Die Verbannten Kinder Evas- Dusk and Void Become Alive

Artist: Die Verbannten Kinder Evas
Album: Dusk and Void Become Alive
Label: Napalm Records

Translated, Die Verbannten Kinder Evas means The Banished Children of Eve and "Dusk and Void Become Alive" is the fourth release from the side project of Richard Lederer, a.k.a. Protector. As many of you might know, Lederer is one half of the Austrian atmospheric black metal band Summoning. Expecting a sound similar to Summoning, I was a bit surprised when I heard what they actually sound like. Having nothing to do with black metal, this is Neoclassical Darkwave more akin with acts such as Love Is Colder Than Death and Autumn Tears. After a seven year hiatus, DVKE finally released their latest album on Napalm Records. After several problems with previous female singers, Richard enlisted the help of a nineteen year old singer from Greece. Her name is Christina Kroustali and she played a big roll in finally getting this album finished and released. Not only did she have to learn the songs fast, in three days she was able make up for the eighteen month delay on the album caused by former female vocalist Sinem. Christina's operatic vocals are some of the best I've heard and they add a bit of sorrow to the already morose feeling that the music creates. Richard doesn't have very many vocal parts on "Dusk and Void Become Alive", preferring to stick more to the music side of things. The few times you hear his voice it is well placed and reminds me a little bit of Gregorian chanting. Richard's backing vocals and Christina's leads work together very well. Richard's keyboard work and kettle drum samples create an epic atmosphere perfect for the lyrics written by Grigori Petrenko and 16th century English composer, John Dowland. "Dusk and Void Become Alive" is an excellent album and a good variation for those that want something other than your typical extreme metal of choice.