[Ancient Methods]

Rough, in your face techno has made a resurgence this year with big labels like Ostgut Ton and Sandwell District leading the onslaught. Further in the back but no less vital is Ancient Methods, a duo based in (where else?) Berlin who specialize in techno so rugged it sends the Deuce record running for cover. Much about Ancient Methods defies expectations for imprints with similar aesthetics: Rather than hand-stamped white labels we receive beautiful marbled vinyl emblazoned with the horns of Jericho on their labels. Instead of obligatory 4/4 rhythms, most of the beats feel broken (though not crushed), and the industrial noises Ancient Methods coerce from their machines give the delightfully dark impression something went terribly wrong (yet oh so right).

Their “Fourth Method” rumbles down a similar path as the ones paved by the first three records. The A-side’s twisted, metallic call to arms sits shotgun alongside a torrent of pummeling kick drums and stuttered hi-hats, recalling the violent techno of British Murder Boys. B1 pulls back on the throttle to allow frigid, industrial drones enough time to open up, while B2 opts for a 4/4 feeling, wrapping relatively standard techno percussion in sheets of metal-on-metal pandemonium. It’s hard to choose a favorite cut, as all three stray far from the ordinary and achieve something extraordinary. Apart from a killer mix for mnml ssgs, Ancient Methods have proven largely immune to hype, and I don’t expect them to be featured in many DJs’ charts or seen as harbingers of the next dance music trend. But those seeking out fresh and incredibly intense techno will do well to follow Ancient Methods closely, even as they’re ignored by the wider techno community.