Disjecta Membra – Achromaticia: Twentieth Anniversary Edition (3CD)

Description

Originally released in 1997, Achromaticia was the debut album from New Zealand’s Disjecta Membra, which cemented the band’s global reputation as the nation’s leaders in the gothic genre. The album’s stature and influence has only grown with time, especially since the group re-emerged from an extended hiatus in 2013 to tour with the likes of Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) and more recently, The Mission. The album is now regularly referred to in terms like “seminal”, “classic”, “essential” and “masterpiece”.

To celebrate the album’s Twentieth Anniversary, the band is reissuing Achromaticia as a 3CD set, featuring a 12-page booklet and packaged in an 8-panel card wallet softpak. Accompanying the original album, two 70+ minute bonus discs featuring demos, live content, studio out-takes and previously unreleased tracks – not to mention yet another album-length download of rarities from the period – document the progression of the group from their earliest garage demos in 1994 through to the Achromaticia New Zealand Tour of 1997.

Bat-Cave Productions first approached Disjecta Membra about reissuing Achromaticia on CD in late 2013, and the band are excited to finally bring this project to bear, partnering with the label for the Twentieth Anniversary Edition’s European and UK Release. International customers (outside Europe and UK) will be able to order directly from the band at www.disjectamembra.bandcamp.com

Reviews:

“…the seminal ‘Achromaticia’ album in 1997 undoubtedly set the tone for the band. You can’t record a track like ‘Cauldron of Cerridwen’ and not attract the tag of ‘goth’. Organs, all-embracing synth, big theatrics, wiry guitar and baritone vocals tend to end up with people forming those kind of conclusions however one might think these labels are of limited value. Reviews that reflect the self-confessed influences of Bauhaus and The Banshees also bolster that assessment. But to my ear Disjecta Membra’s ‘Achromaticia’ already had the potential to take one of many different routes stylistically. It did not fit neatly into any one of the myriad of sub-categories (admittedly multiplied by the industry in more recent years for marketing purposes) and left open the door.”

– Ed Shorrock, Absolution NYC, USA (2016)

“…the album is replete with those theatrical, ethereal, and melancholic moments that define evocative and enrapturing gothic rock. ‘Achromaticia’ is also a timeless example of dramatic and romantic late-90s gothic rock; and elements of death rock, darkwave, and post-punk can be found on the album too. ‘Achromaticia’ is one of those albums often spoken of in hushed whispers (“Yeah, but have you heard…”). And it’s as majestic and moving today as it ever was.”

– C. Haze, Six Noises, New Zealand (2015)

“Living legends in the New Zealand scene”

– Mick Mercer, UK (2014)

“For Twenty Years, Disjecta Membra have built an enduring reputation as New Zealand’s flagship of Gothic Rock”

– Rip It Up, New Zealand (2013)

“Disjecta Membra remain one of the scene’s finest underrated bands… never fail to keep a dancefloor busy, and me having to write down who I just played.”

– Martin Oldgoth, UK (2013)

“The original pressing copies of “Achromaticia” (1997) are coveted by collectors even today. After all, it’s not only the debut full-length CD by Disjecta Membra (which is one of the most respected names in the scene) but also it’s a perfect release to rediscover the Gothic Rock essential sounds, albeit they’re imbued with the New Zealanders’ distinctive personality… “Achromaticia” marked a milestone in the Second Wave, which continues in force yet today… Essential album.”

– Billyphobia, Virus G Webzine, Spain (2013)

“Achromaticia was the debut CD of Disjecta Membra, released in 1997, which decreed them as a leader in the gothic rock genre of New Zealand, their country of origin. Beautiful, a decadent and disarming romanticism are both poetic and sensual at the same time. Their ethereal sound is reminiscent at times of Christian Death, Lacrimosa and in some songs, such as “Third Song”, even those of the early Cure… “Achromaticia” is a true masterpiece of the genre.”

– Ursula Coppolaro, Gothic World Webzine, Italy (2013)

“I bought Disjecta Membra’s ‘Achromaticia’ in the late 90s, and have been a big fan of this iconic Goth Rock band ever since… One of my favourite goth rock albums ever!”

– Michelle Threefold, Shadowplay Radio, Australia (2013)

“I bought the album right away after listening to the highly addictive opening guitar riff of ‘Cauldron Of Cerridwen’, which is undeniably one of the finest tunes Nineties Gothic Rock has to offer. You want New Zealand’s finest? You got ‘em. All hail Disjecta Membra!”

– Thomas Thyssen, Gothic Magazine, Germany (2013)

“Vicious guitars screech like teeth dragging across a wrought iron fence. Unholy organs emit spiralling, ghastly drones. Rhythms rise and fall. Overlooking the proceedings, a dark male voice issues gloomy words.”

– Marc Kate, Listen.com, USA (1999)

“The Southern Hemisphere has in the last few years been producing some great bands, such as Ikon, Subterfuge, Ostia and now you can add Disjecta Membra to the list. Hailing from New Zealand, Achromaticia is their debut CD and one which hints at great potential… Early 80’s influences abound, Banshees, Cure and even Bauhaus. The majority of the tracks are powered by a drum machine whose likes have not been heard since the early days of Rosetta… Vocalist Michel imbues the tracks with their gothic identity… Power is something that weaves the tracks together, although one of the album’s most intriguing tracks is Malcolm. This track features a spoken word performance by Deonne Rowland… So sweet and girlish are her vocals and so delicate the music, it’s totally at odds with the rest of the album. Achromaticia is an album which demands your full attention.”

– Matthew Faulkner, Interference Zine, UK (1998)

“…an accomplished debut, at times showing the influence of Bauhaus and The Banshees… Skin Trade is… all Steve Severin bass and frosty guitar. Malcolm is an enchanting, kooky song – amp noise and the sound of leads being plugged and unplugged form the rhythm while a soft, girlish voice narrates a topsy-turvy Alice In Wonderland fairy-tale. Androgyne Waltz adds to the experimental feel. It sounds like a wacky merry-go-round spinning out of control. My favourite track is Danse Macabre with its clattering drums, mesmerising bass and Bowie-like vocals, which cry out “Buggery in the back room!”. There are many pleasurable moments on this promising first album.”

– Joanne Owen, BRV Magazine, UK (1998)

“Disjecta Membra may convince cynics that goth has indeed risen again… New Zealand’s leading goth band.”

– The Lamia’s Song: Dark Music, Australia (1997)