Genre: Martial / Ambient / Neoclassical
CD I
(Angelic Torment 10")
01 Angelic Torment 1
02 Angelic Torment 2
03 Dresden
04 Firestorm
(Nacht Fiel Über Gotenhafen 10")
05 act 1
06 act 2
(Oradour Sur Glanes 10")
07 Le 10 Juin 1944 -Le Matin
08 L´arrivee des Allemands
09 Le village
10 Dans L´eglise
11 Le 10 Juin 1944 - Le Soir
CD II
01 Ulrike Meinhof (unreleased)
02 Freie Revolution
03 Stirb und werde
04 December 2004 (unreleased)
05 Schlaflied (unreleased)
06 Summer in Riga V.2 (unreleased)
07 One more dream (unreleased)
08 Fatherless (Atrox remix)
09 We must not fear (Antracot remix)
10 Douaumont (Levoi Pravoi remix)
11 Hadrian´s wall (Hypnoskull remix)
This Dutch based project of Peter Savelkoul is comfortably ensconced as one of the more notable neoclassical-martial acts active today. The first CD of this double CD collection consists of three 10”s originally released on Divine Comedy Records – namely, “Angelic Torment”, (2002) “Nacht Fiel Uber Gothenhafen”, (2003) and “Oradiur Sur Glanes” (2004). These 10”s are conceptually linked under the aegis of “Trilogy of Human Madness”, which is dedicated to the victims of wars and genocides throughout history – of which there are too many to count. The second CD consists of the “Am Ende des Tages Feirn wir Unsere Sieg” EP released on Steinklang Records in 2003, five unreleased tracks and four remixes by Antracot, Atrox, Hypnoskull and Levei Pravoi. I have elected to examine the separate components individually. Those readers who lead hectic lives can skip to the last paragraph – although, of course, it would be better if you didn’t!
“Angelic Torment”
Opener ‘Angelic Torment (Part 1)’ is an extended atmospheric number, built around industrial pounding, with a burst of neoclassic grandeur arriving late and only briefly in the number. At 12 minutes, this is far too long. The second part continues along the same line, but is a busier number that is thankfully shorter and both parts can be seen as components of an overlong intro to the “Trilogy”. “Dresden” is a significant improvement, the whine of a fighter jet heralding the start of a sample laden burst of martial neoclassical. Despite opening weakly, the first chapter end son a high note with less bombastic but more ominous “Firestorm”.
“Nacht Fiel Uber Gothenhafen”The two component parts of the median chapter, imaginatively titled ‘Act I’ and ‘Act II’, each averaging about ten minutes, follow a similar motif of melancholy atmospherics leading to a more bombastic atmosphere before subsiding. It’s more consistent than their previous 10” and lacks the low points – but it also lacks the high points.
“ Oradiur Sur Glanes”
The closing chapter features some of the strongest martial moments, but also the weakest moments since “Angelic Torment.” This is not due to some paucity in song writing skill, but to some cheap sounding and interminably cheesy effects. A similar weakness plagued Von Thronstahl, and was the sole factor preventing it from being one of the martial standards.
“Am Ende des Tages Feirn wir Unsere Sieg”
With a total playing time of less than ten minutes split between two songs, Savelkoul has opted to provide a more atmospheric excursion, which would be apt as a closer to this compilation, in providing a step down, but without losing the integral atmosphere. By itself, it seems an afterthought, something left over from a previous recording.
Unreleased material
“Ulrike Meinhof” opens the second CD, its militaristic drumming and bombast marking it as an obvious contender. “December 2004” is a remarkably sombre neoclassical moment, unlike the previous material but well worth the listen.
Remixes
Horrible. Absolutely horrible. I listened to these once and I won’t be returning to them again. Ever. These four tracks are pure filler designed to flesh out the last CD and the torture inflicted upon the originals is akin to the damage inflicted upon the anus of a newly incarcerated, baby faced man.
Generally, the first CD would have been worth a purchase as a stand alone item. It may not be as brilliant as “Wilhelm Gustloff” but that’s akin to expecting Blood Axis to top “The Gospel of Inhumanity”. The same cannot be said of the second CD; the EP is average in comparison to the trilogy, and the few new songs wouldn’t justify a purchase. If you already own the “Trilogy”, 10’s don’t bother – the unreleased material is not worth it. Those unfamiliar with A Challenge of Honour would be advised to start with the re-release of “Wilhelm Gustloff.”. But for those who are familiar with A Challenge of Honour but do not possess the “Trilogy” series, that will be sufficient to not only justify, but recommend, an immediate purchase.
http://www.heathenharvest.com/article.php?story=20070929212455880