Matthew Pursley | Dallas, Texas United States | 11/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a good one, alright! "Das Testement" combines the best features of techno, classical, and religious music. The voice of the main narrator (or is it "chanter"?), though it is not musical, is deep and resonant, capable of either a quiet purr or a full-on Voice o' Doom. The mix of German and Latin lyrics creates an otherworldly feeling, and the choir provides a good balance to the "chanter." The music itself, as I said before, blends classical and techno themes, to the point that (if they are flexible enough) fans of either branch of music should find something here to enjoy. Another thing to note: the entire album has a very Biblical theme. To me, that is icing on the cake. I happen to be a fan of religious music (especially the kind involving a Latin choir). True, I only know a little German, and a smidgen of Latin, but I enjoy it anyway."
A techno masterpiece
Matthew Pursley | 10/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was stationed in the military in Germany for four years and left in 2000. I was recently playing this album for a friend. He was a amazed at the effect of the music--hence my search for this album on the net. I'm glad to see that it is still available.
I bought the album not because I heard it on the radio or in the clubs, but because I saw it featured in a store and was curious after hearing it mentioned on a German radio "morning sermonette" type feature. What luck! This album is stunning. The setting of the Our Father does convey a feeling of doubt and anger--but so does the Book of Ecclesiastes. This is prayer with a passion--so different from some of the insipid mass produced stuff that passes as "Christian music" (with all respect to artists who do try to put some real emotion into their music). The setting of the creation is just plain beautiful. I've played the album so many times that I can recite the beginning of the book of Genesis in German--and I certainly can't in English. One of my favorite albums of all time."
Nothing but the best
Matthew Pursley | 12/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course, nothing ruins a good CD like having to memorize the song lyrics, and my German teacher made us do just that. Oddly enough though, I don't mind. It's still a great album.Seriously, this CD has it all- great music, great lyrics (I should know), a beat that you can feel next door if you turn it up all the way, everything. It's better if you know German, though."
How much better do you get?
Matthew Pursley | 09/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My German teacher brought this in and played it for us and I've been hooked ever since. Mostly I'm not into albums in languages I can't speak, but this is too good to pass up.The lyrics are all Bible verses, including the 10 commandments, the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm (my teacher made us memorize the lyrics to that one).It doesn't come cheap, being an import, but you won't regret your investment. Believe me, in a few days you will be walking through the halls humming the lyrics to yourself."
Truly memorable album......
mechanima | Ireland | 08/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whereby hangs a tale...... I heard this played for someone in a record shop in Zurich Banhof late in 99. The four of us in the shop at the time were stopped in our tracks. We were in a hurry and didn't pick it up. Just meant to later. I left Switzerland before we did, with no idea who it was by, or the title of the album. Back in Ireland I kept hearing "Vater Unser" on a shakey pirate Techno station, with no DJs and no phone number. I have an ultra lo-fi cassette recording of MOST of the song as a result, but still no names. I posted newsgroups to trace it, had a friend in Geneva go into the same record chain with no luck. It took 8 months to track it down, found it by accident in the end. It's worth all the trouble. It IS a stunning and original album. Nothing is lost on the fact that it is in German (which I barely understand). Though the words are respectfully catholic, there is something raw and dark about the presentation that provokes thought. My Uncle, in his 60s, hearing it for the first time now, thinks it is amazing too. I cannot imagine what could ever challenge "Das Testament" as my favourite album of all time."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1