Consume Red

First comes the foundation, a looped sample of music from the 82nd intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Korea, a lovely sonic fraction captured of shaman Kim Suk Chul that repeats throughout the duration of this one piece, one track, CD. For the next half hour, the sound thickens, new frequencies, sudden short bursts of grinding noise, and then finally a heavy rock drumming kicks in with the bass keeping slow time, 4/4, the snare popping every fourth beat, boom boom pop boom boom boom boom pop boom boom boom pop... the bass hanging on a single note for a long stretch at first, then after minutes, the note changes, a perfect change. It chugs along like heavy rock with all these other sounds, including the original sample, pulsing through the frequency field, as the bass notes now change more frequently. Everything grows more intense until all form other than the original sample seems to give way to an extended explosion of chaos, climaxing such that, if played as loudly as it should be played, it leaves one either blissed out or worried about heart failure or ear damage. This is a great, intense, mystical, beautifully constructed piece of sonic expression. The person who gave a warning and a one star review shouldn't be dismissed, though obviously I disagree with rating, but this isn't for everyone. It ain't Bach, or Waylon & Willie, or the Sex Pistols, or One Direction, or Eno, or ..... This is essential for those who are acquainted with the fringes of adventurous musical expression and like exploring different ways of, and reasons for, making music. This piece isn't as inaccessible as some I've heard. I like unusual music, but there are some works I can only take in small doses. When I first heard this piece, I listened to it in its entirety (which is important), three times before I could listen to anything else, and then I went looking for more Ground Zero and Otomo Yoshihide to listen to.

This is the most painfull listen I have ever experienced. I want anyone who may be thinking about buying this CD to know that the Korean Horn sample is played repeatedly for the entire duration of the track. This music reminds me of how I feel when my thought process is at it worst.

I would agree with the other reviewer that this is simply one of the greatest pieces of music ever. A review can really not justly describe the strange yet awe-inspiring piece of music that is Consume Red. Even if you do not usually delve into experimental music, this will convert you into the wonderful musical world of Otomo Yoshihide and others.

Can't think of a more sustained period of tension in any piece of music than the opening "duck call" samples. You know the storm's coming. There's the odd thunder-crack of turntable wreckage as the air thickens and thickens. Heaven and hell break loose. Staggering stuff.Feels like drinking lava and mercury for 40 minutes. Through a straw.

The best album of the year, of the decade, of ever. The sample of Korean horn player Kim Suk Chul is awe-inspiring, and Ground Zero constucts an epic-length piece around this ear-shattering sound.