The current remastered version exhibits the original studio albums in a new sound! By applying the most up-date studio technology alongside the original sound equipment the primary focus remained firmly on the best possible re-creation of the original recordings and thus resulting in the most authentic match for the sound quality which has distinguished this music since its original publication. Songs were carefully re-mixed, partly re-recorded, tracklists reconsidered and rearranged; each album was brought to perfection which truly deserves the honorary addition 33° - for the highest achievable degree of perfection. The 33rd° series comes along in a beautiful matt finished digi pack, including a booklet with all lyrics.
she‘s gone alone
our pure goddess
the weeping virgin
at the broken column
Initially planned as the last album, ANOMALY is not only the end of a cycle but also a beginning. The album felt kind of unfinished and has now been heavily edited so that it can almost be considered a completely new album! In addition, with the video single release BROKEN COLUMN there is a completely new song on the remastered album, which fits seamlessly to the songs written four years ago. BLACK HALO, which was originally written for a new project and previously released on EP, was completely re-recorded as well. Many songs have also been re-recorded and now sound more crystallizing than before.
The MERCIFUL NUNS’ tenths album concludes a memorable journey through time, space and the unseen. Like its predecessors ANOMALY explores the hidden mysteries, encouraging the listener to engage with the subject matter on levels beyond the obvious. Impressive in its artistic execution; as we have come to expect from the NUNS’ mastermind Artaud Seth, the album’s lyrical content reveals insights gained from years of fastidious study and is testament to Artaud’s meticulous approach to his creations.
NEO ALPHA GENESIS opens with a haunting echo of the ethereal culminating in a profound reminder that “…man is God!” before heading into a powerful beat laced with delicate guitar work and Artaud in commanding fashion delivering a prophesy or perhaps a warning… in any case a song destined to be a crowd favourite during live shows. A subtle yet distinct transition into GOLDEN DAWN changes the tempo into a more contemplative mood, building into a powerful hymn underpinned by changing rhythm, building slowly into a crescendo surmounted by a most distinctive signature riff which lingers in the memory long thereafter. The song delivers an assessment in which Artaud’s capacity to immerse himself in the theme at hand is succinctly revealed, he absorbs its essence and recognises the hidden mysteries for what they are; never before as prevalently displayed as in the whole concept of ANOMALY in general and this song in particular. SATURNALIA is an epic expose of transcendence into ancient mysticism and its perpetuation. It opens with a mesmerising hypnotic beat that pervades the song throughout various changes in pace and rhythm from calm and measured passages into pure aggression; those who have followed Artaud’s journey over the decades will recognise echoes of the Dawn era woven into the song’s fabric. BLUE LODGE is a courageous foray into the exclusive world of still operative secret societies; sharing an experience perceived and understood on a level of insight reserved exclusively for true initiates alone; yet expressed in a manner of what yet could or already might be… A somewhat brutal assault on the senses compared to what went before cranks up the intensity before we are taken back down to slightly more measured ground with BROKEN COLUMN and ON THE SQUARE, haunting guitars upon a steady drum beat keeping the tempo and Artaud at his accustomed ceremonial best. BLACK HALO manages to retain its momentum throughout and will resonate with the listener on many levels, atmospheric and deep, philosophical even. Then… a break. THE PYRAMID marks the final chapter and takes us as deeper into Artaud’s mindset as never before; a slow and hauntingly beautiful track inspired by a Charles Baudelaire poem and evidently of personal significance… it has a certain finality as it fades into poignant nothingness.
Artaud embraces controversy by offering progress and challenges convention with an undeniably astute logic. This album will grow on its audience, a delightful and rare ingredient in present times indeed. One cannot help but admire the carefully choreographed soundscapes and his exquisite eye for detail. It’s epic, laced with emotions, intellectual depth, and a tour de force through the past and present.
2nd edition (33° series). Digipack in matt finish with booklet.
Date of release: 6th of April 2017
