The scope of the Ancient and Ugandan Methods projects feels significantly broader than much of the music being released under the industrial techno banner, and A Cold Retreat is another single-minded arrow in their quiver.
ancient methods
Ugandan Methods, Sixth Method
March 15, 2012 – 10:01 AM
The second effort from the pairing of Regis and Ancient Methods delivers music that’s as engaging as it is uncompromising, and by no means a simplistic exercise in aggression.
Ancient Methods, Fourth Method
September 14, 2009 – 10:01 PM
Rough, in your face techno has made a resurgence this year with big labels like Ostgut Ton and Sandwell District leading the onslaught. Further in the back but no less vital is Ancient Methods, a duo based in (where else?) Berlin who specialize in techno so rugged it sends the Deuce record running for cover. Much about Ancient Methods defies expectations for imprints with similar aesthetics: Rather than hand-stamped white labels we receive beautiful marbled vinyl emblazoned with the horns of Jericho on their labels. Instead of obligatory 4/4 rhythms, most of the beats feel broken (though not crushed), and the industrial noises Ancient Methods coerce from their machines give the delightfully dark impression something went terribly wrong (yet oh so right).