2010’s Cutting-Edge Masterpiece: ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood’ by The Body
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The Body, a duo composed of Lee Buford and Chip King, has earned a reputation for breaking boundaries in their work. Their second album, ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood,’ initially released in 2010, is a perfect testament to this fact. This ensemble was crafted not just by Buford and King, but with the collaboration of the Assembly of Light Choir and contributions from an array of other musicians across the spectrum. This infusion of diversity led to an extraordinary blend of doom metal, harsh noise, industrial rock, and evangelical tunes that crafted an atmosphere of unparalleled intensity, redefining the way extreme music was perceived.
This definitive album, freshly reissued as a vinyl double LP, set the duo apart from their contemporaries, garnering widespread critical acclaim. Their music was lauded for not only its chaotic beauty but also its raw, challenging, and disruptive energy. It rivaled the likes of Eyehategod’s and Bastard Noise’s dangerous and explosive sound and pushed the boundaries of their genre. These nuances and the path-breaking nature of ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood’ made it a crucial album in the heavy music world, leaving an influential mark on the very fabric of the genre.
The Body’s affinity for collaboration, which was significantly reflected in this album, broadened their musical horizons considerably. The duo teamed up with diverse artists such as Braveyoung, BIG|BRAVE, and Thou, to name just a few. This openness to extradimensional artistry cultivated enormous growth in their music and steered their ship into new, uncharted waters. As Buford confirms, the album marked a turning point for them. It showcased their ability to incorporate unconventional elements into their compositions, defying the usual norms of their genre and pursuing a more art-oriented path, making music without confinement to any one style.
Taking an innovative approach, they added auxiliary musicians into their ensemble with bands like Fang Island, Dead Times, Human Beast, and Lichens contributing to ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood.’ This album succeeded in pushing the duo’s limits and helped ignite their penchant for diverse collaboration. The additional LP side added to the reissue, containing bonus material never before pressed to vinyl, gives fans a fresh perspective on an already revolutionary album.
However, this album was not just about doom metal; it was an eclectic mix of different genres, influencing artists in the heavy music industry. The band transcended societal norms with their arresting aesthetics, impactful performances, and provocative thematic choices that hinted at their influences, including controversial figures like Jim Jones, Shoko Asahara, and Charles Manson. Yet, beneath the aggressive exterior was a commitment to risk-taking and experimental sound — an approach that still deeply resonates with their audience today. Echoes of their trendsetting style can be seen in the works of other artists, making ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood’ as important today as it was when it was released in 2010.
The album is a powerful illustration of everything The Body represents – it’s not merely music; it’s a creative force that pushes the listener past their comfort zone with its disruptive vitality. The Body, even a decade later, remains a touchstone in the heavy music genre, continuing to push the envelope with their artistic choices and comprehensive aesthetic. Today, their legacy, as solidified by ‘All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood,’ continues to inspire the music world, making their mark on the modern extreme music climate.