Cordis Cincti Serpente - Cenobitorium
Cordis Cincti Serpente means, heart wearing a serpent. It is also the title of one of the early esoteric writings (1909) by Aleister Crowley. These writings (or texts) were later published by Ordo Templi Orientis and collected as The Holy Books of Thelema. More information about the mystical world of Thelema can, of course, be obtained via a provided link (further down). The title of the release Cenobirorium isn't (for that matter) something you can look upon the world wide web. I think it is a likely a nod/tribute to Clive Barker´s Hellraiser theme. OR, it simply means; A monk who lives in a religious community, rather than in solitude. I´m not 100% sure what the artist intentions were, but I think the theme lives somewhere between the Hellraiser theme and the religious monk idea. Simply because that the album offers you the sounds of tormented souls screaming from some parallel universe to religious and hypnotic ambient drones.
The style can be described as early esoteric ambient industrial, made me think that of that old and cult worshipped Portugal based label Maldoror Tapes. First track Cenobitorium gives you a hint of a hell-like parallel universe, showing its presence while someone is performing a ritual. Strange and metallic bell-like sounds, eerie and rhythmic electronic glitches, growling pig sounds, screaming and reversed subdued human voices and drone´ish synth. To me, it sounds pretty scary because it sounds serious. Not some horror-movie fan who think blood-piles is the latest thing! Next track Cenobitorium II offers you strange synths, a camera like noises, atmospheric drones. Sounds like sort of trans-dimensional journey, going through one universe and further on to the next. You probably need to hear it to fully understand what I mean!. The final track Cenobitorium III (almost 24 minutes long), takes you back to more primal ambiances. Early Raison D´être, or retro Cold Meat Industry sound is one way to describe it. That (almost religious) sort of sacred sound, mixed with an esoteric-based soundtrack mood. A beautiful way of ending this fantastic journey of an album!. Proud of owning this tape, and proud of reviewing it. A rare and good achievement indeed!.
The album has been released on Italian based Industrial Ölocaust Recordings (like Empty Chalice, see review). In a limited 23 copies, and the cassette and cover art is a sheer beauty. You´ll have to be quick on this!.
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