Renowned for an intense ensemble of theatrical soundscapes and ghastly storytelling Dutch symphonic black metal act Carach Angren is ready to conquer new acolytes with the latest release “Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten” lyrically centered on tales about a girl playing a little too long with her Ouija board.
Like a cinematic soundtrack the album intro “Opening” perfectly introduces the listeners to an obscure sonic realm with solemn classical orchestrations.
It’s not surprising that “Charlie” relies on haunting themes with nightmarish atmospheres skillfully enhanced by tasteful classical accents and theatrical choirs. The unique creative force can be found in the epic orchestrations as an undeniable sense of grandeur surrounds and adorns the raw black metal guitar riffing that channel old school blackened fury.
On “Blood Queen” the main rhythmic section can effortlessly acquire the traditional thunderous energy of extreme metal but what renders this track particularly interesting is the theatrical extravaganza enhanced by the mournful piano passages, elegant string sections and the sinister narratives.
“Charles Francis Coghlan” has the cold atmosphere of a spooky winter night and focuses more on variegated somber guitar melodies while baroque orchestral arrangements and sophisticated classical string sections deliver poignant theatrical vibes.
“In De Naam Van De Duivel” amplifies ominous vibes and faster blackened guitar driven rhythms. Like in an entertaining operetta charismatic horror style narratives and flamboyant orchestral passages deliver radiant melodic moments as well as loads of haunting atmospheric layers.
Like sparks of insanity crushing black metal guitar riffs lead the way on “Three Times Thunder Strikes” surrounded by subtle darkly cinematic orchestral layers that later evolve into more intricate symphonic tapestries in proper theatrical fashion.
Since they have a lot of creepy stories to tell Carach Angren deserve a wider audience and while the blackened metal moments are certainly well executed and absolutely enjoyable but what makes “Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten” particularly fascinating is the stunning macabre beauty of the orchestral arrangements composed by Clemens ‘Ardek’ Wijers.