Metamorphyses
I
Metamorphyses II
Metamorphyses III
Metamorphyses IV
Metamorphyses V
The
seventh release for Peter Anderson’s project, and the follow up
proper to his "Requiem for Abandoned Souls" release [read
review here], sees a change, not by any means a drastic one, in direction
from him. Where once you could have expected a thumping neo classical
assault to the senses - with assorted choirs and dark ambience mixed in
- now that has been replaced, partially I might add, by this far more
experimental sound. A sound drenched in drones, metal scrapings, dripping
water, chunky clunks (try saying that when you’re ripped to the
tits on your favourite drug of choice) and a Berlin wall, before it collapsed,
sized proportioned of blackest ambience. The sound of a re-birth and transformation.
Of dramatic physical change. Of morphing into something beautiful and
desirable. Close your eyes and prepare to enter the unknown realms of
your imagination. "Metamorphyses" marks another triumphant return
for Raison D’etre.
There is, of course, a background story to "Metamorphyses" that
is worth explaining. The press release describes it thus: "Transformation
is the key to the psyche. Breath and feeling intertwined is the given
links for the search of inner wisdom and to unlock the hidden inside us".
It goes on some more, but space is at a premium, before ending: "‘Metamorphyses’
is a key to the psyche". Easily explained, sort of, but does
the music match up to le grande ideas?
Split
into 6 tracks, cunning titled Metamorphyses I - VI, they vary in length
from under 2 minutes to 14 + minutes… although these timings matter
not as each composition is a masterpiece in unrefined elegance. I doubt
anyone else apart from Peter could make rasping metal sounds feel so alive
and sensual. Nor for that matter all the other diversified sounds he continually
conjures up throughout the recording. This mixing of the highly charged
and frantic with the calming and meditative music takes a little bit getting
used to as it threatens to overload the listener with a bombardment of
unusual sonics not usually associated with Raison D’etre. A schizophrenic
musical panorama continually battling for dominance, it is a highly charged
and atmospheric recording that oozes class from every pore.
But you really need to hear "Metamorphyses" for yourself to
fully understand where Peter has taken this project. The unsettling effects
coupled with the almost laid back and tranquil soundscapes makes for one
strange, although ultimately rewarding, aural experience. Though not as
easily accessible as his other work it holds a lingering fascination long
after it’s finished which is hard to explain. Immerse yourself within
its tight embrace and, provided you’re open minded, you’ll
find you’ll rank it as one of the best Raison D’etre recordings
to date.