Genre/Influences: Epic, experimental, neo-classic, neo-folk, industrial.
Background/Info: Catalonian artist Sathorys Elenorth formed Der Blaue Reiter in 2005. Two albums were released by Caustic Records, one by Ars Musica Diffundere and two albums by Neuropa Records. Three years have passed since the last work. Sathorys Elenorth joined hands again with Swedish artist Cecilia Bjärgö (Sophia, Arcana). Notice by the way the album has been mastered by Peter Bjärgö and that it’s the first album from the band released by Dark Vinyl.
Content: The least I can say is that Der Blaue Reiter is an ‘engaged’ formation or simply a band with a meaning. “United, Yet Divided” sounds as one of the most ‘political’ albums of this Catalonian project. It rapidly creates a link with neo-folk music, but the influences are more diversified while the result is hard to define. From epic- to neo-classical arrangements, from melancholia to overwhelming passages, this work also reveals a kind of dark-wafting sensation. The songs have been sung by both members while sometimes performed as a real duo.
+ + + : There’s an exciting duality between the epic parts and refined, neo-classic driven arrangements. A few guest artists added an extra touch, reflecting the authenticity of the work. Der Blaue Reiter is coming closer to the selected area featuring artists such as Rome and Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio. It’s much more than simply neo-folk, but a truly chemistry between different styles. It sometimes becomes a bit ‘chanson’-like, but I like it. The themes and lyrical content might be interpreted as a bit controversial, but here again this duo first of all is an engaged formation.
– – – : I can’t say there are avoidable track featured here. I personally consider this work as the best album in the list!
Conclusion: On “United Yet, Divided” Der Blaue Reiter has reached a high artistic degree, which makes me easily say it’s the best album from this project thus far.
Best songs: “The Hungarian Revolution”, “United, Yet Divided”, “East And West”, “Prologue.
Rate: (8).
