Carach Angren – This Is No Fairytale - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Netherlands

Genre : Symphonic Black Metal

Release : 2015

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Carach Angren, the Dutch symphonic black metal outfit, has consistently carved a niche for themselves with their theatrical narratives and dark, operatic soundscapes. “This Is No Fairytale,” released in 2014, stands as a pivotal work in their discography, presenting a fully realized concept album that delves into the twisted underbelly of classic fairy tales. Eschewing the typical guttural growls for a more pronounced and varied vocal approach, the band weaves tales of horror and disillusionment through a meticulously crafted sonic tapestry, blending aggressive black metal passages with sweeping orchestral arrangements and chilling spoken-word interludes. This album is not merely a collection of songs; it’s an immersive descent into a macabre carnival of childhood nightmares.

Track Analysis:
“This Is No Fairytale” opens with the eponymous track, a cinematic overture that immediately establishes the album’s dark, unsettling atmosphere. A haunting piano melody, reminiscent of a music box gone awry, is soon joined by ominous strings and a subtle, creeping sense of dread. The transition into the first proper song, “The Butcher,” is abrupt yet effective, unleashing a torrent of blast beats and searing guitar riffs. Dennis “Seregor” Mikkelsen’s vocals here are a potent cocktail of sneering black metal shrieks and more melodic, almost spoken-word pronouncements, painting a vivid picture of a monstrous figure lurking in the shadows.

“Charm of the Devil” is a masterclass in dynamic shifts. It begins with a more restrained, almost melancholic passage, showcasing the band’s ability to craft intricate melodies. However, this vulnerability is shattered by an onslaught of furious drumming and biting guitar work, punctuated by chilling choir-like vocalizations. The interplay between the harshness and the grandeur is a hallmark of Carach Angren’s sound, and it’s particularly potent here.

“Golden Scythe” leans heavily into the symphonic elements. The orchestral arrangements are grand and sweeping, creating a sense of epic tragedy. Mikkelsen’s vocal performance becomes more declamatory, like a sinister narrator recounting a grim fate. The track builds to a powerful crescendo, leaving the listener with a sense of awe and foreboding.

“La Valse Dubois” introduces a distinctly waltz-like rhythm, but it’s a distorted, nightmarish waltz. The violins here are not sweet; they are sharp and dissonant, creating a disorienting yet captivating effect. The spoken-word passages are delivered with a chillingly calm demeanor, further enhancing the unsettling nature of the fairytale being subverted.

“Anatomy of a Murder” is a visceral exploration of violence. The riffs are more aggressive and direct, with a driving force that propels the song forward. The symphonic elements are still present, but they serve to amplify the brutality rather than soften it. The vocal delivery is raw and full of anguish.

“This Is Halloween” is a curious inclusion, a nod to the classic Tim Burton film. While it might seem out of place thematically, Carach Angren injects their signature darkness into the melody, transforming a familiar tune into something far more sinister and menacing. It’s a testament to their ability to twist and reimagine.

“The Rat” returns to a more traditional black metal structure, with relentless drumming and tremolo-picked guitars. The narrative here is one of decay and desperation, conveyed through Mikkelsen’s venomous delivery and the bleak, atmospheric passages.

“Because of You” offers a moment of relative calm, or at least a less overtly aggressive one. The piano returns, but this time with a more mournful, elegiac quality. The vocals are more restrained, showcasing a different facet of Mikkelsen’s range. However, the underlying darkness never truly dissipates.

“A Beggar’s Opera” is a sprawling, epic track that serves as a grand finale. It incorporates elements from throughout the album, weaving together the various sonic threads into a cohesive and powerful conclusion. The orchestral arrangements are at their most elaborate, and the vocal performance is a tour de force, a final, desperate plea or pronouncement. The album closes with a fading echo, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

Conclusion:
“This Is No Fairytale” is a triumph of thematic and sonic cohesion. Carach Angren masterfully blends symphonic grandeur with black metal ferocity, creating an album that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally impactful. The conceptual framework, subverting familiar fairytales into tales of dread and horror, is executed with precision and artistry. The vocal diversity, the intricate songwriting, and the meticulous production all contribute to an album that is a definitive statement for the band and a compelling listen for any fan of dark, theatrical metal. It’s an album that demands repeated listens to fully unravel its layers of darkness and despair.