Svart Records – Out Now.
Religion and Mysticism have been closely linked with Rock throughout its history, providing both artists and bands with subjects for inspiration and discussion through music.
While images of the goat have been sported on many a band t-shirt and the word of the God has been praised through the works of bands such as Stryper and Believer, we struggle to identify a case where the agents of light and dark have decided to bury their differences and join forces…well, that is, not until Jamie Myers (Hammers Of Misfortune) and Dave “Christian” Nuss decided to bring Sabbath Assembly to life back in 2010.
Sabbath Assembly allows the duet to express religious ‘anxieties’ that are influenced by the beliefs of the group The Process Church of the Final Judgement – a group that flourished in the 60s and 70s, envisaging the reconciliation of Satan and Christ before the end of the world. Such a subject matter could produce miracles if expressed through a fitting ‘soundtrack’ and in their second studio effort “Ye Are Gods” the New York outfit has achieved just that.
Working more like a long sermon, rather than ten individual compositions, the music on offer is top quality 60s/70s Rock and Psychedelia that may take a while to seep in, especially if you come from a heavier musical background, but which has the potential to be fulfilling and rewarding.
I remember being quite surprised by the colourful narration in “Let Us All Give Praise And Validation” but I soon felt at home with the help of the beautifully crafted acoustic guitar melodies and choral chants in this piece. Simplicity is the name of the game, as suggested by the piano melodies of 60s classic “The Love Of The Gods” or the oriental violin tunes of “We Come From the One” – both quite enjoyable to my ears.
Genesis P-Orridge is new in the band but moody vocals in the prayer-like track “Bless Our Lord And Master”, together with the more tragic approach followed in “We Give Our Lives” makes her ideal for the job. The clever use of the organ gave “Exit” much character while both “Christ You Bring The End” & “And The Clarion Calls” are as simple as they are unique.
In the eerie narrative-style piece “In The Time Of Abaddon II” we have the second highlight of the album, while the likewise inclined “Transcendence” provides a conclusion to both the album and to the band’s theological thesis/stance.
I am not sure what would be the ideal target audience for this album and, God knows (ahem), I can see how someone might at first dismiss “Ye Are Gods” as either dated or outwardly pretentious, but a mixture of belief and perseverance will hopefully convince you that what Sabbath Assembly have created here is something truly special.
This, for me, is one of the biggest musical surprises of the year 2012, an album that I simply cannot afford not having in my record collection and I say record collection as Svart Records has also issued it on a nicely packed vinyl, a copy of which is already on its way to me. Check it out, pronto!
John Stefanis
Rating: ****1/2 (4.5/5.0)
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THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
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