Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Blood of the Black Owl - A Banishing Ritual Review


Blood of the Black Owl - A Banishing Ritual
Full-length, Bindrune Recordings, February 27th, 2010

I really have to give a thumbs-up to the folks at Bindrune. They manage to put out consistently amazing records that are inspired and unique. Much like the newest offering from Celestiial, the new Blood Of The Black Owl is quite a jaw-dropping release. I am no stranger to the previous works of this project (or the ones associated with it) and each outing becomes more interesting to experience.

Here we have 'A Banishing Ritual', an album that essentially is one long composition, but can be divided into four parts. This album is a unique amalgamation of beauty, isolation and sheer terror. A piece of music that is as terrifying as it is tranquil. Ritual voices, bizarre percussion, warped synthesizers, eerie woodwinds, flutes and raging strings clash with seething ambiance, doom-y metal, black atmospheres and folk-ish sections. This album is essentially all over the place musically, but it all works and makes sense together. Each part compliments the ones before and after, keeping the album interesting amongst its 40+ minute playing time. I had to listen to this album two times back to back, just to be able comprehend the beginning stages of what this album has to offer. This is a deeply moving piece of work that unveils more and more each time you listen. I could probably listen to this album 100 more times and still discover new things on each pass.

The album is a lesson in deeply personal, transcendental music. It is like being transported into the psyche of Chet W. Scott and company for a deep look not only into their minds, but into your own as well. Highly emotional, introspective and thought provoking music that simply must be heard to be believed. Outstanding.

Reviewed by E. - 8.5/10

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