Faith and The Muse – :shoumei:

Releasedate: 06-08-2010; Label: Danse Macabre
By: Nina Mende

Faith and the Muse is an American, underground gothic/darkwave band composed of two musicians, Monica Richards and William Faith. They are well-regarded in the gothic music scene as innovators and icons. Their music encompasses many genres, from folk-style songs to darker compositions. Richards is the primary singer, although Faith sings one or two tracks on each album. Their influences include dark alternative, gothic rock, Celtic, and other folk influences. Welsh and Irish mythology have often served as inspiration to many of the band’s songs. “:ankoku butoh:” is the fifth studio album by Gothic rock band Faith and the Muse. It comprises one CD and one DVD. It was the band’s first release on the Danse Macabre label. The DVD “:shoumei:” was filmed during the tour of “:ankoku butoh:” and includes some extras.

The DVD includes an entire show of Faith and the Muse. Concerts of Faith and TheMuse are very artistic and more of a theater than an actual concert. The music is a little bit creepy and reminds of vampire movies like for example „Queen Of The Damned“. The music sounds like it keeps the devil in disguise with its melodies and is yet creeping up to you from behind. The outfits of the live band are very awesome looking, a lot of effort was put into their details. As well as in the details of the stage decoration and the props they use for their performance. The interesting and slightly odd music is wrapped in an interesting stage performance that makes you forget everything around you and draws your total attention. The music itself is quite fast and could almost be considered as punk music if it didn’t have the creepy music box and oriental melodies in the background. Throughout several songs the lead vocals are sung by a strong female vocalist. Faith and The Muse and this DVD give you goosebumps but is awesome to watch. Check it out!

Tracklist: 01. The Women And The Snow 02. Kamimukae 03. Blessed 04. Battle Hymn 05. Cantus 06. Bushido 07. Nine Dragons 08. Scars Flown Proud 09. Sredni Vashtar 10. Paul Mercer – Solo 11. The Burning Season 12. In Dreams Of Mine 13. Cernunnos 14. Plague Danse 15. Sovereign 16. Annwyn, Beneath The Waves 17. Sparks

Links:
Faith and The Muse MySpace