of the city's industrial scene for years. The duo takes inspiration from the past but transforms their material into something very forward thinking. Their live shows are equally as captivating and the project continues to get stronger over time. Infinite Spectre highlight's the band's aggressive take on industrial, metal and more while remaining unmistakably Statiqbloom. From the haunting "Intro" to the EBM fueled "Survival II", the record is an all out assault which never seems to let up. Out now and be sure to catch them live if they're in your town.

  
    <a href="http://statiqbloomtl.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-spectre">Infinite Spectre by Statiqbloom</a>
  

Collin Strange - Acid Non Musica (Summa Cum Laude)

Few have built as an impressive discography has Collin Strange. For over two decades the artist has heavily impacted and influence a variety of genres from punk to techno and beyond. From the streets of New York to his new base in the pacific northwest, much of Strange's recent output has focused on acid and we are always impressed with the results. Acid Non Musica (Summa Cum Laude) is a prime example, coming out of the gate with the heavy "Crowd Scene" and pushing his way through to the anxiety ridden "Paranoid Town" to the Christian Death inspired "Shadow Death". While acid is certainly at the core of the track, these shatter any preconceived notions and punish the listener into submission. Great stuff from the label of Domenico Crisci, who also just released a massive track for free download. Out now through Triple Vision.

Broken English Club - White Rats (L.I.E.S.)

L.I.E.S continues its roll (which has been going for quite some time now) with a new release from Broken English Club. Oliver Ho's project continues its tear through post punk-laced dance records which always set the scene on fire. White Rats is the latest installment which sees the producer in top form. From the horror ritual of "Anonymous Death Tape" to the electrifying "Funny Games" (as heard on The Brvtalist - DNA mix), White Rats is a full length masterpiece of metal beats and deviant rhythms. Great cover art too by photographer Javier Gallego Escutia, which also comes as a poster with limited edition copies of the record. Out now.

New Brvtalism No. 151 - Sept

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from Sept. The Warsaw-based producer and DJ has made waves throughout Europe with standout releases on labels like Voxnox, Sonntag Morgen and more. On the heels of his Challenge EP, Sept delivers a massive installment to our series filled with industrial and techno power.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: Stave + Grebenstein - "Alfa"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Stave + Grebenstein. The first collaboration between Jonathan Krohn (Stave, 1/2 of Talker) and Jan Grebenstein, the new EP, Live from Frankfurter Strasse, consists of recordings which followed improvised live performances in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Berlin. The fourth release on Standards & Practices, this is a seismic offering which sees two of the heaviest producers today in top form.

"Alfa" is the A side of the record and an immense and brutal excursion through the vast unknown. At times disorienting but precisely calculated, it exemplifies the duo's sheer force and sets the tone for a powerful release. Out September 14th on 12" and digital. Visit Standards and Practices for more.

-JRS