United Manipulation Broadcasting, better known as UMB Kollektif started as house for Thorofon and related projects. Thorofon started in 1995 in the tradition of SPK and Throbbing Gristle and made a very disturbing and oppressive first album with Maximum Punishment Solutions, released as LP on State Art. Over the years Thorofon became more accessible and even had some dance floor hits with “Riotdictator” and “Gigamesh”. After their Trilogy and a Couple of singles Anton Knilpert and Genevieve Pasquier ended Thorofon to go different ways with different projects on UMB Kollektif.

Kommando can be seen as a pre-Thorofon Project of Anton Knilpert who calls himself Dan Courtman nowadays. While existing there only had been two tapes released but in 2007 White Lion did release a CD with unreleased tracks and so is Crimefactory on UMB. There are 14 previous unreleased tracks recorded between 1993-1997on this disc varying from harsh power electronics to more rhythmic and catchy tracks. The tracks are restructured and remixed with modern equipment for better results. For fans of Thorofon the story is clear, they can and will buy this album without doubt. For others to convince: Crimefactory is a very powerful album with a lot to offer. Throbbing distortions on their way to collapse with a forceful drive and aggressive vocal treatment.

The atmosphere on Crimefactory is dark and threatening that starts with harsh distorted sounds and panicking vocals with “Freak Out”. Kommando is very rhythmic with deep pulses, growling sound structures and penetrating feed back that will make fans of power electronics jump up. Very confronting noise like in “Enflamed” stands next to dense disturbing tracks such as title track “Crimefactory” to continue violently with “Bones Under Skin” which will make your blood run faster. Pretty queer are “XXXRated” and “Tremorstate” which have a bouncing electric rhythm in contrary to “Bundytalk” that slowly craws under your skin or grinding “Unstoppable”.

To make things short; Crimefactory is irresistible and an absolute must have for those who like it harsh, heavy and churning. Kommando is an intensive experience that will leave its scars for the remaining day. Crimefactory is packed in a tasteful slipcase in an edition of only 313, so you better hurry for this will be sold out soon.