Thursday, June 25, 2009

Revelations of the Black Flame: Not a Good At-Work Album

I am fortunate enough to have a job where I can throw on a pair of headphones and listen while I work, so the majority of my music listening - and concequently, my music evaluating - takes place during the working hours. While this arrangement generally works to my advantage, there are a few things I just can't listen to, because I'm not in the right mindset. Monotheist, for example, is a great album that I can't listen to at work because I start comparing my cube to a dark pit of despair where I labor ceaselessly on a treadmill for a pitiful reward and the knowledge that my death is a few hours closer. The result is a testament to Celtic Frost's abilities, no doubt, but not a great way to go through the work day.

Having just put Revelations of the Black Flame through a second listen, I have come to the conclusion that 1349's follow up to Hellfire deserves to be put on the same pedestal of respect: I just can't get into the album's murky soundscapes when I'm writing emails and updating spreadsheets. Instead, it seems that I'd be best served by saving Revelations... for a trek through a swamp - or a walk in the next heavy NYC rainstorm - letting the evil seep into me in a habitat closer to its creators' mindsets.

2 comments:

Seth said...

Hell Yeah!

I fell in love with that album listening to it in the dark in a small hotel room in Towson MD with my parents next door. It was a trifecta of despair. It is mood music for sure.

Unrelated, although I still don't like their music, I'm really into Vinnie Paul naming his latest band Hell Yeah! It is just fun to say! Hell Yeah!

Bardo said...

Everytime i listen to this, more is revealed. It morbid, brutal, and unique. Best between 2am and 5am. The production and instrumentaion blend and cross each other in ways that birth unholy sonics that comfort as much as challenge.
Top Tracks: Uncreation, Maggot Fetus..Teeth of Thorns".