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Band: Molllust
Album title: Schuld
Release date: 22 September 2012
Label: Self/Released
Tracklisting:
01. Ouvertüre
02. Sternennacht
03. Alptraum
04. Aufwind
05. Spiegelsee
06. Lied Zur Nacht
07. Puppentanz
08. Tanz des Feuers
09. Erinnerung
10. Schatten
11. Kartenhaus
Making music labeled as opera metal can be a little bit passé, but, there is always a but and German sextet Molllust (yes, with three L-s) can turn around this conviction. It is a very hard job to succeed and make interesting things in this genre, many have tried, but very few of them made something worth of our time. For playing noteworthy operatic metal you must have very talented musicians, good vocalist, interesting compositions, production must be top notch,... and yes, Molllust in my opinion almost reached what is needed. There are still some things that could be done better, but I think that could be excused as this band formed just in 2010 and Schuld is their first studio album to date. Usually this kind of music is created by some kind of guitar virtuoso and at this point Molllust surprise again as all music and lyrics are made by their lead singer and pianist Janika Groß. Maybe also because of this fact the music presented by this band is special, far away from all trends and not at all commercial.
Eleven songs on Schuld are all executed by highly talented musicians. Everything starts with impressive dark intro "Ouvertüre", where you can already find out that the band is not joking, great piano touches, amazing vocals, nice guitar riffs,... What follows with one of the best tracks up here "Sternennacht" is breathtaking. The band doesn't use synths to create the astonishing Baroque kind of atmosphere as they stick to classical instruments like piano, cello, violins and classic metal section with guitar, bass and drums. Classical instruments surprisingly take the leading role, guitar riffs just add a lot of power, together with sometimes almost bombastic drumming and perfect bass lines, which gives the right flow to all the compositions up here. It's a joy to listen those piano touches and dramatical dark cello sound, although Molllust won't be what they are without the exceptional vocalist as Janika is. It is a while since I've heard such a talented opera singer within metal, she has the power, tenderness and she doesn't lose the pace with her soprano, not even in the highest notes. Songs like before mentioned "Sternennacht", "Alptraum", "Spiegelsee", "Lied Zur Nacht" or the last half of "Erinnerungen" are something as the proof of excelence how to mix metal with classical music, then "Puppentanz" is a bit more theatrical tune and it fits good up here, adding some more diversity and making everything vivacious where it's needed. At some points they sound even a bit progressive, if not also avantgardish. Molllust can reach the greatness without unnecessary use of choirs and synthesized walls of sound. Frank Schumacher is top guitarist, his riffs are the right dose of hardness, just listen to the last song up here "Kartenhaus", although I find his tenor vocals on some songs unappropriate, not bad, but his voice doesn't go so well along Janikas amazing soprano.
Molllust are the band recommended for passionate lovers of perfection within the metal music that leans more towards classical and operatic sounds. It's true that sometimes they can became a bit monotone if you are not in the right mood, so I suspect that a lot of typical metal heads and gothsters could find this release after a few tracks boring. Nevertheless, I don't even think that Schuld was intended for general appreciation from all fans of the genre, but only from those seeking something special. For me Schuld is a metal album done for lovers of classical music and opera. Just a little bit more of dynamics could bring everything what's needed to become one of the greatest acts in the genre. All lyrics for songs are in German language and I believe that some sangt in English wouldn't hurt, contrary, I would really like to hear them in more international waters. Production is great, you can enjoy each instrument per se, not to mention how amazing the CD digipack looks.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 8/10
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