Tunnels Of Āh – Thus Avici (CD Album – Cold Spring Records)

Genre/Influences: Ambient-noise, industrial, ritual.

Content: Stephen Reuben Burroughs got some fame and recognition as Head Of David. Today that all looks as if it happened in a previous life and numerous readers probably have never heard of Burroughs early involvement. The album “Lost Corridors” released now 2 years ago appeared to be the resurrection of this artist who started a new project.

“Thus Avici” has been introduced as being darker than its predecessor. I think we might say that this work is conceptual because of the inspiration dealing with spiritual and mystic themes like Tantric Buddhism, Christian mysticism and personal magic. It’s not always that easy to find back these influences in the sound composed by Tunnels Of Āh.

One thing is for sure and rapidly comes through: Burroughs conceived a dark and obscure work on, which he used elements of industrial- and ritual music, but still in a kind of ambient-noise approach. All the elements come together and the vocals are an essential aspect of the album. The vocals were produced in a narrative way while some parts become pretty spooky as if in the presence of a ghost. I especially like the track “Locusts Have Broken,” on, which next to the spoken vocals, you’ll discover a kind of humming female chant. It’s a kind of beautiful ghost song, which progressively evolves into a ritual format.

Some passages are a little bit monotonous, but globally speaking, “Thus Avici” is fascinating for its mix of influences and some cool noise manipulations. “The Perpetual Holocaust” is not exactly the kind of title that will give you a happy feeling expect if you’re addicted to obscure and noise/industrial minded atmospheres. The kind of Cathedral bells resonating in the background inject some visual appeal while it’s probably a sound reference to the spiritual concept of the work as well.

Conclusion: This work mainly fascinates me for its perfect balance between different sound influences. Tunnels Of Āh definitely appears to be an interesting new project set up by an old servant of this scene.

Best songs: “Locusts Have Broken”, “At The Error Of The Stars”, “The Perpetual Holocaust”.

Rate: (DP:7)DP.

Band: www.facebook.com/TheTunnelsOfAh

Label: www.coldspring.co.uk / www.facebook.com/coldspringhq