Vision Rites And Techniques Of Ecstasy
Wicked Messenger

Catalog#: Plague 010
Format: CD
Status: Available in our SHOP

3rd Wicked Messenger album, limited edition, housed in jewelcase. Plague's and Wicked Messenger's most ambitious project sofar. This work is thematically centered around ancient Mesoamerican cult and culture. All tracks refer to certain spiritual and cultic practices, in particular the vision quest. 70 minutes of unearthly, trance-invoking, ritual Grand Ambient.

Tracklisting
1.  Chilam Balam: The Jaguar Prophet (8:48)
2.  Ritual Trance (9:45)
3.  Bloodletting: The Vision Quest (10:11)
4.  The Vision Serpent: Invocation Of Gods And
      Ancestral Spirits (8:34)
5.  The Temple: The Ajaw's Dance (11:18)
6.  Disincarnation (10:33)
7.  Hierophany (9:47)

Reviews
Something wicked this way comes. it is the Wicked Messenger. The first release that came upon us was the fifth release on the mighty Plague Recordings in 2007, "The River Disappeared Sidewards". This one was actually quite harsh, while the second one, "Black Tourmaline", was more abstract. And now you can be surprised by the beauty of the new one "Vision Rites And Techniques Of Ecstasy".

This time no teabags, but housed in a jewel case, with beautiful artwork and little information. But it's all about the music right? And in the beginning there is no wickedness at all, just a stunning piece with layers of electronics and choir like vocals. This is made to put you in a trance, or better in a trancendental state. And it sounds like it's been inspired by the Maya culture..and it is. Next one up is actually called "Ritual Trance", a dark piece with some storm like sounds. All tracks refer to certain spiritual and cultic practices, in particular the vision quest, and the third track is called "Blood Letting: The Vision Quest", with impressive ambient sounds on electronics and do I hear a flute? Absolutely beautiful. And it stays that way in "The Vision Serpent". More disturbing sounds can be heard in "The Temple", with major classical influences from the likes of Berg or Bruckner; dark sounds with a real violin on top. "Disincarnation" is a little harsher, while the last track ends the cd with lighter, almost soothing sounds.

The message is wicked alright, and it's hard to compare it with anything else, but why should you? This is an essential purchase for anyone into dark and mysterious sounds, not too mellow, and not too industrial or harsh, just a message that's wicked. Excellent! (Bob Rusche, X-Rated/Kink FM, Netherlands)

About Wicked Messenger