Sound Metaphors Germany Schallplatten & CDs

Review: 80s synthpop stars Anti Time laid down 'Dream Baby/Free Recipe' first off in 1982, sadly rendering them one of many acts from the time who'd only ever release once single. But that doesn't mean we'll forget about them, no sir/madam: the 7" now comes reissued via Sound Metaphors, and slaps us around the ears with its jam-packed samples, industrial textures and sex-iconic whispers. Like the original, the weirdos' favourites 'Delkom Free Beats' and 'Target' also feature.

Review: Marco Calderoni seems to have released just one thing and that was his How to Use The World Volume 2 EP back in 1991. Sound Metaphors Records has now remastered it and recompiled it for this all new pressing which sends you deep into his mix of ambient, house and Balearic across six sublime cuts. '7 Heavens' is the glistening opener with nice deep analogue beats, and 'Exploring The Unknown' carries on the same vibe before 'How 2 Use The Sky' is like a perfect post rave comedown. The second half is another scintillating mix of silvery, shiny synth lines and dusty analogue drums that sounds like little else before or since.

Review: Delkom is the brainchild of two Berlin legends: Saba Komossa, a pioneer of new beat and euro house, and Gabi Delgado, one half of the influential electro-industrial duo D.A.F. Futur Ultra is their only album, originally released in 1990 and now reissued by Sound Metaphors. The album is a sonic snapshot of Germany's capital on the verge of transformation - full of raw energy, sexual tension, brickwalled pressure and postwar technologic movement, all channeled into ecstatic monoified synthpop. The album flows as a continuous mix, each track offering a different facet of Delkom's vision. Described as a record that sounds like "almost a dub mix that almost wasn't allowed to be released by the record label," anyone after a slice of German ingenuity condensed into incipient techno form is sure to lose their heads at this one.

Review: Those of a certain age might well remember this early trance and breakbeat anthem from Life Form. It landed in 1993 and now on the occasion of its 30th birthday, it has been fully remastered for this reissue on Sound Metaphors. Right now this sort of sound is full back en vogue with all sorts of young producers aping those early glory days but few will match the quality of 'Come Down' with its slick breakbeat loops and alluring female vocals. There are two mixes, a Juan Ramos remix that is more downtempo and the captivating 'Summer's Child' is also included.

Review: Paradise 3001 enjoyed something of a revival when some of his classic work were picked up by Banoffee Pies for an EP back in 2020. The work of one Aad de Mooy, Paradise 3001 has a huge legacy in the realm of early trance music, and now this collection on Sound Metaphors travels back into that golden early 90s era in detail, presenting 10 tracks across two discs with tracks from his classic releases and lesser spotted rarities alike. Given the prevalence of trance in modern club music, you know full well these varied, mellow and trippy nuggets will be finding favour amongst all manner of spinners, from back room beatniks to big room bosses.

Review: First released in 1992 on Muzak, an Italian label headed up by Leo Mas, Fabrizio Lazzari, and Andrea Gemolotto, this crucial 12" played a pivotal role in shaping Italy's dancefloor electronic scene of the early 90s. Infused with influences from Detroit and New York, it forged a unique sound that is still fresh today. Now, it sees an official reissue with a great remix of 'Futureless' by Berlin-based Trent. This revamped version strips away the breakbeat elements, infusing the track with a new acid vibe. The reissue breathes new life into a timeless classic, bridging the gap between past and present electronic landscapes.