Saltatio Mortis – Sturm aufs Paradies

Releasedate: 02-09; Label: Napalm Records
By: Martine Goffard

“Sturm aufs Paradies” is the 8th album of the medieval folk band Saltatio Mortis. The German band which started in 2001, is well known in its genre. After celebrating their 10th year’s anniversary with the DVD pack “10 Jahre wild und frei” out in April, they are back with this new album. So let’s party !

From the moment you click on play, the first thing you want to do is dance, jump, sing ! This album is catchy, enthusiastic and full of rhythm. This is something you just can’t hear sitting at home, you want to hear it live. Like in most medieval bands, the bagpipes are on every song. Now, here, it’s well balanced with the other instruments. They don’t cover all in a big mash of noises. It stays harmonious and leaves you appreciate all the little details, like the sound of the flute or some notes of piano. The singer’s voice also is excellent. It’s powerful, full of emotions and clear enough to make you understand all the lyrics. You can imagine they will make you sing along once live.

“Sturm aufs Paradies” is built like a story, a story about faith in God. In Habgier und Tod, you start wondering if there is something more on this earth. Then you ask yourself who is playing with the dices, what is the taste of the sin. You travel through Hell with Orpheus before following the light to Heaven. A short note on Gott würfelt nicht : this one slows down the pace and is for me the most poignant song on the whole cd. The album ends leaving all the questions opened. The only thing you will remember of all this anyway is to enjoy life as you did now. The lyrics are well written, meaningful but never break the joyful atmosphere.

Despite the bagpipes, this kind of music is closer to the Apokalyptischen Reiter than to In Extremo. It has the ability to make you think about the meaning of life while you’re jumping all around. It shows also something rare today, you don’t need to talk about beer to create fun. It’s fresh, warm, perhaps a bit repetitive but never boring. Let’s click play again !

Line up :
Falk Irmenfried von Hasen-Mümmelstein : Bagpipes, Shawm, Wui
Lasterbalk der Lästerliche : Drums, Percussions, Davul
Magister Flux : Pyrotechnics, Design
Alea der Bescheidene : Vocals, Bagpipes, Didgeridoo, Irish Bouzouki, Shawm, Guitars, Percussions
Bruder Frank : Bass, Chapman Stick
El Silbador : Low Whistle, Biniou, Uilleman Pipes, Bagpipes, Shawm
Samoel : Harp, Guitars
Jean “Tambour” Méchant : Drums, Percussions
Luzi das L. : Bagpipes, Shawm, Bouzouki, Tromba marina

Links:
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