H.E.R.R. - Vondel's Lucifer - First Movement
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This is a CD which will be hard to review. In no way is that caused by the record being dull or extremely uninteresting. Let's just say I don't know how to review theatrical performances, and that's the way you should experience Vondel's Lucifer.
But first - in 1654, Danish writer Joost Van Den Vondel wrote a play titled "Lucifer". It's a play about angels in heaven, their revolt against God and their fall. Naturally, it's about Lucifer's revolt caused by jealousy of God's love to humans and his plans with them. Let's get down to business - the whole album is divided into three parts - the prologue and first three acts. In the prologue, we are introduced to the creation of humans and their fall, a history known to everyone. Want it or not, the Book of Genesis is taught to many during childhood. The first act is more interesting. We get to learn about Apollyon, an angelic messenger and Beelzebub, one of the most powerful angels of God. They, along with another [arch]angel - Gabriel - are nervous because of the position granted to humans by their Creator; Man will most probably rule in Heaven and sit on God's throne in the future. The plot unfolds in the third, this album's culminating act. Lucifer, leader of all angels, mightiest of them all, says that "it's better to be first prince in lower planes of existence than second, third or less, even in divine light". Lucifer decides to gather his allies and revolt against angels obedient to God. Confrontation between good and evil ensues, with Michael observing everything from the shadows - he alone is able to defeat Lucifer and his horde.
The story, as you can see, is very interesting and intriguing, appropriate for a scenario. Basically - it's a scenario, taken straight out of a theatrical play and adapted for music. The main vocalist is once again Troy Southgate, with his fairy British accent. Honestly, I can't imagine anyone better in presenting the gist of this record. It's hard to talk about vocals, because of the structure and concept of this album. Everything's kept in baroque and neoclassical style - which doesn't allow many vocal stunts - unless it's a choir. The entire thing is stylistically adjusted to the essence and year of the original piece's creation, probably because of instruments like flute, accordion and organs. Everyone familiar with previous achievements of H.E.R.R. knows what I'm writing about - not much has changed. Another musical bonus is, without any doubt, the list of guests who lent their voices - among them Richard Leviathan (Ostara), Dev (While Angels Watch), Holger F. (Belborn), Cornelius Mikael Waldner (Sagittarius) and Maria Southgate (HERR/Survival Unit). Each one of them guest stars on the album, lending their voices to characters which I mentioned above.
Allright, here's the most difficult part. I'll try to rate this album, although I think that an objective judgement isn't possible here. First of all, H.E.R.R. is a band which is worth knowing, even if you should start with this album - I don't see any problems with that. It is a very good product, with a unique style, its concept doesn't leave anything to complain about. On the other hand - if you're not a person fluent in English, you'll miss most of the experience it brings. It's more like a soundtrack for a movie, rather than a stand alone album. And one more thing - if you approach content in an appropriate way, the album may become dull over time. After all, how many times can you listen to the same story? Nevertheless - it's an amazing merge of Folk with Neoclassic and Baroque. I recommend it personally!
Tracklisting:
01. Prologue - Innocent Hearts. Untouched By Angels
02. Act I - Of Angels And Men
03. Act I - Gabriel's Proclamation
04. Act I - The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth
05. Act II - Enter Lucifer
06. Act II - First Prince In Some Lower Court
07. Act II - Lucifer's Dream
08. Act II - The Path Of Obedience
09. Act II - Fugegeuer
10. Act II - Spirits' Waltz
11. Act II - To Calm This Restless Discontent
12. Act III - Awake The Stars
13. Act III - Our Bliss Departed
14. Act III - Den Standert Lucifers
http://herr.tegendemuur.nl/
Other articles:
But first - in 1654, Danish writer Joost Van Den Vondel wrote a play titled "Lucifer". It's a play about angels in heaven, their revolt against God and their fall. Naturally, it's about Lucifer's revolt caused by jealousy of God's love to humans and his plans with them. Let's get down to business - the whole album is divided into three parts - the prologue and first three acts. In the prologue, we are introduced to the creation of humans and their fall, a history known to everyone. Want it or not, the Book of Genesis is taught to many during childhood. The first act is more interesting. We get to learn about Apollyon, an angelic messenger and Beelzebub, one of the most powerful angels of God. They, along with another [arch]angel - Gabriel - are nervous because of the position granted to humans by their Creator; Man will most probably rule in Heaven and sit on God's throne in the future. The plot unfolds in the third, this album's culminating act. Lucifer, leader of all angels, mightiest of them all, says that "it's better to be first prince in lower planes of existence than second, third or less, even in divine light". Lucifer decides to gather his allies and revolt against angels obedient to God. Confrontation between good and evil ensues, with Michael observing everything from the shadows - he alone is able to defeat Lucifer and his horde.
The story, as you can see, is very interesting and intriguing, appropriate for a scenario. Basically - it's a scenario, taken straight out of a theatrical play and adapted for music. The main vocalist is once again Troy Southgate, with his fairy British accent. Honestly, I can't imagine anyone better in presenting the gist of this record. It's hard to talk about vocals, because of the structure and concept of this album. Everything's kept in baroque and neoclassical style - which doesn't allow many vocal stunts - unless it's a choir. The entire thing is stylistically adjusted to the essence and year of the original piece's creation, probably because of instruments like flute, accordion and organs. Everyone familiar with previous achievements of H.E.R.R. knows what I'm writing about - not much has changed. Another musical bonus is, without any doubt, the list of guests who lent their voices - among them Richard Leviathan (Ostara), Dev (While Angels Watch), Holger F. (Belborn), Cornelius Mikael Waldner (Sagittarius) and Maria Southgate (HERR/Survival Unit). Each one of them guest stars on the album, lending their voices to characters which I mentioned above.
Allright, here's the most difficult part. I'll try to rate this album, although I think that an objective judgement isn't possible here. First of all, H.E.R.R. is a band which is worth knowing, even if you should start with this album - I don't see any problems with that. It is a very good product, with a unique style, its concept doesn't leave anything to complain about. On the other hand - if you're not a person fluent in English, you'll miss most of the experience it brings. It's more like a soundtrack for a movie, rather than a stand alone album. And one more thing - if you approach content in an appropriate way, the album may become dull over time. After all, how many times can you listen to the same story? Nevertheless - it's an amazing merge of Folk with Neoclassic and Baroque. I recommend it personally!
Tracklisting:
01. Prologue - Innocent Hearts. Untouched By Angels
02. Act I - Of Angels And Men
03. Act I - Gabriel's Proclamation
04. Act I - The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth
05. Act II - Enter Lucifer
06. Act II - First Prince In Some Lower Court
07. Act II - Lucifer's Dream
08. Act II - The Path Of Obedience
09. Act II - Fugegeuer
10. Act II - Spirits' Waltz
11. Act II - To Calm This Restless Discontent
12. Act III - Awake The Stars
13. Act III - Our Bliss Departed
14. Act III - Den Standert Lucifers
http://herr.tegendemuur.nl/
Other articles:
- H.E.R.R. / Der Arbeiter / Storm of Capricorn / Ghost of Breslau - Hopes Die In Winter - 2006-02-04 (Music reviews)
