Pitch Shifter: Peel Sessions 1991-93 (2024)

Yes, I do know the band these days are known as Pitchshifter, but originally, they spelled it as two words, and when these sessions were recorded for John Peel at the BBC Maida Vale Studios on 28th April 1991 and 30th March 1993 this is how they were known. The 1991 session was recorded during the same period that saw the release of the band’s debut album, ‘Industrial’, with the 1993 session recorded around the time of its follow-up, ‘Desensitized’. There was a line-up change between the two sessions so while JS Clayden, Mark Clayden and Johnny Carter are on both, the first session involved Stu Toolin and the 93 set, DJ Walters.

There is no doubt that Pitchshifter were, alongside Godflesh, the originators of the death industrial metal scene but this is not a release which has stood the test of time. 30 years ago this was frightening music which was upsetting much of the metal scene, and it is no surprise they toured with Napalm Death, but listening to it now, the production does the band no favours whatsoever as it is incredibly muddy and consequently the power and passion is somewhat diminished. I remember reviewing them back in the Nineties and was blown away by what they were performing, but this does not represent just how important they were in the history of British metal. The band are still touring and have had the same line-up for more than 20 years with both JS and Mark still there, so catch them live and then decide whether you need this piece of history as while undoubtedly important it is not the best introduction to the band.

Rating: 6/10