"The Charnel Working + The Klesha File" by Tunnels Of Ah is an album that takes you on a ritualistic sonic journey through the darker corners of experimental music. Stephen Ah Burroughs, known for his previous works that delve deep into the esoteric and the arcane, presents an intriguing blend of dense atmospheres and unsettling soundscapes in this release. The CD combines the previously digital-only EP "The Charnel Working" with new, unreleased material from "The Klesha File" session, resulting in nearly 70 minutes of what can only be described as aural necromancy.

Right from the opening track, "Asleep With Death People Under the Sky", you know you’re in for something that’s not just music, but a kind of sonic ritual. The soundscapes are heavy, almost suffocating, with layers of drones and field recordings that evoke a sense of being in a desolate, haunted place. Burroughs’ use of harshly fractured sounds is meticulous, almost surgical, as if he’s not just creating music, but performing a risky curettage.

Tracks like "Banishing the Rite of Spite" and "Jieba" continue this trend, with abrasive textures and dissonant tones that challenge the listener’s comfort zone. It’s as if Burroughs is daring you to confront your inner demons through his music. The intensity doesn’t let up with "Egg Moisture Miracle Womb", a track that blends ritualistic chants with industrial noise, creating an atmosphere that’s both unsettling and hypnotic.

"Dissent of Nectar from Ah" and "Slow Cuts of Haha" are longer compositions that allow Burroughs to fully explore his dark ambient palette. These tracks are less about structured music and more about creating an immersive experience. The layers of sound build and evolve, pulling the listener deeper into the ritual. It’s almost as if you can feel the presence of something otherworldly.

The second half of the album, starting with "The Klesha Working", shifts slightly but maintains the overall theme. There’s a slightly more rhythmic approach here, but it’s still deeply embedded in the dark ambient genre. "Iron Dusts Encounter" and "Life As Meat Cleansed" bring in elements of drone and noise, making them both challenging and fascinating listens.

The album closes with "Unavowed Hand with Flame", a track that perfectly encapsulates the entire experience. It’s haunting, intense, and leaves you with a lingering sense of unease - a bit like the description by Stephen of this release quoting the sect of Kapalika, a tantric sect known for their extreme rituals and practices -. Burroughs’ ability to create such a powerful emotional response through his music is commendable, even if it’s not for the faint of heart (and eardrums!).

In comparison to other artists in the dark ambient and ritual music genres, Tunnels Of Ah stands out for his unapologetic approach to sound. While artists like Lustmord and Coil may explore similar themes, Burroughs’ work is more abrasive and less accessible, making it a more challenging but ultimately rewarding listen.

"The Charnel Working + The Klesha File" is definitely not an album you put on for casual listening. It’s an intense, immersive experience that requires your full attention and perhaps even a willingness to confront your darker self. If you’re a fan of ritualistic soundscapes and don’t mind being pushed out of your comfort zone, this album is a must-listen.