Catharsis - Passion (1999)

Previously on OPIUM HUM:
Catharsis - Samsara (1997)

Second and final LP by the great Catharsis. An absolute masterpiece of fiery, dramatic, psych-tinged metallic hardcore. Hearing the one-two punch of "Into the Eyeless Sockets of the Night" into "The Witch's Heart" for the first time as a very, very stoned 17-year old remains one of the greatest music-listening experiences of my life.

As great as Passion is, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the penultimate track, "Deserts Without Mirages", an ambitious but probably misguided attempt stab at reggae that's been the subject of many a debate around the DEAR SPIRIT household over the years. I will say, I'm closer now to liking it than I've ever been. Regardless, it does set the listener up for "Sabbat (Dervish Dance)", the album's awe-inspiring climax and one of my absolute favorite pieces of heavy music.

Track listing:
1. Passion...
2. ...Obsession
3. Panoptikon
4. Into the Eyeless Sockets of the Night
5. The Witch's Heart (Live's Lost Too Soon - Or Too Late)
6. Threshold (To Enter, the Heart Must Break)
7. Duende (The Soil Is Closer Than the Sky)
8. Deserts Without Mirages
9. Sabbat (Dervish Dance)

This weapon will replace my tongue.
I will learn to speak through it.
And my poetry will now be written with blood.

Also of interest:

Damad -
Burning Cold (2000)

Majority Rule -
Interviews with David Frost (2001)

Catharsis - Samsara (1997)

Sure, Catharsis was heavily involved with Crimethinc., one of the most notorious havens for white foolishness in the history of the anarchist punk scene (itself a notorious haven for white foolishness). Sure, their vocalist treated their shows as platforms for extended, semi-coherent political rants that bothered and bored everyone. And sure, when other bands were playing, he was known to, in at least one instance, stand at the front with his back to the band, arms crossed, glaring at the audience. Sure.

But none of that takes away from the fact that Catharsis' music -- metallic hardcore with hints of emoviolence, sludge, and psychedelia -- is some of the best to ever come out of the American crust/hardcore underground. Their first LP of two, Samsara is a concept record based entirely on anti-Christian philosophy, and I listened to it probably about 100 times between the ages of 16 and 17.

Because I'm so great, I'm including the awesome, nearly ten-minute "Arsonist's Prayer", which was released as one side of a split EP with Newborn, about whom I know nothing. You're welcome, baby, you know I treat you right.

Track listing:
1. Invocation: One Minute Closer to the Hour of Your Death
2. Exterminating Angel
3. Bow Down
4. Choose Your Heaven
5. Every Man for Himself and God Against Them All
6. Sacred and Profane (The Carnal Prayer Mat)
7. ...In Solitary
8. Pariah
9. Choose Your Heaven
10. The Evolution of Dying
11. I Corinthians 1:18-29

Tu trembles, mon couer? Tu tremlerais davantage, si tu savais oü je te méne.