Photo: Kristell In Wonderland
Emerging from the shadows of Brussels, Belgium, gothic rockers Lovelorn Dolls are an act comprised of the enigmatic Kristell Lowagie (lyrics, vocals) and the mysterious Bernard Daubresse (programming, guitars, synth). After a five-year sojourn during which Lowagie delved into the arcane realms of photography and visual art as Kristell In Wonderland, the duo has returned, like forgotten spirits, to haunt our senses once more.
With Deadtime Stories, Lovelorn Dolls invite us into their eerie, enchanting world, a creepy place where shadows dance to Tim Burton-esque visuals. This album thrums with the pulse of guitar-driven fervor, woven with dark, enticing melodies, playful synths that hint at childhood dreams, and the ever-present whisper of industrial undertones. Kristell’s vocals, both haunting and captivating, meld all these elements into a seamless, dark tapestry. The title itself, a cunning play on words, twists the innocence of children’s rhymes into something far more sinister. Each track is a journey through themes of death, endings, shattered dreams, loss, and the seductive dangers of fame. Their sound is a dark concoction, reminiscent of Theatre of Tragedy, Lacuna Coil, and The Birthday Massacre.
The video for Diary of Nothing adds a sprinkle of dark humour, paying a playful homage to The Addams Family. It showcases the turbulent sibling rivalry between Wednesday and Pugsley. Kristell, stepping into the main role, gleefully torments her sidekick—perhaps a whimsical venting of a fifteen-year partnership’s vexations?
“We had a lot of fun creating this video for one of our favorite songs on the album. This song alone sums up the ‘Lovelorn Dolls’ spirit for me,” says Kristell Lowagie.
Watch “Dairy of Nothing” below:
Deadtime Stories is poised to be unleashed upon the world on May 24 via Alfa Matrix / SPLEEN+. The duo has already teased their loyal followers with singles like A Heart Cries, Dream World, and Beautiful Chaos. They’ve also released Deadtime Stories: the Book, a collection of lyrics, whimsical illustrations, and photographs by Kristell In Wonderland, further enriching their dark universe.
The album, brought to life by Maxx Maryan’s magical touch in mixing and mastering, features guest appearances that add new layers to their already rich soundscape. Dero Goi, the former voice of OOMPH!, joins in a spectral duet on Dancing at Your Funeral, a track he co-wrote and co-produced. Meanwhile, American Gothic rapper VVitchboy infuses his unique energy into Death & Glory.
Previously, Lovelorn Dolls released the Beautiful Chaos EP, an ode to love stories twisted by fate.
The Deadtime Stories album will be released on May 24th and will be available on digital platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. It can also be ordered via the label or directly from the artist here.
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