Der Blutharsch
When Did Wonderland End?

THE REVIEW

When Did Wonderland End? from 2005 marks the turning point for Der Blutharsch. Until then, Albin Julius's machine, a true martial-industrial steamroller panzer, was characterized by a disruptive sound based on orchestral samples, electronics, and songs from the Nazi era. The formula was starting to show signs of fatigue, as with the controversial Time Is Thee Enemy!, adored by some and considered sketchy by others. In any case, in When Did Wonderland End?, the Austrian musician corrected his aim by steering the project towards greater musical immediacy and composing real songs. At the time, the relationship with Douglas P. was not yet compromised (after all, Douglas P. has fought with everyone!). For the occasion, Albin Julius (vocals, synth, percussion) is joined by Marthynna (vocals, percussion), Bain Wolfkind (vocals, guitar, percussion), and the talented Joerg B. (guitar, bass).

The sound of Carillon echoing the famous “Lili Marlene” introduces the album and the beautiful second track (as per Blutharsch tradition, untitled), a bursting march enriched by the violin played by guest Matt Howden. The next track features a nice pulsing post-punk bass and shows us the Blutharsch as accessible, pop, and new wave as they have never been before. The sixth track is a pleasant surprise, a cover of “Frost Flowers” by Death In June from the splendid Take Care And Control from 1998 with Marthynna on vocals, while in the seventh we find the incisive guitar of Joerg. B. as the protagonist. The eighth is a stunning neo-folk piece, while in the ninth we find very “Morriconesque” and western atmospheres. After all, Morricone has always been a point of reference for the neo-folk scene. In the penultimate track, the martial-industrial rhythms return. The real surprise is the final ghost track, a well-played cover but with an unmistakable heavy accent of “La barca” by Adriano Celentano!!! I'm not sure if it’s a tribute or a mockery (I lean towards the latter hypothesis), but it’s all very entertaining.

Starting from the subsequent The Philosopher’s Stone, things will change even further, and Blutharsch will change skin again, embracing decidedly rock sound forms. Available on Bandcamp: https://derblutharsch.bandcamp.com/album/when-did-wonderland-end.