Wendy Carlos

Synth history firmly holds Carlos-- a pioneer, a visionary, and amply talented. From Switched-On Bach to Clockwork Orange to Sonic Seasonings to Beauty In the Beast and others -- Carlos is matchless, an innovator, working wonders. On Tales of Heaven and Hell the magic continues in an eerie music drama full of all the things Carlos fans love. Seven pieces carry you through a sombre, introspective, and somewhat disturbing territory, a sonic -Dante's Inferno. A twisted and warped return to Carlos' legacy is offered in the 17:47 "Clockwork Black" which will make chills run up the spine of ye olden ones familiar with Carlos' bizarre discography. This isn't music for blank smiles and sunny mornings. It paints a Boschian or Morality play backdrop of torments and gnashings of rotted teeth. "Clockwork Black" is dark and foreboding with demonic titterings and Latin chantings intermingled. Finally, in the 12:49 "Seraphim," eternal light and righteousness, prevail, and a wearied rest comes through. This is a deeply moving piece in a good way after the oppressive pathos overlaying much of Carlos' dark drama she offers. Carlos is always a unique trip. ~ John Patterson, All Music Guide