Formed in 1986 and hailing from France, Treponem Pal is an industrial hardcore band named after the virus that causes syphilis. Pretty freaky! Contained in this hand numbered box set (limited to 2000) are remastered versions of Treponem Pal, Aggravation, Live in Europe 1992, and Excess and Overdrive, plus a very cool bonus DVD that provides an opportunity to actually see the band (if it wasn't formatted in Pal) behind the music, through videos and various live performances. Again, I must reiterate that the DVD is formatted in PAL. Sorry, I don't know if this will change or not.
In terms of sound, it could be said that they combine the musicality of Prong and maybe Godflesh, with some hoarse sounding (Tom Warrior like) vocals--barely melodic and consistent heavy guitars. The playing is competent and dynamic with the primary focus being put on the ambience of the compositions and supporting the overall dark and "clangy" vibe of the music. Production standards are good on the three studio discs with the guitars being crunchy, 'solid and firm' sounding drums, and a decent enough amount of bass to give the songs a nice groove at times. Live in Europe contains more of a raging midrange and rawness. While lacking the sonic expanse of the studio efforts, it makes up for it with its pure and honest delivery. The performances (seemingly untouched) are driven by good songs and inspired performances from the band and there is no need to mess with that dynamic. For me, I really enjoyed Excess and Overdrive. There seemed to be a creepier vibe in both the music and vocals and the band really seemed to hit their stride with a feel more "metal-like"(it's the attitude) without always directly characterizing it. Just check out the killer title cut to see what I mean. The songs just really build nicely with an always present amount of tension culminating into an immense drifting feel. Most others probably feel differently because of the increasing electronic element, but I really dig that stuff!! It will be interesting to see what the band comes up with next as they have reformed and are set to release something for 2007. Unfortunately, towards the end of their career they were much more in the vain of the electronica persuasion, sans many of the heavier elements. Time will tell, I guess.
Metal Mind has done an exceptional job because this is a very nicely packaged box, complete with a 32 page booklet to provide additional insight into this underground band. Any fan of the industrial scene would be remised to pass this up. Great release!
Track listing
Disc 1: Treponem Pal
1. Silico
2. The Black Box
3. Embodiement of Frustration
4. The Prettiest Star
5. In-out
6. To Many Humans
7. Low Man
8. Soft Mouth Vagina
Disc 2: Aggravation
1. Rest is War
2. What Does it Mean
3. Love
4. Out With No Flag
5. Fugitive Soul
6. Sweet Coma
7. Tv Matic
8. Radioactivity
9. You Got What You Deserve
Disc 3: Live in Europe 1992
1. Black Box
2. Rest in War
3. Embodiment of Frustration
4. Full Moon
5. Radioactivity
6. In-Out
7. To Many Humans
Disc 4: Excess and Overdrive (* bonus tracks)
1. Out of Reach
2. Pushing You too Far
3. Excess and Overdrive
4. For Progress
5. Crimson Garden
6. Stoned
7. Nowhere Land
8. Blow Me Out
9. Sometimes
10. Full Moon
11. Excess (Trance mix)*
12. Pushing You Too Far (Tribal mix)*
13. Pushing You (Com Trance mix)*
Disc 5: Videos
1. Pushing You Too Far-Video Clip
2. Excess and Overdrive-Video Clip
3. Too Many Humans/Softmouth Vagina
4. Rest is War
5. Fugitive Soul/Embodiment of Frustration
6. What Does it Mean
7. Out of Reach Stoned
8. For Progress
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