Let´s discuss the somewhat secret and obscure series of CD-compilations that come with orders from FA... I have not managed to get them all (I think Volume 4 just dropped?) In style they are a bit like Terässinfonia series but do not exclusively contain finnish music.
Currently spinning Volume 3 that starts off very dark and classic industrial with a long track my Murderous Vision, but then goes into PE/noise territory with Sadio, Makt and BLJ. Kind of an overall dark vibe here, even though the material is quite diverse.
#4 is not out yet. Material is ready, but not pressed. Currently #3 is included with all orders placed to FA.
Just a random observation, but I think the Nostoväki songs on Freak Animal International Vol. 2 were even better than the ones on the debut cassette. It's hard to rationalize why I feel that way, but maybe there is more punch in terms of intensity on the first compilation track than the opening on the tape. The second song on the compilation is more atmospheric, but just as tasty. Or then it has to do with one's expectations: Strong compilation tracks that came "out of nowhere" vs. debut tape of a project that could be anticipated some time in advance.
Both vol. I and II are really well-curated. The sequencing of the artists and tracks on Vol. I in particular is really strong.
I never knew Tryptich or Nostoväki and both were some of my favorite tracks on either comp. Ordered the Nostoväki tape soon after.
Vol. III should be arriving soon along with the new Dead Body Love reissues and I can't wait. Especially knowing there is a new BLJ track on it...
Quote from: RURAL RESISTANCE on June 25, 2024, 10:00:03 PMJust a random observation, but I think the Nostoväki songs on Freak Animal International Vol. 2 were even better than the ones on the debut cassette. It's hard to rationalize why I feel that way, but maybe there is more punch in terms of intensity on the first compilation track than the opening on the tape. The second song on the compilation is more atmospheric, but just as tasty. Or then it has to do with one's expectations: Strong compilation tracks that came "out of nowhere" vs. debut tape of a project that could be anticipated some time in advance.
I definitely agree with you! Those Nostoväki tracks on the comp are definitely some hard hitters indeed! Nostoväki has been an interesting project, definitely one to pay close attention to.
Quote from: Fistfuck Masonanie on June 26, 2024, 03:37:03 AMBoth vol. I and II are really well-curated. The sequencing of the artists and tracks on Vol. I in particular is really strong.
I never knew Tryptich or Nostoväki and both were some of my favorite tracks on either comp. Ordered the Nostoväki tape soon after.
Vol. III should be arriving soon along with the new Dead Body Love reissues and I can't wait. Especially knowing there is a new BLJ track on it...
Tryptich is a great underrated project
Quote from: RURAL RESISTANCE on June 25, 2024, 10:00:03 PMJust a random observation, but I think the Nostoväki songs on Freak Animal International Vol. 2 were even better than the ones on the debut cassette. It's hard to rationalize why I feel that way, but maybe there is more punch in terms of intensity on the first compilation track than the opening on the tape. The second song on the compilation is more atmospheric, but just as tasty. Or then it has to do with one's expectations: Strong compilation tracks that came "out of nowhere" vs. debut tape of a project that could be anticipated some time in advance.
Same, I think they are stronger, although the tape was good as well. Ace title/lyrics "Jotkut Henkilöt On Vain Hävitettävä Yhteiskunnasta". Kaarna's distinctive touch is clear with sounds and themes. That combined with heavier electronics makes this project feel original and stand out from the crowd.
Nostoväki tape is the debut recording, compilation tracks were done after that. So let's hope next recording is even better!
Idea of comp was to have international line-up, but not only that, but something new, someone "well known", etc. 4th will be solid harsh noise disc, Finns teaming with international veterans of the genre. 5th.. we'll see.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on June 26, 2024, 08:45:58 AM5th.. we'll see.
Five still in the works?
The Government Alpha and Richard Ramirez tracks on #4 were excellent. The Black Leather Jesus track on #3 was crushing. Each release in the series has provided some nice surprises and opened my eyes to new artists. Can't wait to hear what's next.
#5 should be out in about... week? Something like that.
#5 out now and should automatically be included in every (noise) order from nhfastore until pressing runs out.
Finally listened to the 5th installation. Really enjoyable!
I was surprised by, and really enjoyed, that it's a little more focused on the quiet, subtle, and experimental side. The Contagious Orgasm and Void of Empathy tracks were my favorite. I need to look into Void of Empathy more, I really liked those in particular.
Rautakymi tracks were good and maybe a little different from the Pinta stuff, but not drastically. Already want to re-listen to those.
I'm really hoping to hear more stuff from Contagious Orgasm in the near future, that's in line with the approach of the track from this comp. It's like a proper mix of old and new Contagious Orgasm. It almost kind of reminds me of Voltage Controlled Filter album, but yet with the more modern ambient approach that Hiroshi as taken in the recent years.
Never looked too deep into later Contagious Orgasm but the compilation track is indeed really good, need to dig around some more. Overall an excellent compilation, been a staple here for quite some time now.
For Contagious Orgasm, I made request that no beats. Totally free hands of course and hardly big custom demands. There has been good new releases, but also releases which are good until there appear drum machine beat. It can be good, but my own taste means I tend to like way less those, than "abstract loop rhythms".
Vol 5 is still being sent out, but vol 6 is already in pressing. Will be vastly more harsh material again! Fin/Can/USA
Vol 6 now given to new orders placed to nhfastore!
Volume 7
Finally gave this a listen. Volume 7 has four featured artists and most providing 10+ minute tracks.
Energy Gradient starts things off. I really enjoy the sparseness of this track. It sounds like it could be something from the late 80s or early 90s. It's definitely more experimental and exploratory. Small Cruel Party might be an apt comparison. A lot of metal tinkering and scraping with heavy tape delay and reverb. I really enjoyed this track. Looks like the artist doesn't have many releases out there. However, there is a recently reissued tape on Cloister.
Decondition is next. Decondition is a varied project that lies more heavily in industrial and PE. I'm only familiar with the Like A Mirage Or A Dream release. Nice varied track here. Builds up from more minimal beginnings and gets fairly caustic. Industrial leaning Harsh Noise, if that makes sense.
Invagination is one of Mikko's latest projects. Homage to 90s Merzbow. Lots of manipulated and contorted metal work. Very sputtery and chirpy EMS Synthi A or similar type sounds color the track. Not too dissimilar to what was on the full length. Clocks in at just under 17 minutes and is basically an EP. Very good stuff!
Sonic Abuse gets three tracks. The project Sonic Abuse is new to me, but the artist isn't. Appears to be the same guy behind Hate Sermon and Inbred. Real gritty harsh noise. Junk metal fried and peaking in the mix is the sonic palette. Really nasty and on par with his other projects.
I'm fairly certain this was very intentional, but the comp gets progressively harsher. Each artist cranks the volume and grit up from the last. Lots of metal featured on this one, but in a variety of ways. Really solid comp.
I'm only missing vol. 6 now and have to figure out how to secure a copy... if anyone stateside wants to mail me a spare, I'll send a few bucks and pay postage!
I still have copies of 6 remaining. Not many, but some. Same goes for other volumes. I recall vol 1 is totally gone, rest can be requested if you are missing particular number from the series and placing order.