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Kirlian Camera is undoubtedly a historical and important name in the Italian dark-wave scene: Angelo Bergamini's project has been active since the early '80s and has given us small classics like Eclipse. Das Schwarze Denkmal (1988), Todesengel. The Fall Of Life (1991), Schmerz (1994), true manifestos of a dark and decadent aesthetic rich in gloomy and sepulchral atmospheres. During this period, several singers alternated, among whom I remember the talented Emilia Lo Jacono. Bergamini has always known how to change and shape his creation in controversial albums like the experimental Solaris. The Last Corridor (1995) – where there were avant-garde influences – and the splendid and romantic Pictures From Eternity (1996). Then, with the arrival of the new singer Elena Alice Fossi, there was a shift towards simpler and more accessible solutions, especially starting from the still valid Coroner’s Sun of 2006. The sound remained icy and synthetic but lost, at least in part, originality and a certain dark aura. I admit that I have been increasingly disappointed by the recent albums of Kirlian Camera like Nightglory (2011) and Black Summer's Choice (2013) where, at times, it seemed like listening to the Elena Fossi Spectra Paris project. Unfortunately, this new Hologram Moon is no exception: there is still the ability to create epic and impactful electronic melodies like in “Sky Collapse” – with the participation of Eskil Simonsson of Covenant on vocals – but, in general, there is a perceivable lack of inspiration with too many concessions to soulless electronic pop like in “Polar-lhs,” “Kryostar,” and “Haunted River” while the sensual “Lost Island” and the romantic “The Storm” are two calmer tracks that recall, albeit remotely, certain old and typical atmospheres. There are also two electronic instrumental interludes like “Helium 3” and “Equation Echo 01” which immerse us in sci-fi settings. The closure is entrusted to the faint and melancholic “Traveler’s Testament.” Ultimately, Hologram Moon is another work that confirms the current course of Kirlian Camera, now increasingly distant from the glories of the past. https://kirliancamera.bandcamp.com/album/hologram-moon
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