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
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Marcus King Darling Blue
Republic Records
September 26, 2025 -
Tombs Feral Darkness
Redefining Darkness
October 24, 2025 -
Year of the Goat Trivia Goddess
Napalm Records
September 12, 2025 -
Cameron Whitcomb The Hard Way
Atlantic
September 26, 2025 -
Faithless Champion Sounds [2xLP]
Faithless
September 19, 2025 -
Ups and Downs Stained Glass Memories (Random: Red, Yellow Or Blue)
Basket Case Records
September 19, 2025 -
Oasis (What's The Story) MORNING GLORY? (30Th Anniversary; Deluxe Edition) (Exclusive) [3xLP]
Big Brother Recordings Limited
October 3, 2025 -
Say She She Cut & Rewind
Drink Sum Wtr
October 3, 2025 -
The Autumn Defense Here and Nowhere
Yep Roc Records
October 10, 2025 -
Chris Stapleton Traveller: 10 Year Anniversary
Decca UK
August 29, 2025 -
The Fall Seminal Live
Beggars Banquet
September 5, 2025 -
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Gush
Nettwerk Records
September 12, 2025 -
The Casket Lottery Feel The Teeth
Iodine Recordings
September 12, 2025 -
Nailed to Obscurity Generation Of The Void (Clear, Light Rose & Black Marbled) [2xLP]
Nuclear Blast
September 19, 2025