Ancient Methods – The Third Siren [Persephonic Sirens]

Techno-industrial heavy-weight Ancient Methods (Michael Wollenhaupt) returns with a new effort for his own label Persephonic Siren.

“The Third Siren” is the last installment in the Siren series already consisting of two previous EPs – the second one released under the moniker The Loud Age.

The 4-track EP follows Ancient Methods’ tradition of oldschool techno/EBM basslines, groovy patterns and melodic synth sounds. For example “Sophia’s Silent Woe” employs marching rhythms, dungeon-like melodies and subtle robotic elements conjuring a retro-futuristic atmosphere.

“Sacrificed To Marketplace Idols” is a more obsessive take on his formula informed by 90’s techno and deep, acid soundscapes underlined by dark undertones and hard kick drums. “Seers Turned To Voyeurs’ returns to mixing techno-industrial looping rhythmic structures with evocative synth-lines and steady crescendos.

“Rot And Rataliate” ends the work with rhythmic-noise distortions and commanding hard kicks recalling past works like “Turn Ice Realities Into Fire Dreams” and a militant atmosphere.

“The Third Siren” is not very revolutionary in its scope and sound, but it is a damn good Ancient Methods’ output nevertheless. People familiar with his career will recognize different topoi typical of his music – medieval atmospheres, enchanting melodies, droning elements, influences ranging from oldschool techno to EBM and even German dark electro and rhythmic noise- organized in 4 different tracks working well as a whole. A welcome addition in an almost fawless discography.

Release date: September 12th, 2022.
Text by: Davide Pappalardo.