TEATRO SATANICO

"Black Magick Block"

Steinklang Industries - 2008

CD

New album for the prolific Teatro Satanico, this time released by prestigious Austrian label Steinklang Industries. "Black Magick Block" leaves aside the Northern Italian project's ultra-noise assaults to explore more subtle, minimal and ritual sounds, sometimes surprisingly melodic and rhythmic, even if always rather disturbing. It's the case of "Hymn To Lucifer", a pulsating glitch dance worth of the darkest Aphex Twin, with lyrics by Aleister Crowley whispered by a distant, filtered voice, or of "Gatto", noisier and more sinister, but not less enjoyable (especially in the first part). The awesome "Baby Babalon", one of TS' best achievement to the present, is a powerful anthem revolving around analogue sounds that seem to come directly from M.B.'s "Symphony For A Genocide".

The ritual and hypnotic side of Devils G. and friends emerge in the disquieting "Images & Oracles By A.O.S.", with words by Austin Oman Spare, and the epic "La Magia Quale Scienza Dell'Io", a strong and hieratic black ceremony. A more experimental untitled bonus track is also included. "Black Magick Block" is another very good proof of Teatro Satanico's unique approach to electronics and occult themes, as well as of the ability to update their sound staying always true to the project's original ideas.

- Simon V.

Website: http://www.teatrosatanico.it