The Death and Rebirth of the Self — Athens-based Darkwavers Kalte Nacht Debut Video for “The Last Breath”

Fading out, I’m breathing wholly

Feel my pulse, I’m moving slowly

In my heart, I’m centered for you

I won’t be the same you knew,

I’ve got to let the last breath, let go

Last Breath ushers in a compelling new chapter for Athens-based darkwave outfit Kalte Nacht, serving as the debut release from their eagerly awaited album Urge. Scheduled to enchant listeners in late spring 2024 through Cold Transmission Music, this hauntingly evocative track emerges as a symbol of solidarity, driven by a rejuvenated sense of purpose and enlightenment, all while cradled in a soft embrace. It eloquently captures the transformative spirit, representing that critical moment of liberation from what once was, standing on the brink of a fresh beginning.

The band waxes philosophical about the concept:

“We rarely think of our breathing, as we trust we will always be able to breathe to stay alive, and somehow, we do it. The same goes for being. We have always known. We will always know how to be. Breathing is automatic. No one thinks to breathe; we just do it. We know.

But one breath from another is never the same. It makes all the difference in being. A short breath comes with running. A deep breath comes with ease.

A last breath comes each time we decide to shed some old skin and make space for something new. Last breaths do signify little deaths.

Little deaths come when we dare to kill old selves, patterns, habits, and just trust. When we let go. When we know what must be done, what must be seen, and what must be told. And they bring with them little births. They make space for the new to come in and heal the old.

If only we could remember how to breathe, we could then just be.”

In the accompanying music video for Last Breath, directed by Adam Csoka Keller, Kalte Nacht takes on the mantle of climate guardians in a not-too-distant dystopian future. They portray the resilience of humanity’s remnants in a world beleaguered by relentless natural calamities. Against the stark backdrop of a city in ruins, the tale unfolds under the watchful eye of a digital, authoritarian regime, where high surveillance is the order of the day.

“Right now, we stand at a collective crossroads,” says the band. “We can choose to reconnect with Nature and each other on a thriving planet for future generations or give in to fear and invite a future dominated by AI and totalitarian models of control. Our individual choices do determine humanity’s direction.”

Watch the video below:

Last Breath features Myrto Stylou on vocals and synths, with Nikos Konstantinidis handling additional synths and programming. The track was engineered and mixed by Nikos Triantafyllou at Sonic Playground, Athens, in 2024, and received additional mixing and mastering from Iraklis Vlahakis.

Find Last Breath on Bandcamp here:

Kalte Nacht, which began as Nikos K.’s solo venture in 2017, quickly expanded into a duo with Myrto Styloy enhancing the project with her vocals. The fusion of dark-wave, urban beats, and atmospheric soundscapes defines their music, characterized by haunting vocals, the warmth of analog synths, and the rhythm of drum machines. Drawing from the vibrancy of the Athenian underground, intimate emotions, and the intricacies of human connections, Kalte Nacht navigates the fine line between the shadows and the light, captivating audiences with their dynamic live shows.

Their journey took a significant leap in March 2020 with the release of their self-titled 8-track album through Geheimnis Records, available in both digital and vinyl formats. The album’s instant popularity led to sold-out copies within the first few months. Their music resonated across Greek and European stages, gracing festivals like Wave Gotik Treffen, Sinner’s Day Summer Festival, and Death Disco Open Air Festival. In March 2021, the digital single ‘Our Moments Are Answers’ marked another milestone, followed by their alignment with Cold Transmission label in May 2022, which saw the release of their debut album on CD.

The journey continues with the release of the digital single “Last Breath,” a prelude to their anticipated album Urge, set for release in late spring 2024 under Cold Transmission.

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