Search - Dargaard :: In Nomine Aeternitatis

Hail the mighty Dargaard

Jahangir Hasan | Santa Clara, CA | 04/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dargaard is a two person outfit from Austria, who are getting probably 1% of the attention and recognition they actually deserve. The band names itself after an ancient mythological stronghold that was cursed for it's knight's failure and forever lies in darkness. Tharen hails from a predominantly black-metal background (Abigor, Amestegion) and Elisabeth Toriser has her share of experiences in black metal bands (Abigor, Antichrisis). The band came together in 1997, and has since put out three great albums.In Nomine Aeternitatis (In the name of Eternity) is the second chapter of, what is collectively called, the Dargaard trilogy. The theme lyrically revolves around the concept of eternity, time and death. It is a mystic art statement that invokes contemplation and fantasizing. There is an omni-present feeling of immense artistic effort towards creating a dark medieval world that bears a history and tale of its own. To this end, some songs are rendered in Latin and ancient Greek with the lyrics being taken from original ancient writings. The opening track on this CD bears lyrics that literally date back to 400 BC. And Elisabeth actually did vocal arrangements and research for the adaptation of the antique lyrics. I would almost liken the trilogy to an epic medieval tale, however being open to individual interpretation of the music, as the lyrics are fairly objective and concise. First, this is not dark wave as some of the reviews here say, there is a plethora of styles within that scene, and yet none can be likened to Dargaard's realm of darkness. And although the musicians are fundamentally black-metal artists, the music is a far cry from metal too (albeit retaining the elements of brooding passionate darkness). In the words of Tharen himself, "call it classical, medieval-influenced ritual music." Most of the music is synth-based and the primary instruments rendered are violins, bass violins, harp, grand pipe organ, chime bells, some wind instruments and a sharp high-bass drum. These elements play the role of the dark ambience that envelopes Elisabeth's divine voice, with nearly all vocals done in female soprano style. The music is sad, epic and haunting all the same and conjures, quoting Elisabeth, "surreal landscapes, the feeling of losing time."The first time I heard this CD it completely blew me away ... and I realized that I had never heard anything that was even remotely like this, neither in style nor in content. The first track opens with a howling wind above which a bell begins to chime, soon Elisabeth's serene voice joins in with funereal sorrow ... you feel a tingle creep up your spine ... and the mood is set for a melancholic medieval requiem mass. The song later picks up tempo with a fast paced violin, dark exploding drums and chimes, and ancient lyrics flow with entrancing vocal majesty. Over the first 6 tracks the music restates its strength and cathartic purpose with many arrangements that will leave you speechless. There are however, a few weak moments in the journey. Specifically tracks #7 and #8 are a bit drawn out, un-exciting and slightly monotonous. I still choose to give them 5 stars because the highest moments on this release rank amongst the best compositions I have ever heard. Tracks that really stand out are #1, #4 and #10. Some tracks display an excellent use of multi-layered structures over the instruments and vocals, best exemplified on track #6. Like many other dark/sad master-pieces (e.g., dance of decemeber ... katatonia) the individual instrument layers are very simplistic, yet their collective impact is truly grand. There is an unmistakable emphasis on drums and bell-chimes as the primary instrument of the darkness. The drum is simply a sharp, single-tone, high bass percussion which is paced out relative to the music and bears almost a ritualistic-call feeling. Both Tharen and Toriser are EXTREMELY skilled artists in their respective departments and they deliver excellent performances. Toriser could very well be one of the best female vocalists in the world. I would have loved to see Tharen contribute a bit more semi-blackmetal styled male vocals.Any listener (no matter what style you like) possessing even a shred of musical aesthetics should be able enjoy this. Fans of dark music (from goth, dark wave, and black metal) should all be able to appreciate this masterpiece for what it is worth. This piece of dark art is worthy of many praises, and of at least the recognition that bands like Opeth get, if not more. Hail the mighty Dargaard !"

SUBTLE DARKNESS ENTWINED WITH HAUNTING BEAUTY

Mr D. | Cave Creek, Az United States | 01/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dargaard consists of two immensely talented artists named Tharen (one name) and Elisabeth Toriser. Tharen is apparently the composer and musician, while Elisabeth is the vocalist and lyricist on her vocals. Their music is dark, symphonic and melancholy and even though there are only two of them, their sound is big and lush. You'd sometimes swear they have an orchestra behind them. Tharen himself describes their music as classical, medieval-influenced ritual music. When I'm in the right mood or if I want background music of substance, there's nothing better than melancholic dark metal and Dargaard. is one of four groups that I associate with this genre. In Nomine Aeternitatis (In the Name of Eternity) is one of my favorites and thanks to Dargaard the music scene has gained a beautiful, well balanced production which evokes a dark ethereal mood in the listener within limits. The listener is saved from the abyss because the atmosphere isn't too insistent and the melodies have an uplifting aura to them. This is not music for the eternally depressed because it is not depressing. Instead I find it to be sad but hauntingly alluring. All the songs are very good so it's hard to pick favorites but if I had to I would select Dark Horizons, Temple of the morning star, Caverna Obscura and In Signo Mortis. These artists hail from Austria a country which has a rich history with beautiful music and it shows. This album is a must for anyone who wants to try Darkwave but not too dark."