Close to five years since their last record, Leeds denizens AUTOBAHN re-enter the fray with the release of their third record, Ecstasy of Ruin. Many of the hallmarks of their characteristic blend of industrial post-punk remain intact, but under the bonnet they’re a much leaner, more focused machine. Live drums have given way to drum-machines and sample-based percussion, and with it the band reconfigure their typically blackened aesthetic into a hardened take on Electronic Body Music. As with their previous record, it’s an entirely self-produced collection, recorded between two self-built studios on a range of analogue equipment, the ghosts of their industrial forefathers haunting the circuits. Indeed, some of Ecstasy of Ruin was made with pieces salvaged from Martin Hannett’s legendary studio. AUTOBAHN certainly feel part of the long tradition of crepuscular music to emanate from Northern Britain, be that the transgressive activities of COUM Transmissions from Hull, Sheffield Steel City or the gothic history of their very own hometown. Ecstasy of Ruin also speaks to right now. No album opens with a song titled ‘Post-History’ and closes with another called ‘Class War’ without some concession to the current condition and its place within it. Industrial music by its nature is a physical concern, often placing the human body and its experience in the context of technology, reflecting the varying trevails of late capitalism. AUTOBAHN strive towards some kind of articulation of that conflict. The music is unrelentingly taut and terse, and the vocals of Craig Johnson are invariably intense, though lyrically there are repeated allusions to beauty, empowerment and, ostensibly, hope. As such, the title of the album is an instructive one - there’s some kind of bliss in all this mess. AUTOBAHN don’t so much push against the pain as ride it out to its (il)logical ends.
Release date:
May 12, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.
Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here (Yellow Flame)
Sony UK
December 19, 2025 -
Neil Young Tonight's the Night 50th Anniversary [2xLP]
Reprise
November 28, 2025 -
Stellar Circuits Phantom : : Phoenix (Gold)
Nuclear Blast
November 14, 2025 -
Glimmer Get Weak
Abandon Everything Records
November 7, 2025 -
Home Counties Humdrum
Submarine Cat
November 7, 2025 -
Fucked Up Year of the Goat
Tankcrimes
December 12, 2025 -
Begonia Fantasy Life (Red)
Birthday Cake Media
November 14, 2025 -
Dream Theater Quarantième: Live à Paris [4xLP]
Century Media
November 28, 2025 -
Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock Apple (Red)
Geffen
October 31, 2025 -
TEED Always With Me (Clear)
Totally Enormous, LP
December 5, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Live And Dangerous (Metallic Silver) [2xLP]
Friday Music Two
October 31, 2025 -
James Nothing But Love: The Definitive Best Of [2xLP]
Mercury
November 21, 2025 -
Tony Molina On This Day
Slumberland Records
November 14, 2025 -
Tom Smith There Is Nothing in the Dark That Isn't There in the Light - Maroon
Play It Again Sam
December 5, 2025