SACRAE SYMPHONIA NO. 1

This is a progression of Am Ende der Welt. But it requires even more trust from the listener that the journey will be great. The previous record had more things to grasp, especially at the beginning. This one has them few and far in- between. Especially after the first few minutes.

The one track we have starts with a screaking noise as if a train makes a sudden stop. These train noises continue to be in the background of the first few minutes of ambience, dominated by synth and guitar soundscapes. At 4.03, a sax is added. The ambience remains.

Then, at 6.40, the furious drumming and bass playing starts. A frantic sax takes centre stage. Here, we are entirely into the sound experience. As we are lifting off. At 9.11, drumming and bass stop and the synth and sax bring back the ambience. Asif we are floating in space. Then, at 10.10, rhythmic drumming and bass playing helps us to go forward, still floating boldly.

At 14.40, the drum and bass stop. We are left floating, symbolized by a synth sound escapes and sax long haul. At 16.00 the different instruments die away gently. Until at 17.05, a bass re-emerges, ever so gently. Around minute 20, the bass and synth become more and more compelling. Something is coming.

Then, at 21.28. The frantic drum and bass are back. The synth soundscapes are similar, but the rhythmic section is going wild. This will also fade away, bringing us back afloat. But not long. Because at 27.40, a rhythmic drum, later accompanied by the bass pushes us forward again. A bit like we saw around 10 minutes. But barely two minutes later, we have the frantic drums and base again. We are at the home stretch though. It's absolutely mesmerizing how Vetle Larsen plays those drums and what Ingebrikt H'ker Flaten does on the base. Bringing the album to a climax.

Then, four minutes to go still, we arrive. The album leaves us with a synth soundscape that slowly fades. Giving us the time to land.

For me, the previous album was more tangible. And though I liked this third instalment of Weserbergland immediately, it took me multiple (six) listens to fully appreciate the work.

Some will call this art for the sake of art. Or closed music. I don't agree. It takes some investment for most, but the reward is great. This is awesome. 5 stars.