Dissections is the first part of a trilogy by Capricorni Pneumatici, an Italian cult band from the glorious esoteric-industrial scene (I recently wrote about their historic cassette Nibbas). The next chapters of this trilogy will be Variants and Mutations, both of live electronics, recorded on 30 August 2022 and 7 December 2022 respectively.

This work, on the other hand, was recorded between 2018 and 2023 in Sweden and Italy, and is released on ADN as a double CD. The sounds are ritualistic and minimal, and the concept – very dark – refers to a magical-esoteric conception of existence. The sound sources are extremely varied (instruments used and dissected include Tibetan bowls, maracas, metal percussion, a late-19th-century music machine, a 1920s zither, bowed 12-string guitar, a T-bone trombone, electric guitar, tubular bells, Irish drum, a DX7II, soprano saxophone and field recordings). Everything was also processed with the help of a Doremi digital HD1 and other outboard equipment. In any case, what matters is the final result: this is deep music, and if approached with the right spirit, it truly is a very intense listening experience. I was reminded of Sigillum S’s Bardo Thos Grol. But in the end, we find ourselves faced with an original group, capable of shaping sound down to the smallest detail. The effect is hypnotic and mystical, not far from what an encounter with the Sacred – or whatever remains of it in this desecrated age – might be like. Recommended for those who have followed the Italian post-industrial scene.

Caesar – Ver Sacrum – July 2023

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