Recently, I was introduced to an interesting musician who goes by the name of Xardas. He is a Lebanese composer of industrial noise. Currently, Autumn Wind Productions is releasing Xardas’ back catalog of recordings under the moniker 20.sv.

The first 20.sv release is Acid Vomit, Human Genocide (AV,HG) is a treat for the senses. AV,HG is a dark soundscape that drags you through the underbelly of a post industrial nightmare. With no vocals and very little coherent beat you are left to experience this seedy world unfolding before you. AV,HG opens with Uranium Mines, which starts with this slow thump akin to the banging of old steal waste barrels intermixed with what comes off as the labored breathing of an old oxygen mask. Uranium Mines suffocates you in a claustrophobic subterranean world. This is pretty much how the entire album plays out, tiny dirty worlds are created and destroyed right before your ears.

The second 20.sv release from Autumn Wind Productions is plainly titled Insects. There is little surprise that Insects is comprised entirely of the creeping, buzzing noises that make your skin crawl. It is interesting to sit back and let the insectile rhythms wash over you. Under the right conditions Insects creates a sinister meditation.

I found both of these albums to be excellent background noise for invoking your creative side, when you’re focussing on grittier projects. I’m looking forward to hearing what else is tucked away in the 20.sv vault, it’s sure to be interesting.