UK's industrial music pioneers Test Dept have signed a record deal with Artoffact. Formed in London in the early 1980s, Test Dept are regarded as one of the pioneering forces of industrial music, recognised for their groundbreaking sound and powerful performances that pushed the boundaries of music, art and protest while exploring political and social issues.
Centred around the founding duo of Paul Jamrozy and Gray Cunnington since resurfacing in the mid-2010s, the group have just signed to the Canadian label Artoffact to issue a series of carefully curated box sets that celebrate their history. They will also release a brand new album in 2026.
"We are thrilled to begin a creative partnership with Artoffact, a label that truly understands Test Dept's vision and legacy", the band states. "Their expertise will help bring our back catalogue to a wider audience, while also driving the creation of powerful new work we are eager to share."
"Test Dept has been in our earholes for over three decades", the Artoffact Team respond. "Having a chance to work with them on their catalogue and new material is a dream come true."
Test Dept will be performing at festivals in Poland and Germany in October 2025, followed by shows in Spain, Sweden and Finland in December. Augmented by their trademark striking visuals, a fully electronic set comprising remixes of early recordings plus a preview of new material will encompass aggressive percussion, industrial noise and the experimental soundscapes that are their stock-in-trade. Expect power and confrontation in what will be a visceral and immersive experience. Link
Test Dept - 2025 live shows
18th October, Wroclaw (PL), Gothic Hall | Industrial Festival XXIV
25th October, Zwickau (DE), Club Seilerstrasse | Elektrisch Festival
07th December, Barcelona (ES), Ombra Festival
20th December, Stockholm (SE), Huis 7
21st December, Helsinki (FI), On The Rocks
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"You can see it in social media, in the world, with the wars going on, and I think it's an appropriate title for an album." - Skinny Disco
"There's much more detail in our music now than 20 years ago. It's also much easier nowadays because you can do many things at home." - Morten Lybecker
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