REVIEWS
"(Ancient Delirium) represents Angels Of Venice's finest hour" AND "Ancient Delirium" is a masterpiece of emotion, of an incredible musical depth" AND "Together, (Charles Edward and Carol Tatum) reach a spectacular level of artistic and technical brilliance." ~ Daniela Vorndran, Reflections of Darkness (September 9, 2009)
"Charles Edwards whose intimate, comforting vocals embrace you and will send pleasant shivers down the spine" AND "The more spins I gave it the more I fell in love with this very special liaison of electronics and hand-made, rich acoustic orchestration from all parts of the world, combined with an amazing voice. I can only recommend this album to anyone." ~ Sebastian Huhn, Reflections Of Darkness (September 15, 2009)
Reflections Of Darkness (webzine)
Written by Daniela Vorndran
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
Not just that Florian Ammon, probably best known for his work with U2 and Rammstein, overtook the production of this album -- this extraordinary work was also laced by the voice of Charles Edward, singer with Seraphim Shock, who contributed his expressive, versatile and sensitive vocals.
"Ancient Delirium" is a masterpiece of emotion of an incredible musical depth. As we have come to expect from virtuoso bandleader Carol Tatum, the album comes up with a grand variety of acoustic instruments, blending perfectly with the electronic elements. Still, handmade music always stays the main focus, not another mindless sampling attack - and that's just what makes Angels Of Venice so special.
Stylistically, the album is a voyage that takes the listener to the ealms of gothic, medieval, rock and pop, a mix that throbs
incredibly convincing out of the speakers and, almost unbeknownst to us, ushers in the coming fall. The vocals of Charles Edward are far more than just an addition for Angels of Venice; the singer completes the sound of this spectacular formation. Together, they reach a spectacular level of artistic and technical brilliance.
Let's close our eyes to experience this musical work of art in all its depth -- an album that doubtlessly represents Angels Of Venice's
finest hour.
Written by Sebastian Huhn Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Title: Ancient Delirium
Artist: Angels of Venice feat. Charles Edward
Genre: Electronic / Acoustic
Release Date: 25th September 2009
Label: Accession Records
Album Review
6 Years have passed since the last album ‘Sanctus’ of Carol Tatum’s outlet ANGELS OF VENICE has seen the light of day. Except for a compilation appearance on the third Accession Records sampler in 2006, a collaborative effort with SERAPHIM SHOCK vocalist Charles Edwards, there was nothing new to be heard. But 3 more years later, the project re-emerges from the shadows with a new album, called ‘Ancient Delirium’. For that, Carol Tatum has teamed up with just the sameguy who adds his talents to her new compositions.
The opening ‘(Nag) The Serpent King’ stylishly blends the precision of cutting-edge pulsating electronic rhythms with an oriental murk that is far more intense in the way it oppresses the mind than any other form of darkness could. In-between, the full, warm timbre of Charles Edwards’ vocals drifts away and it seems his words are an echo of the past crossing the abyss of time. The title track reveals a raging soul, and Carol Tatum’s affinity to electric rock guitars. They’re wailing through the composition cutting a swathe, while masterfully played percussions meander around their harshness enveloped by subdued electronic beats and swirling, dark atmospheres. For ‘Friends’, the electronics almost completely disappear and leave the field to a myriad of acoustic instruments, so much tone-colouring is in there it’s incredible. Americana-inspired guitar pla y mixes with a traditionally acoustic style, a sitar comes in, later a violin laments, and world percussions give everything a special rhythm.
Opening with the sounds of the hammer dulcimer is the next song, which is at the same time one of my favourites: ‘Am I Dreaming’, which will take you on a magical journey. You’re going to be floating on a carpet of sustained ambience into a picturesque sunset, and your guide will be Charles Edwards whose intimate, comforting vocals embrace you and will send pleasant shivers down the spine. ‘Ahava’ (the Hebrew word for “Love”) propels with thundering, ritualistic drums, but this is still the most unspectacular thing to mention about this song. It’s coming up with a virtuoso flute showcase that will make your jaw drop to the floor in no time, and strong, in a way summoning female vocals grab you right away to drag you into this ecstatic whirlwind.
With ‘How Can I’, we’re approaching another favourite of mine. It’s opening with a beautiful harp solo, and the harp also is the only company for Edward’s reflective chant before a wall of moody strings unfolds. The song, whenever I’m listening to it, has me thinking of a person walking through a town, his or her little world, for the last time from sunset into the late hours of night. It is, however, not without doubts that this person decided to go away, but it’s a necessary step…or not? Following this reflective journey is the instrumental closing ‘Courtesan Suite’ that with its orchestration evokes the image of a royal caravan travelling through the desert. It is something that is akin to a movie soundtrack piece realized with luxurious instrumental sections and a limitless budget, and I think it’s a brilliant album closer.
The reservations I initially had about this album, because I’m usually not into that world music-tinged stuff really, gave way to sheer excitement. The more spins I gave it the more I fell in love with this very special liaison of electronics and hand-made, rich acoustic orchestration from all parts of the world, combined with an amazing voice. I can only recommend this album to anyone.
ANCIENT DELIRIUM