Just placed order for Militia 20 years celebration release. It's CDR in box with inserts. Pretty high price for cdr, but I guess 100 copies won't last too long.
It sounds strange that to celebrate 20 years, such remarkable band does mere CDR release, but well.. Seems like Franks sideproject is going to have its cdr officially re-issues as CD soon by Belgian label.
Since the band has always been such a important and remarkable project for myself, I find it amazing that all the time I find people who actually never heard their works. Especially not the early best ones. When I have some time, got to give them all spin again and write something...
If I remember right, Frank recently said that Neuropa is going to reissue everything.
That would be good. I think earlier talk was about Cold Meat. And knowing how slow they can be...
Anyways, as I started to talk about Militia, I simply couldn't refuse to put possibly their best release loud on stereos.
MILITIA "machinenzimmer / kingdom of our lord" mCD
Praxis Dr Bermann TH-20
In PDB overview at http://www.special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=38.0 I said:
Fuck, if I said the 3xLP was their best... well, it is only because this is SHORT. It is 20 minutes, packaged in A4 "special" sleeve with horribly pixelated images. Music is phenomenal. Just superior to about everything, but due being miniCD on oversized pixelated sleeve, it loses on 3xLP set.
Really, only reason I might rate this lower than 3xLP is length. But if we look to material itself, this is simply unbeatable. One could say that what Test Dept could have been, Militia actually IS. Compositional skills of Militia is beyond all the other percussive industrial out there. Even if you find many times that the base of track is some steady beat of bass drum, there are layers of clang of radiators, large sheets of metal, obscure tones of synths, perfect reverbs,.. It doesn't sound as if they just grabbed "whatever available", and bang that. Instead it sounds as they went to search what makes the desired sound, and the compose the percussion patterns for each distinctive percussion instrument. These two tracks also are superior in composition. It's not only about one thing. But the flow of tracks from point to another is seamless, yet very clear changes. There nothing what sounds like it was sampled or uncontrolled by people at top of their skills. The massive droning choir like climax of the track with religious speech, sweeps anything what was left after near 10 minute percussive beat.
Next track is something like Test Dept at their best video soundtracks. High pitched fast junk percussion sounds almost like train going on tracks. Very clearly floor tom sound giving bounding base on track. Sometimes nearly random sounding, but perfect sounds of sheets of metal and "ping" of iron bars/pipes thrown around. No distortion really. Not beyond the analogue warmness. It's all slightly saturated and very close to surface. It doesn't sound distant, which is the problem of many later Militia works. Modern day digital recording probably couldn't provide the same atmosphere. After c. 4 minutes the divine organ drones start to fade in. It is very strangely out of timing compared to percussion. But while you'd think it could mean it ruins the track, actually it doesn't. Perhaps even opposite. Song slowly fades out, in utmost repetition, but something that could simply go on and on for perhaps LP side worth without getting old.
I hope this, will be among first to be re-issued. I guess it is the smallest edition of Militia releases?
That MekanOrganik CD were also originally meant to be released on CMI to my knowledge. Anyone heard it yet?
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on February 10, 2010, 10:35:12 AMMILITIA "machinenzimmer / kingdom of our lord" mCD
I remember being surprised at how good this was, the lone standout in a large order. And the review certainly brings back memories... which sadly remain memories. I think within one week of first spinning the damn disc fell out of the oversize sleave and hasn't been seen nevermind heard since. Every now and then I come across the a4 package and obligingly dig in half hoping The Kingdom Of Our Lord has miraculously reappeared. Bar reissue I seem condemned forever to play out this same humiliating ritual. At this stage it's probably for the best that things stay this way. If it were to reappear now after all these years I'd probably shit myself. More than usual, I mean.
The CON-DOM/MILITA "Scorched Earth Policy", was my introduction to MILITA. Subtle tones and bell like structures build into a true rhythmic industrial piece. The Catholic back track. ..."and by the way boy's, if any of you become missionaries, never say that to a cannibal"!
I had been thinking this was "Machinenzimmer/Kingdom of our Lord", but reviewing the track list it is different.
VOLKSLIED
ZEGE HYMNE
OMOUCINU
DRESDEN
REVILLE
GLOCKENSPIEL (LIVE VERSION)
NECRONOMICON (LIVE VERSION)
Will really need to check out the aforementioned having been totally engrossed with this project since discovering their industrial superiority!
Technically the cdr is pretty low.
73dpi pixelated inserts and cdr with sticker label thrown into oversized carboard mailer box with pixelated pretty dull sticker in top of box.
Music is just good. It's compilation, don't know if anything really is different version than on original release, so if you happen to have all Militia, this could be pretty pointless purchase, especially considering the quality of packaging and format being cdr. Personally, I consider this still great, since it worked as perfect eye-opener, that while I considered some of the later works pretty weak sounding compared to my favorites, when listened as this kind of compilation, the flow is pretty much solid album type. I really need to re-visit past releases. Recently finally listened "nature revealed" and it was actually really good compared to what I remembered it to be.
1 New European Order 6:12
2 Necrronomicon 4:36
3 Kingdom Of Our Lord 12:14
4 Symbiosis 8:02
5 Ni Dieu, Ni Maître 6:30
6 Mikael Bakunin 7:00
7 Vox Populi 7:10
8 A Kite Of Glass In A Blood Red Sky 7:03
9 The Final Level 7:08
Quote from: bogskaggmannen on February 10, 2010, 10:45:44 AM
That MekanOrganik CD were also originally meant to be released on CMI to my knowledge. Anyone heard it yet?
I have so far only heard the 2 track promo. But listened it like 5 times. Which proves that there is definitely something there. It is like Militia gone "organic". Which in the other hand, is nothing new really. This material would not stand out too radically if it was released as Militia. Thing is, that style of percussion, tempos of rhythms, style of compositions, they all follow very closely the high standards and the styles of Militia. The main difference is that instead of hard and cold industrial junk elements, it seems more warm & natural. Drums don't sound militaristic, but rather nearly shamanistic. percussion elements don't sound like decayed industrial wasteland, but soil worshipping wood, glass, field recordings, etc. Spoken word isn't aggressive yelling of political statements, but more of children talking of rainy mist of whatever. I've already forgotten what samples said exactly.
I keep mentioning The Ruralist Brotherhood in about every forum I've taken part (hah), and repeatedly notice it interests nobody else. Anyways, I just went through the "The Ruralists - Celebration" book yesterday, and this MekanOrganik seems like certain kind of manifest like they were. It rejects certain popular culture values and easiest audience ass licking methods. It goes into certain "romantic" (no goths, no teeny vampires) approach perhaps? Something what is most definitely "uncool". Simply well done with intent and drive to something what seems to be personal & important to artist, and to me, it is very inspiring material. I really wait for the full length, and hope it is as good as the promo cdr I got.
QuoteNeuropa Records will release ALL previous MILITIA works on 6 seperate CD's. The first CD of the "MILITIA Archive Collection" will contain the complete track list of the MILITIA contribution for the 3LP compilation set "War Against Society" (a Praxis Dr. Bearmann release 1997), the 7 inch "Pain/Familiedrama" (Praxis Dr.... Bearmann 1997) and "Kingdom of our Lord/Maschinenzimmer" (Praxis Dr. Bearmann 1996). The CD's will come in 3-fold digipacks. Collectors items !!
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on February 20, 2010, 12:06:33 PM
Technically the cdr is pretty low.
Not what I wanted to read. The price + cost of IBAN transfer made this a very expensive CDr.
Now been listening to actual MekanOrganik CD. 8 songs, nice simple artwork digipak. One could say that what I wrote before based on two tracks, is valid for this album. It has many Militia -like elements, but all transformed into warmer & more organic (although very hi-fi sounding) approach with many kind of electro-acoustic sounds, but also drive of rhythm, samples and percussive beatings. Most definitely recommend.
Would not Cold Meat re-release all old Militia?
Archive vol. 1 is out. So people who missed Familiedrama, Machinenzimmer or War Against Society. It seems like a must release!
has anyone heard the live provocation MC that recently came out? any opinions?
I think I just got the replacement tapes on mail. Haven't listened how it sounds yet now.
Very raw, very old sounding. Closest to compare with Con-Dom split tape and war against society. But with additional decay and rotten rusty sound.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on September 19, 2010, 09:09:59 PM
I think I just got the replacement tapes on mail.
Why did they need replacing? Another tape label with the know-how of a gnat and the quality standard of
not much?
There was topic about it in classified ads. Bad dubbing and in my case also simply totally fucked physical tape (how it was taped to reel). Cheapest ferric & cheapest bulk tape. Label did new dubs (I guess/hope) in new place. Yet to open the package.
Thanks. I haven't been checking that section.
I'm not writing the label directly. The conversation is here, and I'm keeping that so. I have a question: it's the dubbing facility's fault that the dubbing was so poor. That's reasonable (though it still falls under the direct responsibility of a label). Did they also decide on the poor quality of tape? They made the decision to go with normal bias and not high quality high bias (there are grades to tape bias)? That sounds strange to me. I've only had a couple tapes professionally dubbed for me, but I've been around a tape label or two. That decision rests solely on the label. If a plant is making that call, stop using them. It's incredibly important, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Spend the extra few bucks. If the project means that much to everyone involved, spend the money. As Mikko said, it isn't that much more money, and it is certainly worth it.
New Militia album should be out in matter of days... hoping to get some, and expectations are high!
MILITIA was until recently an unknown name for me, but most definitely a pleasant surprise. Have yet to dig into their earlier works (the Archive series = blessing). Nature Revealed caught me quite off guard; expecting something quite similar sound-wise to GENOCIDE ORGAN/similar but from a far-left perspective, the sonic softness was uplifting. First I thought it sounded almost new agey, haha! The new album was also a treat, despite their up front political stance. The interview in SI #6 was also great for some clarifications on their view-points. Nice with people taking a stand, consistently through-out their careers, without falling victims to fads and trends! And the obvious uncoolness of preaching for a better future for mankind...
Any other opinions on their new material in relation to their earlier works, and the article in SI?
Admittedly I only own and have heard their first album, New European Order 3xLP but it's one of the best purchases I've made in years. Can be pricey to find a good condition copy but I cannot recommend it enough. It's one of the those releases that really benefits from the medium.
Sorry... don't have anything to add about their new stuff.
The new Militia album is SUPERB. The cd is a little expensive but totally worth it.
So, any impressions of NEW Militia album 2015 ?
I still haven't heard Eco-Anarchic Manifesto or Everything is One. "Amidst the Burning Oil Fields," from Power Propaganda Production, is what I wish Muslimgauze would be like more often. Best non-Muslimgauze, Muslimgauze track maybe I've ever heard.
I noticed they break up the War Against Society tracks a little differently on the Archive Collection 1: 1996-1997 CD. Appears to be the same material and complete, though.
I only have that collaboration 7" with Con-Dom. Would be nice to have a CD reissue of New European Order..
Which album is best to start? I have split with Con-Dom and I like Militia tracks a lot. Con-Dom is classic!
Quote from: Dr Alex on November 09, 2015, 07:43:01 PM
Which album is best to start? I have split with Con-Dom and I like Militia tracks a lot. Con-Dom is classic!
New European Order !!!! :)
YESSS¨!
if theres single album from militia one should get, its new european order
Frank has announced a reissue of The Black Flag Hoisted on Infinite Fog Productions (https://www.discogs.com/label/82037-Infinite-Fog-Productions). Stating, "Not only a re-mastering project, but a total re-recording job, with lots of additional instrument recordings, additional vocals, ... a complete new album very different from the original one."
A newly re-recorded version of New European Order has just been released as a double CD by Old Europa Cafe. Has anyone heard it? Is it worth getting? I'm curious about the album, but I don't know if I should get the original 3LP or the new 2CD.
Quote from: acsenger on May 17, 2017, 10:17:00 PM
A newly re-recorded version of New European Order has just been released as a double CD by Old Europa Cafe. Has anyone heard it? Is it worth getting? I'm curious about the album, but I don't know if I should get the original 3LP or the new 2CD.
Because of the way they play, I would imagine the material is different enough to make it more than worth it to own both.
i think that new album will bring me back into Militia again original was so good
Quote from: Zeno Marx on May 18, 2017, 01:06:33 AM
Quote from: acsenger on May 17, 2017, 10:17:00 PM
A newly re-recorded version of New European Order has just been released as a double CD by Old Europa Cafe. Has anyone heard it? Is it worth getting? I'm curious about the album, but I don't know if I should get the original 3LP or the new 2CD.
Because of the way they play, I would imagine the material is different enough to make it more than worth it to own both.
Yes, both are worthy to get!
This isn't re-make to the level I expected. I thought they will play it ALL again, but no. Actually, it is for big part the old album. Few things feels like there is original backing track, with new percussion. Some feel like it is the album songs as it was, but just added few percussion elements. And one track is entirely new. Few spoken samples are new.
Of course, I tend to lean to 3xLP being better, since this is something what made such a high impact back in 90's. But without hearing that, I could assume one can live with owning merely the double CD. And some, need both. There is enough of difference to make it interesting to hear what they changed. It's like listening to live album of band for example. Songs are the same, but little things done differently makes it interesting to listen and both, vinyl and cd versions have their good points.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on May 18, 2017, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: Zeno Marx on May 18, 2017, 01:06:33 AM
Quote from: acsenger on May 17, 2017, 10:17:00 PM
A newly re-recorded version of New European Order has just been released as a double CD by Old Europa Cafe. Has anyone heard it? Is it worth getting? I'm curious about the album, but I don't know if I should get the original 3LP or the new 2CD.
Because of the way they play, I would imagine the material is different enough to make it more than worth it to own both.
Yes, both are worthy to get!
This isn't re-make to the level I expected. I thought they will play it ALL again, but no. Actually, it is for big part the old album. Few things feels like there is original backing track, with new percussion. Some feel like it is the album songs as it was, but just added few percussion elements. And one track is entirely new. Few spoken samples are new.
Of course, I tend to lean to 3xLP being better, since this is something what made such a high impact back in 90's. But without hearing that, I could assume one can live with owning merely the double CD. And some, need both. There is enough of difference to make it interesting to hear what they changed. It's like listening to live album of band for example. Songs are the same, but little things done differently makes it interesting to listen and both, vinyl and cd versions have their good points.
The double cd is a remastered edition made...with MP3 files. ;)
Never bought or heard the original so i got this 2CD version last week. Sounds authentic to me, not the bombastic remastered sound i feared when this was announced. In some tracks there's maybe a little too much percussion for my personal taste, otherwise just great industrial material as expected. Sometimes a simple slow pounding beat is more effective than a lot of fills.
Militia "face of god" CD reissue just received and listened.
This 2015 album was odd release. Was available from band, but pretty much never seen anywhere. Even discogs prices were high, despite supposedly 666 copies made. I suspected that there was not 666 made. Now, getting the Old Europe Cafe repress, I make assumption that this is actually factory made digipak covers for bunch of the original discs? At least disc has subterra label matrix prints. Original CD edition in handmade packaging would have been probably big task to get done.
So never got this before. Only missing link in Militia discography. To get it now, is at the same time great, and not so great. What is great about it, is obviously: It is Militia. Nobody does the percussive industrial like this anymore. Not many did it this well in first place. Themed around religion, mostly critical & atheistic take on it. There are couple of classic tracks already heard in earliest output. New versions of Face of God and Necromancer. They are not as good as the originals, though. Opening of the CD seems to sample from Kingdom of God mCD and there are few sound clips here and there that to my ears appear clearly the same or taken from same source as early samples were.
This is the first negative aspect. While re-doing Face Of God with that iconic metal beat certainly still sounds inspiring, was it necessary? Basically indicating that best tracks are still the early works. Best ideas are recycling the old sound sources. Finally the new tracks are not bad, but they suffer from the usual tinny, thin and digital recording methods. Colossal soundscape of early works is so much greater compared to digital era, where many metal objects what I can only assume to be huge sized, sound as if playing with tin cans. Fact is that you can not make something sound big merely by adding reverb. Recording loud beating of metal objects is one of the most difficult tasks there is, to be able to make it also sound loud and big.
If this was done by anyone else, I'd probably be concluding that finally there is some good new percussive industrial. With Militia I need to say that they could do better. Despite all criticism, I do strongly recommend this. Despite all I said, it is probably best of the CD albums since original Black Flag hoisted double CD.
Face of God...
Just now hearing this for the first time. Some really nice stuff here, but some of it is a mish-mash of ideas that I'm not sure work that well. It's like an album with too many riffs or prog parts. As FreakAnimalFinland said, the recording is thin and robs the material of energy and potential combustion. But also as he said, how can you not get excited, and into, a Militia album? I felt like they touched upon a Native American tribal rhythm a time or two, and if so, I wish they would've explored, and exploded, into those at greater depth and length.