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For twenty years, Sweden’s Progress Productions, founded by Torny Gottberg, has been a cornerstone of the Nordic alternative music scene. With over 200 releases to its name, the label has established itself as a platform for both emerging talent and iconic acts, combining forward-thinking artistry with a deep respect for the legacy of the genre. Its ethos of building slowly and collaboratively with artists has allowed Progress to foster a loyal fanbase and an impressive roster of talent that continues to push the boundaries of electronic, industrial, synthpop, and post-punk music.
Gottberg, inspired by trailblazing labels like Cold Meat Industry and Ant-Zen, envisioned Progress Productions as a place where artists could thrive in a supportive, creative environment. Over the years, acts such as Kite, Henric de la Cour, Agent Side Grinder, and Cryo have honed their craft under the label’s wing, alongside releases from Swedish legends like Freddie Wadling and Cosmic Overdose. This 20th-anniversary compilation, spanning two discs and featuring 27 tracks, encapsulates the essence of Progress Productions—showcasing its ability to blend the experimental with the accessible, the raw with the polished.
The compilation opens with Portion Control’s Golden Halo, a bold and industrial-laced statement that sets a high bar for what’s to come. Cryo’s Oblivion, with its sharp electronic textures and introspective undertones, serves as a testament to the enduring brilliance of this Progress mainstay. Cryo’s live performances, mirror the icy precision and emotional depth that the track exudes.
Agent Side Grinder’s Madeleine (Soft Riot Remix), infused with cinematic elegance and pulsating energy, highlights the band’s ability to innovate while staying true to their post-punk roots. Their live shows, which I’ve experienced, carry the same transformative energy that makes them a standout in Progress’s catalog.
Tracks like Xenturion Prime’s Moonstone and Honung & Parfym (ME THE TIGER Version) by Kennelklubben showcase the label’s versatility. ME THE TIGER’s contribution, Burn The Witches, is a defiant, electrifying anthem that underscores their magnetic stage presence. Cosmic Overdose bridges past and present with En av dom (81-24), a piece that pays homage to Sweden’s experimental music heritage while remaining strikingly contemporary.
The darker corners of the label’s sound are explored in ABU NEIN’s Decay Decay Decay and Lucifer’s Aid’s The Game, both of which resonate with a raw, visceral intensity. Meanwhile, Johan Baeckström’s Running In Circles and Saft’s Lina Lever Ensam provide moments of melodic introspection, weaving heartfelt narratives through lush synthscapes.
White Birches’ Monster Hand and Hearts Of Black Science’s Field Of Light offer hauntingly beautiful contributions, blending ethereal soundscapes with introspective lyrics. The compilation closes with tracks like HAUL’s Old, a sprawling, evocative piece that serves as a fitting conclusion to this celebration of Progress Productions’ journey.
What makes Progress Productions truly remarkable is its unwavering commitment to the artists and the music. As Gottberg himself notes, "It is the bands that make the label, not the other way around." This collaborative philosophy has been the driving force behind Progress’s success, fostering a community where creativity flourishes. This 20th-anniversary compilation is not just a retrospective but a statement of intent—a celebration of where Progress Productions has been and a hint at the exciting directions it will take in the years to come. With the for the next chapter underway, Progress Productions continues to lead with vision, passion, and an uncompromising dedication to alternative music.
 

Author: khocico
Translator: khocico
Add date: 2024-12-09 / Music reviews