| Torture Wheel / Uncertainty Principle Split (CD) | 2003 | NULL Records |
The first band to be set loose upon the listener, is the newly founded Torture Wheel, a project of E.M. Hearst (perhaps better known in some circles from noise/ambient solo projects like Margaret Hearst and Wraith of the Ropes). Contrary to what the band name might suggest, Torture Wheel doesn't consist of a dazzling collection of extreme and agonizing sounds; instead it offers a more insidious, subtle point of view on torture and pain. A mysteriously floating 'feel' dominates the three tracks, which seem to dwell in unknown realms, freed from the constraints of time and space. An almost laid back, jazzy atmosphere characterizes those compositions, yet there is always an uncomfortable feel lingering in the background heralding a vague -yet definitely present-foreboding doom. At times reminding of the otherworldliness of Esoteric, at other times of the oppressiveness of Winter, there is definitely a very 'heavy' aspect in the sound of this project, although this heaviness is rather the result of the threatening atmosphere of detachment than anything else, as if the mastermind behind this work tries to distance himself from an impersonal yet omnipresent anxiety.
If Torture Wheel is the more subtle approach to the musical expression of pain and madness, Uncertainty Principle is exactly the opposite. The distorted, painful guitar sound brings tears to the listener's eyes. And sure enough, those are not tears of pleasure. All compositions seem to drown in this characteristic guitar sound, a terribly noisy and macabre expression of fear, humiliation and absolute submission to the unavoidable. Typical for this band -as well as for the other split partner -is the fact that the vocals are mixed carefully in the background, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and threat rather than offering a brutal assault.
The highlight of the three tracks of Uncertainty Principle -actually of the whole album- is the 12-minute long dirge 'Antilight', an absolutely devastating, breathtakingly heavy and painfully monotonous version of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. When you switch off your cd player and the track is still playing in your mind, you know that something special is going on here. The atmosphere of bleak monotony and utter hopelessness simply won’t let you go. Perhaps somewhat overshadowed by the releases of 'bigger' underground acts, this split album is nevertheless a raw diamond, a rare gem that can offer a lot to the connoisseur of the extreme genre. Contact Nulll records at greywinged@yahoo.co.uk today rather than tomorrow, for quality and talent must be supported and encouraged.
Torture Wheel:
1. Broken by the wheel
2. Shadow sect
3. Mary
Uncertainty Principle:
4. All these moments will be lost
5. Antilight
6. Ouroboros
Approx. 67 minutes
| Thee Bridge Of Madness (CD-R) | 2004 | NOTHingness REcords |
Torture Wheel kicks off with the first 30 minutes, and what a half hour it is! The new tracks have a wholly different and more advanced feel to the previous ones. Gone is the underwater atmosphere described by my colleague on this page. Instead, a song like 'Sarah (In The Black Mirror)' has more of a seashore-like sound, to stick with the marine imagery. Musically this means that the sound is less murky, and definately more in-your-face. This is also represented in the instrumentarium. There is a much bigger role for the lead guitar and - here and there - the keyboard melodies. In the meantime,Torture Wheel's trademark sound is still very much present. The subtle shift in approach make this a very good continuation of the previous works and E.M. Hearst proves that he can keep the quality top-notch and the music innovative and interesting. Expect some flowing, captivating, and almost cinematic funeral doom!
The other side of the split is a whole different story. The first sounds of 'Aldebaran' make clear that the last two tracks are raw, grim and vicious. The first track is basically a 10-minute piece of guitar-based 'washing-machine' style noise. A loopy rhythm (no drums, though), loads of feedback, and crushing guitars. A true punishment for the ears (whether that is positive or not depends on the preferences of the listener). 'BenethBelow' is perhaps a more 'traditional' piece. Slow rhythms, slow riffing, grim (or crappy) production and a shitload of vile screams. And 20 minutes of it. You know what I'm talking about. This isn't really innovative as far as I'm concerned, but it is pretty dirty. I've heard a lot of similar sounding music lately though, so I can't say I am very impressed. Nevertheless, if you're a sick bloke who likes Bunkur or Khanate, this is right up your alley.
In any case, whether you like either of the styles or even both, this is a very good and well-priced release. The format is pro-CDR in a slimline DVD case and it looks flawless. So if anything you've read here tickles your fancy, don't hesitate and order this. Money well spent, I'd say.
Torture Wheel:
1. Sarah (In The Black Mirror)
2. Chapel (The Shattered Stained Glass)
3. Blood Mirror (The Crawling Faces)
Moss:
4. Aldebaran
5. BeneathBelow
Approx. 64 minutes
| Crushed Under... (CD) | 2004 | Firedoom Records |
For those who are not yet familiar with the sound of this band (which is a big crime), Torture Wheel can be described as an experimental/doom/industrial entity with a lethargic, mesmerizing drive. Think funeral doom with an aquatic feel. I have a bizarre feeling of being held under water when listening to this band, which I have difficulty explaining. Although their sound is obviously completely different, I can't stop thinking of Massive Attack when listening to this album, because they induce a similar feeling, but in a very different way (now I really screwed up).
Anyway, back to the more 'observable' characteristics of the band. Torture Wheel is the brainchild of Eibon (Wraith of the Ropes) and those who know him and his projects, shouldn't be surprised to hear that Torture Wheel has a completely otherworldly, unconventional sound. An underlying keyboard layer is omnipresent, as well as highly distorted guitars and even more distorted vocals that are mainly used as another instrument, adding bizarre 'sound effects' to the whole. All instruments are wonderfully compressed into one sole entity, creating a totally claustrophobic, suffocating atmosphere.
It was a very good idea of Firedoom records to sign this band, as they have already shown a rare potential for greatness, which is so much missed in these days where the tuning and the amount of distortion of the guitars seem to be the most distinguishing element in the 'extreme' doom scene. Look also out for their excellent self-released split with Moss.
1. Broken by the Wheel
2. Shadow Sect
3. Mary
4. Crushed Under...
Approx. 45 minutes