Since 1992, the core trio of Praxis - Buckethead (guitars), Bill Laswell (bass) and Brain (drums) - has chruned out an eclectic series of albums rooted in aggressive avant-rock improv with a healthy slab of hip-hop, psychedelic funk and space jass thrown in. On top of that, a constantly morphing army of innovators including John Zorn, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, DJ Disk, Grandmixer DXT and scors of others have contributed to Praxis projects - each on a sonic lab experiment gone wild, with Laswell playing mad scientist at the controls.
PROFANATION features the trio trading information with various musicians, this time shining the spotlight down on a slew of lead vocalists, among them Iggy Pop, System of a Down's Serj Tankian, Mike Patton, Rammellzee, Doctor Israel, Wu-Tang protege Killah Priest and Jamaican-born toaster Hawk. This record features the sequence of doom ... Rammellzee starts it off with a digital metal notice of things to come. He steps aside (for a few tracks) for Hawk to voice his opinion and a question. Dr. Israel enters the hardcore fray with advice for the weary. The leader Iggy offers a mythical based solution. Killah Priest always looking to the distant stars for answers. Serj Tankian (yeah, he said it) gives advice for the weak. Mike Patton jumps to attention with a vocal assault to your fucking brain. The return of Ramm and the book of revelations. Tatsuya Yoshida (Ruins) makes small pieces of big rocks. Ramm again, but in a new style - I hope you're paying attention. Back to space with Otomo (Ground Zero) and the End of Times Buckethead style comes to complete the cycle started 48 minutes ago.
First US release features 2 bonus live tracks from the core trio.
credits
released March 1, 2011
Produced and Arranged by Bill Laswell
Created at Orange Music, Orange, NJ
Engineer: Robert Musso
Assistant: James Dellatacoma
Drums and Amps/Set up: Artie Smith
Mastered at Turtle Tone Studios by Michael Fossenkemper
Art Work: James Koehnline
Design: John Brown @ Cloud Chamber
Executive Producer: Giacomo Bruzzo
M.O.D. Technologies: John Brown
M.O.D. Technologies Japan: Yoko Yamabe
M.O.D. Digital Support: Dave Brunelle (Silently Watching)
supported by 11 fans who also own “Profanation: Preparation For a Coming Darkness”
This is what I would consider a Pike Peak! 1 was good, 2 also but 3? This is superb. Each track holds its own and the collection here builds like an album. The tracks aren’t just thrown on. They flown together very well.
Turn it up and enjoy! Tc
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