Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows
Sanatorium Altrosa (Musical Therapy For Spiritual Dysfunction)

April saw the great return of transgender singer Anna-Varney Cantodea, the sole member of the musical project Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows, with "Sanatorium Altrosa (Musical Therapy For Spiritual Dysfunction)", an EP accompanying the previous release: "Les Fleurs du Mal (Die Blumen Des Bösen)". 

The EP opens with "Consider This: The True Meaning Of Love (Instrumental Version)", a powerful classical track where the strings take the lead. The track, as expected, is well produced and perfectly arranged. Following this, we find one of the few tracks where the majestic voice of Varney makes an appearance, "Architecture II (We Have Erected Walls That Even He Can Never Penetrate)". This track, in line with the spirit characterizing the previous album, carries an unexpected and somewhat comedic finale: Miss Varney's voice becomes softer and sweeter as she sings the chorus "He can make you come, just by looking at you, it is such a rare gift and quite frightening too". However, the presence of a male choir seemingly returns the finale to the solemnity levels of the first track.

"Shave, If You Love Me (Remix)" is the remix of the eleventh track of "Les Fleurs du Mal (Die Blumen Des Bösen)". The track has been mixed with electronics, and Anna's voice underwent sampling. Although there's no need for such a track, it’s easy to listen to before moving on to the next track.

"La Mort D'Arthur (Instrumental Version)" is the instrumental version of the seventh track from the previous album. As you might have guessed, in this EP we find a strong prevalence of instrumental tracks from ""Les Fleurs du Mal (Die Blumen Des Bösen)". This is the only "negative" aspect of this release, as often the absence of Anna-Varney's voice is felt. 

Next, we are called to listen to "Consider This: The True Meaning Of Love (Original Version)", the original version of what will be the flagship track of the entire EP. The powerful classical instruments of the opening track make way for several electronic beats where Anna-Varney navigates effortlessly (remember "La Chambre D'Echo: Where The Dead Birds Sing"?).

"The Conqueror Worm II" turns out to be the instrumental version of "The Conqueror Worm", published in the EP "Flowers in Formaldehyde" of 2004. A choir sings majestically around the middle of the track while the listener is led to imagine Anna-Varney dancing joyfully to the elegant notes of this piece.

After the instrumental version of "In Der Palästra," Anna-Varney captivates the listener with "Collision: You May Lie On Your Back, If You Want To ... Even Close Your Eyes To Sleep". In the track, we find Asian instruments of a fragile presence. This track presents itself as a theatrical piece, but Anna doesn't act, because her words of anger, anguish, and sadness are true. Despite the almost 10-minute duration, this track will delight those fans who love pieces like "The Goat".

After the instrumental versions of "Les Fleurs du Mal" and "Bitter Sweet" (which seem to break the atmosphere created by the previous track), we are faced with the final version of "Consider This: The True Meaning Of Love". Anna-Varney sings furiously and with unprecedented anger on a subject close to him/her: euthanasia and suicide. No one is spared: harshly criticizing false friends, love, doctors who play God, and wondering if she'll ever find someone capable of taking her to the end when the need arises... "because that's what LOVE means to me!!!".

In conclusion, "Sanatorium Altrosa (Musical Therapy For Spiritual Dysfunction)" is an excellent accompanying EP to what was a great album. As one can expect from an artistic genius like Varney, every detail is meticulously crafted to lead the listener into his/her darkest nightmares and terrors.