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Rating: The Dargaard are undoubtedly a very unusual band. From the minds of Tharen and the splendid singer Elisabeth Toriser (both heavily involved in the black metal scene) came the Dargaard project in 1997, characterized by mystical and evocative fantasy atmospheres, symphonic orchestras, female chants, ethereal choruses, and keyboards.
This CD is probably the band's pinnacle of evolution, a unique album, very distant (as are all the works of these artists) from their “homeland”, black metal, except for some growl hints by Tharen. The title track opens the CD with over ten minutes that show how the entire work will evolve. Elisabeth's voice, always sweet and mystical, seems to get lost in the listener's mind, who remains captivated by the brilliance of the piece. The atmosphere is almost dreamlike, and visions of demons, knights, and castles suspended between the mist begin to appear in the mind: it's time for “Bearer of the flame”, a track whose theme is briefly introduced by an acoustic guitar. As the seconds pass, strings enter the scene, marked by steady timpani beats and deep male choruses.
“Niobe” is a decent track, nothing memorable: a piano accompanied by the classic orchestra and a recited voice at the end. As you continue listening, you realize the beauty of the CD: “Takhsis Dance” seems to evoke court scenes with dances of skilled dancers, bards, and storytellers narrating the legends of Avalon. “Winter”, a track very similar to “Rise and Fall”, which incorporates some natural sounds on the keyboard, “Ave Atque Vale” a very “pompous” track characterized by a strong use of keyboards and choruses. The peak of the CD is reached with “Queen of the Woods”, a track that embodies the entire nature of the Dargaard. Truly splendid are the plucked strings of a lute, Toriser's elongated voice is something spectacular. With “Ancestors of Stone” the concepts of Niobe are repeated. The track flows away with tranquility and sweetness until it reaches the bonus track “The Halls of Dargaard”, one of the best tracks of the CD, closing the work, delicate and particularly sweet. The sounds fade away at the end… and silence returns…
An album undoubtedly splendid, capable of evoking mystical and exciting atmospheres. To be listened to carefully, so as not to miss anything. The lyrics are very well chosen, containing passages in Latin. The only risk is that it might become a bit repetitive on a first listen, for this reason, I suggest evaluating the work only after repeated listens… perhaps in the evening, while reading a good fantasy… with a warm herbal tea, beside the bed…
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Bearer of the Flame (04:50)
Behold the bearer of light
The flame of wisdom
Leader, not servant of a throne
Far beneath the sun
Far beneath the conscious he dwells
Trusting in nothing, leading the blind
Behold the bearer of darkness
The bringer of light
With a crown of sins
Enlightened eyes
Leader, not servant of a throne
Only where darkness reigns
You need a flame as a guide
Behold the bearer of light
The flame of wisdom
Leader, not servant of a throne
Far beneath the sun
Far beneath the conscious surface he dwells
Trusting in nothing, leading the blind
Behold the bearer of darkness
The bringer of flames
Leader, not servant of a throne
With a crown of sins
Enlightened eyes
Bearer of light in a world of blinded ones
09 The Halls of Dargaard (06:04)
I can see whart you see not
Visions milky than eyes rot
When you turn they will be gone
Whispering their hidden song
Then you see what cannot be:
Shadows move where light should be
Death is their curse to the sun
To walk the way they had begun
Out of darkness out of mind
Cast down to the halls of the blind
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