The exclusive remix by Hiro Kawahara, created as a tribute to the late Peter Frohmader, combines a remastered selection of Frohmader’s iconic compositions with Hiro’s own unique guitar and synthesizer contributions, resulting in a compelling auditory experience that honors the legacy of the pioneering musician.

Carefully crafted for the second anniversary of Frohmader’s passing, the remix offers listeners a unique journey through time and sound. Hiro’s blend of remastered classics and original elements seamlessly bridges the past and present, creating a fitting homage to Frohmader’s innovative spirit.

Tracklist
01. Medusa 1 – Through Time and Mystery (1988)
02. Minolith – Ritual (1985)
03. Vorstadt Im Fohn – Nekropolis Live (1983)
04. Homunculus 1 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
05. Magic – Ritual (1985)
06. Bizarro – Kanaan Live (1975)
07. Mitternachtsmesse I – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
08. Holle Im Angesicht – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
09. Homunculus 1 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
10. Arrival – Ritual (1985)
11. Ghul – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
12. Holle Im Angesicht – Nekropolis Live (1983)
13. Homunculus 1 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
14. Ecstacy – Ritual (1985)
15. Pagan – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
16. Bizarro – Kanaan Live (1975)
17. Departure – Ritual (1985)
18. Mitternachtsmesse II – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
19. Homunculus 3 – Homunculus 2 (1987)
20. Homunculus 2 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
21. Fegefeuer – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
22. Unendliche Qual – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
23. Mitternachtsmesse II – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
24. Hollenfahrt – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
25. Medusa 1 – Through Time and Mystery (1988)
26. Neutronen-Symphonie – Nekropolis Live (1983)
27. Mitternachtsmesse I – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
28. Homunculus 2 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
29. Psychofarm – Nekropolis Live (1983)
30. Homunculus 2 – Homunculus 1 (1985)
31. Mitternachtsmesse II – Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich (1979)
32. Sphinx Touch – Hiro Kawahara & Peter Frohmader (1998/2022)

“I never met Peter Frohmader in person, but we developed a friendship through letters and faxes. In 1998, we began creating music together by exchanging CD-Rs. I later moved from Kyoto to Tokyo for work and became busy until his sudden death in 2022.

Due to this, our collaboration remained unknown, but after his passing, I was able to complete our work and released it digitally through Cuneiform Records in 2023. You can find more details about our background and collaboration on the Bandcamp page: Cuneiform Records Bandcamp Page.

On the second anniversary of his death, I created a remix track as a memorial to him. The remix includes remastered and partially 3D-processed sections from his previous works, with the final part featuring my collaboration with him. I contributed guitar and synthesizer parts for various sound effects.

For the best experience, I recommend listening to this remix with headphones.”

Hiro Kawahara / Heretic

Dedicated to the late Peter Frohmader.

Hiro Kawahara’s interest in Peter Frohmader began with the latter’s solo work, ‘Musik Aus Dem Schattenreich’ (1979). Intrigued by Frohmader’s unique style, Hiro hoped to collaborate with him if given the chance.

In 1997, the internet was not yet widespread, so Hiro’s first contact with Frohmader in November 1997 was through a letter. They continued their communication via fax. When Hiro reached out, he sent Frohmader some of his CDs, which Frohmader liked, setting the stage for their collaboration. At that time, Frohmader had just finished his work with Richard Pinhas on Fossil Culture. Unlike many other artists, Frohmader didn’t use Apple computers; instead, he created music with an Atari computer and an ADAT multi-track recorder.

To collaborate, Hiro used basic tracks from Frohmader’s CD-Rs. He copied each track to an analog 16-track tape machine, then over-dubbed guitar and synthesizer sounds on separate tracks, mixing everything down in his studio. One of the collaborative tracks, Sphinx Touch, had already been recorded separately on Frohmader’s end and was intended for a book/DVD release. He sent Hiro a different version of the basic track, which can be found on Compilation I 1988-2007 (DVD) or V.A. – Music From The Edge Vol. 04 (2001).

Despite their collaboration, Hiro never met Frohmader in person. Their communication was limited, and the identity of some musicians, such as the drummer, remained unknown. Frohmader’s feedback on the rough mix of some of the original 1998 tracks was positive: “I really like this version – will be a strong CD, I think.” However, Hiro’s move from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1999, combined with work and family commitments, caused the project to stall.

It wasn’t until 2022 that Hiro found the time to revisit their work. Unfortunately, when he tried to contact Frohmader to discuss the remastering of their music, he learned that Frohmader had died on May 2, 2022. It was a significant loss, especially because Frohmader never got to hear the remastered version. The original 1998 version Hiro sent to him was not processed with compression, resulting in an uneven volume balance with a wide dynamic range. Technological limitations at the time made proper mastering impossible on Hiro’s end.

Hiro dedicated his 2022 remix work to Frohmader’s memory, creating remixes from past materials they worked on together. The remixes feature 3D sound processing, best experienced through headphones. By listening with headphones, the listener can experience the swirling synthesizer sounds and Hiro’s analog synthesizer placed at the center.

The remixes and other collaboration-related projects reflect Hiro’s admiration for Frohmader’s work and serve as a tribute to the late musician’s legacy.

Sound Engineering and Guitar Techniques

Hiro took pride in his sound engineering, especially the guitar effects he overdubbed. Using a ZOOM 9150 amp simulator, Hiro played in various styles and incorporated different instruments, including a MIDI module called Vintage Keys Plus and the Korg M3R synthesizer. The sound engineering used 3D processing, with reverbs creating expansive soundscapes. Hiro’s tribute to Terje Rypdal (ECM label) work can be heard in in their collaboration work with SansAmp PSA-1 and ZOOM 9150 amp simulators used in various sections; Hiro Kawahara & Peter Frohmader (link).

Hiro recommends listening through high-quality speakers or headphones to fully experience the ultra-bass effects and 3D sound processing. While technology has come a long way, certain limitations still exist, particularly in controlling vertical sound placement with regular headphones.

These remixes represent the enduring legacy of Peter Frohmader and the collaboration between two innovative artists, bringing together different styles and sound engineering techniques to create a unique musical experience.

Headline photo: Hiro Kawahara (1987)

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