Genre/Influences: Industrial, cinematographic.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Hammerschlag” is a conceptual work recorded live by FM Einheit (ex-Einstürzende Neubauten) and Andread Ammer (author and writer of radio plays). They got some assistance from several extra musicians and vocalists. The concept is based around Soviet revolutionary poet and futurist Aleksej Kapitonovič Gastev who got executed under the orders of Stalin. This concert took place in Perm (Russia) in 2019 and served as the basis for a German-Russian radio play version.

Content: Except the debut- and final song you don’t really get the feeling listening to a live concert. The global atmosphere and used equipment are rapidly reminding the early days of industrial music. The influence of Einstürzende Neubauten is for sure easily noticeable, but this work moves a step further/. You somewhere notice the conceptual approach and radio play format. The charismatic, narrating female vocals by Rica Blunck inject a bewitching effect to the work. This work has been accomplished by industrial noises, percussion and recycled material. Some of the tracks have a ritual touch on top, but other, more electronic passages have something very cinematographic.

+ + + : I’ve been always fascinated by the early industrial music scene from the 80s and this album reminds me of this magic period. Einstürzende Neubauten comes into mind, which I think is unavoidable, but I can also mention Test Department and Raksha Mancham for the engaged approach. Next to the typical industrial elements you’ll also notice great orchestral arrangements by wind instruments injecting a solemn touch to the work. The tracks are meticulously elaborated and diversified. There are multiple cool tracks, but I especially have to mention the debut- and final cut, which are simply outstanding.

– – – : I noticed a few parts, which are maybe too explicitly experimental, but you don’t hear me complaining.

Conclusion: This is an album bringing the true spirit of industrial music back alive. Respect for this great work!

Best songs: “Amoeba”, “Epilogue”, “Cit”, “Order 05”, “Order 08”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.fmeinheit.org / www.facebook.com/FM-EINHEIT-266076520078649

Label: www.coldspring.co.uk / www.facebook.com/coldspringhq

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

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