Released
1999

Label
Sub Rosa

Distribution in USA by Dutch East India

Reviewed by
Kim Alexander

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Last Edit/Update
12 October, 1999

Hashisheen

The End Of Law
A collaborative effort.

Track Listing

1. First Reading -- Read by Sussan Deyhim.
( By the Ismaili poet Azizi)
2. The Old Man Of The Mountain -- Read by Percy Howard.
Introduction by: Genesis P. Orridge.
Music by Bill Laswell.
3. The Western Lands -- Read by Iggy Pop.
Introduction by: William S. Burroughs.
Music by Techno Animal.
4. The Spilled Cup -- Read by Sussan Deyhim.
Music by Sussan Deyhim
5. Marco Polo's Tale -- Read by Hakim Bey
Music by: Nicky Skopelitis
6. Pilgrimage To Cairo -- Read by Hakim Bey
Music by Bill Laswell
7. Freya Stark At Alamut -- Read by Nicole Blackman
8. Castles -- Read by Percy Howard
Music by Anton Fier
9. Hashish Poem -- Read By Nicole Blackman
Music by Bill Laswell. Unknown Persian Singer.
10. Sinan's Boast -- Read by Ira Cohen
Music by Bill Laswell
11. Assassinations -- Read by Nicole Blackman
Music by Anton Fier
12. The Mongols Destroy Alamut -- Read by Percy Howard
Music by Paul Schutze
13. The Divine Self -- Read by Jah Wobble
Music by Jah Wobble
14. Morning High --
Read by Lizzy Mercier Desclous and Patti Smith
Music by Nicky Skopelitis
15. A Quick Trip to Alamut -- Read by Iggy Pop
Music by Paul Schutze
16. Slogans -- Read by Genesis P. Orridge
Music by Helios Creed and Bill Laswell
17. Book Of The Highest Initiation
18. The Lord Of The Resurrection -- Read by Hassan
Music by Bill Laswell
19. Assassinations -- Read by Nicole Blackman
Music by Anton Fier
20. Tale Of The Caliph Hakem -- Read by Genesis P. Orridge and Anne Clark
Music by Eyeless in Gaza
21. The Assassins -- Read by Hakim Bey
Music by Bill Laswell
22. Last Reading -- Read by Sussan Deyhim

    As you can see from the above track listing, this release has many great artists contributing their talents to the overall fine production and content of "Hashisheen". The music is of course excellent and ranges from eastern ambient/textures, drum & bass to more ethereal and natural elemental. Included also are Eastern ethno-core vocals and music.  The musicians and bands include: Bill Laswell, Techno Animal, Eyeless in Gaza, Anton Fier, Paul Schutze, Helios Creed, Nicky Skopelitis, Jah Wobble, and Sussan Deyhim. Spoken word/readings are by Bill Laswell, Genesis P. Orridge, Iggy Pop, Sussan Deyhim, Lizzy Mercier Descloux and Patti Smith, Hakim Bey, Jah Wobble, Nicole Blackman, Ira Cohen, Percy Howard, Anne Clark and Hassan.
    This release brings us stories how Hassan-I-Sabbah came by his uncanny power(s) and how his devotees struck terror into the hearts of men from the Caspian to Egypt. It is one of the most extraordinary of all tales of secret societies. The sect of the Hashisheen continues to exist in the form of Ismailis, whose chief is Aga Khan. (DEI) Words of wisdom, truths, eternal life through living the divine master's truth, and explantions of mysteries in living and death are delivered in these readings.
    "Hashisheen" is a fabulous documentation, both in the stories it tells, and the music it presents. If you enjoy previous music or readings by these artists "Hashisheen" is definitely a must have for you.