The third album from Traumhaus shows some line-up changes, as only Tobias Hampl (guitars) and Alexander Weyland (vocals, keyboards) are here from the last one. They now have a new member in bassist in Sebastian Klein, along with Stefan Hope who provides additional drum loops alongside guest drummer Jimmy Keegan (Spock’s Beard). I have a major issue with these guys, and it has nothing at all to do with the music, but plenty to do with the artwork! Guys, this is what I expect from an atmospheric Black Metal band, not a progressive outfit that has so many melodies and uplifting sounds (alongside plenty of atmosphere, but not nearly as much as is suggested by the artwork). It is actually hard to read the information inside the digipak and associated booklet as it is so dark, and I worry that people may see this in a CD rack and pass it by.
Now that would be a real shame as yet again Traumhaus have managed to produce a quite exceptional album, interesting in all facets as they move through melodies and styles. Jimmy has provide himself to be a real asset here, driving the music with plenty of rolls around the kit when the need arises, or just a gentle tap of a cymbal here and there to provide the necessary accent. This music can be symphonic or simple, piano or swathes or keyboards, gentle background guitar or full on riffs. The more I have heard from these guys, the more I am incredibly impressed by them. Lyrics are all in German, which allows me treat the vocals as just another instrument, and yet again this really works for them, although the Jimmy’s drumming has lifted them into a new level.
Look past the cover art, and here is an exciting prog rock band who aren’t afraid to throw in a 27 minute long epic, and why not indeed. It doesn’t get much better than this, and the more I play it the more I find to enjoy about it.
