Former promoter of Manhattan nightlife staple Night Vision, Alan Abbott, was recently deported back to Guatemala after finishing his education at NYU. The forced move due to tricky visa laws was debilitating at first, as Guatemalan nightlife lacks the rich techno scene Abbott had thrived in in New York. But in a deprived environment, Abbott’s necessity formed his innovation.

“I decided I didn’t have to be anywhere specific to push good music.”

Thus his new label Thanatus International was born.

"Thanatus is the Freudian concept of the Death Drive, the need for danger. Our music seeks to embrace the danger, and find new and darker places of the mind and soul through our music. More Thanatus, less Eros."

The name choice isn’t all fluff however. A bad fall led to the label boss dislocating his shoulder while a slip up by an anesthesiologist caused him to fall into respiratory arrest. Luckily, Abbott (or the Sour Jesus as he's dubbed himself) was revived; his fatal experience eerily symbolic of his labels ethos.

 (Alan Abott / Sour Jesus at Miami Music Week 2014)

As for the music, Thanatus International has released a free EP featuring two originals and one remix of Pleasurekraft’s classic hit “Tarantula” from New York producer Medina (formerly Soundkeepers). All three tracks encapsulate the atmosphere of Thanatus International: deep, dark, and dooming techno.

(Medina)

Taking full advantage of his deep New York ties, Abbott is set to import talent to Guatemala, with Thanatus' first presentation featuring a set from label co-founder Julian Banger (who was recently applauded for his set at The Hudson Project) performing for a fellow Guatemalan friends' promotions company at a converted secret venue this weekend.

"I want to have the producers and DJ's I know and  and love from New York work together with [Guatemalan] locals, and eventually create a community of people from all around the world, working together to darken electronic music; a global effort against elevator house and bro EDM."

(Julian Banger)

Look out for their next releases from New York scene mainstay and perennial innovator Cream Dream, analog techno producer J Slusher, Ugandan techno prodigy Pallintine, Todd Terry supported Lewis Beck, and deep house stalwart Bob Gravity. In the meantime take a listen to Sour Jesus' mix made in celebration of his resurrection.

Follow Thanatus International on Facebook and Soundcloud