Al Cisneros Launches The Holy Mountain Orchestra With Tribute Track “Song for JW”
Sleep and OM bassist Al Cisneros has unveiled a new project called The Holy Mountain Orchestra with a fresh track. “Song for JW” is a metal meditation with prominent bass lines, eerie vocalizations, and pensive guitar licks.
The Holy Mountain Orchestra features Cisneros on bass and Moog as well as Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe (Lichens) on vocals and Mellotron, Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance) on guitar, and Matthew Tobias on drums and percussion.
“They play in honor of the late John Whitson, who founded and operated one of the world’s greatest independently-run record labels,” the band description explains.
Whitson, who founded Holy Mountain Records, died in February 2025. He was an indie advocate who promoted music from OM, Six Organs of Admittance, Wooden Ships, Daniel Higgs, and more.
Cisneros is noted for pioneering the stoner and doom metal bass style, and this track continues that vibe. The 6/8 groove begins with simple timekeeping on the drums as he explores a riff with his signature fuzzed-out tone.
“Song for JW” is streaming now on Bandcamp, Apple Music, and more.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Set the controls…