Leichenwetter - Zeitmaschine

Leichenwetter are a relatively old band,having been formed back in 1996.Since time has passed,they have decided that their new step should be a collection of tracks covering their career so far.Instead of releasing a best-of album though,they preferred to present their tracks in new arrangements/orchestrations.

"Zeitmaschine" means time machine and is a perfectly fitting title for the material contained within this cd.Fitting,because Leichenwetter exclusively use lyrics written by a variety of well known,german speaking authors.The writers selected cover a long period of teutonic literature,from Sturm Und Drang romanticism,to early twentieth century expressionism.Among them,we can find trully important artists,such as Herman Hesse,Friedrich Schiller and Georg trakl,respectively.So,it is perhaps logical to conclude that this is a very ambitioius project,since the task of cladding these lyrics with suitable sounds,is a rather difficult one.Apart from this expedition in good taste,what matters most is the music composed by the band.I must confess that what I was initially expecting something that would be reminiscent of the Neue Deutsche Harte ethos:while some of the elements of that genre might be present here,I would conclude that the most appropriate way to describe Leichenwetter's sound qualities,would be that of a culmination between gothic and metal.Gothic is a reference concerning the baritone vocal part and the grandiose keyboard lines.Metal on the other hand,since for a fact guitars hold a central role into forming their sound.Their compositions rely heavily on dramatic,addictive choruses.Such is the case with"Und die Horner des Sommers verstummten..",a track carefully built around a strong chorus and powerful,emotional melodies.Another prime example would be "Klage",laying mostly on the atmospheric,dark side of their sound patterns.For the most part their material is strong,thouh I have to admit that cladding sonically all these timeless lyrics is indeed a task of difficulty that sometimes surpasses them.

So,all in all,this is a good release.I cannot help to think that these verses should be treated otherwise,though.

Tracklist:

1)Altes Lied
2)Und Die Horner des Sommers verstummten...
3)Schwanenlied
4)Im Nebel
5)Nur Dich
6)Klage
7)Die Zeit geht nicht
8)Dort und hier
9)Allerseelen
10)Feuerharfe
11)Verfuhrer
12)Mutter
13)Menschliches Elende
14)Sehnsucht
15)Letzte Worte

6/10  Isabelle S.