I think there comes a time (or rather, a number of times) when a music enthusiast/record collector finally becomes hooked on something they never really paid much attention to for years and just think over and over again, "damn, what was I thinking?" This holds true for me and Christoph Heemann's work and the music contained herein is no exception. Originally released as a limited edition in 1997, the music on this disc accompanies four short stories by Thomas Ligotti written for David Tibet. The musical accompaniment by Christoph Heemann and Steven Stapleton is intense enough to stand on its own yet subtle enough to be read along to as recommended in the booklet. Low, rumbling drones underscore fleeting sound effects and garbled voices throughout the opener, "His Shadow Will Rise to a Higher House" and a tuba melody "A Soft Voice Whispers Nothing," while echoed and layered bells ring out during the haunting "The Bells Will Sound Forever." Only rarely will a voice pop in from Tibet, Andria Degens (Pantaleimon) or Shirley Collins, narrating small portions of the text, essentially performing the role as suggestive guidelines as to where the story should be. The voices aren't overbearing but I'm really in mixed worlds whether to think the narration should run throughout or the music should be completely instrumental. The stories by Ligotti are rather entertaining and a light read, but my lack of ability to respectfully critique fiction can't go much deeper into them than that. All the text and artwork has been reprinted from the first edition, however, this version is unfortunately in a rather chinchy digipack when compared to the hardcover original. Regardless, the music is essential for any fanatic Mirror fan and could easily make a Heemann fan out of any existing C93 fan.

Jon Whitney
Sunday, 23 June 2002