Mycale: Book of Angels Volume 13 cover

Mycale: Book of Angels Volume 13

John Zorn · 2010

33 min · 11 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A meditative tapestry of avant-garde jazz, weaving intricate melodies with a sense of spiritual introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Uzziel Start here — The opening track establishes the album's ethereal atmosphere with delicate interplay between instruments, setting the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Moloch — A dynamic piece that showcases Zorn's ability to blend tension and release through rapid shifts in tempo and mood, highlighting the ensemble's virtuosity.
  • →
    Tarshish — Featuring a haunting melody that lingers in the listener's mind, this track exemplifies the spiritual depth present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Intricate compositions and a unique blend of improvisation define this avant-garde jazz album.

What we noticed

  • The album features complex, interwoven melodies that shift in texture and dynamics, creating a meditative atmosphere.
  • Each track maintains a distinct thematic focus while employing improvisation within structured frameworks.
  • The instrumentation varies across tracks, with different combinations of woodwinds and strings contributing to the overall sound palette.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo explorations
  • ethereal vocal harmonies throughout
  • labyrinth of intricate melodies
  • short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer immersive pieces
  • seek high-energy instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Continues Zorn's exploration of jazz but isn't a widely recognized entry point.
Career context
In 2010, John Zorn was well-established as an avant-garde composer and bandleader, having released numerous influential albums. 'Mycale: Book of Angels Volume 13' represents a continuation of his exploration into Jewish mysticism within music, following the previous volume in this series which showcased his innovative arrangements for various ensembles.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
New to John Zorn? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Uzziel Start here 3:10
  • 2 Ahaha 2:53
  • 3 El El 2:19
  • 4 Tehom 2:26
  • 5 Moloch 2:32
  • 6 Balam 3:12
  • 7 Melech 2:47
  • 8 Tarshish 4:01
  • 9 Asaph 3:18
  • 10 Rumiel 2:55
  • 11 Natiel 4:10

What to play next

Dictée/Liber Novus
Listen next

Dictée/Liber Novus

2010

Continues the spiritual and meditative themes with a fresh sonic approach.
Chimeras
Go back to

Chimeras

2010

Sets a contemplative mood that leads into the introspective nature of Mycale.
Full John Zorn discography Where to start with John Zorn Artists like John Zorn
avant-garde jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata