Search - Sopor Aeternus :: Todeswunsch

Spine-tingling, luscious new gothic sound from Germany.

10/21/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, perhaps not so new to the few who found this disk when it was released a year or so ago. Their sound is reminiscent of Italy's odd-ball gothic/operatic group Ataraxia, though folky and metal influenced enough to stand apart. The graphics may be a bit overly dramatic, but put the disk on and it all makes sense. Electronics, acoustics, male and female vocals; folk, rock, metal, classic rock influenced; a melange of weird, dark "stuff" that's too difficult to classify.Yes, the music is a bit cheesey, a bit this and a bit that, but the sound is eclectic, wild and moody, drawing the listener into a dark and creepy place. The band takes cues from divergent sources, including Black Sabbath and Cat Stevens, and makes it their own.It may take a few turns to get into it, but it works its magic eventually. If you can find it, that is."