Maschinenkrieger KR52 – Stroke Unit (Album – Hands)
Genre/Influences: Rhythmic-Noise.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: The work of Maschinenkrieger KR52 always happened in collaboration with Disraptor. Both projects self-released a few albums before they got signed to Hands. They released four official albums in between 2008 and 2018. Disraptor stopped composing music so “Stroke Unit” is the first real solo-work by Maschinenkrieger KR52.
Content: The sound and influences haven’t really changed; this German sound terrorist remains driven by merciless Rhythmic-Noise patterns mixed with heavy sound manipulations and a few spoken vocals. The last part of the album features a few different cuts, revealing some Trance elements and even a kind of minimal Industrial approach.
+ + + : I can reassure the fans of Maschinenkrieger KR52 vs. Disraptor, the new work remains carried by heavy Rhythmic-Noise beats and sounds. The production is harsh and unpolished, driven by merciless beats and often reaching a true sonic catharsis. But there’s also something to say about the somewhat softer passages; “Ocean” being a cool Industrial piece with cool manipulated noises. “Greed” is another attention grabber for its Trance approach. I also have to mention “Human Virus” revealing an interesting minimal Industrial approach. This work clearly opens new sonic horizons.
– – – : If you’re not into brutal sound outbursts dominated by furious rhythms, Maschinenkrieger KR52 is definitely not for you. I don’t have anything against this sound, but it sometimes becomes a little bit repetitive after a while.
Conclusion: Maschinenkrieger KR52 moves on without Disraptor by holding the same sound formula while injecting a few innovative elements.
Best songs: “Human Virus”, “Greed”, “Ocean”, “Natural Selection”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/MvDHQ
Label: www.handsproductions.com / www.facebook.com/hands.official
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
