Taftan (volcano) published in 1897 indicated the absence of very fresh lava flows but the authors inferred from the fresh ash that volcanic activity had occurred during the present geological epoch. That the name "Taftan" may be derived from an ancient Iranian word "taft" for "semi solid liquid material" could indicate that effusive activity was witnessed by the people of that time period around the volcano. Eruptions are recorded in 1902, 1970 and 1993. A report of smoke emission in 1877 may have confused clouds for volcanic activity. In 1914, the volcano was described to be "belching out clouds of smoke", although
Riding a Black Unicorn Down the Side of an Erupting Volcano While Drinking from a Chalice Filled with the Laughter of Small Children According to Voltaire on his website, the album's name comes from a comment made by a fan on his official Facebook page, in which he compared Voltaire's music to the "audio equivalent of 'riding a black unicorn down the side of an erupting volcano while drinking from a goblet filled with the laughter of small children'". Amused, Voltaire decided this would be the title of his new album (even though he changed "goblet" to "chalice" at the end). The album's cover art was provided by famous fantasy/concept artist Michael "Daarken" Lim. Daarken is well known for designing characters and providing