Tridroid Records is an independent metal label launched
in July, 2012 by
original owner Andrew Rehberger and was one of the earlier labels
responsible for the metal tape resurgence in the US. In 2016, after 4 years and
around 80 releases to their name, the label would change hands and who better
to take over than self confessed Tridroid fan Christine Kelly. Having
been involved in underground metal for about 15 years and with a desire to run
a metal cassette label for years taking over at Tridroid Records seemed like hand
of fate had dealt a winning hand.
Tragically
Andrew would suddenly and tragically pass away, so what better endorsement to his
memory than to continue what he created, indeed under Christine’s tenure the
label is going from strength to strength.
So with recent releases from Heavy Temple,
Un
and the forthcoming album from our own Daniel Jackson via project Void Ritual,
we have invited Christine to talk about
10 labels she digs and one’s you should to watch out for in 2017 and beyond.
Before
the days of Bandcamp, I mostly just looked for label owners who shared my taste
and bought up anything they put out.
It's easier to pick and choose these days, but I still value finding
labels that I can blind-buy from and trust that the release will look and sound
amazing. Here's a few that I'm keeping my eye on this coming year: (click on
the labels name for web links)
Graven Earth came from
nowhere in 2016 and put out 100% quality releases straight outta the gate. Sarcoptes,
Possessor,
and the cassette version of Khemmis – “Hunted”
are just 3 of the things that caught my eye.
I can't wait to see what comes from this label in the New Year, because
if I don't know the material, I know I should.
Full
disclosure: Label owner Joe Beres does a lot of design work for Tridroid,
but that's because I saw his work while I was in Minneapolis and liked his clean style and
taste so much that I pulled him into my camp. Small Doses releases material
more on the drone/industrial/noise side of the spectrum but also represents the
diversity of those genres, with everything from Locrian to Bastard Noise to Whitehorse released
under his aegis. You can be sure that anything coming out of Small Doses looks
amazing, too, because Joe's aesthetic sense and knowledge of packaging ensure
that his output is nothing short of stellar.
If
you're even remotely into electro-synth music, Werkstatt is a label to seek
out. I'm a relative newbie to the new wave of electro, so I value someone who
can sift through the glut and present the best of the best. The excellent art
and design on Werkstatt's
releases is something that inspires me, especially with their high level of
output.
Sylvan
Screams
is the only label I've made it my business to own every single release by. To
me, Mitch King at Sylvan Screams represents everything good
about DIY cassette culture – he's a maniac, he knows his shit, and his releases
consistently introduce me to bands I need to hear. It ain't an easy gig owning
a tape label, and his devotion to it was one of the reasons I got into the biz.
His stuff sells out pretty quick, so make sure you follow him on Facebook if
you don't already.
The
level of quality cassette releases on this label is just unprecedented. In 2016
they put out some of my favorites, including I Shalt Become – “Wanderings”, Krieg – “Blue Miasma”, and Onirik – “Casket
Dream Veneration”. All have great packaging without being over-the-top. As
a label owner, you want to see what other people are doing, and I'm always
paying attention to FS/CofN.
Medusa Crush has been on my
radar for a while. Their releases definitely don't adhere to a genre, and I
know I'll hear something new and different every time. Then, MC
released one of my favorite albums of the year with Lightsabres – “Hibernation”. Now I'm keeping an even
closer eye on 'em, because, while they're not the most prolific label on my
list, there's a lot to be said for quality over quantity.
The
only reason this label isn't #1 on my list is because, if you're anything like
me, you already know Bindrune. I've been blind-buying from Marty
for over 10 years now, and his releases are the pinnacle of musical taste and
design. I hope to still be buying everything he puts out 10 years from now.
This
is another one that's lower on the list because, again, you probably know Caligari.
When it comes to US tape labels that brought the format back to the fore, Caligari
is one of the biggies. If it's a metal release on tape, Caligari has it. Not to mention
that the label name belies a love of Weimar cinema that I very much appreciate.
Grimoire
Records
is another label I'm always watching. Genevieve, Torrid Husk, Myopic,
Barbelith,
and Dendritic
Arbor are just a few of the reasons why. It's also nothing short of
remarkable to me that the owner does all the recording, mixing, and mastering
for all of his own releases. This level of involvement is a rare thing these
days, and I give huge props to his vision.
Broken Limbs can do no
wrong. Wode,
Our Place of
Worship is Silence, Thrawsunblat, Cara Neir, Crowhurst, Sea of Bones, Immortal Bird... I'm gonna be
honest, every single release is a worthy listen. And the artwork? Simply
amazing. Definitely one of my biggest inspirations.
For
more information on Tridroid Records check out the link below
