Ten Horned Beast--Ten Stars - Ten Horns
self-released 2004
Known primarily for his output as a member of revered ambient ritual drone outfit Endvra (a/k/a Endura), Christopher Walton is back making music after a lengthy absence. It may have been awhile since the guy put anything out, but the wait was very worth it. On Ten Stars - Ten Horns, his one-man Ten Horned Beast has taken that respected legacy into an exciting new area.
Because of their aesthetic, Endvra were often refered to as being part of the doom genre. With Ten Horned Beast, Walton has made his doom leaning tendencies much more tangible. Essentially, Ten Stars - Ten Horns is top shelf ambient drone doom, which should appeal a great deal to fans of Sunn 0))). The thing that sets this stuff apart from all other like-minded droning is the ambient quality it possesses, though--Walton has not lost his knack for superior soundscaping since his days with Endvra. For this reason, Endvra diehards will still find lots to like about Ten Horned Beast.
As alluded to above, the six pieces which comprise Ten Stars - Ten Horns are of elite quality. While this material is some of the bleakest, darkest, and sickest ever laid down of its kind, this has much more of a linear structure to it than anything Endvra ever did. For this reason, Ten Horned Beast comes off as being much easier to digest than one might expect. Of course, that's very relative--this is still only for the most derranged of doomers. Stnadouts include "Crown Of Horns" and the sprawling "With The Wings Of God Above You," both featuring prominent use of guitar sounds.
Fans of Sunn 0))), Corrupted, Burning Witch, Khanate, or similar fare will absolutely love Ten Horned Beast. In fact, Ten Stars - Ten Horns is an instant classic of the drone doom genre and destined for a much wider scaled release. This initial homemade pressing has incredible packaging, to boot. So, if you needed another reason to hop on this train, there it is. A true masterpiece.
Score this CD directly from TEN HORNED BEAST
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