Obsidian

In short saxophone and church organ duets, John Surman and Howard Moody follow up their previous orchestral project, Proverbs & Songs from 1998, with this series of improvisations that track through occasional traditional themes, as well as new compositions that have older values and motifs in mind. Surman is his usual brilliant and staunchly individual self, whether playing his trusty baritone sax, bass clarinet, or at times, soprano, while Moody's keyboards provide more of a foundation rather than being on equal footing. Recorded in Oslo, Norway, moods from joyous and active to introspective or pensive are dotted throughout this program that seems like a musical biopic through the life of virtually anyone…

Monuments Emerge chronicles the work of Asian-American composer Nicholas Vasallo (b. 1979). Fusing Western classical music, Asian classical music, and heavy metal, Vasallo's work plumbs the inner depths where these traditions unite, finding their roots in order to draw them out into vast sonic landscapes. Vasallo is pulling threads together, even as he seeks to push at the boundaries that have traditionally separated musical traditions.

Titled Epistemology, the eight-track offering, and first KEEP OF KALESSIN studio output in five years, finds the acclaimed black metal unit now conjuring their sonic wrath as a trio. Make no mistake, however. The indisputable power of these three musical craftsmen translates perfectly on the band’s most diverse recording to date. As grandiose as a Peter Jackson battle scene bedecked with fire-breathing dragons and treacherous mountains draped in guitars and drums of doom, Epistemology highlights the true guitar virtuosity of vocalist/guitarist Obsidian C. From bone-scraping riffs and sweeping solos, to smooth, melodic passages swathed in warm, poignant tones backed by the military precision of bassist Wizziac and drummer Vyl, KEEP OF KALESSIN anno 2015 is heading out for greatness!