Luasa Raelon — Vampyr: Light Of The Beast
For this album Reed quotes references and takes influences from: Arnold Bocklin(death and Symbolism obsessed 18th century Swiss painter), Caspar David Friedrich(18th century German romantic painter who’s most know for his portrayal of contemplative figures silhouetted against night skies, morning mists, barren trees or Gothic ruins) , Lucio Fulci( 80’s Italian gore and at times surreal gothic director), and classic b/w horror movies. And I’ll add another one myself which I feel is a big influence on this album both in the main title theme and at times sonically; Werner Herzog’s take on the vampire film and the sad loneliness of the vampiric character 1979’s 'Nosferatu the Vampyre' which of course featured German often unhinged, but genius actor Klaus Kinski playing the role of Count Dracular with great smouldering bleak intensity, melancholic and lonesome grace.
The album as a whole seems very much about building the tangible feeling of dread filled landscapes, ruined gothic buildings and a feeling of another horrifying reality beyond or between the one we perceive; which of course links nicely into all the above linked influences mentioned above. Each track here is a brooding, horror-filled, misty and musty mix of drifting, at times creepily soured and often analogue sounding synth textures, slowly steel coffin door slamming metallic clanks and reverbs. And all manner flapping, swril, church bell tolling, brooding metallic droning ‘n’ deathly moaning, and general ominous subtle noise making which brings to mind very uneasy and damned landscapes, crumbling buildings and hunched or creepy silhouetted figures.
This album feels more focused on creating a certainly type of horror vibe and chilling linked atmosphere over the whole album, where in the past Luasa Raelon’s releases seemed more about each track on the album creating it’s own independent vibe and feel. Certainly this is Reed most controlled and focused work thus far, and if you enjoy brooding death industrial music laced with dark ambience and horror filled cinematic edges this is a must have item.