PLAYLIST with COMMENTS/REVIEWS

[Cranial Blast]

RMSS - Engram CD (Freak Animal)

I enjoyed this CD quite a bit. Definitely has some interesting textures and industrial atmosphere. At times sounding a bit dark ambient even. Conjures up feelings of being in a black and white dream where everything feels abandoned and desolate. At least that was the feelings I got from it. The album has a nice subtle quality about it to, that feels very still. I'd recommend this one to those whom appreciate HÖH, but think this could appeal to those perhaps into any kind of noise. Definitely will be checking more out by RMSS!

[k.p.g]

Croiners - Music to Listen to Other Tapes By (Tribe Tapes, reissue)
An interesting range of early industrial sound collage.  Some of it sounds like music for commercials, while other parts range into deeply unsettling synth territory that is not too far off from something maybe Brian Eno would make.  It's a really solid disc that will demand a second listen.  Thank goodness it rests at my bedside for now.

Carousel - Pace Rotted Plank (self-released)
Was happy to receive a package of fresh cassette slaughter from Shane yesterday.  This tape is brand new, as liner notes indicate that it was recorded only the other week.  Talk about quick turnaround time!  Standing at only a C10, Carousel packs in every last second with as much tape fuckery as possible.  Ideas breeze by so fast that you really are stunned by the time you reach silence again.  Great.

Various Artists - Psychic Welfare Omnibus (The New Purveyors)
Comps like these are the best in that after a while, you stop looking at the tracklisting and just let the sounds take over.  Doesn't matter who made them, they are great.  Flow is great here, with the latter half of Side B really having some knockout moments.  Artwork here is also my favorite the current Purveyors compilations.

Krokodil Enema - Skullfuckd (Reanimated Miscarriage)
Some harsh noise cut with some of the most tasteless, late night news clips you have heard.  This project stays pretty in the red when noise is kicked in, although there are moments where I can hear some evolution in sound, namely when something like vocals or tapes are being manipulated heavy.  What is this now, a "tape collage" project?  Fear not, it still rips like the good harsh noise it is supposed to.  Good work!

Genesis Saw - Live at Cook-Out (Reanimated Miscarriage)
Noisecore that fits more into the humorous section of the genre.  These guys are clearly halfway to a blackout as they crack jokes about COVID, "donating to the kids" and some riffing on "Seven Nation Army."  Still, it's pretty dense and layered for being such a jokey release.  I dig the style at play here.

Carousel - All the Alkaline Days (Idle Hour)
Second of the 2 tapes I received from the artist, and this one just knocks me the fuck back.  I think because it has more time to breathe (being a 34 minute release), the pacing gives some great sounds a chance to breathe and sink in with the listener.  Despite this, Shane is still meticulously crafting here.  To call this "sound collage" would be understating its power.  It's more like "collage assault."  Stupid name, but I am sticking with it.  New genre!  There you go!  Awesome tape.

[k.p.g]

Ryan Bloomer - Bully Hiss (Phage Tapes)
I think it is fair to say that Bloomer is a noise wall savant.  This tape has some meat to it that so many other crackle and burst tapes lack.  It moves with mighty intensity.  Another one of those "$5 classics" that should not be too hard to find. 

The Flea Circus - A Touch of Grey (Usagi)
Creeptastic flow going on throughout all of this.  I knew Skinner was involved with this, but never bothered to checked the other personnel involved.  I am curious how a trio of him, Christian Mirande and S. English came together.  More curious to know what Skinner contributed to this as well, as this type of sound is usually not what I associate with him.

[DBL]

A couple of tour split tapes that I managed to trade for at Steel Rääseikkö Around Oulu IV in July 2025.

Inhóspito / Hingst - Gör Uppsala Osäkert
Cassette, Hingst Kassetter, 2025

This one features soundboard recordings from December 2024 from both of the Swedish projects. I'd guess it lasts for about 10 minutes per project, so I assume both participate with a more or less full gig recording.

The first thing that grabs my ear on the Inhóspito-side is that this tape is dubbed LOUD. It's a wrestling match between harsh rumbling noise and piercing feedback, with the two muting each other in an unpredictable rhythm. It's very much a genre offering, but for a fairly short recording with a strong sound, the only thing it can really be criticized for is lack of personality.

Hingst starts off with some short samples that might've made more sense in the live context. The noise itself is crammed so full of sheer raw and loud power that the main mass of rumbling harsh noise keeps crackling under its own weight, making it sound broken. The crackling rumble is paired with a lower-pitch drone that sounds almost percussive, as if something was relentlessly trying to punch its way out from under it but doesn't succeed. It's not the most punishing thing I've heard from Hingst, but still pretty good!

Moozzhead / Hingst - Double Feature Of Magnificent Harsh Noise
Cassette, Hingst Kassetter, 2025

This tape's artwork is styled like an XXX VHS featuring very male and very female photos, and its cover states that the tape offers "magnificent harsh noise". Let's see if this description is valid.

The tape lasts for about 14 minutes per project. First comes Finland's Moozzhead, and yes, this tape is also dubbed LOUD. So, Moozzhead sounds rawer and less nuanced here than on some of his other recent recordings, which is less a criticism and more a neutral statement. It's still very far from becoming a shapeless blur. The main mass of pedal noise harshness is ever in motion, and it gets spliced by another layer of sound that's more about electronic yet wet warbles and squeaks. Perhaps the electric signals are a reference to the track's title "Dial-Up Erotica". Either way, it works. It's harsh, deep and heavy, and also a little playful, and doesn't rely on sheer volume or mass to create an effect but has plenty to offer for the keen ear. Harsh noise for positive and vital moods.

I could almost recycle my description of the earlier split when it comes to Hingst: it's rumbling harsh noise that crackles and breaks under its own mass. The sound is more sharply raw this time though, allowing the plentiful screeches of industrial-like metallic distortion to cut through with ease. The track stays focused on the same things for its length, but despite being fairly straight-forward, it's also pretty damn raw and tasty.

[lagrgal]

The New Blockaders - Sceam! Tape (KAS, 1990)

Counterfeit material purporting to be TNB. As with much of the stuff mr. Seki has released, this is just awesome, although at this point I'm a bit biased. Side A starts with metal abuse manipulated on K7, ascending out of almost complete silence and pretty much keeps going with only a couple interruptions in the first half. Nice industrious sound. Side B, on the contrary is not that obvious with source materials. Couple of loops, again tape manipulation, but this side is rather hot, while side A is just warm. Overall a nice tape, although I don't really think it sounds like typical TNB, more similar to The Haters of that era and reminiscent of Odal.

Stinkfinger - Forced Alibi CD (Freak Animal, 2025)

Acquired this at the Iron Shadows last week. The event itself was great and I couldn't have missed this disc. And plainly, just as described by the label, it's got a very 90's american feel to it, while still having moments of contrast, which so many of the HN tapes of the aforementioned era lack. Not too long, captivating, good stuff!

Turun kaupunginorkesteri with Jorma Panula – Suomalaisia Klassisia Suosikkisävelmiä CD (Naxos, 1995)

Grabbed this one in some second-hand store on my last day in Oulu. Was never really familiar with any finnish classics, but this compilation is a very intriguing insight! Considering the amount of discs in that store it was, of course, the visual which caught my eye in contrast with dozens of 2000's pop CDs which fill most of the shelves. Greatly composed, seemingly absent transitions. The only part I didn't really like were couple of pieces written by Mr. Einojuhani Rautavaara. Other than that, gracious.

[SSRI]

Bastard Noise & Bizarre Uproar: Galactic Penitentiary CD

Very good disc and pretty much what you'd expect if you put these two together. Metal sounds and heavier electronics are presumably BU and spacier stuff from BN. If I understood the credits correctly, both have submitted raw sounds to a pro sound engineer who has put the whole together, under the supervision of Wood I'm sure. There are lyrics in both Finnish and English that put the decline of humanity on display. Markkula's vocals are more subdued, but Wood goes hysteric-woman-meets-King-Diamond, especially on the second track. Just brilliant. There are two long tracks and both are very well constructed with seamless flow. There are some bird chirping synth sounds that usually give me rash on the brain, but here they are mixed well enough with other sounds so they don't get annoying. The only thing I would've liked different was the lengthy space trip ending of the second track. It was good as such, but I hoped for an end with a bang. Maybe it was the galactic penitentiary fading away into the void.

Good-looking letterpressed 7" size cardboard covers and a large insert with familiar Bastard Noise style layout.

I'm glad that even in these times of culture wars (whether real or superficial/imagined) Markkula and Wood keep collaborating.

A bit of interpretation still. BU worships downfall of humanity while BN is blatant misanthropy. Both valid approaches of course. Therefore: BU = love and BN = hate.

[Fistfuck Masonanie]

Cyess Afxzs - Was That Always There? (Input Error)

A fairly unique entry into the Cyess Afxzs catalogue. Stuart pushes his sound further into new territories.

For those that remember the WCN interview, Stuart discusses that to do something new with noise, he has a preference to insert musicality or more traditional musical elements. He's done this very successfully in the past, in my opinion, and maybe most notably with recent collabs with Scathing or the Sundial Sessions album among others.

Was That Always There? is another musical noise endeavor in that it utilizes more traditional instrumentation, perhaps more bluntly than on most other releases. Joining Stuart on the album is a drummer. This addition could be perceived as a return to Cyess Afxzs' earlier roots as it initially started out as a duo with a drummer.

The drumming is very much an improvisational drumming approach ala Hijokaidan of the last decade or a jazz fusion drummer even. Not in the abstract Eddie Prevost style ala AMM or similar. Stuart utilizes electronics, but I think I also hear guitar, wind or brass instruments, and piano or keyboard.

The album very much feels like a live "noise band" scenario with electronics and layering of sounds accompanying the drums and vice versa. However, it sounds more composed than just jamming and doesn't sound anything like Borbetomagus or Wasteland Jazz Unit, etc. A couple of spins, and I'm intrigued, but I will admit sometimes the drums are so upfront, they can be a little distracting and a little too upfront in my opinion. Maybe it's because I'm still listening and framing this as a noise release, when it's different than a traditional noise album. I have the same issues with the drumming on some Hijokaidan albums as well.

I'm a big fan of Cyess Afxzs and the unique approach to noise that Stuart takes. I will say that I don't think everyone will like this album, however, I can say it's a unique listen, and I have not heard many albums that sound like this in the noise realm.

I appreciate that Stuart is out there exploring and trying to push the traditions of what we consider noise, and each album is uniquely Cyess Afxzs.

[lagrgal]

Reptilian Sexual Predator - Tangipahoa Parish Live CDr (Vulvania Editions, 2013)

An absolutely astounding work from my favorite P.E. band and the last release of theirs for me to finish the discography. Powerful all the way, although with moments of contrast and falls to silence that quickly get interrupted by a wave of hot synthy avalanche of might. Donald Duck vocals of Mr. Gates and Banshee vocals of Mrs. Gates stay undefeated, a great selection of tracks, samples by which one can memorize the diary of Anne Frank in its entirety, sludgy bass and screeching high sounds that blend in exquisitely, as well as some ambient moments that are showcased best in their Death Camp U.S.A. or Anticommunion�/�Nexus. Definitely a contender for the title of their best release.

Audax Italiano - Vivere Contro CDr (Sin Organisation, 2001)

This appears to be the only release of this project, and while it's pretty close to my expectations this could benefit a lot from some vocals or different mixing. Even just sampling speeches / TV commentary / movies etc would make it much more immersive and atmospheric. Without any of the mentioned it's just two-three synth tracks laid together which is not bad at all, but definitely feels like the album's lacking something. Other than that, well composed and together with the presentation stands out from the "typical" P.E. topics.

Peiste - Live Two Thousand And Nine Tape (Violent Revolution International, 2009)

Love this. Quite versatile, very ethereal, very experimental, but side A's a bit quiet on my copy. Reminiscent of 80's industrial, while still utilizing elements rather uncommon in that era (i.e. acoustic strings, field recordings and very soft ambient pads/drones). Intrigued for more of this project.

[k.p.g]

Alfarmania/Proiekt Hat - Distant Space Confined (Hospital Productions)
A long and winding collaborative effort that exists in a very kraut-centric direction with its synth work.  There is a shining black metal moment that wraps you in on Side B.  Slowly you start to listen to it evaporate into the atmosphere of this dirge.  Think the more recent Kristian Olsson to come out on Hospital is more my speed, but this one still made for an entertaining listen.

Aube/The Haters - Splinter Clear Cut/Joyous Smash (Freak Animal)
Solid showing from both parties here!  This is probably my favorite solo Aube material that I have heard to date.  Tracks slowly building to these pulsating rhythms that knock you over the head just long enough to make you miss 'em when they're pulled away from you.  The Haters portion is pretty self-explanatory; lots of glass being smashed in high definition.  When it's on tape, such a sound feels like it could be happening in your kitchen, super domestic.  On a recording like this though, it's fucking HEAVY.  Feels like you are being smashed with a million vases in the middle of a busy parkway lane.  Wow.

Jeph Jerman - Keep the Drum: Concussion Solos (New Forces, reissue)
It is as percussive (concussive) as the title suggests!  Sounds like he's playing this kit above a mountain.  Maybe he is.  I noticed as the day went on, my listenings went from spacier sounds to this; a record that is as earthy as you can get.  I think it's this drab, cold weather getting to me. 
But back to the actual record itself - I like what Jerman went for here.  I imagine nothing here that is used would resemble a "conventional" drum of sorts, and yet it all sounds like various percussive toys I have see over the years of watching different drummers do their thing.  It's crude, but not overbearing in its harshness.  Excellent material.  File under "domestic noise"

[k.p.g]

Alfarmania/Proiekt Hat - Distant Space Confined (Hospital Productions)
A long and winding collaborative effort that exists in a very kraut-centric direction with its synth work.  There is a shining black metal moment that wraps you in on Side B.  Slowly you start to listen to it evaporate into the atmosphere of this dirge.  Think the more recent Kristian Olsson to come out on Hospital is more my speed, but this one still made for an entertaining listen.

Aube/The Haters - Splinter Clear Cut/Joyous Smash (Freak Animal)
Solid showing from both parties here!  This is probably my favorite solo Aube material that I have heard to date.  Tracks slowly building to these pulsating rhythms that knock you over the head just long enough to make you miss 'em when they're pulled away from you.  The Haters portion is pretty self-explanatory; lots of glass being smashed in high definition.  When it's on tape, such a sound feels like it could be happening in your kitchen, super domestic.  On a recording like this though, it's fucking HEAVY.  Feels like you are being smashed with a million vases in the middle of a busy parkway lane.  Wow.

Jeph Jerman - Keep the Drum (Concussion Solos) (New Forces, reissue)
It is as percussive (concussive) as the title suggests!  Sounds like he's playing this kit above a mountain.  Maybe he is.  I noticed as the day went on, my listenings went from spacier sounds to this; a record that is as earthy as you can get.  I think it's this drab, cold weather getting to me. 
But back to the actual record itself - I like what Jerman went for here.  I imagine nothing here that is used would resemble a "conventional" drum of sorts, and yet it all sounds like various percussive toys I have see over the years of watching different drummers do their thing.  It's crude, but not overbearing in its harshness.  This "small sounds" concept the artist speaks of works out very well here, as miniscule source makes for BIG SOUNDS.  Excellent material.  File under "domestic noise"

[RBN JHN]

RMSS - Engram CD (Freak Animal)

I enjoyed this CD quite a bit. Definitely has some interesting textures and industrial atmosphere. At times sounding a bit dark ambient even. Conjures up feelings of being in a black and white dream where everything feels abandoned and desolate. At least that was the feelings I got from it. The album has a nice subtle quality about it to, that feels very still. I'd recommend this one to those whom appreciate HÖH, but think this could appeal to those perhaps into any kind of noise. Definitely will be checking more out by RMSS!

Thanx for the recommendation! Immediately added it to my order and not regretting it for a moment. Came in today and it's on repeat.

[Cranial Blast]

RMSS - Engram CD (Freak Animal)

I enjoyed this CD quite a bit. Definitely has some interesting textures and industrial atmosphere. At times sounding a bit dark ambient even. Conjures up feelings of being in a black and white dream where everything feels abandoned and desolate. At least that was the feelings I got from it. The album has a nice subtle quality about it to, that feels very still. I'd recommend this one to those whom appreciate HÖH, but think this could appeal to those perhaps into any kind of noise. Definitely will be checking more out by RMSS!

Thanx for the recommendation! Immediately added it to my order and not regretting it for a moment. Came in today and it's on repeat.

No problem at all. I've listened to it a couple times too. Definitely a really great release and will be looking into other RMSS releases as well.

[SSRI]

RMSS - Engram CD (Freak Animal)

I enjoyed this CD quite a bit. Definitely has some interesting textures and industrial atmosphere. At times sounding a bit dark ambient even. Conjures up feelings of being in a black and white dream where everything feels abandoned and desolate. At least that was the feelings I got from it. The album has a nice subtle quality about it to, that feels very still. I'd recommend this one to those whom appreciate HÖH, but think this could appeal to those perhaps into any kind of noise. Definitely will be checking more out by RMSS!

Thanx for the recommendation! Immediately added it to my order and not regretting it for a moment. Came in today and it's on repeat.

No problem at all. I've listened to it a couple times too. Definitely a really great release and will be looking into other RMSS releases as well.

His Lihasmuisti CD on Satatuhatta is equally good I think. The track on the latest Terässinfonia compilation was fun. It felt like a full length CD compressed into five minutes.

[RBN JHN]

Thanks for the tip. Will put it on my next order. Got the new Terassinfonia 8 yesterday but have to play it yet. Looking forward to hear it.

[Fistfuck Masonanie]

Various – The End For Simulation Of Pro-Creation (Institute Of Paraphilia Studies)

Originally released on tape in 2007. Reissued in 2018 on CD. The artwork is one of the most blunt covers, even by IOPS standards.

Four projects represented. Each project get's two tracks. All various angles of the depravity of Mikko Aspa.

Grunt: The tracks are "15 Min Insipration" and "Toilet Fuck." Both are fierce. The notes say that these tracks are feedback + VFX & vocals only. People who like early Grunt and stripped down Power Electronics will love this. Really bare bones, yet emphatic and visceral PE. Excellent material.

Silence of Vacuum: I wasn't familiar with this project at all before listening to this comp. Not PE, at least in tradition. A study of noise textures. If the name is to be taken literally, it actually sounds like a vacuum sucking the air out of a rubber suit. Can it be that simple? Maybe! However, the second track in particular explores the nuances and textures in an interesting way.

Dorchester Library: From the somewhat subtle and gradual shifting tones of Silence of Vacuum, we are thrown into the violent bursts of harsh noise that is Dorchester Library. Fast-paced and ripping. It took me a moment to realize, but there are drums buried under a veil of harsh electronics. Mikko may have taken a Creamface, or other spastic drum session, and added harsh electronics on top! Think Hijokaidan King of Noise with metal or grindcore drums.

Clinic of Torture: We return to a more traditional PE or industrial realm. An immense amount of reverb for metal destruction and samples, and some kind of oscillation or synth abuse. Whatever is being done here feels dirty and unclean.

A really excellent comp of projects. I can't help but think of the K2 Kinky comp reissued on New Forces where every band or project is the same person expressing themselves across multiple avenues. We need more one-person comps. It's really fucking good!