MARC AND THE MAMBAS - 'Three Black Nights Of Little Black Bites'
Ltd 2LP Black / Red Splatter (sold out) | Ltd Red 2LP £28 Adv | Black 2LP £25 Adv - OUT 8th AUG.

 

The complete recordings of the legendary Marc And The Mambas run of three live performances given at The Duke Of York's Theatre in London's West End in 1983. Restored from the original VHS tape recordings made by the late Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson (Throbbing Gristle, Coil), these remain the only recordings that exist of Marc And The Mambas performing live.

Originally released in 2012 on Marc Almond's (Soft Cell) own Strike Force Entertainment label as a CD/DVD set (long sold out), this edition, presented on vinyl for the first time, contains the 17 tracks from the SFE CD release, expanded to include the two bonus DVD-only tracks: 'Près Des Ramparts De Séville' and 'Jacky'. Completely remastered for vinyl by Martin Bowes (The Cage Studios).

A combination of the chanson and torch songs which he still sings today, over piano, strings and woodwind-accompanied compositions. "It's quite a spectacle, especially when Almond hits his sweet spot of sinister lyrics, declared pompously over a droned string arrangement... Early signs of the full-on showtune and classical rearrangements that make up Almond's current albums are evident"(Record Collector).

Presented on heavyweight double vinyl in a deluxe glossy gatefold sleeve featuring the extensive reminiscence by Marc Almond himself from the 2012 release.

Also included is a reproduction of the 16-page programme printed for the three concerts in 1983. The stunning cover painting by Val Denham is exclusive to this release.

• Ltd x 150 copies Red / Black Splatter 2LP (via Cold Spring only! SOLD OUT!)

• Ltd x 350 copies Red 2LP

• Black 2LP

LTD RED / BLACK SPLATTER 2LP	LTD RED 2LP £28	BLACK 2LP £25
SOLD OUT

ANDREW OSTLER - 'The Blind Sublime'
CD £9.50 Adv - OUT 13th MAY

     

Andrew Ostler continues his artistic evolution towards choral beauty, orchestral textures, ambient drones and low woodwind, into the realms of Jóhann Jóhannsson, Arvo Pärt or Stars Of The Lid.

Building on the string arrangements of his previous LP "Dots On A Disk Of Snow", and taking a heavy dose of sax drone from an earlier album still, this record also adds a full choir, taking the music to another level of spiritual intensity.

"This is music of transcendence, and perhaps transformation... A glimpse of something profound: not merely music, but a reflection of the sublime itself - blind, unknowable, and utterly captivating" (Chain D.L.K.).

On the first three compositions the drones are, for the most part, relatively gentle, while chant-like choral arrangements drift and weave around and above them. 'Affirmation' is quietly confident, with a surge of intensity around the midpoint; 'Confession' is perhaps more tentative, the shifting canon of the voices threatened by a distant storm of distorted synth shredding; 'Adoration' restores the straightforward choral beauty, building to an unashamed cadence.

The immense final track 'Meditation' is a quite different affair. Here the drones are more intense slabs, the choir is more demonstrative in its emotion, and the ultimate climax the more devastating for it. The journey is longer, but the rewards are greater for the committed.

Originally released on Andrew Ostler's own Expert Sleepers label on limited edition blue vinyl last year, Cold Spring are very proud to press this gem onto CD for the first time.

• CD in matt-laminate digipak

LITTLE ANNIE - 'When'
CD £11.50 - OUT NOW! | LP Black £20 Adv | LP Green £22 Adv - OUT 16th MAY.

   

This collection features the cream of Little Annie's collaborations with some of the greatest names in the 'alternative' music world: MARC ALMOND (Soft Cell), COIL, SWANS, BONNIE "PRINCE" BILLY, BABY DEE, KID CONGO POWERS (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Gun Club, The Cramps), PAUL WALLFISCH (The Ministry Of Wolves, ex-Swans), and LARSEN.

A common atmosphere brings these tracks together; lamenting torch songs, esoteric electronics, melancholic pianos, avant-garde lounge... a collection for dark, candle-lit corners of smoky cabaret bars and secret speakeasy clubs.

Anne Bandez (known as Little Annie / Annie Anxiety), is a versatile American singer, painter, and performance artist renowned for her extensive collaborations across various music genres since the late 1970s. Her artistic journey has seen her work with a diverse array of avant-garde musicians, contributing significantly to the experimental music scene. Annie's career is a testament to her adaptability and innovative spirit, seamlessly blending music, visual arts, and literature to create a unique and enduring artistic legacy.

Mastered by Martin Siewert (known for his incredible mastering for the likes of Hermann Nitsch, Thurston Moore, Lydia Lunch, Mika Vainio, Keiji Haino, and more).

Cover paintings by Little Annie.

• CD in matt-laminate 6-panel digipak

• Ltd Ed 250 copies on green heavyweight 180g vinyl in a matt-laminate sleeve (via Cold Spring only!)

• Black heavyweight 180g vinyl in a matt-laminate sleeve

LTD GREEN LP £22	BLACK LP £20	CD £11.50

IGGOR CAVALERA / SHANE EMBURY - 'Neon Gods / Own Your Darkness'
CD £11 | LP BLACK SOLD OUT | LP White £24 - IN STOCK AND SHIPPING!

           

Two legendary titans of the extreme metal scene - IGGOR CAVALERA (Cavalera Conspiracy / Petbrick / founding member of Sepultura) and SHANE EMBURY (Napalm Death / Dark Sky Burial) - join forces for this unique split of brooding dark ambient, industrial strength noise, and heavy synth-laden electronics, creating what feels like the lost soundtrack to some dystopian fever dream.

Setting the tone for this double-headed behemoth with creeping, cinematic dark ambience, IGGOR CAVALERA's side-long 'Neon Gods' unfolds into a brutal sonic nightmare. Equal measures of dread and anguish come together with the occasional reprieve of slow, pulsating drones and almost meditative waves of static. The crescendo of harsh industrial noise with heavy Death Industrial vocalisation is nothing short of pummelling.

"Neon Gods is a bit of a sonic trip, with different layers of atmospheric vibrations, from darkness to light. It's an absolute pleasure to do this split release with Shane, I believe we share a lot of similar ideas when it comes to opening our mind to different styles of sounds" (IC).

SHANE EMBURY's 'Own Your Darkness' merges menacing, pitch-black dark ambient and hypnotic bass swells with celestial synth lines that subtly lurk around the peripheries. Rising and falling, ebbing and flowing - until finally the all-encompassing apocalyptic bleakness, the enveloping darkness, closes in around you.

"Iggor and I have been good friends for decades and this is a record very different for us both but amazing! A very interesting track to make, it was my first experiment with the Solar 42. An excellent synth for those eternal drones of despair and was assisted my long time colleague Russ Russell. As I journey ever onward in through my individuation it's imperative that I own my own darkness... hence the title. We all need to strive for balance and to kindle a light in the darkness of being" (SE).

• CD in matt-laminate digipak

• Ltd Ed 300 copies on white heavyweight 180g vinyl in a matt-laminate sleeve (via Cold Spring only!) (LAST COPIES!)

• Black heavyweight 180g vinyl in a matt-laminate sleeve (SOLD OUT).

LTD WHITE LP £24	BLACK LP	CD £11
	SOLD OUT

MARTYN WARE (HEAVEN 17) & CHARLES STOOKE & GABRIEL WARE
CD £11.50 - OUT NOW!

         

An experimental dive into aquatic and industrial rhythms, this is the original soundscape to the highly-successful, immersive installation "It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea" (premiere at The Saatchi Gallery) composed for 3D ambisonic sound by: MARTYN WARE (HEAVEN 17, B.E.F., ex-THE HUMAN LEAGUE), CHARLES STOOKE, and GABRIEL WARE.

Produced by Illustrious (Martyn Ware and Vince Clark of Erasure), with environmental and immersive design by Oscar Blustin and Anna Söderblom, the installation invites visitors into a contemplative space; a quiet, peaceful temple to water, within which the soundscape exists. Listeners enter and explore the space in their own time, letting the sounds wash over them, experiencing the stories and musical motifs as they build and gather then subside like the tide.

Taking a cue both from UNESCO's Ocean Literacy initiative and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water - "It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea" offers visitors an opportunity to consider their relationship with water, and to step back out into the world with an altered perspective on its value and cultural significance. The soundscape is a looping experience, divided into two parts:

Part One - A Call To Water: This section explores our human relationship with anthropomorphised Water - throughout the history of our species and all across the globe, humankind has petitioned the deities of the sky and the sea for the benediction of rain and for deliverance from natural disasters.

Part Two - The Water Circle: Water is crucial for all life on earth to exist and thrive. In this part, we witness the storm's deluge on the land, water cascading in streams, then rivers and finally to the sea. The beauty and mystery of the oceans culminates in the process of evaporation and the creation of clouds, which continue the eternal cycle of water.

• CD in matt-laminate digipak.

DIRK SERRIES - 'Zonal Disturbances II' CD (Zoharum) - £11.50

Dirk Serries (Fear Falls Burning, Vidna Obmana) explores sonic terrains on electric guitar with a motherboard of analogue pedals. The 4 lengthy tracks (ranging from 14-22 mins) on "Zonal Disturbances II" give signs of a new signature style of ambience Dirk is constructing - organic, brooding and eerie. The album still showcases the artist's fondness for minimalism and slow repetitive clusters of sound while tying connections with his roots in industrial and experimental music. Foremost he continues, after four decades in the scene, to display his artistry in creating provocative, unique and genre-bending ambient music. Dirk Serries is a musical force to reckon with and to be finally rewarded for his wilful and unique voice in an ever increasing superficial music industry. "This is an amazing, semi-ambient excursion from Mr. Serries. At once caustic and experimental, Dirk deviates into a sonic world of sublimely drone-scaped melancholy contained within an ambient substructure that resonates not so subtle undertones of deliberate aural chaos. The sounds that Serries pries from his guitar are astounding" (Ambient Landscape). Ltd x 300 copies in a 6-panel ecopak.

THE HOLY FAMILY - 'Live Burning Burning Live' CD (Zoharum) - £11.50

A great live recording of British Occult-Psych-Rock act The Holy Family's performance at Roadburn Festival, 2022. Eight atmospheric tracks (50 mins) in the vein of occult rock with influences of stoner and psychedelia from the 70's, but characterised by their own unique sound. For those who are unfamiliar with The Holy Family, they are a collective of five musicians who conjure a sound that exhibits an affinity with great experimental totems down the ages, in a manner that is avowedly forward-facing and stamped with their own unique identity. All involved boast a pre-Holy Family CV to turn clued-in heads: founder David J. Smith (Guapo, The Amal Gamal Ensemble, The Stargazer's Assistant), Kavus Torabi (Miranda Sex Garden, The Utopia Strong, ex-Cardiacs), Sam Warren (Guapo), Joe Lazarus (Twin Atlantic), and on this recording Craig Fortnam, of Cardiacs / North Sea Radio Orchestra fame, who was recruited to grace Emmett Elvin’s piano throne in his absence. The studio recordings were rearranged and expanded, weaving the pagan, Kosmiche folk atmosphere with heavier, darker, acid-fried motorik touches. Ltd x 300 copies in a 6-panel digipak.

PHURPA & QUEEN ELEPHANTINE - 'Ita Zor' CD (4iB Records) - £11.50

This inner space journey is a collaboration between PHURPA, renowned Russian ritualists who perform the ancient Bon music of Tibet, and QUEEN ELEPHANTINE, the avant-garde rock group formed in Hong Kong and now based in Philadelphia, USA. Together they weave history with the future into an offering that reflects the present moment, slowly teasing the tension of a dense electric buzzing chaos while seeking anchor and abandon in ancient knowledge. This chant and drone work goes incredibly deep, astronomically far out, and is the sound of death as much as of healing. Phurpa provide the backbone with their transcendent thunderous throat chanting while Queen Elephantine create an otherworldly cloud around them, using gyaling horns, conch shells, gongs, flutes, ceremonial bells and bowls, drums, guitar, and electronics. The artwork features a striking sculpture by Transylvanian skull-carver Victor Seiche; a fitting image for the sound of a dead wisdom tradition adored, adorned, and defiled with sincere devotion. Ltd x 200 copies in a 6-panel digipak.

ALTERNATIVE TV - 'Direct Action (Special Edition)' CD (Fourth Dimension) - £11.50

"Direct Action", Alternative TV's first studio album since "Opposing Forces" (2015), presents six lengthy instrumental tracks (44 mins) - this extended CD version bolstered by a seventh, previously-unreleased track featuring the late Steve Carter - which steadily rip apart all expectations as they shed all allusions to rock music in favour of the kind of sonic mutilations that once helped 1979's classic (and Nurse With Wound list endorsed) "Vibing Up the Senile Man (Part One)" stumble into weird and wonderful shapes. "Direct Action" marries guttural electronics to experimental sounds, and through Mark Perry's long perfected mastery of pulling together disparate strands to create something entirely alchemical and invigorating delivers a unique stamp to the ATV story. With the help of collaborators Dave Morgan, Gareth Matthews, Ruth Tidmarsh and Cos Chapman, abstract patterns of dishevelled sound rub alongside occasional percussion, disembodied plasma guitar strums and an oboe groaning in a murky corner. Everything adds up to a whole that's demanding yet completely rewarding as every listen prises open the dark scab of contemporary malaise to reveal something fresh. Easy listening this isn't. Mastered by Sion Orgon. Reissue of the 2023 LP, featuring an exclusive unreleased bonus track. Ltd x 400 copies in a digipak.

HORNORKESTERET - 'Dans Fra Dalstrøka' LP (Panot) - £23

On the new studio album from Norway's Hornorkesteret, their signature reindeer antler and moose skull instruments are joined by bass and mandolin, with field recordings, langeleik and bone flute. The compositions range from playful dance tunes to thoughtful meditations and powerful riff excursions, in an unrestricted and acoustic tonal landscape. 'Utrøst' is a minor voiced piece about a bewitched island. 'Krekling' (crowberry) is about the joy of finding berries. 'Gangar Grå' is inspired by myths of The Wild Hunt, and 'Sommerbeite' is a declaration of love from a shepherd boy to a mountain maid. On 'Dill Dall Holom', an angry shaman wakes up to protest the destruction of his forest world. "Marvellously unhinged... rather strange and quite wonderful and best described as ideal music for sploshing through snow to whilst making your way to the tavern over the hill" (Monolith Cocktail). Black vinyl with incredible illustrations by Jonas Qvale.

AUTUMN TEARS - 'Guardian Of The Pale' 2 x CD (The Circle Music) - £14.50

Acclaimed Neoclassical act Autumn Tears return with their biggest and most ambitious work to date. Featuring a fully orchestrated, rich classical ensemble and full choir, this new album features their most epic, organic and diverse songs to date. An incredible 70+ musician and vocalist line-up includes composer / pianist / lyricist Ted Tringo, classical / opera duet and composers Caroline Joy Clarke and Darren Clarke (Trovatori), composer, arranger, producer and sound designer Soroush Abedi, vocalist and songwriter Ffion Elisa Williams, singer / songwriter Tamar Singer (Zeresh, Cruel Wonders), vocalist and songwriter Dawn Desireé Smith (ex-Rain Fell Within) and violin/viola/cello duo Severndeo, together with a massive ensemble of musicians and vocalists. Special guests include Francesca Nicoli from Italian Neoclassical band Ataraxia, Agnete Mangnes Kirkevaag from Norwegian progressive metal act Madder Mortem and opera singer Ann-Mari Edvardsen Alexis (ex-The 3rd And The Mortal). Mastered by Peter Bjärgö (Arcana). The double-CD comes in a jewelcase with cover artwork by award winning artist Marcela Bolívar, a 20-page lyric booklet and exclusive CD-only bonus track.

GRIEF - '...And Man Will Become the Hunted' 2 x LP YELLOW / BROWN 'BLOODY SUNSET' (Throne Records) - £32

This is the 4th and last full-length album Grief ever recorded. On the 15th anniversary edition of the very first vinyl pressing released back in 2008 (and sold-out in a matter of weeks), this classic is back in a stunning double-vinyl edition. 50 minutes of cult punishing, misanthropic Sludge Doom. Beautiful monolithic Doom with a nihilistic view on life. Ltd x 125 copies on brown over translucent yellow galaxy effect 180g heavyweight vinyl in a gatefold sleeve. Every copy has unique colour combination.

DAISUKE SUZUKI - 'D.D.D.' CD (Siren Records) - £14.50

A field recording album recorded by Daisuke Suzuki, originally released on LP by IDEA label in 2001 (Ltd x 300). Sometimes field recordings can be appreciated in relation to the conceptual art form, or as an on-site sound study and documentation of a very specific phenomena. However, here Daisuke had was only concerned with gathering lots of intriguing sound matter for his personal listening. "D.D.D." (Duck! Duck! Duck!) was mastered by Gary Todd, who was the founder of the Cortical Foundation. Gary and Daisuke became good friends when Gary visited Japan as Red Crayola live sound engineer in the late 1990s and they developed a mutual trust with each other after that. Sadly in September 2001, Gary fell from his apartment balcony, which left him hospitalised ever since. On June 25, 2022 Gary passed away at the age of 59. Daisuke said "Gary was always generous and had a kind heart. He gave me a lot of friendship and warmth. I've decided to re-issue 'D.D.D.' to keep him in memory and heart". The CD includes an expanded version of 'Cricket Voice' which did not appear on the original LP release. Ltd x 200 copies, presented in a facsimile card sleeve of the original release, newly designed by Andrew Chalk.

IKON - 'Realm Of The Black Sun' CD (Dark Vinyl) - £12

European edition of IKON's 8th studio album - their first in over 10 years - with a title that refers to the most recent solar eclipse. A vinyl edition was released 2024 by Australian label Nile Records (200 copies only), but this CD edition includes 3 extra tracks. 13 songs recorded in 2023-24 in Australia, Belgium, Germany, United States, and the honour of recording a track in the King's Chamber in Cairo, Egypt in early 2023 before sunrise with no one else present. The project was completed in Melbourne, Australia with Chris McCarter (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Dino Molinaro (bass, also of Chiron), and Neil McKay (guitar, also of Autumn). Authentic Gothic-Darkwave, in a haze of mystery and romance... FFO: Joy Division, Death In June, early New Order. Ltd x 500 copies in a 6-panel digisleeve.

TESTING VAULT - 'I Will Climb These Stairs And Set The Moon On Fire' CD (999 Cuts) - £12

The sounds of entropy, broken instruments, defective radio signals, and a heartfelt invocation to light despite the murky waters you are swimming in. After 20 years of experimenting with various sources and materials, Daniele Santagiuliana, the person behind Testing Vault, recorded this album close to a personal circle where his ghosts are captured under the shape of eerie, nocturnal broken collages made of radio waves, drones, string instruments, and melancholic yet oddly uplifting moments. Each radio expresses unique signals in different places, an expressive palette of noises from which to extract light and sound, to create skeletons or entire songs. For fans of - Nurse With Wound, The Hafler Trio, John Duncan, Bruce Gilbert and Robert Turman. Digipak with original art and photos by Santagiuliana. Already sold out from the label!

N (118) & BU.D.D.A. - '13' CD (Sym / Drone Records) - £11.50

After the stunning LP on Auf Abwegen by the German/Swiss drone dreamteam, N. and BU.D.D.A. present a new work, thematically based on the adventurous APOLLO 13 mission (April 1970), when the three astronauts circled around the moon several days... An absorbing, cinematic space drone-drama in five chapters, featuring samples from DEAD VOICES ON AIR; different moods and changes, going deeper and deeper. Bu.d.d.A. (short for "Bund des dritten Auges" = League Of The Third Eye) is the duo of EMERGE and B*TONG, whose sound has been described as "TROUM meets EARTH together with ENO". "N." is the project of Dortmund based guitarist HELLMUT NEIDHARDT, member of Drone Rec. artist MULTER and known for many immersive drone LPs. Ltd x 250 copies in a 6 panel digisleeve.

ABRAXAS TERATOLOGY - 'Ephemeral Rift' Cassette (Ancient Night Productions) - £9

Limited tape from Norway's Abraxas Teratology. "Ephemeral Rift" is 40 minute gritty death industrial incantation in two parts (20+ mins apiece), exploring themes of eschatology, death and gnosticism. Ritualised ambience from the darkest earth. Recorded on a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder somewhere in space and time. Pro-duplicated tape with 6-panel fold out J-card.

ADAM BOHMAN - 'Text Pieces + Compositions For Prepared Strings And Objects' CD (Krim Kram) - £11.50

A new collection of Adam's signature cut-up found text pieces and intricate close-mic'd improvisations with homemade stringed instruments and small objects. Guaranteed to get your mouth watering and head spinning. While the ordinary well-adjusted citizen is liable to whitey within 30 seconds, those of us with stronger constitutions will be unfazed by the regressive babbling state you may find yourself in. Hold fast, you are one joyous step closer to enlightenment. Adam Bohman has been operating on the outer fringes of underground music for decades. Working with home-built instruments, found objects, tape cut-ups, collages, ink drawings and graphic scores. Favouring acoustic sounds over electronics, he explores the minute tendrils of sounds coaxed from any number of non-musical instruments and objects. He is a member of British experimental groups, Morphogenesis, The Bohman Brothers, Secluded Bronte, and The London Improvisers Orchestra. His music is unique and experimental, incorporating Fluxus japery, musique concrete, sound poetry and free improvisation. 6-panel digipak.

CONFLAGRATION CHAMBER - 'The Maldoror Sounds In Three Acts' CD (Dunkelheit Produktionen) - £11.50

From the timeless mists of underground obscurity, the new entity Conflagration Chamber emerges. Pitch-black post-mortem elixir from cold and unholy Russia, featuring members of Ulvdalir, Horthodox and Womb11. Intense old school feeling material - it's definitely Power Electronics in its purest form, but there are distinct traces of Death Industrial sickness to be found in the vitriolic compositions, created with synths, human skulls, bones, rusted nails... Tortured, brutish vocals like a thunderstorm of decadent poetry echo from the dismal industrial labyrinths of imperial factories. A true beast that presents some of the most ambitious and raw recordings of our age; no trend, no compromise, just the sombre eminence of Eastern and post-mortem Power Electronics fanaticism. Ltd x 200 hand-numbered copies in a jewelcase with special Leporello-Booklet.