Curse of the Vampire - Anger & Agony

Title: Anger & Agony
Artist: Curse of the Vampire
Genre: Gothic / Wave
Release Date: 15th September 2008
Label: Self-Released



Album Review

Looking at today’s music scene, lots of voices state there’s no more innovation and that everything’s been there before. Well, that might be right, but does it always have to be innovative and a complete re-invention? Why not taking a genre like the classic Goth Rock and New Wave and bringing it into modern times, especially if it’s so well executed as in the case of the French band CURSE OF THE VAMPIRE.

My first encounter with them was just a short while ago when I as well as other members of our crew were immediately stunned by the enhanced depth of their key textures, the immense nostalgic factor of their guitar and bass work as well as the immense beauty of singer Tony’s voice when they were playing the Gothic Festival in Waregem. It’s the literal icing on the cake, enabling the music to soar on a trajectory pointing right into the depths of your heart and soul. It is inside the thick melancholy of the serene ‘Time’ you want to get lost in. You hardly notice you’re dragged into a world that knows no bright sunlight and which sometimes has threatening undertones in stock for you. ‘Nightmares’ is such an example. The melodic synth work is pushed back to a minimum and alienated guitars dominate atop the drums. But there’s a droning inside that suggests something’s lurking there in the darkness.

Indeed, the bass lines we get to hear now on the next track are like ‘Crawling Snakes’ meandering around the minimalist hypnotic rhythm that is enfolded by a carpet of agony. Once heard, there’s no escape anymore and one dives deep into the shallowness of sinister human emotions. We will be rescued but just to get dipped in a sheer stream of insanely concentrated plaintive soundscapes with ‘The Silence Song’. Honestly, I can’t understand why this band hasn’t got a label deal. It’s a great band that would deserve it more than the myriads of faceless electro bands that seem to get already just by sending in a demo. Check them out and if you like it (And you will) spread the word.