No matter what genre you inhabit, seven years in music is a long time. When you’re a niche neofolk band it would be easy for your audience to forget who you are altogether. So is the situation inhabited by Germany’s Hekate. The only cure for which is to make a strong statement and grab people’s attention.
Sitting in the ethereal end of the neofolk spectrum ‘Die Welt Der Dunklen Gärten’ blends ambient industrial elements with folk/tribal sounds and a pop sensibility reminiscent of the Projekt Records back catalogue. But the band can still add that apocalyptic element to the sound which is often juxtaposed with more gentle tracks to great effect.
‘Byronic Hero’ is a fine and enticing opener as the lyrics are lifted straight from the quill of Lord Byron himself and married to a fine ethereal backing. Progressing through sensual and pop orientated tracks like ‘Jardin d’Anais’, and ‘In My Garden’ the songs take a more sinister turn on the likes of ‘Sanctus’ and ‘Per Aspera Ad Astra’. The album comes back round to more progressive electronic elements taking centre stage on ‘Die Blau Blume’ before going out on a high with the sumptuous ‘House Of God’.
‘Die Welt Der Dunklen Gärten’ is a strong return from a band that has been away for so long. Each song is well crafted and perfectly mixed, with clear production throughout. While their occasional pop leanings and penchant for the ethereal may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it will certainly appeal to many.
http://www.hekate.info
Sean M. Palfrey
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