JOHN ZORN — 444 (2023) Archival Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In 2020 Brian Marsella joined the heavy metal organ trio “Simulacrum” to spawn the astonishing fusion quartet “Chaos Magick”. This fourth CD in their ever-expanding legacy is a magical collection of instrumental music at its finest. Tighter and wilder than ever, Medeski, Hollenberg, Grohowski, and Marsella perform with a remarkable rapport in this provocative new direction from Downtown alchemist John Zorn, who has been exploring new musical worlds and confounding expectations since the 1970s!
"444 is among the best things I’ve ever done." —John Zorn tzadik
 Tracklist :

1    Splendour Solis    4:26
2    Retort    7:36
3    In Sulphur And In Flame    3:00
4    Astral Projection    7:31
5    Civil Disobedience    3:29
6    With Blood I Summon Thee    5:49
7    Salt And Mercury    5:38
8    Tayy Al-Ard    9:12
Personnel :
Brian Marsella: Electric Piano
John Medeski: Organ
Kenny Grohowski: Drums, Percussion
Matt Hollenberg: Electric Guitar

JOHN ZORN - Abraxas : Book Of Angels Volume 19 (Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz) (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz steps out on his own to make one of the most primal and tribal installments in the Book of Angels series. Drawing on his Sephardic roots, Shanir plays gimbri throughout, giving the music a primeval Moroccan edge. Featuring the intense guitar pyrotechnics of Eyal Maoz and Aram Bajakian (who recently has been tearing it up in Lou Reed’s new band) and the atavistic drumming of Kenny Grohowski, this is Ritualistic Jewish Rock for the 21st century by a brilliant young lion from the East Village via Brooklyn/Israel! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Domos    3:59
2    Tse'an    4:10
3    Nachmiel    3:35
4    Yaasriel    5:22
5    Muriel    3:27
6    Maspiel    5:51
7    Aupiel    3:44
8    Nahuriel    4:57
9    Biztha    3:37
10    Zaphiel    5:22
Credits :
Composed, Producer By – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Guimbri [Gimbri], Producer, Arranged By – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Guitar [Guitars] – Aram Bajakian, Eyal Maoz
Illustration – Louis Le Breton, M. Jarrault

JOHN ZORN : Psychomagia (2014) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"Psychomagia" is the new album by the fabulous quartet of Abraxas, the acclaimed tribal rock arrangements for the Book of Angels series. Here they perform a complex new suite of music written expressly for them by Downtown alchemist John Zorn. Drawing inspiration from the magical writings of Giordano Bruno and Alejandro Jodorowski and others, Zorn has written a bold collection of compositions that challenge the musicians to the breaking point. With a program ranging from some of the most intense ritualistic sounds you are likely to hear to tender minimalistic odes, this is a surprising new volume in Zorn’s mystic series that matches the intensity and power of Moonchild, PainKiller and Naked City. Recorded at Orange Music and mixed by Bill Laswell. Essential. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Metapsychomagia    7:31
2    Sacred Emblems    3:02
3    Circe    6:03
4    Squaring The Circle    5:51
5    Celestial Mechanism    2:32
6    Evocation Of The Triumphant Beast    6:25
7    Four Rivers    3:54
8    The Nameless God    4:35
9    Anima Mundi    4:14
Credits :
Band – Abraxas
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Composed By, Arranged By, Illustration [Ink Drawing], Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Guitar – Aram Bajakian, Eyal Maoz
Mixed By [Mix Translation] – Bill Laswell

JOHN ZORN - Simulacrum (2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dramatic through-composed pieces that unfold with a cinematic logic, this genre bending music defies classification, touching upon metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, noise and more. Passionately performed by an unusual all-star trio of John Medeski (MMW), Matt Hollenberg (Cleric) and Kenny this is powerful and fascinating music that highlights the MENTAL in experimental! Riveting! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    The Illusionist    12:02
2    Marmarath    5:18
3    Snakes And Ladders    5:28
4    Alterities    2:49
5    Paradigm Shift    4:35
6    The Divine Comedy    12:54
Credits :
Artwork [Collages], Composed By [All Music], Arranged By [All Music], Conductor [All Music Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Organ – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : The True Discoveries Of Witches And Demons (2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

“The True Discoveries of Witches and Demons” is the second release by Zorn’s heavy new organ trio of John Medeski, Matt Hollenberg and Kenny Grohowski. Described as Tony Williams’ Lifetime on steroids, here they are joined by special guests Marc Ribot and Trevor Dunn to make the music even heavier and more intense. This is white hot, mind bending music filled with heavy riffs, fiery solos and improvisational madness. Three generations of musical explorers come together to rip your mind to shreds in the second installment from Zorn’s heaviest new ensemble Simulacrum. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Strategies    4:05
2    Psychosoma    2:52
3    Imaginary Stations    3:21
4    The Power Of The Runic Symbols    3:07
5    Dark Sacrifice    4:51
6    Sorcerer    3:42
7    Ecclesiastes    2:19
8    The Gordian Knot    3:33
9    Phantasms    7:31
10    Mirrors Of Being    7:27
Credits :
Bass – Trevor Dunn
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor, Producer, Artwork – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Marc Ribot, Matt Hollenberg
Organ – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : The Painted Bird (2016) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth CD in a 12-month period by Zorn’s most powerful new ensemble presents nine genre-busting compositions mixing jazz, metal, classical, world music and more. This time their trademark sound is augmented by the ringing tones of Kenny Wollesen’s vibraphone to create their wildest, most insane CD to date. Juxtaposing complex atonal lines, driving vamps, heavy metal riffs, improvisational madness, shredding solos and moments of profound lyricism, The Painted Bird is a surreal and expressive new world in sound. Moonchild meets Nova Express! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Snakeskin    7:46
2    Plague    2:58
3    Ravens    3:52
4    Comet    3:21
5    Cinders    3:23
6    Nettles    3:07
7    Night    5:19
8    Spike    3:28
9    Missal    4:28
Credits :
Artwork [Digipak Artwork] – Hieronymus Bosch
Artwork [Disc Artwork], Composed By [All Music Composed By], Arranged By [All Music Arranged By], Conductor [All Music Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Congas – Ches Smith (pistas: 7)
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Drums [Voudun Drums] – Ches Smith (pistas: 8)
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Organ – John Medeski
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Kenny Wollesen

JOHN ZORN : 49 Acts Of Unspeakable Depravity In The Abominable Life And Times Of Gilles De Rais (2016) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"49 Acts of Unspeakable Depravity in the Abominable Life and Times of Gilles de Rais" is the fifth CD by Simulacrum, an organ trio of unparalleled power that brings the sounds of heavy metal, blues, funk and jazz together with modern classical music. Tighter than ever and able to stop and start at breakneck speed, Medeski, Hollenberg and Grohowski are at their raging best as they blaze through Zorn’s wildest flights of fancy—a ten-movement suite evoking a sick and decadent descent into madness. Driven by an intense and powerful fury, this CD contains some of the craziest sounds you are ever likely to hear as genres, noise, instrumental colors and driving rhythms collide head-on. A jaw-dropping visit to a new musical world where absolutely anything is possible! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Scene 1: At The Very Gates Of Hell    3:18
2    Scene 2: Angelic Voices    4:17
3    Scene 3: And To The Brimstone, Fire    3:25
4    Scene 4: Dark Pageant    3:36
5    Scene 5: The Tetragrammaton Labyrinth    3:02
6    Scene 6: A Cruel Ecstasy    3:24
7    Scene 7: Image Of The Beast    2:53
8    Scene 8: Dance Macabre    5:30
9    Scene 9: Descent Into Madness    7:35
10    Scene 10: The Holy Innocents    5:00
Credits :
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Music By, Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Organ – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : Inferno (2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third CD from Zorn’s most dangerous new instrumental ensemble is inspired by the work and thought of Swedish playwright, poet, painter, philosopher, novelist, alchemist and occultist August Strindberg, whose dark brooding visions were a precursor to expressionism, surrealism and more. Featuring the long form composition “Inferno,” named after one of Srindberg’s most startling texts, the music touches upon metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, ambient and more. White hot burning intensity from the mind of downtown NY’s eternally youthful hell-raiser performed by a virtuoso trio forged from the worlds of jazz and metal. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Dance Of Death    5:53
2    Pariah    3:15
3    Ghost Sonata    6:25
4    Inferno    20:57
5    Blasphemy    2:01
6    The Powers    2:51
7    Dreamplay    3:50
Credits :
Artwork, Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor, Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Organ – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : The Garden Of Earthly Delights (2017) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The sixth CD by Zorn’s heaviest 21st century ensemble Simulacrum celebrates the 500th anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest painters the world has ever known—Hieronymus Bosch. A visionary of unparalleled power whose imagination and fantastical creations re- main uniquely his own, Bosch is one of the most enigmatic figures in world art. Inspired by his surreal visions of Heaven and Hell, “The Garden of Earthly Delights” blends heavy metal, blues, funk, jazz and modern classical music together into one of the strangest amalgams you’ve ever heard. Tighter than ever and joined by bassist Trevor Dunn, Medeski, Hollenberg and Grohowski are at their manic best in this jaw-dropping visit to a wild musical world where absolutely anything is possible! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Angels And Devils    3:10
2    The Infernal Machine    4:18
3    The Dragon Tree    5:16

4    Paean To The Prince Of Hell    5:11
5    Music Of The Flesh    6:58
6    Eve And Adam    4:26
7    Mirror Image    4:05
8    The Garden Of Earthly Delights    5:32
9    The Circuit    1:37
10    Out Of The Eternal Sphere    5:00
Voice – Sara Serpa
Credits :
Artwork – Hieronymus Bosch
Bass – Trevor Dunn
Composed By, Arranged By, Producer, Conductor – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Keyboards – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : Insurrection (2018) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

“Insurrection” is an intense new instrumental project featuring guitar wizards Julian Lage and Matt Hollenberg with the incredible rhythm section of Trevor Dunn and Kenny Grohowski. Inspired by some of the greatest experimental novels of the 20th century the music is incredibly varied, combining rock, funk, blues, jazz, classical and more—often in the same song! Gnarly atonal melodies, bizarre harmonies, astonishing guitar fireworks and telepathic group interaction make this one of Zorn’s most scintillating and adventurous new projects. Everyone is playing at their best here, and you have never heard such sounds! As always Zorn pulls the very best out of the musicians and they play some of the most outrageous solos you have ever heard. Essential! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    The Recognitions    3:41
2    Pulsations    8:26
3    A Void    4:50
4    Mason And Dixon    5:04
5    Progeny    2:33
6    The Journal Of Albion Moonlight    6:55
7    The Atrocity Exhibition    4:44
8    The Unnameable    3:12
9    Cat's Cradle    3:07
10    Nostromo    3:47
Credits :
Bass – Trevor Dunn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Guitar – Julian Lage, Matt Hollenberg
Artwork [Collage], Music By [All], Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn

JOHN ZORN : Salem 1692 (2019) Archival Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second studio CD by Zorn’s incendiary new instrumental quartet Insurrection presents a remarkable suite evoking the tragic reign of terror in the Early American settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony commonly known as The Salem Witch Trials. The music is both intense and hauntingly beautiful, touching upon aspects of Possession, Magic, Witchcraft, Hysteria, Tragedy and Transformation. Tighter than ever, this dynamic instrumental quartet performs brilliantly in this spellbinding followup to their eponymous first release. Featuring some of the most insane guitar fireworks ever, Salem 1692 is no less than a musical reign of terror. TZADIK

Tracklist :    
1    The Devil Bid Me Serve Him    3:34
2    Spectral Evidence    4:05
3    Tituba    5:31
4    Witness To An Invisible World    3:28
5    Spell Bound    6:38
6    Malleus Maleficarum    2:32
7    Dark Of The Moon    4:40
8    Under An Evil Hand    3:44
9    Sarah Good    4:42
10    I Will Not Write In Your Book Though You Do Kill Me!    4:55
Credits :
Trevor Dunn : Bass
Kenny Grohowski : Drums
Matt Hollenberg : Guitar
Julian Lage : Guitar

JOHN ZORN : Beyond Good And Evil—Simulacrum Live (2020) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From 2015–2017, in the midst of an historic creative high, Zorn wrote and recorded no less than six CDs of music for “Simulacrum,” his most powerful and intense 21st century ensemble; the music then became a project for live performance. This concert from July 2019 finds the band at their blazing best, performing compositions from four different “Simulacrum” releases. No one blends metal and jazz quite like Zorn (he’s been doing it since the late 1980s) and these mind-bendingly intense performances will leave you breathless. Beautifully recorded at Firehouse 12 in New Haven and lovingly mixed at Bill Laswell’s Orange Sound by James Dellatacoma this is a hyper powered stop-on-a-dime live performance by three virtuosic musical maniacs. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    The Illusionist    12:58
2    Ghost Sonata    6:06
3    Ravens    3:49
4    Alterities    2:51
5    Danse Macabre    4:49
6    Plague    3:07
7    Dark Pageant    3:34
8    Angelic Voices    4:47
9    The Divine Comedy    12:51
Credits :
Artwork [Collages By], Producer - John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Organ – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : Baphomet (2020) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"Baphomet" is a masterpiece! One epic 40-minute long-form composition touching upon all of Zorn's musical obsessions from classical atonality, minimalism, jazz, metal, punk, funk, improvisation, exotica and more. Passionately performed by John Medeski, Matt Hollenberg and Kenny Grohowski, the music has a dramatic cinematic expanse and is filled with new sounds, unexpected directions, virtuosic solos, bizarre structural complexities and ever surprising melodic and harmonic twists and turns. "Baphomet" is a courageous new step for Zorn, and a spectacular culmination to his 30-year exploration of the nexus that connects hardcore punk, progressive metal and jazz. Essential! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Baphomet    39:07
Credits :
Artwork [Baphomet Engraving] – Eliphas Levi
Artwork [Collages], Composed By [All Music], Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By], Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Organ, Clavinet – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN : Nostradamus (The Death Of Satan) (2021) FLAC (tracks), lossless

YES THERE IS LIFE AFTER BAPHOMET!
"Nostradamus: The Death of Satan", the ninth release by Zorn’s most intense 21st century ensemble, is a triumph. In this wildly varied program ranging from the softest sacred whisper to the most heretical hysteria, Zorn brings his unique compositional blending of classical, jazz and rock to new heights. The Simulacrum band is tighter than ever and the recording is richer and more powerful. With a stunning clarity of sound, brilliance of performance and towering compositional vision, “Nostradamus” is Zorn at his very best. Essential. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Melmoth    4:37
2    Flowers Of Heaven    5:43
3    Seven Spirits    2:33
4    The Watchers    4:58
5    Hail Holy Light    2:07
6    The Stygian Pool    4:09
7    From The Cave Of Treasures    5:40
8    Dark Angels    2:43
9    A Mantic Stain    5:18
10    Chaos And Eternal Light    3:53
Credits :
Composed By [All Music], Conductor [All Music Conducted By], Producer [Produced By], Translated By [Liner Notes Translation By] – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Liner Notes – Antonin Artaud
Organ – John Medeski
Painting [Painting Detail Of St. Jerome By] – Caravaggio

JOHN ZORN : The Ninth Circle (Orpheus In The Underworld) (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The latest recording by Zorn’s newest ensemble Chaos Magick is a suite inspired by the ancient Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. Combining contemporary classical with jazz, funk, rock, blues, film soundtrack, noise improvisation and so much more this is a wild and evocative trip thru Hell and back. Tight conductions, complex melodies, burning solos, telepathic group interaction and all the wit, humor, joy and mystery that one has come to expect from Zorn’s dedicated and passionate crew of virtuosi are in abundant display in this beautiful and unique rendering of the classic Orpheus legend. TZADIK
The Ninth Circle   
1    Canto I        5:34
2    Canto II    5:36
3    Canto III    4:51
4    Canto IV    2:37
5    Canto V        5:04
6    Canto VI    4:34
7    Canto VII    3:18
8    Canto VIII    4:45
9    Canto IX    2:54
Credits :
Composed By [All Music], Arranged By [All Music], Conductor [All Music Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Chaos Magick
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Mellotron, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes Piano] – Brian Marsella
Organ – John Medeski
Painting ["Orpheus" Painting By], Cover – Jan Breugel

JOHN ZORN : Chaos Magick (Nothing Is True — Everything Is Permitted) (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Nothing is true—everything is permitted.

Chaos Magick is a contemporary magical practice based on the ideas of Austin Osman Spare. Remarkably inclusive, it embraces and has influenced the work of William Burroughs, Robert Anton Wilson, Aleister Crowley and many others. Inspired by these magical practices, Zorn enlists the three members of his most powerful 21st century ensemble Simulacrum with special guest Brian Marsella on electric piano into this eclectic new quartet Chaos Magick. A fast moving, improvi-sational and intensely focused ensemble that draws upon classical, jazz, funk, improvisation, metal and more. This music is even crazier than Electric Masada—a must for all fans of the outer realms! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    The Initiate    3:50
2    Corinthians I    5:24
3    The Servitor    5:45
4    St Augustine    6:58
5    Egregore    4:36
6    Crossing The Abyss    3:50
7    Liber 15    2:48
8    Imp Of The Perverse    2:52
9    Corinthians II    3:43
Credits :
Composed By [All Music], Arranged By [All Music], Conductor [All Music Conducted By] – John Zorn
Drums, Percussion, Congas – Kenny Grohowski
Electric Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Electric Piano – Brian Marsella
Ensemble – Chaos Magick
Featuring [With], Voice – Aleister Crowley (pistas: 7)
Organ, Producer [Produced By] – John Medeski

JOHN ZORN - Spinoza (2022) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Spinoza is Zorn’s latest creation for the searing jazz-metal trio Simulacrum—perhaps the most extreme organ trio ever. Inspired by the life and thought of one of the world’s greatest philosophers he has composed two extended concerti: one for guitar genius Bill Frisell, and another featuring himself on saxophone. The musical mosaic flows seamlessly from one world to another, touching upon heavy metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, noise, ambient moods, funk, and so much more. A musical vision as radical as the philosophy of Spinoza himself, this is one of Zorn’s greatest recent works—an essential and exhilarating project as powerful as it is sensitive. Cinema for the ears! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Immanence 22:12
Featuring, Guitar – Bill Frisell
2    Spinoza 20:00
Featuring, Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – John Zorn
Credits :
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Ensemble – Simulacrum
Guitar – Matt Hollenberg
Music By, Composed By, Conductor , Producer – John Zorn
Organ, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes Piano] – John Medeski