In-Depth Analysis of Track 21: “The Assassins”

Track Details:
• Title: The Assassins
• Duration: 2:05
• Music By: Bill Laswell
• Read By: Hakim Bey

Lyrics:
“By night, Hassan-e-Saba, like a civilized wolf in a turban, stretches out on a parapet above the garden and glares at the sky, conning the asterisms of heresy in the mindless, cool, desert air. True, in this myth, some aspirant disciples may be ordered to fling themselves off the ramparts into the black, but also true that some of them will learn to fly like sorcerers. The emblem of Alamut holds in the mind a mandal, or magic circle, lost to history, but embedded or imprinted in consciousness. The old man flits like a ghost into tents of kings and bedrooms of theologians, past all locks and guards with forgotten Moslem ninja techniques, leaves behind bad dreams, stilettos on pillows, puissant bribes. The attar of his propaganda seeps into the criminal dreams of ontological anarchism. The heraldry of our obsessions displays the luminous black outlaw banners of the assassins, all of them pretenders to the throne of an imaginal Egypt, an occult space-light continuum consumed by still unimagined liberties.”

Introduction:
The Assassins is the twenty-first track on “Hashisheen: The End of Law”, a conceptual album by Bill Laswell. This track immerses the listener in the enigmatic history of the Hashshashin, blending historical storytelling with philosophical introspection. Through Hakim Bey’s poetic narration and Laswell’s evocative soundscapes, it bridges the gap between history, mysticism, and the enduring themes of rebellion and autonomy.

Contributors:
Bill Laswell (Music Composer and Producer):
• Notable Achievements: Known for genre-defying works, Bill Laswell’s music traverses ambient, experimental, and world sounds.
• Role in the Track:
• Crafted the atmospheric backdrop for Bey’s narration.
• Used minimalistic techniques to create an ethereal and contemplative auditory experience.

Hakim Bey (Reader):
• Background: Hakim Bey, pseudonym for Peter Lamborn Wilson, is a writer renowned for his anarchist philosophy and mystic interpretations.
• Role in the Track:
• Delivers a vivid spoken-word performance that delves into the philosophy, history, and mythology of the Hashshashin.

Historical Context of the Hashshashin:
Origins:
• Founder: Hassan-i Sabbah established the Hashshashin in the late 11th century.
• Headquarters: Based at Alamut, a fortress symbolic of their resistance and mysticism.
• Ideology: Combined religious devotion with esoteric knowledge, challenging dominant Sunni interpretations.

Tactics and Legacy:
• Tactics: Known for targeted assassinations, they aimed to disrupt political structures.
• Legacy:
• Inspired the term “assassin.”
• Represented a synthesis of political action and spiritual dedication.

Lyric Breakdown:
“By night, Hassan-e-Saba, like a civilized wolf in a turban, stretches out on a parapet above the garden and glares at the sky, conning the asterisms of heresy in the mindless, cool, desert air.”
• Imagery: Evokes the mystique of Hassan-i Sabbah, blending the feral with the intellectual.
• Interpretation: Suggests a deep contemplation of rebellion against orthodoxy under the serene desert night.

“True, in this myth, some aspirant disciples may be ordered to fling themselves off the ramparts into the black, but also true that some of them will learn to fly like sorcerers.”
• Symbolism: Highlights the duality of risk and enlightenment within the Hashshashin’s philosophy.
• Reflection: Success requires courage; failure can lead to oblivion.

“The emblem of Alamut holds in the mind a mandal, or magic circle, lost to history, but embedded or imprinted in consciousness.”
• Mystical Reference: The fortress of Alamut as a symbol of infinite possibilities and esoteric power.

“The old man flits like a ghost into tents of kings and bedrooms of theologians, past all locks and guards with forgotten Moslem ninja techniques, leaves behind bad dreams, stilettos on pillows, puissant bribes.”
• Historical Insight: Describes the stealthy, almost supernatural methods of the assassins.
• Philosophical Depth: Suggests an interplay of fear, persuasion, and subversion.

“The attar of his propaganda seeps into the criminal dreams of ontological anarchism.”
• Concept: The Hashshashin’s actions resonate with anarchist ideals, dismantling established order through radical means.

“The heraldry of our obsessions displays the luminous black outlaw banners of the assassins, all of them pretenders to the throne of an imaginal Egypt, an occult space-light continuum consumed by still unimagined liberties.”
• Interpretation: The assassins’ rebellion is portrayed as a timeless quest for spiritual and political freedom.

Musical Analysis:
1. Sound Design:
• Ambient Atmosphere: Laswell employs ethereal tones to envelop the listener in a contemplative mood.
• Dynamic Flow: Gradual shifts in intensity reflect the narration’s progression.

2. Instrumentation:
• Minimalism: Sparse arrangements allow the spoken word to remain the focal point.
• Organic and Synthetic Blend: Combines natural sounds with electronic effects to create a timeless soundscape.

Themes and Philosophical Exploration:
1. Rebellion and Autonomy:
• Highlights the Hashshashin’s defiance of oppressive systems.
• Encourages reflection on the morality of rebellion in the pursuit of justice.

2. Mysticism:
• Mystical practices are shown as both a personal and collective transformative force.

3. Ethical Dilemmas:
• Questions the justification of violence for ideological ends.
• Challenges listeners to consider the nuances of resistance.

Conclusion:
The Assassins is a profound meditation on history, mysticism, and resistance, brought to life by Hakim Bey’s narrative eloquence and Bill Laswell’s evocative soundscapes. It invites listeners to engage with the Hashshashin’s legacy, contemplating the complexities of autonomy, rebellion, and spiritual awakening. Through its layered storytelling and music, the track transcends its historical roots, resonating with universal themes of liberation and the human condition.