The Rock Blogger

Stalker (1979), directed by Russia’s late Andrei Tarkovsky, is one of the most bizarre and fascinating science fiction films ever made. It concerns a mysterious patch of Soviet countryside known only as “The Zone” which has been decimated by some mysterious happening, and quarantined off by the Communist government. All who venture into there disappear forever. Yet a handful of brave souls, lured by The Zone’s supposed promise of granted wishes and revelations, are led by ‘The Stalker’ into the abyss. The film is incredibly slow and long but possesses a hypnotizing power, as the unreal cinematography, locations, music and pacing fills you with existential dread and longing. The film is so open-ended and perplexing that its almost spiritual.

The following are two stunning clips that feature some of Eduard Artemiev’s haunting minimalist music that sets the tone for the unraveling psychological drama. If anyone knows where I can find the soundtrack for this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Entering the Zone

The Pool Sequence

Agalloch recorded this beautiful cover of Sol Invictus‘ “Kneel to the Cross” on their Of Stone, Wind and Pillor EP (2001). Does anybody know which album the original appears on?

Current 93 . All the Pretty Little Horses (TheInMostLight). 1996. 5 stars.

The brainchild of the UK’s David Tibet , Current 93 is a prolific act that has evolved from the early industrial scene of the 80s to become neofolk , crafting a unique musical form that blends literary poetry and acoustical elements with industrial and experimental sounds. All the Pretty Little Horses is one of Tibet’s most acclaimed works, taking the listener on an esoteric and haunting spiritual journey.
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Some beautiful artwork from psychedelic visionary Alex Grey.

You might recognize some of his work from several Tool album covers, including 2006’s

10, 000 Days.

The Cosmic Christ is a certainly a stirring representation of Jesus, melding spirituality with universalism, illustrating a more modernist and Integral Christian outlook.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”. Matthew 7:7-8