Streicher – Global Gas Chamber / Totenrune – Bellum Internecinum 10″ep Unrest Productions 2017
With the original edition of the tape being limited to a mere 100 copies (reviewed here), unsurprisingly it promptly sold out upon release. But given the quality of both project’s contributions and that it heralded the reactivation of the dormant Striecher, Unrest Productions quickly stepped up to ensure the tape did not languish in obscurity. For this new edition the vinyl has been pressed in a slightly less limited edition of 200 hand-numbered copies, and features elements of the original artwork but re-contextualised for the square format of the cover.
Sonically both tracks from Streicher and Totenrune sound fantastic on black wax, which it very much providing a suitable tonal depth and heavy analogue crunch. There is also some small adjustments to the Streicher track, where a slightly different mix is featured and instead of an ending fade out, it abruptly cuts off with a heavy metallic thud (…like a monolithic iron door slamming shut). The Streicher track is also an excellent example of how one’s own perception can colour the interpretation of presented material. By way of example, when first listening to the cassette I took the pig squealing as a sample of a terrified animal being put to death, but rather amusingly I was later informed that it is actually a sample of pigs copulating! (…live and learn as they say).
There is not much more to say other than if the cassette passed you by, do not let the potential to pick up this new version slip through your grasp. Recommended.
noise receptor 