neo-classical / gothic / ethereal
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Once again I suddenly face a musical style that I haven't been following in the past few years. Several years ago, this bombastic and symphonic version of neo-classical music often appeared on my stereo-installation but as I grew older, I apparently grew out of it. I guess I needed just a few albums to satisfy my ethereal darkwave needs, Arcana, Dargaard and Dark Sanctuary seemed to have been enough.
Yet, as with nearly all styles I don't frequently listen to anymore, I'm willing to give it a shot and I still recognize talent and quality. Angelic Foe has both, which is quite understandable when you realize that this is a project by Annmari Thim, former vocalist for Arcana. She is the composer, concept creator and singer. Video games sound designer Samuel Lidström helped out a little and Peter Bjärgo (Arcana, Sophia) handled the mastering.
So you can say that we're in good company for this one, good enough to deliver a high quality album, loaded with bombastic instrumentation and Annmari's distinct voice. At one point I realized that this was decent gothic metal without the metal part, something this genre has always been for me. That is just fine by the way, I don't necessarily need guitars for my dark musical enjoyments.
What I like particularly on this album, is the percussion. These repetitive, almost ritual drums remind me of some martial ambient acts, such as Arditi or Toroidh, both also regarded as forerunners of a genre. Along with highly symphonic instrumental arrangements, they guarantee an immersive listening experience. Naturally, the add the sense of drama that makes this music so loved by young goths.
If you're into the bands I mentioned earlier, I advice you to check this out. You can't go wrong with Annmari Thim since she's a damn talented woman, surrounding herself with top-notch artists. I'm going to hold on to this one. I definitely deserves a place in the dark corners of my non-metal collection.
Serge
Yet, as with nearly all styles I don't frequently listen to anymore, I'm willing to give it a shot and I still recognize talent and quality. Angelic Foe has both, which is quite understandable when you realize that this is a project by Annmari Thim, former vocalist for Arcana. She is the composer, concept creator and singer. Video games sound designer Samuel Lidström helped out a little and Peter Bjärgo (Arcana, Sophia) handled the mastering.
So you can say that we're in good company for this one, good enough to deliver a high quality album, loaded with bombastic instrumentation and Annmari's distinct voice. At one point I realized that this was decent gothic metal without the metal part, something this genre has always been for me. That is just fine by the way, I don't necessarily need guitars for my dark musical enjoyments.
What I like particularly on this album, is the percussion. These repetitive, almost ritual drums remind me of some martial ambient acts, such as Arditi or Toroidh, both also regarded as forerunners of a genre. Along with highly symphonic instrumental arrangements, they guarantee an immersive listening experience. Naturally, the add the sense of drama that makes this music so loved by young goths.
If you're into the bands I mentioned earlier, I advice you to check this out. You can't go wrong with Annmari Thim since she's a damn talented woman, surrounding herself with top-notch artists. I'm going to hold on to this one. I definitely deserves a place in the dark corners of my non-metal collection.
Serge
