| Artist |
| L'ame Immortelle |
| Title |
| Namenlos |
| Format/Cat |
| CD |
| Label |
| Trisol |
| Style |
| Electro/Gothic rock |
| Date of review |
| 17th February 2008 |
| Reviewer |
| Carl Jenkinson |
| Rating |
| 8.5/10 |
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This latest L'Ame immortelle release has been described by the band's Thomas Rainer as "A step forward with our eyes turned to the past". This is evident in the tracks that see the duo revisiting their electronic roots, alternating to superb effect with the more gothic rock elements that have characterised their more recent works. This is immediately evident as '1000 Voices', which carries on from the epilog-like opener 'Vergessen', gets into its stride with punchy synthetic rhythms & surging sequences immediately make their mark. Add to this possibly the harshest-sounding, EBM-style vocals Thomas has ever done & you have a memorable opener on your hands that promnises that this is going to be another excellent album. And so it proves to be with the music being as powerful, emotive & as hauntingly passionate as ever; indeed, 'Es Tut Mir Leid' is equally angry sounding as both Thomas & Sonia Kraushofer almost spit out the vocals atop a backbone of assertive sequences & thumping rhythms that are augmented by regimented percussion while 'Blutrot', which reiterates the gothic rock moods of their later works, is so full of passion & power it's likely to leave you breathless, as is 'Bleib' which is a typically dynamic rock anthem that the band have made their forte of late. As a distinct contrast 'Behind The Light' is easily the most romantic, sensual track they've ever produced although ther are some darker undertones in the lyrics which actually prevents the track from sounding a touch twee while the shorter interludes prove that they've not forgotten the importance of REAL instruments, with 'Lost' in particular setting an offbeat, melancolic mood. It's this variation that gives the album it's typically 'epic' feel & what makes it sound far longer than its 49 minutes & even if there is still the occasional similarity to Evanescence et al (the piano that forms the basis of 'Requiem', for example) both Sonja & Thomas are such distinctive vocalists & such accomplished artists that they're able to stamp their trademark on each & every track. Moreover, it sees the duo exploring the full range of their musical expression & is their best release for some town on account of that.
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