grand mal x. retrospektiv 2010 - 2016. digital album. ant-zen dig047
available at bandcamp: https://ant-zen.bandcamp.com/album/retrospektiv-2010-2016
tracklist: 01. laced pork chops 02. vortex as inverted pyramid 03. stealth minds 04. units 05. tricks of a trade 06. late night call 07. the crossing 08. four chambers 09. a sudden portal 10. il capitano 11. empire of spheres 12. shamanik frequency 13. observing from a quiet mind
release date: 28september2k18
constructed by karl rydby 'units' & 'four chamber': lyrics and voice by kara wulf 'il capitano': lyrics and voice by scott corken
01: very first gmx track, previously unreleased 02 & 03: originally released on stealth minds. tape. black horizons, 2013 04 - 09: originally released on life ep. tape. beläten, 2014 10 & 11: originally released on before life. tape. beläten, 2015 12 & 13: originally released on shamanik frequency. tape. cloister recordings, 2016
only a short period after the release of his well received 'darkness' album, karl rydby and mattias ivarsson a.k.a. grand mal x from sweden open up their archives and present 'retrospektiv 2010 - 2016', a truly fine selection of works which were only available on tape format including the unreleased first track ever produced by this project.
each one of the thirteen tracks on this compilation show grand mal x' ability to transform the electronic spirit of the eighties into the present. vintage-style minimal-electro tunes created with pulsing rhythm box patterns, cracking sequencer lines and disturbing industrial sound treatments head in an old school direction while the clear, transparent production makes this release sound very contemporary. the predominant beats interfere with dark atmospheres carried by extensive male and female vocals, often digitally processed to intensify the disturbing, threatening mood. in the end, this retrospective is completed with two long-lasting pieces of unsettling ambiance with a deep cinematic feel.
at once danceable and gripping, grand mal x' sonic output is suitable for those who enjoy the past while being aware of the present. highly recommended.
discography 09.2k18: retrospektiv 2010 - 2016. digital album. ant-zen dig047. 2018 darkness. cd. ant-zen act365. 2018 kess05. 12". kess kill kess05. 2017 shamanik frequency. tape. cloister recordings crus09. 2016 before life. tape. beläten [35 br]. 2015 back alley road. tape. black horizons bh-102. 2015 life ep. tape. beläten. 2014 stealth minds. tape. black horizons bh-68. 2013
official webpages: www.grandmalx.com www.facebook.com/grand-mal-x-255832711118252