V/A Forms Of Hands 24 (Digital/CD – Hands)
“Forms Of Hands” is far more than just a simple label compilation. It is, and continues to be, a prominent annual music festival organized by the German Hands label —a true high mass of industrial music. This year’s edition took place in April and, as always, culminated in the release of a new compilation.
The compilation features 14 bands, offering —as usual— a balanced mix of long-standing standard-bearers and emerging or newly signed acts. It includes only projects that released fresh material this spring. What makes this compilation so remarkable is, once again, the fact that all the tracks were created exclusively for it. Be honest —what other label still does that these days? Exclusivity here goes hand in hand with quality, which is hardly surprising when you consider the lineup: Monolith, Orphx, Proyecto Mirage, Sylvgheist Maëlström, Statiqbloom + Blush Response, Mono No Aware, Vullvektor, and Maschinenkrieger KR52, to name a few. Other promising contributors include Siamgda + Marie, Incendie, Templer, Espêctra Negra, Talvekoidik, and let’s not forget Supersimmetria. These artists represent the contemporary Industrial spectrum, often infused with hard Techno elements, while also incorporating Trance, Ritualistic undertones, and, of course, good old Rhythmic+Industrial. Personally, my favorites this year are Monolith, Orphx, Nullvektor, Incendie, but especially Sylvgheist Maëlström.
Hands continues to embody the essence of Industrial music —and that’s exactly why this compilation is more thrilling than ever. (Rating:8½).
Listen to Sylvgheist Maëlström: “Wrinkles”:
About Forms Of Hands
Hands Productions was founded in 1990 by Udo Wiessmann in Fürth, Germany, initially releasing cassettes by his own project Atrum, followed by Winterkälte, before the label relocated operations to the Rhine-Ruhr region. In 2001, Wiessmann and promoter LabelNeun launched the label’s own festival, Forms Of Hands, held annually in Western Germany at former industrial sites, including the historical Förderturm Bönen winding tower since 2012. Each edition is accompanied by a various-artists compilation featuring exclusive, previously unreleased tracks from the label’s active roster. “Forms Of Hands 24” is the year’s edition, following the April festival date.
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