As others have stated, this is a departure
from the normal uplifting Popol Vuh fare. It's a heavy, serious
religious effort, and I would submit perhaps the beginning of what is
now known as "Ritual Ambient". RYM describes the genre as thus
"Ritual
Ambient is a subgenre of Dark Ambient that focuses on dark, deep,
disturbing, ritualistic and occult atmosphere. It often features some
chanting voices, tribal rhythms and appropriate samples." OK, there
are no samples, but otherwise that genre description would work as a
review for this album. Popol Vuh was a pioneer in many fields, not
surprising to find another one. The latter half of Side 2 is more
positive like their mid 70s albums, but the overall effect is dark and
mysterious.
Personal collection
CD: 1992 Spalax (France)
The Spalax CD is just a basic jewel box reissue with
no data or bonus tracks. I originally owned the Innovative Communications
LP that I sold after obtaining the CD 20+ years ago, and as noted by
others, is a 45 RPM which is entirely inconvenient. The cover is a
single sleeve that has the IC layout aesthetic, and is nothing special.
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