Blütenasche - Tödliche Schreie (Chapter II)

Goths. A complex species.

When you hear "Darkwave" or "Gothic", you automatically find yourself making comparisons to the "Scale of Goth" - a lesser known, terrifying concept in which there are only two possible subjects.

Subject One - The "Mature" Goth. Likes the more intelligent bands, such as the Cruxshadows, and Diary of Dreams.May be more akin to wearing Red with the Black. They may have a Pagan, or a Wiccan stance, and be fascinated in mythology.

Subject Two - The "Proto-Goth", or "Pseudo-Goth". Likes Twilight. Doesn't listen to anything that doesn't have the lyrics "bloody kisses, fuck, vampire, mirror, razor, lipstick".Sometimes in a different order. Often finds it hard to escape from their Corset. REALLY Likes Twilight. Listens to Blutengel.*

This is exactly why I look at the album by Blütenasche, and really, really hope it manages to bring some freshness to the Genre. I'd love to somehow see something between the two aforementioned scales.

On first glance, I see the one thing I didn't want to see. Everything is in German. Jesus fucking Christ. **

At least, soundwise, this is nothing like the mindless tripe that manifests itself as Gothic Electro these days. "Der Anfang" is a pretty awesome opener, and although it has never been cool, or acceptable for Goths to dance, this might just make them lift their head above the trend-required position of staring at their New-Rocks.

Actually, I think I am being too harsh on the scene, and Blütenasche, in general. Marketing themselves as "Gothic", "Electro", and "Dance", It's clear to me that they wish to enter the world of Electronic music without the pre-mentioned stigmas attached to them. Sorry about that guys.

Nico's vocals are more than acceptable, at least. He does a great job of harsh and deep, without sounding like Chris Pohl.*** Sadly, I cannot comment on his lyrics, because my fluency in German has dwindled since I left school in 2001.

The other member of Blütenasche, Karsten, is responsible for the musical side of the project, and I have to say, on record, that his Synth programming and songwriting skills are very good. For a band that has a name almost identical to "Blutengel", I cannot stress enough how different they sound at times.

Maybe "Darkwave" isn't the preferred way to promote this release to the target audience, but I still feel with the concept, band name and style, it sums it up better than anything else, although I do admit to being rather keen on the Trance elements here.

There is work to be done, without doubt, and you don't really need to know German to be able to translate song titles such as "Die Nacht", and "Panik".

Although this project, on paper, may not stand out as anything original and inspired, I can assure you that musically, there is promise and potential here.

Also, do I question the originality of the album cover? Fuck it, Roses are pretty.
Good work, guys.

* - Only Joking. I love Goths. I fucking hate Twilight though.
** - I also like Blutengel. Although even his fans admit that it's the same formula in a different Cauldron each time.
*** - Complaints to nick@Brutalresonance.com May 03 2011