In-Depth Analysis of Track 2: “The Old Man Of The Mountain”

Track Details:
• Title: The Old Man Of The Mountain
• Duration: 3:12
• Music By: Bill Laswell
• Read By: Percy Howard
• Introduction: Genesis P-Orridge

Lyrics:
"Nothing is True, Everything is permitted. The Old Man has, by his witchcraft, so bemused the men of his country, that they neither worship nor believe in any god but himself. Likewise, he entices them in a strange manner with such hopes and with promises of such pleasures with eternal enjoyment, that they prefer rather to die than to live. Nothing is True, Everything is permitted. Many of them even, when standing on a high wall, will jump off at his nod or command and, shattering their skulls, die a miserable death. The most blessed, so he affirms, are those who shed the blood of men and in revenge for such deeds themselves suffer death. When therefore any of them have chosen to die in this way, murdering someone by craft and then themselves dying so blessedly in revenge for him, he himself hands them knives which are, so to speak, consecrated to this affair, and then intoxicates them with such a potion that they are plunged into ecstasy and oblivion, displaced to them by his magic circle of fantastic dreams, full of pleasures and delights, or rather of trumpery, and promises them eternal possession of these things and reward for such deeds. Nothing is True, Everything is permitted."

Introduction:
"The Old Man Of The Mountain" is a key track in Hashisheen: The End of Law, a concept album that delves into historical and mystical narratives surrounding the Hashshashin (or Assassins) and their enigmatic leader, Hassan-i Sabbah. This track combines narration, haunting soundscapes, and philosophical declarations to explore themes of power, rebellion, and the blurred lines between myth and reality.

Contributors:
• Bill Laswell (Music Composer and Producer): Renowned for his innovative production style, blending genres such as ambient, world music, and avant-garde.
• Percy Howard (Narrator): With his deep, resonant voice, Howard brings a commanding gravitas to the narration.
• Genesis P-Orridge (Vocals): A pioneer in experimental music and performance art, known for pushing boundaries in themes of identity, spirituality, and transformation.

Historical Context:
• Hassan-i Sabbah: A Persian Nizari Ismaili missionary and strategist (c. 1050–1124), Sabbah founded the Hashshashin and established their stronghold at Alamut.
• The Hashshashin (Assassins): A secretive sect within the Nizari Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. Renowned for their precise, politically motivated assassinations of powerful leaders.

Thematic Exploration:
• Philosophy of “Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted”: A rejection of absolute truths and dogmatic authority, emphasizing freedom and the construction of personal meaning.
• Power and Manipulation: Explores Sabbah's ability to command unwavering loyalty through charisma and psychological tactics.
• Myth and Reality: Investigates how narratives—both truthful and exaggerated—shape perceptions of power.
• Sacred Violence and Ethical Ambiguities: Raises questions about the morality of assassination as a tool for political and spiritual resistance.

Lyrics Analysis:
• Philosophical Challenge: The phrase “Nothing is True, Everything is permitted” serves as a provocative declaration challenging conventional morality and truth.
• Manipulation and Devotion: Descriptions of intoxicants and paradisiacal visions reflect the psychological power of ideological promises.
• Ritual and Transformation: The consecration of knives and use of ecstatic states symbolize the transformation of mundane actions into sacred missions.

Musical Composition:
• Atmospheric Soundscape: Combines ambient drones with subtle Middle Eastern musical motifs.
• Instrumentation: May include traditional instruments like the oud and ney, alongside electronic effects.

Narrative and Performance:
• Percy Howard’s Narration: Delivers the story with a measured solemnity, drawing the listener into the narrative.
• Genesis P-Orridge’s Vocals: Ethereal and dissonant, their contributions amplify the track’s mysticism and emotional complexity.

Interpretation and Reflection:
• Hassan-i Sabbah as a Symbol: Represents both enlightenment and tyranny, embodying the complexities of leadership and belief systems.
• Ethics and Rebellion: Explores the ethical tensions of using violence and manipulation for ideological goals.

Emotional and Aesthetic Experience:
• Immersion in Mystery: Creates a deeply immersive experience.
• Invitation to Reflection: Provokes introspection about the nature of truth, power, and rebellion.

Conclusion:
“The Old Man Of The Mountain” is a profound exploration of power, belief, and rebellion. Through narration, haunting vocals, and atmospheric composition, the track transcends a simple retelling of history and becomes a meditation on freedom, manipulation, and the human condition.

Reflective Questions:
• How does the phrase “Nothing is True, Everything is permitted” challenge your understanding of morality and truth?
• What emotions and insights does the combination of narration and music evoke?
• In what ways does the track relate to contemporary discussions about power, belief, and resistance?