Genre: Neofolk

01 Doors To Undefeated Violence
02 Carnal Desire
03 Mushrooms
04 My Middle Name
05 Welcome
06 Eosforou Fos
07 Liar...!
08 Eilem A Est Morte
09 Under The Spell
10 The Wind Fairy (Is Dead)
11 August

I do not know much about the music scene in Greece, but if Défilé Des Âmes is anything of an indicator I would like to know more for sure. They a nicely put together, musically tight neofolk group with a veritable orchestra at their disposal. In addition to the basic guitar, bass, and percussion, the band has at different point throughout the album; a mandolin, cello, melodica, French horn, clarinet, recorder, oboe, violin, metallophone, and accordion. Instead of giving this album a clusterfuck sound, all these instruments have come together nice and smooth into beautiful arrangements.

The first two tracks; “Doors To Undefeated Violence”, and “Carnal Desire” have a dreary –spacey sound to them. The second track includes some spoken word quoted from Anton LaVey. Lyrics by LaVey are always a plus to me! I like the third song “Mushrooms” a lot. It has the lines “The first mushroom said Eat Me / The second mushroom said I Am God”. It sounds all mysterious and pretty. Excellent use is made of the horn and clarinet on this track. Track seven “Liar..!” is the standout track on this album. It features Matt Howden of Sieben on violin. This track has an uncomfortable feel to it, like being trapped in a small space with someone you don’t like. Track eight “Eilem A Est Morte” is dedicated to the band Ataraxia. It is a slow and lilting waltz with mandolin and classical guitar. The last track “August” is my favorite on the album. It has an incredibly well played and beautiful violin part, apocalyptic vocals, and psychedelic guitars. A fitting climax to an all around great album.

I liked this a lot. Much of the neofolk I get to hear sounds the same – knock off Death In June or knock off Sol Invictus. This was different. Every song had an individual flavor, and the music was top notch and played well by excellent musicians. The only negative thing I have to say about this album is that I really hate the title “Lust ‘n’ Stone”.