URKAOS [master2019] by Reverorum ib Malacht

mastered 13th of July 2019

Original 16 bit 41k files run through an ssl bus comp (vintage design, vintage dbx vcas), 2x pultec eqs (for saturation), elysia xfilter, and tk-lizer for m/s (width).

The original recording was never mastered.

However, the bassdrum couldn't be fixed due to limitations in the original recording (poor microphones, cutting at 80Hz). This master is not a musical statement, just a version that I know appeals to a broader public, and which would perhaps sound better on less hifi-sound systems used today.

The intention with the original recording back in 2006 was that the guitars should be moldy and green, and the drums sound as if recorded in a coffin, the bass should have sub frequencies and the vocals be in Latin. Each song should be different from the others in terms of tempo, structure etc.

This version features the shortened outro, as per the first LP press;
the original outro was 31 minutes, a heritage from PTC back in 2001-2.

The original recording was never compressed, exept the track Omen where the drums and bass had a light compression.
There is still rumble and lack of clarity in this master, though I must confess, this master is found more attractive to my ageing ears, perhaps.

It is not meant to be perfect. Urkaos was recorded and composed primarily in a cabin in the woods with very primitive equipment (phonic mu1822x was the mixer for the drums,run through a two channel 16 bit soundblaster in N-track 4, freeware).

The same settings were used for all of the tracks in this master, meaning somewhat of a compromise, yet to the effect of more of a coherent whole, as well as an 11th of the time vs. mastering each track individually.


This version does not supplant the original.