- OAKE's second 12-inch for Downwards is apparently the second episode of a trilogy, with the third and final EP to be released some time in 2014. The first, Offenbarung, was rich in morbid atmospheres, but there's a gulf in quality between that debut—which was by no means bad, but lacked staying power—and Vollstreckung.
Like Offenbarung, Vollstreckung splices together techno, industrial and EBM, but with better execution. "Toturden Giit Chreteen Dwe" is genuinely chilling, its tissue-thin layers of wordless vocals weighted by a sluggish beat and periodic synth crunch. On "Wekanee Siin Redrech Enjenn," brittle, volatile drums and Coil-esque guitars form an ominous backdrop to two voices that intertwine creepily. The track doesn't go anywhere as such, but OAKE create an effective enough atmosphere for that to be a peripheral concern.
In contrast, "Sehtohree Diin Chromtas Vehns" steadily expands from a dour pulse to rhythmic racket, all ear-splitting synth lines, sculpted feedback and clattering drums. "Wuhleor Niir Peffgeeng Pfudenn" is the standout. Bursts of tape hiss and noise, grinding synths and foreboding drums stalk circles around one another, coming together in the last minute or so in a brutal and beautiful cacophony. Its ghastly atmospheres are undiminished with repeated listens, a promising sign that OAKE's best work is yet to come.
TracklistA1 Sehtohree Diin Chromtas Vehns
A2 Tuturden Giit Chreteen Dwe
B1 Wekanee Siin Redrech Enjenn
B2 Wuhleor Niir Peffgeeng PfudennR