Mick Harris may be most well known for his work with Napalm Death, his post-ND projects have shown that he's far more than just an influential grindcore drummer. His work in electronic and experimental music has filled his career for over thirty years, working with and pioneering many well-known and well-respected projects. In 1990, he formed his dark ambient project Lull, and has continued to release albums through that outlet. 1993's Journey Through Underworlds has long been hailed as a classic, and it is now back again thanks to Cold Spring. Remastered by Martin Bowes (The Cage Studios) from Mick's original recordings, Journey is given new life to inspire and enthrall new audiences and rekindle the flame for those long time fans of this excellent work.
Spread over three tracks of varying lengths (16, 11, and 45 minutes), Journey Through Underworlds certainly makes good on the promise of a trek ahead. Starting with "Downwards," our journey unfolds slowly, presenting deep layers and delayed effects to add to the scope of the recording. Utilizing much sound with minimal input, "Downwards" shows the expanse of Lull's vision and approach as well as serving as a great opener to the album. Giving a hint of what's to come, it's showcasing the first layer of the descent - the last bit of our earthly realm. "Journey Through Underworlds" darkens the atmosphere, like falling through a cave in between the firey pit below and the known world growing further away. More minimal than the opener, this middle track serves as a bridge to the underworld, a dark view of what's to come. Taking the lion's share of the recording, "In the Distance" clocks in at just over 45 minutes. Increasing the darkness and upping the roughness, this one is a journey in itself. Taking the elements from the previous two tracks and furthering the message, "In the Distance" moves the story along and provides a better insight to the mind behind the album. Moving between moments of minimalism and rough experimental, "Distance" allows Lull to present the full journey and does so very well.
30 years after its initial release, Lull's Journey Through Underworlds sees Mick Harris' legendary dark ambient project bringing the big guns and drawing a whopper of a soundscape. Setting the stage and outlining the parameters for decades to come, this is a landmark of the genre and a highlight to an already fantastic career. Mixed by his old pal and legend Justin Broadrick, Journey Through Underworlds may not sound quite as massive as some of the more recent releases, however its influence can't be mentioned enough. Mixing minimalism and grimness, this album gets a well deserved remaster and will appeal to any fan of experimental music.
