Reunited French industrial metal pioneers TREPONEM PAL (named after the bacteria that causes syphilis) will release their new album, "Weird Machine", on March 24 via Listenable Records. Recorded in Geneva, produced by David Weber and written by Marco Neves (vocals, development), Didier B. (keyboards, samplers), Polak (guitars) and the late Paul Raven (eminent bass player of KILLING JOKE, GODFLESH, PIGFACE, MURDER INC., PRONG, MINISTRY), the CD is described as a "pure weapon of massive destruction and distraction seriously dangerous and open-minded."

Formed in 1986, TREPONEM PAL's first (self-titled) and third ("Excess and Overdrive") LPs were produced by Franz Treichler (YOUNG GODS); their second, "Aggravation", by Roli Mosimann (SWANS, WISEBLOOD). This album probably represents their most focused achievement, combining frontman Marco Neves' bleak world view and gift for striking lyrics and the band's controlled aggression, most comparable to U.S. bands the MELVINS and PRONG. Live performances were extraordinary affairs: their policy of employing two bass players rendered their sound massive, Michel Bassin was a very gifted guitarist (he played with MINISTRY on one of their U.S. tours) and Marco Neves a physically imposing performer.

TREPONEM PAL performing live on French TV in 1996: