Songs of Axieros (Kremasta Nera - Ataraxia)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Kremasta Nera - Ataraxia
Date:	30/01/08 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Distinctive sound, mixing classical and folk influences with a modern touch.

Disadvantages: Songs can be grouped into several styles, without much variation within.

Ataraxia is an inspiring Italian neoclassical group that has been in existence for around twenty years and released a vast array of albums, yet remains hopelessly obscure due to its limited target audience. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The band's music mixes classical symphonic and operatic styles with natural folk and tribal elements, making for an interesting and highly skilled mixture that seemingly aims to unite the world's diverse cultures and mythology, an endeavour enhanced by the mythological lyrical themes, sung by Francesca Nicoli in a variety of languages. Ataraxia's music is incredibly spiritual in intent, even to the extent that their live performances occur in areas deemed to hold spiritual significance, but it can be enjoyed by anyone interested in neoclassical or neofolk, without unnecessary and inaccurate terms such as "dark ambient" being banded about. This isn't ambient music, but a collection of quite different songs striking a balance between folk and classical styles in a minimalist atmosphere.

'The Song of Axieros' sets things up nicely while also serving to ward away any casual listeners who are worried that this really isn't their thing. Nicoli's vocals are almost whispered against a sparse backdrop of soft tribal sounds, and the unison chanting later on is almost scary, but thankfully things pick up in the second song and the music can really begin. 'The Nine Rituals' is the closest thing this album provides to a commercial single, not that something so ludicrous could ever happen, as even in spite the more accessible acoustic guitar, drumming and English vocals, the song still drifts into chant and folk stylings later on, reminding me of a more intense version of the Cure's 'The Hanging Garden.'

The rest of the album flits between Eastern-sounding melodies and vocal performances in the 'Ochram' and 'Therma' section, to more symphonic heights in the orchestral 'Ebur' and the angelic, operatic singing of the excellent title song, 'Efestia' and 'Migratio Animae.' Despite the increased prominence of vocal elements, orchestration or folk instruments in corresponding songs, the atmosphere is maintained throughout and the sound never feels overbearing or contradictory, the perfect fusion of elements finally seeming to come together in songs such as 'Gria Vathra.' This isn't the easiest album to approach, but it's one that rewards the patient listener.

1. The Song of Axieros
2. The Nine Rituals
3. Kremasta Nera
4. Ochram
5. Therma
6. Efestia
7. Ebur
8. Kaviria
9. Fengari
10. Klethra
11. Gria Vathra
12. Migratio Animae
13. Wings (I Had Once)
14. La Fame E La Danza

Summary: Italian neoclassical/neofolk (2007).