San Francisco post-black metal outfit BOTANIST and Los Angeles based electronic project THIEF release the split-album "Cicatrix/Diamond Brush". Despite their stylistic differences, both bands have much in common. They were both conceived and are mostly recording as solo-projects run by a single mastermind. Both multi-instrumentalists recruit live members to put their music on the stage. Yet the connection between BOTANIST's Otrebor aka Roberto Martinelli and Dylan Neal from THIEF runs deeper: Dylan Neal played hammered dulcimer in the post-black metal outfit and even after officially departing from BOTANIST, he has continued to contribute as a "silent" member, for example by writing the dulcimer and bass parts for the album "Collective: The Shape of He to Come". This personal connection between both bands is reflected in the material of this split-album. BOTANIST's "Cicatrix" contains previously unreleased tracks from the recording sessions of their acclaimed full-length "VI: Flora" (2014), which is also the record that Dylan toured on, when the band went to Europe and delivered their legendary performance at the Roadburn Festival in 2015. The botanical term 'cicatrix' refers to the scarring that shows on a plant after it has been damaged and the title track points towards the damage that mankind has inflicted at the global flora. While the backbone of THIEF's sound has been formed by manipulated sacred chant and choral samples, "Diamond Brush" prominently features live drums and electric guitars for the first time on one of their records. Thematically, Dylan explores a spiritual pursuit of awakening through the experience of transgression and suffering with allusions to Joyce, Salinger, Nabokov, and Mobb Deep. "Diamond Brush" is also intended as a companion to the third THIEF full-length, "The 16 Deaths of My Master", which is slated for release on the same day as the split-album."Cicatrix/Diamond Brush" constitutes essential listening to any follower of BOTANIST and THIEF. Tracklist: BOTANIST
Release date:
August 27, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Harvey Sutherland Debt
Clarity
October 10, 2025 -
Crushed no scope
Ghostly Int'l
September 26, 2025 -
Hail The Sun cut. turn. fade. back.
Equal Vision Records
October 31, 2025 -
Feid Mor, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad [2xLP]
Universal Import
August 29, 2025 -
Celeste Woman Of Faces
Capitol
November 14, 2025 -
Dirkschneider & The Old Gang Babylon [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
October 3, 2025 -
Internal Bleeding Settle All Scores
Maggot Stomp
October 17, 2025 -
Skinhead It's a Beautiful Day, What a Beautiful Day
Closed Casket Activities
September 26, 2025 -
Stretch Arm Strong Free At Last
Iodine Recordings
September 26, 2025 -
Gwenifer Raymond Last Night I Heard The Dog Star Bark
We Are Busy Bodies
September 5, 2025 -
Neko Case Neo Grey Midnight Green
Anti
September 26, 2025 -
Deep Purple Rapture of the Deep (20Th Anniversary; Remix) [3xLP]
Earmusic
August 29, 2025 -
Demonstealer The Propaganda Machine
Black Lion Records
September 5, 2025 -
Robin Kester Dark Sky Reserve
Memphis Industries
September 12, 2025