Formed in London in the early 1980s, Test Dept are regarded as one of the pioneering forces of 'industrial music', recognised for their groundbreaking sound and powerful performances that pushed the boundaries of music, art and protest while exploring political and social issues. Centred around the founding duo of Paul Jamrozy and Gray Cunnington since resurfacing in the mid-2010s, the group have just signed to the Canadian label Artoffact Records to issue a series of carefully curated box sets that celebrates their history. The first box, Industrial Overture, features early live recordings, remasters, the band's two famous Peel Sessions, and other rare cuts. "We are thrilled to begin a creative partnership with Artoffact, a label that truly understands Test Dept's vision and legacy," the band states. "Their expertise will help bring our back catalogue to a wider audience, while also driving the creation of powerful new work we are eager to share."
The first of the catalogue sets is scheduled for release on 5th December, with ‘Industrial Overture. Studio & Live Recordings 1982-1985’ consisting of 40 tracks across 4 CDs and also available digitally. It includes a first ever reissue of the group’s 1983 cassette-only debut album ‘Strength Of Metal In Motion’, the classic ‘Ecstasy Under Duress’ and ‘Atonal & Hamburg’ albums (both unavailable for over three decades), plus a disc of hitherto unreleased studio recordings that incorporate two sessions recorded for the John Peel show on BBC Radio 1.
In total, 26 tracks are new to CD and digital formats, of which 12 have never been previously available at all. All contents have been compiled by Test Dept and are newly remastered by Paul Lavigne (Kontrast Mastering).
Housed in a 5-panel ecopak designed by Paul Jamrozy and Stefan Alt (Ant-Zen), the set also includes a 24 page booklet featuring a specially commissioned essay by Test Dept expert Alexei Monroe, as well as period photographs.
Released Early December 2025 by Artoffact Records.
English