Anenzephalia - "Kaltwelt" CD

Industrial death noise from Genocide Organ member

German death-industrial project Anenzephalia has been around for 20 years now, but this is my first exposure to them. Centered around Genocide Organ member Michael Keck, this is pure retro-noise, with obvious parallels to early industrial pioneers SPK and Whitehouse. 

Tracks like "Frostschrae" wed simple and fuzzy electronic noise nihilism with distorted vocals. It's a morose, oppressive atmosphere that permeates the whole of "Kaltwelt". "Bodies Of Gold" is another bleak, evil celebration of death, disfigurement, and possibly, murder. All the requisite distorted sounds, tape voices, overloaded electronics, and a simplistic semblance of rhythm are here to create a mood of unease and foreboding. Imagine an alternate soundtrack to "Nekromantik", and you wouldn't be too far off. For hardcore death industrial fetishists only, I'm afraid.

Tesco Org

Anenzephaliaspace

Fire + Ice - "Fractured Man" CD

Superb and magickal new European folk

After several years providing musical support as a member of Sol Invictus, and assisting on recordings by Current 93 and Death In June, Ian Read and his Fire + Ice project have become staples of what is sometimes known as the "apocalyptic folk" scene. In truth, Fire + Ice isn't necessarily "apocalyptic" (although there are deep mysteries and concerns being voiced), nor "folk" (although acoustic guitars are present). Fire + Ice's music is rooted in old European folk, though, and is heavily inspired by runes, Norse and Germanic mythology, and pagan culture.

"Fractured Man", Read's 6th album as Fire + Ice, is a superb set of powerful and understated tunes. The title track opens, and is an atmospheric piece with harmonium and violin by Unto Ashes. "Caratacus" is a short interlude based around Douglas P's instantly recognizable guitar, while "Nimm", sung entirely in German, is a catchy, even sweetly dark nursery rhyme-style song. The odd pop of "Mr. Wednesday" would work well on the "Wicker Man" soundtrack, but that can also be said for the minimalist "Aelfsiden", which is a darkly beautiful lament.

For fans longing for the glory days of Current 93's incredible "Swastikas For Noddy" era (which Ian Read was part of), or the early works of Sol Invictus (likewise, with Read's participation), Fire + Ice pick up the slack. Lovely work, with plenty of nuance, strength, and passion. Excellent!

Fremdheit (official Fire + Ice site)

Tesco Org