Neun Welten is a neo folk/neo classical group from Halle/Saale, Germany that first formed back in 2001, and up till now this five member group has released two EPs, this debut album, 'Vergessene Pfade' and its follow-up, 'Destrunken,' both through Auerbach Tonträger Records. To describe this album would be to simply line them up with such musical masterpieces as Ulver’s 'Kveldssanger,' Empyrium's 'Where at night the wood grouse plays,' and Tenhi's, 'Maaäet.' As much as I do adore these releases Neun Welten comes quite close to toppling them or at least landing on the same level.
Probably one of the reasons why I’m so quick to make comparisons to those albums is because it’s music with the same spirit using instruments like acoustic guitars, flute, violin, cello and drums. The music is almost completely instrumental too, save for some brief female voice on the second song, 'Walden' and amazingly enough Markus Stock of Empyrium makes a guest appearance and adds his voice to, 'Svartalfheim.' The music does tend to be a bit faster than the aforesaid albums at times, but still carries a strong woodsy-nature based sound with melancholic melodies and themes around Norse mythology.
It is hard to pick a favorite since the entire album is stunning, but the opener 'Valg' really just had me in complete astonishment after its final notes left my speakers - A truly gorgeous song that is so well done that it nearly brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it due to its intense exquisiteness and charm. The aforementioned songs are surely noteworthy as well and 'Auf Kargem Fels' with its almost playful beginning vibes is memorable number too.
Again, if you love the woodsy nature based folk/classical music of bands like Ulver, Empyrium, Tenhi, October Falls and Nest, than you'd do well to acquire this album. With the band in mind I should probably rectify my not owning the second album situation and get my hands on it soon too!
No comments:
Post a Comment