Synaptic Defect - Initializing Insanity

Domiciled somewhere in Germany, Marc Tater also known as Synaptic Defect has been producing music on and off for over 30 years. In the 90's under the moniker Evil Sermon Marc along with another Marc, Marc Keithan and Asmus Block had a handful of tracks with cult label Celtic Circle Productions/Khazad Dum and Maschinenwelt. Marc Tater resurfaced with a new project, Synaptic Defect in the early 2000's with BLC Productions. Later, another release with Advoxya and now with Electro Aggression Records (EAR). Synaptic Defect seem nestle in quite nicely with the trends of Electro Aggression Records signings consisting of consistently inconsistent consistencies. The trend typically shows years between each subsequent release. It's almost a Lazarus effect in the way some of these artists linger on fringes obscurity and death, then the out the abyss, there is an announcement of a new double, triple, box whatever from said artist, then 1 year later it's released. Okay so I'm having a little fun at the expense of the artist and label. If you go back and examine reviews or even listen to the roster of artists on EAR, you will see the time was well-spent as you get a very intricate package loaded with music, sometimes to the point of becoming overwhelmed. Trust me I know as I have reviewed many EAR releases and it takes a while to get through everything because there is some much from the history to the music and beyond. 


Many of us from the Sideline forum days may remember Marc. Marc always had great insight to electro-industrial-EBM scene. Marc even had a few battles with EAR's main man, Nader. Who could have thought we would be here today? Marc is also an established reviewer for Chain D.L.K. which has been around for 30 years providing detailed reviews, news and interviews to the masses. 

Going to back to the early days of Synaptic Defect it seemed very consistant with everything that was out during the time period of 2004-2008. Tracks like "Run To Hide", "Scanner", "Terror In The Sky" and "False Prophets" stood out for me with intriguing synthwork that certainly piqued my curiosity. The vocals were very abrasive and paired with a moderate tempo. Although I had a lot of respect for Marc's musical acumen, it wasn't completely in my wheelhouse during that time period. Both Mechanical Oppression and World-Wide Life & Death albums offered the prime ingredients for complex and hard-hitting electro-industrial albums that certainly had their appeal, however there was room to do more.

Initializing Insanity along with its companion second disc Restoring Sanity is the complete package for Synaptic Defect's third and most powerful well-designed album to date. This is the turning point for Synaptic Defect's revamped approach to tactical musical execution. The bar has been raised. This is the sucker punch that catches you off-guard. The moment the first track "From Dusk Till Dawn" begins it is quite evident Synaptic Defect have moved beyond the herd to find some separation with Initializing Insanity. "Get Out" chills the surroundings with a slow ritualistic beat and haunting samples that feel like portals to the shadow world have been breached and we are now being consumed by that very world. "We Are Not Alone" goes down the alien rabbit hole with more of that slow-churning industrial with dark chimerical foundation that leaves us questioning our very existence. The tempo drags perfectly with samples and Marc's gentle yet aggressive vocal style. "Fit For Flogging" raises the tempo with a pounding beat then morphs into a spiraling fit of slower experimental electronics and samples before completely waning to silence. "Combat War" and "Tacky Games" yield an EBM vibe with a hammering beat graced with gasoline gargling vocals that makes these tracks two of the most aggressive tracks on the album. There are also two versions of the track "morphine". The album version builds momentum and ends with a slower pulsating beat similar to what The Klinik routinely did on their early work, while Brain Leisure's remix is less abrasive with a lighter ghostly feel. There is also an OST feeling built into the Brain Leisure version that may or may not be on purpose, however works well in this remix.



Restoring Sanity kicks off with six more solid upbeat electro smashers laced with thumping beats meshed with precision aggression and timely samples before the remix party starts. "Get Out" stands to be one of my favorites on the first disc. Pyrroline's remix is nothing short of brilliant. It is a dark decent into the mastery skill sets of both Arnte and Schmoun.  Both versions of "Get Out"  are superb! "From Dusk Till Dawn" is another favorite of mine off disc one and yet again we find another remix by Pyrroline. The signature DNA of Pyrroline and Synaptic Defect come together again and leave us mystified with more intricate and other-worldly designs. Another standout remix comes from T.A.N.K. with their take on "Man Is Machine" promoting airy backing layers that bring a surplus of icy vibes, yet still keeps that EBM chassis true to the original version. Veteran electro power-brokers Terminal State, Teardown, Serpents, Second Disease, Plastic Noise Experience, R010R, Trilogy and Sleepwalk deliver stellar remixes of their selected works. Terminal State uses their extra-terrestrial reversed engineered technology to conjure and explore sound that harnesses all the terror and intellectual wonders these beings offer. A rhythmic pulsating beat permeates relentlessly throughout "The Pollution Generation" while the Zeta Reticulan Greys chatter in background until the sound slowly and methodically spirals to an eventual halt making way for R010R to jump in and manipulate "Lack Of Empathy". There is a very noisy mix of "Lack Of Empathy" on disc 1, however this mix of disc 2 is more in tune with style of remixes on disc 2.  The noiser version is all out wall of sheer intensity with strange machinery pulsating and throbbing in the background. The remix on disc 2 feels perfectly placed following Terminal State with smooth grinding gloomy march into the unknown. Every remix offers something extra to compliment the original. It was a nice suprise to see Plastic Noise Experience active with killer remix of "Combat War". Of course no surprise with Teardown and Serpents appearances, as they are staples on the EAR roster.


Perhaps working with Arnte of Pyrroline had something to do this new approach that is working very well for Synaptic Defect? Pyrroline (Arnte and Schmoun) are masters of their craft utilizing advanced concepts in recording techniques laced with a signature sound that captivates through complexity and determination. This dedication to the craft hurls the listener in to a sonic vortex that forever changes the outlook on how music is viewed and understood. Arnte is a masterful musician as well as a very skilled tactician in the mastering world. With all of the years of experience between albums, Marc stayed faithful to his old school roots and style and utilized the impressive track record of Arnte's skills in mastering and production. The end result is something to be proud of. 

Initializing Insanity surpassed my expectations. The time was well spent designing this huge document that explores a new phase of Synaptic Defect's evolution. This is aces all around. Put on your glacier glasses and bomber jacket and take a thrilling journey into world of Synaptic Defect. Click here to purchase the double CD and digital formats. While your are there check out all of what EAR has to offer.
Mar 19 2024