Retroskopi by Sadomaoistan

Sadomaoistan – Terror Incognita / Retroskopi

From the depths of Tromsø’s post-punk underground to the neon-drenched euphoria of the early rave scene—Sadomaoistan’s story is one of reinvention, rebellion, and raw artistic energy. Now, for the first time, their complete works are finally revealed in a definitive collection that charts their evolution from industrial provocateurs to trailblazers of the Norwegian electronic movement. Snick Snack and Zen Feedbacker proudly present the complete works of Sadomaoistan, remastered by Lasse Marhaug.

Released digitally as two albums— Terror Incognita, covering their industrial and post-punk period (1985–1989), and Retroskopi, a carefully reconstructed version of their elusive 1997 album—this collection also features an extensive remix series by key players in Norway’s electronic and club scene. For vinyl enthusiasts, a deluxe gatefold 2xLP edition ensures this lost chapter of Norwegian music history is given the physical release it deserves.

Order vinyl from Zen Feedbacker here:
https://zenfeedbacker.bandcamp.com/album/retroskopi

The Sound of Revolution, The Sound of Resistance

Listening to Sadomaoistan is like unlocking a time capsule from an era of artistic defiance, rebellion, gay and fetish eroticism, politics, and the Cold War era. They present a raw and urgent soundtrack to a time of upheaval. Influenced by industrial and experimental titans like Coil, Swans, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Sonic Youth, the band emerged from Tromsø’s fearless underground in the mid-80s. Among peers such as Bel Canto, Trafo, and Adena Cycle, they contributed to a fertile scene that would later give birth to the Norwegian electronic explosion—paving the way for acts like Røyksopp, Bjørn Torske, and Biosphere.

AIDS and activism

But Sadomaoistan’s story took a tragic turn. Founding member Ivar R. Friis succumbed to AIDS in 1991, a loss that deeply impacted the group and further galvanized their involvement in the gay rights movement. This period of mourning, transformation, and resistance fueled their reinvention as industrial techno provocateurs, culminating in collaborations with the activists in the notorious performance collective Genetalia. What followed was a series of ritualistic live performances that blurred the lines between music, protest, and performance art—incorporating S&M, fire, and blood in an audiovisual assault unlike anything Norway had seen before.

A Forgotten Legacy, Finally Resurrected

Despite their groundbreaking work, Sadomaoistan’s output remained scarce, with only scattered appearances on compilations and the long-lost Retroskopi album marking their legacy. Now, their story is fully told. This release is more than just a collection of tracks—it’s a historical document of a pivotal moment in Norwegian music, a time when underground movements reshaped the soundscape of a generation.
For those who lived it, this is a long-overdue resurrection. For those discovering it for the first time, welcome to the dark, pulsating heart of Sadomaoistan.

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