A Retrospective Journey Through Noise
A Place To Bury Strangers, long celebrated as one of the most formidable and loudest acts in modern rock, has returned with a compelling new project. Their latest release, Rare And Deadly, serves as a comprehensive collection of rarities, demos, and forgotten experiments spanning the decade between 2015 and 2025. For both long-time devotees and newcomers to the band’s abrasive soundscapes, this album offers an essential look into the creative process of a group that has consistently pushed the boundaries of noise rock.
Frontman Oliver Ackermann recently sat down to discuss the origins of this compilation. Far from being a mere collection of cast-offs, Rare And Deadly captures the transitional phases of the band, documenting the evolution of their sound through late-night recordings and abandoned sessions. Ackermann notes that the process of curating these tracks was a journey of rediscovery, unearthing gems that felt out of place on previous studio albums but possess a distinct, raw energy that demands to be heard.
A Unique Approach to Distribution
What truly sets Rare And Deadly apart is its unconventional release strategy. Ackermann has opted to provide a bespoke experience for listeners, with the CD, cassette, vinyl, and digital editions each featuring a unique track listing. This decision challenges the modern standard of uniform streaming releases, encouraging a more intentional engagement with the music. Ackermann suggests that this approach is a deliberate rejection of rigid industry norms, aiming to restore a sense of mystery and exclusivity to the act of collecting music.
“It is just another way to break the rules,” Ackermann explains. “Things don’t have to be a certain way. Music was meant to be enjoyed and shared with friends, and those unique experiences are what make it special.”
The Art of Sonic Destruction
The band’s signature sound is built upon a foundation of gear pushed to its absolute breaking point. Tracks like “Everyone’s The Same” exemplify this, where the recording process itself became a transformative element. Ackermann describes how the equipment was pushed so hard that the resulting audio became an unpredictable, beautiful distortion that could never be intentionally replicated. This philosophy of embracing the “malfunction” is central to the band’s aesthetic.
Visceral Riffs and Emotional Depth
The guitar work on Rare And Deadly is as aggressive as it is intricate. On tracks like “Dead Inside,” the listener can hear the physical intensity of the performance. Ackermann describes the process of whipping himself into a frenzy, often physically interacting with his amplifiers and instruments to capture a truly visceral, aggressive sound. This commitment to the physical act of playing ensures that the resulting recordings feel alive and dangerous.
Conversely, the album also explores more atmospheric and melancholic territories. Songs like “Losing Time” and “Where Are We Now” demonstrate a softer, more introspective side of the band. Ackermann compares the eerie, droning quality of “Losing Time” to a film score, noting that it captures the feeling of being awake in the dead of night, detached from reality. These moments of quietude provide a necessary contrast to the wall-of-sound chaos found in tracks like “Crash,” proving that the band’s mastery extends far beyond sheer volume.
Looking Toward the Future
As A Place To Bury Strangers prepares for their upcoming European tour, the focus remains on the balance between honoring their past and pushing forward. Ackermann confirms that the band is already working on new material, with plans for a full-length album release next year. Rare And Deadly serves as a perfect bridge, allowing fans to revisit the band’s history while setting the stage for their next chapter. It is a testament to the band’s enduring relevance and their refusal to settle into a predictable creative rut.