Three things come to mind as I listen to this latest offering by prolific Malefic. The instruments stand out from the murk and get noticed, the songs have definite forward propulsion, though be it very slow, and the drums are real. The next thing that really makes a dramatic impact, which is difficult to do on an Xasthur disc, is the cello. Instead of murky swirling distorted keyboards we get real atmosphere created with skill and devoted intention.

Over the last few years I have found myself in the mood for Xasthur more and more frequently, and it has nothing to do with depression. Just today I subjected everyone within earshot to 102 consecutive Xasthur songs. I would never make it through 102 Iron Maiden songs. This band seems to be on everyone’s must love lists of late, not something that usually sways my opinions, but I can fathom why, I just wonder what took everyone so long to notice. The next issue is does Malefic start preaching to the new converts in a language they are more comfortable with or does he keep going his own way and leave it to the bandwagon jumpers to acquire a taste for it? Unfortunately Xasthur has still not altered the way I think about the world, but Xasthur is addictive.

24 years ago I won a call in contest, name that Motörhead song, I called before the song started knowing there was no chance I would not know the song in the first few seconds, what I won was a backstage pass to a Motörhead show and a chance to hear the band set up and do sound checks. Lemmy played some amazing blues solos on bass and then on guitar and after the show I got to ask him why he didn’t play that way on vinyl. He said then it wouldn’t be Motörhead. Scott Conner gives me that impression, he could tear up the stage with the best of them but then it would not be Xasthur, and that is precisely why Xasthur is worth your while and the 1001 wannabes are just that. Notable songs include “Purgatory Spiral”, “Unblessed Be…”and “Worship (the war against) Yourself”

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