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Best known for his forty years working with Einstürzende Neubauten, Alexander Hacke originally released experimental, avant-garde music under the pseudonym Alexander von Borsig. His first two cassettes, 12" EP, and compilation contributions have been compiled by Mauerstadtmusik and released for the whole world to enjoy. What does the early work of the "musical director of [Einstürzende Neubauten]" sound like and how has it sat so long without being re-released?

Comprising of two LPs totalling twenty-three tracks, the works of Alexander von Borsig are of varied approach and quality, but that's to be expected given that many of these early works are home recordings. Very experimental in both style and composition, Borsigwerke shows a young artist looking to obliterate the confines of traditional music and find his own voice. While this may mean that many of the tracks miss the mark with listeners, that is not the reason for their being. This is clearly all about expression and this collection is a fantastic way for Neubauten fans (and experimental and industrial fans in general) to get a look behind the curtain at Alexander Hacke's creative mind. Originally starting his career with a Korg MS-20 and a Roland CR-78, Hacke quickly took advantage of their power and began to create impressive and intriguing material. As his repertoire expanded, so did his opportunities, and with better recording facilities, one can see more of what was intended with his vision. 

Sometimes soft, sometimes harsh, never predictable, Borgiswerke is a very important compilation for industrial and experimental fans. While some of the tracks may not have survived the test of time, their quaintness cannot be used as a detractor, as this was all very influential at the time of release. One can hear the Throbbing Gristle, Thomas Leer, Robert Rental, and Suicide influences throughout, but there is a wonderful uniqueness that shows Hacke's brilliant take on composition. The varied mix of composition and recording make this one relatively tough to sit through in one pass, but it wasn't recorded that way and wasn't the intent. When broken down into smaller pieces, Borgiswerke is an intriguing look at one of industrial's biggest cornerstones. Drop by here for more info