While this ad hoc group of new music marvels may not match the powerhouse amplification of Fear Factory or Type O Negative decibel for decibel, the intensity and density from this one-off collaboration may be just as extraordinary. And not because the music is doomy and experimental, although this isn't some free jazz folks squawking their brains out in tribute to H.P. Lovecraft.

Using the figurative texts of Henry Cow/Pere Ubu drummer Chris Cutler, composer/keyboardist Stevan Tickmayer forges a harsh blend subterranean electronics and noxious classical themes, eliciting an exotic chamber of horrors from the dark side of the avant-garde. Tickmayer slowly amasses his work by layering an assortment of musical tidbits (a Dixieland clarinet here, a prepared piano there) into a thick, concentrated, gothic-sounding maze.

Forwarding the elements to remixer Bob Drake, the music is run through some startling sonic treatments, while a few guest contributors (vocalist Amy Denio and guitarist Fred Frith, among others) add some conclusive touches. The resulting sounds are as diverse as their ingredients. For instance, segments of "Lost In Translation" are poppy and funky enough to be a lost Eurythmics track, while parts of "Engineering" sound like Bauhaus mixed with Philip Glass. Likewise, the thick Hammond organ chords of "Open or Closed?" sound like Jimmy Smith trying his nimble fingers at some Sun Ra. Of course, the music has its own logic and seamless flow of changes, all of which sounds much more cohesive and strung together than this review's laundry list of contents.

And especially given the peculiar, dark quality of the whole project. Fans intrigued by these sorts of Kronos/Balanescu/Soldier String semi-classical musings or Zornish downtown travels will enjoy this immensely. (Cuneiform Records, P.O. Box 8427, Silver Springs, MD 20907)