An extraordinary and compelling work, innovative, fascinating and richly rewarding, a landmark in experimental/avant-garde music

Quick Edge Music

The final installment of Bowers’, as yet untitled triptych, has been eagerly anticipated since hearing Of Mary’s Blood and Transgression (parts one and two, respectively), Eternal Ghosts, continues the process of self-examination which began with those intriguing works, but ultimately completes the ‘cycle of life’, forcing us to confront that single inescapable certainty - death itself. This we are challenged to do in the light of our modern materialistically sophisticated, yet spiritually barren existence. Nowhere is this more potently evoked than in the vocal passage a minute or so into the piece, where the despairing quality of the voice gives the impression of a soul in turmoil, frantically searching for answers that will, ultimately, remain undiscovered. Interestingly, this is the antithesis of the ninth to twelfth century plainsong where the quiet tranquility of Gregorian chant was a reflection of a steadfast adherence to spiritual faith. Death was seen merely as a transitionary state, leading to eternal life, and, as such, was nothing to be feared.
Quasi-religious motifs occur at various points throughout the piece, such as bell-like arpeggios, and what sounds like a segment of the Credo from a Catholic mass. The, by now, familiar Bowers trademarks are all here in abundance including the use of very low synth drones, wildly percussive guitar and some very effective dissonant Cello playing. However, the overall feel of the piece is conveyed through the use of voices.
Whether by employing massively contorted, guttural moans, banshee wails or relatively clean Singing. Bowers succeeds again in extending his sonic tendrils into our souls, probing and teasing until the shells that have been so carefully built up around our most primitive fears are stripped away, leaving us naked and vulnerable with nothing but the dreadful truth staring us in the face.
This really is powerful, thought-provoking material which warrants careful study. Set aside an hour and let Bowers work his magic on you. With the completion of this trilogy, I wonder which direction his next project will take?

John Rafferty