Search:the heavy

‘Amorpha’, a side-long shower of synthetic bells and bass, as
patterns interlock and repeat and the beat within the bar lines
shifts constantly, forms a new, latest miniature of infinity. You flip
it, and ‘Geomancy’ resets you, starting anew, with heavy drift and
drone leading into a space of shorter broken lines and Middle
Eastern tonalities, that roll back into ether again - new spaces, but
mysteriously consonant with the vibe.
 ‘Bajascillators’ arrives almost five years since their last official fulllength, 2017’s ‘Bajas Fresh’. In the eight years prior to ‘Bajas
Fresh’, Bitchin Bajas issued seven albums, plus cassettes, EPs,
singles… wave after wave of analogue synth tones and zones
extending into a stratospheric arc. Each release its own
headspace, shape and timbre, each one sliding naturally into their
implacable, eternal gene pool.
 Following the flow, always, the Bajas went ever-deeper-and-higher
on these records, whether making soundtracks or collaborating
with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, using only fortune cookie fortunes as a
libretto. Plus engagement, with a steady stream of shows and
tours around the world; live re-airings and expansions of the space
captured in their records as they continued to grow and flow - all
the way through, really, to the present moment.
 Plus, there have been releases since 2017 - a split 12”, a 7”
single, digital track release and two ‘Cuts’ cassettes, plus the allcovers cassette release ‘Switched On Ra’. But the overall number
of releases, plus the five years between long players, implies a
potential distance between phases, a new line in the sand. The
sound of Bajascillators bear this out. How couldn’t it? Compared to
2017, this is a different world.
 Mastered directly from half-inch analogue tape, ‘Bajascillators’
floats transparently from the speakers, its expansive grooves
gathering resonance and building momentum over the four sides,
from genesis to re-conclusion, cascading ecstatically. The elastic
magic of time at its brightest. As the world keeps turning, so too do
Bitchin Bajas, in the same unknowable way. You can’t explain it -
just keep turning.

Following up on the Rock Sound and Kerrang! Radio supported album
'Amorphous', Icon For Hire introduced 'The Reckoning', with the bruising
single 'Ready For Combat'
Described by Rock Sound as "a bold and belligerent piece of hard rock chaos", the
track, alongside its high-powered music video, perfectly depict the harder-edged
sound and aesthetic of the upcoming album, in the band's own words; "grittier,
louder, larger". Talking about the album Icon For Hire say; "'The Reckoning' isn't
just about exploring all the dark and heavy pieces of ourselves, it's about
embracing and accepting those pieces, and using them as weapons against the
gatekeepers that hold us back, even when those gatekeepers are our own selfimposed limitations." Featuring collaborations with Keith Wallen of Breaking
Benjamin and mixing by Joe Rickard of In Flames and Red, the album boasts
Ariel's fiercest vocals to date, and Shawn's signature in-your-face guitar style.
Since forming in 2007, Icon For Hire - composed of singer Ariel Bloomer and
guitarist Shawn Jump - have quietly amassed a legion of fans. With 250 millions
global streams to date and nearly 1 million followers across social platforms,
Icon For Hire are no longer the sleeping giants of the modern rock scene. Having
sold over 120,000 albums to date through their completely independent set up,
they are one of the most successful direct to fans stories. Continuing to build
their legacy on their own terms, unapologetically forcing all to take note that they
aren't going anywhere any time soon, with 'The Reckoning' Icon For Hire are
embracing their self funded freedom.
Featuring collaborations with Keith Wallen (Breaking Benjamin) & mixed by Joe
Rickard (previously of In Flames & Red).
144M YouTube streams / 410K subscribers.
725K+ followers across social channels.

Tape
"Samples, movies and beats. That's the essence of Dead End's brand new LP titled Kino Vol.1. The Portuguese producer takes the chair and delivers a masterful performance that combines music and cinema. Kino Vol.1 is a multidisciplinary album built around samples picked from some of his most loved blockbusters and inspired by iconic movie clips. For the occasion, Saturate's Instagram profile has turned into a video gallery, featuring footage from cult movies and series such as The Office, Sicario, A Fistful Of Dollars, perfectly synched with Dead End's productions.
The album experience itself resembles that of a mini-series like Netflix's Love Death Robot or Oat Studios, where every episode is a story on its own, written and shot in a different way. The fourteen tracks, or episodes as I like to call them, range from heavy club to hip hop and halftime. Some are more colorful and atmospheric like the ending tripled composed by 'Cocoon,' 'Voyage' (feat Dj Ride) and 'Flowers Bloom'. These cuts seem to come off reflective and introspective movies. Others are way heavier, as they were made straight for fighting and chase scenes. In this group, you can count 'Melee Attack,' 'Though Break,' 'Stealth', 'Thin Ice'. My favorite instead are those which set up an ambiguous and sinister mood. 'Bullit Drift,' 'The Fog,' 'Shindeiru,' 'The Road,' all these episodes could fit very well in both mental thrillers (a la Nolan) and unconventional psycho/horror movies. They build a palpable tension that successfully keeps me on my toes as I expect a jump scare or a sudden plot twist to come in at every second given.
In conclusion, Dead Ends' Kino Vol.1 has the virtue of creating a listening experience that, thanks to its references to the world of cinema, becomes interactive and involves the listener in first person. It's impossible not to try to figure out from which films the samples are taken or to try to imagine which scene would be perfect for a specific track."

Uruguayan music that sheds light on a new path, guarded by candombe & hip hop. An hypnotic, contemporary and ancestral record. To listen from beggining to end, in a trance. Include contributions of Hugo Fattoruso y Ruben Rada. Txt: Martín Buscaglia . DESCRIPTION Sankofa is the debut album by Avr (Alvaro Silva), a work that takes form through the research and fusion of Candombe and other Afro rhythms from Río de la Plata region with Hip Hop and Black American Music. Avr, the great-grandson of Juan Julio Arrascaeta (one of the first afrodescendant poets to be published in Latin America) writes throughout the album, using several "africanisms" and lost words that date back from colonial and slavery times, giving the lyrics a connection with his great-grandfather's work, introducing himself as a skilfull MC who travels through past, present and future while using several Candombe rhythms in his flow. Highlighting several personalities from the Afrouruguayan culture and from across the American continent, it also presents itself as a valuable work for those interested in researching cultural figures of Black America, especially, Uruguayan. Under the production of Felipe Fuentes, an album knitted with tons of messages, some direct, some to be discovered, came to life. Sankofa means "to look back, to go forward" which is exactly from the beggining what this musical journey is, from a very heavy and dense, ancestral, drum presence, to complex harmonic compositions and arrangments, a work that counts with important contributions of some of the main afrouruguayan artists. A musical "Guiso" (South American stew) Sankofa is the vision of the world of a young black male, his way of feeling and interpreting the past, present and future; and how to transform it in order to generate something new.

Kinetika Bloco's 'Legacy' now on limited-edition vinyl with 6-panel poster
of the cover artwork
'Legacy' celebrates the 21st anniversary of the carnival group of the same name,
which was founded by Mat Fox in South London. Usually around 100 strong, this
scaled-down group of Kinetika alumni led by Mat's son Ruben Fox revisit some of
the Bloco's iconic pieces on this landmark recording and features saxophonist
Nubya Garcia, pianist Reuben James and trumpeters Mark Kavuma, Claude
Deppa and Ife Ogunjobi.
They revisit some of the Bloco's iconic pieces on this landmark recording. What is
effectively a big band with guitar, Hammond B3 and a four-piece rhythm section
of Brazilian surdos (bass drums), bells and snare drums, their sound is
refreshingly new, enthralling, and vibrant.
George Clinton: "Don't ever stop grooving like that, you (Kinetika Bloco) own the
world."
Press quotes:
"Kinetika Bloco has created a unique new British carnival sound, drawing its
influences from the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa and New Orleans." - Jazzwise
"Kinetika Bloco are a phenomenon - over the last twenty years the percussion and
horn heavy collective have evolved their own irresistible version of carnival music,
drawing on the many traditions of the Black Atlantic, while acting as a hothouse
for talent development for generations of young London musicians." - Jazzviews
"The group sounds like a British carnival for today, drawing on a Caribbean,
Brazilian, African and New Orleanian influence. Legacy celebrates Kinetika Bloco's
21st anniversary." - Jazz Journal
Kinetika Bloco were featured in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant, as seen on
TV by millions.

Originally released in 1997, this reissue edition is becoming available as
180g Double 12" Black Vinyl LP, along with a Limited Collector's Edition
on Heavyweight Transparent Orange Double Vinyl
Both editions are mastered for vinyl, reissued with the original cover design,
specially enhanced artwork, including a 12-pages LP booklet with extensive liner
notes by Clay Marshall and carry an exclusive, previously unreleased live bonustrack. Exclusive to the Limited Collector's Edition is a Lenticular Cover Card.
LP Tracks: The Ocean / Welcome / Turns To Me / Morning Sun / Another Way /
Blackjack Guillotine / Paragons Of Innocence / Complaint In The System
(Veronica Guerin) / Underture / The Wake Of Magellan / Anymore / The Storm /
The Hourglass / Turns To Me (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)
LP Tracks: The Ocean / Welcome / Turns To Me / Morning Sun / Another Way /
Blackjack Guillotine / Paragons Of Innocence / Complaint In The System
(Veronica Guerin) / Underture / The Wake Of Magellan / Anymore / The Storm /
The Hourglass / Turns To Me (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)

Originally released in 1997, this reissue edition is becoming available as
180g Double 12" Black Vinyl LP, along with a Limited Collector's Edition
on Heavyweight Transparent Orange Double Vinyl
Both editions are mastered for vinyl, reissued with the original cover design,
specially enhanced artwork, including a 12-pages LP booklet with extensive liner
notes by Clay Marshall and carry an exclusive, previously unreleased live bonustrack. Exclusive to the Limited Collector's Edition is a Lenticular Cover Card.
LP Tracks: The Ocean / Welcome / Turns To Me / Morning Sun / Another Way /
Blackjack Guillotine / Paragons Of Innocence / Complaint In The System
(Veronica Guerin) / Underture / The Wake Of Magellan / Anymore / The Storm /
The Hourglass / Turns To Me (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)
LP Tracks: The Ocean / Welcome / Turns To Me / Morning Sun / Another Way /
Blackjack Guillotine / Paragons Of Innocence / Complaint In The System
(Veronica Guerin) / Underture / The Wake Of Magellan / Anymore / The Storm /
The Hourglass / Turns To Me (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)

Status/Non-Status have spent untold hours gazing out the passenger
side windows of a succession of band vans, watching the country go by
That feeling of observing from a moving object, being somehow both in a place
and outside of it, looking in, is what the band captures on Surely Travel. The
album is a travelogue; a series of snapshots, rooted in history and landscape but
relentlessly looking forward, through the windshield, straining to see what might
be waiting just around the next bend in the road.
Surely Travel trades the band's long-established sludgy, heavy sound (as heard on
2019's Polaris Prize nominated album Warrior Down, released under the band's
previous name Whoop- Szo) for a bold musical clarity and powerfully narrative
lyrics, intense truth seeking, and a heart on the sleeve expression.
Status/Non-Status follow up the 1,2,3,4,500 Years EP and Ombiigizi, band-leader
Adam Sturgeon's collaboration with Zoon, with the anthemic and powerful Surely
Travel.

Venom are an English extreme metal band formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Coming to prominence towards the end of the new wave of British heavy metal, Venom's first two albums—Welcome to Hell (1981) and Black Metal (1982)—are considered a major influence on thrash metal and extreme metal in general. Venom's second album proved influential enough that its title was used as the name of the extreme metal subgenre of black metal. The band classic line-up trio of Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon recorded two further studio albums At War With Satan (1984) and Possessed (1985) and live album Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (1986). Often cited by bands such as Metallica, Behemoth, Celtic Frost and Mayhem as major influences, they are one of the most revered bands of their generation. Venom are still fronted by original singer/bassist Cronos and headline festivals all over the globe and continue to release new music.

This silver and black splatter vinyl is to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Black Metal. LIMITED TO 1500 COPIES IN THE UK.

DARK MEDITATION may hail from Seattle, but their sound is steeped in
traditions associated with other corners of the globe'England's workingclass cities, frosty Scandinavian towns, Southern California meccas of
the '80s
Or as the band puts it, DARK MEDITATION sounds like the bastard amalgamation
of Venom and Judas Priest fighting it out on the Sunset Strip while Danzig and
King Diamond cheer them on. While such reference points may suggest a nexus
of evil kitsch and arena-level theatrics, the band's debut album Polluted Temples
comes from a place of down- and- out urgency and punk ethics, adopting the
gloomy anthems and riff worship of heavy metal titans for their sonic exorcisms
rather than their rock n' roll panache. It's an album that basks in big hooks,
righteous guitar work, and an arena-level stomp without compromising any grit,
grime, or guts.
Tracks: Prelude / Babalon.Money.Magick / Haunt of Fear / Strange Caress (of the
night) / Masters Coil / Desolation Days / The Howling Wild / Drink of the Blade /
Nocturnal Forever / Polluted Temples

Universally credited as the band that invented grindcore, it's no
exaggeration to say that Napalm Death are one of the most important
acts in metal history
Earache Records' third ever release (MOSH003), classic debut album 'Scum' had
an immediate, seismic impact in 1987 and its influence can still be felt far and
wide today. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, this essential album is repressed
with a limited-edition Blue colour sleeve. An absolute 'must have' for any heavy
metal collector. Pressed from the original master tapes, the album has been
specially recreated using 'fdr' – full dynamic range mastering - allowing the
music's nuances to shine through and giving the classic album a more ferocious
and dynamic sound, enabling the listener to immerse in the full audio heaviness
like never before.
LP Tracks: Multinational Corporations / Instinct of Survival / The Kill / Scum /
Caught in a Dream / Polluted Minds / Sacrificed / Siege of Power / Control / Born
On Your Knees / Human Garbage / You Suffer / Life? / Prison Without Walls /
Point of No Return / Negative Approach / Success? / Deceiver / C.S. / Parasites /
Pseudo Youth / Divine Death / As the Machine Rolls On / Common Enemy / Moral
Crusade / Stigmatized / M.A.D / Dragnet

Universally credited as the band that invented grindcore, it's no
exaggeration to say that Napalm Death are one of the most important
acts in metal history
Earache Records' third ever release (MOSH003), classic debut album 'Scum' had
an immediate, seismic impact in 1987 and its influence can still be felt far and
wide today. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, this essential album is repressed
with a limited-edition Blue colour sleeve. An absolute 'must have' for any heavy
metal collector. Pressed from the original master tapes, the album has been
specially recreated using 'fdr' – full dynamic range mastering - allowing the
music's nuances to shine through and giving the classic album a more ferocious
and dynamic sound, enabling the listener to immerse in the full audio heaviness
like never before.
LP Tracks: Multinational Corporations / Instinct of Survival / The Kill / Scum /
Caught in a Dream / Polluted Minds / Sacrificed / Siege of Power / Control / Born
On Your Knees / Human Garbage / You Suffer / Life? / Prison Without Walls /
Point of No Return / Negative Approach / Success? / Deceiver / C.S. / Parasites /
Pseudo Youth / Divine Death / As the Machine Rolls On / Common Enemy / Moral
Crusade / Stigmatized / M.A.D / Dragnet

Universally credited as the band that invented grindcore, it's no
exaggeration to say that Napalm Death are one of the most important
acts in metal history
Earache Records' third ever release (MOSH003), classic debut album 'Scum' had
an immediate, seismic impact in 1987 and its influence can still be felt far and
wide today. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, this essential album is repressed
with a limited-edition Blue colour sleeve. An absolute 'must have' for any heavy
metal collector. Pressed from the original master tapes, the album has been
specially recreated using 'fdr' – full dynamic range mastering - allowing the
music's nuances to shine through and giving the classic album a more ferocious
and dynamic sound, enabling the listener to immerse in the full audio heaviness
like never before.
LP Tracks: Multinational Corporations / Instinct of Survival / The Kill / Scum /
Caught in a Dream / Polluted Minds / Sacrificed / Siege of Power / Control / Born
On Your Knees / Human Garbage / You Suffer / Life? / Prison Without Walls /
Point of No Return / Negative Approach / Success? / Deceiver / C.S. / Parasites /
Pseudo Youth / Divine Death / As the Machine Rolls On / Common Enemy / Moral
Crusade / Stigmatized / M.A.D / Dragnet

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. Their 1994 album Through The Darkest Hour features some of the strongest compositions of their career. The album has never previously been available on vinyl with the original cover art, which is now meticulously restored on this limited gatefold reissue. The music is spread over two LPs for best possible fidelity.

 

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. Their 1994 album Through The Darkest Hour features some of the strongest compositions of their career. The album has never previously been available on vinyl with the original cover art, which is now meticulously restored on this limited gatefold reissue. The music is spread over two LPs for best possible fidelity.

 

Originally released in 1995, this reissue edition is becoming available as
180g Double 12" Black Vinyl LP, along with a Limited Collector's Edition
on Heavyweight Red Double Vinyl
Both editions are mastered for vinyl, reissued with the original cover design,
specially enhanced artwork, including a 16-pages LP booklet with extensive liner
notes by Clay Marshall and carry an exclusive, previously unreleased live bonustrack. Exclusive to the Limited Collector's Edition is a 1996 European Tour Poster
Replica.
LP Red LP Tracks: Overture / Sarajevo / This Is The Time (1990) / I Am /
Starlight / Doesn't Matter Anyway / This Isn't What We Meant / Mozart And
Madness / Memory (Dead Winter Dead Intro) / Dead Winter Dead / One Child /
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/14) / Not What You See / The Storm - This Is The
Time (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)
LP Tracks: Overture / Sarajevo / This Is The Time (1990) / I Am / Starlight /
Doesn't Matter Anyway / This Isn't What We Meant / Mozart And Madness /
Memory (Dead Winter Dead Intro) / Dead Winter Dead / One Child / Christmas
Eve (Sarajevo 12/14) / Not What You See / The Storm - This Is The Time (Live in
Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)

Originally released in 1995, this reissue edition is becoming available as
180g Double 12" Black Vinyl LP, along with a Limited Collector's Edition
on Heavyweight Red Double Vinyl
Both editions are mastered for vinyl, reissued with the original cover design,
specially enhanced artwork, including a 16-pages LP booklet with extensive liner
notes by Clay Marshall and carry an exclusive, previously unreleased live bonustrack. Exclusive to the Limited Collector's Edition is a 1996 European Tour Poster
Replica.
LP Red LP Tracks: Overture / Sarajevo / This Is The Time (1990) / I Am /
Starlight / Doesn't Matter Anyway / This Isn't What We Meant / Mozart And
Madness / Memory (Dead Winter Dead Intro) / Dead Winter Dead / One Child /
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/14) / Not What You See / The Storm - This Is The
Time (Live in Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)
LP Tracks: Overture / Sarajevo / This Is The Time (1990) / I Am / Starlight /
Doesn't Matter Anyway / This Isn't What We Meant / Mozart And Madness /
Memory (Dead Winter Dead Intro) / Dead Winter Dead / One Child / Christmas
Eve (Sarajevo 12/14) / Not What You See / The Storm - This Is The Time (Live in
Neu Isenburg 1997) (Bonus Track)

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. The band's 1996 album Downfall saw them experiment with shorter song structures and more varied guitar sounds, never straying too far from the kind of epic doom with ravishing vocals that made them a cult favorite. This is the first time that Downfall is available on vinyl with the original cover art, which has been meticulously restored for this gatefold reissue.

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. The band's 1996 album Downfall saw them experiment with shorter song structures and more varied guitar sounds, never straying too far from the kind of epic doom with ravishing vocals that made them a cult favorite. This is the first time that Downfall is available on vinyl with the original cover art, which has been meticulously restored for this gatefold reissue.

Formed in 1982, DIO are an American heavy metal band, led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. This release captures DIO at the legendary Donington Festival in 1983, as part of their ‘Holy Diver’ Tour. This album features classic tracks from across Ronnie James Dio’s amazing career as a vocalist for Rainbow, Black Sabbath & DIO; and includes hits such as “Stargazer”, “Heaven and Hell”, “Holy Diver” and more! Donington ’83 will be released alongside Donington ’87.

A band who have never stood still creatively, EBM is a breathlessly heavy step up and Editors’ most leftfield material yet – a thrilling, unrelenting thrust of full-bodied electro-industrial rock. The album title is an acronym of Editors and Blanck Mass, but also a knowing reference to Electronic Body Music, the potent sound that originated in the 1980s and which has hugely influenced Editors’ new material, where the synths of bands like Nitzer Ebb, Front 242 and DAF hammer darkly amongst smoke machines, strobe lights and the smell of leather.

A band who have never stood still creatively, EBM is a breathlessly heavy step up and Editors’ most leftfield material yet – a thrilling, unrelenting thrust of full-bodied electro-industrial rock. The album title is an acronym of Editors and Blanck Mass, but also a knowing reference to Electronic Body Music, the potent sound that originated in the 1980s and which has hugely influenced Editors’ new material, where the synths of bands like Nitzer Ebb, Front 242 and DAF hammer darkly amongst smoke machines, strobe lights and the smell of leather.

A collection of the finest Chick Corea performances from 7 legendary performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival, spanning 29 years from 1981 to 2010.

Expertly restored and remastered in superlative HD audio; The Montreux Years is released on superior audiophile heavy weight vinyl, MQA quality CD and in HD digital.

An official reissue of “Shadows of The Dying Sun”, the 2014 album by Insomnium, one of “melodic death metal’s most unique and instantly recognisable modern voices” (Metal Hammer”). With enclosed band commentary on all songs, the Svart reissue of this modern metal epic comes with the Ephemeral EP as bonus tracks on side D and is wrapped in a heavy gatefold jacket.

Formed in 1982, DIO are an American heavy metal band, led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. This release captures DIO at the legendary Donington Festival in 1987. This album features classic tracks from across Ronnie James Dio’s amazing career as a vocalist for Rainbow, Black Sabbath & DIO; and includes hits such as “Man On The Silver Mountain”, “Neon Knights”, “The Last In Line” and more! Donington ’87 will be released alongside Donington ’83.

The limited edition 2LP includes a lenticular LP sized art print plus etching side 4, 180g Vinyl & Gatefold. The limited edition 1CD set includes lenticular CD sized art print.
Standard LP includes etching on side 4, 180g vinyl & gatefold.

This album records a mystic standoff between Shahzad Ismaily on drums and Niño Lento es Fuego on electric guitar, featuring hypnotic synth storms and spiritual beats brewed into a heavy healing trance. “It was like having that conversation that we never really had,” says Niño Lento es Fuego (a.k.a guitarist Camilo Rodriguez), “‘cause he’s shy, and me too.” Niño Lento and Shahzad Ismaily – multi-instrumentalist, producer and studio owner – have been circling each other for years. They are both legendary players and leaders in their own right who have built many musical worlds in Brooklyn. Ismaily records and performs with artists such as Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Laura Veirs, Sam Amidon, Ceramic Dog, Secret Chiefs 3, John Zorn, Will Oldham and Nels Cline. Rodriguez is a NY-based guitarist and percussionist who co-founded Combo Chimbita, M.A.K.U Soundsystem, Bulla en el Barrio, and Carolina Oliveros y la Nación along with fellow Colombians in New York. He also performs with La Cumbiamba eNeYé, where he first met Ismaily. On September 22, 2022, Figure & Ground releases Ahora Contra el Resto de los Tiempos, Vol. 1, an exploratory and improvisational project comprising six original tracks composed in real time by Shahzad Ali Ismaily (drums) and Niño Lento es Fuego (electric guitar). Produced, recorded and mixed by Lily Wen, the duo recorded guitar and drums live in the room at Figure 8 Recording.

High Roller Records, black vinyl, 3rd pressing, ltd 250, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, lyric sheet, A4 info sheet, poster, fully restored original artwork, mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony, Cutting by SST Germany on Neumann machines for optimal quality on all levels... The ultimate audiophile edition of this German Speed Metal classic

High Roller Records, black vinyl, 3rd pressing, ltd 250, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, lyric sheet, A4 info sheet, poster, fully restored original artwork, mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony, Cutting by SST Germany on Neumann machines for optimal quality on all levels... The ultimate audiophile edition of this German Speed Metal classic

Following a series of remastered gems from M-Plant's back catalogue for the "Perpetual Masters" series, Robert Hood now delivers his first new release since his 2021 Monobox album.

The release features two peak-time heavy hitters, starting out with 'Hectic' and its siren-like stabs calling out for people to join the dancefloor, while building the tension throughout; a skill for which Hood has become well known for.

Meanwhile 'Amazon Dust' takes things deeper and is somewhat reminiscent of the work on his Monobox 'Regenerate' album of last year.

180gr. Vinyl limited 100 copies in blood-black haze Color, 350gr Heavy Weight Hardcover, sowie A2 Poster, Download-Code und Textbeiblatt. Fast genau 2 Jahre nach der Veröffentlichung des Debut ''Unsere Strassen Unsere Lieder'' erscheint nun mit ''Skinhead Party'' das zweite Album der Oi! & Streetpunk Band. Und schon nach den ersten Klängen und Gesängen dürfte klar sein: Nicht nur der gleichnamige Titelsong hat dabei locker das Zeug zum Gassenhauer zu werden….BIERTOIFEL hauen hier eine Hymne nach der anderen raus und gehören mit dieser Scheibe neben den Gewohnheitstrinkern wohl derzeit zur Speerspitze deutschsprachiger Oi!-Musik. Parole Spaß, Zusammenhalt, Leben am sozialen Rand in einer Subkultur, wilde Nächte und Oi!Oi!Oi! bis hin zur Liebeserklärung an alle Renee´s….Biertoifel besinnen sich auf alte Tugenden textlich und musikalisch…besingen das was für viele vom Way of Life in den letzten Jahren abhanden gekommen ist. Fette Bassläufe und Gitarrenmelodien paaren sich mit dem Biertoifel typischen Wechsel aus rauhen und melodischem Vocals der beiden Sänger, Mitgröhlrefrains und ""Fäuste bzw Humpen hoch"-Perlen inklusive . Und wer als besonderes Bonbon "Oi-Konzert" von den ehemaligen Mainzer Droogs "Springtoifel" covert, hat eh alles richtig gemacht.

Albert van Abbe & Jochem Paap join forces for General Audio.

Recorded at Willem Twee studios in Den Bosch, General Audio explores a unique and esoteric approach to sound creation. Using test and measure equipment from the 1950’s, originally designed for the maintenance of various audio and radio transmitters, van Abbe and Paap create otherworldly walls of sound and dense rhythmic abstractions with an early form of synthesis. Rudimentary signals are combined and processed before being committed to tape via mic’s set up to capture the Willem Twee studio’s unique acoustics. The equipment itself predates the invention of the analog, modular synthesizers developed in the 70’s that are now commonplace in many studios.

The record opens with 220Lock-in, a gently undulating drone composition. Effervescent at the top end and fathoms deep at the bottom, it shifts ominously with ring modulated tones that build and then give way to thick washes of white noise. A single synth flourish provides a surprising final moment. The record continues with WZ-1Wobbel Zusatz, a low-sunk percussive piece with an off-kilter rhythm and wet spring reverb doing the bulk of the sonic heavy lifting. Deep in the mix, delicate shifts in pitch and tone deliver a kind of arcane musicality, and as the recording approaches its final moments the piece descends into an exhilarating chaos, with sonic components falling slowly by the wayside. Pegelmesser riffs on a similar reverb characteristic, but this time a driven, arp-like lead propels the work forward. Crisp shifts in colour and distortion arrive unexpectedly, providing a curious musical sensation once more – and harsher moments of feedback break up the recording in its later stages. On Rel 3L 212c LC-pi the pair strip things back, with more present percussive components and subtle distortion lines, before Wandel ups the ante with a corrosive dirge broken up by sporadic submerged synth hits. The penultimate recording SR 250 Boxcar Averager shows off impressive pitch modulation, resulting in a variety of intriguing sensations. Cinematic and remarkably visual, it charts a strange and affecting course, the synth lead underpinned by a repetitive percussive motif and all manner of sends delivering fascinating details. Nim Bin closes the record and once more van Abbe and Paap invite that subtle musicality into the recording. A tight VCO modulation drives the piece while various percussive synth strikes provide a kind of rhythmic component, though they remain untethered to any time signature – a neat conclusion to an intriguing and exploratory record.

Written and Produced by Albert Van Abbe & Jochem Paap

This is about remembering our humanity, which perhaps we lost a little bit over the last couple of years - maybe we can get a bit of it back in the dark, under some strobe lights." There's a considered and conscientious edge to every record that comes from the studio of Graeme Shepherd, a.k.a. Grum. Strip away the club exterior and you will find a nuanced, sometimes provocative, message that asks us to challenge our outlook on the world. 'Unreality', Grum's fourth studio album, is his most reflective work to date, putting human connection in the digital age under the microscope. "Based near Glasgow, Scotland where I had to spend a lot of time by myself. I watched, alone, as world events unfolded and I think that has funnelled itself into the music somewhat." The visceral nature of Graeme's work has been present since his debut LP 'Heartbeats'. A feel good, get up and dance record championed by Annie Mac and Pete Tong in the early 2010s, Grum was a product of the blog era, riding the heights of Hype Machine with his synth heavy sound.

CircoLoco Records is proud to announce CircoLoco Records & NEZ Present CLR 002, now on vinyl with cover art designed by TOILETPAPER.

The second release from the collaborative record label project between CircoLoco and Rockstar Games, CircoLoco Records & NEZ Present CLR 002 features three genre-blending tracks from the Chicago-born, LA-based artist and producer, with guests including Detroit master Moodymann, Three 6 Mafia’s Gangsta Boo, and longtime collaborator ScHoolboy Q:

NEZ – “You Wanna?”
NEZ and ScHoolboy Q – “Let’s Get It”
NEZ, Moodymann, and Gangsta Boo – “Freaks”

CircoLoco Records & NEZ Present CLR 002 takes NEZ’s blend of house, hip-hop, R&B, and electro elements are taken to new heights, adding to his illustrious catalog including heavy-hitting house anthems with Felix da Housecat, Theophilus London, 8AE and others, alongside his production work with Rio on tracks like ScHoolboy Q’s “Man of the Year” and A$AP Rocky’s “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2.”

The tracks have made appearances in sets from BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and has support from the scene with artists such as Paul Woolford, Myd, Black Coffee, Jamie Jones, Marco Carlo, Joris Voorn, Tim Sweeney, Luke Solomon, and more.

The EP is also featured in Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto Online, with appearances on in-game radio and as a media collectable within the dynamic world of Los Santos. “Freaks” made its debut appearance in the teaser trailer for Los Santos Tuners.

Think about the classic from MAW "Work", Reel to Real "I like to Move it"... TROPICAL FLASH "Get up" has the same vibe and the same kind of potential on the dancefloor !

This is a truly essential for the coming summer, percussive rhythm and expressive Jamaican vocal style. Funky, efficient and with an organic feel due to the bass guitar and percussion.

Along both original mixes features a really cool remix by the NYC Legend DJ Spinna, this time Spinna did not produce a soulful house track but a real massive House Remix with some heavy 90’ influences, really sick! The 12'' has been cut by Mathieu Berthet so expect a very nice cut, the full picture sleeve has been manually designed by Felix Godefroy and is really colourful, it makes a very nice 12'' with good pressing quality on 140g from Vinyl de Paris.

M-High makes his LOCUS debut with his four-track EP, ‘Enchant Me’.

With Amsterdam’s house scene continuing to flourish, M-High has seen his stock surge in recent months. Still young in the game, his releases and remixes via labels such as META, Moxy Muzik and Politics Of Dancing have seen him flying high alongside his fellow compatriots while also evolving from a label regular to A&R duties at PIV alongside founder Prunk. Having featured for the label’s New Year’s Day party in London, the Dutchman touches down on LOCUS for the first time with four fresh productions via his ‘Enchant Me’ EP.

Title cut ‘Enchant Me’ is a slick and classy effort fusing rich chords and skipping drums with zipping acid lines, while ‘Do You Even Groove’ pairs things back as rolling drums and sweeping electronics zig-zag through sparse textures. Next, ‘Endless Whispers’ combines sharp organ stabs with breezy pads and warm basslines, with the low-end heavy ‘Faded Senses’ closing the show and offering up yet more late-night dancefloor grooves.

"Saturday Love's timeless disco anthem "2 B Free" is remix catnip, and every producer knocked this one out of the park. The piano-soaked collaboration between Boston beatsmith Kon and New York vocalist Fiorious gets masterfully reinvented by heavyweights Oliver Dollar and Baltra. With Kon's extended disco mix on this record, the question now is how can you only pick one of these for your set?"

BAR08 is a Various Artists EP with Italian art-aud / secret rave mastermind Kreggo, the debut of Rotterdam talent Pim and Proper, a label debut by German bass wizard Panda Lassow, Teslasonic returns with another mindbending monster, Teeta; the third italian on this sampler with a big electro bass tune and last but not least the mysterious Stoornis 2 with heavy electronic violence.

Lunatika, The Hague's latest 'trap' or 'drill' rap sensation, for all heavy 'banteng' soldier man-boys' (and, sure, all the lady-boys too!) man drill and bass, whipping and kicking and booming, 'all dem a' Holland's 'Dirty Mud West Coast Sound' incl. quite some reggae dub and N.O.L.A. bass influences, I dare say, 'respect due to all'... Part 2/2. Mastered by Guy Tavares.

Global techno titan Josh Wink returns to his own Ovum Recordings for big new single 'Balls Back', which comes with a remix from Marco Faraone. Philly-born DJ, legendary producer and the man behind many of techno's most iconic cuts, Josh Wink remains as prominent now as he did a quarter of a century ago. That is because of the constant sense of innovation in all he does, as well as his rare understanding of dance floor dynamics and mastery of his studio. Says Josh of his latest track, “Every time I play this people rush over asking 'what is this track that says “get your balls back”?' Its reaction after playing has been amazing and reassuring that it hits hard, works on the floor, and sticks in people's heads.“ He's not wrong: the powerful 'Balls Back' is a spatial, acid-tinged techno stormer that builds and builds until it ultimately explodes in signature Josh Wink fashion. The 303s are saturated in deep processing along with heavy 909 percussion and a ‘slap-you-in-your-face’ vocal sample that will lead to dance floor devastation. The dub version is a raw, stripped down and faster-paced bass jacker that turns up the heat, and a Balls Tool is also included for dexterous DJ deployment. Italian Marco Faraone is a fellow techno heavyweight and one of the scene’s most versatile producers. He has brought his always impactful sounds to labels like Drumcode, Rekids and Etruria Beat. His remix is typically robust: vast, rolling drums power it along while glitchy percussion peels off the groove and the percussion gets ever more wild and heavy. It's a real main room monster. This is no-nonsense techno that perfectly marries form and function into a dynamite package.

Tape

The third LP from the New Zealand quartet houses 12 jewels of tight, guitar-heavy songs that worm their way into your head, an incandescent collision of power-pop and skuzz. With Expert, The Beths wanted to make an album meant to be experienced live, for both the listeners and themselves. They wanted it to be fun -- to hear, to play -- in spite of the prickling anxiety throughout the lyrics, the fear of change and struggle to cope.

Most of Expert was recorded at guitarist Jonathan Pearce’s studio on Karangahape Road in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand) -- and sometimes in the building's cavernous stairwell at 1am -- toward the end of 2021, until they were interrupted by a four-month national lockdown. They traded notes remotely for months, songwriting from afar and fleshing out the arrangements alone, the first time they’d written together in such a way. The following February, The Beths left the country for the first time in more than two years to tour across the US, and simultaneously finish mixing the album on the road. That latter half felt more collaborative, with everyone on-hand to trade notes in real time, until it all culminated in a chaotic three-day studio mad-dash in Los Angeles. There, Expert finally became the record they were hearing in their heads.

Expert is an extension of the same skuzzy palette the band has built across their catalog, pop hooks embedded in incisive indie rock. The album’s title track “Expert In A Dying Field” introduces the thesis for the record: “How does it feel to be an expert in a dying field? How do you know it’s over when you can’t let go?” Stokes asks. “Love is learned over time ‘til you’re an expert in a dying field.”

The rest is a capsule of The Beths’ most electrifying and exciting output, a sonic spectrum: “Your Side” is a forlorn and sincere love song, emotive; while “Silence is Golden,” with its propulsive drum line and stop-start staccato of a guitar line winding up and down, is one of the band’s sharpest and most driving. “When You Know You Know” skews a bit groovier, pure pop and a natural addition to the band’s live set. “Knees Deep” was written last minute, but yields one of the best guitar lines on Expert. There’s a certain chaos across the 12 tracks, the palpable joy of playing music with long-time friends colliding with the raw nerves of pain.

Stokes strings it all together through her singular songwriting lens, earnest and self-effacing, zeroing in on the granules of doubt and how they snowball. Did I do the wrong thing? Or did you? And are we still good people at the end of it? She isn’t interested in villains, but instead interested in just telling the story. That insecurity and thoughtfulness, translated into universality and understanding, has been the guiding light of The Beths’ output since 2016. In the face of pain, there’s no dwelling on internal anguish - instead, through The Beths’ musi