Kevin Drumm’s Sheer Hellish Miasma: A Landmark in Harsh Noise

The Unlikely Influencer of Harsh Noise

Though the idea of an “influential harsh noise record” may seem paradoxical, Kevin Drumm’s 2002 album Sheer Hellish Miasma stands as the most significant work in the genre for the 21st century. During the early 2000s, artists like Wolf Eyes and Hair Police were creating a visceral noise aesthetic reminiscent of VHS horror, saturating America’s underground scene with a raw and chaotic energy. In contrast, Drumm emerged from Chicago’s vibrant sound art community with a more polished and incisive approach.

A Departure from Traditional Noise

Unlike the rough edges and distressed sound commonly associated with American noise at the time, Sheer Hellish Miasma was presented in a sleek, clinical design by the Austrian electronic label Mego. The music itself transcended the notions of “damaged” or “limping,” showcasing a level of assurance and precision akin to the work of European laptop artists like Pita, Fennesz, and Russell Haswell. While ostensibly a guitar-driven album influenced by Nordic black metal, the sonic landscape crafted by Drumm evokes an otherworldly chaos that resembles blizzards, static, and the violent clamor of machinery.

Genre-Bending Impact

As a multifaceted noise record that intertwines elements of ambient, drone, and extreme metal, Sheer Hellish Miasma garnered an unexpected reach. In a 2004 feature, The Wire hailed it as a classic within noise music, later linking it to a broader movement labeled “Subterranean Metal” amid the hype surrounding Sunn O))). Artists from the darker fringes of ambient techno, such as Helm, the Haxan Cloak, and Samuel Kerridge, began incorporating Drumm’s work into their DJ sets. Iranian composer Siavash Amini expressed that this 2002 album was pivotal in demonstrating that noise could be both compositional and visceral, as well as improvisational.

The Evolution of Drumm’s Work

Despite the acclaim surrounding Sheer Hellish Miasma, Drumm chose to explore quieter and more desolate soundscapes in subsequent works. Albums like 2008’s Imperial Distortion, 2009’s Imperial Horizon, and 2014’s Trouble showcased a broader sonic palette, while his extensive catalog on Bandcamp featured meticulously paced sound art. His focus shifted away from the brute force of noise, allowing him to delve into ambient textures and contemplative compositions.

Returning to His Roots

It wasn’t until the encouragement of Erstwhile Records founder Jon Abbey that Drumm revisited the fierce terrain of his most renowned work. The ambitious sequel, Sheer Hellish Miasma II, spans an impressive 95 minutes over two discs, capturing the essence of Drumm’s earlier explorations. The CD features striking black-and-gold artwork and includes guest trumpet contributions from Nmperign’s Greg “Dana Flugel” Kelley. However, notable absences in the credits for this sequel—most conspicuously the lack of “guitar” and “pedals”—highlight Drumm’s evolution. Instead of mirroring his past, he constructs a pure noise wall, creating an entirely new auditory experience.

Conclusion

Kevin Drumm’s Sheer Hellish Miasma not only redefined the parameters of harsh noise but also opened pathways for subsequent generations of artists. Its influence remains palpable across various genres, demonstrating the capacity of noise to transcend its conventional boundaries. Drumm’s ability to navigate between aggression and introspection continues to resonate, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the evolution of experimental music.

FAQs

What makes Sheer Hellish Miasma influential?

The album is recognized for its unique blend of harsh noise with elements of ambient and drone, as well as its polished production and conceptual depth, distinguishing it from many contemporaneous works.

How did the album’s release impact the noise music scene?

It was hailed as a classic by influential publications and incorporated into the sets of various artists, helping to bridge the gap between harsh noise and other genres like dark ambient and metal.

What is the significance of Sheer Hellish Miasma II?

The sequel reflects Drumm’s growth as an artist, moving away from traditional noise elements while still maintaining a connection to the intense sonic landscape of the original album.