Empire by Espectra Negra
ESPECTRA NEGRA . Empire . cd/digital . HANDS D322
cd in Hands Paper Pack
A stunning debut for HANDS, a work that immediately positions Berlin-based Verónica Mota - who has been active for over a decade already - as one truly exciting and devoted artists in contemporary industrial and experimental music. ESPECTRA NEGRA is a rare talent, combining a unique ability to create intensely atmospheric, ritualistic noise with a deep political and philosophical voice. This already ambitious release is further enriched by collaborations with prominent figures in the experimental music scene, such as Unruh from Einstürzende Neubauten, Alexei Monroe, Berry M. and Ringo Lukas, whose contributions add significant depth to the album.
Thus, “Empire” is a captivating exploration of sonic intensity and conceptual depth in 11 movements. “Empire” unfolds as an album of distinction, ranging from the slow, atmospheric intensity of “Crossing the Abyss” to the abrasive, chaotic power of “Star Wars”. The record opens with a meditative, timeless mood in “Crossing the Abyss”, gradually shifting into the fragile, erratic rhythms and unnerving spoken words of “Dark Futures in England’s Dreaming”. Tracks like “Empire” build on the unsettling chaos with noisy, unpredictable rhythms, while “Chronotrope” offers a return to a more rhythmically driven, industrial style, pushing boundaries with its raw intensity. Throughout, the album combines haunting minimalism with sharp, piercing noise and rhythms that evoke a sense of discomfort and urgency. From the confrontational noise elements to the subtle, reflective moments, ESPECTRA NEGRA weaves a sonic journey that’s both challenging and immersive. The thematic implications of “Empire“ are just as profound as its sonic exploration. The album delves into the collapse of societal structures, examining the tensions between power, control, and disintegration. Tracks reflect on existential crises and the fragmented nature of modern life, while the interplay of noise and rhythm suggests both the oppressive nature and the chaos that emerges from the breakdown of systems: An album that resonates with a powerful urgency in today’s troubled world.
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HANDS - label for electronic music and art since 1990. HANDS is a pioneering label for contemporary electronic music, presenting artists from all over the world. The covered genres extend beyond the core business of Rhythm'n'Noise into the areas of IDM, Drum & Bass and Breakcore, Minimal Techno, Ambient, Electronica and Sound Art.