The notorious metal bands of Scandinavia like to think that they have a musical monopoly on inspiring fear, but in the event that you come across this particular brand of egotism first-hand, it’s now obligatory that you interrogate them on their familiarity with composer Pepijn Caudron’s Kreng project. If they aren’t familiar, lend them a copy of Works for Abbatoir Fermé 2007-2011 and observe the entirety of their listening session. Patiently watch as their unimpressive notions of “fear” are upended to the point of voluntary seclusion and… wet pants. Sweet revenge, you arrogant bastards! Here’s a blanket.
Kreng’s prepped a new full-length called The Summoner, and it’s out February 6 on Erik Skodvin’s Miasmah label. The album’s absent many of the unique samples that have adorned his previous work, and while this might inspire a longing for the inherent creepiness of antique lullabies, it’s for the sake of something much more personal: the five (or six) stages of mourning, as a reflection of the unfortunate deaths among Caudron’s close friends over the past year.
Simplified, 12 string players directed to “play around” characterizes the first half. The second half is a bit more ambiguous, but “haunting” seems like a reliable adjective. So on that note, dear god:
The Summoner tracklisting:
01. Denial
02. Anger
03. Bargaining
04. Depression
05. The Summoning (feat. Amenra)
06. Acceptance
• Kreng: https://www.facebook.com/krengmusic
• Miasmah: http://www.miasmah.com