Ancient Methods ‎– Turn Ice Realities Into Fire Dreams

Surprisingly good back to the basics effort by Michael Wollenhaupt! Gone might be the middle aged dungeon influences, but this four tracker contains all of Ancient Methods' trademark aesthetics: noisy fractured percussion, industrial flavored themes, macabre overtones and some whacked out vocal intricacy on My Ice Baby. From the most industrial tinged opener, to the more puristic techno cut Protection Had To Be Given through to the more hazy and psychedelic 12" closing number, you get your dosage of Ancient Methods uncompromisingly stomping techno fare.

Truth be told, I was slightly worried about where this project would head next, given some of his recent work, and some interviews he has given hinted that he would pursue a different direction, and focus on remixing a lot of non techno music and stuff. All of that is more than fine, the man has earned his respect, and the timing for a change is perhaps perfect, now more than ever. Anyways, given the fact I've been an Ancient Methods fan since day one, and have literary scooped up anything with their name on it, I was (along with plenty others) yearning for that proper banger they can deliver. If you felt like that as well, the treat yourself to this piece of wax. It may not live up to the standards set by the fourth or the fifth installation of the AM saga, but I seriously doubt we'll hear something similar any time soon.

Ancient Methods paved a stubborn path of their own when most were meandering on the dance podiums to microhouse microscopic micromelodies. Their sound might not come across as so radical nowadays, but when those initial marbled pieces of wax hit the shelves in 2007, the WTF? looks were all over the faces of those who cared to listen. With that in mind, this one won't leave you in such utter amazement, but for what's it worth, it's the most resembling release to the old ones you're likely to run into. As such, I cannot recommend it enough.

equal parts industrial and classic techno, this banger is a must own.