Blaak Heat Post “Sword of Hakim” Video
Release circumstances for Blaak Heat‘s impending third album are, let’s say, appropriately complex to be fitting for the band’s technically resonant approach to heavy psychedelia and desert rock. Svart Records and Tee Pee Records will have Shifting Mirrors out on April 15 in Europe and May 13 in North America and elsewhere. With a month between the European issue date and everywhere else, it’s easy to get somewhat confused on what’s happening when, and when the trio will begin to support the record, but from what I saw in their set at Borderland Fuzz Fiesta 2016 (review here) a couple weeks back, their new material is no less furious in its churning and rhythmic density. So yeah, it makes sense for Blaak Heat.
“Sword of Hakim” is, to my knowledge, the first audio to come from Shifting Mirrors, which is the follow-up to the Los Angeles trio’s Tee Pee debut and second album overall, The Edge of an Era (review here). Recorded by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Monster Magnet, etc.), it presents their storm in full effect, spacious tonality, rhythmic intensity and Eastern-inflected vocals over top from guitarist Thomas Bellier, joined in the band by bassist Henry Evans and drummer Mike Amster, who is a return focal point in the “Sword of Hakim” video and rightly so for the subtlety and personality in his playing. Sonic persona overall seems to have developed in Blaak Heat (formerly known as Blaak Heat Shujaa), but then, there was no way they were going to sit still creatively after their last time out. Some bands you just know are hell bent on progress. It’s an attitude that has served Blaak Heat well so far.
More to come on Shifting Mirrors before its April/May release. Until then, enjoy all the fire dancing, atop-dune mysticism and high-speed psychedelics that “Sword of Hakim” has to offer. Clip is by Cole Jenkins and Andrew Baxter. Enjoy:
Blaak Heat, “Sword of Hakim” official video
From the album “Shifting Mirrors” (2016, Svart Records / Tee Pee Records)
Directed by Andrew Baxter and Cole Jenkins. Edited by Andrew Baxter. Featuring: Michael Amster, Eleanor Atkins, Andrew Baxter, Thomas Bellier, Dominique Olga Diaz, Henry Evans, Cole Jenkins, Julie Patterson, Amber Shane.
Pendants by Black Willow Jewelry.
Tags: Blaak Heat, Blaak Heat Shifting Mirrors, Blaak Heat Shujaa, California, Los Angeles, Shifting Mirrors, Svart Records, Tee Pee Records
