A 198+ Kbs high-quality MP3 data CD containing 22 original tracks released in Year 5 of the project, once again created and nutured by Stephen Phillips. The CD features the Austere track "Fasciculate" and the Freq. Magnet track "Ode To Ruy Bleu" which are still available for free download.

Various Artists - Message From a Subatomic World CD  (samples & reviews)
Released Spring 2008

Hypnos will be carrying this release at some point and it will be available from us after the date/time above.

Solyaris CD  (samples & reviews)
Released 10 February 2008

"2008. This is a creative peak for this much-overlooked ambient duo, their first release on Hypnos, following their Hypnos Secret Sounds CD Pulse in 2007. In their 10 years of productivity, Austere has covered territory from Pulse's drone minimalism, ranging from odd and trippy Coil-inspired sonic experimentation, to seamless dark ambient, and occasionally glitchy weirdness. Despite some challenging material in their back catalog, Austere have in this case produced an album as friendly and pleasant as any Austere fan could have imagined possible, and yet without resorting to the usual tricks that make music sound 'listenable.'"

Available exclusively through Hypnos. Hypnos #2.

The Sound of Silence I: An 'Unnatural History' of Rare and Unreleased Tracks
An 8x8-inch box set with a SanDisk card and MP3 player  (samples & reviews)
Released 18 Jan 2008 2:13AM — box set w/SanDisk & MP3 player, USD $35 plus shipping.

The "Sound of Silence I" box set will be release on Fri 18 Jan 2008 at 2:13AM, which is our 10th Anniversary since we "officially formed" as a group. Subtitled " An 'Unnatural History' of Rare & Orphaned Tracks with Artwork/Photography by Henk Zweering", with the 'Unnatural History' reference made towards Coil's same-titled series.

It contains tracks from group projects, the Dark Duck Drone Download Project, compilations, soundtrack projects, etc. as well as one "live" recording and three unreleased tracks that will only be available in this box set. They are all in 320Kbs CBR MP3 format stored on a SanDisk™ card.

This is an 8x8x½" (220x220x25 mm) box set that contains a plethora of materials, including but not limited to:

1. SanDisk™ card - contains 320Kbs CBR MP3 files of all tracks. You can read it into any computer or MP3 player that uses SD cards and you'll have top quality digital copies of all the tracks from this release.
   
2. An MP3 Player — it is possibly the most simple MP3 player ever made, a mere 2x2"+ (about 65x65 mm) with few controls - play, stop, pause, track forward/back, volume up/down and little else - but it plays well, uses SanDisk cards, and the single AA-size battery life is very long. Comes with USB cable and OK (not great, just OK) earbud earphones. At the least you can plug the player into your computer to copy all the digital tracks off and load the SanDisk™ card with something worth listening to.
   
3. An entirely unique recording for each box, a 5" (120mm) 78 RPM recording - the electronic / drone musick on every disc is absolutely unique and was recorded by etching with an Emily Berliner recorder. Requires the ability to play back 78 RPM recordings, which we know almost nobody will be able to do, but it is our first non-CD release, and in a format that most people consider "dead" so of course we needed to release something in that format.
   
4. The box set also contains four random photos (from sixteen total, including one of the current band, and one of when we met before we formed the band), a copy of our annoying, snotty "manifesto" which we signed 10 years ago from the date/time above, and other treats, including the checklist to make sure everything is there.

The title 'The Sound of Silence I' is a purely accidental / non-intentional reference to the song "Sounds of Silence" written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon & Garfunkel — we did not have that song title (lacking the "The" and with an "s" in their version), in mind, although we both adore the entire album it appears on, consider Paul Simon an endlessly amazing musician. The "Unnatural History" reference is specific in honour to Coil and their CD compilations of rare tracks released throughout their career.

The box set artwork and photography provided by our extremely talented mate Henk Zweering and is quite beautiful.

Hypnos will be carrying this release at some point and it will be available from us after the date/time above.

A 198+ Kbs high-quality MP3 data CD containing 20 original tracks released in Year 4 of the project, plus 8 all-new bonus tracks recorded exclusively for this release, once again created and nutured by Stephen Phillips. The CD features the Austere track: "Puissant".

All proceeds from the sale of this CD go to support the Drone Download Project, and promotion for up-and-coming artists in the drone / ambient / deep chill genre.

Various Artists - Sounds of a Universe Overheard comp. CD  (samples & reviews)
Released December 2007 — compilation CD, USD $12.99 from Hypnos.

Contains one track called "Nitrous" by Freq. Magnet which are from the "Étoiles du Couvrecle" CD sessions.

2007. Long-time Hypnos listeners may recall that Hypnos released a couple of compilations in the early years, The Other World comp. CD and Weightless, Effortless comp. CD, which included exclusive tracks by many of the all-time greats of the ambient music scene. Both those compilations were very well-received by critics, DJs, and all kinds of listeners.

The first compilation is Sounds of a Universe Overheard, a collection of ten tracks exclusive to this CD, created by a cross-section of ambient, experimental and soundscape artists from around the world. Included in this diverse group are more established recording artists who will be known to most listeners to these genres, as well as new, emerging names. We feel a compilation is most interesting when it varies from the familiar to the new. This disc covers all sorts of territory in terms of sound, from more musical and soundtrack-like sounds, to darker ambient, to pure sonic experimentation.

mirror CD  (samples & reviews)
Released August 2007 — CD, USD $12.

Our newest release, properly spelled "rorrim" in reverse script is now available from Blue Water Records, home to both up & coming and well-established ambient aritsts as Palancar, Altus, Stephen Phillips, Copal River, Michael Sandler, Not Your Average Hippy, Mystified, and many others.

This album is the culmination of work over a two year period. While each track on the CD was written and recorded in different sessions, they come together as a whole under the theme (one could even call this release a "concept album") of "a mirror" - each track is a reflection of itself, beginning and ending the same, building to a peak (or settling to a nadir) exactly at the midpoint.

The five main tracks were culled from different recording sessions over a period that has seen the duo return to new heights of creativity and productivity, with recent releases on the world-reknown ambient label Hypnos and now Blue Water Records, the label run by Palancar, the main force behind Stillstream Radio, an international favorite for ambient musick lovers worldwide.

While available in digital format as well from Blue Water Records & Rhapsody, the physical CD continues our tradition of innovative & unique hand-made CD packaging, this release has all the artwork (booklet and tray insert) printed on reflective "mirror" plastic, which indeed acts as a mirror, and all text (except the UPC bar code) is reversed so that it needs to be held up to a mirror to read, like the title above. The CD itself can be used to read the CD notes, again creating a mirror-like reality.

Each CD is hand-made and assembled. While no doubt likely to annoy some, we hope no one would disagree that once again we have produced a CD that looks like no other and pushes the envelope of musick packaging & design. We hope you'll buy, listen and enjoy.

Pulse CD  (samples & reviews)
Released August 2007 — USD $12.99 from Hypnos

Minimalist Composition. Yet another attempt to pick up and run with the torch dropped by Msrs. Reich, Philip, Riley, Young, et. al.

The Hypnos debut by interesting, wonderful and obscure duo Austere who have been creeping up on the experimental ambient world these last few years, and making themselves known for atmospheric and uncompromising sound experiments that always take chances, and express a truly singular artistic point of view.

Pulse is an example of the sort of restrained minimalism that Hypnos has dabbled in so often, and that Hypnos listeners seem to love. Careful listening is rewarded here, but Pulse also functions as wonderful and very pleasant sonic perfume, if that's what you're looking for. Simple and yet infinitely deep. Listen up!

faded DVD  (samples & reviews)
Released March 2007 — DVD-R media, USD $9/12.

A DVD-R video release, which contains custom-designed computer graphics to go with the original CD musick release. Contains all the same tracks, etc. as the CD but provides a visual backdrop to enjoy along with the musick.

Available from Hypnos Online Store or by contacting Sound-O-Mat Recordings.

Note: if you need DVD+R format, please let us know in your request.

The musick was mystically demixicated by Stephen Philips in autumn of 2003, produced and mastered by Austere over the course of winter 2004, this new release has been waiting patiently for enough loving time and attention to bring it to fruition. Well-aged to a refined state, it takes the beauty and essense of fade (2000) one step further into the realm of gentle ambient drone.

Freq. Magnet - Étoiles du Couvrecle CD  (samples & reviews)
Released February 2007 — USD $12/$15.

Étoiles du Couvrecle is the sophomore effort by Freq. Magnet (prounonced "freak magnet"), an Austere solo side-project started in 2004 to focus on guitar-only instrumental, ambient, drone musick.

This CD, enhanced as always by Space Echo was made in tribute to the always-fantastic Stars of the Lid, who have continued to carve their own unique path in musick history for well over a decade and still going.

The guitar as The Instrument is much more prominent on this release, which also breaks the from tradition slightly with some piano appearing on the closing track. It retains elements of the shoegazing psychedelic sound of Principium Somniferum but changes the main focus more to an overall minimalistic sound with less emphasis on a song-based format but instead aspiring to work as a single, cohesive, long-form album listening experience.

A DVD+/-R NTSC format video release, which contains custom-designed computer graphics to go with the original CD musick release. Contains all the same tracks, etc. as the CD but provides a visual backdrop to enjoy along with the musick.

Available exclusively from Freq. Magnet or by contacting Sound-O-Mat Recordings. If you wish to "upgrade" an existing CD copy to add or substitute the DVD version, details are provided, all prices include shipping.

The DVD is currently comes in several different options/prices (please be sure specify DVD+r or DVD-R format):

• A DVD/CD combo package in one case. USD $20/$24.
• The DVD version by itself, without a CD. USD $12/15.
• A DVD to add to the original CD you already purchased. See the Freq. Magnet Prinecipium Somniferum DVD page for more details.

If you have already bought the CD and wish to purchase a DVD to go with your existing CD/case, you must send the "credits disc" (B ∧ W text on a clear CD-shaped plastic backing) back to us with your payment, and we will send a DVD version with the same B∧W credits printed on the DVD. We apologize if this is confusing: Contact Freq. Magnet if you have any questions.

Note: with any order, be sure to specify DVD+R or DVD-R format.

A 198+ Kbs high-quality MP3 data CD containing 38 original tracks released in Year 3 of the project, plus 8 all-new bonus tracks recorded exclusively for this release, once again created and nutured by Stephen Phillips. The CD features an Austere guitar-only drone: "Wean".

All proceeds from the sale of this CD go to support the Drone Download Project, and promotion for up-and-coming artists in the drone / ambient / deep chill genre.

The Mystifying Oracle - The Kiffed CD EP  (samples & reviews)
Released April 2006 — USD $8/$11.

Half of Austere teams up with William Fuld and others to continue a slowly on-going side project, this one going in the direction of ethnic percussion driving downtempo and even a psy-trance-ish track, plus one very authentic Arabic/Middle Eastern piece. A prelude to the far-too-long in production release that the lead track was culled from. Lots of beats from various drums, real and electronic.

CDs available directly through CD Baby exclusively. Digital copies are available from Apple's iTunes.

Freq. Magnet - Principium Somniferum CD  (samples & reviews)
Released August 2005 — USD $14/$17.

The other half of Austere goes solo with a new side-project that tries to take the "psybient" genre in a completely different direction, eschewing synths and drum-like percussion but embracing bass and well as electric guitar sounds, this release attempts to create a style of shoegazing psychedelic ambience strongly influenced by the work of Stars of the Lid, Windy & Carl, Labradford, and other guitar-based "indie-rock" bands who seek out a more trance-inducing, floating, other-worldly sound.

CDs available through Hypnos Online and from CD Baby exclusively or by contacting Sound-O-Mat Recordings.

Digital downloads from Great Indie Music and from Apple's iTunes.

faded CD  (samples & reviews)
Released July 2005 — USD $12/15.

Mystically demixicated by Stephen Philips in autumn of 2003, produced and mastered by Austere over the course of winter 2004, this new release has been waiting patiently for enough loving time and attention to bring it to fruition. Well-aged to a refined state, it takes the beauty and essense of fade (2000) one step further into the realm of gentle ambient drone.

Digital downloads from Great Indie Music at $0.99 per track. The CD is available exclusively through Hypnos Online Store, Dark Duck Records, or through CD Baby while supplies last.

Various - Space Collaboration MP3/Ogg  (samples & reviews)
Released Summer 2005 — free download.

The first release for The Ambient Collective — " The Space Collaboration" featuring some of todays underground Ambient musicians from around the globe. "Take a journey with us from the birth of the Solar System to the edges of our realm." All tracks are original and are unique. Go from the glitch to chilled, from noise to soundtrackesque on this amazing release.

Eco CD  (samples & reviews)
Released June 2005 — USD $12/15.

A new "process musick" minimalist piece, similar in composition to our first release Convergence but with a different goal in mind: the encouragement of deep sleep bringing rest and peace. A gentle, single track made for looping and blissful trance or playing at night.

Available only through Hypnos Online Store. Also available in Japan via CD Jam exclusively for that country.

Remittance CD  (samples & reviews)
Released December 2004 — USD $14/$17.

The re-release, re-issue, re-done version of "Remission". This release is the album as we had originally envisioned it. Comes with pre-assembled secret decoder wheel to help unleash secrets hidden within the sounds.

Available through Hypnos Online Store or through CD Baby while supplies last. Digital copies are available from Apple's iTunes and Rhapsody

Various Artists: The Drone Download Project MP3 CD - Year 2 2xCD
Released December 2004 by Dark Duck Records — USD $20/$23.

A 198+ Kbs high-quality MP3 double-CD containing 52 tracks; 8 hours and 40 minutes of drone music by various artists, masterminded by Stephen Phillips. The CD features an Austere guitar-only drone: "Tea-Totalled".

evergone CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released May 2004 — USD $8/$11.

A six track EP collaboration with NYC's finest, Abstract Audio Systems. Exploring the subjects of space and distance, this unique CD EP brings together one of the finest releases by either artist.

Available through the Hypnos Online Store and also through CD Baby while supplies last. Digital copies are available from Apple's iTunes and Rhapsody

Various Artists: The Drone Download Project MP3 CD - Year 1 2xCD
Released February 2004 by Dark Duck Records — USD $20/$23.

A 198+ Kbs high-quality MP3 double-CD containing almost 8 hours of drone music by various artists, masterminded by Stephen Phillips. The CD features two Austere guitar-only drone tracks: "Diapason", a 12 minute piece which was featured in the first year series, and an unreleased 18 minute bonus track "Whainer".

Remission CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released September 2003 — permanently out-of-print

Comes with pre-assembled secret decoder wheel to help unleash secrets hidden within the sounds.

This release is now permanently out-of-print and has been replaced by a new release called "Remittance" which is the album as we had originally intended it.

Coruscate box w/rectangular CDR
Released January 2003 — USD $7/$9.

The second release in Sound-O-Mat Recording's Music for Séances: The Talking Board Series releases. Available in two editions: An Art*O*Mat edition of 50, available only through A*O*M vending machines & a Sound-O-Mat edition of 50 available from us or through Sound-O-Mat.

The Mystifying Oracle - The Ceremony box w/rectangular CDR
Released December 2002 — USD $7/$9.

The first release in Sound-O-Mat Recording's Music for Séances: The Talking Board Series releases. Available in two editions: An Art*O*Mat edition of 50, available only through A*O*M vending machines & a Sound-O-Mat edition of 50 available from us or through Sound-O-Mat.

The Mystifying Oracle - quintesscence CDEP 
Released May 2002 — USD $8/$11.

An Austere solo side-project that explores a more "trip-hop" style of sound, and in general musick with percussion and beats, electronic and ethnic. Seeking out a spacey, laid-back groove in an attempt to further define the "psybient" genre.

Digital downloads from Great Indie Music at $0.99 per track. The CD EP available exclusively through the CD Baby or by

Curio CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released November 2000 — limited, numbered first edition of 50. USD $17/$20.
Reissued September 2004 — unlimited edition. USD $12/15.

The first limited edition was made with real 18k gold leaf foil, a few copies remain, and a number of owners may be rewarded for finding the titles of the tracks. This version still available directly from us for USD $17/$20 postage paid in U.S./Europe. Please see our contact page if interested.

An unlimited second edition made with aluminum/silver was released in September 2003. Available exclusively through the Hypnos Online Store.

distance CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released June 2000 — unlimited edition. USD $8/$11.

Available from the Hypnos Online Store or through CD Baby while supplies last. Digital copies are available from Apple's iTunes.

fade CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released January 2000 — unlimited edition. USD $12/$15.

Available exclusively through the Hypnos Online Store.

Monodia CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released July 1999 — limited, numbered edition of 100. USD $15/$18.

Less than dozen copies remain as of winter 2007. This release will never be reissued once it goes out-of-print. We are not Cher, trust us, once it's gone, it's gone for good.

Available exclusively through the Hypnos Online Store.

Convergence CDR  (samples & reviews)
Released January 1998, reissued May 2005. — USD $12/15.

Available through the Hypnos Online Store or through CD Baby while supplies last. Also available in Japan via CD Jam exclusively for that country.