Lammendam

There is no doubt Carach Angren has talent. Their structure is always flowing, even from track to track! Introductory songs can often be boring, strange or irrelevant, but Lammendam's "Het Spook Van De Leiffartshof" gives the first time listener an incredible feeling of spooked intrigue, exactly what is aimed for. Hyperventilation, heart beats, running through the woods.... I never listen to track two without listening to it's intro first. Also having two suitable, somewhat eerie interlude tracks and seven "normal" songs, the blend of techniques used to capture attention are MORE than successful.

This CD is rich and powerful. Unlike many other black metal bands, Carach Angren sticks out as being very unique in the sense that they have an extremely crisp, clean, glow in the recording quality. Peaceful or absent at times, the drumming is creative and consistent with the other instruments. Although four of the ten tracks start with blast beats, they never go overboard to destroy the music. There are many strong synths and heavy, sometimes electrocuting guitars. By electrocuting, I mean that it sounds as if someone is being shocked by an electrical box (the last minute in Phobic Shadows And Moonlit Meadows). The mixing gives all instruments their moments to shine, especially the keyboards.

Carach Angren follows one specific theme/legend/story per disc, mostly revolving around supernatural matters. Lammendam's theme is of a "whoreish", two-timing woman before the time of the French Revolution, her ghost's process of forming, and the aftermath of these events. You will hear Lammendam's ghost-like features in parts throughout the album. "Hexed Melting Flesh", a two minute interlude gives the disc a nice fulfilling feeling of terror. Aggressive monologue, burning flames, the sound of a woman coughing faintly in the distance.... Then, screams! This track could also be perceived as an intro for the next song "The Carraige Wheel Murder", which also has some interesting play time around the 2:30 mark.

This frightful exciting sound has caused me to actually have trouble sleeping on more than one occasion, waking up with some of these melodies in my head. Upon wakening, I realize getting up and putting on "Haunting Echoes From The Seventeenth Century" would be a much better alternative than sleeping. This track is probably my most favorite due to the piercing keyboard riffs, (which many times make me feel as if I am falling into the music), the background choir, and the innovative, roller coaster feeling of the guitars. Although the songs are generally quite heavy and the vocalist, Seregor, sounds as if he is giving his throat a good raspy tear, many of the riffs are rather catchy. After a good listen, it is not hard to find yourself with something fun stuck in your head.

The lyrics are captivating and quite impressive. The words "ghost" and "soul" are actually defined in the bands own words in "Heretic Poltergeist Phenomena". Descriptively, each song has it's own section of the saga. It is easy to become engulfed in the album's progress and direction. Occasionally Seregor also bursts out in tantrums with his native tongue, Dutch. In fact, the finale track actually has some French in it as well. This adds to the furiousness of the music. With such repulsively gruesome and sadistic lyrics as "He tastes and smells her burning flesh in his most sickening, hypnotic dreams." and "She suffered like a pig, Oh god, I love this tale to tell!" Carach Angren have shown with their debut that they are limitless when it comes to expressing their style.

The swift collaborating on this album still manages to amaze me, even after numerous full-length listens. I find myself getting sucked into this music and although some songs may have to grow on you, after a few plays, every song should just make sense. This album is fucking awesome, and veering quite a bit from your typical black/death metal style, I recommend this uprising feat of a band to all looking for something unique, haunting, and/or symphonic.

Suggested tracks: Haunting Echoes From The Seventeenth Century, The Carriage Wheel Murder, Corpse In A Nebulous Creek