Carach Angren – Franckensteina Strataemontanus

Origin : Netherlands

Genre : Symphonic Black Metal

Release : 2020

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The Dutch symphonic black metal outfit Carach Angren returns with their seventh full-length offering, “Franckensteina Strataemontanus,” a concept album delving into the macabre and ethically ambiguous experiments of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Emerging from the shadows of their previous narrative explorations, this album plunges listeners into a chilling abyss of scientific hubris and existential dread, weaving a tapestry of orchestral grandeur and raw, unbridled aggression. The thematic weight of the album is palpable from the outset, promising a journey through the darkest corners of human ambition and the monstrous consequences that inevitably follow.

Track Analysis:
1. **”The Profane Narratives”**: The album opens with an unsettling, almost theatrical spoken-word intro, laying the groundwork for the grim narrative. This segues into a blast-beat driven onslaught, punctuated by piercing shrieks and a surprisingly melodic, yet sinister, violin melody. The juxtaposition of relentless brutality and melancholic instrumentation sets a potent precedent.

2. **”Operation: Quantum Lock”**: This track showcases Carach Angren’s signature blend of symphonic flourishes and black metal ferocity. The orchestral arrangements are not mere embellishments; they act as integral melodic counterpoints to the searing guitars and guttural vocals. The tempo shifts are dynamic, moving from a mid-paced, almost march-like section to bursts of frenetic energy.

3. **”Kindred of the Dead”**: A more atmospheric track, beginning with a haunting piano melody before erupting into a wall of sound. The vocals here are particularly venomous, conveying a profound sense of despair and rage. The violin returns, this time with a more aggressive, sawing quality that amplifies the sense of torment.

4. **”Cybernetic Nemesis”**: This song leans heavily into the technological and monstrous aspects of the Frankenstein mythos. Electronic elements are subtly woven into the symphonic framework, creating a futuristic, yet decaying, soundscape. The guitar work is sharp and precise, reminiscent of surgical instruments, while the drumming is a relentless, mechanical pulse.

5. **”The Living Machine”**: A standout track that embodies the album’s core concept. The symphonic elements are at their most opulent here, creating a grand, yet unsettling, backdrop for the narrative. The vocal delivery is varied, incorporating spoken word passages that directly address the creation, adding a layer of dramatic intensity. The guitar solo is a virtuosic display of technicality and raw emotion.

6. **”An Impudence to the Holy Books”**: This track is a direct confrontation with the blasphemous nature of Frankenstein’s work. The black metal elements are pushed to the forefront, with a raw, distorted guitar tone and blast beats that feel like a relentless assault. The orchestral passages are more dissonant and foreboding, reflecting the sacrilege being depicted.

7. **”Nameless Scientist”**: A slower, more brooding track that explores the psychological toll on the creator. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the violin melody is particularly mournful. The vocals shift between desperate cries and cold, detached pronouncements, mirroring the internal conflict of the scientist.

8. **”Hanami”**: An unexpected but effective interlude. This track offers a brief respite from the intensity, featuring a more subdued, almost folk-like melody with a prominent violin. It serves as a moment of reflection before the final descent.

9. **”The Awakening of the Monster”**: The album culminates in a grand, epic finale. This track is a sprawling composition, incorporating all the elements that define Carach Angren. The symphonic arrangements are at their most powerful, building to a crescendo of operatic grandeur. The black metal aggression is still present, but it is now tempered by a sense of tragic inevitability. The final moments are a chilling fade-out, leaving the listener with a profound sense of unease.

Conclusion:
“Franckensteina Strataemontanus” is a masterclass in thematic concept albums within the symphonic black metal genre. Carach Angren has meticulously crafted a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and viscerally impactful. The integration of orchestral elements is seamless, enhancing the aggression and atmosphere rather than detracting from it. The production is crisp and clear, allowing each instrument to breathe while maintaining a cohesive and powerful sound. This album is not merely a collection of songs; it is a meticulously constructed sonic journey into the heart of a classic horror narrative, reimagined with a modern, brutal intensity.