Anenzephalia — s/t

Anenzephalia is a cult name in the underground industrial scene, but its releases have always been extremely limited and thus hard to get for the regular industrial public. Lucky for them, Death Factory has now released a untitled live album of this band.

Anenzephalia, named after the birth disease whereby foetuses are born without brains, got its "cult" status in the mid-nineties. The group has shares members with Genocide Organ, the figurehead on the Tesco label, which resulted in very obscure releases on that same label. The 7" "Lyse" for instance, is probably best known for its packaging: including a handwritten death-certificate and random medical objects such as scalpel, forceps and razors. Furthermore, the band is known and feared for its shattering live performances and therefore it's no surprise that this newly released album is another recording of a live show.

Another live show, yes, but not the usual kind. This recording from the 26th of September 1996 was quite something special since In Slaughter Natives and Mortiis opened this concert In Borås, Sweden. Both artists didn't have the big reputation back then as they have now. Anenzephalia is also a lot harsher than the two before mentioned artists. Instead of dark ambient Anenzephalia produces heavy industrial / noise with pulsating electronics and rhythms, dark samples and distorted vocals. It is not the kind of noise you would expect nowadays, but somewhat more "soft", if at all possible. B. Moloch's vocals is what stands out most; aggressive screams with a lot of distortion that will smash you in the face!

Peter Andersson from Raison d'Etre (and a lot of other projects) has mastered this recording, which seems like it has been recorded straight from the soundboard. No clapping or cheering from the public is on the CD, but the tracks do flow over in each other. Exactly the same as we've heard on the Blood Axis "Sacrifice In Sweden" album, although quite different musically speaking. The sound is of exceptionally high quality, something we do not hear very often on live recording of industrial music.

This live album is exactly what the fans have been waiting for, since it is not a limited release of Anenzephalia material. The quality is excellent, but since I'm not familiar with any other Anenzephalia releases it's difficult to compare. Nevertheless highly recommended for industrial music lovers.