• Hieronymus Reussner Radio - Sounds Dark Spanish

    Jan 3 2010, 14h44 por GradualHate

  • My Favorite Albums of 2009

    Dez 31 2009, 15h16 por Jeanburrasca81

    I surely tried to stay below 100. I deleted many, but I simply didn't see the point of cutting down even more. Many fascinating albums are on the list. I think there is a lot of genre variation (even though one will immediately see that certain genres are completely missing) and some really rare gems are hidden in between.
    Still, a lot of 2009 music I kind of enjoyed are not on the list, for various reasons, especially if the music is not working as an album, but just as single tunes. And if someone finds one of their favorites way down around #100 that doesn't mean it's crap to me. All that made it here I truely enjoyed. Also, imagine this list being done within the past few weeks at wintertime. Moods of all kinds influenced the positions quite a lot. So even if the first dozens are ranked with much care, the lower more or less 2/3 of the list are not. They have fallen under my arbitrary and rather random judgements.
    Enjoy!


    1 Merriweather Post Pavillion – Animal Collective

    2 Dragonslayer – Sunset Rubdown

    3 Capri – Celer

    4 Beast Rest Forth Mouth – Bear in Heaven

    5 Monoliths & Dimensions – Sunn O)))

    6 Songs of Shame – Woods

    7 Fall Be Kind EP – Animal Collective

    8 Aesthetics – Maribel

    9 xx – The xx

    10 Aineen Musta Puhelin (Black Telephone of Matter) – Mika Vainio

    11 Cielo Cristalino – Hobo Cubes

    12 Earthly Delights – Lightning Bolt

    13 Tarot Sport – Fuck Buttons

    14 Post-Nothing – Japandroids

    15 Pitch Black – Die Elektrischen

    16 Get Color – HEALTH

    17 Jewellery – Micachu

    18 This Face – Gnaw

    19 III - Espers

    20 Veckatimest – Grizzly Bear

    21Lovetune For Vacuum – Soap&Skin

    22 Kesämaan lapset - Es

    23 Embryonic – The Flaming Lips

    24 Exquisite Corpse EP – warpaint

    25 Vinonaamakasio – Shogun Kunitoki

    26 Fever Ray – Fever Ray

    27 An Imaginary Country – Tim Hecker

    28 Wild and Inside – Eat Skull

    29 Meandering Pupa – Chubby Wolf

    30 Tomutonti – Tomutonttu

    31 Blank Grey Canvas Sky – Peter Broderick & Machinefabriek

    32 Fleurs – Former Ghosts

    33 Great Lengths – Martyn

    34 The Way We Are – The Present

    35 Nuclear Sun – Der Blaue Reiter

    36 Inakamono No Kara Genki – Kazuki Tomokawa

    37 Hospice – The Antlers

    38 Kappe – Svarte Greiner

    39 The Third Mobius – Coax

    40 Totems Flare – Clark

    41 Lovers Love Haters EP – Lovers Love Haters

    42 Dying in Time - port-royal

    43 The Incident – Porcupine Tree

    44 Ambivalence Avenue – Bibio

    45 L'Autopsie Phénoménale de Dieu - Kreng

    46 Now We Can See – The Thermals

    47 Wavvves – Wavves

    48 Journal of Ardency EP – Class Actress

    49 Hintergarten – Hannu

    50 Hard Islands – Nathan Fake

    51 Endless Forms - Butane

    52 Let's Build a Roof - Lake

    53 Hymn To The Immortal Wind - Mono

    54 Aix – Giuseppe Ielasi

    55 BEAK> - Beak>

    56 Unmap – Volcano Choir

    57 Bitte Orca – Dirty Projectors

    58 Monster Head Room – Ganglians

    59 Why There Are Mountains – Cymbals Eat Guitars

    60 Album – Girls

    61 Shhh!!! - Lumen Lab

    62 Psychic Maps – Dysrhythmia

    63 City Center – City Center

    64 Wavering Radiant – Isis

    65 Silvester Anfang II – Silvester Anfang

    66 Seek Magic – Memory Tapes

    67 Abstract Expression – Dominique Leone

    68 A Slave's Commitment – Applescal

    69 Axe To Fall – Converge

    70 Grass Widows – Grass Widows

    71 Chinese Leftovers – Sugarplum Fairies

    72 Jubilee Singers – Jubilee Singers

    73 Music For Falling From Trees – Peter Broderick

    74 Riceboy Sleeps – Jónsi & Alex

    75 Dead Man's Bones – Dead Man's Bones

    76 Polly Scattergood – Polly Scattergood

    77 Dear John – Loney, Dear

    78 jj n°2 – JJ

    79 Listening Tree – Tim Exile

    80 Like Dust of the Balance - Ochre

    81 BiRd-BrAiNs – Tune-Yards

    82 Everything Goes Wrong – Vivian Girls

    83 Clubroot – Clubroot

    84 Wave If You're Really There – Wave Machines

    85 H-3 – Oliver Huntemann

    86 Exploding Head – A Place To Bury Strangers

    87 Exit Dreams – The Huntches

    88 Two Sunsets – Pastels & Tenniscoats

    89 The Ichthyologist – Giant Squid

    90 High Times – Washed out

    91 Aleph At Hallucinatory Mountain – Current 93

    92 Hold Time – M. Ward

    93 Two Suns – Bat for Lashes

    94 Always Wrong – Wolf Eyes

    95 See Mystery Lights – YACHT

    96 Köld - Sólstafir

    97 Forget The Night Ahead – The Twilight Sad

    98 Love Is A Liability – FaltyDL

    99 Filth – Venetian Snares

    100 Großstadtmärchen - Oliver Koletzki

    101 Two Dancers – Wild Beasts

    102 Face Control – Handsome Furs

    103 Bromst – Dan Deacon

    104 The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

    105 Geneva – Russian Circles

    106 Momo EP – Hooray For Earth

    107 Like Angels – Screaming Lights

    108 In The Gardens Of The North – Sleeping States

    109 Actor – St. Vincent

    110 The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion – dredg

    111 Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix

    112 Real Life Is No Cool - Lindstrøm & Christabelle

    113 UUVVWWZ – UUVVWWZ

    114 Brief History Of Love – The Big Pink

    115 Logos – Atlas Sound

    116 Time Waits For No Slave – Napalm Death

    117 The Keeper of the Library – The Archivist

    118 Intuit – Ramona Falls

    119 Black Pearl - Bloody Mary

    120 Act III: Life and Death – The Dear Hunter

    121 Summon – Bloody Panda

    122 Aufgang – Aufgang

    123 Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt – Gorgoroth
  • Tomorrow 07.00 pm CET: Tenebrae Vision plays Dark Ambient & Neo Folk @ Neurobeat…

    Dez 22 2009, 18h42 por TenebraeVision

    Tomorrow 07.00 pm CET: Tenebrae Vision plays Dark Ambient & Neo Folk @ Neurobeat Radio.

    Artists like Dawn & Dusk Entwined, Novalis Deux, Eldar, TriORE, Ordo Equilibrio, Darkwood, Der Blaue Reiter, Necrophorus, The Days of the Trumpet Call, Nest, Rome, Tenhi, Death in June, The Protagonist, Shinjuku Thief, Current 93... and new songs by raison d'être und Atrium Carceri!

    As always, at 19:00 Clock :)

    Tune In:
  • Альбомы 2009 года

    Dez 22 2009, 10h32 por DunkelAesthet

    1. Von Thronstahl - Germanium Metallicum - монументальная работа - мартиал шедевр.
    2. TriORE - Three Hours - милитари поп во всей своей красе - надеюсь, будет и второй альбом)
    3. Falkenstein - Kraftort - из фолка 2009 пожалуй больше всех запомнилось.
    4. Rome - Flowers From Exile - вышел бы альбом попозже - был бы на первом месте - а так, впечатления уже подзабылись.
    5. Der Blaue Reiter - Nuclear Sun - очень атмосферный альбом - тема Чернобыля не нова, но, тут очень особенный саунд.
    6. Dawn & Dusk Entwined - Cathédrales De Brume - тоже атмосферный саунд - мрачный саундтрек.
    7. Tyske Ludder - Anonymous - олд скул ибиэм конечно стагнирует, но этот альбом с особенной песней March
    8. Letzte Ausfahrt Leben - Mein Reich - один из самых интересных альбомов power electronics/rhythmic noise, а если учесть, что записан девушкой, то просто маленький шедевр.
    9. A Challenge of Honour - Leonidas - мартиал от мастера высшего качества.
    10. sinweldi - l'homme au coeur de fer - этот альбом вышел совсем недавно, так что, пока мало известен. Большой Болт записал очень разнообразный и интересный саунд.

    это моя топ-десятка)
    ещё хотел бы отметить не альбомы, а ипишки
    FASCI DI COMBATTIMENTO - Camicie Nere и Nihilism от нашего общего камрада из солнечной Болгарии Борислава))

    так же были не менее интересны альбомы

    Barbarossa Umtrunk - Glazial Kosmogonie
    STRYDWOLF - Ljocht
    Nebel - Les Ames Grises
    Life's Decay - Dysrieuses
    H.E.R.R. - XII Caesars
    Chronique Nocturne - Les Visages de Marbre
    Dunklen Wald - Into the Cursed Night

    Svalbard - Pahonya - беларусские камрады из Гомеля к Колядам выпустили сингл с 2-я треками - заглавная Pahonya - martial-версия беларусской народной песни - надо сказать, на родном языке SVALBARD звучит гораздо лучше - эту песню можно не только слушать, но, и петь самому. 5 из 5 синглу.
  • 2009

    Dez 10 2009, 9h13 por son-of-nothing

    In recent years I've grown increasingly weary of the hauteur and decided against allowing myself malleable in my personal music taste. Let the first draft of my favorites of 2009 follow. There were vast amounts of fantastic albums released this year.

    List #1: Ultimate favorites. Limited to fifty-five.

    Richard Hawley - Truelove's Gutter
    Church of Misery - Houses of the Unholy
    GREYMACHINE - Disconnected
    Audionom - Superior
    Rupa & The April Fishes - Este Mundo
    Quantic And His Combo Bárbaro - Tradition In Transition
    The Craftmen Club - Thirty Six Minutes
    Pure Reason Revolution - Amor Vincit Omnia
    Parov Stelar - Coco
    The Devil's Blood - The Time of No Time Evermore
    Iris Leu - Hushaboo
    Corde Oblique - The Stones of Naples
    Joe Henry - Blood From Stars
    Klimek - Movies Is Magic
    PHANTOGRAM - Eyelid Movies
    Ryan Bingham - Roadhouse Sun
    A Place to Bury Strangers - Exploding Heads
    Side Liner - Crying Cities
    SMOOVE & TURRELL - Antique Soul
    Between the Buried and Me - The Great Misdirect
    Nile - Those Whom The Gods Detest
    The Felice Brothers - Yonder Is The Clock
    Wooden Shjips - Dos
    Muse - The Resistance
    Screen Vinyl Image - Interceptors
    Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II
    Vetiver - Tight Knit
    Tenhornedbeast - My Horns Are A Flame To Draw Down The Truth
    Havohej - Kembatinan Premaster
    Meti Bhuvah - II
    Amorphis - Skyforger
    Emily Jane White - Victorian America
    Rykarda Parasol- For Blood And Wine
    Der Weg Einer Freiheit - Der Weg Einer Freiheit
    End - III
    Thra'el - The Baneful Spirit
    Graveyard - One With The Dead
    Masachist - Death March Fury
    The Twilight Sad - Don't Forget The Night Ahead
    Kreng - L’autopsie phénoménale de Dieu
    Der Blaue Reiter - Nuclear Sun
    Breakestra - Dusk Till Dawn
    Broken Note - Terminal Static
    King Midas Sound - Waiting For You
    Absu - Absu
    Strandhogg - The Ritualistic Plague
    Diocletian - Doom Cult
    Wye Oak - The Knot
    The Witch And The Robot - On Safari
    Space Bong - The Death of Utopia
    Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind
    Yagya - Rigning
    Martyn - Great Lengths
    King Cannibal - Let The Night Roar
    Islands - Vapours

    #2: Albums I consider good overall, but were a letdown compared to past performances or what I expected. Limited to twenty-five.

    Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
    The Paper Chase - Someday This Could All Be Yours
    Fu Manchu - Signs of Infinite Power
    Doomriders - Darkness Come Alive
    Justin Townes Earle - Midnight At The Movies
    Firebird - Grand Union
    Bowerbirds - Upper Air
    Rome - Flowers From Exile
    The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy
    The Builders and the Butchers - Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well
    Furia - Grudzień Za Grudniem
    Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave
    Hank Williams III - Damn Right, Rebel Proud
    Soulsavers - Broken
    Hellveto - Od Południa na Północ
    Asobi Seksu - Hush
    Current 93 - Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain
    Gnaw Their Tongues - All the Dread Magnificence of Perversity
    Sir Richard Bishop - The Freak of Araby
    Clubroot - Clubroot
    Piano Magic - Ovations
    YOB - The Great Cessation
    Katatonia - Night Is The New Day
    Heaven & Hell - The Devil You Know
    Intestine Baalism - Ultimate Instinct

    #3: Albums that I anticipated and ended up with total shitfests that come off as either atrociously weak attempts or thorough aural abortions. Major disappointments from typically trusted people. Thanks for getting my hopes up. Limited to twenty.

    Belphegor - Walpurgis Rites - Hexenwahn
    Warbringer - Waking Into Nightmares
    Hypocrisy - A Taste Of Extreme Divinity
    Marduk - Wormwood
    Immortal - All Shall Fall
    Nargaroth - Jahreszeiten
    Månegarm - Nattväsen
    Suffocation - Blood Oath
    Portal - Swarth
    Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse
    The Ruins of Beverast - Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite
    Anaal Nathrakh - In the Constellation of the Black Widow
    Ad Hominem - A Moment of Glory
    Woods of Ypres - Woods IV: The Green Album
    La Coka Nostra - A Brand You Can Trust
    P.O.S. - Never Better
    Shpongle - Ineffable Mysteries From Shpongleland
    Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
    Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen
    The Dead Weather - Horehound

    Note to self: 2009 isn't over yet.
  • Der Blaue Reiter - Nuclear Sun [REVIEW]

    Nov 2 2009, 10h40 por DJAzrael

    Hey,

    please check out my Review for Der Blaue Reiters new album "Nuclear Sun". =)



    Rating: No Rating.
    Release: 25.09.2009
    Playtime: 56:27
    Label: Ars Musica Diffundere

    Click me!
    Klick mich!





  • 2009: A Retrospective.

    Out 25 2009, 11h06 por MikeWk

    - Great
    - Good
    - Letdown (but decent)

    Simple enough?

    as of 01.01.10
    In no order




    Top 10 Neofolk/Folk/Martial Releases:
    Rome - Flowers From Exile
    Seelenlicht - Love And Murder
    Brillig - The Red Coats
    TriORE - Three Hours
    Awen - The Bells Before Dawn
    Current 93 - Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain
    Der Blutharsch - Flying High!
    Die Weisse Rose - A Martyrium Of White Roses
    H.E.R.R. - XII Caesars
    Solanaceae - Solanaceae


    Top 10 Death/Doom/Grind/Black Metal Releases:
    Asphyx - Death... The Brutal Way
    General Surgery - Corpus In Extremis: Analysing Necrocriticism
    Khanate - Clean Hands Go Foul
    Parlamentarisk Sodomi - De Anarkistiske An(n)aler
    Pyramids with Nadja - Pyramids with Nadja
    Isis - Wavering Radiant
    Oranssi Pazuzu - Muukalainen Puhuu
    Church of Misery - Houses Of The Unholy
    Converge - Axe To Fall
    YOB - The Great Cessation


    Top 10 Indie/Post-Rock/Girl Music Releases:
    Asobi Seksu - Hush
    Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
    Dragonette - Fixin To Thrill
    Epic45 - In All The Empty Houses
    Giant Squid - The Ichthyologist
    Marissa Nadler - Little Hells
    Matt & Kim - Grand
    Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind
    Karen O and the Kids - Where The Wild Things Are OST
    Amiina - Re Minore


    Top 10 Electro/EBM/IDM Releases:
    Biomekkanik - State Of Perfection
    Psyclon Nine - We The Fallen
    Terrorfakt - ReEvolution
    KMFDM - Blitz
    Assemblage 23 - Compass
    Combichrist - Today We Are All Demons
    Nachtmahr - Alle Lust Will Ewigkeit
    X-Fusion - Ultima Ratio
    Eurocide - Regen Aus Asche
    Angelspit - Hideous And Perfect


    Top 10 Dark Ambient/Noise/Industrial Releases:
    BRANDKOMMANDO - USA - The United States Of China
    Metaconqueror - Of Steel, Bone, And Fire
    Grunt - Petturien Rooli
    Throbbing Gristle - The Third Mind Movements
    Navicon Torture Technologies - The Gospels Of The Gash
    Collapsar - Beyond The Event Horizon
    Atrium Carceri - Phrenitis
    raison d'être - The Stains Of The Embodied Sacrifice
    Karjalan Sissit - Fucking Whore Society
    Atomtrakt - Nuklearchetyp




    ========== overall ==========


    11 Storm Unit - Dark Messiah
    16 - Bridges To Burn
    23 Trublion 23 - Cheval Pyromane
    A Challenge of Honour - Leonides
    A Challenge of Honour - 1666 - The Great Fire Of London
    A Place to Bury Strangers - Exploding Head
    Abigail - Sweet Baby Metal Slut
    Absu - Absu
    Aeterna - New Dawn
    Æthenor - Faking Gold and Murder
    Against Nature - Action At A Distance
    Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse
    Alcoholic Faith Mission - 421 Wythe Avenue
    Alien Vampires - Fuck Off And Die
    All Hail The Transcending Ghost - All Hail The Transcending Ghost
    Altar of Plagues - White Tomb
    Amesoeurs - Amesoeurs
    Amiina - Re Minore
    Amy Millan - Masters Of The Burial
    Anaal Nathrakh - In The Constellation of The Black Widow
    Andrew W.K. - 55 Cadillac
    Antagama - Warning
    Apati - Eufori
    Arcana Coelestia - Le Mirage De l'Idéal
    Arckanum - ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ
    Area Bombardment - Iron Will
    Asobi Seksu - Hush
    Asphyx - Death... The Brutal Way
    Assemblage 23 - Compass
    Atomtrakt - Nuklearchetyp
    Atrium Carceri - Phrenitis
    Austere - To Lay Like Old Ashes
    Awen - The Bells Before Dawn
    Babyland - Cavecraft
    Bad Sector - CMASA
    Beirut - March Of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland
    Big Business - Mind the Drift
    Biomekkanik - State Of Perfection
    Black Math Horseman - Wyllt
    Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us
    Blue Tape for a Blue Girl - 10 Neurotics
    Blut aus Nord - Memoria Vetusta II: Dialogue With the Stars
    BRANDKOMMANDO - USA - The United States Of China
    Brighter Death Now - Breaking Down Nihil
    Brillig - The Red Coats
    Brutal Truth - Evolution Through Revolution
    buckshot facelift - Anchors Of The Armless Gods
    Bye Bye Bicycle - Compass
    C/A/T - We Are Still Alive
    Caïna - Caïna
    Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
    Caustic - This Is Jizzcore
    Church of Misery - Houses Of The Unholy
    Cities Last Broadcast - The Cancelled Earth
    Coke Bust - Lines In The Sand
    Cold Cave - Cremations
    Collapsar - Beyond The Event Horizon
    Colosseum - Chapter II: Nunquam
    Combichrist - Today We Are All Demons
    Converge - Axe To Fall
    COUM Transmissions - The Sound Of Porridge Bubbling
    Courtney Tidwell - Boys
    Cult Ritual - Cult Ritual
    Culted - Below The Thunders Of The Upper Deep
    Current 93 - Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain
    Daniel Johnston - Is And Always Was
    Dark Castle - Spirited Migration
    Darkness And Silence - The Traumatization And Torture Of The Victim
    dead mellotron - Ghost Light Constellation
    Delorean - Delorean
    Der Blaue Reiter - Nuclear Sun
    Der Blutharsch - Flying High!
    Der Weg Einer Freiheit - Der Weg Einer Freiheit
    Desire - II
    Destroyer - Bay Of Pigs
    Diamatregon - Crossroad
    Die Weisse Rose - A Martyrium Of White Roses
    Do Make Say Think - Other Truths
    Dragonette - Fixin To Thrill
    Drudkh - Microcosmos
    Eldar - Sapere Aude
    End - III
    Ephel Duath - Through My Dog's Eyes
    Epic45 - In All The Empty Houses
    Eurocide - Regen Aus Asche
    Extinction Algorithm - Extinction Algorithm
    Fen - The Malediction Fields
    Frozen Plasma - Artificial Evolution
    General Surgery - Corpus In Extremis: Analysing Necrocriticism
    Genocide Organ - Live In Japan 2007
    Genocide Organ - With heard And Hand
    Giant Squid - The Ichthyologist
    Gigantic Brain - World
    Glorior Belli - Meet Us at the Southern Sign
    Golgatha & Birthe Klementowski - Cycles
    Golgatha - The Waste Land
    Gorgoroth - Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt
    Grammal Seizure - Dedicated To COUM & TG
    H.E.R.R. - XII Caesars
    Hail of Bullets - Warsaw Rising
    Hatred Surge - Deconstruct
    Heimataerde – Dark Dance
    Heroin and Your Veins - Nausea
    Horna - Musta Kaipuu
    Horrific - Your Worst Nightmare
    Hummingbird of death - Show Us the Meaning of Haste
    Hypocrisy - A Taste Of Extreme Divinity
    Immortal - All Shall Fall
    Inade - The Incarnation Of The Solar Architects
    Infernal Stronghold - Godless Noise
    Inner Vision Laboratory & Roto Visage - Cinema Strain
    Instinct of Survival - North Of Nowhere
    Interface - Visions Of Modern Life
    In[Perfektion] - Vultures Among Us
    IN[TOXIN] - UFO Rave
    Isis - Wavering Radiant
    IXXI - Elect Darkness
    Jesu - Infinity
    Jesu - Opiate Sun
    Jóhann Jóhannsson - And In The Endless Pause...
    Jonsi & Alex - Riceboy Sleeps
    Julie Thompson - Feeling The Corners
    K. Meizter - Tetraphobia
    Kailash - Past Changing Fast
    Karen O and the Kids - Where The Wild Things Are OST
    Karjalan Sissit - Fucking Whore Society
    Katharsis - Fourth Reich
    Kazeria [KZ] - Credo Nostrum
    Khanate - Clean Hands Go Foul
    KMFDM - Blitz
    Knifeladder - Music/Concrete
    Lethian Dreams - Bleak Silver Streams
    Lifelover - Dekadens
    Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
    Locrian - Drenched Lands
    Longmont Potion Castle - Volum 7
    Lordamor - Lordamor
    Luigi Rubino - A Theme For The Moon
    Lustmord - [ B E Y O N D ]
    Magrudergrind - Magrudergrind
    Mammoth Grinder - Extinction Of Humanity
    Marduk - Wormwood
    Marissa Nadler - Little Hells
    Martyrdöd - Sekt
    Matt & Kim - Grand
    Metaconqueror - Of Steel, Bone, And Fire
    Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind
    Nachtmahr - Alle Lust Will Ewigkeit
    Nadja - Belles Betes
    Nature Destroyed - Hassliebe
    Navicon Torture Technologies - The Gospels Of The Gash
    Nebelhexë - Dead Waters
    Nekrasov - Tramp And Void
    Nicole 12 - Nippon Ballerina Voyeur
    Nile - Those Whom The Gods Detest
    Noisuf-X - Voodoo Ritual
    Oranssi Pazuzu - Muukalainen Puhuu
    Owl City - Ocean Eyes
    Pandique - In Sturm Und Leben
    Parlamentarisk Sodomi - De Anarkistiske An(n)aler
    Peaches - I Feel Cream
    Pensées Nocturnes - Vacuum
    Pestilence - Resurrection Macabre
    Piano Magic - Ovations
    Pilory - Until The Day Dawn
    Portal - Swarth
    Portion Control - Crop
    Propagandhi - Supporting Caste
    Psyclon Nine - We The Fallen
    Punch - Punch
    raison d'être - The Stains Of The Embodied Sacrifice
    Rammstein - Liebe Ist Für Alle Da
    Rammstein - Pussy
    Raoul Sinier - Tremens Industry
    Rise and Fall - Our Circle Is Vicious
    Rome - Flowers from Exile
    Rome - To Die Among Strangers
    Rose Rovine e Amanti - Demian
    Roses Never Fade - Roses Never Fade
    S.E.T.I. - Corona
    Satan's Revenge On Mankind - Supreme Malicious Necro Terror
    Say hello to my kids - Say Hello To My Kids
    Screen Vinyl Image - Interceptors
    Secrets of the Moon - Privilegivm
    Seelenlicht - Love And Murder
    Shattered Hand - Thrown Into The Fire
    Shattered Hand & Svart1 - Spring Wind Brings Water
    Skagos - Ást
    Solanaceae - Solanaceae
    stereomotion - SehnSucht
    Sunn O))) - Monoliths & Dimensions
    Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
    Temple of Dagon - Book of Azathoth
    Terrorfakt - ReEvolution
    The Axis of Perdition - Urfe
    The Big Pink - A Brief History Of Love
    The Cavalcade - Meet You In THe Rain
    The Chasm - Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm
    The Dutchess and the Duke - SunsetSunrise
    The Fauns - The Fauns
    The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
    The Hare and the Moon - The Hare and the Moon
    The Hidden Cameras - Origin:Orphan
    The Mayfair Set - Young One
    The Moon and the Nightspirit - Ősforrás
    The Ruins of Beverast - Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite
    The Silent Years - Let Go
    Throbbing Gristle - The Third Mind Movements
    Throne of Katarsis - Helvete - Det Iskalde Morket
    Thy Catafalque - Róka Hasa Rádió
    Tony Wakeford - Not All Of Me Will Die
    Toroidh - Eine Kleine Marschmusik
    Totalt Javla Morker - Sondra & Harska
    TriORE - Three Hours
    Trist - Willenskraft
    Trist - Za Hranicí Skuteçnosti
    Uzi Suicide - Moshin' N' Thrashin'
    VNV Nation - Of Faith, Power And Glory
    Valravn - Koder Pa Snor
    Velvet Acid Christ - The Art Of Breaking Apart
    Vestigial - Solar
    Von Thronstahl - Germanium Metallicum
    White Mice - Ganjahovahdose
    Wino - Punctuated Equilibrium
    Witch Hunt - Burning Bridges To Nowhere
    Wolves in the Throne Room - Malevolent Grain
    Wolves in the Throne Room - Black Cascade
    Wormrot - Abuse
    Wumpscut - Fuckit
    X-Fusion - Ultima Ratio
    XBRAINIAX - Hail Fastcore
    Xentrifuge - Converting Infinity
    YACHT - See Mystery Lights
    YOB - The Great Cessation
    Z'EV - Sum Things

    Not counting splits, comps, and reissues of course.
  • Dark Essence Radio - 28th September '09

    Set 28 2009, 14h23 por darkessencejosh



    Live to air every Monday from 10pm-Midnight AEST on 4ZzZ 102.1fm (Brisbane, Australia).
    Catch us on our live stream via http://stream.4zzzfm.org.au (Mon. Midday-2pm GMT/UTC)

    http://www.myspace.com/dark_essence

    1. Iambia - Obsessed
    2. Imperative Reaction - Minus All
    3. Menschdefekt - Menschenfresser [Valium Era remix] **req**
    4. Ext!ze - Hellektrostar [Reaper remix]
    5. camping im keller - Interessant
    6. Vicious Alliance - Where Soldiers Fall
    7. Save the Robot - Irobot **req**
    8. Grendel - Chemicals And Circuitry [Studio-X Hard Dance remix]
    9. Phosgore - Killerhertz **req**
    10. Acylum - Raise Your Fist
    11. Left Spine Down - Reset [MELT remix by Sebastian Komor]
    12. Dexy Corp_ - Proselytes
    13. We Got This Far - Like Dying
    14. Dust is Noise - Fractured
    15. God Module - Telekinetic
    16. Shiv-R - Parasite
    17. NOVAkILL - Demonizer [Force Fed remix by Inside Agitator]
    18. Ad Inferna - Rédemption
    19. Razorfade - Pale Shelter
    20. Xentrifuge - Pathogen
    21. Surrealizt - The Centre For Better Business
    22. Tilt! - Rats **req**
    23. Der Blaue Reiter - The Fall Of Light
  • + BEST IN NEOFOLK / MARTIAL / NEOCLASSICAL - 2008

    Abr 20 2009, 3h11 por Coffinwood_Mill

    Best in Neofolk, Martial, Neoclassical & Dark Ambient.

    Yes, I do realize that it is April. Whatever.
    Enjoy.



    1.) Rome - "Masse Mensch Material"

    No other artist in any other genre that I listen to has recorded as much brilliant music over the last several years. With a level of innovative quality, raw and undiluted honesty, and a musical vision that is currently unmatched by any other artist I’ve heard recently, Rome has quickly become one of my most preferred listening experiences. Masse Mensch Material may not even be Rome’s finest release, but it is undoubtedly among the finest records I heard all year. Brilliant band.

    “Masse Mensch Material”, the highly anticipated new release from Luxembourg’s Rome has finally risen upon hands. In less than a year after releasing the “Confessions d'un Voleur d'Âmes” album, Jerome Reuter and friends created their third full-length CD in a row. “Masse Mensch Material” is released on Cold Meat Industry, just as their last CD’s and comes in a luxurious digipack with an added booklet which holds all the lyrics sung on the CD. The artwork consists out of photographs of fashion dolls which are thoroughly neglected by the owners which forms an original piece of artwork.

    “Masse Mensch Material” starts with the intro track entitled “Sonnengötter”, which is an electronically created and deformed soundscape of various sounds. It sets an ominous mood to start the listening experience, especially when the spoken vocals start. The whispered, dark and far-away recorded vocals are in German which ends in the saying “Masse Mensch Material”. The second track, “Der Brandtaucher”, follows immediately with a loud and rough drum part which is supported by a picked-guitar. As this verse sounds very dark, the beautiful chorus is a very nice diversion. This shows Rome’s capability to set one on the wrong foot and shows to be one of the reasons why Rome is loved by so many in such a short time. Whilst the verse in “Der Brandtaucher” holds many details where one can get lost in, the chorus sets a good point to focus on, putting the vocals in the deserved spotlight. “Das Feuerordal” follows, which reminds more of songs on Rome’s first album “Nera”. Note of interest in this song is the piano part played in addition to the chorus. The fourth track called “Der tote Spielman” is more like an experimental pause, which reminds of a train passing by in the distance. The track is given more depth when spoken words arise. A point of remark is though, that the texts of these tracks aren’t given in the booklet, which is a bit disappointing.

    The fifth track “Wir Götter der Stadt”, flows nicely forward from the last track, starting with a softly played picked-guitar. Again, the drums defiantly catch the attention, which are seemingly louder and more diverse than heard in many other CD’s within the genre. The lyrics can be interpreted on many ways and especially this song gives the feeling that the songs if written based on the lyrics, not on the music. “Die Nelke”, the track that follows, is a beautiful composition which will get the emotion high. It feels like every note played, has the best possible effect on the listener imagined. The listener should also pay attention to these lyrics, which I found the best on the CD. Especially the part sung on the chorus made me dwell away in thoughts:

    “When we should be weeping with rage,
    or at least be rattling our chains.
    Look at us now – we are over.”

    The seventh track entitled “Der Erscheinungen Flucht” is an easier song for the hearing on the first hand, but changes overtime. It can be seen as a dark romantic song, with touches of strong emotions. The song is soft but is abruptly changed by the addition of screaming-like sounds on the background. The track that follows is entitled “Der Brandstifter” and differs a lot from the other songs given on the CD. It is harsher and has another kind of music which I found to be fitting right with the artwork. The sound effects in “Der Brandstifter” are especially something to listen to carefully, as these effects give the song the thematic feeling and can change interpretations. Track nine entitled “Kriegsgötter” is again differing a lot from the previous songs, but is the theme song for the album. The sentence “Masse Mensch Material” supported with banging drums, gives the adored atmosphere when listening this record through. “Wir Moorsoldaten” is more like an anthem than a regular song. This track is my definite favorite as it is so unseen before. The sentence “Es lebe die Freiheit” which is spoken louder and louder, and then yelled angry, which flows in a scream for help. This is what gets all the hairs on my arms and neck stand up straight.

    The 11th track is called “Neue Erinnerung” and is a more traditional Neo-folk song. The four-chord guitar part maybe seems to be far less technical than the guitar in all the previous tracks, but the listener may find this to be fitting after “Wir Moorsoldaten”, which may have raised the emotions a bit. “Nachtklang”, the last track, forms an absolute end to this fantastic release, with an outro in the same style as “Sonnengötter”. A conclusion to this story is not needed, as it shows again that Rome is a great band, and this is probably their best release up till now. It is a must-have for every listener of this genre and beyond.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Rome Info:
    Homepage: http://www.coldmeat.se
    MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/romecmi



    2.) Arditi - "Omne Ensis Impera"

    Probably the single best Arditi release yet. Excellent album.

    The Swedish duo Arditi present their highly anticipated new album through Equilibrium Music. It is dedicated to war, quoted: “We sing the praise of war. Not for the way it makes people die, but for the way it makes people come alive”. They dynamise this image trough a combination of their, already classical, grand and threatening dark ambient newly combined with classical strips, kilos of choruses and a unique way of transporting the listener into parallel worlds through music. I would give you a lecture about their influences and changes, but those in charge of the press sheet already wrote it much better that I could ever think of, so I’ll go directly to the music.

    ‘Omne Ensis Impera’ breaks the silence with a piece of classical female voices chorus. Midway, a sampler tears through, some words are spoken and then the chorus takes over again – a fully apocalyptic entrance into a world of glory, epic sounds and violence. Der Angriff geht weiter moves more into the cinematographic compositions Arditi normally presents, with a pulsating raw percussion and brimming with brass sounds, chord melodies and pressing tempo. The percussion work becomes more intense, underlined by a dark sound line and some vocal samplers. After a grandiose opening, ‘Der Angriff geht weiter’ is intense, gripping and dimly alluring through repetition.

    ‘Decisive War’ follows, with a much softer beginning, in a haunting and decadently classic way. One can almost see the smoke and ashes fly thought a large 19th century building window, while the curtains flutter and small, smothering holes consume them. The structure is mainly carried trough elongates synth notes, where a severe percussion intrudes upon. A voice crackles through the melody between the song. Through contrast it makes the music more languid and the reciting harsher. The ghostly female voices that close the song highlight the feeling of delicacy in a ruthless song. ‘Perserverance Is All’ moves more into cacophony – the overlapping of classical pieces, somber chord notes and martial percussion give the composition a sense of confusion and disorder that move into a march when the drums take over. The entire structure is dense, with draggin feet and a heavy heart. There are also shades of the choruses in this song, although the omnipresent sounds are those of the chello and the drums.

    With ‘Profound Truths’ Arditi move into a more ambient industrial zone. There is a large vocal sampler were words like ‘typhus’, ‘politician’, and ‘nothing’ shine, simmer and dissolve. Underneath lays a rich rug of percussion and repetitive, crude synths. The atmosphere is cold and detached, while the drum line shies away from martial into an almost folk like rhythm, if it weren’t for the gelid sound of the entire song. ‘Sons of God’ changes atmosphere almost immediately: it is epic yet simple, with that prerecorded feeling that synth vocals used as string have – were the recited samplers enter with a surgeon’s sharpness and the chorus pours in as a counterpoint. ‘Onwards’ moves into a much deeper martial spirit – where the simple structure of percussion is developed into an powerful, rich soundtrack that defends a passionate melody full or terror and majestic energy.

    The last two songs come up, starting with ‘Cladem Nescimus’. It creates a vibrating, menacing atmosphere though frequencies, chimes and ululating synths. The image one gets is of descent, spherical and continuous, with a mid tempo and surrounded by ghostly figures. ‘Endkampf’ closes with a light entrances, presenting a glorious façade, that develops into languid, dreamy sounds that slowly move through the song. The contrast between choruses, voices and machinery create an organic and fluid inner rhythm that manage a clear uneasiness. After all, war isn’t about poppies and happiness, is it?


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Arditi Info:
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/arditisweden



    3.) Triarii – “Muse In Arms”

    The return! Muse In Arms is extraordinary. Get it.

    After two albums that have impressed the Industrial Ambient scene, Christian Erdmann now comes with the most inspired and interesting release to date. 11 elitist tracks, dominated by an unmistakable Martial rhythm, at times with warrior-like voices, somber orchestral choirs, dramatic effects and resounding echoes, all in an irreproachable manner! Although as structure, the tracks pretty much keep the same orientation, a more careful hearing will bring the realisation that every single one of them emanates a different aura, a different dimension, from dark to melodic ones. "EUROPA" is the most expressive one, "LES EXTRÊMES SE TOUCHENT" insists on a continuous march and a few lyrics in French, the two parts of the track that entitles the album present to us a mix of MARTIAL and MELODICAL – put together in an unusual manner, "FATALIST" is the most representative from the point of view of the energy it releases, on "LEGIO I MARTIA" the bells that are used on a somewhat slow background are framing a dramatic atmosphere, "BIRTH OF A SUN" is highlighting the orchestral dimensions, "ODE TO THE SUN" is focusing on voice, "THE FINAL LEGION" is reigned by the Orchestral Ambient side while "WIR KOMMEN WIEDER" seems to be the darkest of them all, where a voice dominates the entire sound through specific reciting and a grave musical background.

    I don't recall to have ever listed to such an imposing album, built within this Classical Martial Industrial manner! Full of strange melodic auras, cold, glacial, with shadows of some glorious past times, but with bombastic accords as well, very atmospheric, the project at hand shows us that music composed on a PC, if correctly conceived, can take sublime forms… and in fact, when carefully listening to this album something seems to rise/reborn from within, perhaps something that has been lying latently… incredible make! I don't know though if Triarii can make something better than it did here... I can't comprehend an even more mature release that would follow the same musical direction… unless it will change the style or if it will make musical compromises, perhaps insisting on more melody, taking the sound towards a synthetic Pop… I hope that will not be the case. If I haven't been clear enough until now, there is another convincing argument: the entire release was mastered by Jouni Havukainen of In Slaughter Natives, so you can imagine that the Dark Apocalyptic Industrial note is mounted on the same level as the very opposite Classical Ambient Martial. The booklet is very elegant and neat; there was a limited edition released as well but it sold out within a few hours… everything is noble, full of dignity, fascinating and at the same time minimalist and simple… the end result wraps around you even from the first harmonies, throwing you immediately after into a very different world, where justice, honour and patriotism emanate in a constructive way.


    Review: http://www.kogaionon.com

    Triarii Info:
    Homepage: http://www.triarii.de
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/triariiheadquarters



    4.) Neronoia - "Il Rumore Delle Cose"

    With only two albums under their belt, the Italian Neronoia are quickly becoming one of my favorite artists. Il Rumore Delle Cose was brilliant, and I hope that they continue down the same bath stylistically because no one else is doing what they are doing so well. Great band.

    I’ve been listening to a lot of rapid and wild music before getting my hands on Neronoia’s Il Rumore Delle Cose, and this experience has made me fall in love with slow music yet again. It’s not an album experimenting with extreme tempos, and it’s not a 120-minute drone EP, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful down-tempo release.
    The instrumentation remains the same throughout the album, with ambient guitars and atmospheric keyboards playing along modified drums and quiet, almost whispered, vocals. The bass is quite present, providing the roots to the harmonies played by the keyboards and guitars, those harmonies being one of the master features of this album. The ten tracks are extremely melodic, and those melodies can be felt (not just heard) in the ambient guitars and keys, as well as the almost-silent clean vocals, murmuring Italian words with a strange musicality. This combo of elements sets you immediately in the album’s mood (or should I say ‘moods’), which makes it an extremely powerful experience for the listener.

    Yes, the moods are what make this album powerful. Several tracks have some kind of apocalyptic feel to the music, such as the fifth track, whose steady beat give you the idea that the world is coming to an end; while others have a much more melancholic side, reminding you of those forever lost moments fossilised into your memory. Track nine’s mood stands out a little from the rest of the release due to its almost “happy” chord progression. It’s very nicely done, and is quite coherent with the rest of the album, for the same sense of melancholy and nostalgia returns throughout the track. It is an ambiance that is easy to get yourself into, and there is no uneasiness with the music, which flows in a relaxed, natural manner.

    Musically, this album’s genre borrows from several others. It is very soft atmospheric rock, with a very strong ambient trend. It is however extremely similar to funeral doom in its moods and approaches, and if the instrumentation was to be modified, Il Rumore Delle Cose would be an excellent fureral doom album. With the combination of melancholy and slow tempos, though, one could recognize a slight similarity to post-rock, though the instrumentation is still a little different. I would visualise this album as sitting at the crossroads of several slow and moody genres, although the album’s style is uniform and homogeneous.

    Neronoia has indeed created their own style of music, and have defined it through this second release.This album will take you away. I don’t know where, but it sure will. Listening to it once will start the addiction, and yet you will be delighted to be addicted to such a beautiful work of art. Listening to it while falling asleep is perfect, although once you know the album well enough, it becomes quite difficult not to hum along. Il Rumore Delle Cose is among my favourite non-metal albums of the year, and I am sure Neronoia will continue to provide such albums in the years to come.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Neronoia Info:
    Homepage: www.neronoia.tk
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/neronoia



    5.) Les Fragments de la Nuit - "Musique Du Crépuscule"

    Great debut!

    An absolutely stunning release in terms of musicianship and atmosphere, Musique Du Crépuscule is a contemporary neoclassical masterwork. Get it.

    Through the times, the night has been a terrain of inspiration, fascination and mystery for mankind. The silence and the darkness it brings, the imprecise contours that grants to the forms and appearances of things, drastically changing the laws of the day and manifesting a whole new reign with new rules, strange shapes and enigmatic connotations. Comparatively, poets and musicians alike have often used night as a muse to transcend the more perceptible side of things, that way, amalgamating a whole series of ideals and prefigurations about this quite unique moment of the day.

    Romanticism made of the night it’s unconditional ally, the place where often the true nature of things resides unquestioned, aided and supported by the darkness and the silence that abounds. Les Fragments De La Nuit are part of this legion, eternal lovers of the unknown and the mysterious, a set that returns at the dawn of each age to collect new odes to the twilight zone with musical landscapes and atmospheric paintbrushes. It is basically in that set of ideas and conceptions that this beautiful epic and at times tragic work strolls in. As the main musicians involved in Les Fragments De La Nuit claim theirselves: «Our music is poetry in which words are notes, a memory in which images are dreams».The musical transition is calm and sublime as the night itself is, slowly transcending the black curtains of a sky sparked with stars and somber woods slowly balancing with the wind. Nevertheless some more strong moments take place but always doing so in a perfect complementation between subtlety and intensity.

    The work is entirely instrumental with a strong cinematic development. And the construction is in the way of cult chamber music with radical influence from modern composers. Main instruments used are: the piano, a Violin ( Both played by Michell Villar and Ombeline Chardes respectively, the main composers for Fragments of the nuit) and a cello that enters the score from time to time to add some more sinister line or to encompass a low rhythmic accent. The style is entirely romantic, with both a lush sense and a disturbing side at times. It’s interesting though that all instruments takes serious hold in the rhythm, accentuating the “contra punctum” and referencing modern composers style.

    Each song constitutes a quite singular nocturnal escapade assembled by a magnificent and diverse piano score driven along by the rhythmic section disposed with the violin along with the cello, and some occasional well placed ethereal chorus lines. This choral apparition reminds of faeries performing haunting magical canticles of sublime dark beauty and hypnotic attraction. In return the instrumentalization put a subtle influx of repetitiveness, slowly inducing a magical trance like state for the listener, slowly transporting him to the very centre of the night, with all it’s creatures and magical events. Surely a romantic evocation of the magic side of nature within the wide margin of night! Romantic neoclassic with a subtle ethereal tone. Sueño de una noche de verano.

    The work as a whole is charged with this feeling of transparent stillness, arousing voluptuousness and a subtle touch of mystery, constantly inviting to a state of contemplative laxity and sweet melancholy that suits perfectly with an evening listening experience. This French cinematic quintet is widely recognized in Europe as a set of professional score composers for independent cinema and they certainly surrender all their expertise and effort in this work, clearly dominating the romantic musical concept they are dealing with along with an exceptional and often blinding performance capacity, sufficiently original and beautiful to not just captivate the listener but to bring atmospheres and scenes with just their instrumentation and not needing any additional special effects or electronic enhancements. A work that without a doubt is one of the releases of the year and a band to keep at sight for future developments. One of the tops this year!


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Les Fragments De La Nuit Info:
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/lesfragmentsdelanuit



    6.) Der Blaue Reiter - "Silencis"

    I am still not certain if I enjoy Silencis more than Der Blaue Reiter’s superb debut Le Paradis Funebre Lenvers Du Tristesse, but it is more than worthy of a spot on my list. Excellent neoclassical/martial industrial release from one of my favorite new bands in the genre.

    'Silencis' is Der Blaue Reiter's second output, two years after their first release; 'Le Paradise Funèbre, L'Envers Du Tristesse'. Where 'Le Paradise...' started with Lakmé 'Flower Duet', 'Silencis' starts with the sound of a clock which is replaced by a neoclassical piano solo. But this solo is soon overtaken by ambient soundscapes which move slowly toward an intense and epic climax. Or so it seems. But two minutes before the end, all drama is gone and the track builds up again from new soundscapes and samples, including what sounds like a Gregorian chant. Eventually it dies out rather silently. I have a really hard time figuring out the connection between all four parts of this introductory piece, if there is any.

    'Eyes Of The Lost' then comes in with martial drums and neoclassical arrangements. Both Sathorys and Lady Nott then do their vocals in a fashion not unlike Ordo Equilbrio. Having said that, it's no surprise that I absolute adore this track. It's bombastic, rhythmic and with female vocals. Something similar is happening later in the album, with 'Abyssus Abyssum Vocat In Voce'. This track starts with a train departing a station, but after an ambient bridge the martial drums kick in again. The ingredients are largely the same; martial drumming and epic neoclassical soundscapes. The absence of vocals in this track is however not disturbing at all, since it's musically strong already. 'Victoria' is another track in this same vein, though it has some ambient pieces as well.

    This leads to another face of the album the rather silent and gentle one. Soft piano and ambient soundscapes sooth the listenir in 'Death And Decadence', 'Retrospective'. Or the sounds of winds and distant martial drums capture your attention in 'Ascension Part II'. Sometimes it's also orchestral as in 'Ascension Part I' with lots of violins, or simply haunting like in 'Rera L'Ànima Del Vent' with the sounds of a person in great distress while the neoclassical arrangement just keeps going and going. The person seems to be spiraling into a deep pit, leading to the song 'Prison Of Desire'.

    'Prison Of Desire' is a wonderful neoclassical track with a very rich sound. The violin has a prominent place, just like the piano. 'Paradise' again features the vocals of the musical duo, as well as some heavy martial drumming again. It's less bombastic this time, as the vocals are softer, leading to a more intimate atmosphere rather than a harsh one. The second half of the track is a dark and brooding ambient soundscape, eventually broken up by soothing piano. Finally, with 'End Credits' we return to the introductory piece with the same piano play and clockwork sounds.
    'Silencis' is without doubt a much more mature album than 'Le Paradise ...'. It's way more enjoyable and it makes one tingle with anticipation of what lies in the future for Der Blaue Reiter. The artwork on this release is also more in touch with the music. It once again comes in a six panel digipack, but this time in crooked white with nifty little elements of apocalypse and decay. A highly recommended release.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Der Blaue Reiter Info:
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/derblauereitermusic



    7.) Lux Interna - "A Lantern Carried In Blood And Skin"

    One of the most interesting burgeoning artists in the neofolk genre is unquestionably Lux Interna. Building upon 2007’s exceptional God Is Not Dead For The Birds, the band’s fourth record is an absolute success. Each and everytime I spin A Lantern Carried In Blood And Skin I hear something new. Also, I cannot get enough of the vocals. Great stuff.

    After three full-length releases on the German Eis + Licht label and numerous compilation appearances, this anthology from American dark folk group Lux Interna offers an opportunity to reassess the band’s progress over the past decade. I’m not really familiar enough with the Lux Interna back catalogue to be able to judge whether the selection of songs on [a lantern carried in blood and skin] is the best possible representation of the band’s work, although I’m sorry that ‘The Parting Song’ from their 2002 debut full-length Absence And Plenum isn’t here. The ten tracks of the anthology are drawn from Lux Interna’s three albums – there’s nothing from their 2001 debut 10” mini-album Truth and Beauty And All Their Severity, and there’s also no previously unreleased material, which might have been a good thing to include for those who already own all the earlier albums.

    [a lantern carried in blood and skin] opens with ‘Horizon’ from 2004’s Ignis Mutat Res, which is something of a signature tune for Lux Interna, having also been released on the Eisiges Light label sampler and on the compilation album Looking For Europe. ‘Horizon’ features all the typical elements of the Lux Interna sound, with an emotionally charged blend of rapture and despair passionately evoked through the voice and strummed acoustic guitar of the band’s founder, singer-songwriter Joshua Gentzke, with backing vocals from Kathryn Gentzke, organ and piano from Kevin Sweet, cello from Katherine Trimble and drums from Shane Halanan, as well as several guest musicians. Like Amber Asylum or Werkraum, Lux Interna’s music is characterised by ensemble playing of acoustic instruments, blending elements derived from folk music and neo-classical chamber music.

    The second track of the album, ‘Into Nothing (Blackwatersong)’, taken from last year’s album :God Is Not Dead For The Birds:, is the absolute highlight of the collection as far as I’m concerned, with subdued, wistful cello and organ providing the musical backbone for an ecstatically melancholy celebration of oblivion, simultaneously warm and chilling – a great soundtrack for a wine-soaked, solipsistic wallow in despair. Joshua Gentzke’s wonderfully rich, deep baritone voice has often prompted comparisons with singers like Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and Backworld’s Joseph Budenholzer, and whilst Joshua’s voice is certainly reminiscent of all these artists (and also Stuart Staples of Tindersticks), there’s a distinctive twist of dark Americana about Lux Interna which reminds me more of bands like the much-neglected Walkabouts, And that combination of male and female vocals from Joshua and Kathryn also has a certain amount in common with the Gira and Jarboe double-act of mid-period Swans, although to be sure, Lux Interna’s music tends to be a less harrowing experience than that of the Swans, with its undeniable darkness more reminiscent of the regressive, world-denying comforts of the womb than the cold obliteration of the grave.

    The lilting chimes and mandolin of ‘Fallen’ lend this song a lighter, more soothing and lyrical atmosphere than its precedessors, and ‘Flowers Under Glass’ features solo vocals from Kathryn – her remote, spectral voice is less immediately attractive and compelling than Joshua’s, but it has a certain ethereal charm. Kathryn also sings the album’s closing track, ‘Distance’. It’s really in the contrast and interplay between Joshua’s and Kathryn’s voices, though, that a lot of Lux Interna’s appeal lies. ‘Your Lily White Hands’ is another particularly strong song, with mandolin and cello prominent in the sumptuous acoustic textures. Two songs on [a lantern carried in blood and skin] both include texts from writers other than Joshua Gentzke, who otherwise writes all of Lux Interna’s lyrics. ‘Lange Mußt Du Leiden’ includes words from the famous German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, and ‘Blossoms’ includes an excerpt from ‘Psalm’, by the poet and Holocaust survivor Paul Célan.

    In the best tradition of prophets being without honour in their own country, Lux Interna have up till now been more appreciated in Europe, particularly Germany, than in America. Hopefully, this collection, their first on an American label, will bring their music to greater prominence in their homeland, because, although they’re usually referred as a neo-folk band, an impression reinforced by their association with the German label Eis Und Licht, it does seem to me that Lux Interna’s music has an American gothic flavour which is a strength they could play to more. In any case, [a lantern carried in blood and skin] is certainly a good place for the uninitiated to begin their Gnostic quest towards ‘the innermost light’ – Lux Interna.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Lux Interna Info:
    Homepage: http://www.luxinterna.com
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/luxinterna



    8.) Der Feuerkreiner - "Unsere Zeit”

    A very eccentric and even abnormal neofolk/martial industrial sophomore release, Unsere Zeit was among the most diverse recordings I heard in 2008. If you are into neofolk, or merely interested in innovative and original music, Der Feuerkreiner should be on your list of artists to check out. Great album.

    Der Feuerkreiner is a unique band. I paid my attention to this duo some years ago when a good friend of mine made me listen to one of their tracks – Tanz was its title. Probably it was not recorded so well, but I still remember my fascination as I finally found the kind of music I wanted to listen to at that moment. And even now, when I realize I used to listen to really different kind of music from power electronics to surf rock, I come back to this duo and play their albums when I've got such an opportunity to stay with myself.

    As far as it is known Der Feuerkreiner takes its roots back in the beginning of this century, when they recorded their self-titled limited CDr. Since that time Valentina Castellani (vocals) and Federico Flamini (vocals, sampler, programming) managed to issue a number of CDs, vinyls, DVDs and had time to participate in numerous compilations. Both of them have a certain background connected with music – Federico had his electronic experiments under Kunst Mork and Commotus Ingenio names, Valentina was a student for singing with Giuliano Viabile. “Unsere Zeit” is issued on Neuropa Records, based in Belgium and releasing a mass of neofolk artists, being one of the labels that have the major influence on the neofolk scene.The lovely CD pack is designed by Trine + Kim Design Studio.

    So what is this album like? The style has remained the same. I’d say this recognisable style became their ID. It is a band that mixes neoclassical, martial and power noise in their music. That is why their music is enriched with sounds: you can get anything you want in here and still it is not going to become kitsch. From the one side the music is majestic, thanks to martial drums and melody lines in the background, performed on piano and synths that together with Valentina’s vocals form the melodical side of the duo. And on the other side it is filled with rhythmic noises, deep basses, complicated rthyhmic structures and male low narrative, which may be considered as a part of rhythmic ornament as well. Interesting this is that German is usually considered a language unsuitable for singing, regarded as harsh and rough, unlike English, for example. Here we hear something really interesting and exciting as lyrics seem to be at the same time in German and quite melodious. But that's partially so. The band is inspired by the poetry of Christian Morgenstern, surrealist German poet. But things are not that simple: those lyrics are completely reassembled to fit the melodic lines: some words are stretched, others are anagrammed. Reminds of music concerete technique, doesn’t it?

    "Unsere Zeit” (German for Our Time) – is a complete album, but also a collection of various tracks with different styles: there we've got really melodic, soft but grand Unsere Zeit, I'd say my favourite on this album, or noisy, rhythmic and agressive Wissen Ist Macht or Gerechtigkeit!, where the duo shows its noisy potential. Strange, but there're tribal features on this album as well, for example in the beginning of fifth track – Die Erde und der Krieg, due to the instrument used. And then Am Abend comes as a surprise, something I wouldn't expect to hear on this album. I’m not going to tell you what it is about, you have to hear it yourself.

    As for the idea, it seems to be an attempt of interaction of the two worlds, probably even an opposition of two worlds - the old, calm, traditional one with its notions, rituals, customs, the ways of expression and another one – audacious, impudent, fast, agressive. And sometimes you start to think you’re listening to completely different bands, until some recognisable elements appear and give you an idea of what is happening.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Der Feuerkreiner Info:
    Homepage: www.derfeuerkreiner.it
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/derfeuerkreiner



    9.) Sonne Hagal - "Jordansfrost"

    Sonne Hagal have been one of my favorite neofolk artists for a very long time. They did not disappoint with Jordansfrost. Great band.

    From the mysterious lands of Sonne Hagal, a new 45 minute CD has been launched upon us. Entitled “Jordansfrost”, this digipack comes in three different versions, with exclusive paintings by Fabrice Billard. Although the persons behind Sonne Hagal remain unknown to many of us, the guest contributors on “Jordansfrost” aren’t. To name a few: Of the Wand and the Moon, Ernte, Waldteufel, Darkwood and In Gowan Ring amongst others.

    “Jordansfrost” can as a whole be seen as a traditional Neo-folk album. In every track one finds various links with the old Europa, nature and craftsmanship. It takes the listener on a ride through the mythical old world and ancient traditions. The lyrics are both in English and German and are written by the artists themselves or are taken from poems. Instrumentally, the music consists mostly out of acoustic guitars, bass, accordion, flute, violin and trumpet. Occasionally, tracks also are supported with electronic piano parts and drums. Although the production is very good, the sound is yet a wee bit unpolished, which creates the desired atmosphere.

    The CD starts with the song “Flackerndes Feuer”, which is sung in German. With a regular guitar part supported by an accordion, the sound is very dark and sober. The song is deepened in dimensions by various sounds on the background which seem to wander through the song. The song ends in a collapsing soundscape of the accordion. The second song entitled “Midsummernight” is in English and has a more obvious rhythm than the previous track. The violin in this song gives an additional melody which gives the listener an additional road to follow whilst listening. “Vengeance” is a more traditional folk song with a moving part of violin in it. Again, this is a very bare-bone track with a minimal instrumental input, but a maximal thematic output. The sound is very honest and clear.

    The fourth track entitled “Das letzte Lied” is more dramatical. It is very dark and the musicians have chosen to use guitar picking instead of chords. The violin plays in against the guitar which together create an ominous but yet beautiful part. “Hidden Flame” starts with a German intro which is followed by an immediate start of the song. This very danceable track is supported by a regular drum part and a trumpet on the background. Of course, as can be expected, some parts clearly remind of Death in June, whom used this combination a lot in their music. “Rokh” has an original part of low bass parts, which even seem to remember a bit of the regular bass guitar sounds in the 80’s Pop music. “Herr Gilbhardt” is another song in the same line as “Vengeance” but this time soundscapes on the background are more obvious to the hearing and the male vocalist is supported by a female singer (Ernte). Another nice addition are the classical guitar parts, which may have missed a bit in the previous tracks. The next tracks in line “Ragnarök”, “Who has seen the wind?” and “Totentanzlied” all follow the same line a bit. The songs hold a deep ‘camp fire’ feeling with them, which makes this CD as a whole excellent evening music supported with a glass of older beverages. The 11th track “The Hawk” is very touching. Maybe this track has more depth in it than the other tracks, but with the female background vocals this is a beautiful track. Definitely my favorite within “Jordansfrost”. Last is “Over the stone” which holds the magical touch of (call it) nihilism.

    “Jordansfrost” is a magical CD which almost feels like a step backward in the old world. Sonne Hagal has not determined for the listener which era it will enter whilst listening, so the listener is entirely free to conclude which traditional world it is up to enter. Altogether the music on “Jordansfrost” is peaceful and beautiful. And although I liked the second half of the CD better than the first, the release is definitely one to keep in mind.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Sonne Hagal Info:
    Homepage: www.sonnehagal.de
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/sonnehagal



    10.) Nebelung - "Vigil"

    Nebelung are a neofolk band that is devoid of any gimmicks in their music. Their stripped down and organic resonance is hypnotic and beautiful, and Vigil is no exception. Superb 2008 release.

    “Vigil” makes a particularly lithe and vibrant contribution to the Neo-Folk genre. Stripping songs down primarily to the bare essence of the sound of the acoustic guitar (often accompanied by voice), these compositions often take on a trance-like quality that epitomizes the spiritual nature of the intentions behind them. The vocals are calm and understated, never overpowering the mood, and there are several instrumental tracks and many interludes of pure music. The guitar is recorded in such a manner that you can hear all of the intricate sounds of picking and strumming very clearly, even down to the sound of fingers sliding along the strings. Several songs feature strings added in to nice effect.

    The morose theme of the record holds sway of the mood of all of the music within, but it is very well-arranged and is not likely to further your depression. In fact, on an Autumn night, driving at dusk, these songs can work as an uplifting and transformative companion to your thoughts. The instrumental “Heimkehr” plays a mantra-like series of intense acoustic riffs that layer over each other and weave an ornamental tapestry of forest walks and rituals, followed by the beautiful lament “Sturm.” The melodies have the familiarity of an ancestral homeland, drawing from the folk storytelling tradition and relating it to the lives of the performers.

    Nebelung have crafted a very enjoyable and thoughtful album with “Vigil.” The recording is kept raw and soulful, and the guitars sounds immense. Nebelung seem to have complete mastery over their sound and have demonstrated that they are duly able to capture that sound in the studio for the listening pleasure of Neo-Folk fans worldwide. Each guitar arpeggio or strum brings the listener that much closer to death, and therefore the performer as well. The second instrumental “Nokturn” demonstrates this rather ably, and the records takes a morose downturn on the second half of the record, where twilight is consumed by the night. A must for fans of the Eis & Licht label, this is a fitting addition to their canon of output.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Nebelung Info:
    Homepage: http://www.nebelung-musik.de
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/nebelungmusik



    11.) Pantheon Legio Musica - "Per Aspera Ad Astra"

    Long Live The Glory Of Rome! ;)

    So what do we have here? An opus in the vein of martial and neoclassical music, presented by relatively new German band, Pantheon Legio Musica, reflecting their fascination and admiration for Rome in the music they suggest to the audience. The album is issued on Thonar Records, a german label with specialisation in dark ambient, neofolk and industrial fields, found in 2006. Per Aspera Ad Astra comes in a nice digipack with a booklet inside filled with lyrics used on this album.
    People who stand behind Pantheon Legio Musica are: A. Reese, responsible for composition, guitar and leadvocals; M.Stevens, who is in charge of composition as well and drums/ percussion apart from that; and T.Bley, who is also responsible for percussions, drums and vocals. There are also two guest musicians featured on this album – K.M.Roho and M. Copio Raposo, female part of vocals performed within this album. The lyrics were written by K.M.Roho except tracks Prayer to Mars and Memento (by Claudianus and A. Reese respectively).

    It is a piece with a touch of many genres from martial, neoclassical, neofolk to dark ambient and even a bit of noise can be found out there. With its pieces that have picturesque (in the musical sense) neoclassical lines and a strong, straight rhythmic pattern being one of the main lines throughout the track it reminds much of Puissance (Ignis reminds their Grace of God album) and concerning the mix of those aforementioned rhythmic patters and atmospheric haunting background, one may think to In Slaughter Natives. Despite all the associations, the sound throughout the album is very various: there are majectic martial hymns, like Son of Iupiter, changed by somewhat dreamy, but still majestic soundscapes with a really suitable rhythmic ornament, perfectly accompanying the sound, like in Pantheon track (I’d mark this track out as one of my favs, thanks to the kind of contrast between the dreamy melody lines and powerful drumline) and then back to the hymns, but with a neofolk guitar-touch like Pompeii, where female vocals also featured. The vocals are performed by K.M.Roho.

    You know, first I didn’t quite get those tracks with vocals, somehow couldn’t enjoy them. However, after a few listening I started enjoying this free manner of singing, as it sounds like the person feels what is being sung and the music comes out from within. I’d say Pompeii and Sacred Grove are also among my favs within the album (although I didn’t enjoy Herculaneum (Pompeii Alt.), which is another version of Pompeii, kind of alternative, maybe an attempt to experiment). But that is not all, concerning variaty of this album.

    There’re many tribal influences out there as well: percussion or just the manner of drumming are widely used in many tracks, no matter whether those are on the surface or somewhere in the background under the layers of other instruments, or just the melody lines that give a hint on the influence of oriental – SPQR, Sacred Grove, Omega to name a few.

    The album is closed with a beautiful and rather lyrical outro, Fragment. It indeed doesn’t have a clear beginning and clear end, just an instant, probably a kind of flashback, sounds like there’s going to be something else afterwards as there was something before. Frankly speaking and unfortunately I haven’t heard Pantheon Legio Musica’s promo CD, but I hope we’re indeed going to have something afterwards this album.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Pantheon Legio Musica Info:
    Homepage: www.pantheonhq.com
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/pantheonhq



    12.) Sagittarius - "Songs From The Ivory Tower"

    This is a neoclassical release that sort of came out of nowhere. Needless to say, it was shockingly good. I believe that you can still download their earlier albums for free on their homepage. Sagittarius is a great new band.

    Sagittarius began as the brainchild of one Cornelius Waldner, a German musician whose startlingly poignant and affecting creative gift lies in a blending of neo-folk and neo-classical elements. Where friction is generated between those two approaches, Waldner incorporates it, exploits its potential, and makes it his own, resulting in a sound that has a robust coherence and poised, crystal-clear vision. “Songs from the Ivory Tower”, Sagittarius’s second full-length, brings in co-conspirators of exceedingly fine pedigree, including Von Thronstahl’s Marcel P, now a full-time member of the band. No surprise, then, that when vision and skill collide, something precious sparks to life.

    Wistful, stately piano movements which are capable of many moods – some dolorous, some auspicious- form the foundation of Sagittarius’s sound, accompanied by clean guitars, intimate yet authoritative vocals, flutes and occasionally the neck-hair-raising low lament of the cello. The melodies are beautifully constructed, designed so that they seem so simple yet at the same time so far beyond what the listener could dream of creating. “Die nächtlichen Geschicke” has a warm, fairytale folkiness to it, while “Das Leid” and “Der gute Kamerad” feel like traditional songs, the latter having a proud, national feel. In contrast, “Menuet von Johann Krieger” sees Sagittarius explore the full dignity and grandeur of the European classical past, whilst “Nova Apocalypsis” moves with a ponderous gait.

    A variety of different vocal approaches exist on “Songs from the Ivory Tower”, due to Waldner’s willingness to vacate the microphone on behalf of a small galaxy of guest singers. His own voice, pitched into a cadence which is part speech, part song, is clear and quietly strong. Herr Twiggs and Marcel P have deeper, more resonating voices, whilst Troy Southgate (of Seelenlicht fame) moves in higher keys and provides a contrast on tracks such as “Der gute Kamerad”. In all, though, just as it is impossible to see the seams between classical and folk, the different voices do not give a patchwork effect, but seem to fit together most beautifully.

    “Songs from the Ivory Tower” captures mood perfectly, but there are no simple emotions, no pure sadness or pure grandiose coolness. The cover of Forthcoming Fire’s “Europa Calling” exhibits the most passion, but the potential for outburst, for a clarion call, for an unbearable, classical climax, seems ever-present in Sagittarius’s own material. This potential mixed with the kind of uncanny sensibilities belonging to minds who can summon up the story of a boy who “lost his way in the woods of fey” (“The Song”) is nothing short of magical; this is an album in whose isolated and privileged halls you will want to lose yourself over and over again.


    Review: www.hierophant-nox.com

    Sagittarius Info:
    Homepage: www.sagittarius.de
    MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/marblecliff



    13.) Death in June – “Rule Of Thirds”

    Say what you will, but I enjoyed it. A lot.

    Not many artists have the distinction of being understood to have been responsible for the birth of a genre. Widely regarded as the father of the Neofolk movement, Douglas P. has continually produced legendary albums forming an enviable catalogue. Death In June now returns with what will surely be seen as another landmark recording comprised of 13 tracks, The Rule Of Thirds. The album is released on his own label NERUS in association with Soleilmoon. Self described as 'Toten Pop', the album continues in the vein of his stripped-down recordings and performances of the past decade with the exception that there are some subtle audio manipulations here, soft white noise insertions and dialogue sampling in German and English. I must recommend that the first time one listens to this album headphones should be worn to appreciate these nuances. The panning of breathy textures from one side to another creates an otherworldly nebulous ambience, the best example of which can be heard on "Jesus, Junk and the Jurisdiction", an incredibly catchy and entrancing song somewhat reminiscent of the Rose Clouds Of Holocaust sound. This enveloping textured effect continues throughout, mixing and washing over the listener like burlap and silk.

    "My Rhine Atrocity" will lull you with its spectral beauty and nostalgia. "The Perfume of Traitors" soothes and disturbs, with the chorus 'God is now here, God is nowhere'. "Last Europa Kiss" is destined to be a Neofolk classic. The closing track "Let Go" washes out with a massaging bass line and multi-layered velvety vocals delivering the directive, 'Let Go!'.

    One can tell that this album has been meticulously created and expresses only and exactly what the artist intended. It impresses a strong feeling of a personal nature, like someone sharing an inspirational story with you. The sonic imagery evoked is that of barren stretches and pastel sunsets, winds and precipices. Perhaps Southern Australia and her feral beauty. One can surely imagine these songs performed at dusk on an open plain. 'Kampf Fire' music, as Douglas has described it. There is a noticeable air of time-consciousness here, as if Autumn is approaching and there should be indulgences and festivities before the arrival of Winter. You will find your foot tapping and your mind turning.

    “Let the Blackbirds kiss you and may The Rule of Thirds dictate your life!”


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Death In June Info:
    Homepage: www.deathinjune.net
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/ddeathinjune



    14.) Leger des Heils – “Memoria”

    Consistently one of my favorite neofolk/neoclassical acts, “Memoria” may be their best release to date.

    Leger des Heils is a reclusive neoclassical/neofolk act from Germany which seems to be the project of one Mario Ansinn. The band was formed in 1999, and Memoria is their fifth full-length disc.

    The album fades in with the instrumental ‘Einklang’. A rumble of kettledrums and a low droning organ gradually become audible, to be joined by a synthesised choir and an insistent brass ostinato. The martial percussion continues on ‘Wie am Ersten Tag’ which features lyrics derived from Goethe. The vocals are sung in German, and are multitracked to give the impression of a small group of male singers. The vocal style is an odd mix of declamatory and yet gentle and hymnal at the same time - it’s closer to folk or classical than anything rock’n'roll.

    ‘Gotterheimat’ features a memorable chorus, and driven along by military snare drum and a subliminal bassline, this could almost be a hit single of sorts. ‘Sangerfahrt’ is based around a simple acoustic guitar chord sequence, strings and choir; and features lyrics taken from Ibsen. A yearning chorus melody and an underlying four-on-the-floor bass drum gives this track remix potential for an imaginative DJ.

    The light melodies, orchestral instrumentation and churchy vocal feel make this a consistently listenable and pleasant album.


    Review: www.cyclicdefrost.com

    Leger des Heils Info:
    Homepage: www.leger-des-heils.de
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/legerdesheils



    15.) Seelenlicht - "Gods And Devils"

    Great debut!

    Exceptionally creative, the debut from Seelenlicht was a release that I kept coming back to in 2008. Gods And Devils is a superb melding of neoclassical and folk sounds melding with martial tendencies. Great release.

    Seelenlicht is the project of Troy Southgate and Butow Maler. “Gods and Devils” is its first album issued this year on Cold Spring Records. The grey stone-like cover is sober and contrast with both pictures of booklet and CDs that show a green forest and with picture of a dusky landscape... With the comment about Abraxas, the whole gives a mystical and mysterious impression...

    After a repetitive “Prelude”, “Demian” begins really well, setting a very special atmosphere. Ritual/drums percussions, clear acoustic guitars and grinching electric ones, are mixed with trumpets, violins or various synth's sounds. The voice is clear but with a special modification on it. “Diary of Desolation” first part consists of spoken texts together with rather repetitive melodies with instruments such as piano and cello. The point is such a track contrasts with others, for it's ment to put forward the text. Thus the melody is rather used as something ambient and as accompaniment. The second part of the diary follows the same pattern as the first one. But, in addition, several cellos' sounds are present and the rhythm is given by percussions, pleasantly using stereo effect. The tracks turns into something less ambient: electric-guitar-like sounds, light martial drums and female voice complete this clearly progressive track.

    “She Walks in Beauty” has the specific neofolk way of using guitar but is adorned with violins, organ-like or exotic percussion. “Flamme” sounds clearly appear to be synths and aren't that convincing, as well as samples' high-pitched parasite. Although repetitive, this track shows different sounds, a bit more experimental. “Herne the Hunter” is a really calm song with many strings, a main spoken female voice and a male voice singing. Note both male and female voices are good. They remain simple, not searching for difficulties. “Valhalla” is more rhythmical: the fixed syllables, declamation rhythm matches well the drums and other percussions. Yet, the atmosphere isn't that martial, rather solemn, ambivalent, dark... The lyrics are an enumeration of famous names' hypothetical deeds... It suggests about the ideas of the artists.

    “Idle Thoughts on the Janus Shore” consist of two parts. The first one is rather spoken, telling a story, rhythmed by piano and synths, from calmer to more dramatic parts... The second part follows the same pattern in an even more dramatic fashion filled with mythological symbols... “The Modern Saxon” is a more classical (neo)folk song. Very calm, it addresses a vitriolic criticism towards what remains from Saxons in the average British person... In the same vein, the third part of “Diary of Desolation” criticizes several trendy youth social movements. A high clear female voice begins “Love's Final Hour”, telling about love's hazards with dramatic piano, drums, a fixed tempo and melancholic melodies... “Seelenlicht” is the German-sung outro. It takes back many elements and instruments from previous songs, but, maybe in a simplier fashion. As ever, the tempo remains the same and calm prevails mainly because of the slightly whispered lyrics. Some listeners awaiting some apotheosis might however be disappointed.

    Many instruments' sounds are present, building many details. The melodies are usually rich, complex and well-built melodies. Sometimes, we can however wonder whether this abundance is a disadvantage. Maybe it's too much to stay efficient, it may sound a bit over-elaborate. But, we have to mention a track such as “Demian” works perfectly although rich! The strong English accent of Southgate gives something unusual to this album. But, when this is combined with intellectual spoken texts, listener may feel “lectured”, bored or facing some political speech. This might disappoint some listeners who were expecting a music detached from our usual mundane concerns...

    Melancholic, dramatic, solemn or even threatening atmospheres are present. It isn't that martial and usually not really fast: it remains calm and pleasant. Additions of electric guitars or other sounds leave a good impression and keep the tracks perfectly coherent. But some synths' sounds are far less convincing, while others are just perfect. The final outcome is rather mixed, although we can't say it's a bad album. For sure, it deserves a listening. We can highlight the impressive “Demian”: powerful, darker and more mysterious. Seelenlicht may be recommended for fans of H.E.R.R., Sol Invictus, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio etc.


    Review: www.heathenharvest.com

    Seelenlicht Info:
    MySpace: www.myspace.com/seelenlichtmusic

    Listening Suggestions Are Welcome and Encouraged.

    Honorable Mention:

    - Neutral - "Serpents In The Dawn"
    - Narsilion - "Namárië"
    - Orplid - "Greifenherz"
    - Werkraum - "Early Love Music"
    - The Triple Tree - "Ghosts"
    - Krepulec - "Martial Industrial Power With Parabellum In The Hand"
    - Oda Relica - "Czarstvo Dukha"
    - Dark Awake - Meseonas"
    - Svarrogh - "Yer Su"
    - Zr 19.84 - "Frei"
    - Tau Emerald - Travellers Two
    - Edo Notarloberti - "Silent Prayers"
    - The Pride of Wolves - Dawn Of The Wolves
    - Jóhann Jóhannsson - "Fordlandia"
    - Werkraum - Early Love Music
    - Yann Tiersen - "Tabarly"
    - Atrium Carceri - "Souyuan"
    - Ghosts of Breslau - "Sacred Place"
    - Kiss the Anus of a Black Cat - "The Nebulous Dreams" EP
    - Necrophorus - "Moments Of Sleeping Sadness"

    Very Special Thanks To Heathen Harvest.
  • Bienvenidos al reino de los sueños

    Nov 2 2008, 15h11 por srbardo

    Sab 1 Nov – Collection d'Arnell~Andréa
    Ayer, por la noche, todo fue un sueño, y todavía me estremece recordarlo escuchando TocarLas Puertas del Mar mientras escribo esta reseña.

    Narsilion es eso, la magia, la fantasía, no son ningún sueño hecho realidad, es la esencia pura de los sueños en sí misma. Y por ello anoche viví uno de los mejores conciertos que alcanzo a recordar.

    Con imágenes de películas de fantasía que están grabadas en nuestras mentes, y nuestros sueños, o mejor dicho, películas que plasman la realidad de nuestros sueños, como son El Señor de los Anillos, Dentro del Laberinto o Fantasía, animaron el telón de fondo, mientras nos fueron ofreciendo parte de lo que Narsilion es, ese mágico sueño del que nunca jamás querría despertar.

    Los fragmentos de su obra, elegidos de esos tres discos maravillosos que tienen, junto a uno de la obra que está por venir, fueron sucediéndose en una noche, donde todos parecíamos haber caído bajo el efecto del hechizo de la preciosa voz de Lady Nott y su violín, que más bien parecía su misma voz replicada en las cuerdas del instrumento, así como de Sathorys, que, alternando entre teclados, guitarras y percusión demostró lo gran músico (y persona, a tenor de las palabras que a la postre pude cruzar con él) que es. El tercer miembro, Dark Wind, no estuvo en el concierto, no sé si en otros conciertos suele estar, y como diré más abajo, su presencia habría contribuido todavía más a la atmósfera que se respiraba.

    Me quedo con el momento de TocarLas Puertas del Mar, cuya melodía y calidez de la voz de Lady Nott consiguió humedecerme los ojos. Espero que no dejen de tocar este tema en futuros conciertos, y que éstos sean mucho más largos, porque la hora que tocaron me supo a la vez a poco y a mucho.
    Si alguien se quedó con el setlist, por favor que lo añada, yo y mi memoria somos incapaces de recordarlo.

    Si acaso cabe poner alguna pega, decir que para transmitir toda su música, tienen que usar muchos samplers, y aunque eso no les hizo perder ni un ápice de magia, es verdad que se disfruta más de la música cuando ésta se está recreando naturalmente en directo, y en ese sentido, sí que es verdad que se ganaría si fueran más personas (como fue el caso de la banda que tocó a continuación, o los que nos visitaron junto a Corvus Corax hace no mucho y de similar estilo, The Moon and the Nightspirit.

    La otra banda que tocó, que en realidad eran los cabezas de cartel, Collection d'Arnell~Andréa, si bien a priori pensé que me iba a desagradar, pues escuché algo de ellos, y nada tienen que ver con la música de los catalanes Narsilion, he de decir que me encantaron también.

    Tras perderme las primeras canciones por estar comprándoles todo el material directamente a Lady Nott y Sathorys (incluidos los dos discos de Der Blaue Reiter y el de Lugburz) y que me firmaran mi favorito, Nerbeleth, me aproximé a las primeras filas de una Ritmo y Compás con bastante más público del que esperaba, y que estaba llena de gente caracterizada, empezando por mí que iba muy sencillamente vestido de camisa medieval, pantalón y botas, y por el montón de chicas y chicos con vestidos más elaborados de noble, así como los fans de los franceses Collection d'Arnell~Andréa, alguno con pinta de Martial y cueros varios.

    El concierto fue muy muy bueno, con violín, violonchelo, dos teclados, guitarra, bajo y la cantante, realmente una delicia escuchar todo acompasado, con temas que hacían te hacían moverte y a la vez quedarte encandilado con los movimientos de ella, la cantante, muy agradecida durante todo el recital (al igual que lo fueran los miembros de Narsilion), que parecía disfrutar enormemente, y cuyos gestos te hacían sentir aún más las curiosas ondas musicales que la banda destila.

    No soy capaz de clasificar su estilo pero claro me queda que tendré que orejar a estos muchachos, porque su música como la de tantas otras bandas que últimamente voy descubriendo, alejada y a la vez próxima a esos mundos sonoros diametralmente tan distintos del Metal o el Pop comercial, me supo estupendamente bien, y me hizo volverme a dar cuenta, de lo musicalmente inculto que soy y que, a buen seguro, seguiré siéndolo cuando me muera, pero que me harán descubrir en el camino estilos musicales que años atrás nunca jamás pensaría que me llegarían a gustar.

    Hasta la próxima! (que como tarde, será en diciembre con Trobar de Morte)