SYMPHONIC HOLOCAUST

Morte Macabre was a one-shot Swedish Prog supergroup, formed in 1998 by veterans of the Scandinavian scene.It could be also regarded as a collaboration between Anekdoten and Landberk, as Nicklas Berg and Peter Nordins played with the first and Stefan Dimle, Reine Fiske were members of the fading Landberk (later they both joined Paatos).Most unique though was the idea behind the formation of this group, as the goal was to combine their love for Progressive Rock with the dark atmosphere of soundtracks.As a result six soundtrack pieces from horror movies of the 70's and one porn film are covered in Morte Macabre's ''Symphonic Holocaust'', along with two original tracks.The album was originally released on CD and double vinyl formats on the old-school Mellotronen label.

The whole story on ''Symphonic Holocaust'' starts and ends in the hymn to the sound of Mellotron.All members contribute on performances on the mighty keyboard and the liner notes praise the sound of groups like MUSEO ROSENBACH, CELESTE and GRACIOUS, presenting them as leaders of the Dark Symphonic/Progressive Rock sound.''Symphonic Holocaust'' is another chapter in the long story of Mellotron-drenched, haunting Prog albums, borrowing ideas from movies of the past and transforming them into modern, instrumental compositions.Modern is an odd word though, as the extreme waves of Mellotron recall the vintage sound of the past, but there is still a certain ANEKDOTEN/LANDBERK influence in the album, which mixes the intense power of the keyboard's master with the crunchy guitars and the bombastic bass lines.The result is series of tracks full of inner power, dreamy soundscapes, cinematic atmospheres and orchestral themes, based on analog keyboards, as Berg appears to play also some fair amounts of electric piano in the album.Very good and atmospheric music indeed with strong psychedelic vibes at times.Of the two original compositions the 18-min. title track is definitely the one to focus your interest.And that's not only because this is a long, sinister and emphatic piece of Mellotron-driven Progressive Rock, but mostly because ''Symphonic Holocaust'' is a nixe example of early Post-Rock stylings.Powerful guitars and hypnotic rhythmic tones sit next to a majestic Mellotron to offer what I would call a complete KING CRIMSON-ian history and its effects on Prog music.From the early days with the deep Mellotron washes and the mellow climates to the later era with the abstract bass/guitar/drums orgasms, ''Symphonic Holocaust'' catches the vibe of a diverse and unique Prog Rock timeline through the years.

No question, anyone after Mellotron-driven Prog Rock or dark, Symphonic Rock should own this album.Haunting soundscapes meet some elegant, psychedelic soundscapes and pre-Post Rock touches in an album with a nostalgic aura.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.