Praxis
Profanation (Preparation for a Coming Darkness)
(M.O.D. Technologies)

Don’t you hate it when an album is released with bonus tracks only overseas? Well, for years, the only way to get your hands on Profanation was to import it from Japan or pay for a download. Now it’s finally available Stateside, and fans of heavier rock and metal with an experimental twist ought to seek out a new copy of the record if only because this “re-release” features two bonus tracks. It’s a clattering, loud, impressive, last hurrah from a supergroup featuring prolific collaborator Bill Laswell, iconic guitarist Buckethead, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Bernie Worrell, and prolific drummer Bryan “Brain” Mantia.

As though the rock cred of this supergroup isn’t enough, Profanation boasts contributions from some of the biggest names on the scene. Iggy Pop takes lead vocals on the track “Furies,” making it go from a good track to even more memorable with his distinctive growl and range. Serj Tankian, frontman of System of a Down, easily makes “Sulfur and Cheese” a surprisingly mellow and beautiful track, one of the finest moments on the record. Of course there are many points where the instrumentation is dazzling, but it ought to be heard rather than described. It’s an appropriate swan song for this group, whose disbanding has only been confirmed this year.