Supersilent is one of the cult bands of the 1990s and 2000s, maybe next to Autechre and Tortoise. Every few years there?s a new record and you can be sure that most critics will like it. In the case of Supersilent, the flagship of the Norwegian Rune Grammofon label, the critics? euphoria is totally justified. Every new record by Supersilent is at least interesting, even it it might not be entirely everyone?s cup of tea.

The same goes for "8?, their latest effort, which flashes the same kind of minimal artwork that their previous records had, this time in mauve colour. That all tracks are untitled and that you don?t find the musicians? names on the sleeve adds to the mystery effect that makes every Supersilent release so interesting. The record begins with a total monster of a noise rock track. Deep and dense drones build up until heavy guitars and free drumming join it. If you listen to it at enough volume you can be sure to be drawn knee-deep into their realm. This is just way better than any of the Sunno))) mockers trying to sound evil.

The real quality of any Supersilent album lies in its stylistic variety though. They can play heavy progressive rock as good as electroacoustic improv and jazz. No matter what they play, it?s always perfectly produced, well performed and incredibly intense. This intensity makes it unsuitable for everyday listening, but once in the right mood, taking the 60 minutes to listen through "8? is very rewarding. There may be some dull moments, especially the reminiscences to 60s "Space Music? on tracks 2 and 3. But most of the disc is quite excellent.The soothing and mournful fourth track is a welcome balance to the rather harsh beginning of "8?. It is only a short interlude and the rather repelling atmosphere comes back on track 5 with a rather ghostly and uncomforting combination of distant keyboards, repetitive heartbeat drumming and distorted voices, which develops into the most cohesive and pretty tune on the album though.

Compared to previous effort, "8? doesn?t disappoint a bit. Some tunes like the sixth may take too long to pick up pace, but the entirety of the album is simply a good mix of slower and faster, softer and heavier passages which give the listener enough time to relax after some heavy e-guitar attacks. A well rounded album. 9/10 -- Stephan Bauer (8 January, 2008)