Rating:
Genre:
World
Release Date: 08/03/1999
Ubiquitous bassist and producer
Bill Laswell's fascination with Arabic culture has led him into numerous strange and wonderful projects, including a field recording of
Morocco's Master Musicians of Jajouka, a collaboration with
William Burroughs on accompanied readings of mystical Egyptian texts, and this, an all-star program on which performers as diverse as
Iggy Pop,
Hakim Bey,
William Burroughs,
Patti Smith and the notorious
Genesis P. Orridge (of
Psychic TV infamy) read selections from ancient and modern texts written by or about the Hashisheen (or Assassins). The Hashisheen were an esoteric terrorist sect founded in 11th-century Persia by
Hasan-i Sabbah, and the writings collected here are eerily beautiful:
"I am the one near who does not depart," goes one passage. "If I punish you, it is my justice; if I forgive you, it is my generosity and my excellence. I am the master of mercy and dispenser of forgiveness and of the clear truth." Like the readings, the music that accompanies them is disturbing and perfect:
Laswell is a long-established master of the dark, deep groove, and when
Jah Wobble or
Anton Fier takes the reins the results are no less powerful. Highly recommended.
~Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
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