On the theme of alchemy and the topics of shame vs. bodily self infliction, IRM makes way for a new start after the inspired “Virgin Mind” double-disc set from 2005. These are new Power Electronics / Industrial recordings with the new member Mikael Oretoft joining on bass. Two long tracks - the first being an intense up-building, deep pulsating number with both spoken and rough vocals, volcanic exaggerated bass noise and doom-laden atmosphere. The second more of an aftermath with its down-spiralling, almost dreamy character of echoing tones, ripping clangs and chilling audio-schmerz. Ltd x 500 copies in a glossy colour sleeve with gross artwork and insert.
Swedish artists Martin Bladh and Erik Jarl, joined by Mikael Oretoft. "Order4" delves into the psyche of the self inflictor - the core of inner regions violently exposed. Comprised of four tracks, each exactly 15 minutes in length, we are thrown into a vortex of feedback, drones, heavy bass, nightmarish piano and irreproachable synthwork. The clinical heaviness of earlier works are now transformed into a pure harsh, static soundwaves. The lyrics here are deeper cuts into personal matters. A man altering between life and death - a calculating and delusional thinker and recluse who has lost his grip of reality, or perhaps found another? The strife for self-control turned into sick dedication, waging war on himself to receive recognition - the end comes nearer. Digipak.
UK 13£
Europe 14£
World 15£
QUANTITY
JARL - 'Fragile Confrontation' CD (Annihilvs)
This Swedish Dark Ambient sound sculptor (who has already shown his mettle as a member of IRM) has also released albums for such noted labels as Malignant Records, Autarkeia and Segerhuva. "Fragile Confrontation" finds Eric Jarl looking back into the sparse, cold isolationist landscapes of "Sealed Void", while instilling an undercurrent of impending violence, like a blade slowly moving toward flesh in tense, scraping frame-by-frame action. Metallic drones and static waves slide against each other as the confrontation between steel and skin comes to a mind-numbing collision. Mastered by Peter Andersson (Raison D'Etre).
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
QUANTITY
JARL - 'Turbulence Colour' 2 x CD (Autarkeia)
"Turbulence Colour" is the tenth album of talented Swedish composer Erik Jarl (IRM), containing two and a half hours of new, never released sound material over two CDs. In terms of music, Erik Jarl remains loyal to his original but dismal style. Very long, hypnotic tracks convey unbearable, depressing and morbid states of human psyche. "Turbulence Colour" is at the same time a journey into the grey matrix of anxiety where the listeners are masterfully taken through the sickly labyrinths of the author’s mind. The latest Erik Jarl’s release is the top class drone psycho-collage. Presented in a stunning debossed 6-panel digipak inserted into an embossed slipcase. Extremely high quality product! Ltd x 500. Lithuanian import.
Vertigo Rebirth is the 14th album from Swedish composer Erik Jarl (IRM) and the third and final part of the Vertigo trilogy. Like the earlier albums, this one generates particularly severe emotions: isolation, intoxication and especially negative, poisonous intuition. The album opens with a track that has a construction uncharacteristic to his previous works. This composition contains quite strange rhythms and is rather dynamic, which generates deceptive elation. But that’s only the first track of the album. The rest fling the audience back to the cold uncompromising space of drone, piercing and crushing all attempts to perceive the phenomenon of Jarl’s impasse. This is one more remarkable album for potential suicides. Ltd x 200 copies in a digipak.
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
QUANTITY
MARTIN BLADH - 'Study For A Theater Of Cruelty' CD (Annihilvs)
This is the much-anticipated solo release by the genius frontman of Swedish industrial legends IRM and Skin Area. Aktionist, provocateur, visionary: Martin Bladh has composed an eerie score for impossible performance art, incorporating sparse, stringed drones and chilling atmospheres similar to Bladh's work with performance artist Bo I. Cavefors. Jewelcase edition. Ltd x 300 copies.
