Theatre’s Kiss, a German project that emerged in 2020, was born out of a desire to blend dark, atmospheric soundscapes with the intensity of metal and the brooding nuances of post-punk and darkwave. Named after the Bauhaus song “Spirit,” Theatre’s Kiss has recently unveiled its LP, “Leidensmelodien / The Dawn of A New Era,” under the banner of Matriarch Records UK.
The enigmatic figure steering this project, known only as ‘Fassse Lua,’ weaves a sonic tapestry of screeches, screams, and influences drawn from doom metal, underpinned by profoundly personal lyrics. Adorned in evocative corpse paint, this Teutonic woodland phantom opts to shroud themselves in mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their dark artistic persona. Drawing equally from Metallica and Selofan as they do Lebanon Hanover, this is not a collection of songs for the fainthearted.
‘Leidensmelodien / The Dawn of A New Era‘ embarks on an introspective journey through the myriad phases of the infamous ‘dark night of the soul.’ It is a turbulent voyage that enthralls as much as it intimidates, crafting a hauntingly beautiful sonic tapestry.
The album commences with the instrumental piece, ‘Downfall.’ It serves as a melancholic prelude, engulfing the listener with a sense of foreboding as they are plunged into an unsettling, almost threatening ambiance. This is quickly followed by the chiming echoes of ‘Schizo,’ a track laden with spectral whispers that reverberate ominously in the silence.
‘Borderpolar’ elevates the feeling of unease, punctuated by sluggish synths and echoes that give the impression of traversing between spectral dimensions. The album continues its spectral journey with ‘Cleansing Ritual,’ a track heavily influenced by Siouxsie and the Banshees, with its spine-chilling guitar work.
The mournful chorus of ‘Petals Covered In Moor‘ marks a return to the phantom screams, playing out against an uncanny soundscape. ‘Imbalance of Love‘ provides a cinematic twist, introducing echoing guitars and soulful wails that transport the listener into a realm reminiscent of David Lynch’s surreal universe.
‘Katharsis’ offers a slight departure from the established tone, featuring an engaging exchange between guitars, reminiscent of an intimate conversation in a foggy glade. This tranquility is temporary, however, as the track plunges headfirst into the heavy guitar stylings typical of metal music.
‘Deepest Fears’ revisits the haunting atmosphere, unveiling a nightmarish tableau accentuated by wailing banshee cries. ‘Darkness Descends‘ is an undeniably gothic number, a dance-friendly piece that nonetheless remains haunted by terrifying whispers and whooshing sounds.
The album concludes with the gloomy ‘Shattered,’ a song that offers a somber and ghostly introspection. As the final notes fade, the listener is left to reflect on the spectral journey they’ve embarked upon, the echoing screams of Fassse Lua not far behind.
Listen to the album below:
The Theatre’s Kiss releases are divided into chapters. The first is called Grief and has the two releases (S/T and Leidensmelodien). Fassse Lua is currently working on a follow-up concept album, ”Marie,” about a Nineteen-year-old girl suffering addiction, a toxic relationship, and self-destructive behavior. He calls this the ‘Solitude Chapter’ that will contain two albums and one EP.
Leidensmelodien was released this year through tapes on the Matriarch Records site.
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