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| Release date: 21/09/2013 Label: Crank Music Genre: Gothic/Black Metal |
The legend of Lord Vampyr (Alessandro Nunziati) dates all the way back to 1988 when he and other dark souls were brought together by mysterious forces to form the doom metal band Sepolcrum. After three demos they changed their name to VII Arcano. Time passed and half of the band continued under the same name playing thrash metal, whilst Lord Vampyr left to form the soon to be legendary Theatres des Vampires.
Fronted by Lord Vampyr, Theatres des Vampires became known for their dark, powerful and atmospheric music as well as their fascinating vampiric image and theatrical shows. With a passion for horror not even matched by Cradle of Filth, they were among pioneers in combining the genres gothic and black metal, developing a distinctly dark and atmospheric sound that would later become known as "vampiric metal." They gained a cult following, rising to fame in the metal world.
Since his departure from his former band in 2004, Lord Vampyr has been part of many projects, and produced several albums under his self titled band. Though they are well written and closer to the old TDV sound, for the large part they have lacked that dark and blooded passion that gave them their deep, horrifying and dramatic sound. "Gothika Vampyrika Heretika" promises "a return to the glories of the first productions of Lord Vampyr", and "a modern sound with a remembrance for the past". Does it live up to these promises? Let's see!
The first track "Theda Badra" certainly does provide the depth and passion of the old sounds, with a fresh and modern production. The guitars here have that soul cutting quality, you can feel the pain and sorrow penetrating you, flowing through your veins. This certainly competes with the old darkness of songs like "Vampyrica" and "Love Never Dies".
Second track "Lamia" starts off sounding like a Coldplay song, but quickly turns into passionate, modern gothic metal. Again it's dark, it's passionate and it's catchy. This is followed by the title track "Gothika Vampyrika Heretika" which starts off with electronic synth sounds, integrating with the "Horror Masterpiece" era. This song contains heavy riffing with emotional chord progressions, as well as soul cutting solo guitar melodies.
I think a fly got into the studio after that, and we're blessed with the sound of a fly buzzing for quite some time before the next song "The Night Chronicles Pt 1". This song has a stronger black metal influence, with fast guitar shredding and double pedal drumming. Rich orchestral symphonies in the background add an epic feel to the song. It gives the image of triumphing in an ancient battle.
Fifth track "Till Dawn" reintroduces prominent synth sounds again. This song has a commercial gothic metal feel, you know, like the stuff that comes out of Finland with extremely hooky choruses. Up next is "The Ghost" which starts of with vast pads and a melodic piano sound, which is then accompanied by a rich violin sound and powerful bass and drumming. The song then builds, until shredding guitars come in, with strong lead melodies too. The song alternates seamlessly between atmospheric passages and more extreme black metal sections, like a dark winter night walking through gentle snow until suddenly, you're in the middle of a raging blizzard.
"The Night Chronicles Pt 2" combines another great mix of rhythm, shredding and lead melodies creating another powerful black metal influenced track. Track eight "It's A Sin" is an excellent cover of the original song by the Pet Shop Boys. The gothic metal style gives the song a whole new dimension. It's a great take on the song, giving it a whole new power. The final track "Kingdom of Fear" has more powerful riffing, it's well written but probably my least favourite on the album due the plastic synth melody.
Overall, I think the promises were delivered. This album does present a modern sound with a remembrance for the past. In fact, it is the best album from the band so far! It's full of genuine darkness, melancholy and real passion. It's an excellent combination of catchy gothic metal with black metal elements. The composition and production is excellent, and Lord Vampyr's vocals are better than they have been for years.
My expectations have been exceeded by far, this was really a step in the right direction.The era of true vampirism has finally returned! If you're a Lord Vampyr fan, or a Theatres des Vampires fan of any era I would certainly recommend this album. You'll be listening for years to come. 9/10
The first single from the album "Lamia" is available now: http://crankmusicgroup.
Music by Francesco V.
Lyrics By Alessandro "Lord Vampyr" Nunziati
Arranged By Alessandro "Lord Vampyr" Nunziati, Kami Kopat, Francesco V.
Produced By Alessandro "Lord Vampyr" Nunziati & Kami Kopat
Recorded MIxed And Mastered By Kami & Cris Kopat @ KK digital recording Studio