The Dissolution of Eternity

I'm often pretty critical of side projects of this nature done by black metal band members. However, Dargaard is a band that has exceeded all expectations of this type of project. The band has gained recognition well outside the metal underground. This album in particular was even hailed by Orkus Magazine as a "milestone in innovative darkwave".

So how is the music? As you've guessed, it's neo-classical played on synths. The songs generally consist of synth strings, flute, oboe, brass, and some light percussion to move things along. Dargaard differs from some similar acts (Aracna/Dead Can Dance) in that the songwriting itself is very animated sounding. I'd almost refer to it as "cartoony" if there was some way to use that term and have a good connotation. These songs don't conjure up imagery of real musicians standing around playing instruments. The melodies are typically very colorful and instead transport the listener's mind into a fantastic world of the past.

The album begins with a rather long track, As Old As The Bones Of The Earth. Mournful brass and oboe set the stage as the listener is drawn into a medieval fantasy world. This track sets the perfect atmosphere, but drags on a bit too long for a repetitive track that is essentially an intro. As track two begins it's clear that the album is kicking in full force. Haunting piano, pizzicato strings, and harp all build up together in one beautiful melody. All of this is topped by angelic female vocals. This song is a great example of a band taking a repetitive melody and adding just the right touches of variation and breaks to keep it interesting the whole way through.

Track three, A Path in the Dust, is another standout track. Very dramatic strings, timpani and brass create a feeling of movement. This song feels like a true journey to some forsaken location. The enigmatic lyrics add to the atmosphere.

"Beyond every crossing lurks the unknown.
Constantly accompanied by fear and desperation.
They wander the path, where no angel goes."

The album typically continues in this style up until track seven, Fire's Dominion. At this point the intensity rises and the tone becomes quite bombastic and diabolical. After this song, the album slowly lowers its intensity over the next few tracks which become more and more forgiving and angelic. Finally, a lone distant oboe signals in the track Wanderer at the End of Time and the wonderful fantasy world of Dargaard slowly fades out into the distance.