'Metgumbnerbone 'Anthropological Field Recordings For The Dispossessed' 2CD includes selected tracks (1983 – '87) from the 'Dreun' cassette (private), 'Ligeliahorn' LP (A-Mission Records), 'For The Raven' (unreleased Nekrophile Rekords cassette), 'Cops Of Matter' bootleg cassette and various compilations including 'Slaughter Of The Innocent' (private), 'Interchange' (Interchange), 'The Archangels Of Sex Rule The Destruction Of The Regime' (Nekrophile Rekords) and several previously unreleased tracks. Those of a certain age and disposition will be familiar with the legend that is Metgumbnerbone. One of the most obscure-yet-legendary outfits from the '80s Industrial / experimental music scene, Metgumbnerbone never really presented themselves as band, more as a group of 'devotees' recording their rituals at abandoned, cavernous locations and industrial sites, such as huge silos and subterranean railway tunnels. Over the years several rehashes of various tapes have ended up on semi-official and bootleg cassettes, which have been clouding Metgumbnerbone's legacy rather than opening their archives. Until now. Now we have 'Anthropological Field Recordings For The Dispossessed,' a generous 2 plus hours of recordings wrapped in a typically enigmatic and low-on-information package that rounds up 'Ligeliahorn,' 'For The Raven' and several previously unreleased material. The first thing I noted upon listening was how much more rhythmic much of the non-'Ligeliahorn' material is compared to that album and 'The Curfew Recordings.' The sound and character of the performances differ per location; ranging from 'dry' recordings to sessions with massive natural reverb and from almost serene sessions to brutal shamanic drumming. There are sporadic voices buried in the sound and whereas most performances are improvised and unstructured, some are more rhythmic and structured. It sounds as if the Metgumbnerbone is guided rather by the location, than intention, which is a good thing. This far more complete double CD is a fascinating listen which, while shining light on Metgumbnerbone's darkness, does not provide many answers. And all the better for it. 'Anthropological Field Recordings For The Dispossessed' is the essential soundtrack to your clandestine late-night activities.' Freek Kinkelaar, Vital
