MALKHUT

In 2009 John Zorn composed the over 90 tracks that make up the third Masada book, and these complete the Masada legacy. A box set was released in 2018 of these over 90 compositions performed by eleven artists/bands, resulting in a massive 11 cd set. Thankfully SECRET CHIEFS 3 contribution would be released as a stand alone item in 2019. I just picked this cd up this year after being very impressed with 2008's "Xaphan-Book Of Angels, Vol.9". I was hoping from the reviews and opinions I had read that this might be my new favourite SC3 recording, surpassing that 2008 release, but no.

These two records are compared a lot as they are Zorn compositions that Trey Spruance has changed and altered, with Zorn overseeing as the executive producer on both records. "Malkhut" surprised me for not having any extreme moments at all, very surprising. So naturally you would think this would be my favourite release by them, but like OPETH, you need those extreme moments to bring out the best of the more atmospheric and relaxed sections. In fact this album came across as being too normal, and not as complex. I have a top four that I'm so into that I'll talk about, but I find the rest very hit and miss.

This is where I need to quote Matt Lebofsky the keyboardist here. First of all he relates that the music on "Malkhut" is much more complex than the music on "Xaphan". Playing the material live many times from both albums he says "Malkhut contains some of the most difficult material I ever had to digest and perform with SC3". He says "Xaphan is great but more of a jam album". Matt also says that both albums were created in a similar manner with Zorn composing the music, then Spruance changing things up, but he adhered more to the original Zorn compositions with "Xaphan". While on "Malkhut" he changed them to the nth degree, giving himself more creative leeway, while expanding the Zorn charts to full blown arrangements.

It's an interesting album this one. I found a lot of tracks were hit and miss. So there was something to really like on tracks 1, 5, 7 & 8 especially, but also that middle eastern, arabic vibe that I'm not as into. "Makif" is short thankfully as it is too much fun for this style of music. Eyebrows were raised. Some powerful and uptempo stuff on "Atzmut" and slide guitar. Uptempo and violin too. Lots of intensity on that closer as well, but some good contrasts too. I have to say that Spruance's baritone guitar work here really stands out. Such a warm vibe to it.

While I'm not surprised that my top four have little in the way of ethnic sounds, it's just surprising that there are songs on here like that. And they truly are a joy to listen to with these incredible musicians doing their best. Hey, with Zorn overseeing this project I'd be practising a lot, let alone that Trey Spruance has put on his finishing touches, and he is in the room. "Chitzonuyut" reminds me of "Tubular Bells" with that piano, and I love how themes and sounds are repeated throughout this track. So impressed. The baritone guitar is a nice touch. "Shadim" has these brief explosive sounds that come and go. I like the mellow sections here, and in particular the atmosphere after 3 minutes. "Netzokim" opens with baritone guitar, percussion and more before turning powerful. This one is all over the place to be honest but it works. Repeated themes and electric piano heaven half way through. Lastly "Netzach" with the organ, vibes and warm atmosphere. A relaxed sound with violin as well.

A four star album but "Xaphan" is my favourite from this extremely talented band. And I don't think they are done yet.