Sylvgheist Maelstrom’s debut album Lahar is inspired by the 1980 Saint Helen volcanic eruption, a disaster repeated two years later. The project of Julien Sylvgheist aka Sylmalm, Sylvgheist Maelstrom creates lengthy electro-noise constructions from an array of synthesisers and other electronic sources. They list Einsturzende Neubauten as a key influence, but Drexcyia is also evident, at least in the bleakness of the brazenly electronic beats and rhythms.
These elements in opener “Pompeii” appear slowed down and microscopic, grinding and buzzing like industrial machinery. “Katrina” is all in the red, gruff slabs of distortion stomping over an atmospheric synth introduction. “Lisbonne” works around chopping helicopter blades, while “Chicxulub” constructs a kind of fogged up dub, marked by clanging warehouse rhythms and claustrophobic dread reminiscent of Disco Inferno. Drexciya worked by condensing their tracks into 3 minute powerhouse chunks; here the 7+ minute duration of all pieces, and the assembly line grease caked over everything, makes sustained listening difficult.
Joshua Meggitt
