A SPLIT-SECOND

Note: This website only lists the works of A Split-Second between 1986 and 1991. Work in progress.

We’re happy we can finally share legacy tracks with you through official channels. Currently, most of the A Split-Second material that is available through streaming services is illegal, and we’re engaged to have them replaced by official releases, properly remastered for today’s standards.

How it all started

In 1985, Peter Bonne met up with Marc Ickx who were former schoolmates. They started recording some demos at Micrart studio Attne D and E, and later at the newly founded Top Studio in Ghent (Gent, Belgium). As Peter moved to Ghent, he made a deal with Peter Gillis, the TOP Studio owner, exchanging synthesizer equipment and recording facilities. Some tracks of Twilight Ritual, like 'The Factory Scream' were recorded there. Peter took some sound-engineer courses from Peter Gillis, and started working in Top Studio. From then on, Marc and Peter (who started using the artist name 'Chrismar Chayell') started working together on A Split-Second (with the dash!).

At the end of 1985 and most part of 1986, they were experimenting with many ways to create a new sound, a musical concept for the new project. They mailed out some tapes to a few people, just to get opinions, as they believed not to be ready yet for the big work. But, a Micrart Group colleague, Henk Wallays (Unovidual) mailed a tape to Antler Records, resulting in an immediate record deal.

They finished up 4 tracks and went mixing them at ACE studio, accompanied by Roland Beelen himself (general manager Antler Records). A first 12" was released by September 1986, and was an instant success: On Command, Body Check, Burnout and Flesh.

Flesh

This 12" ignited a new rage, later to be baptized 'New Beat', which put Belgium as a dance music production nation on the world map a few years later. Initially, it all started with some DJs playing the 45rpm 12" at 33rpm (+8), forcing 'Flesh' to a huge hit. Within the year, A Split Second became a reference for this music style.

Ballistic Statues

But right after the 12", they started recording a first full-length album, to be released by February 1987: 'Ballistic Statues'. With Rigor Mortis, they did better than everyone expected. Basically, each track of the LP was played in dance clubs: Drinking Sand, Check It out, Neurobeat, Close Combat. They went on tour through Europe and soon released a live 12" with rearranged versions of some popular live tracks. Peter Meyvaert and Swan joined the band on guitars.

In the meantime, the US record company Wax Trax gets interested in the band and releases an album (US only) compiled out of the tracks of Ballistic statues and the first 12". It became a hit, and Rigor Mortis made it to the top of the alternative dance charts (Rockpool) and stayed there for weeks. It prepared the way for a significant breakthrough for the Belgium-based band in North America.

... From The Inside

As most of 1987 was filled with touring Europe, Marc and Chrismar sat down to prepare the next album. One track was arranged in 4 different ways and released as a 12" prelude of the upcoming album. 'Scandinavian Bellydance' met the expectations of the audience. The album 'From The Inside...' was to follow in early 1988. Swan participated much in these tracks, joined by occasional guest musicians.

From the new album, Mambo Witch and Colosseum Crash were chosen as singles, and they each made it to the top of the charts. It was the sign for A Split Second to go on tour across North America September-October 1989. They played in all major cities raising huge crowds, which made them focus even more on the US market. For this tour, the line-up changed and Fedjean Venvelt (guitars) and Peter Boone (keyboards) joined the band. Chrismar decided to do live mixing instead of stage keyboards, as the creation of the overall new and powerful sound is controlled from behind the mixing console and was considered of key importance to A Split-Second’s sound..

Kiss Of Fury

In 1990, they released 'Kiss Of Fury', of which 'FireWalker' was chosen as the first 12". Though a revolutionary track assisted by a great video, it did not score as good as expected and was soon followed by 'The Parallax View', a track clearly more guitar-oriented. This track implied the change of sound that A Split Second was going through: blending the industrial electronics with rock guitars. The band's popularity kept on growing and they went for a second tour across to the US, this time for 28 gigs in 5 weeks all over the country. Again, the tour was very successful, but also indicated that it was time for something new. The live line-up changed again and Nico Mansy joined on keyboards.

Split

1991 was a year of changes: Chrismar built the Micrart Studio 6 in Gent, allowing him to work even more and more profoundly than at the Top Studio. He felt A Split Second was due to make changes in style in order to keep growing. Meanwhile he prepared a remix album while Marc started working on a solo project. This evolution signed the end of A Split Second : Chrismar started working with Wasteland 92, at first as a side project but soon becoming more important, while Marc recorded his solo album and worked on new A Split-Second materials. The Flesh & Fire remix album contained very up-to-date and alternative remixes, very much worth releasing, accompanied by a Rigor Mortis/ Flesh remix 12". But, the remix period couldn't heal internal wounds, and it finally resulted in a split: Marc continued with A Split Second on his own.

After the split, the Micrart Group (and thus this website) was no longer involved in A Split Second. New material was released through other record labels, and the band kept on performing live until today. Check it out on the facebook page listed above!

2000+

By the end of 2001, a remix album of the original A Split Second releases is planned by Antler records: "TRANSmix". The RIGOR MORTIS Gothic remix deserves special attention.

October 2002, Perfector Records releases Paul Oakenfold's remix of Flesh - another masterpiece from his hand! In the following years various compilations from all over the world included work from A Split-Second, up to TV shows.

Several tracks kept on being used in various remixes, covers and TV shows across the globe - too much to mention all here.

Official Remastering

In 2023, the full back catalog is being remastered and re-released adjusted to streaming services standards. During 2023/2024 the remastered catalog will be officially released as most of the A Split-Second materials were and/or are illegal on streaming platforms. Initiatives are taken to clear the online platforms from illegal material and present properly remastered versions to our fans.

Today

Marc Ickx and A Split-Second still perform and write new material. You can follow them as indicated at the top of this page.