sacred flesh - original motion picture soundtrack
Sacred Flesh, the film, deals with "a medieval nun whose mind is torn between sexual desire, her vows of chastity and fears of eternal damnation." Judging by the booklet (I've not seen the movie), I'd say sexual desire won, what with all of the nudity sprinkled throughout. The music for this foray is the work of Steve Pittis' Band Of Pain, whose Reculver CD was one of 1999's best dark sonicscape experiences, delving into the mind of the serial killer to maximum effect. The soundtrack here includes a handful of previously released tracks, re-recorded and re-titled, so as to fit snuggly into the mood and atmosphere of the completely new music. The title track, "Sacred Flesh," highlights desolation as distraught horns stripped of all hope signify the entrance into the realm of confusion and despair the movie wishes to explore. "Strength To Resist" drones like mental traffic, thoughts careening off of cranial barriers, the drones themselves ricocheting haphazardly about, well-oiled and slippery. The resistant sighs of female vocal samples fall by the wayside during "Submission," drowning under rising waters and tension synths stretched taut. The brooding drone of "The Cell" disperses as a machinery loop and a plunked melody of somber contemplation interrupts. Choral voices shimmer amidst melancholic synths during "Sacred Erosion," while a second, counter synth line, emphasizes the depth of dismay on hand. The work of Band Of Pain is beautifully tormented, immensely desolate, masterfully conceived and texturally rich. With or without the movie, the music here is an essential addition to all dark sonicscape libraries.