Immolation: 2013's First Few Great Albums, Part Eight

8. Anna von Hausswolff - Ceremony
  

caerimonia
The English word "ceremony" derives from the Latin caerimonia or caeremonia, a word of obscure etymology first found in literature and inscriptions from the time of Cicero (mid-1st century BC), but thought to be of much greater antiquity. Its meaning varied over time. Cicero used caerimonia at least 40 times, in three or four different senses: "inviolability" or "sanctity", a usage also of Tacitus; "punctilious veneration", in company with cura (carefulness, concern); more commonly in the plural caerimoniae, to mean "ritual prescriptions" or "ritual acts." The plural form is endorsed by Roman grammarians.

"You shall listen to all sides and filter them from your self."
                      - Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"

I. This plays like a series of subjects (Theodor, Daniel) usually introduced by the organ. I'll need some more time with this record.

1. Epitaph of Theodor     
2. Deathbed                    
3. Mountain Crave
4. Goodbye                       
5. Red Sun   (interlude)      
6. Epitaph of Daniel
7. No Body
8. Liturgy of Light               
9. Harmonica
10. Ocean
11. Sova
12. Funeral For My Favorite Children
13. Sun Rise

6. Epitaph of Daniel
                 - A similar melody to Theodor; not so dour, guitars come in earlier, offering waves of surf support. Daniel also gets a drum kit. Light, happy in spirit, seasons in the sun. Reverent ending.

7. No Body
                  - An empty grave.

8. Liturgy of Light
                   - Seems almost unnatural. Ceremonies are rarely made of chamber-pop songs. Beautiful; but unnatural. Her style is very informed by David Byrne - Ceremony reminds me a lot of Here Lies Love.

9. Harmonica
                 - Not a harmonica.

If ever there were a cycle of songs, submersible hardly evokes the effects of Ceremony. Think Om's mysticism (without Cisnero's over-drive) driving Florence Welch instead of the Machine. Or maybe Martha Wainwright. And Neil Young plays pipe organ. There is no bombast in this thing. Subtlety ---> serenity --->  ceremony.

Highlights include "Ocean," "Deathbed," and "Liturgy of Light." Hit single of the fall, mark my words.

There are emotions and stories within this music, the best aural display of the soul I've heard in a while. Damn. I never thought I'd enjoy going back to church. But I'm here, aren't I?