Radical Research Podcast

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Episode 76 – Ulver’s Kristoffer Rygg Outside the Wolf Pack Feb 19, 2022

Show notes

We know and love him as Garm, the frontman in Ulver since that pioneering band’s very beginnings. He has also fronted Norwegian luminaries Arcturus and Borknagar. All this alone would be enough to place him in our hall of infamy, yet he has given so much more. Through a variety of cameos and side projects, Garm, or Kristoffer Rygg, or Trickster G, has stamped his white-hot brand on a variety of other artists, within and outside of Norway. In this episode, we listen to some of his contributions outside of Ulver…and be assured, there will likely be a second part of this episode somewhere down our long and winding road.

Note I: Other artists Rygg has performed guest vocals for: Ava Inferi, Dimmu Borgir, Gehenna, Nidingr, Obsidian Kingdom, V:28, Zyklon.

Note II: We failed to note this during the episode, but The Gathering track featured, “A Life All Mine,” is split into two moments. Hence the odd sounding edit. Note III: Next episode, we nerd out hard on Wobbler. Join us. Note IV: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: Borknagar, “The Winterway” (The Olden Domain, 1997) Borknagar, “Fandens Allheim” (Borknagar, 1996) Virus, “Call of The Tuskers” (The Agent That Shapes the Desert, 2011) Solefald, “Loki Trickster God” (Black for Death: An Icelandic Odyssey Part II, 2006) Fleurety, “Last-Minute Lies” (Department of Apocalyptic Affairs, 2000) The Gathering, “A Life All Mine” (Souvenirs, 2003) Head Control System, “Skin Flick” (Murder Nature, 2006) Head Control System, “It Hurts” (Murder Nature, 2006) Ihsahn, “Homecoming” (The Adversary, 2006) Arcturus, “Alone” (La Masquerade Infernale, 1997) Arcturus, “Raudt Og Svart” (Constellation, 1994)

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Episode 75 – Ansur & Frantic Bleep: Norwegian Voyagers in the Hazy Aughts Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

At the dawn of the 21st century, strange sounds brewed in the Southeastern corner of Norway -- musical paths cobbled together with the tortured echoes of second wave black metal, the ambitious, borderless miscellanea of progressive rock and metal, and the hostile liberalism that is indigenous to Norway’s pioneer enclave. Operating outside the radar of media glare, and attracting scant attention even from the most well-heeled metal travelers, Ansur and Frantic Bleep created a modest but potent body of work that at once suggests both a long view of metal history and a fiercely contemporary spirit. The 75th episode of Radical Research is a tangential, anecdote-laden conversation about the work that Ansur and Frantic Bleep performed, in virtual secrecy, between 2002 and 2008. The time is long past to pay tribute to these unsung pioneers and their contributions to the art that we love.

Note I: Beware: this is an episode of many tangents and sideroads. Note II: 16 years and not a bleep? Don’t hold your breath for a second F.B. album.

Note III: Leixis, where are you?

Note IV: Our admiration of the Ansur Warring Factions album cover failed to note the artist of the piece: Eliran Kantor. Kantor is, of course, known for a lot of other album covers, including those by Sigh, Helloween, Testament, Loudblast, My Dying Bride, Sodom, Atheist, and Incantation, among many more. Note V: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: Ansur, “Through Snowlands” (demo, 2004) Ansur, “Earth Erasure” (Axiom, 2006) Ansur, “Interloper” (Axiom, 2006) Ansur, “An Exercise in Depth of Field” (Warring Factions, 2008) Ansur, “Prime Warring Eschatologist” (Warring Factions, 2008) Ansur, “At His Wit’s End” (Warring Factions, 2008) Frantic Bleep, “Fluctuadmission” (Fluctuadmission demo, 2002) Frantic Bleep, “To Bleep or Not to Bleep?” (Fluctuadmission demo, 2002) Frantic Bleep, “The Expulsion” (The Sense Apparatus, 2005) Frantic Bleep, “…But a Memory” (The Sense Apparatus, 2005) Frantic Bleep, “Nebulous Termini” (The Sense Apparatus, 2005) Frantic Bleep, “Sins of Omission” (The Sense Apparatus, 2005) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Episode 74 – In The Woods… In The Weeds… 1993-2000 Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

In our 39th episode, we explored the family tree of Kristiansand, Norway collective In the Woods... Here, in our 74th episode, we go straight to the source to explore and exalt the work of In the Woods…, proper, between 1993 and 2000. Over the span of three full-length albums and a series of 7" singles, In the Woods... set about documenting the bucolic wonders of its homeland, charting astral voyages, and plotting out brave, new psychic territories. We, again, travel northward in search of mystery and revelation and find both illuminated by the psychedelic musings of Kristiansand's bravest cartographers. Come, meet us on the floor between our room and the comets…

Note I: In The Woods family tree episode link: https://www.radicalresearch.org/episode-39-in-the-woods-family-tree/ Note II: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: “Tell de Døde” (Isle of Men demo, 1993) “Creations of an Ancient Shape” (Isle of Men demo, 1993) “Yearning the Seeds of a New Dimension” (Heart of the Ages, 1995) “In the Woods” (Heart of the Ages, 1995) “Wotan’s Return” (Heart of the Ages, 1995) “299 796 km/s” (Omnio, 1997) “Weeping Willow” (Omnio, 1997) “Omnio? – Bardo” (Omnio, 1997) “Closing In” (Strange in Stereo, 1999) “Vanish in the Absence of Virtue” (Strange in Stereo, 1999) “Generally More Worried Than Married” (Strange in Stereo, 1999) “Titan Transcendence” (Strange in Stereo, 1999) “Soundtrax for Cycoz – 1st Ed.” (April 1999 recording) “Epitaph” (Epitaph 7”, 2000) “Karmakosmik” (Epitaph 7”, 2000) “And All This (Child of Universal Tongue)” (1996 version)

Episode 73 – Bad-Ass Fusion Decapitations, Part 2 Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

12 ripping snippets from 11 fusion ragers spanning 1972 to 1982. We did the first one in 2018, episode 5, and it was high time we returned to the madness! We herewith present a variety of displays from various American, Danish, German, Japanese and Spanish artists. Rip it apart!!!

Note I: Here’s the first installment of this occasional series: https://www.radicalresearch.org/episode-5-ten-bad-ass-fusion-decapitations-mahavishnu-orchestra-return-to-forever-colosseum-area/

Note II:

Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books:

https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: Mingo Lewis, “Frankincense“ (Flight Never Ending, 1976) The New Tony Williams Lifetime, “Fred” (Believe It, 1975) Secret Oyster, “Astarte” (Vidunderlige Kaelling, 1975) Jean-Luc Ponty, “Egocentric Molecules” (Cosmic Messenger, 1978) Chick Corea, “Nite Sprite” (The Leprechaun, 1976) Kraan, “Borgward” (Tournee, 1980) Billy Cobham, “Taurian Matador” (Spectrum, 1973) Kenso, “Harukanaru Chi E (Toward the Land Beyond)” (II, 1982) Iceberg, “Andalusia, Andalusia” (Sentiments, 1977) Miles Davis, “One and One” (On the Corner, 1972) Frank Zappa, “Eat That Question” (The Grand Wazoo, 1972) Mingo Lewis, “Heartsong“ (Flight Never Ending, 1976)

Episode 72 – Master’s Hammer: Dreaming Bulldogs & Shy Geckos Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Formed in the Czech Republic in 1987, Master’s Hammer summoned a singular, constantly mutating approach to black metal over two distinct lifetimes (1987-1995, 2009-2020). The band’s debut album, Ritual (1991), is described by Darkthrone’s Fenriz as “the first Norwegian black metal album, because it sounded incredibly Norwegian to many of us.” We celebrate the entire discography and, with this episode, scattershot a few of our favorite moments from their compelling discography.

Note I: Hunter has appeared on a couple podcasts lately, we invite you to check these out: CaliDeath Podcast https://soundcloud.com/calideathpodcast/ep-53-hunter-ginn-canvas-solaris-radical-research-podcast I Hate Music https://hatepod.podbean.com/e/episode-57-hunter-ginn-and-gael-pirlot-canvas-solaris-plague-psalm-gorging-shade/

Note II: Jeff misspoke regarding Franta Storm. He is a typographer, not a typesetter. Who's a typesetter these days?! Note III: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: “Pád Modly” (Ritual, 1991) “Shy Gecko” (Formulae, 2016) “Ach, Synku, Sunku” (Slagry, 1995) “Duše Nesmrtelných” (Finished, 1988 demo) “Černá Svatozář” (Ritual, 1991) “I Don’t Want, Sirs to Pester” (Jilemnicky Okultista, 1992) “Indianska Pisen Hruzy” (Slagry, 1995) “Bodhi” (Mantras, 2009) “Zapálili Jsme Onen Svět” (Ritual, 1991) “Aya” (Formulae, 2016) “Dreaming Bulldog (Intermezzo)” (Vracejte Konve Na Místo, 2012) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Episode 71 – Paul Chain’s Illogical Slow Evolution Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

Paul Chain’s Illogical Slow Evolution

Radical Research interrogates, with few exceptions, the work of artists who operate in the darkest, most cryptic corners of the rock and metal multiverse. The music of Italy's Paul Chain, however, puts to test the inquiry even of the most rigorous and probing minds. For our 71st episode, we engage in a mystery jukebox journey through the vast and often-treacherous topographies of the Paul Chain landscape, and find ourselves reveling in the magic of familiar sounds and speechless in the awe of unidentifiable surprises. Through halls of mirrors and vortices of molten and spectral sounds alike, here we flirt with life and death as it takes on the music and philosophy of Italy's darkest magus.

Note I: Other Paul Chain recordings that we didn’t even mention this episode, which we highly recommend: Opera 4th (1987), Ash (EP, 1988), Mirror (compilation spanning 1985-1996, released 1997)

Note II: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: “Roses of Winter” (Alkahest, 1995) “Whited Sepulchres” (Whited Sepulchres, 1991) “Solitude Man” (Park of Reason, 2002) “Sand Glass” (Alkahest, 1995) “Ways of Changes” (Park of Reason, 2002) “Ascension of Any Pound” (Park of Reason, 2002) “Lake Without Water” (Alkahest, 1995) “Traffic” (Whited Sepulchres, 1991) “War” (In the Darkness, 1986) “In the Darkness” (In the Darkness, 1986) “Ancient Caravan” (Life and Death, 1989) “17 Day” (Detaching from Satan, 1984) “Logical Slow Evolution (L) / …In Time (R)” (Park of Reason, 2002) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Episode 70 – Solefald 1996-2015: A Red Episode With Black Edges Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

Extant since the mid 1990s, Solefald may have been the first Norwegian black metal band to entirely bypass the necro stages of development and arrive fully formed as a "post"/"avant" type mischief-maker on their debut album, The Linear Scaffold (1997). We have watched and listened from our perches as Cornelius Jakhelln and Lazare Nedland have evolved, escalated, provoked and pontificated through myriad stylistic vistas. ALL of it is highly recommend by Radical Research and celebrated on this, our 70th episode. Note I: In March 2020, we posted Hunter’s essay on Solefald’s Neonism. It’s always available for your perusal here: https://www.radicalresearch.org/solefalds-neonism/ Note II: All drums on Solefald’s recordings are played by keyboardist/vocalist Lazare, except eighth album, World Metal, on which drums are performed by Baard Kolstad of Leprous.

Note III: Other bands the Solefald duo have been a part of: [Cornelius] Sturmgeist, G.U.T. / [Lazare] Borknagar, Age of Silence, White Void, Carpathian Forest, Asmegin

Note IV: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: “Sivilisasjonen Slør / Ravnens Fall” (Jernlov, 1996 demo) “Philosophical Revolt” (The Linear Scaffold, 1997) “Speed Increased to Scaffold” (Neonism, 1999) “CK II Chanel No. 6” (Neonism, 1999) “Charge of Total Affect” (Pills Against the Ageless Ills, 2001) “Nutrisco Et Extinguo” (In Harmonia Universali, 2003) “Dionysify This Night of Spring” (In Harmonia Universali, 2003) “Sun I Call” (Red for Fire – An Icelandic Odyssey Part I, 2005) “Survival of the Outlaw” (Red for Fire – An Icelandic Odyssey Part I, 2005) “Necrodyssey” (Black for Death – An Icelandic Odyssey Part II, 2006) “Tittentattenteksti” (Norrøn Livskunst, 2010) “2011, or a Knight of the Fail” (World Metal – Kosmopolis Sud, 2015) Episode 71 preview: Paul Chain, “Resurrection in Christ“ (Opera 4th, 1987)

Episode 69 — Minds No Longer Present: Eucharist’s Mirrorworlds Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

Often overlooked relative to Gothenburg luminaries such as At the Gates, In Flames, and Dark Tranquility, Eucharist, whose entire legacy hinges upon two full-length albums and a clutch of compilation tracks, recorded some of the most vibrant, imaginative melodic death metal of the era. It’s that second album that we zoom in on with episode 69 of Radical Research, those luxurious curves of the band's swansong, Mirrorworlds. Join us as we venture into the cosmic sphere and greet immortality. Note I: Contributed by Radical Research listener Chris Warunki, you can read a Eucharist interview from 2016 right here: https://www.radicalresearch.org/eucharist-interview-circa-march-2016/

Music cited, in order of appearance: “Wounded and Alone” (W.A.R. Compilation, 1995) “The Predictable End” (W.A.R. Compilation, 1995) “Mirrorworld” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “Dissolving” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “With the Sun” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “The Eucharist” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “Demons” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “Fallen” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “In Nakedness” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) “Bloodred Stars” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) Episode 70 preview: Solefald, “Mont Blanc Providence Crow” (In Harmonia Universali, 2003)

Episode 68 – The 6/8 Time Signature in Heavy Metal: Marching into Fire Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

The occasion of Radical Research's 68th installment could have been marked in one way only – with a full-force exaltation of music's deadliest, most head-snapping time signature, 6/8! On this episode, we survey a vast range of metal subgenres to demonstrate the ways in which artists as disparate as Realm, Order From Chaos, and Solefald have deployed 6/8 to maximum effect. Keep the ibuprofen and Ben Gay within reach. After 24 clips of the most lethal metal, you're going to need some relief! 24 in 6/8! Note I: Camel are the first rock band, in our awareness, to literally refer to the 6/8 time signature in song, with “Six Ate” from 1973’s Camel debut. There are probably earlier examples, but they aren’t Camel so fuck them. Note II: We disagree on a few items in this episode (Canvas Solaris’s best album; best Dark Tranquillity album; Sinister in general). Stop the presses.

Note III: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: Iron Maiden, “The Duellists” (Powerslave, 1984) Manowar, “Blood of My Enemies” (Hail to England, 1984) Slayer, “Post Mortem” (Reign in Blood, 1986) Holy Terror, “Damned by Judges” (Mind Wars, 1988) Sadus, “Hands of Fate” (Illusions, 1988) Blasphemy, “Darkness Prevails” (Fallen Angel of Doom, 1990) Nocturnus, “Neolithic” (The Key, 1990) Realm, “La Flamme’s Theory” (Suiciety, 1990) Order From Chaos, “Power Elite” (Stillbirth Machine, 1992) Sinister, “Cross the Styx” (Cross the Styx, 1992) Loudblast, “My Last Journey” (Sublime Dementia, 1993) Mercyless, “Travel Through a Strange Emotion” (Coloured Funeral, 1993) Morbid Angel, “Lion’s Den” (Covenant, 1993) Necrophobic, “Awakening” (The Nocturnal Silence, 1993) Dark Tranquillity, “Away, Delight, Away” (Of Chaos and Eternal Night, 1995) Dissection, “Retribution – Storm of the Light’s Bane” (Storm of the Light’s Bane, 1995) Eucharist, “With the Sun” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) Borknagar, “Colossus” (Quintessence, 2000) Nocturnal Rites, “The Devil’s Child” (Afterlife, 2000) Primordial, “Gods to the Godless” (Spirit the Earth Aflame, 2000) Emperor, “Empty” (Prometheus – The Discipline of Fire & Demise, 2001) Lost Horizon, “Heart of Storm” (Awakening the World, 2001) Solefald, “Hyperhuman” (Pills Against the Ageless Ills, 2001) Immortal, “In My Kingdom Cold” (Sons of Northern Darkness, 2002) [outro] Manowar, “Bridge of Death” (Hail to England, 1984) Joey DeMaio around the twisted bend on the pitch-spattered bridge, playing bass guitar. Episode 69 preview: Eucharist, “Dissolving” (Mirrorworlds, 1997) ---

Episode 67 – Prog Macabre: French Dread Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

With this dispatch, we descend into the catacombs to examine France's heritage of musical terror. From the spectral melancholy of Pulsar to the howling conflagrations of Deathspell Omega, this episode provides a tour across four decades of music that commits itself to the most essential - and essentially Gaulic - notions of Grand Guinol and Fin de Siecle. We beckoned the uncanny, the psychically-tortured, the decadent, the unrepentant, and all invitations were accepted. We hope that you, too, will accept our invitation for this journey into the bleakest corners of the French imagination.

Note I: In a rare occurrence, both hosts were in exceedingly good moods for this recording. Forgive our exuberance and multiple tangents.

Note II: French Dread has haunted other episodes of Radical Research:

Artcane featured in episode 3: https://www.radicalresearch.org/episode-3-gnidrolog-supersister-artcane/ Shub-Niggurath featured in episode 23.5: https://www.radicalresearch.org/episode-23-5-mystery-snippets/ Magma featured in episode 28: https://www.radicalresearch.org/episode-28-rock-out-with-your-calc-out-a-math-rock-survey/ Note III: Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast We also have a webstore where you can find shirts, CDs, and books: https://www.radicalresearch.org/shop/

Music cited, in order of appearance: Magma, “Köhntarkösz” (BBC 1974 Londres) Shylock, “La Cinquieme” (Gialorgues, 1977) Pulsar, “Tired Answers” (Halloween, 1977) Pulsar, “Fear of Frost”/”Time” (Halloween, 1977) Arachnoid, “Toutes Ces Images” (Arachnoid, 1979) Dün, “L'épice” (two moments) (Eros, 1981) Art Zoyd, “Mariée à la Nuit” (live in West Berlin, 1986) Shub-Niggurath, “Yog Sothoth” (Les Morts Vont Vite, 1986) Blut Aus Nord, “Our Blessed Frozen Cells” (The Work Which Transforms God, 2003) Deathspell Omega, “A Chore for the Lost” (Fas – Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeturnum, 2007) Amesoeurs, “Gas in Veins” (Amesoeurs, 2009) Ep. 68 preview: Emperor, "Thus Spake the Nightspirit" (Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, 1997)

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