### StrommoussHeld: Connective tissue

#### 18/01/10 || cadenz

StrommoussHeld? Man, that’s a weird band name. Well, so is the music so no harm done, I guess. StrommoussHeld is a Polish constellation that has been around for about a decade, and released a full-length album called “Behind the curtain” in 2003. After an EP release the following year a lengthy break followed, and now the S-dawgs are back. This self-released single (16 minutes and change) is available for free downloading on their website, with CD layout etc, and a second full-length is coming in 2010. So now you know when they’ve done what. Oh, that’s right, you want to know what what sounds like! Well, let’s dig in, shall we.

Three tracks this single holds, of which the last one is a Laibach cover. These songs are filled to the brim with samplings, synth pads, down-tuned guitar riffs, digital drumming, vocals ranging from faint almost whispered groaning through semi-clean bellowing to out-right growling, weird effects, tasteful bass lines and more synths, samplings and other programmed sounds. The production is very professional, punchy and precise, which is of course instrumental when so much electronics are being used.

The atmosphere is of the dark, trippy but groovy kind. There are many moody synth/sampling breaks thrown in that contrast nicely against the electronic beats and aggressive metallic outbursts. Often one feels like floating around in a whirlpool of soft smoke, eyes closed, when a beat enters the picture and you find a rhythm to nod, stomp or wave to. You feel the intensity building and open your eyes and mouth in a silent scream to the satisfactory outbreak of energy that follows.

I’m trying to avoid comparing StrommoussHeld to any other bands, as I’m not very big on the industrial/electronic metal scene, but I have to mention Samael. The Suisse Geigerians are more pop-oriented and less gloomy than the band at hand, but they’re the only band I get some of the same vibes out of as S-Held. Actually, when dwelling a second longer upon the subject, I sense that The Project Hate MCMXCIX isn’t that far off, either. Both of these more well-recognized bands have something of the same aura around their music as their more underground Polski cousin, even though all three bands have several distinct dissimilarities.

All in all, “Connective tissue” is a pleasant listen, especially the two original tracks. The Laibach cover is not really my cup of tea, but is tenfold better than the original. I checked it out and renewed my unsubscription of all Laibach shit for the next decade. StrommoussHeld produce very visual, or scenic, music. Would be a good fit as a soundtrack of some sort. I think I’ll check out the new album when it surfaces, even though I’m quite allergic to too much samplings. But then again, when something’s done right…

- Information
- Released: 2009
- Label: Self-released
- Website: www.strommoussheld.net. www.strommoussheld.net
- Band
- Maels Strommö: vocals, guitars, drums, electronics
- Martin el. Tha: bass
- Kvass aka Comankh: vocals
- Norrim: electronics

- Tracklist
- 01. Long Ago Gone
- 02. Connective Tissue
- 03. We Are Time