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Ophidian – Abandon E.P. (ENZYMEX 31)

Most fans have been waiting for a while, but it sure was worth it. Producer Conrad Hoyer finally released his latest master piece. What to expect when listening to this record? Is it deep, dark, or maybe… Is it made to make us dance? People who think they ‘know’ the work of Ophidian might be able to guess. What to expect depends on your imagination and ability to adapt. You never know what you're going to get when Ophidian opens his box of tricks.

The first track “Abandon” starts relaxing with that cracking noise that old records make when the needle hits the grooves. Slowly a slightly mysterious tune surrounds you like the fog does. Suddenly a crackly, crispy beat kicks in, growing within seconds to an industrial, experimental wall of noises. Not just your ordinary noises, but a set of fine-tuned ticks, basses and atmospherical sounds which are varied with harmonic melodies. And when the female voice tells us: “I’m Abandoned, left alone, imagining things”, we hit the whole essence of this track. Close your eyes and let the music take you on a mind bending 9 minute journey.

Now we’ve heard the first track, could it get any better? Turn the record and get on with “End the Earth”, another ‘kick ass’ track. Again Ophidian chooses to start modest, making it possible to build up to a point where it’s inevitable to hold up the fractured beats and snare drums any longer. Atmospherical synths and low stretched dark sounds are used as a break between eruptions of chaos and frustration expressed by rapid bass lines. The old style of Ophidian is still recognisable within this very clean and sophisticated track.

What can we conclude after listening to these two tracks? Ophidian certainly exceeded himself again and reinvented the sound of Enzyme for all we know. By combining peaceful melodies with energetic rhythms, he creates another symbiosis of sounds. When coming home after a long day of hard work, just put on your headphones and take the time to enter the world of “Intelligent Hardcore”. Otherwise, these tracks are both suited for the dancefloors as well, for those who like to release their energy. The industrial spectrum of hardcore is still evolving. If you like this, than also try the latter tracks / Ep’s of The Outside Agency, The Relic, Meander (Ophidians pseudonym) and Sarin Assault.

Final score: 5 out of 5.

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You can also purchase this release at junodownload.