Artoffact Canada レコード& CD

Review: The eighth full-length from Canadian noise-rock indebted industrial hardcore behemoths, KEN Mode, is arguably one of their most visceral offerings to date. Taking influence from the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Einsturzende Neubauten, as well as exuding more sonically familiar inspiration from Botch and Converge; 'Null', is a masterclass in combining the ugliest aspects of disparate forms of aggressive styles to conjure a caustic, audible assault. In the four long years since its predecessor, 'Loved', the world has become a much uglier, unfriendly place, and these malevolent, crushing pieces reflect this with arresting specificity.

Review: It was in 1998 that pioneering Canadian musician levin Key released his solo debut Music For Cats. Artoffact Records reissued it on vinyl back in 2014 and now they do so again but this time on gatefold pink and blue splattered vinyl double album. It's a unique work that blends classical, glitch, and noise-driven pieces, featuring collaborations with artists like Dwayne Goettel, Genesis P.Orridge, Philth, and Mark Spybey. 'Music Fur Cats' showcases Key's songwriting depth, followed by 'Wind On Small Paws' with its electro-industrial sci-fi vibe. 'Meteorite' offers glitchy beats. Familiar tracks like 'Bird', 'Blotter', and 'Greenhouse Gasses' provide accessible listening, albeit experimental. 'Music For Cats' is gritty and against the grain, yet melodic. While not mainstream, it's an intriguing, well-crafted release, appealing to experimental electronic enthusiasts and completists alike.

Review: Los Angeles based industrial, EBM and synth producer Kontravoid is garnering a strong following due to his talented blend of darker electronics and the Toronto-based electronic label Artoffact Records is the perfect imprint to pick up the burgeoning artist. Detachment is the third full length album from Kontravoid, with the first view of it coming in the form of 'For What It Is', a powerful, anthemic and driving track featuring cues from techno and industrial equally, Kontravoid makes tracks that supersede any subgenres being more compared to groundbreaking 80s acts like Nitzer Ebb or Neon Judgement.

Review: As a core member of industrial titans Ministry, Paul Barker earned his stripes in the crossover between hard rock and electronics. More than most, his work with Al Jourgensen brought out the fiercest potential from crossing these swords in a process akin to alchemy, which is precisely what informs his solo project Lead Into Gold. It's been five years since the last album, and now Barker returns with an inspired new demonstration of his nerve-shredding skill as a producer and songwriter. There's no way to separate this from the legacy of Ministry's best work and it goes to show how vital Barker was to that band's sound, but here he's free to indulge his own creative vision. If you love golden era Ministry, you're going to be more than satisfied with this knockout record from a true legend of industrial music.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


As a core member of industrial titans Ministry, Paul Barker earned his stripes in the crossover between hard rock and electronics. More than most, his work with Al Jourgensen brought out the fiercest potential from crossing these swords in a process akin to alchemy, which is precisely what informs his solo project Lead Into Gold. It's been five years since the last album, and now Barker returns with an inspired new demonstration of his nerve-shredding skill as a producer and songwriter. There's no way to separate this from the legacy of Ministry's best work and it goes to show how vital Barker was to that band's sound, but here he's free to indulge his own creative vision. If you love golden era Ministry, you're going to be more than satisfied with this knockout record from a true legend of industrial music.