"Restored to One" (released by The Ajna Offensive and Feral House) is an incredibly unique outing from Sabbath Assembly, a project formed by Jex Thoth and Dave Nuss to "re-process" the hymns of The Process Church of the Final Judgment. Here's some quick background from the album's press release, which gets the job done better than I would:
"Restored to One" is a modern response to the musical activities of a cult known as The Process Church of the Final Judgment, who used music to spread their visions of Gnostic reconciliation in a time of cataclysmic change. Sabbath Assembly has re-charged the original hymns of The Process Church and worked them into moving renditions that unite the trinity of rock, psychedelic, and gospel into one triumphant re-awakening.The Process Church was an intensely creative, apocalyptic shadow side to the flower-powered '60s and New Age '70s. The influential group opened chapters in London, Europe, and across the United States. Dressing in black cloaks and walking the streets with German shepherds, they created their own intricately designed magazines, and promoted a controversial, quasi-Gnostic theology that reconciled Christ and Satan through deeper awareness and love...
Many reading this site may be aware that some of Process founder Robert DeGrimston's early writings (mainly "Humanity is the Devil" and "The Gods on War") played a role in the inspiration behind Integrity's first all-out "holy terror" assault during the mid- to late-90's—which is what initially sparked my interest in The Process—so I've had photocopies of many old Process magazines and assorted documents laying around for years. Thus, I was super excited when I first heard about Sabbath Assembly. I mean, recording an album full of interpretations of decades old cult hymns? Who does that!?
In some ways, the album feels like a bit of a companion piece to Feral House's recently released (and also highly recommended) book "Love Sex Fear Death: The Inside Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment", and this interview with Jex actually points out that the book is what brought these recordings about:
...inside the book, one will also find... the sheet music to three original Process hymns. We asked Timothy if he knew of any recordings that might exist and he said, to the best of his knowledge, they had never been recorded. With that, we began to conceive of "Restored to One". We played through the hymns (of which there are more than 60) to determine which of them felt like a good fit for us. We also contacted several original Process members, the ones we could find, and asked them which ones were their favorites. We continued whittling down the list until we settled on these.
Even if this isn't your thing, you've gotta respect the amount of effort and dedication it must take to put something like this together. I've honestly not been a fan of Jex Thoth's other work, but her vocals and approach are absolutely perfect for this project, and my conceptual interest in this release has brought with it a greater appreciation for the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of what's going on here, so I should probably revisit some of her other music now to see if my impressions have changed. I realize I've said absolutely nothing about the actual music on this release, but the press release's reference to the material's blend of "rock, psychedelic, and gospel" is dead on. Everything sounds shockingly authentic (and dated), and I'd have no idea how to properly describe the subtle nuances here since everything's outside of my general realm of experience. You've gotta hear it for yourself to understand, anyway. Here's an excerpt to give you a taste:
Sabbath Assembly "Judge of Mankind" (excerpt)
I haven't picked up a physical copy yet (though I damn sure will, since this is such a cool outing), so I'm not sure what the complete packaging holds, but vinyl fanatics should be pleased with the fact that the LP's pressed on 180 gram gold vinyl. As always, make the grab if you like what you hear...
Get It
Ajna (CD)
Ajna (LP)
Feral House (CD)
Amazon.com (mp3)
iTunes (mp3)
Comments
Didn’t expect quite something like this but based on your writing I’m very curios to listen the whole album…
7.6.2010 | By Carlos
Only one comment?You aren’t serious. :D
7.9.2010 | By Carlos
I’ve been wondering where all the comments have gone myself. It always bums me out…
7.9.2010 | By Andrew Aversionline
We can blame summer. :P Few months ago there were at least 6 comments for each post. Maybe because you covered more of the old bands.
But don’t stop writing. Times change. :)
7.9.2010 | By Carlos
This just sounds like Coven straight up. They were doing occult hippie rock w/ female vox in the late 60’s. Also very similar to The Devil’s Blood.
7.10.2010 | By justin
That reminds me: I forgot to mention that this album is definitely my #1 hardcore album of the year. Except for the fact that there is absolutely nothing about this album that has anything to do with the hardcore scene.
7.11.2010 | By Andrew Aversionline
I thank bands like Integrity for bringing whatever they want to bring wherever they want to bring it. Anyhow, it makes sense for the music to sound this way, given its basic concept and purpose and all that. So, purchase made.
7.11.2010 | By Marcus Garvey
I love this shit. Ordered it on vinyl.
“Don’t like it? Don’t buy it!”
-Hydrahead Records
7.12.2010 | By ATF
Got this on cd. Really enjoying it. All lyrics included, which is essential in this case. It has an authentic old school gospel flavor at times that reminds me of my Mahalia records.
7.17.2010 | By Marcus Garvey
Didn’t even know this existed but I’m loving the shit outta the first font on the cover. Will be picking it up to hear what hardcore sounds like in 2010!!
7.27.2010 | By Monster at the Meadowlands
Been listening to this on mp3 for a few weeks after being turned onto it by Dwid, I’m now looking for a copy on vinyl that isn’t going to break the bank. Such a good theme for a record.
8.15.2010 | By Daniel
Creepy and definitely interesting. I’m in. Nice way to REALLY think outside of the box on this one. Thumbs up.
9.8.2010 | By Adrianoso