A few weeks ago, Mark Fischer of SKiN Graft Records messaged us about an upcoming Record Store Day release that totally blew our minds. Yes, it’s a few months away, but with so many heinous headlines hitting one’s eyes every day, it’s important to focus on the positive.
In short, the label is planning to release a double-record called Superunit: Maximum Implosion, which truly couldn’t come with a better title – it’s a compilation of collaborations of ZENI GEVA and the late, great Steve Albini, but also, so much more. In fact you could argue it’s technically a triple record, but it fits on two LP’s, and.
The full package also comes with a high-quality booklet containing a music history essay from Mitsurua Tabata, unseen photos, comics, and a poster, so it’s really a collectors dream. Also, Bob Weston mastered it, and you can actually hear a preview of the sonic sorcery below in the form of “Kettle Lake.”
Keep in mind, as this is a record set to be released on Record Release Day – not something streamed willy nilly, so be sure to request it if you’ve got a local connect. Here’s the low-down on the whole thing from the press release from SKiN Graft Records:
“The Gatefold Double LP will be released on April 18th, 2026 and is not being sold through Bandcamp. The Record Store Day website has a record store locator to help find participating shops: recordstoreday.com/Stores. If your local record store is on that list, be sure to let your retailer KNOW IN ADVANCE that you want this title brought in! Not every store orders every title – and the quantities are limited.
SUPERUNIT: Maximum Implosion” brings together the collected collaborative works of ZENI GEVA and STEVE ALBINI (Shellac, Big Black) in one comprehensive package. Included is ZENI GEVA’s landmark album “Nai-Ha”, the rare SUPERUNIT studio recordings, and the live album “All Right, You Little Bastards!” culled from ZENI GEVA and STEVE ALBINI’s historic live performances in Tokyo and Osaka.
Steve Albini was an avid proponent of Japan’s ZENI GEVA, producing five albums, as well as various singles and compilation appearances for the ultra-heavy, progressive noise-rock, math-metal powerhouse. However, during a particularly prolific period, near the dawn of the formation of his band SHELLAC, Steve joined forces with ZENI GEVA on guitar and vocals for a series of releases that are being collected on vinyl in their entirety for the first time ever.”
What we’re reminded of after listening to “Kettle Lake” is that the unique fusion of ZG and Steve Albini is a de facto product of their times, but also something immortal and strange. The way the parties mix and match post-hardcore, no-wave, prog, and pure noise worship creates something distinct to this day, so if you’re out there on Record Store Day, get your hands on the goods.
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