Qntal - Ludwigsburg 2006

Musikhalle, Ludwigsburg, Germany
8th October 2006
Qntal, Unto Ashes

When I saw QNTAL were coming to Ludwigsburg on this Sunday evening in October, I was sure to go there, as I know and like this band for many years now. The Musikhalle is the perfect location for such a concert; it is well restored and looks like one of these small, but very nice old theatre houses, with curtains in red velvet and fine acoustics. So I kind of felt like going to the opera when I arrived, as many of the visitors were in evening dress - only the prevalent color black reminded you of the fact that this was going to be a special evening. The audience was sitting the whole length of the concert, which I don’t appreciate very much, as some of QNTAL’s songs almost invite you to dance along. But first, the visitors were received by UNTO ASHES’ enchanting melodies.

Unto Ashes

The musical ensemble UNTO ASHES from New York City was founded by Michael Laird and Susanna Melendez in 1997. To the present day the band has released five full length albums on the Project label - the latest being "Songs for a Widow" from 2006. UNTO ASHES are Michael Laird, Natalia Lincoln and Mariko. http://www.untoashes.com/    

Music
The sound of UNTO ASHES is a mélange of medieval music, neo-folk and neo-classics. As Black Metal also ranks among the musical preferences of mastermind Michael Laird, another influence can be assumed there. Their compositions are diversified, but always bearing some kind of sadness or melancholy. Mariko’s magical voice guided the listeners through the songs and was masterfully accompanied by her band mates on various instruments. From time to time she stopped singing and let the audience enjoy her violin play. UNTO ASHES did a cover version of QNTAL’s "Frühling" on their 2005 album "Grave Blessings"; to perform this on stage this evening, Michael Popp joined them. 



Performance
Different tones of red, blue and green light conjured a fantastic atmosphere on the stage, just supporting the bands music. Mariko was the central point of their performance, talking to the audience a lot and announcing the songs. From time to time Michael Laird threw in a mostly sarcastic or funny comment. It was nice to watch them play different instruments; sometimes very gentle and lost in reverie, then again full of energy, UNTO ASHES' melodies were perfect to get in the mood for QNTAL.

Rating
Music: 6
Performance: 6
Light: 7
Sound: 8
Total: 6.5




Qntal

In 1991, Ernst Horn and Michael Popp, at that time playing together in the Gothic band DEINE LAKAIEN, have founded QNTAL. Syrah was to be the vocalist of this new band; she was already working together with Michael Popp in the medieval ensemble ESTAMPIE. Eight years after the band's foundation, Ernst Horn left for a new project similar to QNTAL called HELIUM VOLA. At the same time Michael Popp left DEINE LAKAIEN, and since their third album "Qntal III - Tristan und Isolde", the line-up changes are audible. Their sound has become a lot more diversified. This year, their fifth full length album appeared - "Qntal V - Silver Swan". QNTAL are Sigrid 'Syrah' Hausen (vocals), Michael Popp (various instruments, compositions), Philipp 'Fil' Groth (keyboards) and Markus Köstner (live drums). http://www.qntal.de/



Music
QNTAL can be denoted a medieval Electro project. They are masterly combining electronic sounds with medieval tunes and lyrics. Syrah’s unique voice and Michael Popp’s virtuosity concerning the conception of new melodies and his mastery in playing different instruments make their songs a wonderful listening experience. Their lyrics are in different languages like Old and Middle High German, Latin, English or Old French, and they have often been using ancient poems or texts, like the ones from Walther von der Vogelweide.  



Performance
It is always a pleasure to watch especially Syrah with her magnificent charisma on stage. She manages with ease to carry you away, with her fantastic voice and performance, sometimes dreamy, then again full of energy, talking a lot to the audience and obviously enjoying herself up there in front of an enthused audience.  After a few songs, UNTO ASHES joined them on stage and supported them as some kind of little orchestra for the rest of QNTAL’s set. Of course they played songs from their latest release, but also older stuff like "Ad Mortem Festinamus" or "Palästinalied". 

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 7
Sound: 9
Light: 7
Total: 8.1





{jos_sb_discuss:17}