Legendary vocalist/avant garde rock pioneer Jarboe brings her ethereal voice and vision to her latest album, Mahakali. It takes only a few seconds for the album to take your take hold of your spirit and mind as Jarboe’s hypnotic siren call glide through opening track, “Mahakali, of Terrifying Countenance.” Atmospheric, emotional, and powerful, the band quickly traverses much terrain shifting from the brooding, the dark, the desolate, and the sobering. There are just enough layers of instrumentation and musical darkness to set the mood without overloading the listener. Particularly, there is plenty of tasty percussion work to be found.

There are plenty of guest appearances from Attila Csihar (MAYHEM), Colin Marston (DYSRHYTHMIA, BEHOLD…THE ARCTOPUS), Josh Graham (NEUROSIS, A STORM OF LIGHT), and Phil Anselmo (DOWN). “The Soul Continues” is an absolutely fantastic track combining the black and sinister, low-end vocals of Attila Csihar with absolutely haunting vocal lines by Jarboe. The song is a great juxtaposition of different vocals stylings coming together to create a very powerful single expression. If there was ever a song that perfectly captured the sounds of a nightmare, “A Sea of Blood and Hollow Screaming…” would be it. The sheer power of the song is undeniable. Phil Anselmo’s lead vocal contribution on the melancholic, acoustic song, “Overthrown,” is a great showcase of his creativity and ability to bear his soul in pure honesty.

Before you realize it, the album is over and the silence really resonates within your mind after being taken on such a trip. Mahakali is perfect for those seeking something more and something that is true and powerful. Many rewards await the listener. (The End Records)

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