Aleister Crowley, The Blood-Lotus LP

The gatefold jacket has a gorgeous matte finish with silver foil accents that really pop in the light. My copy arrived flat and warp-free, which is rare for heavy vinyl these days. The pressing is dead quiet between tracks, letting the spoken-word passages breathe perfectly.

The instrumental arrangements on this LP create just the right atmosphere for Harvey's unsettling delivery, making the whole experience feel theatrical. I've listened through three times now and catch new details in the music each time.

Lawrence Harvey’s reading has this eerie, measured cadence that pairs perfectly with Bozzone’s unobtrusive piano and drone work—makes the whole album feel like a single, unfolding ritual. I’ve listened to it three times already and catch something new in the arrangement each time.