Todesbonden - Stormbringer (2004)

After the demise of Rain Fell Within in late 2002, four of the six members went on to form a new band called Ephemeral Sun as well as a few other interesting projects.

One such project to rise from Rain Fell Within’s ashes is Todesbonden. Todesbonden is a German word meaning something like Death Bonding, but don't let you the name fool you into thinking this is something grim and evil, because it certainly is not. Todesbonden was formed by RFW members, Laurie Ann Haus (vocalist/keyboardist), Jason A. Wood (guitarist and bassist) and joining them on violin is Patrick Geddes. Probably the easiest way to describe Todesbonden would be to call them a mixture of atmospheric doom metal meets Dead Can Dance. So basically what were treated to is atmospheric/doom metal somewhat reminiscent of Rain Fell Within actually with Celtic, renaissance, neo classical and medieval influences. Plus not to forget the operatic vocals of Laurie, which were limited to just two songs during her tenure with Rain Fell Within. Here however we get to see the full range of her voice and what a voice it is, which again has a Dead Can Dance similarity to that of Lisa Gerrard's voice.

'Sun and Venus' opens the EP as a short neo classical like piece with slow drumming and very beautiful distinctive synth work. ‘Stormbringer’ is again a very beautifully composed song with luscious music and great vocals from Laurie. The third song ‘March of the Cicadas’ is probably my favorite song on the album. Here Laurie’s vocals again sound amazing although she doesn’t actually sing any words, and once again you can totally see the Dead Can Dance influences with this piece. Finally ‘Dark Horns’ is another commendable piece which sounds similar to ‘Stormbringer,’ but in the end seems to be even more enjoyable.

There’s really nothing negative I can say about this EP other than the fact that its only seventeen minutes long and my ears kind of beg for more each time I give it a spin. Four years after this EP the band returned with a modified line-up and their debut album, 'Sleep Now, Quiet Forest' though I haven't gotten my hands on this recording just yet. Anyway, give this EP a chance, it's quite good.