Braving the thorny shutdown of London’s Heathrow Airport a week ago, I recently travelled to Dortmund by way of Düsseldorf on very little sleep. Awaiting an evening in attendance of Austrian Black Metal / Neofolk veterans (and fellow Prophecy labelmates) Dornenreich‘s recent Arcane Ceremonies acoustic tour.
Hosted in the atmospheric surrounds of Dortmund’s Pauluskirche, the Saturday service was certain to be something special, even as we stepped in from the somewhat urban Schützenstraße under fading daylight. The power of church architecture to draw focus away from the mundane and into the spiritual is never to be underestimated. A suitable match for the music of the night.
Sadly, original supports Perchta were unable to make the tour. Instead, we were treated to a captivating performance by fellow Austrians Vinsta. Originally a solo project by Perchta’s dulcimerist Moosemandl, a full band politely stepped up to deliver an acoustic set no less electrifying for the lack of amplification.
With the hammered dulcimer featuring strongly in Vinsta’s compositions, I was taken aback at how such a traditional instrument could sound thoroughly modern in the right hands. Progressive compositions and themes drew my interest, reinforced by tender, delicate violin. A fine replacement indeed.
It has been a long time since I last saw Dornenreich, playing their Black Metal in Bradford back at the turn of the century in support of “Her von welken Nächten”. Impressive enough at the time, it was a very different band that filled the pews tonight.
Older, perhaps wiser, and stripped down to a two-piece, vocalist Evíga was joined by violinist Ínve, and together they held the attention of all in attendance for a time that seemed eternal yet transient.
Performing a selection of reinterpretations from across their three decades of existence, focus was understandably from 2008 folk opus “In Luft geritzt.” Simpler song titles reflecting the intimacy of the evening, and carving their own way in the air.
Although my German skills are rusty these days, it was still enough to be able to follow along. The intent of the music carrying forward across the syntax of language even if the exact words escaped me. Drifting off on hypnagogic waves of emotional rapture, and very much taken through the dream.
Tremendous gratitude to dear friend Méli and family for the invite and ensuring I was well looked after during my all-too brief stay. After a decade of online interaction, it was delightful to finally meet in person, and especially enhance the occasion with fine food, beer, and finer conversation.
I will most definitely return!
