ASCEND is a new collaborative musical project between Gentry Densley Iceburn, Eagle Twin) and Greg Anderson (sunn 0))),Goatsnake, Engine Kid). Both have been making music that has crossed paths several times in the last 19 years, the most notable being during the 90s when Anderson’s band Engine Kid toured with and shared a split album with Densely’s band Iceburn. During that time both were heavily experimenting with the fusion of jazz (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane) and the dark behemoth tones of influences such as The Melvins, Gore, Slint, and Caspar Brotzman.
Hitting stores on May 27th, ASCEND re-visits some of the tones and moods of their past works as well as traveling into uncharted territory all done with the utmost focus on heaviness and power, with the album Ample Fire Within. Of particular note is the vocal performance by Gentry Densley. His voice is deep and ominous with a subtle Tom Waits influence within the growls and gruffness that is emoted. Anderson gushes enthusiastically: “we were extremely fortunate to have a lot of help from our friends with this recording. Andy Patterson pounded the hell out of the drums, and Steve Moore (aka Stebmo, also in Earth and often times sunn 0))) ) added some trombone (“Obelisk of Kolobâ€, and “Dark Matterâ€), organ (“Her Horse Is Thunderâ€, “Dark Matterâ€) and some amazing wurlitzer (“Amplifier Withinâ€, “Divineâ€). His playing brings a dark, sophisticated jazz atmosphere to the album. On the track “V O G” we were blessed to have Bubba Dupree (Void) AND none other than Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) put down some incredible lead work!”
The entire album was mixed by Randall Dunn (Earth, sunn 0))), Kinski,) and mastered by Mell Dettmer who is turning into the “house-mastering wizardress” for the Southern Lord label.
Below are a few shavings from the horns of the beast…”Ample Fire Within”: http://www.mediafire.com/?jsqvyjzcnoy
“Divine”: http://www.mediafire.com/?mitghoztmnx
“V O G”: http://www.mediafire.com/?wvmdiyexaxy