Test Dept sign to Artoffact for catalogue reissues and new album
Test Dept (Photo by David Altweger)
UK industrial pioneers Test Dept have signed with the Canadian label Artoffact Records. The collaboration will see the release of a series of curated box sets documenting the group’s extensive history, as well as a brand new album planned for 2026.
Recent digital listings crediting ℗ 2025 Artoffact Records confirm that catalogue titles are already being handled by the label, including “Disturbance” (2019), “Tactics For Evolution” (1998) and “Legacy (1990–1993)”.
Test Dept 2025 live performances
Ahead of the new releases, Test Dept will perform a series of shows across Europe in the Autumn and Winter of 2025. The performances will feature a fully electronic set, including remixes of early recordings alongside previews of new material.
- 18 October – Wroclaw (PL), Gothic Hall | Industrial Festival XXIV
- 25 October – Zwickau (DE), Club Seilerstrasse | Elektrisch Festival
- 7 December – Barcelona (ES), Ombra Festival
- 20 December – Stockholm (SE), Huis 7
- 21 December – Helsinki (FI), On The Rocks
About Test Dept
Formed in London in 1981, the original core included Paul Jamrozy, Graham Cunnington, Jonathan Toby Burdon, Paul Hines and Angus Farquhar.
From the outset, Test Dept became known for their blend of aggressive percussion, noise, distorted samples and experimental soundscapes, employing scrap metal and industrial detritus as instruments. The band has also always been politically active. In 1984 for instance, they collaborated with the South Wales Striking Miner’s Choir during the UK miners’ strike, raising funds and awareness through live performances.
The band released material on Some Bizzare and later on via Sub Rosa and PIAS/Wax Trax!.
The group later helped form The Ministry of Power, an umbrella for multidisciplinary projects combining music, movement, theatre, film and political activism. Their large-scale productions often took place in disused industrial spaces.
In 2015, Test Dept published “Total State Machine” via PC-Press, a comprehensive book documenting their history and philosophy. The 2019 album “Disturbance” (out via One Little Indian/One Little Independent) was accompanied by a tour. In 2023, they were commissioned by arts organisation A/POLITICAL to create the large-scale work “Furnace” in a French iron foundry in southern France.
Anno 2025 the core of the band consists of the duo Paul Jamrozy and Graham Cunnington.
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