Hammer Treatment: A Sonic Sledgehammer to the Skull
Alright, let’s cut the crap and get straight into it. Hammer Treatment by Mick Harris (yeah, THAT Mick Harris) and Eraldo Bernocchi is one of those albums that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until your ears are bleeding—but in a good way. Released back in '98 on Sub Rosa—a Belgian label known for throwing curveballs at listeners—this thing slams together breakbeat, industrial, and techno like nobody’s business. If you’re looking for chill vibes or easy listening, this ain’t it. This is music for when you wanna feel like your brain's being rewired.
First up, “Hammer Treatment (Remix)”. Holy hell, where do I even start? The track kicks off with these jagged beats that sound like someone took an angle grinder to a steel drum. It’s relentless, man. Just as you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, layers of distorted synths crash in like a goddamn freight train. There’s no mercy here—it’s raw, abrasive, and unapologetically loud. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to make something pretty; they were out to create chaos, and damn if they didn’t succeed. Every time I hear this track, I’m reminded why I love electronic music so much. It’s not just noise—it’s calculated destruction.
Then there’s “Floater (Remix)”, which flips the script but still hits hard. Where “Hammer Treatment” is all about brute force, “Floater” sneaks up on you with its eerie atmosphere. The beat’s slower, almost hypnotic, but don’t let that fool you—it’s got teeth. Those creepy undertones and glitchy textures crawl under your skin and stay there. By the halfway point, you’re either loving it or questioning every life decision that led you here. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you which part I prefer—the way it builds tension or how it drops out suddenly, leaving you hanging like a sucker. Either way, it sticks with you long after the last note fades.
So yeah, Hammer Treatment isn’t for everyone. Some people will call it pretentious or over-the-top, but screw ‘em. This album doesn’t care about pleasing crowds or fitting neatly into playlists. It’s art disguised as a full-frontal assault. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it brilliant.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this now feels kinda prophetic. Like, did these dudes know we’d end up in a world where everything’s louder, faster, crazier? Or were they just ahead of their time? Whatever the case, Hammer Treatment still sounds fresh today, like a warning shot fired from another dimension. Now go listen to it—but only if you’ve got guts.
