As All Die

Images of war cover the entire sleeve of this release, providing apt visuals to accompany the bleak overtones of Clint Listing (aka As All Die). In addition to Listings’ often Neubauten-esque vocal treatment, Greg Ball contributes appropriately grave guitar and synth work. As far as experimental music goes, As All Die falls into the more accessible category, with the songs having more structure than most in that particular genre. All nine tracks have vocals as well, although unfortunately they are often so low in the mix that it is hard to make them out. I say "unfortunately” because I think Listing is saying some important, if depressing things here. On "Mother Earth,” he mourns, "we’re exterminating our own human race/perfect natural selection,” which is kind of fitting for the current state of our postmodern global affairs. Partway through he presents us his 13-minute piece de resistance, "Onward Descending a March Never Ending.” Sure it’s long, but you really do feel as if you’re walking your final walk through some blood-splattered and body-laden war torn hell as the snare drum rolls out its final rhythm. "The Longest Day,” the most haunting and darkly beautiful piece, showcases Ball’s guitar work nicely before we are left with the ironically patriotic march "Outro Hymn.”