:wumpscut: (Wumpscut or :W:) is an Electro-Industrial project from Germany. It was founded in May of 1991 by Bavarian Disc Jockey Rudy Ratzinger (b. June 3 1966).
Members / History
Ratzinger has always been the main creative force behind :wumpscut:, occasionally employing the help of others as guest artists. Ratzinger cites the influence of such bands as Le�ther Strip as his reason for making the transfer from DJing to recording music.
The release of the song "Soylent Green", which is named after the 1973 movie and also contains audio samples from the German dubbed version first attracted attention to :wumpscut:. Since its release in 1993, it has become a frequently played song at events and clubs in the gothic and industrial music|industrial subcultures and its associated splinter groups, both in Germany and the United States.
So far Ratzinger has published numerous recordings and remixes for other artists. :wumpscut: is also very well known for elaborate box set releases including limited versions of a CD or LP release in a box with additional and often also limited bonus material (bonus tracks, �liquid soylent� energy drinks, posters, pins, stickers, bags, flags, etc.). Standalone merchandise is also available such as caps, mugs, etc.
Ratzinger also started his own record label, Beton Kopf Media, in 1995, which is restricted to :wumpscut: releases only. In 1996 he started the label Mental Ulcer Forges where the works of other artists have been released, like Remyl, Noisex, B-Ton-K, Yendri and F/A/V. Rudy also manages the label Fleisskoma with Karl Kimmerl (B-Ton-K), which has released work by the electronic band Press to Transmit.
The logo for :wumpscut: bears a striking resemblance to the logo for the fictional Weyland-Yutani corporation of ''Alien'' lore; Ratzinger has incorporated samples from the third Alien film into his album Boeses Junges Fleisch.
Discography
For a complete list, please see List of Works by Rudy Ratzinger
