Mortal Prophets – “GUITARWORKS II”

Mortal Prophets, the project led by John Beckmann, has returned with “GUITARWORKS II”, and it’s a fascinating step forward. This is a 16-track album of ambient guitar pieces, each one inspired by pre-Columbian archaeological sites like Chaco Canyon, Cahokia Mounds, and Serpent Mound. I was curious how that idea would translate into sound, and it really does feel like each track belongs to a specific place, even without words guiding you. “GUITARWORKS II” is one of the best albums I’ve covered this week.

What struck me most was how stripped-down it is, every track is under four minutes, and Mortal Prophets keeps things minimal but never empty. Standouts like “Mesa Verde” and “Angel Mounds” make you want to hear the full album. Listening on headphones, you catch those subtle shifts in tone and space that keep you hooked. It’s music that doesn’t rush you; it gives you room to sink into it, and my favorite track of the album is “Mystery Hill”.

If you’re into ambient works that reward patience and quiet attention, this one’s worth a listen. Follow Mortal Prophets on social media, they’ve hinted at more releases coming later in 2025, and I’m definitely sticking around for what’s next.