One-man unit Author & Punisher boasts one of the most hardcore setups in the industrial scene, compromised of “machines” consisting of levers, handles, foot peddles and other controllers that Tristan Shone operates with each of his limbs. The machines that Shone has engineered over his years of creating music have made him one of the more unique and standout artists when it comes to electronic and industrial music. At a visual level, the machines and the operation of them align with the heavy and dark synth drones and harrowing synths that hit the ear, in a way that has taken this genre of music purely out of the computer and made it a performative piece. Now Shone returns after a three-year break with his latest album, Krüller, in which the experimentation continues.
There is a lumbering intensity to his latest effort, that for better or for worse can make it a challenge as an album to navigate. Opener “Drone Carrying Dread” has a ballad-esque manner to it, and the track name matches the emotion it invokes. A bizarre anxiety and dread oozes from the track, it’s an opener that is fitting for Krüller and the twists and turns that it embarks on. The abrasive nature that Author & Punisher had carried in previous albums returns across tracks such as “Centurion” and “Misery“. The pounding beats mixed in with melodic synths which create an atmosphere and soundtrack that seem fitting for the end of times.
There are takeaway moments in Krüller which see Shore take the project in new directions. Track “Maiden Star” has a down-beat and almost confessional nature across its near seven minute track time. As Shore laments the line “Two hearts, seek a better start, but I don’t know if I can take it anymore“, it forces the album down an emotional vulnerability that hasn’t been historically present in Author & Punisher tracks. IDM-style track “Blacklist” which features Jason Begin (aka Vytear) takes it to another dimension, with erratic beats and reverb on the vocals making it sound like Krüller has fallen into a different world.
Krüller is a brutal listen, with a run-time of 51 minutes it’s also a long journey through the world that Author & Punisher has crafted. While the sheer weight sonically and length at times can feel like a battle, there are plenty of intricacies to explore on this album with multiple listens. The way Shore has been able to subtly innovate on his sound with features from the lines of Justin Chancellor and Danny Carey is noteworthy too. For those up to the challenge and those looking for something innovative to dive into, Krüller is a record that is worth the exploration.
Krüller is out this Friday, 11th Febuary, via Relapse Records and can be pre-ordered here.
7.5/10