On disc: Madder Mortem

 
 All Flesh Is Grass
  
- Amir Djawadi -
 
 


 
 When Dream And Day Collide
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 

When Dream And Day Collide

(Peaceville Records - 2010)



 
 

 

First of all, Madder Mortem fans will know the title track When Dream And Day Collide from the 2009 album Eight Ways. The EP opens up with the single edit (3:43 min) - and closes with the album version (5:40 min). But the EP offers also 3 previously unreleased songs and a video of the title track. The first in line is Jitterheart which shows the Norwegians emotional, heavy and vanguard. Agnete M. Kirkevaag's vocals fit well, she adjusts to the songs, no matter if they play jazzy passages or just rock. With The Purest Strain they present an up-beat tune with sounds a bit 1930's like, but then they seem to explode and they seem to get lost in the chaos - and return to the opening theme. Quitetude is a slow, atmospheric tune where they focus on the basics - no jazzy or atonal passages.

Well, if it makes sense to release an EP with a song from the previous studio album these days is questionable. As the songs are complex, vanguard and so challenging, it's perhaps a good way to check out the band. If fans of the Norwegian quintet need this one, honestly I can't answer.
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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All Flesh Is Gras

(Century Media - 2001)



 
 

 

Madder Mortem - Never heard about?!? That's possible, but will surely change soon and that's good. Aren't we all feed up with the bands which are fit 100% to one genre? With bands who sound exactly like popular bands to get successful soon? I think the answer is "Yes!" Madder Mortem are different. The band started back in 1993 and after several line-up changed the band found a stable line-up and started as Madder Mortem. It took until 1997 until the band could release their first self-financed MCD. This MCD got the Norwegians some attention and their first record deal. Unfortunately that label went bankruptcy and after a creativity break and a new line-up they signed with Century Media.

It wouldn't be fair to declare their music with labels like gothic or dark metal, too many different influences they include in their sound. From  Black Sabbath, Faith No More up to progressive acts and classic composers.

That probably explains the outstanding style of the Scandinavians. The atmosphere of their music is based on the variably and great sounding voice of front lady Agnete Kirkevaag. Musically she got support from her brother and Eirik Ulvo Langnes at the guitars who play screaming guitar riffs and create dark sounds. The line-up is completed with bassist Pal Mozart Bjorke and drummer Mads Solas. The 9 songs are heavy and powerful, but have also progressive elements. At all it's a very interesting musical constellation and an alternative to the similar sounding majority of bands.

Tempi changes and different moods keep it interesting and keep the attention of the listener. My guess, this band should be able to conquer the hearts of metal and gothic fans with their outstanding and different music style...
 
 










Amir Djawadi
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)


  
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