Albin Julius is undoubtedly a character without compromises. With his creation Der Blutharsch, he was the reference figure of the martial-industrial scene. At the time, he was very passionate about the iconography of the '20s and '30s, which he heavily used in all his records. The Blutharsch albums were characterized by a unique, dark, and dirty sound, an apocalyptic and martial post-industrial that made extensive use of orchestral samples. Some of his works, particularly Der sieg des lichtes ist des lebens heil, are a true apology for Nazism. I know for a fact that some skinheads listened to Blutharsch's music. On the other hand, we are living in a historical period where there is a sort of revival of radical right-wing thought and culture. Just look at the associations (such as those organizing Muay Thai fighting events) that exist in Italy. In a way, Blutharsch did nothing but anticipate some trends that are very popular today. This is a shame and risks overshadowing the music. The talent of Albin Julius is undeniable, as can be heard in his 2 collaborations with Death In June, Take Care And Control and Operation Hummingbird, where his contribution was decisive.
But then something changed in Albin Julius's mind. He abandoned the epic and belligerent aesthetics, elongated the name to Der Blutharsch And The Infinite Church OF The Leading Hand and dedicated himself to the cult of the 13th Floor Elevators and hallucinogenic mushrooms. In reality, the change was already noticeable in the album The Philosopher’s Stone, released in 2007. In this work, the trademark of Blutharsch remains recognizable, made of a martial and compact sound without frills and very effective, energetic and German. In short, for clarity, the form remains unchanged, but the substance of the sounds changes to become decidedly more rock. It is a liquid record, the sounds are expansive, and it seems it was played under the effect of LSD. It brings to mind Amon Düül II of Phallus Dei (the God's Penis) not so much in terms of musical similarity but definitely in spirit. As usual, the tracks have no titles. The initial part is overwhelming in its progression. The voice of Marthynna is possessed while the guitar of Jorg B. is acidic just right. In the central part, the music becomes less explosive. The final track, over 20 minutes long, is pure delirium where the guest Matt Howden's violin stands out. It sounds like the music of a commune of stoners who have overdone it with drugs. This is the starting point of the second phase of Blutharsch. From here on, things will not be the same, although sometimes the vice reappears as on the cover of Sucht & Ordnung depicting a stylized figure with the Celtic cross playing a drum.
Recommended for mental travelers, lovers of acid rock, and phantasmagoric visions. Beyond everything, they are talented and know how to play.
Available on Bandcamp: https://derblutharsch.bandcamp.com/album/the-philosophers-stone.
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