For its 6th release, Berlin-based Klangkuenstler returns to his Outworld imprint with the Weltschmerz EP – an ode to a world in turmoil, prophesying that there's light at the end of a pitch-black tunnel. For there's a fire of passion burning brightly within the depth of these two monstrous new tracks. Make no mistake, this is brutal, floor-shaking techno, yet, despite the sheer force, Klangkuenstler captures the emotional essence of our Zeitgeist, shape-shifting moods between raging anger, deep-blue melancholia and glimpses of hope. The EP's title-track 'Weltschmerz' kicks off mercilessly at the light-speed-tempo Klangkuenstler has become synonymous with. As a muscular kick thuds below slashing hats and rust-covered atmospherics, a venomous lead snakes through this airtight framework, unfolding into a moment of unadulterated ecstasy. 'Untergang', meanwhile, bursts of pure energy in tired times, thundering violently towards a bittersweet peak of warehouse-sized euphoria. To put it in a nutshell: Klangkuenstler rings in the end and we're going out with a bang. Though cooked-up for carnage, it's Klangkuenslter's intuition for existentialist contrasts that let the Weltschmerz EP transcend its design purpose to grow into something altogether bigger – touching body, mind and soul alike. The outside world may have ground to halt, but Outworld continues to move.

OUTWORLD Hard Techno

Es ist kalt, doch die Welt brennt ich suche halt, der mich auffangt es ergeht, jedem einzeln, von uns gleich, wenn wir allein sind Es ist kalt, doch die Welt brennt Wolken Schwarz, bis Dir auffallt es ergeht, jedem einzeln, so viel leichter, wenn wir zu zweit sind

Serving as the primary source for Klangkuenstler's demonic productions, the Berlin label Outworld is by now a go-to for driving, industrial-strength techno with a penchant for firy hooks and hellishly atmospheric soundscapes. On catalogue number 005, Klangkuenstler orchestrates a dynamic tension between rock-hard underworld grooves and transcendental ascension, as implied by its title 'Himmelreich'. The A1 of the same name pointedly encapsulates this age-old pull between dark and light within the wicked waltz of a punchy power-beat and a sugary, elevating synth lead: imagine the devil knocking on heaven's door. Next up, the gnarly scrap-metal fuzz, insidious pads and trademark poetic spoken-word of 'Alte Zeit' reject relief for something altogether more vicious – yet no less fulfilling. 'Jugend Ohne Gott', the EP's grand closer, also carries a captivating duality in its heart. Here, regal strings add a bittersweet melancholy to the bouncy oomph of its percussion, once again underlining that Klangkuenstler stands for fierce techno and epic emotions, nailing a feeling of frictions evermore present in our world. Let's find catharsis in the Outworld together.

OUTWORLD Hard Techno

OUTWORLD Hard Techno

OUTWORLD Hard Techno

OUTWORLD Hard Techno

Over the course of just three EPs, Klangkuenstler has firmly established his imprint Outworld as a dead serious force to be reckoned with. On 'Armageddon', the label's floor-shaking 4th release, the Berlin artist is out to wreak more havoc by way of three merciless warehouse bangers, all as well-crafted as they are impactful. While a hypnotic acid riff and stout kick lend the opener 'Ihr Werdet Weinen' an almost jovial bounce, it is Klangkuenstler's expert use of an ice-cold spoken word that will no doubt cause a shudder of excitement among the sweat-drenched bodies its destined to move. Next up, the hard EBM slam of 'Ehre Und Gewalt' goes straight for the jugular, pulled along impatiently by eerie, cinematic synths towards its full-throttle climax. Whoever's left standing will only have a split second to catch their breath before 'Armageddon' then rips it away entirely: this ferocious brute of an EP closer couldn't have been titled more aptly as epic trance stabs and razorblade hats slash through the speakers and Klangkuenstler rings in the end of all days.