ANCIENT METHODS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Formerly run by both Michael Wollenhaupt and Conrad Protzmann, the Ancient Methods project is now run solo by the former producer, an artist who is clearly intending to keep the sound of the project going strong. This EP, however, launches the new Parsephonic Sirens label, and the sounds are very much grounded in something altogether more surreal. The opening "Remember Me" is a chilly, frost-bitten ambient affair, whereas "Born Of Ashes launches with a mean, fiery techno blow that sounds like the inside of a jet engine. On the flip, "I Am Blazing Sound" rolls out its deafening techno punch with melodies reminiscent of something Middle-Eastern, leaving "Now Come Closer" to offer a more traditional 4/4 stance in the most poignant of German fashions.

Review: There is no messing when it comes to the techno served up by Umwelt's essential Rave Or Die. Over the course of 14 previous EPs the label has dropped rib-rattling, brain boggling bangers aimed squarely at the floor. This time out the boss himself steps up with Ancient Methods with each providing one solo track. This one comes on limited 10" picture disc so is an extra special one to add to the collection Ancient Methods's 'Accept Light' is a harshly textured industrial banger and Umwelt's 'Shades of Security' is just as caustic and hard edged.

Review: This compilation marks a decade of relentless techno energy, celebrating the underground legacy of Lanna Club with four powerhouse producers. This isn't just a compilationiit's a snapshot to a decade of raw, uncompromising sound. Umwelt kicks things off with 'Alchemy', an intense, hard-hitting track where pounding beats merge with traces of trance, electroclash and EBM. It's a high-energy, mind-bending opener that sets the tone for the record's deep journey ahead. Silex92's 'Blades & Pillows' follows with a slower, yet equally heavy approachiits trudging rhythm and sci-fi-infused melodies create an ominous and hypnotic atmosphere. On Side-2, Ancient Methods delivers 'The Clock Hands' Endless Mantra', a percussive, looping techno storm laced with tribal and alien textures. It's the kind of track that transforms a dancefloor into a ritualistic experience. Phase Fatale closes things out with 'Corporate Graft', a showcase of strong production and dystopian energy, where industrial undertones meet body-shaking rhythms. What you get is, four powerful examples of current style in techno.