Maximum Entertainment

Systral began their career with this bizarre seven-inch back in 1995. "Maximum Entertainment" was one of the earliest recordings from the Bremen scene (excluding Acme, who had already broken up by this point). This record is a tough listen, there isn't much 'music' on here aside from short bursts of grindcore energy and bass noodling. About a third of the run-time consists of film samples, news-clips, and found sounds. It begins with a lengthy, futuristic Blade Runner sample, which is immediately undermined by primitive grindcore blasting and roaring. Various other strange things happen after that, making this the least accessible material Systral ever made.

I first encountered this seven-inch because it was included on the end of the "Fever...The Maximum Carnage" compilation. I wasn't impressed with it at all. It suffered in comparison to the band's debut album ("Fever"), which it followed in the running order. Listening to "Maximum Entertainment" on its own terms is much more rewarding and interesting. Music as 'out there' as this doesn't work as mere bonus tracks tagged onto the end of a CD. There are significant differences between this seven-inch and "Fever". This is even more abrasive and chaotic; stomping, snarling, metallic grind from the darkest recesses of the mind. It summons the spirit of punk rock at its most extreme and avant-garde.

“Maximum Entertainment” is more of an 'art-house' experience than anything else. The record feels more like a sound collage. The overall effect is intense and peculiar. It is difficult to know the degree to which Systral were joking around, and the degree to which they were being serious. My guess is they were doing both at the same time. In terms of influences, I can hear Swans and early Napalm Death, along with older hardcore bands like Rorschach and Honeywell. This is an ugly combination if ever there was, leading to some terrifying moments. The most curious aspect of it all is the bass-led segues, which sometimes morph into massive distorted crust riffs. The bass tone is unbelievable, one of the warmest, roundest, finest tones I've ever heard. It is worth listening to this record just to hear the bass tone.

This record only makes sense as a whole piece, or rather, as two pieces (seven-inches having two sides). Everything blurs together. Sometimes it sounds like the band were making it up on the spot. The only recognisable song is "Past Mistakes". This song is great, with dark, clean guitar parts and roaring emo/grindiness. There are no dull moments on the whole record, and it burns with enthusiasm and extremity. Systral would improve this formula when they released "Fever", where they fashioned these raw materials into something more consistent. Still, "Maximum Entertainment" is much more interesting than it first appears.