In the mystical world of ambient dub, Scorn have made themselves the undisputed masters. This is mainly because they have the ability to make a fresh and intriguing sound, which in a genre built on slow tempos and constant... more » repetition is quite a feat. Anamnesis collects 11 unreleased or rare tracks from the band's most innovative period, including three from their 1994 Peel Sessions. "Almost Human" places its extremely deep, hypnotic bass pattern and somewhat scattered drumming underneath a drone of winds and a slow oscillation of brasslike tones. The piece lends itself well to a darkened room. "Beat 2 Version" combines its flowing bass and sparse kit drumbeat with the distant clanging of a prepared piano, all feeding into a general ambiance that is both restful and peaceful. --Michael C. Mahan« less
In the mystical world of ambient dub, Scorn have made themselves the undisputed masters. This is mainly because they have the ability to make a fresh and intriguing sound, which in a genre built on slow tempos and constant repetition is quite a feat. Anamnesis collects 11 unreleased or rare tracks from the band's most innovative period, including three from their 1994 Peel Sessions. "Almost Human" places its extremely deep, hypnotic bass pattern and somewhat scattered drumming underneath a drone of winds and a slow oscillation of brasslike tones. The piece lends itself well to a darkened room. "Beat 2 Version" combines its flowing bass and sparse kit drumbeat with the distant clanging of a prepared piano, all feeding into a general ambiance that is both restful and peaceful. --Michael C. Mahan
CD Reviews
Brilliant!
loteq | Regensburg | 08/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album contains studio outtakes, b-sides and rare remixes, but it would easily qualify as a "best-of-scorn". It gives a good overview for casual fans, but it is also a listening adventure for true fanatics. Purchase immediately!"
Knives replace air
loteq | Regensburg | 06/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The previous reviews have mentioned the contents of this album, so I won't rehash all that here. "Anamnesis" is as claustrophobic and mysterious as any of Scorn's records, but amazingly, it even sharpens the industrial element which is largely subordinate in Scorn's post-"Colossus" stuff and in Mick's various solo projects. The 10-minute opener "Almost human" and the other two tracks from the 'John Peel Session' are the most impressive material on this disc, setting both the emotional and sonic tone of this CD: Brutal and cold, the music is devoid of humanity and warmth. While the percussion loops clatter and the bass lines punch, the atmosphere is filled with a kind of stern super-authoritarian regimentation. Tracks like "Get up", "Wallpaper dub", and "Trap" showcase the combination of crunching basic rhythms, overlaid percussions, and ghostly samples very well. The bass-heavy version of "Geeked" is far superior to that on the album "Logghi Barogghi". "Anamnesis" also features Coil's remix of "Dreamspace", which didn't find its way onto the "Ellipsis" remix album. All in all, it's an uniquely satisfying rarities collection from a very original and innovative band. Scorn's new EP "Imaginaria Award" is already available in Europe, the new album "Greetings from Birmingham" is planned for release later this year."
Most excellent
Nathan D. Hubbard | San Diego, CA United States | 11/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got this CD last week. It is very cool. My co-workers stopped by to say "whoah what is that" or "can you please turn it down". Heh. If you liked any of the other Scorn stuff, you'll like this. Excellent background music for a laid back party as well."
Ambient dub masterpiece...
slug bait | 04/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A collection of rare or unreleased tracks from 1994-1998.
Scorn's sound has truly evolved, from grindcore to ambient dub. Change is good, Scorn is good, this album is terrific. The 1st three tracks are the best, not to mention the remix by Coil. Ambient dub at it's finest. Buy this album, also available via Invisible Record's website at a great price."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1