Engelsstaub – Seelengeiter (Digital/Vinyl Album – Musique Indépendante Noire)
Now, more than 30 years after their inception and with a remarkable discography to their name, Engelstaub invites us to savor their latest album, “Seelengeiter.” This release feels like an early Christmas gift from Mark Hoffman and Waldemar Zaremba, who, alongside the enchanting voice of Clara Sorace, continue to explore their beloved musical landscapes, seamlessly weaving together elements of Neo-Folk, Ethereal, and Chanson. Engelstaub has maintained their original inspiration, delivering a production that is both aesthetically pleasing and artistically rich. The album features bombastic orchestral percussion that sets the stage for Sorace’s ethereal, celestial vocals, guiding the listener into a space of deep contemplation. Meanwhile, tracks featuring male vocals lean toward a Neo-Folk vibe, and some even embrace pure Chanson. These compositions often crescendo into exhilarating heights, as the haunting harmonies of the female voice evoke the allure of a siren. The artistic vision behind “Seelengeiter” is further enhanced by songs inspired by the poetry of Charles Baudelaire, the evocative imagery of symbolist painter Arnold Böcklin, and the rich textures of Slavic folklore. Engelstaub masterfully translates these diverse influences into a sensitive and captivating musical experience; one that profoundly resonates and uplifts the spirit. Having held great respect for this band’s extensive body of work, I find that more than three decades later, they continue to astonish me with their creativity. “Seelengeiter” is a brilliant album, showcasing exceptional musical gems that will surely leave a lasting impression on listeners. (Rating:9).
Listen to “Sternenlicht”:
About Engelsstaub
Engelsstaub is a German project founded more than 30 years ago and driven by Mark Hofmann and Janusz Zaremba. The band’s music mixes Ethereal, Neo-Folk, neoclassical and Chanson elements, with heavenly female guest vocals as a recurring signature. Their album “Mater Mortis” appeared in 2019.
The album “Seelengeleiter” was released on November 22, 2024 via Musique Indépendante Noire, with guest vocals by Clara Sorace. Its lyrics carry poetic references to Charles Baudelaire, while “Wyspa Umarłych” translates the painting “The Isle of the Dead” into sound and “Lament Rusałki” draws on Slavic folklore. In early 2025, Hofmann and Zaremba discussed the album’s long genesis in the Side-Line interview ‘Standing still really means going backwards’. That album is the release reviewed here.
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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