Artist description The German electronic band STERIL was founded in 1990 in Oldenburg. The band is a strategic blend of Mahne Meenen (Vocals), Axel Tasler (Guitars & Programming), and Jan Wilking (Keyboards & Programming)Their first demo "Fresh & Virgin" was a huge hit in Zwischenfall, which was at the time one of the biggest clubs in Bochum. It was this underground success that lead STERIL to their first record deal with none other than Off Beat Records. STERIL, along with bands like Frontline Assembly, Project Pitchfork and Download quickly made Off Beat the biggest German independent label for electronic music.Along with being on countless compilations, STERIL has their own catalogue comprized of 3 full length cds and two maxi singles. Transmission Pervous (1993) Egoism (1994) Egoist (1995) Venustrap(1996) Deep(1996)Over the years STERIL's music has both developed and matured. It is influenced by many different styles but also very distinguishable. You always know when you are listing to a STERIL song.STERIL combines groove layden club beats with thoughtful arrangements and sometimes aggressive guitar work. They have meaningful, well structured songs with catchy hook lines.STERIL's underground success in Germany soon spilled out over the borders, where their whole catalogue was licensed to 21st Cicuitry (US) and Westcom (UK). Hits such as "No Remission", "Egoist" and "Deep" attracted lots of attention not only in the US and UK but also places as far as Portugal, Brazil and Australia.As if all this isn't enough, STERIL supports their driving powerful sound with an entertaining and energetic live show with Mahne at the helm. After three big live tours STERIL has matured into a live act that has impressed such companies as "Pioneer" and "Anime". So much so, that they sponsored the 96/97 Cyber Vision Tour in Europe. This added to STERIL's popularity, as tv stations like MTV and VIVA braodcasted live clips, reports and interviews with the band. STERIL is now back with their newest cd, 12 full tracks of some of the best ambiant, rave, hip-hop, metal, pop and electronica music to ever hit this earth. And this time they are focusing on North America. STERIL has signed with the energetic new Canadian label e115Records and is ready to take on the North American Top 40 charts.New cd is tentatively scheduled for an 2001 release.

Music Style Industrial Rock

Musical Influences Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, 16 Volt

Similar Artists Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, 16 Volt

Artist History Transmission Pervous (1993):OFF BEAT, 21st CIRCUITRYEgoism (1994):OFF BEAT 21st CIRCUITRY,Egoist cds(1995):OFF BEATDeep cds(1996):OFF BEATVenus Trap (1996):OFF BEAT

Group Members JAN WILKING MAHNE MEENEN AXEL TASLER

Instruments PC, CS1x,Wavestation, MC303

Press Reviews "Steril play stylistically like Front Line Assembly (circa Tactial Neural Implant), espcially on 'No Remission' and 'Distance.' Electronic rhythm and rapid bass patten evoke harrowing movement, speeding out of control. 'Timebound' is industrial from far left field, the song's eccentric mesh combining multiple layers of synthetics and percussion. The tempo rattles and adds two-prong bass attack. The bass line feels like a slip-sliding fretless bass guitar. Mid-range sequencers border on percussion themselves, as background chords help the track flow over it's harder elements." Michael Mahn, Alternative press Steril is another one of those bands who have really found a soft spot in my heart. And so far they are only getting better. This disc is really what I was hoping for, I should know by now that Steril won't let me down. The Cd opens with the track 'Lies'. This song is a really good electro ( basically ) track with some excellent samples and some minor guitar elements here and there. Thats one of the things I love about this band, as good as they are with they're guitars, they aren't afraid to put them down, even if it is just for a minute or two. Not to mention, there is a really cool breakdown near the end of the track. From there Steril pounds you over the head with 'Overgod'. I shouldn't have to tell you how good this song is. This is by far one of my favorite tracks and has been for quite a while. Opening with a good strong beat and a cool synth line and then bursting into an angry pissed off rush of adrenalin. If you are a DJ and you don't have the dancefloor packed when you play this, you need to catch up ( after all, Coldwave Breaks has been out for half a lifetime now ). I think these two songs give you a good idea of what this Cd is all about. All the tracks feature excellent synth work and incredible guitar work. Not to mention, the back bone of all the songs is a good dance beat (whether it is slow and melodic or fast and aggressive). And of course there is the title track 'Egoist'. This is also one of my favorite songs ( on this Cd and in general ). Think "Steril does intelligent techno-dance" and you'd be pretty close, of course then again you'd have to take into account the excellent transitions into pounding guitar-industrial. There is also two other mixes of 'Egoist' on here. One is the "On The Cross mix" which is not nearly as exciting as the original due to the fact that the techno-ish portions of the song were removed. The other is the "Extended mix" which just about says it all. Its everything the original version was, but you get to enjoy it's beauty even longer. Nerve Zygrot 24 This disc provides listeners with an abundance of styles combined in a cohesive and ear-pleasing way . There is less distortion on the vocals, manifested in what could be considered a pop style (and in the chorus they sound like, I'm afraid to say, Sting); but amazingly enough, they fit well with the music. Guitars come in harder than they have on previous releases along with the addition of harder beats and heavy techno rhythms in background. STR (from Swamp Terrorists) remixing work shows up on the Obsessed remix with his usual flair for heavy metal guitar riffs and annihilating beats. The S.A.R. remix by Severn Ni-Arb (of XMTP) gives the song a trancy house-like sensation, and turns it into a completely different song. This is a great single with plenty of styles within the electron dance realm (without alienating older fans), which leaves me in heavy anticipation for a full album from this band. Kevin Kongdom , Sonic Boom Here we see Steril in a transitional period. For the most part, they abandoned the harder electro sound of Egoism, and moving towards a more electronic edge to their music. Deep is proof of that. The song is mainly electronic based, except on the choruses, when the guitars kick in quite hard, but are mixed in quite well, as not to bash the listener over the head with them. A big high point of Deep is the one rap sample, it's used quite tastefully, and is rather amusing. Aside from the two edits of Deep, there are also two remixes; the first of which is provided by STR. HEAVY guitar riffs and noisy percussion dominate this mix, while the mix by Sevren Ni-Arb of X Marks the Pedwalk has a trance-like feel to the music. This single is primarily made for those who liked Steril's Venus Fly Trap disc, and want more. Otherwise, there really isn't enough diversity to warrant a purchase. Buy the album first. Colonel Toasty The German trio return with a turn towards a dancier direction; the inclusion of a stronger techno element tends to make some songs come across more as techno-metal than coldwave. The beats are also heavier (even brutal, as in the track Zap!) and are delivered with more of a hip-hop flavor. The vocalist definitely feels more comfortable with his natural singing voice, because he does not try to hide his voice behind a great number of effects as on the previous two albums, which adds a poppier element to many of the songs (although he does come across sounding like Sting on a few songs). For the most part, the lyrics deal with relationships and the emotions involved, which leaves the impression of listening to an album of industrial ballads. And while all the previous descriptions of the album might not sound very appealing, after giving the album a few listens, you realize that, while not entirely original, this is a very catchy album and shows that the band is not afraid to progress and expand their musical sound. Kevin Kongdom Steril has experienced everything "trendy" in electronic music in the past, according to the Tyranny 4 linear notes, and after hearing Venus Fly Trap I would have to agree with that. Their first release was very EBM-ish, with obvious influence by TNI era Frontline. On Egoism, it was electro crossover, and now, they've ventured into intelligent industrial, produced into perfection by Serven Ni-Arb, of X-Marks the Pedwalk fame. The CD starts out with a very catchy Connected which perfectly shows off their new sound. As the disc progresses, it seems that more and more of Steril's old style begins to kick in. Guitar riffs are very prominant on many tracks, such as It Should Be Real or on Shame. In my opinion, the two standout tracks would have to be ZAP!, with it's techno-infused basslines and breaks, and Deep. On Deep, it seems Mahne finally lets go with his voice, hitting those high notes perfectly, and carrying the song (with the help of the Steril staple rap sample). Steril's latest is sure to please their older fans (who've probably picked this up by now, anyway), and people looking for a good IDM disc with a touch of guitars. Colonel Toasty

Location Oldenburg, Niedersachsen - Germany

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