Vortex

Originating from Lyon, France Vortex is a band which would have had their deserved success in a fair world. The band came to be officially in April 1975, but its roots lay in the preceding bands in which the members played. One such band was called Testu Band which was mainly a Soft Machine cover band. "1975-1979" collects both of Vortex's self-releases albums: 1975's more improvisation-centric and smaller ensemble Vortex, and the more ambitious, complex and larger group release from 1979, Les Cycles de Thanatos. Nicely remastered, the set features additional bonus material from the time of each recording, making it the definitive document of a group still relevant three decades on.

Coroner's unorthodox approach to thrash metal had been turning heads and opening minds with their every release, and with album number four, 1991's Mental Vortex, the band arguably reached their creative peak. Widely regarded as their greatest achievement, Mental Vortex was the culmination of three increasingly unique and experimental albums which saw the Swiss trio (much like their early mentors, Celtic Frost) quickly moving away from the everyday trappings of thrash metal into unpredictable avant-thrash territory…

Toundra is one of the most talented and underrated post-rock bands out there. They don’t get the praise or attention they deserve. However, they are always able to top themselves and push the envelope and they’ve proven they don’t know how to release bad albums…

ICS Vortex has been one of the world’s most high profile extreme metal personalities since his debut on the international metal scene with Norwegian Avantgarde Black Metallers Borknagar back in 1998 on The Archaic Course album. In addition to handling the clean vocals and bass in Dimmu Borgir for more than a decade, Vortex has been heavily active as a studio musician and has 15 major releases in a large variety of different styles of metal to his credit, as well as a decade of restless worldwide touring experience with different groups. ….

Sonar’s fourth release Vortex reflects the sound of surprise. After three uncompromising quartet albums exploring the edges of minimalist groove, the Swiss group has partnered with renowned guitarist, composer and producer David Torn for its RareNoise debut. The band, comprised of guitarists Stephan Thelen and Bernhard Wagner, bassist Christian Kuntner and drummer Manuel Pasquinelli have long been celebrated for combining the visceral power and dynamics of art rock with a minimalist aesthetic. Their previous album, 2015’s Black Light, attracted significant media and musician attention. Legendary avant-guitarist Henry Kaiser took a particular interest in the group and was determined to pair them up with Torn for their next album.