Der Blutharsch & The Infinite Church Of The Leading Hand with Aluk Todolo - "A Collaboration" (2011) [WKN Records]

Here we have a collaboration of two projects that in their own worlds, simply lead the pack. Putting them together could either end in complete despair or triumphant brilliance. Well, lucky for me (and you) this pairing of occult mastery has lead to something strange, unique and singularly outstanding. For those who do not know; Der Blutharsch have been creating martial industrial/psych-rock explosions for the better half of fifteen years. Aluk Todolo is well-known for their kraut rock inspired psychedelic blackened noise. Put them together and you have something not only good for meditation, but also a bad acid trip.

Tribal drones, militaristic percussion, synapse melting noise, epic synth and psychedelic freakouts are scattered throughout this record. One moment is calm and tranquil, while the next is scathing enough to cause panic attacks. The occult ambiance of this record is incredibly profound, there is a dark cloud of DMT and the Magic of Ma'at that follows each track, creating a truly suffocating aura. 

Needless to say, this album is outstanding. A collaboration that works tenfold to create something unique, profound, calming and terrifying, all at the same time. If you want something for late nights, bad dreams, occult rituals, meditative journeys or psychedelic excursions, you have found your match. Let the Infinite Church of the Leading Hand bring you to the edge of sanity and back, unless you choose to stay towards the edge... 


-E.