Templars: In Sacred Blood cover

Templars: In Sacred Blood

John Zorn · 2012

43 min · 8 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A dark and intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz, blending complex rhythms with esoteric themes and haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Templi Secretum Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Evocation of Baphomet — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of tension and release, with its moody atmosphere leading into explosive improvisation that mirrors the chaotic energy inherent in Zorn's work.
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    Murder of the Magicians — The piece stands out for its intricate interplay between instruments, showcasing Zorn's mastery in orchestrating a dialogue among musicians while maintaining an air of mystery.
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    Libera Me — This track introduces a more reflective tone with its haunting melodies and sparse instrumentation, contrasting sharply with the album’s more frenetic moments and highlighting Zorn's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate structures and thematic depth showcase Zorn's unique approach to avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow build in 'Templi Secretum', gradually layering instruments to create a dense atmosphere.
  • Several tracks utilize sudden dynamic shifts, such as 'Evocation of Baphomet', which alternates between quiet, eerie passages and explosive bursts of sound.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • haunting soundscapes for deep focus
  • steady progression with climactic moments
  • immersive listening for contemplative moods
  • dark atmospheres for introspective journeys

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat or fast-paced tracks
  • prefer short standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Recognized for its ambitious structure and thematic depth in avant-garde jazz.
Career context
Released in 2012, Templars: In Sacred Blood is part of John Zorn's extensive body of work that spans several decades. At this point, Zorn was continuing to explore the intersections of jazz, classical, and experimental music, following his acclaimed projects like The Dreamers and Filmworks series. This album showcases his ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
New to John Zorn? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Templi Secretum Start here 5:33
  • 2 Evocation of Baphomet 5:26
  • 3 Murder of the Magicians 4:14
  • 4 Prophetic Souls 6:20
  • 5 Libera Me 3:20
  • 6 A Second Sanctuary 5:06
  • 7 Recordatio 3:53
  • 8 Secret Ceremony 9:15

What to play next

The Concealed
Listen next

The Concealed

2012

Continues the dark, intricate sound with rich textures and thematic depth.
The Gnostic Preludes
Go back to

The Gnostic Preludes

2012
Full John Zorn discography Where to start with John Zorn Artists like John Zorn
avant-garde jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata