Azazel: Book of Angels Volume 2
John Zorn · 2005
60 min · 13 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A labyrinth of intricate melodies and dissonant harmonies that challenge conventional jazz forms while weaving a narrative of mystical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tufiel Start here — This track opens the album with a dynamic blend of traditional jazz elements and Zorn's signature dissonance, setting the tone for the entire collection.
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Mastema — Mastema embodies a hauntingly complex structure that showcases Zorn's ability to fuse narrative with musical tension, making it a standout piece.
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Azazel — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of conflict and resolution, highlighted by its climactic build and emotional intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and distinct avant-garde elements, though it may not fully reward repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize dissonant harmonies that challenge traditional jazz conventions, enhancing the avant-garde feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- intricate layers for attentive listening
- short tracks for quick shifts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
- prefer predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album challenges conventional jazz forms, showcasing Zorn's avant-garde approach.
- Career context
- When 'Azazel: Book of Angels Volume 2' was released in 2005, John Zorn was establishing himself as a leading figure in avant-garde music, following the critically acclaimed 'Book of Angels Volume 1'. This album continues his exploration of Jewish mysticism through music, showcasing an increasingly complex interplay between improvisation and composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
- 1 Tufiel Start here 6:22
- 2 Mibi 1:53
- 3 Tabaet 6:46
- 4 Symnay 5:23
- 5 Mastema 6:39
- 6 Bethor 5:25
- 7 Uriel 4:37
- 8 Gurid 1:52
- 9 Gazriel 4:04
- 10 Azazel 5:26
- 11 Rssasiel 2:38
- 12 Garzanal 5:21
- 13 Ahiel 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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