I like the way this Bavarian entity entitled their debut 2009 album ‘Hibernation’ and now after an EP ‘Metamorphosis’ have fully woken from their slumber to bring us ‘Ein Wintermärchen.’ You do not really need things translated and if you were in any doubt about the themes here one look at the ice covered mountains on the cover and the various photos of snow clad pine trees inside the booklet should leave you in very little doubt that this is music inspired by the very coldest time of year. It would seem this is the work of one man project Draumar himself, although he is supported by Jay on guitars and Eöl on screams. Having said that this is a largely instrumental affair and said screams are used only fleetingly for effect and the rest of the time we are left to concentrate on chilly ambience.
The album is spaced over 6 tracks simply titled by number and then the title track and plays as one constant over 48 minutes. As we are eased in by slow keyboards I am slightly reminded of James Horner’s Alien main theme or perhaps a John Carpenter score, this is very filmic. Chorals are low in the mix and things are very peaceful and dreamy. We are introduced to incredibly melodic and plaintive piano and this is utilised heavily throughout the entire composition crafting great atmosphere as it draws you into its folds. Nothing is in a great hurry to do anything and the mood is set as nature perhaps slowly comes to life, frozen to the core but just about breathing. More austere keyboard parts are summoned around the swirl of the wind, yes Summoning and even Falkenbach are brought to mind here a bit but it is what sounds like a harp that tinkles away as the music springs into life with those hoary screams, etched in a battle clad fervour and full of anger around the more delicate melodies. Although the screams may have dropped you briefly into a LOTR type scenario the music is quick to chill again and the only thing left to resound is a feel of bleakness and solitude. There are times when the spirit of Burzum is definitely noted by eerie and ghostly keyboards, mournfully enshrouding things in sorrow. There is a sudden explosion and the fact you are not expecting it makes it all the more brutal just like a bit in a horror movie where you are lulled into a false sense of security. Indeed there are a lot of ideas here and this constantly keeps you on your toes, we even get violin at one point adding a new dimension to things.
I have really enjoyed this disc and although it is no doubt a bit of an obscurity it is well worth seeking out. It has made me want to hear previous stuff from the project and I will certainly be looking forward to anything in the future although I somehow do not expect an ode to the summer will be forthcoming. If you are looking for some highly atmospheric, nature inspired and indeed pine scented metal though you should certainly check out the link below;
http://www.myspace.com/draumarambient
