Psychomagia
John Zorn · 2014
44 min · 9 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde jazz and experimental textures, merging the visceral with the cerebral.
Top tracks — play these first
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Metapsychomagia Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate layers and dynamic shifts, reflecting Zorn's signature style of blending chaos with order.
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Evocation of the Triumphant Beast — This piece encapsulates the album's exploration of primal energies through frenetic rhythms and haunting melodies, demonstrating Zorn's mastery of tension and release.
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The Nameless God — With its ethereal atmosphere and meditative qualities, this track highlights a more introspective side of Zorn's work, inviting listeners into a profound sonic journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalInnovative compositions and a unique sound make this a standout in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features complex, multi-layered compositions that shift abruptly between contrasting themes and motifs.
- Each track varies significantly in tempo and texture, with some pieces employing dissonant harmonies while others explore more melodic lines.
- The use of unconventional instruments and extended techniques creates a unique sound palette that challenges traditional jazz forms.
- 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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9/10
- 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 themes
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- haunting melodies for deep focus
- immersive listening in sequence
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Received acclaim for innovative approach, showcasing Zorn's artistic vision.
- Career context
- When 'Psychomagia' was released in 2014, John Zorn was already an established figure in avant-garde music, known for his prolific output across various genres. This album arrived after a series of ambitious projects, including 'Naked City' and 'The Dreamers', showcasing Zorn's continued exploration of unconventional soundscapes and compositional techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
- 1 Metapsychomagia Start here 7:31
- 2 Sacred Emblems 3:02
- 3 Circe 6:03
- 4 Squaring the Circle 5:51
- 5 Celestial Mechanism 2:32
- 6 Evocation of the Triumphant Beast 6:25
- 7 Four Rivers 3:54
- 8 The Nameless God 4:35
- 9 Anima Mundi 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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