2012 sees the 12th edition of the Forms Of Hands label showcase, now moving to its fourth location over the years, and it is traditionally accompanied by the compilation CD featuring all 12 performing artists in their festival running order. Same procedure as every year: All tracks are exclusive, thus this compilation may serve as an introductory peek into the HANDS universe as well as it is a must- have for the label aficionados. So what’s in this year’s edition of the HANDS encyclopaed ia? The CD starts with two festival newcomers: SATURMZLIDE, who sets the mood with an uptempo rhythm track with a nice technoid vibe, and <1979> with a classically repetitive Rhythm’N’Noise track (which is the original version of the tune you find remix ed by Daniel Myer on their current album). SYNTECH present their own brand of percussive tribal noise. 13th MONKEY speed it up further with a fiercely banging piece of Industrial Acid Techno, and S.K.E.T. call to “Reform Europe” via ostentatious sounds and stumbling beats. MONO NO AWARE does his noise turmoil over teutonic beats and brings day one to an end. The second half of the album starts with two more festival newcomer: First up SYLVGHEIST MAËLSTRÖM delivering a nice encore to their captivating debut full of unsettling electronica and catchy beats, and DIRTY K, who really have the knack of self-expl anatory titles and give us a “Stomping Maschine”. NULLGRAD offers a basic channel influenced techno track and 16PAD NOISE TERRORIST contribute a fierce piece of dark Techstep. MS GENTUR lets you have a painfully noisy “Contraction”, and NEEDLE SHARING prove again they’re back for good with the “Rave Monger” – if you can keep your limbs still to this you’re positively dead (or deaf)! So, another year, another selection shedding light on the activities of roughly ¼ of the HANDS label roster, a dozen artists affiliated by attitude, yet discrete in style, and isn’t that exactly the special value of a compilation album?