Painkiller - The Prophecy (Tzadik USA 2013)

Another John Zorn arrival

The second Zorn release from November, a live Painkiller recording from several concerts in europe in 2004-5. Selections edited into one 65 minute long suit of mindblowing proportions. Zorn and Laswell are impressive as usual but the Japanese Drummer is brilliant and his solos are excellent. Not so much of the Hardcore stuff like their first albums but plenty of more atmospheric and dubby improvisations with plenty of great Zorn Sax. A well put together suit and an enjoyable if not taxing listen.Rating 4/5.

John Zorn's Painkiller - Collected Works (USA 1997)

Latest CD Arrival

This Boxset arrived in my mailbox  today.

Painkiller - Guts Of A Virgin (USA 1991)

John Zorn Album Of The Week.

Many moons ago I read a review of this album in the NME and was intrigued enough to check it out once I finally got my hands on a copy. This is Zorn at his most hardcore. Imagine Jazzthrash, played mostly at breakneck speed, a very heavy wall of noise which John pulls off quite well. Another of Zorn's releases that ain't easy listening and although I am fascinated by this music and find it enjoyable enough, It is not something I revisit a lot. Like most Zorn music, focussed listening is essential to getting the most out of it and it is all over in about 30 minutes. Zorn's sax playing is awesome. Rating 3/5.