Premiere: Poztman - Feral Code via Outtallectuals
PremieresWritten by Colin Benson on
Outtallectuals introduce Poztman’s debut album to the label, “Blood, Steel, & Rust”; a compelling narrative of endurance and the indomitable human spirit in the wake of calamity, set to release on August 2nd. Blending folkloric and tribal influences with futuristic sonics and notes of various genres, this album defies strict genre categorization.
Building on the conceptual storyline of his previous EP on the label released back in 2020, “Rites of Calling,” this new exploration dives into a tale of a once-prosperous village and its fallout due to catastrophic corruption while the villagers attempt to reclaim their home. This enthralling tale explores themes of grief, redemption, and communal strength, illustrating hope amidst despair and the relentless drive to rebuild from ruin.
"Since the biopunk nature, a lot of titles are just an amalgam of a folkish/animalistic term and a tech term, but that is pretty obvious. I guess the language of the characters in the story would also be like that, where there is little distinction between the 'natural' and 'technological'. I already might have a sequel in mind haha, plus a spin-off set in the same universe."~ Poztman
No stranger to us at Rendah Mag, the Belgian wizard of experimental Electronic Music Poztman has been melting minds for nearly a decade, employing obscure industrial elements through a fusion of IDM and neuro-beats with tastes of cinematic and tribal influences. Embracing experimentation at every turn, he weaves themes through storytelling, drawing from various lore, concepts, trivia, or narratives that captivate his imagination, transcending the essence of the beauty and horrid moments of life.
Discovered back in 2016 with his debut EP “Waveform” on the classic Experimental Bass music label Forest Biz, he’s gone on to release with many labels, including EPs on Culprate’s label Open Outlets, Ignite Recordings, Mr. Bill’s label Billegal Beats, and Renraku, as well as compilation singles and remixes on Interval Audio, Resonata, The Glitch Shop, and VALE. He even partook in our very first Rendah Mag Cyphers, 001 with HØST and 002 with Rohaan, coming correct with two brilliant submissions.
Outtallectuals, founded and established in 2011 by Aryan Ashoori, has been carving out their own lane, focusing on harmonizing hybrid sonics and the diversity of cultures. This new album signals their 70th release, a remarkable achievement as a label, and an exciting moment historically. Definitely explore their outstanding discography if you haven’t!
"Well, the tune has the build-up to the second drop I'm most proud of and the violin in the end is generated by Tone Transfer AI (Magenta DDSP) of the second drop bassline and then runs through Melodyne, but maybe that's too nerdy haha."~ Poztman
We’re thrilled to premiere a favorite from the album, “Feral Code.” The title nearly says it all: a primal track riddled with an onslaught of furious sub-bass, beastly neuro sound design, and an untamed rhythm. It’s weaved with the echoes of forbidden vocals, tribal instruments, and a dark atmosphere, exploiting our very own imagination.
> Storytime
As they decide to reclaim their village, the survivors get ambushed by the Corrupted. They attack the villagers and the Rust tribe alike. Other casualties fall, but the survivors can halt the attack and prepare for their own counterstrike. The Rust Witch decides to help them. Dao incapacitates the key targets in a climactic showdown, while Alix and Rell fight a powerful Nyathi. With the aid of the Rust Witch, they succeed in destroying the corrupting influence of the Rings, paving the way for Nyathi's downfall at the hands of Alix.
