Condemned to Exile: Panopticon - Self Titled (2008)

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This blog has no definite direction, and will feature many different forms of content.

As it relates to me, music can offer one of the greatest means of self discovery and contemplation. While recognizing that what I find significant in the music I listen to is relative to my subjective interpretation of it, I still would find some sense of fulfillment in sharing it with others. Thus, a large portion of this blog's content will be music related.

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-Condemned to Exile

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Panopticon - Self Titled (2008)

Artist: Panopticon
Album: Self Titled
Year: 2008
Genre: Black Metal/Crust Punk
Country of Origin: USA

Track Listing:

Intro
Flag Burner, Torch Bearer
I, Hedonist
...Speaking...
The Lay of Grimnir
Archetype
Emma's Song
*Bonus Track: I.C.B.M. (Amebix cover)

The debut release from the still relatively unknown project known as Panopticon is definitely worth your attention. Formed by former Anagnorisis front man Austin Lunn (under the pseudonym "A"), Panopticon takes black metal in a direction not typical of the genre.

Most post-modern pagan movements fall into the extreme right-wing nationalist sphere of the political spectrum. This is particularly true in the case of most pagan black metal projects. However, Panopticon goes the other way regarding this trend, incorporating agrarian anarchism into paganism to fuel the ideology behind the project.

The music is truly aggressive, creating it's own atmosphere reflecting the project's anarchist principles. It could have easily been a soundtrack to the Chicago Haymarket Riots, or any other grass roots revolution.

I believe this release is out of print already, but he has a couple splits available and a full length release due out early this summer.

Recommended for anyone looking for something different, or fans of Amebix, Xasthur, Weakling, or current Darkthrone.

http://www.myspace.com/panopticonation

Personal CD Rip:
Download (mediafire)