[2010] Urfaust - Der Freiwillige Bettler

The perfect follow-up from Verräterischer, Nichtswürdiger Geist and with hints of Einslieder and the split with Joyless, Urfaust delivers after 5 years without releasing a full length. The duo conformed by IX (vocals, guitar) and VRDRBR (drums) proved that they didn't waste their time. Der Freiwillige Bettler (The Voluntary Beggar in german) is an excellent album, which makes me miss a bit of the orchestral sections in Verräterischer..., but it has some of the melodic side of Einslieder which made that EP so worthy of several listens.
Big favorite of the album: Der Mensch, die kleine Narrenwelt.

Download it here: [320]


Buy it directly from Ván Records here.

[2006] The Gault - Even As All Before Us

The finest work John Gossard was part of, The Gault is the perfect mixture of the subtle beauty and haunting vocals of Amber Asylum with the fierce riffing and despair-evoking melodies of Weakling, in a musical project that can't be likened with any other within its genre. For those unaware of this band which released only this album before splitting, this music will capture you with its unmatched way to channel complex emotions. Only either Amber Asylum, Jarboe or mid-career Swans would come close to the wave of feelings evoked from the 7 songs contained in this album. A big time favorite, and in my opinion an essential listen for every single one of you with a deep interest in music.

Download it here: [320][V0]

Buy it directly from Ván Records here.

[2004] The Ruins of Beverast - Unlock The Shrine

Storytelling in music, in the best way german blackmetallers can achieve it, The Ruins of Beverast is just another gem within the vast BM genre, in which war, decayed citadels and cries of forgotten armies manifest themselves in this album as the sound of ghosts from centuries ago. Few bands of this nature manage to achieve this sort of feeling, and it's no surprise Alexander Von Meilenwald's solo project has gotten so much attention during the last decade, almost even more than the other bands he has been involved with. Percussion, naturally, receive an obvious emphasis in this album, grabbing the attention most of the time, going from slow-paced to furious, war-like blasting.

Download it here: [V0]

Buy it directly from Ván Records here.