Carach Angren – Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten

Origin : Netherlands

Genre : Symphonic Black Metal

Release : 2017 (Deluxe Digibox Edition)

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The shadows lengthen and the macabre theatre of Dutch symphonic black metal titans Carach Angren returns with “Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten.” Emerging from the crypts of Napalm Records, this album is not merely a collection of songs, but a meticulously crafted descent into a chilling narrative, weaving tales of spectral waltzes, haunted carnivals, and the lingering echoes of the damned. The band, known for their theatricality and dark storytelling, unleashes a sonic tapestry that is both opulent and unsettling, painting vivid pictures with every crescendo and chilling whisper. This is not background music; it demands an audience, a willingness to be drawn into their macabre vision.

Track Analysis:
“Opening” sets the stage with a haunting, almost music-box-like melody, quickly giving way to a martial drum beat and a sinister, spoken-word introduction that immediately plunges the listener into the album’s thematic core. It’s a prelude of dread, a summoning of the spectral entities that will populate the following tracks.

“Charlie” launches into a furious blast of symphonic black metal. The tremolo-picked guitars are razor-sharp, underpinned by blast beats that feel like a panicked heart. The keyboards are not merely decorative; they are integral, weaving a melodic counterpoint that evokes a sense of deranged revelry, a carnival gone horribly wrong. The vocal delivery shifts between guttural shrieks and a more theatrical, almost operatic narration, painting the portrait of a malevolent entity.

“Pitch Black Box” maintains the aggressive momentum, but introduces a more pronounced gothic influence. The keyboards here are grand and mournful, reminiscent of a haunted ballroom. The interplay between the harsh vocals and the cleaner, more melodic passages creates a powerful dynamic, mirroring the duality of terror and morbid fascination.

“Carrousel” is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. The track begins with a disquieting carousel melody, gradually building with orchestral elements and a driving rhythm. The lyrics, delivered with a chilling sincerity, tell a story of eternal, maddening rotation, a cyclical torment. The guitar solo is not just technically proficient, but emotionally charged, adding a layer of despair to the already bleak soundscape.

“A Beggar at the Feast” offers a slight shift in tempo, leaning into a more mid-paced, almost doom-laden atmosphere. The keyboards here are more subdued, focusing on creating an oppressive sonic weight. The vocal performance is particularly raw and desperate, conveying the agony of exclusion and suffering.

“General” showcases the band’s ability to blend brutal aggression with sophisticated symphonic arrangements. The orchestral swells are powerful and cinematic, contrasting sharply with the raw ferocity of the black metal core. This track feels like a grand, tragic battlefield, filled with the cries of the fallen.

“The Periwinkle” is an unexpected detour, featuring a more melodic and almost melancholic piano introduction before erupting into their signature sound. This track highlights the band’s versatility, demonstrating their ability to craft emotionally resonant passages within their extreme framework.

“Death Wish Grants” returns to the aggressive, symphonic onslaught. The keyboards are again prominent, adding a sense of grandeur and impending doom. The vocal performance is particularly vicious, and the drumming is relentless, driving the track forward with unyielding force.

“The Haunted Diadem” is an instrumental piece that serves as a sonic interlude, a moment of eerie calm before the final descent. The keyboards create a sense of ancient mystery and spectral presence, with subtle orchestral touches adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

“In the Deep of the Woods” concludes the album with a sprawling epic. It combines elements from throughout the album: the aggression, the symphonic grandeur, the theatrical narration, and the underlying sense of dread. The track builds to a powerful climax, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease and a profound immersion in Carach Angren’s dark world.

Conclusion:
“Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten” is a triumphant testament to Carach Angren’s mastery of symphonic black metal. They have not only refined their signature sound but have elevated their storytelling to new heights. The album is a cohesive, thematic journey, each track meticulously crafted to contribute to the overarching narrative of macabre festivity and eternal torment. The production is crystal clear, allowing every nuance of the intricate arrangements to shine through. This is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of sonic detail and lyrical depth with each encounter. Carach Angren has delivered a masterpiece of modern extreme metal, a chillingly beautiful and utterly captivating experience.