Sunday, October 26, 2014
XAO ~ Ophis Tou XAoS
XAO "Ophis Tou XAoS" released September 2014 limited to 93 hand numbered copies.
Album refers to the illumination that I experienced during the exploration of the path of self-knowledge, True Will. The process took many years, the first step I set when I was nine years old, when i saw something, that I knew well that no one will be able to answer me, if I do not decide to embark on this journey. A few years later I discovered the Hexagrammaton, this is very unique name, contains the Tetragrammaton, and two letters Mem, one of them is at the beginning, the other at the end. That name perfectly captures my existance here and now. Rafal Satanislavv Kosela
http://www.nvagant.com/
Shells of Edom / Ho Ophis "Shattered Human Masquerade" split CD
When things begin with a direct encounter with a Sun Demon named Sorath,
you know it is too late to turn back. The invocation has begun, and
through a string of circumstances I have been allowed, perhaps tricked,
to enter the sinister world of Shells of Edom and Ho Ophis.
It is obvious the intentions here are purely malicious, to represent
the darkest aspects of humanity through praise and libations of blood.
The indecipherable chant begins, and while the words are not
recognizable the Chthonic tone certainly is. For ten minutes, a murky
rhythm continues then dissipates, constantly devouring itself and
regurgitating its filth to reveal to the world.
This is Ritual Dark Ambient refined
through years of diligent study in what is obviously the Left-Hand Path.
How these individuals define themselves; Satanists, Setians,
Anti-Cosmic, is beyond my knowledge, but looking at the song titles and
symbols it is possible to make an educated guess. This split between Shells of Edom and Ho Ophis
is intended only for those who are seeking a portal into worlds you are
best advised to avoid, yet a few shall wander like moths to the flame
and certainly get burnt. A few sacrifices are necessary after all, but
for those with any sense who want to avoid true danger such things are
best avoided. For the rest of us, we submit to whatever perils lay
behind the veil that Shells of Edom and Ho Ophis have found the
invocation to open.
Music like this must be analyzed for its
impact in the ceremonial realms. This may prevent others who have no
interest in such things from enjoying this, but this music is not
created for them. People will think what they will, regardless, yet it
remains that to experience such an intent is to recognize what the
concepts are and how the existence of this music is for ritualistic
purposes. In this, as an album it undoubtedly succeeds. The eeriness is
impenetrable, thick as a fog on a windy night, with various chants
echoing across the abyss as ghosts and various paranormal activities
engage in trickery on unsuspecting fools.
The dominating aspects of Shells of Edom
are the cavernous chants, which speak in ancient tongues better left
unknown. The music itself seems to enter then fall away, like an old
tape reel that is half rotting and barely capable of carrying a tune. In
regards to how each song differs, this is hardly at all, for each song
carries the same vibrating chants and a similar kind of sound in the
background. This is certainly not the most exciting piece of ambient
music I have ever come across, but then again it is made for very somber
moods. Certainly, a bit of patience is needed, which is why I insist
this is intended for ceremony, where one would sit meditating or
repeating a chant numerous times.
This attempt to shatter the human
masquerade begins with a ritualistic invocation to unleash demons unto
the world, and continues its assault on what we absurdly call existence
as Ho Ophis inducts the Current 423. As the
listener drowns in the void of unknowing a continuous tone allows a
sharp noise to pulsate. I hope it is safe to say not a whole lot happens
during the whole of this split, as the sounds used are often repeated
for quite the duration. Satanata is possibly the highlight, as
the vocals evoke the terror which is needed to have reverence for
almighty Death and all creatures of the night. I think someone who is
part of whatever path these folks are on will find this much more
powerful than those who are merely interested in it as a piece of music.
If the listener allows, this certainly
offers the potential to visit realms only the darkest corner of the mind
can imagine. As with all magical tools though, this must be done with
intent and knowledge. As a piece of music separate from its
significance, many would find this monotonous and merely background
music.The tempo throughout is exactly the same, which would be
monotonous to some and as it is supposed to be to others. Concerning it
being a split it would certainly be difficult to tell these are two
separate artists, as everything blends quite holistically from beginning
to end, yet any sort of trajectory seems to be non-existent. While this
is certainly not the most powerful nor darkest album I have ever heard,
it is an interesting addition to the world of Ritual Ambient, and if
you have the time and patience, and courage to visit such realms, this
may prove to be a powerful piece of music to aid other aspects of the
passage to death we call life.
Written by: Patrick Bertlein / Heathen Harvest
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