A lost treasure from the outer fringes of the '80s European underground, Astaron’s self-titled album is a haunting, genre-defying masterpiece that merges dark wave, minimal post-punk, performance art, and experimental pop into something entirely singular. Originally released in 1987 in a scant pressing of 500 copies on Austria’s Ton Um Ton label, this reissue from Sealed Records finally brings one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful cult records of its era back into the light. Astaron was the Vienna-based duo of Angie Mörth (also of Viele Bunte Autos) and Martina Aichhorn, whose partnership from 1984 to 1989 blurred the lines between sound, performance, and visual art. Influenced by Viennese Actionism, Einstürzende Neubauten, Kate Bush, and trash culture, Astaron delivered an uncompromising vision full of black humor, melancholic atmosphere, and avant-garde daring. Astaron flows like a dream turned dark—dirge-like chants give way to delicate, ethereal ballads; experimental textures meet sparse synth patterns and haunted melodies. It’s a soundworld that recalls the icy minimalism of Young Marble Giants, the ghostly beauty of Cocteau Twins, the raw intensity of KUKL, and the theatrical unease of Diamanda Galás. But comparisons fall short—Astaron were truly on their own wavelength. From ritualistic rhythms to fragile synth-pop, this album radiates eerie intimacy and poetic tension. Every track feels like an artifact from another dimension—strange, sorrowful, and completely captivating. Lovingly reissued by Sealed Records, this edition restores one of the most compelling DIY statements of the late '80s. Astaron is essential for fans of minimal wave, dark ambient, avant-pop, and the uncompromising fringe of post-punk. A hidden classic finally reawakened.
