Deep within the Boss’ old stomping grounds of Asbury Park, New Jersey, something transcendental is brewing. The Sacred Order of Mystic Apogees, or SOMA, as they typically are known, are bringing meditative psychedelia to devotional Indian and Pakistani music, and the results are stunning.

The good folks at Centripetal Force have announced today a vinyl release of SOMA’s new album, the blissful and reverent Burning is Learning. Available now for preorders ahead of its March 19th release, this record finds the group of former punk and metal heads leaning into Popol Vuh-like progressive soundscapes that roll hypnotically with the rhythms, atmospheres and instrumentation of traditional Indian kirtan music and folk songs. This pairing of styles and sounds makes for a deep and overwhelming sonic experience. One can easily put this record on and begin to meditate, either intentionally or not.

However, this blending of traditional mantras and raga-like musical frameworks with mind-bending cosmic rock is perhaps at its most balanced on the album’s first released track, the mesmerizing “Shivaranjani.” This cut features fuzzy drones, phased sitars and tribal beats all cycling endlessly together like a sludgy maelstrom. Close your eyes and nod along to this hazy, divine jam:

With Monster Magnet’s Phil Caivano behind the studio controls and John
McBain (Monster Magnet, Wellwater Conspiracy, Desert Sessions) handling mastering duties, you know this is going to be a powerful listen. Be sure to grab this album fast on vinyl, digital.

Also, be sure you check out the limited artist print vinyl edition, which comes with two 12″x 12″ giclee archival prints of the record’s dazzling front and back cover artwork on watercolor paper, by Robert Ryan and Kevin Craig, respectively).

-KH