Husaria Records' First Video Production Project

The summer of 2016 saw an idea hatched by Slashing Death co-founder Robert Gasperowicz (E X P L O Film) and myself (under the auspices of Husaria Records) grow into a serious project with an outcome we never could have predicted--a brand-new video and single by SLASHING DEATH. The first new manifestation of the Polish grind/hardcore/punk legends since their 1992 breakup, “Seek Sense” offers a revealing aural picture of the Polish punk and metal mindset just after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the (then) trio shared stages and ideas with the likes of Samael, Pungent Stench, Sinister, and Vader (who later covered SD’s “No Return” with Robert on guest vocals). 


For years, Rob (a dear friend mostly known for his sonic acrobatics at the SAMO camp) has been a one-man army--a completely self-sufficient artistic powerhouse. With a little help (mostly financial) from myself and Husaria, along with the involvement of artists, actors, and tech people too numerous to credit in a brief announcement, he has single-handedly crafted this small masterpiece--Husaria Records’ first step in the direction of becoming more than just an audio-focused entity.

"SOL NIGER WITHIN" VINYL RELEASE UPDATE:

As most of you already know, quality issues compelled us to reject the first batch of DMM test pressings. While the problems (mostly noise-related) were minor, the pressings in no way met the standards Husaria holds itself to. Hence, we had no choice but to reject them, suggest that the plant check some of its equipment, and request a new set of test pressings. Unfortunately, this delay pushes our release date past the end of July. Toaccommodate this delay (and any others likely to crop up in the manufacturing process), our new release date is SEPTEMBER 30th. Mark your calendars. 

We sincerely apologize for this delay, and thank you for joining us in this grand experiment. No label before us has ever undertaken two variant pressings of the same release, let alone two manufactured on different sides of the world. We’ll gladly take full responsibility for our fuckups AND everybody else’s (including deities and machines) to bring you the sonically superior product we want and you deserve. You have our word that if the finished product arrives before September 30, you’ll get it immediately. 

To make all this up to you, we’ve been quietly preparing another surprise--to be revealed in a few weeks. The project is at its last stages and will be a very nice addition to the upcoming physical release. 

Thank you for understanding. Your patience will be rewarded. And thanks, as always, for the support!

FREDRIK THORDENDAL'S SPECIAL DEFECTS FINAL VINYL SPECIFICATIONS.

“Your project sounds very interesting. Very—very few records have been made as lacquer and DMM—and I can’t think of one that was made available to the public as a choice. This is very provocative idea.”
— mastering engineer SCOTT HULL

We've hinted that the vinyl edition of Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects' Sol Niger Within might harbor one or more surprises. After finally getting approval from Fredrik and mastering engineer Scott Hull, we can now announce them. Husaria will be pressing two variants--500 copies from plates made from lacquer discs cut by Mr. Hull at Masterdisk, and 500 from copper discs cut with Direct Metal Mastering. While both versions come from the same original audio, each will offer listeners enough in the way of nuanced differences to make it unique. To the best of our knowledge, this release marks the first time in history that a label has given people the option of choosing between two pressing techniques. You're welcome.

Just to sweeten the deal (and help drive completists into a spending frenzy), each variant will have slightly different artwork--to the extent that everything except the front and back covers--eight pieces of art counting gatefold and inserts (mostly handpicked by Fredrik himself)--will be switched around in complementary ways. Both versions will also include two essays--one by Scott Hull discussing the technical aspects of the vinyl edition, and one by Octarine Communications West (aka R Joseph Lee/Rod Smith) exploring some of the release's musical and metaphysical aspects. 

The pre-orders will be announced very soon!!!!

 

Full specs:

- catalog number HR33

- edition of 1000--two variants: 500 units "Scott Hull cut" and 500 units "DMM cut”

- 200-220 gram discs pressed on the audiophile quality virgin black vinyl compound

- triple gatefold three-pocket jackets (with blood inner black print) 

- cut at 45 RPM for best fidelity, 

- black poly lined inner sleeves,

- mastering by Scott Hull at Masterdisk--500 copies from lacquers cut by Scott Hull at Masterdisk with high-end matte finish triple-gatefold jackets; 500 copies Direct Metal Mastering cut at GZ Media with gloss finish triple-gatefold jackets

- layouts by Seldon Hunt

- technical essay by Scott Hull

- speculative essay by Octarine Communications West/R Joseph Lee/Rod Smith

 



FREDRIK THORDENDAL'S SPECIAL DEFECTS "SOL NIGER WITHIN" 2x12" LP TO BE RELEASED ON HUSARIA RECORDS.

The unique musical creation of Fredrik Thordendal, Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects is finally set to properly unveil Sol Niger Within, his solo debut through Husaria Records, available for the first time on vinyl. Initially recorded in 1997 by Fredrik, lead guitarist of celebrated progressive metal legends Meshuggah, this long awaited re-release is a collection of outstanding, powerful, and unorthodox musical arrangements.

Throughout the album’s existence, one format has been notoriously absent - vinyl. Husaria Records showcases unparalleled sound quality with every release - and since Sol Niger Within doesn’t exist in high quality, we are able to truly reintroduce Fredrik Thordendal's masterpiece. It’s first time on vinyl, available to an entirely new audience and in a true audiophile format, listeners will be able to fully experience the album as it’s meant to be heard. Challenging and immersive, the vinyl release of "Sol Niger Within" will be a singular, full-frequency aural assault.

Sol Niger Within has been published several times through the years on five different record labels in five different countries. It was originally released on Morgan Ågren's own label, Ultimate Audio Entertainment (UAE). It would go on to see limited edition CDs released through Relapse Records, Nuclear Blast Records, Avalon, Metal Mind Productions, with a cassette version through Morbid Noizz. Each version had been slightly modified from the original masters - some had a different mix and mastering, others had bonus tracks.

Over the years, the album has garnered a significant amount of attention, especially from Meshuggah’s fans, and quickly became an underground classic. Self-produced, many of the instruments were played by Fredrik himself, as well. Drum parts were given to an outstanding percussionist and fellow Swede, Morgan Ågren. Known from his involvement in countless projects, in particular his astonishing and rare approach to composition in his Mats/Morgan Band (Matts Öberg also appears on one of the songs), Ågren provided a superior, enriched sound and audibly intensified the album's multi-dimensionality.

On this record Fredrik has been afforded the freedom to dive deeper into his own songwriting, creating musical arrangements that act as extension of his previous work, while also composing something entirely different. A phenomenon totaling almost 44 minutes, the 29 track album should be considered as a single structure fIlled with mind-bending time signatures; an intense, and intensely interesting listen for the duration of its running time.


Release date will be announced soon.

 

Stay tuned!

 

SEMANTIK PUNK AND CAR BOMB ON TOUR WITH MESHUGGAH

In December of 2014, Semantik Punk, members of the Husaria Records family, will support Meshuggah on the last set of concerts during their 25th Anniversary Tour in Europe.

Semantik Punk has appeared previously with Meshuggah in 2013 in a single show in Warsaw, Poland, but this time they get a chance to represent their very odd rhythm combinations before a greater audience. 

Semantik Punk will introduce the material from the eccentric debut album abcdefghijklmnoprstuwxyz in its entirety. Just read what Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah had to say about Semantik Punk’s music after he heard it for the first time: “Wow! Haven’t heard anything sounding even close to this before! These guys are totally unique! Love the whole album! I don’t know what to say...incredible is probably a good word...”

As a second support, New York's finest audio-explosive specialists - Car Bomb - will be presenting their highly combustive songs. 

Not very often are we able to experience and be a part of shows with three really amazing bands on one bill. These live events are going to be one of not too many chances (at least for now) to see these highly skilled musicians playing together on one stage.

Both bands were invited by Meshuggah's members to open for them in six different countries on these dates:

 

December 15 - Lausanne, Switzerland @ Les Docks

December 16 - Milan, Italy @ Live Club

December 18 - Amsterdam, Holland @ Melkweg Max

December 19 - Paris, France @ Le Cabaret Sauvage

December 20 - London, United Kingdom @ Roundhouse

December 21 - Dortmund, Germany @ FZW

 

The tickets for this one of a kind mini tour can be purchased by clicking on the names of the venues above.

Do not miss any of these historical appearances! It doesn't get better than this.

 

Reserve your tickets now!

 

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN'S SURPRISE SHOW AT THE BACKROOM STUDIOS.

On April 1st 2014, we were extremely lucky to be a part of a very special event that took place locally at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, New Jersey. Only a few chosen guests were able to attend the live performance by The Dillinger Escape Plan - yes, the Dillinger played on April Fools' Day for roughly fifty maniacs squeezed into one recording room. The band played a full set of total classics including one new, outstanding song (according to Ben, it was only the second time the band performed it together). 
This private/secret show wouldn't be possible if not for the good will of Kevin Antreassian - the owner and producer at the Backroom Studios. 

Kevin's friendship with Dillinger goes way back: his awesome band, Knife The Glitter, toured as a support with the DEP years ago; Kevin has also been a guitar tech for Benjamin Weinman on one of the Dillinger's tours. 

This very intimate show took place a few days before DEP's official U.S. tour kicks off and it was a nice warm up for the band and a great pleasure for us to see them going wild right in front of us. From what Greg Puciato was saying, the last time they played in that room was thirteen years ago. Back then, Dillinger was in a totally different place than they are today. But the band still, despite their success, treated the small crowd with the full power of their legendary stage presence. And of course Ben performed his dangerous stunts with his guitar and Greg was a beast as usual.

Ben doing what he does best.

Ben doing what he does best.

It was a really fantastic experience and we feel very special and grateful to Kevin for remembering to invite us.

Thank You, Kevin!