Formed in London in the early 1980s, Test Dept are regarded as one of the pioneering forces of ‘industrial music’.
They are recognised for their groundbreaking sound and powerful performances that pushed the boundaries of music, art and protest while exploring political and social issues.
Centred around the founding duo of Paul Jamrozy and Gray Cunnington since resurfacing in the mid-2010s, the group recently signed to the Artoffact label and have just issued the first in a series of carefully curated box sets that will chronicle their career.
‘Industrial Overture. Studio & Live Recordings 1982-1985’ consists of 42 tracks across 4 CDs and also available digitally. It includes a first ever reissue of the group’s 1983 cassette-only debut album ‘Strength Of Metal In Motion’, the classic ‘Ecstasy Under Duress’ and ‘Atonal & Hamburg’ albums (both unavailable for over three decades), plus a disc of hitherto unreleased studio recordings that incorporate two sessions recorded for the John Peel show on BBC Radio 1.
In total, 26 tracks are new to CD and digital formats, of which 12 have never been previously available at all. All contents have been compiled by Test Dept and are newly remastered by Paul Lavigne (Kontrast Mastering).
Industrial Overture. Studio & Live Recordings 1982-1985 | TRACKLIST
Housed in a 5-panel ecopak designed by Paul Jamrozy and Stefan Alt (Ant-Zen), the set also includes a 24 page booklet featuring a specially commissioned essay by Test Dept expert Alexei Monroe, as well as period photographs.
Industrial Overture. Studio & Live Recordings 1982-1985 | BOOKLET
Test Dept have recently performed at festivals in Poland, Germany and Spain and will round off the year with shows in Finland and Sweden. Augmented by their trademark striking visuals, a fully electronic set includes remixes of early recordings plus a preview of new material that encompasses aggressive percussion, industrial noise and experimental soundscapes.
TEST DEPT : Gdansk (excerpt) filmed in Ealing Studios 1984 | Shockwork (excerpt) Striking Miners’ Benefit show filmed live in Newcastle 1984