John Everett Hardin is a unique musician who has been releasing music for 20 years, changing his name with each release. Calling this “subconsciously calculated self-sabotage,” he has always been free from the prejudices and constraints of a single name. I think this has allowed him to always create a unique sound and fully express his ideas.

photo by @brightarcana

Today, John Everett Hardin released a new album titled “To The Terrible Blood” under the pseudonym Bright Arcana. With “To The Terrible Blood,” Bright Arcana solidifies his place in the music scene, presenting a project he considers closest to his true self. “To The Terrible Blood” was created during the global pandemic, a time when a sense of duty drove Bright Arcana to work in emergency rooms and hospices, helping those in need. This sense of compassion and desire to aid in healing permeates the entire album. Through 10 tracks, performed in a hypnotic style with soft chords and acoustic vocals, Bright Arcana conveys a sense of serenity.

It’s important to note that the recording of the album took place in a unique manner: it was a fully analog process completed over four days. Musicians gathered together in one room, playing live, which allowed them to avoid digital processing. Bright Arcana describes this process as “sacred inspiration and creative ecstasy,” providing each participant with the opportunity for full self-expression, which lends the album special value and significance.

The cover of this album seems to beckon with springtime—flowers against a backdrop of clear blue sky prompt thoughts of new beginnings and promises. The title “To The Terrible Blood” challenges this tenderness, adding a note of intrigue: what lies behind such a peaceful image? The title is maximally confusing.

From the first instrumental track “Corridors,” there’s a hypnotic sensation of entering a new universe of sound. The keys, drums, and guitars merge into a marvelous cloud of sounds. The smokiness of the melody immediately sets the tone for the entire release. By the next track, “White Oleander,” the hypnotic feeling of sublimity or even a light blessing envelops every corner of consciousness. Gentle keys and central vocals immediately create a soothing, healing state. The addition of what seems like ethnic sounds highlights the multifaceted meanings of the track.

photo by @brightarcana

I am particularly fond of how aesthetically pleasing “Lily Of Lake Michigan” sounds. The perfect lyrics, chillingly delivered in Hardin’s slow and relaxed voice, immediately pull you in. If you close your eyes, you can feel the exceptional energy this track possesses. “To The Terrible Blood” is breathtaking. The minimalistic sound, featuring a lone guitar and Hardin’s bright vocals breaking into echoes, emphasizes authenticity. As the album progresses, the sound unfolds. In the chorus, the sound opens up with backing vocals added, making the song sound like a prayer.

Yet, to avoid lingering in melancholy, the next track “I’m Afraid of Everything” brings a palpable sense of hope. With a great rhythm and a rippling sound, it adds bright notes to the album’s soundscape, offering a stylish, almost waltzing sound. I’m sure you’ll want to dance or at least sway along with the melody. Just give in to the impulse!

“The Worth of a Man” sounds utterly meditative and tender, featuring John’s unfolding hypnotic vocals. The slow phrases penetrate deep into the heart. This is one of the most dramatic and slow ballads on the album, echoing with inspiration and an energy that unites the musicians. It’s a very powerful track, and therefore it’s my favorite on the album. Continuing the melancholic line, the final “Unable Are Those That Love And Are Loved To Die” shifts stylistic directions. Extended nearly to 8 minutes, it offers a full immersion into the melody. Here, the sound varies from light tender minimalist acoustics to a bright pop-country ballad. Absolute mastery!

Additionally, John Everett Hardin is an incredible lyricist and poet. The titles of the tracks themselves are so captivating that you’ll want to admire and reread them. Each one seems thoughtfully crafted to evoke deep emotions and contemplations, enhancing the overall allure and artistic depth of the album. His ability to weave complex narratives and emotions into his music, both through sound and words, truly sets him apart as a gifted artist.

The track titles themselves, such as “Unable Are Those That Love And Are Loved To Die,” “Dharma Blues,” and “I Wash The Bodies Of Your Dead,” are striking in their beauty and originality. In the album “To The Terrible Blood,” Bright Arcana seems to re-experience crucial thoughts and stories. In its lyrical undertone, everyone can find the track that touches their soul. This album is a truly unique and significant release in Bright Arcana’s career, representing a rare gem within its genre.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub