Lucifer Rising is a short film by experimental filmmaker Kenneth Anger, filmed in 1972 but remained unreleased until the completion of the soundtrack in 1982. Conceived as an antithesis to Anger’s underground classic Scorpio Rising (which explored death related imagery in motorcycle culture), Lucifer Rising focuses on rebellious usage of religious imagery. The story of the soundtrack begins in early 1967, when Anger attended the Invisible Circus, an erotic counterculture event that featured a performance by Bobby Beausoleil and his group, the Orkustra. Anger approached Beausoleil about starring in his film, and Bobby agreed on the condition that he would be allowed to contribute the score. They worked on the project through the summer, but it fell apart as did many projects did in the long comedown after the Summer of Love. Flash forward to 1972 and Anger is still trying to finish his film, commissioning Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to compose the soundtrack. Page moved into the basement and got to work, but over time Anger became critical of the renowned rocker, “I’m beginning to think Jimmy has dried up as a musician. He has got no themes, no inspiration, no melodies to offer.” After learning of Page's firing, Beausoleil reached out from his current home - Tracy Prison, located on San Joaquin County, CA. Anger provided some gear, they received permission from the prison, and Beausoleil enlisted inmates to perform these tracks. The score was released on vinyl LP in 1981, and was primarily distributed at screenings of the film. The instrumentation is a mix of electronic sounds mixed with moody brass, keyboard experimentation, and sharp guitar solos. Considered one of the most important psychedelic ambient albums in history, the music contained here emphasized the occult elements featured in the film, influencing depictions of the occult and mysterious to this very day. This deluxe edition is pressed on red smoke colored vinyl, and includes a printed insert with liner notes. Recommended.

• red smoke colored vinyl pressing
  
• gatefold sleeve and printed insert with liner notes
• 40th anniversary limited edition
  
• music label: Rustblade 2019

reviewed by JARMAN 2020