This is a review of a reading from Clark Ashton Smith which is done by S.T Joshi who reads some poems from this author along with a soundtrack once again being provided by Theologian with the album being called "The Mask Of Hyperboarea" which was also released by Cadabra Records.
Atmospheric sounding synths start off the album along with some spoken word parts that deal with a harlot and the readings are very poetic and after awhile the poems start getting more dark and occult along with some mythological references as well as being scientific at times while the soundtrack music adds in an avant garde touch.
Some of the poems have a science fiction style to them along with a touch of gothic horror and most of the poems are very short in length and some pagan orientated references are also utilized at times and some of the stories also bring in a very tragic feeling and after awhile the soundtrack music brings in a touch of industrial while the narrations mixed in with the music gives the readings a very haunting atmosphere and as the album progresses some of the stories start getting more philosophical while later poems bring in romantic and lost continents themes.
S.T Joshi creates another very haunting narration of Clark Ashton Smith's writings while this time focusing more of his poetic works and Theologian sticks to the dark ambient style they have established on previous soundtracks and the production sounds very dark.
In my opinion this is another great sounding recording of the writings from Clark Ashton Smith and if you are a fan of poetry, science fiction, gothic horror and dark ambient, you should check out this album. 8 out of 10.
