Current 93
Dawn

Mala tempora currunt

Although considered a dark record on the edges of their initial production, devotees of Current 93's early recordings will find here, anchored in the dark essence, atmospheres that do not bode anything reassuring. The first track, not without imperfections, objectively does not possess the same power as "Nature Unveiled" and "Dogs Blood Rising". It unfolds quickly and lacks a defined rhythm, immersing itself in a cacophony of church bells, plaintive guitar notes, sprinkles of piano, and the vocal participation of John Balance of Coil and Rose McDowall of Strawberry Switchblade.

The second track, "Maldoror Est Mort", stands as a dark reworking of "Nature Unveiled" from 1984. A looped voice of Aleister Crowley blends with it all, adding undeniable unease. David Tibet's voice during this period takes on the features of a possessed priest, exuding a demonic aura. Many will condemn this abhorrent chaos, disordered and steeped in anti-Christianity. Also attached are two valuable bonus tracks: 'A Day in Dogland', which mixes a mighty church organ with 'Green Sleeves', and 'The Funeral March', with elongated and fragmented religious voices. "Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus" is rather a condensed version of "Maldoror Est Mort", played backwards. At this juncture, there is an anticipation that the Antichrist, as depicted by Luca Signorelli in the Orvieto Cathedral, will detach from the painting to descend to earth, beginning his dark and ominous reign.