Sigillum S are one of the fundamental groups of the Italian post-industrial scene. They were formed at the end of 1985 after Paolo Bandera responded to an announcement by Eraldo Bernocchi and Luca Di Giorgio posted on the walls of a Milan record store. The "mathematical" soul of Sigillum S is constituted by Paolo Bandera while Eraldo Bernocchi represents the occult and spiritual side (he was briefly part of T.O.P.Y.). The contribution of Di Giorgio (at least until 2007) must in any case be considered essential. At the beginning of their career, the strongest influence is undoubtedly that of the English esoteric-industrial scene represented by groups like Psychic TV, Current 93, and Coil. In particular, it is especially the early Current 93, those of albums like Nature Unveiled and Dogs Blood Rising, that have a strong aesthetic impact on their compositional philosophy. Undoubtedly, they are not the only ones in Italy to exploit the esoteric post-industrial vein: it is impossible not to mention names like Rosemary’s Baby and Ain Soph in this regard. However, in reality, their horizons are much broader and also concern literature, particularly authors like Philip K. Dick, James Graham Ballard, and William S. Burroughs. From the latter, they adopt the cut-up technique.

Bardo Thos Grol from 1987 (soundtrack of the Tibetan Book of the Dead originally released in 108 copies only on tape and subsequently reissued on CD by Unclean) is undoubtedly a peculiar album; it is one of the best works of the first phase and, in my opinion, it is their masterpiece. Musically, the settings (compared to previous tapes) are calm and meditative (a tension towards the concept of the sacred by Rudolf Otto emerges), with a significant use of traditional instruments from Tibet and Nepal, treated and fused with vocal rituals. The result is impressive: the atmospheres are esoteric and sacred and reminded me of the Popol Vuh of "In Den Garten Pharaos" at least in terms of intensity. The lesson of Current 93 has been absorbed with devotion (their influence is heavily apparent), but Sigillum S are not mere imitators; they create their own original language. The result is remarkable in any case and puts Sigillum S on the same level as Psychic TV, Zero Kama, the more esoteric and ritual Coils, and the early works of the Current. Today, Bardo Thos Grol is available on Bandcamp along with the entire discography of Sigillum S at the following link: https://sigillum-s.bandcamp.com/album/bardo-thos-grol.

Tracklist

01   Dharmaraja (00:00)

02   Skandha (00:00)

03   Snang-Ba Yab La Stong-Pa Yum (00:00)

04   Nirmanakāya (00:00)

05   Sambhogakāya (00:00)

06   Tchöd (00:00)

07   Yidam (00:00)

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