In 2015, John Zorn assembled an organ trio: John Medeski at the keys, Matt Hollenberg of tech-death metal band Cleric on guitar, and prog/metal drummer Kenny Grohowski. This self-titled debut album vacillates between swirling, organ-driven psychedelic jams reminiscent of Tony Williams Lifetime at their most explosive (“The Illusionist,” “Alterities”), and grinding pieces driven by thrash metal riffs (“Marmarath”). The music is recorded with astonishing clarity and precision; Grohowski’s drums are extraordinarily crisp and clear, allowing you to hear every pinpoint strike or tiny rattle of the hi-hat.

– Phil Freeman