Jacula - Tardo Pede In Magiam Versus

Not for the faint-hearted!

Antonio Bartoccetti’s complex and esoteric second album under the Jacula identity was originally released in 1972 with a print run thought to be no more than 1,000, making it arguably one of�the most sought-after occult albums and a real myth for collectors. Taking their name from a rather crude and Hammeresque Italian erotichorror comic book, Jacula were essentially a highly experimental collective centred on Bartoccetti and vocalist/violinist Doris Norton, who uniquely pushed the boundaries between progressive, gothic and classical music.

Their compositions were elaborate and dark, written by Bartoccetti, one of the Italian prog rock scene’s most charismatic figures, and drenched in the blood red, funeral church organ of collaborator Charles Tiring. Reissued here as a 35th anniversary edition (and also on vinyl) with the additional track Absolution, and a CD-ROM video directed by Norton, their second album has an uncomfortable, spectral atmosphere, while the band is also said to contain “medium in spiritualist s�ance” Franz Parthenzy.

Though some moments veer towards the camp, notably the broken-English monasterial recitation on Long Black Magic Night, the predominately instrumental end-result is a genuinely sinister and unnerving soundtrack ripe with cabalistic overtones.

Black Widow Records | BWRCD 108

Reviewed by Ian Abrahams
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