XAPHAN - BOOK OF ANGELS, VOL. 9

SECRET CHIEFS 3 are one of the most interesting and unique projects I've ever come across on this site. Beginning as a trio, hence the "3" at the end of the band's name, it was three MR BUNGLE members including leader Trey Spruance that got this thing rolling. A few guests on the first two albums but a trio on both. The third record "Book M" saw the band increase it's lineup to five and expand the guests involved. The followup to that "Book Of Horizons" is where the six satellite bands to SECRET CHIEFS 3 played the music with Trey being the common denominator in this process.

"Book Of Angels" is next, and once again changes are happening. Back to a band effort, but this time Trey gives up the controls to John Zorn, as they use his compositions, and he is involved in overseeing it all as the executive producer. The music this band plays is so complex and ethnic with traditional instruments involved, but married to sub-genres that you wouldn't think would work, but does to a point. They can get extreme to the point of death growls and music on "Book Of Horizons" their most "out there" record.

After barely getting through that album and not wanting to hear more I did return with the previous album "Book M" which while easier on the old ears it still isn't my thing by a long shot. So the debate for me was, do I put "Book Of Angels" off to much later or get it over with because I assumed this would be more of the same. I decided to get right on it and I still am smiling at how much I like this album. I kept waiting on that first listen to be disappointed but it never came. A very consistent album, and I live for those kind of records. I should mention that although these are Zorn compositions, Trey did change some of the arrangements.

In looking over the albums from this band that I've missed, there's only one that has me very tempted to pick up, and that's 2019's "Malkhut" where we sort of get a repeat of "Book Of Angels", in that Zorn is back with his compositions, and he's the executive producer once again. Trey himself says that "Malkhut" is better than "Book Of Angels" and I hope to prove him right one day. We'll see. I am so grateful for the space on this record, some ethreal vocals at one point even instead of getting hammered throughout on and off. That three song run from song three to five is amazing and then it ends very strong with track nine and the closer track eleven. My top five.

Pretty much everything that offended me on the earlier records has been removed, and the things I like are all still here like the baritone guitar, slide guitar, the bass/drum moments, strings of course and the atmosphere is increased. Speaking of which the album ends with a massive amount of atmosphere. A solid 4 stars.