Spinoza (2022)

"This latest effort from John Zorn?s organ-metal trio Simulacrum features 2 long tracks, "Immanence" showcasing guitarist Bill Frisell and the title track as a vehicle for Zorn himself. Simulacrum consists of John Medeski on organ and technical-metal wizards Kenny Grohowski and Matt Hollenberg on drums and electric guitar, respectively. "Immanence" keeps with the general Simulacrum style: complex riffing and runs are punctuated by chaotic breaks and softer interludes. Even in the more energetic passages where Frisell employs distortion, he maintains a distinct spikiness harkening to jazz and rock rather than extreme metal. "Spinoza" begins with Zorn?s signature disjointed lines, including a long, piercing high-pitched blast, joined by heaviness from the trio. The track is a vehicle for soloing, with Zorn, Medeski, and Hollenberg trading leads. When the tempo slows, Zorn?s playing remains edgy. "Spinoza" shines when Zorn relents a bit and engages in a soaring solo over a pounding metal riff." (Avantmusicnews)|