Sweden's rocking electro behemoth Agent Side Grinder burst onto the scene in 2008 with their eponymous debut album and since then have not looked back. The music is an uncompromising, never-before-heard blend of industrial, post-punk, old style EBM and electro topped with the apocalyptic crooning of singer Kristoffer Grip. British music fanzine 20JazzFunkGreats called them a "sensation of uncomfortable pleasure" and genre forefathers Suicide invited them as a support act.
In recent years, Agent Side Grinder has moved towards a bigger and more textured sound. Their latest record Hardware sees the band once again stepping into their musical time-machine, while having a rendezvous with old masters such as Kraftwerk, Einsturzende Neubaten and Depeche Mode. The result is a reckless, rhythmic journey into a bleak future with zero compromise.
"One of the few bands, which is actually in a position to deal with the legacy of Joy Division." (Vice)
Recent News
American Hardware
14 May
June 4 sees the North American release of "Hardware (SFTWR Included!)", a massive double-CD, containing both our latest album "Hardware" and it's accompanying remix album "SFTWR". It's released by the Toronto-based label Artoffact Records.
Pre-order it now!
"SFTWR" comes with a accompanying ASG video: "Mag 7", with a deep ambient treatment by Jasper TX. In this almost 10 minute long video you will follow Agent Side Grinder as they enjoy themselves on a Friday night.
One year after the release of "Hardware", here comes its successor: "SFTWR".
"SFTWR" is a remix album featuring 15 Agent Side Grinder tracks. It compiles tracks from all ASG's studio albums, with emphasis on their acclaimed latest album "Hardware" (2012). Most tracks are previously unreleased (including cuts by Rude 66, MF/MB and Jasper TX), while some have appeared on compilations or singles.
The album incorporates a wide range of styles; electro, ebm, experimental, techno and even sunshine pop, genres that all can be traced in Agent Side Grinders body of work.
The contributors shape a bold, eclectic album that can be enjoyed on its own or as a compliment to the originals.
"SFTWR" also comes with a accompanying ASG video: "Mag 7", with a deep ambient treatment by Jasper TX. In this almost 10 minute long video you will follow Agent Side Grinder as they enjoy themselves on a Friday night.
We are proud to present the new ASG video "Rip Me". Once again produced and directed by the dark alchemist of visual art Wolfgang von Sade.
Hardware Comes Alive
13 Dec 2012
After releasing their latest album "Hardware" in early 2012, Agent Side Grinder headed out on tour throughout western Europe.
One of the dates were at Péniche le Sonic, a converted barge moored along a quay in Lyon, France, where this live recording was made on 17 May.
ASG has built up a dedicated following through radio play in France and the gig was hotly anticipated.
Agent Side Grinder prefer using analogue equipment and eschew the use of backing tapes when playing live.
Consequently this live album was recorded on a 1978-vintage cassette recorder, using no post processing except for some very basic mastering.
This disc catches ASG at their raw hypnotic best, right at the crossroads between post-punk, bleak industrial electronics and psychedelia. Even without the visuals, it goes a long way towards explaining why they are such a brilliant live act.
"Industrial Beauty", the ASG compilation by Manic Depression Records & Events is now released digitally! Some stuff has never been available digitally before, tracks such as "Ricocheting Memories", "String Strikes", "Lashes of Flashes" and the party anthem "008-199". Enjoy kids!
We got a whole bunch of new merch lined up in the web shop. Brand new CD:s, T-shirts, cassettes, patches and bags (yeah, we're approaching Kiss quantities).
Head on to the shop section NOW!!! Things tend to sell fast, pretty limited editions.
First orders will include a free, beautiful ASG pin.
Hardware comes alive!
04 May 2012
We kick off our European tour tomorrow with a concert at Popadelica Festivalen in Huskvarna, Sweden.
See flyer for full tour schedule. Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
Hardware Tour Tickets
10 April 2012
"Hardware Tour" 2012 is less than a month away! Get your tickets here:
More European tour dates announced! We will deliver hardware to the following cities:
May 6, Musikcaféen, Copenhagen (DK)
May 16, ÅÄÖ Festival (w. This is Head), Point Ephemere, Paris (FR)
May 17, Péniche le Sonic, Lyon (FR)
May 19, Wavekommando, Club Vortex, Siegen (DE)
For full tour schedule, check the Tour section.
Hardware Tour 2012
07 March 2012
Awesome news: Agent Side Grinder heads out on a major European tour in May!! A first batch of dates...
May 7: Logo, Hamburg (DE)
May 8: Komma, Stuttgart-Esslingen (DE)
May 9: Patronaat, Haarlem (NL)
May 10: Nambucca, London (UK)
May 18: Coq d'Or, Olten (CH)
May 20: Magnet, Berlin (DE)
More dates TBA.
THIS IS HARDWARE!
28 February 2012
"Hardware", the bastard child of five musical blacksmiths from Stockholm was delivered February 22. The album was met with overwhelming acclaim in Sweden's biggest newspapers:
"Obsessive, nagging and quite magnificent" (5/5 DN )
"Maniacally monotonous, hammering on a fatal action of cold funk, with no trace of love" (4/5 Metro)
"A bass that seems constructed of iron ore, synth melodies that could have had Martin Gore as the author and a deserted atmosphere that makes concrete gray feel like the new black." (4/5 Expressen)
"One must admire the style, skill and detail of Agent Side Grinder's exposé over 35 years of synth history." (4/5 Nöjesguiden)
For the real stuff, head on to Hotstuff: http://www.hotstuff.se/item.cfm?id=87953. The vinyl is released by classic Swedish electronic label Energy, pressed in a limited edition of 500 copies, so be quick!!
"Hardware" - Release dates
07 February 2012
Some important release dates for "Hardware":
Scandinavia: February 22
Benelux: March 12
Germany Austria Switzerland: March 16
France: March 30
"Hardware" - Album update
18 January 2012
"Hardware" is the third official album release by Swedish electronic band Agent Side Grinder. On this record, ASG once again steps into their musical time-machine, has a rendezvous with old masters such as Kraftwerk, Einsturzende Neubaten and Depeche Mode and invite them all on a reckless, rhythmic journey into a bleak future.
Dressed in black work-wear, equipped with an arsenal of analog machines and loaded with their strongest material to date, Agent Side Grinder is ready to challenge the sounds of both the past and tomorrow. Other passengers include Swedish indie icon Henric de la Cour and the new champions of melancholy, Skriet.
Release date: February 22 (Scandinavia) More release dates tba.
Label: Klangarkivet/Headstomp Productions
Format: CD/Digital/Vinyl/Cassette
Another ASG video
09 January 2012
"Wolf Hour is the hour between night and dawn. It is the hour when most people die, when sleep is deepest, when nightmares are most real. It is the hour when the sleepless are haunted by their deepest fear, when ghosts and demons are most powerful. It is also the hour when most children are born..."
The response for the "Wolf Hour" remix by Red Idiot (Emanuel Lundgren, I'm from Barcelona) was so positive, so we decided to put images to it.. Our ideas were realized by our good friend, the black alchemist of visual art, Wolfgang von Sade. Enjoy it here!
"Wolf Hour" - New single & video
29 November 2011
The new Agent Side Grinder single, "Wolf Hour" is out today, November 29th. "Wolf Hour" is the lead-off track from our upcoming album "Hardware", due out early 2012.
On this track we team up with Swedish indie icon Henric de la Cour for a blistering, funky piece of industrial-tinged pop. An accompanying video, shot in the old ironworks of Avesta will premiere on http://gaffa.se/tv on the day of the release. The single also includes a grandiose remix by Red Idiot (I'm from Barcelona).
Merch Sale
25 October 2011
There's currently a big merch sale here on our website www.agentsidegrinder.com. We're selling off all our tour inventory, including t-shirts, cassettes and badges. You can among other things purchase the last copies of the popular "Industrial Beauty" tee for only 6 Euro and a special cassette + badge package for 5 Euro!!
There will be no new reprints of these items, so be quick!! Expect new merch later this year.
Details on prices, sizes etc, head on to the shop.
MF/MB Remix
12 July 2011
Agent Side Grinder contributes with the track "A Beautiful Sigh" to "Altered", a remix collection by excellent Swedish electro/krautrock band MFMB, which is released today.
Other contributing artists include !!!, The Sounds, Simian Ghost etc. Enjoy here!
Manic Depression "Industrial Beauty" CD
30 June 2011
We are hugely proud to announce the release of "Industrial Beauty", a brand new Agent Side Grinder 2CD compilation on the excellent French label Manic Depression Records. Manic Depression is probably France finest label for Gothique Rock, Batcave, Death Rock, Cold-Wave, Post-Punk etc. This collaboration is surely a hand-in-glove for us.
"Industrial Beauty" contains two cd:s. CD1 is a selection of our best studio tracks, picked from our two official album releases. Expect songs such as "Die to Live", "Life in advance", "Voice of your noise" etc. CD 2 is a live album, previously released as the cassette "Industrial Beauty". This CD truly captures the live frenzy of Agent Side Grinder. To complete the package, CD2 also includes two tracks from the experimental album "The Transatlantic Tape Project".
"Industrial beauty" is the perfect introduction to the unique sound of Agent Side Grinder.... a must!!
Our eponymous debut album has been sold out since years. But thanks to classic Swedish electronic label Energy Rekords (Elegant Machinery, Front 242, S.P.O.C.K. etc), new LP:s are finally on the way!
The re-issue of "Agent Side Grinder" is out July 1. The LP comes in both black (400 copies) and blue (100 copies) vinyl. Pre-order it here: www.hotstuff.se (world-wide distribution).
About the record: Agent Side Grinders debut album quickly gained underground credibility in the world of electronic music when released in 2008. The music was an uncompromising, never-heard blend of industrial, post-punk, old style EBM and electro, topped with the apocalyptic crooning of singer Kristoffer Grip. British music fanzine 20JazzFunkGreats called it “a sensation of uncomfortable pleasure”. The use of analog equipment, vintage drum-machines and tape-loops created a raw, back-to-the-roots sound, yet contemporary and fresh.
Artery Remix
23 May 2011
Check this out: "The Prediction", a track by Sheffield's post-punk legends Artery, taken from their forthcoming album "Civilisation". Remix by Agent Side Grinder.
We've added some new cool merch to the online store. Now you can order the new Suicide/ASG cassette split, a black Agent Side Grinder cloth badge and also a new beautiful "Industrial Beauty" T-shirt. Expect a small delay between payment and shipping, since we're out touring the coming 12 days. But as soon as we're back we'll ship everything at once.
And yeah, these items will of course be sold on the upcoming tour, starting in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
ASG + Suicide Live Split
03 March 2011
Our label Klangarkivet is continuing its popular series of cassette releases. This time it's a live split by ASG and proto-punk godfathers Suicide from a concert in Lausanne last year.
The cassette features highlights from that gig, where Suicide played their groundbreaking debut album in its entirety. So expect classic songs such as "Ghost Rider" and "Rocket USA" etc.
This extremely cool item is out March 23 and can be purchased through our website www.agentsidegrinder.com and on our upcoming tour.
Aural Pleasures Bootleg CD
28 February 2011
News reached us that a 2-song ASG Bootleg CD is now out on US label Aural Pleasures. It comes with hand assembled sleeves w/ full color silk-screened poster and painted cdr:s. Pretty limited. Cool stuff!
Regardez!! We are returning to France. Two gigs confirmed for our Spring Tour:
Mar 30: La Chaufferie de la Machine du Moulin Rouge - Paris (with Rodeo Massacre) Apr 1: Appart K-FÈe - Reims
Thobias Eidevald joins Agent Side Grinder
31 January 2011
Our bass player for the last 3 years Alex, has decided to quit Agent Side Grinder, due to personals reasons. A sad departure of course, but relax.. we've already got an awesome replacement lined up.
We're extremely happy to welcome our new recruit: Thobbe Eidevald (or perhaps Throbbing Eidevald?). Thobbe is an extremly talented and versatile bass-player, with previous experience from folk/indie band Friska Viljor among others. He'll surely be a great injection to our sound and live performances.
All our scheduled shows and recordings will go on as planned.
Tour Dates Announced
18 January 2011
Seven European tour dates in Denmark, Germany and Austria are now announced:
Mar 23: Beta, Copenhagen
Mar 24: Molotow Bar, Hamburg
Mar 25: Levee, Berlin
Mar 26: Fluc, Vienna
Mar 27: 59to1, Munich
Mar 28: Heimat, Regensburg
Mar 29: Das Bett, Frankfurt
Stay tuned for more!
Happy New Year!
2 January 2011
2010: Two European tours, One Baltic tour, supporting Suicide, Arvika, Drop Dead Festival, Tyrolen, gigs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Holland, France, Switzerland, "Irish Recording Tape" CD, Kill Shaman CD reissue, "Industrial Beauty" live cassette and much more.
2011: A NEW Agent Side Grinder album, more tours & festivals, vinyl reprints, CDs, cassettes and loooooads more.
Industrial Beauty - New Cassette Release
2 December 2010
On sale now: "Industrial Beauty", the new live cassette by Agent Side Grinder. This cassette contains six of ASG's most popular tracks, recorded live during the European Spring Tour 2010.
The sound quality has improved significantly compared to our earlier cassette releases. The cassette is duplicated in real-time hifi duplication and gives a high-end sound quality experience just like in the 70s.
It can be purchased at our website www.agentsidegrinder.com.
November Tour!
18 October 2010
Agent Side Grinder is heading out on a new European Tour in November to promote the CD release of "Irish Recording Tape". The highly praised album was launched worldwide October 15. ASG will also present a couple of brand new songs.
The dates are:
Nov 12: Patronaat CafÈ, Haarlem (NL)
Nov 13: Le Dame de Canton, Paris (FR)
Nov 15: King Kong Club, Berlin (DE)
Nov 16: (supporting Sleepy Sun) Beatpol, Dresden (DE)
Nov 18: Grabenhalle, St. Gallen (CH)
Nov 19: Le Sonic, Lyon (FR)
Nov 20: Coq D'or, Olten (CH)
Nov 26: Temple of Love, VästerÂs (SE)
Out soon: The CD edition of "Irish Recording Tape".
The acclaimed second album by Agent Side Grinder will be launched October 15 in a remastered, beautiful digipack cd version.
It was previously released as a now sold-out vinyl on Enfant Terrible. The cd is however released on our own newly-started label Klangarkivet.
The record will be distributed worldwide in cooperation with Cargo Records. It can already be pre-ordered here at our webpage and of course at our concerts.
In addition to this,"Irish Recording Tape" will also be available digitally on Itunes, Spotify etc. October 1.
Suicide + Agent Side Grinder
9 August 2010
Breaking news: Agent Side Grinder will support electronic protopunk legends Suicide at Les Docks in Lausanne, 4 September.
Suicide is a highly influential band that helped shape the direction of indie rock, industrial music and dance music. Among others, Steve Albini, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Sisters of Mercy, Joy Division/New Order, Throbbing Gristle, Henry Rollins, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Nick Cave, Soft Cell, Erausre, M.I.A. etc have all listed Suicide as an influence. And as you probably know, they have a huge impact on Agent Side Grinder's music as well.
We are deeply honored to participate in this concert, which will be our biggest event to date.
More info here: http://www.lesdocks.ch/concerts/2010/09/040910.html
Aural Pleasures Live 7''
1 August 2010
We're pleased to announce the release of a new Agent Side Grinder 7" vinyl this fall. The 7" will be released on the American indie label Aural Pleasures. It will contain two previously released tracks, but re-recorded live in a true back-to-basics punkrock style. Available in September. For pre-orders, mail auralpleasureslabel@gmail.com. Also, expect a live cassette/lp to follow!
Read more: http://auralpleasureslabel.webstarts.com/. Also, expect a live cassette/lp to follow!
Baltic Mini Tour
11 July 2010
We're excited to announce a Baltic mini tour in September. The dates are:
September 23: von Krahl, Tallinn (Estonia)
September 24: Fontaine Club, Liepaja (Latvia)
September 25: Nabaklab, Riga (Latvia)
In addtion to that, we are playing Drop Dead Festival in Vilnius (Lithuania) August 22. For detailed info, links etc check our myspace upcoming events. Redzet jus driz, Grinders!!
Festival Season
28 May 2010
Agent Side Grinder had an awesome European tour. Thanks everybody for attending! Hope to see you all soon again.
Now we're heading into festival season. These are the summer shows so far:
July 16 Arvikafestivalen, Arvika
July 24 Tyrolen Lever, Blädinge/Växjö
August 22 Drop Dead Festival, Vilnius
"SFTWR" (CD ALBUM)
ProductID: ASG-PROD16 Price: 8€ Cardboard sleeve
"SFTWR" is a remix album featuring 15 Agent Side Grinder tracks. It compiles tracks from all ASG's studio albums, with emphasis on their acclaimed latest album "Hardware" (2012). Most tracks are previously unreleased (including cuts by Rude 66, MF/MB and Jasper TX), while some have appeared on compilations or singles.
The album incorporates a wide range of styles; electro, ebm, experimental, techno and even sunshine pop, genres that all can be traced in Agent Side Grinders body of work. The contributors shape a bold, eclectic album that can be enjoyed on its own or as a compliment to the originals.
Our latest T-shirt. Comes in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL).
Color: Black.
AGENT SIDE GRINDER INDUSTRIAL BEAUTY T-SHIRT
ProductID: ASG-PROD08 Price: 16€
Our latest T-shirt. Comes in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL).
Color: Black.
Currently out of stock.
"HARDWARE" CASSETTE PATCH
ProductID: ASG-PROD10 Price: 3€
How cool is this band patch? A tour best-seller.
AGENT SIDE GRINDER BAG
ProductID: ASG-PROD13 Price: 8€
A stylish Agent Side Grinder cloth bag to hold your ASG vinyls.
Color: Black.
"HARDWARE" CD EDITION
ProductID: ASG-PROD15 Price: 14€ Digipak
A1 Look Within
A2 Sleeping Fury
A3 Rip Me
A4 Wolf Hour
B1 Mag 7
B2 Pyre
B3 Bring it Back
B4 Stranger Stranger
"Hardware" is the third official album release by Swedish electronic band Agent Side Grinder. On this record, ASG once again steps into their musical time-machine, has a rendezvous with old masters such as Kraftwerk, Einsturzende Neubaten and Depeche Mode and invite them all on a reckless, rhythmic journey into a bleak future.
Dressed in black work-wear, equipped with an arsenal of analog machines and loaded with their strongest material to date, Agent Side Grinder is ready to challenge the sounds of both the past and tomorrow. Other passengers include Swedish indie icon Henric de la Cour and the new champions of melancholy, Skriet.
Double CD released by excellent French label Manic Depression Records. CD1 is a selection of our best studio tracks, picked from our first two official album releases. Expect songs such as "Die to Live", "Life in advance", "Voice of your noise" etc. CD 2 is a live album, previously released as the cassette "Industrial Beauty". This CD truly captures the live frenzy of Agent Side Grinder. To complete the package, CD2 also includes two tracks from the experimental album "The Transatlantic Tape Project".
"Industrial beauty" is the perfect introduction to the unique sound of Agent Side Grinder.... a must!!
"IRISH RECORDING TAPE" CD EDITION
ProductID: ASG-PROD01 Price: 10€ Digipak
01 Pulse
02 Die To Live
03 The Screams
04 Blue Streaks
05 Eyes of the Old
06 Telefunk
07 Life in Advance
08 Black Vein
The acclaimed second album by Agent Side Grinder was launched October 15 2010 in a remastered, beautiful digipack cd version.
It was previously released as a now sold-out vinyl on Enfant Terrible. The cd is however released on our own newly-started label Klangarkivet.
The record is distributed worldwide in cooperation with Cargo Records. It can already be pre-ordered here at our webpage (€10 via Paypal) and of course at our concerts.
In addition to this,"Irish Recording Tape" is also available digitally on Itunes, Spotify etc.
Read what the press says about "Irish Recording Tape" in the Discography Section.
"HARDWARE" CASSETTE EDITION
ProductID: ASG-PROD09 Price: 7€
A1 Look Within
A2 Sleeping Fury
A3 Rip Me
A4 Wolf Hour
B1 Mag 7
B2 Pyre
B3 Bring it Back
B4 Stranger Stranger
"Hardware" is the third official album release by Swedish electronic band Agent Side Grinder. On this record, ASG once again steps into their musical time-machine, has a rendezvous with old masters such as Kraftwerk, Einsturzende Neubaten and Depeche Mode and invite them all on a reckless, rhythmic journey into a bleak future.
Dressed in black work-wear, equipped with an arsenal of analog machines and loaded with their strongest material to date, Agent Side Grinder is ready to challenge the sounds of both the past and tomorrow. Other passengers include Swedish indie icon Henric de la Cour and the new champions of melancholy, Skriet.
A collection of our best live recordings from the Swedish spring tour 2012. Includes some great live takes of the "Hardware" tracks and two rare guest appearences from Henric de la Cour and S K R I E T.
Agent Side Grinder (2008)
Agent Side Grinders debut album quickly gained underground credibility in the world of electronic music when released in 2008. The music was an uncompromising, never-heard blend of industrial, post-punk, old style EBM and electro, topped with the apocalyptic crooning of singer Kristoffer Grip. British music fanzine 20JazzFunkGreats called it “a sensation of uncomfortable pleasure”. The use of analog equipment, vintage drum-machines and tape-loops created a raw, back-to-the-roots sound, yet contemporary and fresh. The album quickly sold out and was later released by US label Kill Shaman.
"A sensation of uncomfortable pleasure" (20JazzFunkGreats)
"The jewel of Swedish post-punk" (Kill Shaman)
"Många band influeras av Throbbing Gristle och Suicide men få piskar upp en lika hotfull stämning" (Fredrik Strage, DN)
"Synths, pedals, drum machines, tape loops & weird effects help shape the overall electronic sound but Agent Side Grinder also seems to tap into a throbbing energy too. Their influence stems out of early industrial, no wave & post punk scenes. Joy Division, Alu, Throbbing Gristle, Primitive Calculators, Suicide, Alexander Hacke, Front 242, Tass 2 all plays their part but Stockholm, Sweden's electronic trio does flaunt their own style. It’s relentless but never overly aggressive. Still it has some bite as well as infectious groove appeal. The vocals can be almost deadpan but also sound periodically incensed & desperate. It sounds fairly simple & repetitive yet doesn’t grow redundant. Its spooky malevolence is compelling & vibrant, growing in intensity & tempered volatility. Killer presence without going overkill." (KFJC - radio station USA)
"ASG slyly dole out post punky industrial dark wave electro goth with a decidedly European flavor. "Debut" finds decadent synthesizer and programmed drum loops pulsing with junk percussion accompaniment and moaned male vocals fusing an unsettling ennui with dance floor ready body movers. Highly Recommended!" (Permanent Records)
"..Gut, dass man hier nicht auf glatte Kommerzialität spekuliert, was mit dem Material auch möglich gewesen wäre, sondern der Musik ihre Ecken und Kanten gelassen hat, so dass die Platte Anfang der 80er auch auf Labels wie Factory Records oder Torso hätte erscheinen können." (Backagain)
"...Opening Track: "Me, Me and Me" is a great opening track that reminds me of Kraut mixed with DAF-esque hard EBM. But as the album evolves I realise that ASG is not really interested in making an album full of harsh EBM-industrial dance tracks. I sometimes expect pure Nitzer Ebb explosions where they don't come. I guess that would be a disturbance when I'm on X, but I'm not, so it's a surprising challenge. On the contrary, in an age where people want you to have a harsh pounding beat under each electronic song pissed me off so much that this actually sounds refreshing. So all in all I must say that the better thoughts about this band got the overhand and this debut of Agent Side Grinder is definately worth checking out." (Mashnote)
"...Alles deutet daraufhin, dass Agent Side Grinder sich mit Vorliebe an altem Archivmaterial berauschen - und bei dieser Gelegenheit nicht die Bohne angestaubt klingen, sondern jung, dreckig, verrückt! Experimentelle, von stoischen Wiederholungen durchzogene Songstrukturen, die das Gerüst Strophe/Refrain gerne unberücksichtigt lassen. Zwischendurch überraschen sie mit einer 'Analog-Synthie-Ballade' von ziemlich angeknackster Tonalität oder mit einem komischen Orgel-Solo, das klingt, als hätten sie es dem Jahre 1976 entrissen! Ein eigenartiges, eigenwilliges Gebilde, diese Schallplatte!" (Sonic Seducer)
"..Mit ihrem nun veröffentlichten Vinyl-Longplayer können die Schweden nicht nur alle Erwartungen erfüllen, nein, sie werden sogar übertroffen. Jeder Plattensammler sollte hier sowieso zugreifen, da auch dieses Stück Vinyl in kurzer Zeit vergriffen sein dürfte. Das Debut der Schweden ist ein abwechslungsreiches, modernes Old-School-Album, dass sich mal wieder erfreulich von dem derzeit aktuellen Einheitsbrei abhebt." (Terrorverlag)
"...these Agent Side Grinder chaps are Swedish & have a rather unflattering picture of Berwaldhallen, a legendary symphony hall in their country on the sleeve of their self titled vinyl only LP. They make it look sinister, like a forboding police station or even a public lavvy. It's a fine juxtaposition to the music which is fairly industrial & repetitive with pure jackboot beats, grinding bass & angsty, dark vocals. This will surely appeal to the electro-noir crowd & fans of mid 80s doom rock..." (Norman Records)
"D.A.F., Cabaret Voltaire en Suicide stutten de muren van het huis waar het Zweedse trio Agent Side Grinder graag vertoeft. Door hun retrosound (want alleen analoge apparatuur is toegestaan) op een natuurlijke en geloofwaardige te pimpen met repetitieve, pulserende Electronic Body Music baslijnen, krautrockritmes, tinten psychedelica, cold wave, industriële pop, een punkattitude en een branieachtige manier van zingen, vermijden ze de valkuil van zovele bands in dit opgedroogde genre, namelijk de torenhoge clichés." (Gonzo Circus)
"I'm glad to notice that the band didn't stick on their initial Cabaret Voltaire approach and proposed on this album a wider collection of songs which explore electronic experimentation as well as something more melodic." (Chain DLK)
Irish Recording Tape (2009)
On their hotly anticipated second album "Irish Recording Tape", Agent Side Grinder perfected their sound and songwriting skills. The music was maybe more accessible, but the
typical elements were intact: drilling industrial sounds, hypnotic synth sequences, feverish vocals and post-punk influenced bass lines. To quote Vice Magazine Germany: "...one
of the few bands, which is actually in a position to deal with the legacy of Joy Division". The interest in the band resulted in three European tours and an invitation to support genre forefathers Suicide.
"...one of the few bands, which is actually in a position to deal with the legacy of Joy Division." (9/10 Vice Magazine, Germany)
"...Dann klingen ASG originaler als ihre Originale, musikalisch noch besser als DAF, Wire und Konsorten." (Intro Magazin)
"Heftige baslijnen, gitaren als slijpschijven, ijle drums en beangstigende vocalen: de donkere glorie van Joy Division, Cabaret Voltaire en het fabriekshalgeluid van Martin Hannett: het zit allemaal in de klank van Agent Side Grinder... Deze twee nieuwe elpees laten een band horen die beangstigend goed is in wat hij doet. Doe uw voordeel met die wetenschap en wacht niet tot ook deze albums uitverkocht zijn." (Goddeau.com)
"Agent Side Grinder legen ein verdammt cooles Album vor, das ein weiterer grosser Schritt nach vorne in der Entwicklung der Formation ist. Aufgrund der hohen Eingängigkeit dürfte es dem Projekt dabei spielend gelingen, neue Fans zu gewinnen. Alle Minimal/ Wave/ Ur-Industrial Freunde können hier bedenkenlos zugreifen."(Terrorverlag)
"Agent Side Grinder sind wegweisend in der aktuellen Musiklandschaft, die sich aus dem Erbe von Postpunk, Industrial und New Wave speist..." (Skug)
"Für jede Gothicnight sollten Agent Side Grinder somit ein Gewinn sein. Bei mir punkten sie in erster Linie mit Reminiszenzen an Bands, die mich in meine alten Gruftitage zurück tragen." (Blueprint-Fanzine)
"Spannend für die nicht mehr ganz so Jungen, die mit "Irish Recording Tape" eine kleine akustische Zeitreise unternehmen können, ohne die Sammlung von Alben alter Helden durchforsten zu müssen" (Wahrschauer)
"Itís clear that ASG have some great songwriting skills; every track on this album is accomplished and thoroughly enjoyable. It would probably prove popular with fans of Goth, Minimal wave, Post-Punk, early Industrial and even fans of 80s pop." (Heathen Harvest)
"... a careful mixture of frenzied rhythms,industrial sounds (including their trademark screaming siren), hypnotic, almost krautrockesque synth sequences and post-punk bass lines á la Joy Division, with a certain rock'n'roll flair to cap it all off. Slighly more accessible and punchier than the predecessor, and all the more compelling for it, this new opus offers several potential dance-floor hits and confirms ASG as a one-of-a-kind band". (Treue um Treue)
"...The album is firmly ensconced in the retro cyber-punk quirkiness of the 1980s and, through its idiosyncratic outlook, finds its niche in the Krautrock movement. There's plenty on offer here, from the uneasy industrial catatonia of opener "Pulse" to the pop-pogo beats of "Die to live" to the abstract happiness of "Eyes of the old". It's littered with a Cold War clinicism that keeps the album rooted in that era despite the fact that the world-at-large is years ahead of that age (or so we're led to believe)." (It's a Trap)
"Retro-Sound hat durchaus seine Reize, wenn er exzellent gemacht wird, und das tun die Schweden von Agent Side Grinder auf alle Fälle." (9/10 Ox-fanzine)
"...reminds me of some early european techno/ industrial stuff. At various points I'm also reminded of some of the very early stuff coming out of Sheffield, The very dark side of the Human League and early Cabaret Voltaire. Some of the rhythmic elements also have clearly been informed by Krautrock..." (Norman Records)
"...Großes Kaliber, muskulös und mondän, obsessiv, aber nicht pathologisch, schmutzig ohne dahingerotzt zu wirken, Fortschritt an allen Fronten. Nicht mehr nur das kalte Fieber nächtlicher Streifzüge kriecht hier in den Blutbahnen und Endlosschleifen auf und ab - die schwedischen Soundlaboranten trauen sich und ihren Songs nun mehr Melodie zu, mehr Tanzparkett in eleganter New Pop ƒsthetik und leicht identifizierbare Bassläufe." (NonPop)
"Excellent dark synth-electro rock that smacks of 80's. Joy Division/New Order, Sisters of Mercy come to mind. Great stuff." (Zookeeper)
"...Im Prinzip vergleichbar mit Cold Cave, aber wesentlich interessanter und origineller!" (X-Mist Records)
"...Op Irish Recording Tape ratelt de band energiek en industrieel. Joy Division is een duidelijke invloed geweest. Bij Agent Side Grinder mondt dit echter niet uit in al te gladde of kekke deuntjes of gestylede songs. Daarvoor is er teveel Swans te horen, teveel krautrock ook. Soms een psychedelisch toefje zelfs. Denk aan Cabaret Voltaire. Denk aan The Human League. Denk vooral aan die heerlijke basloopjes van Peter Hook. Dit is een plaat die met een been in toen staat en eer betoont, met het andere in het nu en welbewust vergane glorie van een sprankelende levensvonk voorziet." (KindaMuzik)
"...Werd de sound op het debuut nog uitsluitend gedicteerd door analoge apparatuur; op hun recentste output klinkt, onder meer door het gebruik van elektrische bas, het geheel stukken organischer en dynamischer."(Gonzo Circus)
"Insgesamt klingt das Album harmonischer als sein Vorgänger" (Radio Dunkle Welle)
"...it shows tremendous growth over last year's self-titled release and I must also commend them for the recruitment Alexander Blomqvist (on live bass) as he appears to have brought many new strengths with him to the executive team. The fine qualities that first caught my attention when I rated them a Buy (ie, the driving, dirty industrial beats) are still very much in place, only now far more refined and developed." (It's A Trap)
"The song "Die To Live" is for sure what I've heard as the best from this band so far." (Side-Line Magazine)
"...Irish Recording Tape sounds like Joy Division meet Cabaret Voltaire at a late 70's Human League concert." (Chain DLK)
"Plutôt que de singer leurs maitres, ils déploient l’aura de ces derniers et, sans jamais se laisser compromettre, se nourrissent de l’électronique, de l’EBM, du post punk et du krautrock" (Playlist Soceity)
"Il s'impose comme un brillant exercice de genre" (Le Gold)
"En résumé, la recette fonctionne de bout en bout, et ce n’est pas qu’une histoire d’influences, de réminiscences, de vieux pots et de meilleures soupes : Irish Recording Tape est tout simplement efficace, puissant et sincère." (Interlignagne)
"På Irish Recording Tape fortsätter Agent Side Grinder att utforska den postmoderna rock n' roll-electronica som de behärskar till fulländning". (8/10, Zero Magazine)
"Karg industriell postpunk som bankar lyssnaren på plats." (Gaffa)
"På albumet "Irish Recording Tape" bygger Brommapojkarna vidare p debutens hotfulla stämningar med postpunk, krauthypnos och 80-talistiska syntpopslingor utan att bli insmickrande." (4/5, Dagens Nyheter)
The Transatlantic Tape Project (2009)
The true experimental side of Agent Side Grinder was shown in ‘The Transatlantic Tape Project’, originally released as a cassette project. The songs evolved through a musical correspondence between Europe and USA. The result was a unique blending of 60’s psychedelic music and 80’s experimental muzak molded into original contemporary ambient music.
"...The Transatlantic Tape klinkt even onheilspellend en beklemmend, maar heeft toch een bepaalde luchtigheid over zich heen. De band beweegt zich hiermee meer in de richting van soundscapes en ambient. Bij vlagen is de muziek warm en ontspannen en vervaagt gemakkelijk naar de achtergrond zoals de bekende ‘liftmuziek’. Muzikaal verschillen de twee platen niet zo heel erg van elkaar, maar aan de andere kant is het als licht en donker tegenover elkaar. De eerste ontdekt de onderwereld terwijl de tweede tussen de sterren zweeft. The Transatlantic Tape is een beetje Kraftwerk meets Ennio Morricone te noemen en ernaar luisteren is een genot." (ROAR e-zine)
"...With ‘The Transatlantic Tape Project’, Agent Side Grinder prove not only their dedication to one another, but also their skill with sound manipulation and abstract composition. This is a sparse, and relatively short recording, but makes up for its brevity with its accomplishment. If this is the band’s sketchbook, it’s demo tracks or whatever, they are easily up to the quality of many other so-called artists’ official output. My only real concern is that many people ASG may attract with their ‘regular’ material may well fail to see the beauty in a release like this." (Heathen Harvest)
"...Zeven nummers lang horen we verschillende ideeën die uitgewerkt worden tot boeiende soundscapes. Echte songs hoor ik echter niet maar dat hoeft geen bezwaar te zijn. Volgens de informatie op het hoesje zijn er een heleboel akoestische en elektronische instrumenten gebruikt en dat hoor je. Vele laagjes in de muziek, er valt dus telkens iets nieuws te ontdekken. Ook analoge geluiden en tapeloops en zo de modieuze terugkeer naar eenvoud en het DIY gevoel." (Dark Entries)
"...The Transatlantic Tape Project, dat een diepere duik in het verleden neemt en zich aandient als een late soundtrack bij het Wirtschaftswunder. Bij het beluisteren van deze plaat geen angst voor een fatale kernoorlog. The Transatlantic Tape Project is een plaat die heel anders aanvoelt. Er hangt een vleug optimisme in de lucht, en Agent Side Grinder heeft die weten te vangen en op geheel eigen wijze in muziek omgezet."(Goddeau)
"... While its companion album offers a pretty conventional Krautrock/electropunk nostalgia trip, "The transatlantic tape project" is an entirely different entity, exploring soundscapes that appear infinitely more contemporary and more ethereal." (It's A Trap)
"...Insgesamt klingen die Stücke vom TTTP wesentlich bedrohlicher („210-392“) und düsterer („008-199“) als die Tracks auf der „Irish Recording Tape“-Veröffentlichung. Soundtrackartig („000-145“) und voller Toncollagen („090-219“) präsentiert sich ein Release, das einen starken, gewollten Kontrast zu der anderen Vinylscheibe darstellt. Dementsprechend ist TTTP auch bei weitem nicht so eingängig und auch nichts für die Tanzfläche. Wenn das IRT-Vinyl die Musik für die Disco ist, dann ist TTTP die Untermalung für das Chillen nach einem anstrengenden Discotag." (Terrorverlag)
"...a mutant form of ambient that is warmer than industrial and more aggressive than psych. It reminds me of classical music but interpreted via electronic instruments and gadgets that would be suitable soundtrack music to science and nature programs."(Norman Records)
"...Zinsbegoocheling weerklinkt door heel de plaat, als een sonisch equivalent van de meest wazige scenes uit Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Verder is wederom Cabaret Voltaire een aanknopingspunt, of ook The Velvet Underground. Elektronische kamermuziek met een vreemd soort beklemming die ook barst van de vrijzinnigheid; alsof ze gemaakt is voor een woonkamer met bordeauxrode muren en weinig licht. Een omineus gevoel dat er nét iets niet helemaal in de haak is overheerst." (KindaMuzik)
"...'The Transatlantic Project', dat qua opzet en kleur doet denken aan de vroege, meer experimentele kant van The Human League, ten tijde van 'The Dignity Of Labour'." (Gonzo Circus)
"...Sounding now obsessive and then atmospheric (like on "586-713") these tracks are perfect as soundtrack (check the effect of the spoken word along with the synth bleep extravaganza on "005-200"). A thing that I have appreciated on THE TRANSATLANTIC TAPE PROJECT is how the band used of melody: it's always present, sometimes is dissonant and sometimes it sustains a creepy moment made of synth hisses and guitar percussive sounds ("008-199")." (Chain DLK)
Industrial Beauty (2011)
Double CD released by excellent French label Manic Depression Records. CD1 is a selection of our best studio tracks, picked from our two official album releases. Expect songs such as "Die to Live", "Life in advance", "Voice of your noise" etc. CD 2 is a live album, previously released as the cassette "Industrial Beauty". This CD truly captures the live frenzy of Agent Side Grinder. To complete the package, CD2 also includes two tracks from the experimental album "The Transatlantic Tape Project".
"Industrial beauty" is the perfect introduction to the unique sound of Agent Side Grinder.... a must!!
Order this beauty from our webshop or Manic Depression Records.
"...Kristoffer Grip est parfait dans son rôle de rocker en pleine transe vaudou." (Inside Rock, FR)
"Goede compilatie van een groep die, indien dit nog niet het geval is, uw aandacht verdiend." (8/10 Darkentries, BE)
Hardware (2012)
"Hardware" is the third official album release by Swedish electronic band Agent Side Grinder. On this record, ASG once again steps into their musical time-machine, has a rendezvous with old masters such as Kraftwerk, Einsturzende Neubaten and Depeche Mode and invite them all on a reckless, rhythmic journey into a bleak future.
Dressed in black work-wear, equipped with an arsenal of analog machines and loaded with their strongest material to date, Agent Side Grinder is ready to challenge the sounds of both the past and tomorrow. Other passengers include Swedish indie icon Henric de la Cour and the new champions of melancholy, Skriet.
After releasing their latest album "Hardware" in early 2012, Agent Side Grinder headed out on tour throughout western Europe.
One of the dates were at Péniche le Sonic, a converted barge moored along a quay in Lyon, France, where this live recording was made on 17 May.
ASG has built up a dedicated following through radio play in France and the gig was hotly anticipated.
Agent Side Grinder prefer using analogue equipment and eschew the use of backing tapes when playing live.
Consequently this live album was recorded on a 1978-vintage cassette recorder, using no post processing except for some very basic mastering.
This disc catches ASG at their raw hypnotic best, right at the crossroads between post-punk, bleak industrial electronics and psychedelia.
Even without the visuals, it goes a long way towards explaining why they are such a brilliant live act.
One year after the release of "Hardware", here comes its successor: "SFTWR".
"SFTWR" is a remix album featuring 15 Agent Side Grinder tracks. It compiles tracks from all ASG's studio albums, with emphasis on their acclaimed latest album "Hardware" (2012). Most tracks are previously unreleased (including cuts by Rude 66, MF/MB and Jasper TX), while some have appeared on compilations or singles.
The album incorporates a wide range of styles; electro, ebm, experimental, techno and even sunshine pop, genres that all can be traced in Agent Side Grinders body of work. The contributors shape a bold, eclectic album that can be enjoyed on its own or as a compliment to the originals.
