Black Yo)))ga: Asanas Ritual, Vol. 1

I used to work out with a group of friends that trusted me to make some of the musical decisions as we lifted weights, jumped rope, and stretched. During the actual training, I usually chose classic rock or heavy metal but for the stretching sessions, I usually put on something by Om. It was fun to stretch to the sounds of that terrific band and the eastern vibe didn't hurt things, either. Everyone felt like we were ending our workout with something a little different, something that almost had a yoga-like vibe to it.

This album caught my attention when it came out because it struck me as a good option for a stretching session or, indeed, for a yoga class. I know that there was quite a bit of publicity surrounding this album and that some listeners may even be skeptical that this is little more than a cash grab that takes advantage of metal fans. I understand that kind of skepticism, but I don't think it's warranted here. The music on this album is pretty much what it promises to be, a new way of thinking about yoga in light of extreme metal aesthetics and attitudes. And yes, it's also a pretty cool musical accompaniment to a yoga session while also being a reasonably good exercise in black ambient music that sounds pretty good on its own.

I do practice yoga, but I usually do so with videos and really don't want the music to compete with the instructions. However, I do listen to this album, when I'm writing, reading, or working around the house or office. Don't get me wrong; this isn't just some lame easy listening background album. It's actually relatively interesting, an often riveting attempt to do something new with dark ambience that also has the practical value of fading into the background as needed. I enjoyed it and look forward to more from the Black Yo)))ga gang. If you're curious, try "The Dark Places in Our Lives" and see where things go from there.

Track Listing:
1. A Wandering Through
2. The Dark Places in Our Lives
3. Carmentis
4. Hungry Ghosts
5. Negative Confession
6. Lament
7. Nest of Thorns
8. Loopholes in the Universe

Added: January 31st 2016
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2309
Language: english

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