Zone’s most
commercial work to date, “clever, perverse, and even witty…part of the new
Zone,” and “a bemusing journey…a soundtrack of sorts for a Europe lost in itself
to the East and surrendered to its fate.”
The title 'Angel Of Freedom' was inspired by Andrew. The concept of 'Angel Of
Freedom' represents the unifying principle of love which moves everything
towards ultimate enlightenment and freedom. From an individual perspective this
may not always be apparent (veiled in mystery), hence a leap of faith is
required. The 'Angel Of Freedom' therefore represents the bridge between
individual fate and ultimate destiny. Consequently, it was deemed appropriate to
credit ‘Angel Of Freedom’ as being:
"inspired by those persons, throughout time, who have
sacrificed their lives
to the pursuit of Knowledge, Love & Freedom"
Released on Potentia (catalogue No.ZONE CD005) in May 2000 on CD format only,
in an initial edition of 500 copies, and distributed through World Serpent
Distribution, 'Angel Of Freedom' is Zone's 4th album, released almost 6
years after 'The Divine Simplicity.'
The recording of 'Angel Of Freedom' started early in 1998 and was completed
towards the later end of 1999. 'Angel Of Freedom' was Zone's first wholly
digitally recorded album, from original multi-track recordings through
production and mixing to final mastering.
The front cover of the CD booklet depicts the head of
Eros (circa 330 BC), the Greek god of love, found in the ruins of the
ancient city of
Ephesus, Turkey. Though damaged through time the face of Eros remains
timeless invoking an overwhelming sense of devotion, innocence and serenity.
The CD's rear
cover picture was photographed by Chris. The photograph (circa 1982) is of
Zone's home city, Swansea, as seen from inside the infamous Weaver building.
This building was the first reinforced concrete structure built in Europe and
had been left derelict since the mid 60's. For Zone (Chris in particular), the
Weaver building makes reference to and represents a link back to their artistic
roots, as this derelict building was a regular haunt and influence upon
Photographed By Lightning back in the late 70's and early 80's. The building
was subsequently knocked down in 1984 and replaced by a Sainsbury's supermarket.
'Angel Of Freedom' saw Zone's first collaboration with vocalist Jeremy
S.Gluck (Barracudas) contributing
both text and vocals to the tracks 'Other Lives' and 'Scavenging Soul (The
Benefactor).'
Long standing associate of Zone, Roland Ellis of 'Photographed
By Lightning,' also contributed both saxophone and flute to the tracks
'Totality,' 'The Dramatic Universe' and 'Frozen In Heaven,' while Syd Howells,
also of 'Photographed
By Lightning' and 'The Disasters,' contributed vocals to 'Face To Face.'
The
track 'Frozen
In Heaven' was inspired by the BBC 'Horizon' programme of the same name.
"Set in the stunning scenery of the Andes, Tim Haines's film chronicles the
back-breaking work, digging frozen rock at 18,500 feet. It shows the excitement
of the discovery of a cache of gold, silver and sea-shell statuettes. On the
last day of the expedition, there emerged from the ice the skeletal shape of a
seven year-old Inca girl, tightly wrapped in muddy textiles. Undoubtedly a capa
cocha sacrifice who, 500 years before, had been led by priests up to her
"heaven", where she gazed out over the world, before facing her sacrificial
end."
During summer 2000, the track 'Exorcising Attachment,' with its shamanic
vocalizing, was used for the opening score to the dance production 'Karma Cola,'
with choreography and direction by Douglas Comley and Dynion Dance Company.
Unexpectedly, 'Exorcising Attachment' also secured Andrew's award for Musician
of the Year during his employer's year 2000 Christmas dinner & dance. During the
presentation of the award the question was asked "What are these guys on?"
For Zone, 'Angel of Freedom' represents a fresh start, an opening to a new
beginning, whether it be on a personal, artistic or spiritual level.
|