Venetian Snares - Winter In The Belly Of A Snake

It seems that with each record, Mr. Funk hones his craft further and further; into the outer realms of excellence. His third full-length release of 2002 (in north america, anyways) might not bring the noise the way it's older siblings do, but what it lacks in spasticity (it's a word, i looked it up...) it more than makes up for in the fields of coherence and precision. More, and more Funk eschews the intense breaks, to be replaced by eery ambient landscapes (see the superb "Gottrahmen"), filled with minimal industrial noises. On other tracks, strings creep up into the mix, illustrating Funks ever-expanding musical abilities. This record also finds vocals from Funk himself on several of the tracks; revealing to the listener a more personal side than we've ever been exposed to in the past. Ultimately this is Funk's finest release to date, and perhaps the first that i would think of more as an album, than a collection of disparate tracks. This, of course, does not take away from the immediate mind-fuckery of tracks such as "In Quod" and "Suffocate"... this one comes highly recommended

While that is true for those around the world, us folks in North America can buy the record I purchased my copy today November 18th, 2002.

Now on to the review:

Venetian Snares will spend the rest of his career trying to
live up to his seminal Doll Doll Doll. With Winter in the
Belly of a Snake, Mr. Funk may have done it. This is a bit
of a departure - understated at times - but missing none of
the VS attitude. Think of a menage-a-trois with
Shitfuckers, Songs About My Cats and I Care Because You Do
as the principle participants and you're halfway there.

The opening track "Dad" is particularly moving considering
that he singing about his own father - who passed away. But
that's only the beginning - it sets the mood maintained
throughout this release. That mood is in a word,
melancholic. This album just feels sad - if you can dig
that - you'll love it.

This is really everything I look for in album. It has a
cohesive spirit - and sends shivers up the spine.

Next level s**t.