The Black Heart Procession
Days Of Delusion

LA RECENSIONE

I am digging up from my personal discography this old bootleg of the Black Heart Procession, sold with the Mucchio Extra of autumn 2003 not for pure display but to bring to light a great record that is somewhat the epitome of the work produced so far by this Californian band standard-bearer of a certain gloomy, melancholic, and desperate post-rock.

The band is in excellent form here and presents us with 16 tracks (77 minutes!) taken from the repertoire of the first three albums, recorded between Sweden and the USA, mostly in 2000 and some in 2002. For those unfamiliar with this band, I would say it is an excellent testing ground to fully appreciate the great expressive capabilities of a group great in its infinite despair, able to drag us into deserts of solitude and magic and let us bask in the dark sides of the soul and even further down. Titles like "Square Heart", "A Heart Like Mine", "Blue Water Black Heart", "Destroying The City Of Hearts" speak volumes about how the heart and "strong" feelings are the true glue of their production. The splendid "Blue Tears" is missing with its hypnotic and desperate stride but, all in all, their repertoire is well represented. Of course, the studio originals are perhaps more refined in production and sound, but it's a matter of nuances that takes nothing away from the emotional impact of this splendid group in its decadence. Absolutely to be avoided by the depressed and chronic self-harmers. Highly recommended for occasional melancholics and passionate individuals without limits (also, since the CD comes with Mucchio Extra which for about 15 euros also includes the magazine, I also recommend it for all the penny-pinchers!!)