STM 058 - Ancient Methods

Secret Thirteen Mix 058 is the work of Michael Wollenhaupt, better known as Ancient Methods or Trias, a German techno artist whose reputation for pushing boundaries precedes him. Originally a duo alongside Conrad Protzmann, Ancient Methods has since evolved into Wollenhaupt’s solo project, where he has continued to expand his artistic vision. Since the mid-2000s, Ancient Methods has released numerous critically acclaimed records, primarily through his eponymous label, as well as RSB, Hands Productions, and Candela Rising. Wollenhaupt’s collaborative spirit has seen him work with renowned musicians such as Adam X, Kareem, Regis, and Gordon Sharp. Known for his precise, unrelenting approach to industrial techno, Wollenhaupt’s music has always thrived on the dancefloor, favoring rapid structural shifts over static, meditative moments. However, with recent releases like The First Siren and The Asking Breath Comes To Each, Ancient Methods has begun exploring more introspective and varied sonic directions—a trend that this exclusive mix exemplifies.

Secret Thirteen Mix 058 is a carefully curated selection of 16 records, spanning the years 1986 to 2011, by artists as diverse as DAF, Current 93, Deutsch Nepal, and Mark Van Hoen. The mix transcends traditional genre boundaries, blending acoustic, ambient, industrial, neofolk, and new wave in ways that feel unexpected yet harmonious. Each track is allowed to unfold at its own pace, creating a calm yet immersive flow from beginning to end. Opening with ethereal ambient textures and subtle electronics, the mix gradually introduces more dynamic, organically recorded compositions, building towards a crescendo of richly layered noise. It’s a sonic journey that requires patience and attentiveness, rewarding listeners with a complex, evolving soundscape that is as emotionally resonant as it is intellectually stimulating.

Wollenhaupt’s mixing is as meticulous as it is expressive, weaving together archaic synthesizer tones, hypnotic rhythmic patterns, and provocative lyrics that evoke a wide range of emotions—from melancholy to defiance, and even destruction. The subtlety in the transitions allows each piece to shine, yet the mix as a whole feels cohesive and deliberate, reflecting Ancient Methods’ signature approach of balancing intensity with beauty. While the mix may lean away from the brutal, beat-driven style Wollenhaupt is often associated with, it still retains the raw emotional power and stripped-back harmonic elements that define his work.

Like Günther Förg’s abstract painting Untitled, Secret Thirteen Mix 058 invites listeners to venture into the darker, more obscure corners of their inner landscapes. Förg’s monochrome structure, heavily saturated with deep blacks, challenges viewers to explore what lies beneath the surface, just as Wollenhaupt’s mix challenges listeners to confront the often-overlooked nuances of sound, space, and emotion. This is a mix that doesn't simply entertain—it provokes thought, reflection, and perhaps even a reimagining of what music can be.

In sum, Secret Thirteen Mix 058 offers an extraordinary glimpse into the multifaceted artistry of Michael Wollenhaupt. It’s a mix that defies expectations, drawing from a wide palette of styles and emotions to create something deeply personal and universally resonant. For those willing to listen closely, it’s a captivating and inspiring journey.