Xaphan: Book of Angels Volume 9
Secret Chiefs 3 · 2007
55 min · 11 tracks
An intricate blend of avant-garde rock and Middle Eastern influences, creating a surreal soundscape of mystical narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Sheburiel — The opening track immerses listeners immediately into the album's eclectic sound with its dynamic shifts between serene melodies and frenetic rhythms, setting the thematic tone.
-
→
Barakiel — This track showcases a haunting blend of traditional instrumentation and modern effects, capturing the essence of the album's exploration of angelic themes through a contemporary lens.
-
→
Hamaya — As one of the shorter tracks, it stands out with its tight composition and rhythmic complexity, encapsulating the album’s overarching fusion of diverse cultural elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and unique blend of genres create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Melodies often intertwine with dissonant harmonies, contributing to an otherworldly atmosphere throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- surreal soundscapes for exploration
- mystical narratives with depth
- patient listening with rich details
- immersive journeys through intricate arrangements
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2007, 'Xaphan: Book of Angels Volume 9' is the fifth studio album by Secret Chiefs 3. At this point in their career, they were known for their unique fusion of genres, having previously explored various musical styles in albums like 'Book of Horizons' (2004), which expanded their reputation within the experimental music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mr. Bungle· The Mars Volta· Tortoise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sheburiel 5:43
- 2 Akramachamarei 5:46
- 3 Shoel 6:19
- 4 Barakiel 5:49
- 5 Bezriel 4:36
- 6 Kemuel 4:23
- 7 Labbiel 4:22
- 8 Asron 3:32
- 9 Balberith 6:31
- 10 Omael 4:01
- 11 Hamaya 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.