[ALBUM] Secret Chiefs 3: Ishraqiyun - Perichoresis (2014)

Secret Chiefs 3 is the project of Trey Spruance, ex-member of Mr.Bungle and a multi-instrumentalist and talented composer. His works cover a wide range of styles from surf rock , passing through film music and even persian music. He is interested in esoterism, and thats one of the reasons of his constant search for different sounds , trying to express those philosophies in a musical context. 

The group is divided in SIX bands, or "satellites", which cover different aspects of Trey's interests on music. These bands are : Electromagnetic Azoth, UR, Ishraqiyun, Traditionalists, Holy Vehm, FORMS. Some fans say that theres a seven band, called NT Fan, but thats just a rumour.

Many of the satellite bands are very different, for example , some bands are Trey Spruance own interpretation of mid-eastern melodies and rhythm patterns , while other bands like Traditionalists are influenced by film music, like Giallo Italian films , or horror movies like Halloween from John Carpenter, which they made a cover on one of SC3 albums. My perspective on what Trey Spruance is trying to do, is to research , experiment and unveil musical secrets or traditions hidden into old cultures . Secret Chiefs 3 is a greatly appreciated band, and they have toured in more than 40 countries.

So what we gonna do, is to analyze the release of ISHRAQIYUN, the neo-pythagorean electro folk of the satellite bands. ISHRAQIYUN full-length album, is composed of 6 songs, some of them previously released, while others are completely new content , such as the title of the album which is Perichoresis.

The tracklist is the following:

1. The 15
2. The 7
3. Base Phive Futrur Cossacks
4. Spiritus Intelligentiae: Jophiel
5. Perichoresis
6. Saptarshi


This album is a compilation of many stages during the life of the band called Song Cycles:

The Song Cycle 1 is from 2003, including the 4, Balance of the 19, Saptarshi, Bereshith, the 7 and S.I. Jophiel and an adaption of an Afghan tune (ironically the only equal-temperament song in any Ishraqiyun songbook) titled The 3.

Song Cycle 2 is from years 2007 to 2008, and includes Brazen Serpent, Tistrya, Base Phive Futur Cossacks, and some others.
Song Cycle 3, composed in 2012-2014 is based on explorations of ’tessellating’ patterns derived from Platonic Solids and other polyhedra, applied primarily to the tetrachordal mechanics of the Kinnor/Lyre with compositions expanded therefrom. This Cycle includes Perichoresis, plus several pieces performed by Spruance, Eyvind Kang and Jessika Kenney in 2012, and many many other new pieces and systems being worked out presently. (This info was obtained from webofmimicry.com, Trey Spruance's website)


Well in my opinion, Perichoresis is an amazing album. Especially in rhytmical patterns, you should check the work done on "Perichoresis", it gives a very strange feeling of being slow-and fast at the same time. Sadly, I couldn't find a link to Perichoresis on youtube, but theres other leaked songs, like "The 7", which I find very difficult to play (I tried some time to understand the rhytmical patterns behind it, I'm still on the process of doing it) .

If you can buy the album, do it. You won't be dissapointed. If you ever see SC3 performing on Chile, and you have the chance to buy a ticket, do it. It's one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had.

If you want to leave your comments about this album, you're welcome to write or give advices about how to make this blog better. See you soon!