When was the last time you subjected yourself to a five-hour, five-CD journey into the heart of experimental sound? No, not the last time you fell asleep in a malfunctioning MRI machine — this is "W. TRANSMISSION 1-5", collecting transmissions by Column One. This Berlin-based collective has never been about easy listening, but this huge collection of releases feels like a challenge issued directly to anyone who dares to call themselves an audiophile.

Column One, the avant-garde pioneers, always tried to push the boundaries of what can be considered music. This magnum opus, "W. TRANSMISSION 1-5 (SET)", is not just a collection of past sparse releases of what is normally labelled as 'transmission' in the not so esoteric language of industrial music, but a meticulously curated sensory experience that takes shape through this editorial attempt of amalgamating material crafted over an extended time span. Packaged in a limited edition wooden box (because why not?) - that it got sold out -, this collection is both a physical and auditory testament to the group's dedication to deconstructing sound and reality.

"W. TRANSMISSION 1" kicks off with recordings from the early 90s, a time when the band was just beginning to explore their unique blend of coded key sounds and immersive environments. Tracks like “A M: M” and “SCHILDERUNG” are less about melody and more about creating an atmosphere. The real gems here are “NEW-RE-GENERATION II” and "T ALLOY", two ritual track that encapsulates the band's early experimentation with tape, field recordings and ritualistic amalgamation of resounding entities.

Moving on to "W. TRANSMISSION 2", originally released by A.N.COLUMN, we see the band further exploring the physicality of sound. This chapter/transmission sounds more like an exercise in layering and space, creating a soundscape that demands continuous listening to reach a proper full immersion (and maybe some altered state of consciousness) from the listener.

"W. TRANSMISSION 3" is where things get truly fascinating in my opinion. Recorded live in a church, the use of dual microphones captures the acoustics of the sacred space (a third microphone was connected to effects and a record player, AMP, and speakers), making tracks like “Religious Tools Part 1” feel almost spiritual. The band manipulates the space itself, turning the building where the transmission was forged into an authentic instrument.

"W. TRANSMISSION 4" documents a 1998 event in Berlin, blending ritualistic sounds with recordings of native peoples and unconventional instruments. The result is a hypnotic mix that is both disorienting and captivating. “WORLD TRANSMISSION 4 PART 2” stands out for its sheer audacity, layering vibrations and sounds to create a truly immersive experience.

Finally, "W. TRANSMISSION 5" brings the series to a close with recordings from 2001 and 2010. This final chapter, “Continuum”, is a fitting end to the series, exploring the themes of time and space with tracks like “Continuum Part 1” and “Continuum Part 2”. Each sound is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of finality and introspection.

For those familiar with the works of Throbbing Gristle or Nurse With Wound, Column One’s latest release will feel like a natural progression in the world of experimental music. However, for the uninitiated, it might be akin to being dropped into the deep end of the avant-garde pool.

Let’s not forget the physical aspect of this release. Limited to 100 copies, with only 50 hand-numbered for sale, this is not just an album but a collector's item. The wooden box set includes five CDs in eco packs, a bag with the Column One logo, three photos marked by band members, three pins, a double-sided poster, and a certificate of authenticity is sadly sold out. By the way, both the digital and the ordinary CD editions are still available. This meticulous attention to detail mirrors the care and precision in the audio content, making it a must-have for collectors of avant-garde and experimental music.

In the end, if you find yourself yearning for something more than just music — something that challenges your perceptions and pushes the boundaries of sound — this encyclopedic release by Polish label Zoharum is an epic saga (or I should rather call it a sublime slog!) just for you. Just be prepared to emerge from this sonic pilgrimage changed, for better or worse.