Here is a solid little release from the less prolific Karlheinz named quite appropriately because The Calm and the Storm features one long self titled track that alternates between near-silence and blasts of harsh noise. Although the concept strikes me as being reflected with little subtlety in the composition it works as an exploration into the contrasting sounds and moods.

The noise that blasts in starts as a thick wall of destruction, coming in for periods of about 15-45 seconds and quickly dropping out to leave what sounds like “gear noise” in between; the quiet noise generated by Karlheinz's gear without any signal being pumped into it. The most prominent aspect of the recording is how the harsher noise evolves from a “wall” character with moving and dynamic layers that continue to become more varied as the disc goes on, into a very heavy industrial atmosphere towards the end reminding me much of something that you might here from earlier Strom.ec or something.

The issue I have with this disc is that the “calm” parts leave a bit to be desired. Merely featuring gear noise doesn't do much for me, and with the depth and breadth of the noise it's always a little disappointing when it drops out to the bland windy tones that form the quieter part of this release. Luckily we hear less and less of the calmer part as the track continues and the noise begins to have a more defined atmosphere.

The ending is very effective when the tracks takes a more industrial turn and this transition with echoing metal resonance, a huge hit of distortion, and building walls of scrap metal noise is the most effective part. Since it's about the last 4 minutes of the track it ends on a strong note and leaves me in the right place.

I really like the noisier parts of this, and it's clear to me that industrial noise is where Karlheinz excels, but the quieter parts leave some more to be desired and also even take away a little from the atmosphere brought about by the noise. Definitely solid work here and a competent and well-thought out release despite the few bland moments.