Engelsstaub was formed in 1992 as a solo project by Mark Hofmann (guitars, vocals, programming) and leans toward the ethereal/neo-medieval end of the gothic spectrum. Anno 2024 it’s a real band. It’s the first time I review something from then and was surprised by a message from them, listened to one track and decided to go for it …
With ‘Seelengeleiter’, Engelsstaub once again demonstrate their ability to weave emotional and spiritual themes into a haunting soundscape of dark wave, neofolk and neoclassical elements. The dense, melancholic atmosphere is enriched in a unique way by the touching guest vocals, especially by Clara Sorace and her picturesque spoken language, and hypnotically casts a spell over the listener.
In addition to powerful percussion, acoustic guitars and orchestral elements, a children's choir, broad soundscapes and exotic flutes are also part of the instruments.
Lyrically, Engelsstaub float in surreal realms with poetic references to Baudelaire. The impressive cover, ‘Die Seelen am Archeron’ (1898) by Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl, a classic of black romantic painting, perfectly reflects the profound and captivating mood of the album.
Asphodelila is just like what is written above. The female vocals are mesmerizing (Clara Sorace: approaches Dead Can Dance in a magical way)! I hear a lot of different instruments: a lot of percussion, some guitars, a synth, an exotic flute …
Fading In The Dark starts with an acoustic guitar and a very neofolk minded sound. Elena Borroni’s voice sounds angelic, but is a bit more pushed towards the background. We mostly hear Mark Hofmann’s voice. There are some slices that have a medieval touch. It’s a good song!
Lament Rusałki (The Lament Of Rusalka) it’s a semi electronical track, with some Polish words in it, clearly inspired by Slavic Folklore. Sang by a Janusz (with some vocoder effects on it sometimes). Not bad at all.
Lux Et Veritas mixes neofolk and Dead Can Dance influences. Once again Clara’s vocals are a highlight.
Sternenlicht is a haunting track with electronics but has also a bit of a classical touch and is also soundscape minded, whilst Clara’s vocals are bewitching you.
The Sick Muse is sung by Elena Borroni and Mark, sounds a bit haunted with neofolk touches and nice percussions.
The Truth Lies Beyond starts with an acoustic guitar, Clara’s haunting voice until Mark jumps in. It’s a spooky neofolk song, fitted for dark and cold nights. I cherish the building up of the song.
Silence is a neofolk song mixed with a bit of synth and sung by Mark. Somehow I hear some Flamenco influences too.
Wyspa Umarłych (Isle Of The Dead) is a spoken word done by Janusz (in Polish). I hear some monks chanting, a synth that makes it sound a bit creepy. It’s a strange and sudden ending.
Well I’m happy I went for this one and really got into it. It has been too long since I listened to something that comes close to Neofolk (happy I saw the big names of the scene in the past). I’m sure the fans will be happy with this one, just like me. Another album review showing the eclectic taste of mine.
