DAS ICH – Lava (glut)

As I expected, Das Ich renaissance continues strong. Reaching creative zenith after abandoning convoluted trips into their dark psyche on “Anti’ Christ”, Kramm and Ackermann pursue the same path again. Result is even more compact, dense, strong release named “Lava”. And it is burning and rolling, without mistake or regret.

Kramm’s escapades into analog (acoustic) instruments are everpresent, while Ackermann again draws fantastic and apocalyptic pictures. What a wonderful combination! Wagnerian elements, painful choruses and atmosphere of burning chaos – that is Das Ich.

Will their fans from the old days positively react to this streamlined version, that is the only question that remains. Band was revered as an ultimate macabre band, maybe ‘Fieber’ and ‘Tot im Kopf’ will not sit so well with their accelerated (read: club-oriented) pace and down to earth feel. Personally, I find this update mindblowing and move into a right direction. I read somewhere accusations of selling out and becoming a pop band… we are truly a part of a pathetic scene….

Remains only a final comment on “Lava” and Das Ich in general: it is more approachable, more closer to our understanding without loosing ANY of the old dark charm, obscure visions or painful sensibility. Listen to “Sehnsucht” if you need proof! Plain and simple, Das Ich walked out of the dark ages into enlightment era. Make space for them among the proven greats of obscure music, there’s not many left active. It would be a knock-down blow to genuine dark sound if Das Ich ceases it’s existence. They are one of the pillars, true carriers of quality and old school philosophy. Praise and learn.