Genre: Neoclassical / Experimental / Neofolk

Voxus Imp. is a somewhat obscure Heathen music project from Germany. Having released five separate releases Voxus Imp. remains rather underground when compared to some of the better known Heathen music artists operating in the post industrial genre. This may be due to the fact that the bands previous releases have appeared as cassette tapes, vinyl only and CD-R releases. Luckily for those of us who have not been privy to the music of Voxus Imp. the German label Eis & Licht has re-released the 1998 LP titled Idafeld by Voxus Imp. With a proper CD publication on such an established and highly regarded label as Eis &Licht Voxus Imp. is poised to reach a much larger and deserving audience.

The music of Voxus Imp. is deeply rooted in themes of Central and Northern European Heathen spirituality. Drawing upon predominately Nordic and Northern Germanic mythological references Voxus Imp. has created a unique brand of percussion driven neofolk/ neoclassical music that experimentaly combines various musical elements into a powerful and effective musical formula. The music of Voxus Imp. is not pure neofolk nor is it purely electronic. It is not purely medieval or dated nor is it purely modern. Rather than settling upon an established means of expression Voxus Imp. has blazed a trail into new musical territory combining and compiling a wide range of sound and influences. The result is an album of emotionally stirring compositions that retain a deep ritualistic impression while exploring numerous musical tributaries.

The title of the album “Idafeld” is drawn from the Icelandic poem called Völuspá which is taken from the Elder Edda. The “Idafeld” is a term given to a gathering place where the Aesir congregate for counsel and remembrance and to honor the world entwining Midgard serpent.

Idafeld begins with the introductory song “Opfergang.” “Opfergang” begins the album with echoing electronics and mysterious atmospheric sounds that create a sense of mysticism and ritual. A very subdued drum plays sparsely over the music accenting the atmospherics before the music pauses. The pause opens to a sine wave that hovers in the listener’s ears before descending in tone and disappearing out of range. This brief transition is followed by the commencement of orchestral elements in the form of pressing strings and ponderous drums. A choral manipulation is applied along with synthesizers and bells. The effect is one of somber and ritualistic impressionism. The assorted musical elements are harnessed into an effective song that is both neoclassical and electronic in nature. Male vocals join the meandering music singing a chant like song in German while being accompanied by stern drumming. The strong and heroic vocals command a sense of sacral invocation.

“Uruz” is the fourth song on Idafeld. “Uruz” is also the second rune that appears in the ancient and sacred Elder Futhark. “Uruz” symbolizes the primordial energy of life and creation and is also recognized as having healing applications. The rune is often traced back to an ancient animal known as an Auroch or wild oxen that young warriors in ancient times would be tested against in rites of passage. Voxus Imp. musically translates this ancient symbol into a virile song worthy of the runes symbolism. “Uruz” begins with sparse percussion and electronic sounds akin to a bull breathing fiercely through its nostrils. A vision of a great horned oxen pawing at the ground and throwing its head about in defiance is easily envisioned. Dense electronics and mystic atmospherics emerge in a thick swirling squall of sounds. The music and composition is experimental as it progressively evolves and morphs. Numerous layers of sound are combined then disbanded as Voxus Imp. smoothly glides the listener through shape shifting electronics that remain centered around Spartan percussive elements. The success of “Uruz” is based upon Voxus Imp.’s ability to couple electronic sounds and percussion into ritualistic atmospheres. Though the music and recording techniques are modern “Uruz” effortlessly invokes a sense of the ancient rituals and scared practices that we have lost.

“Berserkergang” is the sixth song on Idafeld and it offers a rather gripping perspective on the intriguing subject of the famed berserker warrior. Berserkers are ancient warriors who entered battle nude or clothed only in bear or wolf skins. These fierce warriors where known to enter a trance like state which enabled them to remain unharmed during combat while at the same time they killed untold numbers of the foe. “Berserkergang” begins with a brief spoken word introduction in German. After the introduction fades the sound of lone drum and the howling of wolves is played across a gurgling looped track of what sounds like manipulated wolf baying and barking. The song is deeply ritualistic and for those familiar with the spirit of the wolf and the warrior it is quite effective. Staying true to the Voxus Imp. equation the song transforms once again and the wolf’s howling, drumming, and the psychedelic baying are overtaken by an unsettling electronic drone that ends the song.

“Donarsdagr” is the ninth and final song on the album. “Donarsdagr” remains as eclectic as it predecessors as it begins with male operatic vocals and minor electronic enhancements that are layered over with a German sample that sounds as if it was taken from news reel or radio broadcast. Neoclassical instrumentation reminiscent of a heroic moment in a war film joins the sound collage before the song peaks and breaks apart. After the break vigorous drumming dominates the song supported by electric bass guitar and electronic manipulations. Rigid male vocals recite lyrics in German over the music while a recurring chorus line is repeated after each narrative pause. This second part of “Donarsdagr” is the closest Voxus Imp. ever comes to approaching any kind of traditional song structure.

When I first played Voxus Imp. I knew instantly that Idafeld was a lost orphan that was destined to become part of my music collection. To be quite honest I was alarmed that a band with so much potential and talent working with Heathen themes had somehow missed my attention. If you enjoy percussion driven music and ritual atmospheres laden with Heathen references and mythology then you must find your way to Voxus Imp. Voxus Imp. may be one of the best kept secrets of the post industrial music genre. The music of Voxus Imp. will strike a chord with fans of neofolk music as well as fans of martial orchestral music. Many dark ambient fans might want to explore Voxus Imp. as well. If you are seeking music drenched in dark sacral mysticism that is performed and composed to very high standards then explore the music of Voxus Imp.