In the Realm of Allied Barbarians and Tributary Lords represents the inaugural installment in a projected series of compilation albums that showcase our contributions to various samplers sourced from the most obscure corners of the internet. This specific compilation is a meticulously curated assortment of tracks culled from various labels in 2021, and assembled here for the first time to provide you with an unparalleled auditory experience. While some of these musical apparitions have vanished into oblivion, others have languished in obscurity due to an utter lack of cultural refinement. Thus, we have erected a sanctuary of solace for you, supported by the majestic pillars of exotica, noise, and ambiance. These mountains of musical expression coalesce to shape the past, present, and future of our world, although many find it perplexing to fathom their interrelatedness. Those who falter in life often attribute their misfortunes to divine will, whereas those who heed Anatomy of the Heads draw a protective circle around their temple, adorning it with the symbol of sulfur and lighting red and black candles. They invoke the jade-faced fire monkey and make an offering of honey, salt, and bananas to the black candle, while closing their eyes to envision the faces of their adversaries in vivid detail. The resounding howl of the jade-faced fire monkey reverberates in the air, and its formidable qualities become ensconced within the temple. As they lift the temple and listen to its reverberations, they gain strength to vanquish their foes and reduce them to dust that can be employed for agricultural purposes.

This track is a fascinating outtake from our second album, 'A Banishment of Bloodshed and Superstition'. As the title suggests, it pays homage to Japan's oldest book on origami, 'Hiden Senbazuru Orikata', which dates back to 1797 and provides detailed instructions for folding a variety of origami cranes. In keeping with this theme, we enlisted the vocal talents of our esteemed colleague, Julia Siallagan (aka Dian Zulaika), who delivered a stunning Yma Sumac-inspired performance that perfectly complemented the track's exotic and otherworldly ambiance. Despite our fondness for the composition, we ultimately decided not to include it in the album, as it bore a somewhat similar tonality to 'Frightful Green Panic'. Nevertheless, we have shared it on a variety of compilations, although it has yet to gain the recognition it deserves. However, it did earn a coveted spot on the '20x20' compilation by Hidro Records, which marked our first foray into the realm of physical releases. With its intricate layers of instrumentation, haunting melodies, and evocative imagery, 'How to Fold one Thousand Cranes' remains a cherished gem within our extensive musical catalogue.

Publication History:

Low Hop Records - Muting Tha Scene

Imploding Sounds - Imploding Sounds #250

Hidro Records - 20x20 V.A. (defunct)

This track was our ambitious attempt to connect with, or perhaps even capitalize on, the burgeoning ambient music community. Regrettably, our unique brand of ambient music failed to resonate with listeners who found it too vibrant and animated for their taste. Nevertheless, the track did manage to earn acclaim from the experimental music scene, perhaps due to, or in spite of, its overt allusions to oral sex. Despite the suggestive overtones, the track was actually inspired by a curious whistling sound that I once encountered while exploring the depths of the jungle. In my fanciful imagination, I envisioned the source of the sound to be a cultist who had offered up a bowl of blood to an evil spirit that dwelled within a wild banana tree. In all likelihood, however, the sound was simply the call of a bird. We had previously attempted to replicate the distinctive raspy quality of this sound on 'Bat Pig Medicine'. However, this time we were able to come much closer to capturing the essence of the sound, creating a haunting and immersive musical experience that transports the listener deep into the mysterious and exotic heart of the jungle.

Publication History:

Engram Records - Troublesome Night Vol. 2

Outside Cat Records - Compilation Vol. 1

Vacuum Noise Records - Evolving Compilation

Midnightradio - Compilation 102

As we began to engage with the world of music compilations, we found ourselves inundated with a steady stream of invitations to contribute to various projects. In the latter part of 2021, we were presented with the opportunity to participate in a compilation dedicated to the music of Charles Manson. Although we were previously unfamiliar with Manson's musical oeuvre, I delved into his discography in search of inspiration. While much of what I found failed to capture my attention, I was struck by a brief track entitled 'Swamp Girl', which boasted a mesmerizing lo-fi audio quality and evocative lyrics that aligned with our symbolic tapestry. Drawing on this inspiration, we set out to create an extension of 'Blow Upon my Death Whistle', incorporating outtakes from 'Jungle Cult Terror' to impart a distinct gamelan influence. When listened to in sequence, our creation takes the composition into rougher and more visceral territory, ultimately dissolving into a chaotic maelstrom of noise. Despite our best efforts, this track has yet to be published as of 2023, due to what can only be described as a series of mysterious gremlins, unknown factors, and perhaps even ... shenanigans. Thus, we have taken it upon ourselves to release this evocative work to the world at large, in the hopes that it may find its rightful place in the annals of musical history.

Publication History:

previously unreleased

This piece was the fruit of another opportunity that was presented to us during the production of 'Jungle Cult Terror'. Engram Records, a longtime supporter, extended an invitation for us to contribute an exclusive track to their third anniversary compilation. In order to fulfill this request, we teamed up with a fellow collaborator, the acclaimed 718TV loud mouth, Stained Hanes. The end result is truly remarkable, featuring the most raw and unadulterated version of Anatomy of the Heads to date. In our quest for originality, we eschewed the use of outtakes from previous releases, instead opting to come together as a three-piece to jam and improvise for an hour. The product of this spontaneous session was 'El Culto Del Cannibal', which we subsequently forwarded to Hanes in Queens for his vocal contributions. Mr. Hanes meditates upon the phrase 'life eats life' in what can be described as a commentary on the Darwinian struggle for survival that is inherent in all living organisms. In conjunction with cannibalism  these themes form a powerful metaphor for the complexities of the human condition, with its competing desires for self-preservation and collective harmony that are part of a primal and elemental struggle for dominance.

Publication History:

Landscape with a Key: Three Years of Engram Recordings

This is, in our estimation, the most inferior composition we have ever released, though it has garnered a significant following. Our disdain for this work is not rooted in its inherent inadequacy, but rather in the realization that the potential of the source material was recklessly wasted. This tune was our final creation of the year 2021, and it was marred by a slew of technical difficulties and time constraints, as we were simultaneously promoting our second album. Consequently, we found ourselves forcing the process, and the substandard outcome prompted us to take a hiatus from compilation submissions. Nevertheless, 'On the Fusion of Ants' will soon make a reappearance, as we are genuinely enamored with the original source material and believe that it possesses the potential to spawn a track that is commensurate with the grandeur of the cover art. Lastly, It is worth noting that the title carries symbolic connotations, which prompted a few commentators to ponder the track's deeper significance. Common interpretations suggest that ants are widely regarded as tireless workers, and their fusion could represent an amalgamation of industriousness and cooperation and therefore a metaphor for human cooperation and collective endeavor. To this we say witth the imperial fervor of a 19th century orchid hunter: Balderdash!

Publication History:

Vacuum Noise Recording - VNR 2021

In the event that there exists a label christened Headless Blood Idol Recordings, it is unequivocally clear that we must make a contribution. We were most graciously extended an invitation to perform a few video shows on their Twitch channel (which can be viewed HERE and HERE) and to conceive an exclusive track dedicated to their inaugural anniversary compilation. Regrettably, the track was removed from the first-year anniversary compilation following allegations of white supremacy content in Cars & Women Magazine (which can be perused HERE). Given that the track was exclusive to this particular compilation, 'The Sensation of Mighty Bad Rum' remains unheard. This is an unfortunate outcome because it is an extravagant piece of psychedelic exotica that endeavors to evoke the sensation of being inebriated to the point of poisoning. For this purpose, we enlisted Iriana Agustina to lend her captivating siren song, which embodies the seductive aspect of substance abuse. Additionally, in the final portion of the track, I summoned my wedding singers to deliver a prayer, symbolizing the union between individuals and their poisons.

Publication History:

Headless Blood Idol Recordings - Night of the Headless Blood Idol  [DELEATED]

After a string of unsuccessful endeavors to captivate the ambient audience, we arrived at a novel approach that entailed inducing a state of clinical death and producing a ritualistic piece of music that would appeal to Eno-pilled minimalists. One of the primary points of contention among band members was the title of the track. Initially, it was introduced as 'A Procession Through the Whirling Hall of Knives', inspired by the Butthole Surfers song of the same name. However, this proposal was summarily rejected by Heidenreich, who found the notion of a whirling hall to be unconvincing. Consequently, the track was rebranded as 'A Procession Through the Hall of Whirling Knives', which is deemed more suitable for the enigmatic minds behind Anatomy of the Heads. In order to emulate the sensation of whirling blades, we relied heavily on echo effects generated from commonplace sounds, which were overlaid with our chants. In my estimation, the phrase 'whirling hall of knives' represents an environment or situation in which one is surrounded by countless dangers, with sharp objects spinning rapidly and unpredictably around them. While the hall is a metaphor for life's journey. Finally, the notion of a procession symbolizes the idea of moving forward in the face of danger. More than that, it suggests movements with purpose and determination through treacherous grounds.

Publication History:

X.O. Archives - A Whole Lot of New Wave

Sounds For The Soul : Ambient Compilation 3

After successfully captivating the ambient crowd with our previous offering, it felt like a natural progression to expand our dominion to the realm of drone music. In the waning months of 2021, we were presented with an opportunity through a boutique label named Difficult Arts and Music, which selected us to contribute to a cassette compilation. Intrigued by the prospect of a second physical release, I immediately set to work on a solo organ piece that would encapsulate the ominous spirit of drone music. During the post-production process, we employed techniques that were largely similar to those used in 'A Procession Through the Whirling Hall of Knives'. In response to the label's request for a reflection on the track, we provided them with artwork and an explanation of the symbolism behind the piece. The droning sound of the organ represents a veil cast by a witch over a slumbering coastal town as she abducts their children. The hag's organ lulls the inhabitants into a trance, rendering them oblivious to the kidnapping. The track's symbolism is both eerie and provocative, evoking images of dark magic and supernatural phenomena. The concept of a witch casting a veil also signifies the power of deception, as well as the ability to mask one's true intentions. Overall, the piece is a haunting and evocative work that immerses the listener in a world of darkness and enchantment.

Publication History:

Sounds for the Soul: Dark Ambient Comp 2

Difficult Art and Music - Everything Lasts Forever And Nothing Ever Dies: a compendium of Drone in all it's guises

 Difficult Art and Music - Even Shit Sunsets Look Pretty in Retrospect

This was our first foray into the fusion of noise and gamelan music, with the aim of spawning a novel subgenre of black metal. This endeavor would eventually culminate in the creation of 'Jungle Cult Terror'. The track was intended to appeal to a broad audience of metal and power electronics enthusiasts who enjoy music that is fast, aggressive, and sonically intense. The artwork for the initial compilation, which featured images of money, captured our imaginations, and we were particularly drawn to the image of a hellish forge where countless imps and demons feverishly toil to create modern currency. This Boschian scene served as a potent inspiration, and the use of gamelan music further stoked our creative fire, leading us to explore new avenues of musical expression. However, despite the immense artistic potential of 'Three Layers of Iron', it failed to garner the recognition it deserved. The track's symbolism suggest that the world, as well as ourselves, have always been fueled by a frenzied obsession with wealth and power that propells us to exlore and reach out unexlored avenues in search of glory.

Publication History:

Imploding Sounds #500

Midnight Radio Compilation 106