Among the items on the ofrenda shown on the cover of Curandero , Portland artist SoRIAH’s new album with Steve Roach, a misshapen, skull-shaped object stands out: an ehecachichtli, better-known as an Aztec death whistle. Based on a flute excavated in the ’90s at a 14th century temple, the modern instrument can only guess at what its predecessor might have sounded like—but when it snakes into view on Curandero , accompanied by Roach’s sumptuous synths, it certainly sounds like the inevitable nipping at your heels.

“It’s a way to give homage and honor to the end of our time and everyone else that we know,” the artist says. “That’s the one thing that we all will have in common.”

Given the record’s preoccupation with death, it’s not surprising that SoRIAH got his start playing in goth ba

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