Death Abyss - "A Further Step Away" - (6:26)
129 BPM Tomohiko Sagae - "No Way Out" - (5:51) 131 BPM
Inigo Kennedy - "Pakkanen" - (5:28) 140 BPM
Review: Like Downwards back catalogue, there is something bleakly industrial yet alluring about "Manifesto". Boasting a title that sounds like it could have been named after a Throbbing Gristle project, the mood here is abrasive and unforgiving. The brilliantly named Death Abyss deliver dark breaking techno, with corrosive riffs unfolding over lurching drums. Meanwhile Sagae's "No Way Out" features harsh beats and a slamming rhythm, while the ghostly chords suggest that a supernatural force is at play. Thankfully, Inigo Kennedy delivers some light relief: while it would be difficult to describe "Pakkanen" as mellow, its mournful melodies and lithe, metallic rhythms are in contrast to the punishing soundtracks that preceded it.