Andromeda's Echo Station
Reviews, Quotes, Interviews, Articles
"Andromeda can go between both classical and growling, and dialogue. She’s amazing!"
WILLIAM BERGER: AUTHOR, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA NYC IN AN INTERVIEW FOR WOMAN AROUND TOWN
WILLIAM BERGER: AUTHOR, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA NYC IN AN INTERVIEW FOR WOMAN AROUND TOWN
"Tout au long de ce monodrame, la voix de Maria Elena interprétée par la soprano colorature Andromeda Anarchia passe du bel canto à un lyrisme plus expressionniste inspirée par Lulu de Berg voire carrément métal en nous faisant entendre des growls et des screams qui semblent venus tout droit d’outre-tombe ! Une technique vocale saisissante, reprise par le Growler Choir, un chœur américain spécialiste de cette vocalité singulière."
RADIOFRANCE.FR
RADIOFRANCE.FR
"The voices here are really something out of this world. I mean it. Besides all that, vocalist Andromeda Anarchia doesn’t have only an operatic voice, her way of putting her voice is so dissimilar from her peers because she really uses her operatic abilities besides giving them a wicked spirit."
METALADDICTS.COM
METALADDICTS.COM
"The mistress of avant-garde Andromeda Anarchia appears in "Out Of Kilter" with a furious vocal performance - the deep growls drive through the bones..."
DEMONIC-NIGHTS
DEMONIC-NIGHTS
“Within the first 30 seconds of the opening track “Anno Domina,” frontwoman Andromeda Anarchia makes it clear that she is nothing short of a powerhouse, demonstrating a wide vocal range with a sliding scale of high notes that seem to just keep getting higher. Nevertheless, her pitch and breath control are spot-on, never once showing any signs of faltering or wavering in any way. Her seemingly effortless performance is by far the highlight of the entire album, with each new song offering up a new reason for the listener to raise their eyebrows and mutter “Damn, girl!”. As if her singing weren’t already impressive enough, Anarchia also has a variety of harsh vocals in her arsenal as well, switching seamlessly between her trademark operatic belting and high pitched shrieks reminiscent of Fernanda Lira from Crypta, another certified femme fatale. Her vocal gymnastics never cease to impress, with a couple of particular highlights being the layered chorus effect in the third song “Die Unterwerfung” and the extended anguished screams in “Algolagnia.” The woman is a tour-de-force, no two ways about it, a hellcat in nine-inch heels who will purr with contentment as she licks your blood from underneath her fingernails. Like I said, we appreciate a good aesthetic around here.”
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE
“Die Lederpredigt merges tradleaning BM with opera, and sees classically trained soprano – and occasional IT collaborator – Andromeda Anarchia stretched and contorted far beyond what she was so patiently coached to do. While conceptually crazy, the results are brilliantly coherent, with the shearing riffing complemented by a voice that’s by turns soaringly angelic, cruelly playful and pit-dwelling vile. High art, high drama and heavy metal collide brilliantly, making for a debut that’s both galaxybrain smart and knuckledraggingly immediate.”
ALEX DELLER for METAL HAMMER UK
ALEX DELLER for METAL HAMMER UK
"You do not have to speak German to fully enjoy the thrilling ride of “Weibermacht”, where the operatic vocals really are genuinely operatic, and to fully appreciate how they work so well in unison with the brutal death growls in a match made in heaven (or possibly hell)! These polar styles completely complement each other and raise the question: why has no one done this before and if they have, why have I never been told about it?"
FEMALEFRONTEDPOWER.COM
FEMALEFRONTEDPOWER.COM
"A fare, però, la differenza è la voce della cantante, un vero e proprio portento, dotata di un insieme di registri totalmente folli e diversissimi tra loro. Nelle tracce di “Die Lederpredigt”, sentiremo ora Andromeda librarsi nell’aria fino a raggiungere tonalità acute e spettrali, per poi passare al registro lirico, prima di implodere in un ringhiare malvagio degno della più contorta strega maligna. L’effetto è strabiliante, soprattutto grazie alla scelta di melodie vocali totalmente folli, che talvolta si avventurano in un terreno molto vicino alla pura improvvisazione."
METALITALIA.COM
METALITALIA.COM
"This is of course driven by the completely insane voice of Andromeda Anarchia, perhaps the one person in metal today with better hair than myself. Her seemingly impossible range of both clean vocals and growls is stunning. It darts from operatic frills full of elegant poetry to black metal snarls worthy of Darkthrone alongside even more guttural moments that leave you in awe."
TWO GUYS METAL REVIEWS
TWO GUYS METAL REVIEWS
"Vocalist Andromeda Anarchia is an absolute force, going operatic and then digging right into guttural growls within moments, her German feeling like its gnashing your wounds."
MEAT MEAD METAL
MEAT MEAD METAL
"The cornerstone of this curious mix is vocalist, Andromeda Anarchia. Andromeda’s vocal abilities betray belief. You need to hear it for yourself, and then you need to be shown irrefutable evidence this is all one woman – and even then you’d likely refuse to accept it. Passages are sung in beautiful, high flying operatic style – so much so you’d think they were sampled from an actual opera performance – before switching effortlessly to snarled and screeched vocals, the type you’d find coming from some Northern European black metal band. The added element of the songs being in German only adds to the air of exotic and artistic boundary pushing. Andromeda’s vocals really do have to be heard to be believed. This inconceivable clash of operatic and black vocals is more pure and perfect than the human mind could imagine."
THE BAND MAN @DAILY BANDS.WORDPRESS.COM
THE BAND MAN @DAILY BANDS.WORDPRESS.COM
"Voilà, Auftritt Andromeda Anarchia! Die klassische ausgebildete Sängerin des New Yorker Quintetts Folterkammer verkörpert auf deren Zweitling wie keine andere die Herr-scherin und Gebieterin, macht sich und vor allem ihrer Stimme diese Rolle komplett zu eigen, und das über volle vier Oktaven eines dramatischen Koloratursoprans. Richtig gelesen, sie bedient sich in einer Extremmetalband fast durchgehend des Operngesangs, teils äusserst exaltiert und mit Nina Hagen-Rrrrrrrrr, teils klassisch-technisch und zurückgenommen, doch immer leidenschaftlich ausgeführt – wenn sie nicht doch mal growlt, sprechsingt oder schreit (‚Algolagnia’, ‚Venus In Furs’), denn all dies hat sie absolut drauf – bei Andromeda ist der Übergang zwischen hohem Register und spitzem Schrei fliessend, ebenso kann sie im Sekundentakt zwischen Sopran- und Growlstimme wechseln (‚Leck mich’)."
METALLOSOPHY.DE
METALLOSOPHY.DE
„[...] for anyone who considers testing musical boundaries ranging from jazz, through a PJ Harvey indie sound, to extreme metal with a touch of almost everything in between, then yes, this is the most prog album I have listened to for quite some time [...] with DarkMatters, each passage of music, each word, each note, does not feel out of place. What adds to this recording the most, is the honest way it has been presented. If you want to challenge yourself, then I can not recommend this release highly enough.“
STEFAN HENNIG for DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE
STEFAN HENNIG for DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE
"Andromeda Anarchia is establishing herself as an original force in the realm of progressive music, or alternative music, or… actually I’d hate to put this music in a box, because although it integrates many influences from jazz, progressive, rock and even pop, its originality puts it in a genre of its own."
GHOSTLY BEARD for MUSIC TALKS
GHOSTLY BEARD for MUSIC TALKS
"Andromeda Anarchia came into prominence in the extreme metal scene with her guest appearance in Imperial Triumphant's Vile Luxury and then 2020's Alphaville. And while with her project Andromeda Anarchia's DARKMATTERS she explores a progressive verging on an experimental rock sound, her other project Folterkammer follows a much more potent and brutal perspective."
POP MATTERS
POP MATTERS
"And as if it wasn't enough, abrasive vocals of in at least three different registers and variants assail our ears. The style used reminds us very much of the avant-garde persuasion, channeling the dramatic tropes and structures of the genre."
EDEN KUPERMINTZ for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
EDEN KUPERMINTZ for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
"[...] the goliath, penultimate track “The Filth” brings things back into the bizarre depths of blackened death. The track features perhaps the best guest vocals on the album courtesy of Andromeda Anarchia, whose operatic vocals sound like a more restrained and refined version of Diamanda Galás‘s usual stylings."
SCOTT MURPHY for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
SCOTT MURPHY for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
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A selection of print interviews:
Obliveon
Female Fronted Power
Spin Magazine
ChairYourSound
A selection of online articles:
Decibel Magazine (Track Premiere)
Metal Injection (Track Premiere)
Decibel Magazine (Video Premiere)
Metal Sucks (Full Album Premiere)
Invisible Oranges (Track Premiere)
Metal Injection (Matt Bacon's Top 20 Albums 2020)
Obliveon
Female Fronted Power
Spin Magazine
ChairYourSound
A selection of online articles:
Decibel Magazine (Track Premiere)
Metal Injection (Track Premiere)
Decibel Magazine (Video Premiere)
Metal Sucks (Full Album Premiere)
Invisible Oranges (Track Premiere)
Metal Injection (Matt Bacon's Top 20 Albums 2020)
“Weibermacht is an utterly sensational record that has the balls to try something different. An exquisitely powerful yet focused album, Weibermacht is an amazing experience.”
THERAZORSEDGE.ROCKS
"What Folterkammer deliver on Weibermacht is simply fantastic in many ways. It starts with the music (...) Black metal, classical and jazzy sounds are artfully interwoven, which also extends to the vocals (...) These elements create a rather unique wall of sound, which in a weird way sounds like a state opera and an underground club at the same time. (...) Musically interesting and sophisticated? Check. Innovative theme? Check. Not generic? Check, check, double check. (…) Folterkammer produce absolute niche music, but it tastes excellent even without a preference for a "lacquer and leather" mistress in the neck."
SLAM MAGAZINE
“From the moment I heard the first few bars of the opening track my jaw was firmly on the floor, and it didn’t move for the duration of the whole album. For me “Weibermacht” will be one of the albums of the year and has already taken its rightful place near the top of my personal list. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this release to you all!”
FEMALE FRONTED POWER
“An album to believe there is something wicked going on with Black Metal and Classical music. “Weibermacht” is the perfect blend of both plus all the wicked and eerie atmospheres both genres deliver. P.S.: Pay attention the cover of Velvet’s Underground’s “Venus In Furs.” Unbeatable!”
METAL ADDICTS
“Es ist ein grandioses, schillerndes und vielschichtiges Album geworden, das niemals langweilig wird, ein musikalisches Feuerwerk und ein intellektueller Genuß, aber, mindestens genauso wichtig, eine ebenso provokante wie lusterfüllte feministisch-gesellschaftspolitische Platte, der sicherlich noch bis weit über das Jahresende hinaus feierlich gedacht werden wird. Und natürlich warten wir auf eine Fortsetzung, denn die Welt braucht noch viel mehr ‚Weibermacht’!”
METALLOSOPHY
"'Weibermacht' is not just an album; it’s an experience, one that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike, leaving a lasting impression that is hard to shake. Its bold experimentation with style and sound makes it a standout album of the year."
LOTS OF MUZIK
“Awesome!!! By the way, that applies to the whole album.”
TIME FOR METAL
“Une fois la surprise de ses accents théâtraux passée, Folterkammer n’aura aucun mal à nous captiver et à nous maltraiter à sa guise. Weibermacht adopte les codes du Black Metal, du Metal Symphonique et du BDSM pour les nouer avec précaution.”
ACTA INFERNALIS
“Folterkammer’s music likely won’t appeal to wide swaths of the metal world due to its unconventional approach and sound, but those who connect to this are bound to go in hard, because it really is that good. From Anarchia’s mix of operatic singing to her sinister shrieks and the band’s fiery accompaniment, this record will leave listeners quivering, shaking, maybe a little aroused. This is a huge step up from their great debut album, and it’s something that’s going to stick in your sweat and saliva for a long time to come.”
MEAT MEAD METAL
“While bands like Cradle of Filth and Therion have incorporated vocal operatics for decades, none of them have had a singer like Andromeda Anarchia at their disposal. Part Nina Hagen, part Joan Sutherland, part Diamanda Galás, Anarchia’s four octave range really is something to behold as she hits notes with precision and perfect clarity, and conjures tortured, inhuman shrieks like an enraged banshee. (…) Although the market for whips, chains, opera and black metal might be a little niche, the results on
Weibermacht are stunning.”
GHOST CULT MAGAZINE
“Weibermacht is such a step up from the band's debut album. Folterkammer delivers such a unique take on black metal. With the impressive and astounding vocals of Anarchia and the heavy and brutal black metal aggression from the band, this black metal burlesque show is a real treat for the listener. A band pushing what black metal can be, and not putting themselves in a box, which more bands are doing with the genre. I am excited to see where this band goes from here with their sound and their live performance.”
THIS DAY IN METAL
“In conclusion, Weibermacht is an utterly sensational record that has the balls to try something different. Knowing they have guitarist Zachary Ezrin among their ranks, who work is synonymous with Imperial Triumphant and the sender side of extreme metal, I am not surprised with how Folterkammer’s second full length album sounds. This is one of the most unique and captivating albums I’ve heard in some time, and likely will remain in my memory long after this review goes live. There are few comparisons one can make to Weibermacht; it manages to be a thoroughly satisfying black metal record yet still invoke the avant-garde fashion its songwriting vies for. It perfectly embodies the Germanic Expressionism that was so prevalent in the early twentieth century and I can easily imagine this being an alternate soundtrack to Fritz Lang’s own 1927 masterpiece Metropolis, such is the German vibe this record possesses. If Fleshgod Apocalypse is an orchestra, Folterkammer is that European Opera. An exquisitely powerful yet focused album, Weibermacht is an amazing experience.”
THE RAZOR'S EDGE
“’Weibermacht’ de Folterkammer es un disco fresco dentro del Black Metal, donde la personalidad de Andrómeda es fuertísima para darle el sonido que ahora esta banda posee. Lo cual me hace ver nuevamente con buenos ojos al Black Metal este 2024, y no solo con copias de Dissection por todos lados can mascaras o capuchas, o por lo menos no sentir que se están acuchillando con lo depressive o post pop indie black metal. Un disco que sale del molde y hay mucho para explorar, y los posiciona mejor.”
METALLERIUM
“Here's the rub: Weibermacht is actually extremely good.”
DECIBEL MAGAZINE
“If there is one album you must hear in 2024, make it this one.”
THE MISERABLE METAL MIND PODCAST
"This record showcases the heights of art that black metal can achieve!"
METAL DIGEST
"I have to say that this kind of black metal is completely different and it's something extraordinary thanks to singer Andromeda Anarchia alone."
FFM-ROCK
"'Weibermacht' is an album that is unlike anything I've heard before, and in a very positive sense!"
OBLIVEON
“Black metal is expertly blended with classical and baroque to create a unique and compelling musical palette. Anarchia is a powerhouse vocalist who is extremely versatile, displaying glass-shattering operatic soprano alongside melodic singing, harsh growls and spoken word, often using all those styles in a single track […]. Folterkammer are not your typical symphonic black metal band, with Weibermacht showing a unique approach and flawless execution.”
HEAVY MUSIC HQ
“Art? Yes, definitely, both in terms of the songwriting and the passionate performance. "Weibermacht" is very powerful indeed - even if not everyone will like it. But the creators will know that too, and they probably won't care. Because that's the only way to make your thing and a thing like this possible in the first place and also achieve it.”
POWER METAL WEBZINE
“The darkly erotic Weibermacht is the band’s second album, and it’s a breathtaking blend of jagged black metal riffage and piercing operatic vocals.”
THE BEST METAL ON BANDCAMP
“Again, there is not enough praise in the world to give for how special and creatively masterminded the music of Folterkammer truly is. For beautiful songs that are as dark and raw as an old troll’s cave in the winter’s night, Cryptic Rock gives Weibermacht 5 out of 5 stars.”
CRYPTIC ROCK
“Weibermacht (female power) and is classical compositions are well suited to the Germanic tongue that is delivered with such power and authority. It is an album that will leave you reeling with its passion and a sense of vileness and darkness that is inherit within the album complete with “Venus In Furs” from the Velvet Underground as a unique finisher. Breathtaking and containing a vocal performance that needs to be heard to be believed, Folterkammer defy all expectations.”
METAL-ROOS
“It’s fairly dramatic as black metal goes, with a stunning vocal performance switching between snarls and pure opera, and an overall solemn tone, but the rhythms play a big role in alternating between different moods, which shows a very flexible approach to the genre that feels highly refreshing.”
THE METAL DISPATCH (Weekly Rundown April 2024)
THERAZORSEDGE.ROCKS
"What Folterkammer deliver on Weibermacht is simply fantastic in many ways. It starts with the music (...) Black metal, classical and jazzy sounds are artfully interwoven, which also extends to the vocals (...) These elements create a rather unique wall of sound, which in a weird way sounds like a state opera and an underground club at the same time. (...) Musically interesting and sophisticated? Check. Innovative theme? Check. Not generic? Check, check, double check. (…) Folterkammer produce absolute niche music, but it tastes excellent even without a preference for a "lacquer and leather" mistress in the neck."
SLAM MAGAZINE
“From the moment I heard the first few bars of the opening track my jaw was firmly on the floor, and it didn’t move for the duration of the whole album. For me “Weibermacht” will be one of the albums of the year and has already taken its rightful place near the top of my personal list. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this release to you all!”
FEMALE FRONTED POWER
“An album to believe there is something wicked going on with Black Metal and Classical music. “Weibermacht” is the perfect blend of both plus all the wicked and eerie atmospheres both genres deliver. P.S.: Pay attention the cover of Velvet’s Underground’s “Venus In Furs.” Unbeatable!”
METAL ADDICTS
“Es ist ein grandioses, schillerndes und vielschichtiges Album geworden, das niemals langweilig wird, ein musikalisches Feuerwerk und ein intellektueller Genuß, aber, mindestens genauso wichtig, eine ebenso provokante wie lusterfüllte feministisch-gesellschaftspolitische Platte, der sicherlich noch bis weit über das Jahresende hinaus feierlich gedacht werden wird. Und natürlich warten wir auf eine Fortsetzung, denn die Welt braucht noch viel mehr ‚Weibermacht’!”
METALLOSOPHY
"'Weibermacht' is not just an album; it’s an experience, one that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike, leaving a lasting impression that is hard to shake. Its bold experimentation with style and sound makes it a standout album of the year."
LOTS OF MUZIK
“Awesome!!! By the way, that applies to the whole album.”
TIME FOR METAL
“Une fois la surprise de ses accents théâtraux passée, Folterkammer n’aura aucun mal à nous captiver et à nous maltraiter à sa guise. Weibermacht adopte les codes du Black Metal, du Metal Symphonique et du BDSM pour les nouer avec précaution.”
ACTA INFERNALIS
“Folterkammer’s music likely won’t appeal to wide swaths of the metal world due to its unconventional approach and sound, but those who connect to this are bound to go in hard, because it really is that good. From Anarchia’s mix of operatic singing to her sinister shrieks and the band’s fiery accompaniment, this record will leave listeners quivering, shaking, maybe a little aroused. This is a huge step up from their great debut album, and it’s something that’s going to stick in your sweat and saliva for a long time to come.”
MEAT MEAD METAL
“While bands like Cradle of Filth and Therion have incorporated vocal operatics for decades, none of them have had a singer like Andromeda Anarchia at their disposal. Part Nina Hagen, part Joan Sutherland, part Diamanda Galás, Anarchia’s four octave range really is something to behold as she hits notes with precision and perfect clarity, and conjures tortured, inhuman shrieks like an enraged banshee. (…) Although the market for whips, chains, opera and black metal might be a little niche, the results on
Weibermacht are stunning.”
GHOST CULT MAGAZINE
“Weibermacht is such a step up from the band's debut album. Folterkammer delivers such a unique take on black metal. With the impressive and astounding vocals of Anarchia and the heavy and brutal black metal aggression from the band, this black metal burlesque show is a real treat for the listener. A band pushing what black metal can be, and not putting themselves in a box, which more bands are doing with the genre. I am excited to see where this band goes from here with their sound and their live performance.”
THIS DAY IN METAL
“In conclusion, Weibermacht is an utterly sensational record that has the balls to try something different. Knowing they have guitarist Zachary Ezrin among their ranks, who work is synonymous with Imperial Triumphant and the sender side of extreme metal, I am not surprised with how Folterkammer’s second full length album sounds. This is one of the most unique and captivating albums I’ve heard in some time, and likely will remain in my memory long after this review goes live. There are few comparisons one can make to Weibermacht; it manages to be a thoroughly satisfying black metal record yet still invoke the avant-garde fashion its songwriting vies for. It perfectly embodies the Germanic Expressionism that was so prevalent in the early twentieth century and I can easily imagine this being an alternate soundtrack to Fritz Lang’s own 1927 masterpiece Metropolis, such is the German vibe this record possesses. If Fleshgod Apocalypse is an orchestra, Folterkammer is that European Opera. An exquisitely powerful yet focused album, Weibermacht is an amazing experience.”
THE RAZOR'S EDGE
“’Weibermacht’ de Folterkammer es un disco fresco dentro del Black Metal, donde la personalidad de Andrómeda es fuertísima para darle el sonido que ahora esta banda posee. Lo cual me hace ver nuevamente con buenos ojos al Black Metal este 2024, y no solo con copias de Dissection por todos lados can mascaras o capuchas, o por lo menos no sentir que se están acuchillando con lo depressive o post pop indie black metal. Un disco que sale del molde y hay mucho para explorar, y los posiciona mejor.”
METALLERIUM
“Here's the rub: Weibermacht is actually extremely good.”
DECIBEL MAGAZINE
“If there is one album you must hear in 2024, make it this one.”
THE MISERABLE METAL MIND PODCAST
"This record showcases the heights of art that black metal can achieve!"
METAL DIGEST
"I have to say that this kind of black metal is completely different and it's something extraordinary thanks to singer Andromeda Anarchia alone."
FFM-ROCK
"'Weibermacht' is an album that is unlike anything I've heard before, and in a very positive sense!"
OBLIVEON
“Black metal is expertly blended with classical and baroque to create a unique and compelling musical palette. Anarchia is a powerhouse vocalist who is extremely versatile, displaying glass-shattering operatic soprano alongside melodic singing, harsh growls and spoken word, often using all those styles in a single track […]. Folterkammer are not your typical symphonic black metal band, with Weibermacht showing a unique approach and flawless execution.”
HEAVY MUSIC HQ
“Art? Yes, definitely, both in terms of the songwriting and the passionate performance. "Weibermacht" is very powerful indeed - even if not everyone will like it. But the creators will know that too, and they probably won't care. Because that's the only way to make your thing and a thing like this possible in the first place and also achieve it.”
POWER METAL WEBZINE
“The darkly erotic Weibermacht is the band’s second album, and it’s a breathtaking blend of jagged black metal riffage and piercing operatic vocals.”
THE BEST METAL ON BANDCAMP
“Again, there is not enough praise in the world to give for how special and creatively masterminded the music of Folterkammer truly is. For beautiful songs that are as dark and raw as an old troll’s cave in the winter’s night, Cryptic Rock gives Weibermacht 5 out of 5 stars.”
CRYPTIC ROCK
“Weibermacht (female power) and is classical compositions are well suited to the Germanic tongue that is delivered with such power and authority. It is an album that will leave you reeling with its passion and a sense of vileness and darkness that is inherit within the album complete with “Venus In Furs” from the Velvet Underground as a unique finisher. Breathtaking and containing a vocal performance that needs to be heard to be believed, Folterkammer defy all expectations.”
METAL-ROOS
“It’s fairly dramatic as black metal goes, with a stunning vocal performance switching between snarls and pure opera, and an overall solemn tone, but the rhythms play a big role in alternating between different moods, which shows a very flexible approach to the genre that feels highly refreshing.”
THE METAL DISPATCH (Weekly Rundown April 2024)
"Not only is The Suspended Woman a sneak listen into La Suspendida, but a portal into an auditory experience that goes beyond genre boundaries. The Suspended Woman is electrifying as it is extraordinary."
AMPLIFY THE NOISE (2023)
"This groundbreaking concert combines three seemingly different genres into a unique and dynamic sound that will be sure to wow audiences. [...] The exciting performance of La Suspendida will be sure to leave its mark. If I had the chance I would have watched it again and there is so much to absorb."
Concert Review, GHOSTCULT MAGAZINE
"Ein packendes und starkes Debut der Sängerin Andromeda Anarchia, das antreibend und entschlossen wirkt, dann wieder mit inniger Eleganz durch die Lüfte schwebt. Eindrücklich ist ihre Widmung der EP an zwei gegensätzliche Personen des öffentlichen Lebens: an die Künstlerin und Feministin Doris Stauffer (1934-2017) einerseits, den italienischen Basejumper Uli Emanuele (1985-2016) andererseits. Anspieltipp: "Black Tantra".
VEIT STAUFFER for REC REC Record Store in Zürich
“Not content with being part of one of the year's finest, weirdest metal releases, Imperial Triumphant's Zachary Ezrin has also involved himself in one of 2020's most batshit black metal endeavours. Die Lederpredigt merges tradleaning BM with opera, and sees classically trained soprano – and occasional IT collaborator – Andromeda Anarchia stretched and contorted far beyond what she was so patiently coached to do. While conceptually crazy, the results are brilliantly coherent, with the shearing riffing complemented by a voice that’s by turns soaringly angelic, cruelly playful and pit-dwelling vile. High art, high drama and heavy metal collide brilliantly, making for a debut that’s both galaxybrain smart and knuckledraggingly immediate.”
ALEX DELLER for METAL HAMMER UK (2020)
"Not since Reed St. Mark joining Celtic Frost for their landmark LP To Mega Therion has such a formidable Swiss-American metal alliance emerged: Folterkammer, with their debut Die Lederpredigt, bring together Imperial Triumphant guitarist Zachary Ezrin and Swiss vocalist Andromeda Anarchia for black metal with operatic vocals. Ezrin and his band, rounded out by bassist Darren Hanson and drummer Brendan McGowan, play it relatively straight, which gives Anarchia the stage to really go off. She’s in control here, bringing the band to bewildering ecstasies blasting through “Die Elegie” and “Das Gebet,” and she can screech with the best of them too, as “Das Sinngedicht” cuts with a broadsword’s grandeur and a stiletto’s grace. Folterkammer invokes trance-like tremolos like any second wave progenitor, and Anarchia keeps in you awe through the stasis, bliss in suspended animation. Die Lederpredigt is so well-executed, it’s shocking a pairing as simple and natural as this hasn’t had greater precedent."
SPIN.COM
"Every song on Die Lederpredigt could be the backing track for a final boss fight. These songs are composed with perfection in mind, despite drawing from the messy rawness of traditional black metal. The jagged thunder of blast beats and the whirring wind of tremolo bring a sound of utter and complete destruction, but the controlled operatic vocals bring in a blood red drop of beauty to the songs."
MOSHPITNATION.COM (2020)
"Desde cuartetos de barbería, taikos, espléndidas secciones de instrumentos de viento metal, piano, coros y el regreso de Yoshiko Ohara (Bloody Panda) y Andromeda Anarchia, quienes prestan sus demenciales gritos para darle los toques finales a los pasajes más caóticos del álbum, especialmente la performance de Anarchia en el tema “Transmission To Mercury”, el cual sin dudas será el tema favorito de varios que escuchen este disco. Para terminar, cabe destacar la calidad de los covers de Voivod y The Residents, especialmente de este último, ya que captura magníficamente la bizarra esencia de uno de los proyectos más importantes e influenciales de la música experimental."
Ignacio De Vincenzi for RTMB MAGAZINE
"The Residents cover, however, really tops the cake. The Residents are weird as it is, and you can’t help but love their creepy and oddball appeal. Comparing the cover to the original song, Imperial Triumphant keeps the weirdness in “Happy Home,” with the crazy synths, varying vocal melodies, and sound effects, while they all use their heavier sounding instruments and screaming layers to make The Residents sound more brutal."
Stephanie Jensen for OUTBURN Online
"In my opinion Folterkammer are a very great sounding mixture of raw black metal and classical and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this band. Recommended tracks include "Die Hymne" and "Das Zeugnis".
OCCULT BLACK METALZINE
"Cierra “Das Zeugnis”, maravilloso desde la orquestación inicial, pasando por la mejor aria de esta ópera, la buena dosis de golpeo, lamento, rabia y desesperación. Andromeda alcanza su cota más alta en este temarraco de increíble ambientación, que cuando parece que va a cerrar en tono celestial, aparecen esos BURZUM como colofón. Durante la horita de aplausos he mantenido esa lucha interior contra el Golum que todo buen metalero llevamos dentro ante semejantes descubrimientos. Recomiendo encarecidamente esta maravilla de álbum. “Die Lederpredigt” hubiera sido la ópera perfecta en la que trabajar y disfrutar a la vez, en la que FOLTERKAMMER, con respeto al género, se pasa por el forro el protocolo y crea un discazo como una catedral (en llamas)."
NECROMANCE MAGAZINE
"Esta nueva agrupación tiene como fin construir una base musical del helado black metal de de los países altos con un extraño giro de tuerca en el elemento vocal, y es que aquí es donde la cosa se pone interesante pues este proyecto dirigido por el guitarrista Zachary Ezrin de Imperial Triumphant decidió darle vida con una voz que pudiese cantar tanto ópera como escandalosos alaridos del género negro, cortesía de la señorita Andromeda Anarchia que propone darle a la maldad encarnada una cara femenina en este, su debut titulado Die Lederpredigt. Folterkammer es la prueba de que no se necesita traer demasiados elementos a la mesa para poder entregar algo realmente único, dirigiendo una sencilla base de black metal con algunos sonidos externos y dando protagonismo a una polifacética voz para orquestar el sentimiento etéreo del disco demuestra que con los elementos correctos y una pizca de creatividad, se puede ennegrecer el alma, y es por eso que considero a Die Lederpredgit uno de los discos más inmersivos y extraños de a finales del año."
RETUMBA
"Luckily for us, we’re not really forced into a timeframe for making up our top 40, so that’s how “Die Lederpredigt,” the debut record from Swiss-American black metal band Folterkammer, managed to rank so highly. This isn’t a recency thing. We’ve had the music for this record (its title is translated to “The Leather Sermon”) for a few months, and from our first visit with this astonishing display, we were floored. [...] This band is here to scramble your brains and fight back against a power structure that has suffocated too many. The fact they do it in such a savagely gorgeous and spellbinding manner only ups the ante on this great record."
MEAT MEAD METAL
"A fare, però, la differenza è la voce della cantante, un vero e proprio portento, dotata di un insieme di registri totalmente folli e diversissimi tra loro. Nelle tracce di “Die Lederpredigt”, sentiremo ora Andromeda librarsi nell’aria fino a raggiungere tonalità acute e spettrali, per poi passare al registro lirico, prima di implodere in un ringhiare malvagio degno della più contorta strega maligna. L’effetto è strabiliante, soprattutto grazie alla scelta di melodie vocali totalmente folli, che talvolta si avventurano in un terreno molto vicino alla pura improvvisazione. [...] Non a caso, nel brano più lungo e curato a livello di arrangiamenti, “Das Zeugnis”, i Folterkammer trovano la loro dimensione ideale, lasciando sì spazio alle corde vocali impazzite di Andromeda, affiancandola però a partiture marziali, inesorabili ed ipnotiche, che ci mostrano il potenziale di una band su cui poter puntare senza riserve."
METALITALIA.COM
"Andromeda Anarchia came into prominence in the extreme metal scene with her guest appearance in Imperial Triumphant's Vile Luxury and then 2020's Alphaville. And while with her project Andromeda Anarchia's DARMATTERS she explores a progressive verging on an experimental rock sound, her other project Folterkammer follows a much more potent and brutal perspective. Joined by Imperial Triumphant's Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Coffin Sore's Brendan McGowan on drums, and bassist Darren Hanson, Folterkammer aim to re-establish the connection between classical and operatic music with black metal. There is a rich tradition that has seen this alchemical experiment, be it through the majestic landscapes of Dimmu Borgir, the vampiric nightmares of Cradle of Filth, or the early days of the mighty Therion. Still, Folterkammer distance themselves from all these recipes and instead start from scratch, connecting the pensive quality of opera in all its tragic exasperations with the bitter traditional black metal demeanor. The impressive ambiance of "Die Nanie" collapses on the Andromeda Anarchia's cutthroat vocals, while the repetitive riffage and continuing drum pummeling create a circular effect. From there on it is a true theatre of horror guided by Andromeda Anarchia's protean vocals, reaching soprano heights with "Die Hymne", particularly impressive within the pompous orchestrations of "Das Zeugnis'' or enacting a choral symmetry with "Das Gebet". It acts as a counterpoint from the darkness and grim essence of the instrumentation, standing fiercely as the only source of some light within the dim "Die Elegie". Yet, it does not turn the tide for Die Lederpredigt, making sure that the core of the record remains mean, oppressive, and torturous. An intriguing spin on the classical investigations of black metal, and an excellent introduction to Folterkammer."
POPMATTERS.COM (BEST OF METAL ALBUMS DECEMBER 2020)
"C'est un excellent premier album, très fort émotionnellement, très sombre, et très rafraichissant dans son approche. Vous ne pouvez pas y échapper. Quelque part, ça fait beaucoup de pression pour les prochains opus à venir, il faudra maintenir la barre aussi haute, mais en attendant, on peut se réjouir ici d'un vrai coup de génie."
BLASTPHEME WEBZINE.FR
"I’ve been a fan of Andromeda Anarchia’s music released under her DARKMATTERS moniker, so I was excited to hear her newer work with Folterkammer. I mean, the band name just exudes metal intensity and weirdness (the name is German for ‘torture chamber’). Die Lederpredigt features quite the concept: fairly approachable black metal but paired with alternating operatic vocals—and I mean actual opera-style singing, not just ‘angelic’ female vocals—and harsh vocals. Oh yeah, and the lyrics are all in German. And it’s something about a vengeful goddess and oppressive religious structures. And it’s pretty disturbing—y’know, in a good way.Opener “Die Nänie” throws some churchy organ washes out for mood, then right away we come to the album’s promise, whereby Andromeda Anarchia introduces her double-throated vocals. Real, honest-to-goodness (evilness?) opera juxtaposed with harsh vocals like wicked guttural imprecations. Think Maria Callas and Gollum, not your standard black metal apathetic unintelligibility. There’s soaring, spaghetti western-esque clean guitar lines, rattling train-car drums, and a sense that the walls are closing in. These building blocks remain across the album’s seven tracks, albeit with plenty of dynamics and subtle complexities. “Die Elegie” throws in some cathedral bells and a strolling, at times orthogonal guitar line. “Das Sinngedicht” employs intertwined organ and guitar to majestic effect even as Anarchia sounds like a demon literally in the process of destroying the world, then telling you all about it. Closing mini-epic “Das Zeugnis” incorporates elements of doom amidst an intense, theatrical vocal performance even more impressive than what’s come before. Claustrophobic, but intense, but creepy, but majestic, but fist-pumping, but conceptual—Folterkammer have turned in a slab of black metal featuring far more shades of black than come in your standard Crayola box. [...]"
RADIO ECLECTIC
"The term symphonic black metal is nothing new. Enhancing extreme genres with orchestral/symphonic/operatic elements has made for some exciting output in metal. But Folterkammer is some sort of new species. With Folterkammer, the operatic element is far more than added flavour. This is chaotic and confronting black metal, but it is also structured and written in such a way that emulates a classical opera just as much.The cornerstone of this curious mix is vocalist, Andromeda Anarchia. Andromeda’s vocal abilities betray belief. You need to hear it for yourself, and then you need to be shown irrefutable evidence this is all one woman – and even then you’d likely refuse to accept it. Passages are sung in beautiful, high flying operatic style – so much so you’d think they were sampled from an actual opera performance – before switching effortlessly to snarled and screeched vocals, the type you’d find coming from some Northern European black metal band. The added element of the songs being in German only adds to the air of exotic and artistic boundary pushing. Andromeda’s vocals really do have to be heard to be believed. This inconceivable clash of operatic and black vocals is more pure and perfect than the human mind could imagine. Zachary Ezrin of Imperial Triumphant is also heavily responsible for this bizarre yet enthralling odyssey. This certainly can be felt in the more frenzied musical moments, which further serve to highlight the jaw-dropping contrasts as the composition shifts between different showcases for Andromeda’s vocal ability. With a sole album released so far, Folterkammer effortlessly establish themselves as a truly unique presence in extreme metal. An unreplicatable perfect fusion of disparate styles of music, no other band will ever achieve this true black metal opera."
THE BAND MAN @DAILYBANDS.WORDPRESS.COM
"Absolutely cracking EP!"
Emma Roebuck for PROGZILLA RADIO
"Not only is it a delight to listen to in its own right, it provides a marvellous intro into Out of Kilter. This track is one of a couple to feature the vocals of Andromeda Anarchia, which are quite frankly disturbing and scary in equal measure. Definitely not to my usual taste, but they fit the music incredibly well and I come dangerously close to enjoying them! (...) Pitiless Garment follows and provides a sense of growing menace, which explodes into outright threat as Mover’s Acid begins. This is another track where Anarchia provides her deranged vocals – and once again they are perfect for the mood and the song. Screeches and wails that I doubt I could bare outside the confines of Kilter, but which somehow delight within."
Nick Hudson for THE PROGRESSIVE ASPECT
"Avantgarde-Meisterin Andromeda Anarchia taucht in "Out Of Kilter" mit einer furioser Vocal-Performance auf - die tiefen Growls fahren durch Mark und Bein..." / "The mistress of avant-garde Andromeda Anarchia appears in "Out Of Kilter" with a furious vocal performance - the deep growls drive through the bones..."
DEMONIC-NIGHTS.at
"This is maybe the most technically impressive black metal album of the year. Frontwoman Andromeda Anarchia leaves listeners in awe with her amazing voice capable of seemingly anything. When incorporated with some truly top-notch songwriting you have yourself a record that will last the ages. I actually went back into my list after I finished it and added this band in after because I was so impressed with their record when I went to review it. Die Lederpredigt is simply that good."
METAL INJECTION, Matt Bacon's Top 20 Albums of 2020, No. 10 FOLTERKAMMER: Die Lederpredigt
"WOW! I have never heard anything like it! I have found my record of the year!"
PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS
"Guest vocalist Andromeda Anarchia joins and wretches out words best reserved for a ritual involving human sacrifice. Her high-pitched screeches circle around the pumping horn and adventurous drums creating never before heard sonic combinations."
Dan Potter for ABSOLUTE UNDERGROUND
„[...] for anyone who considers testing musical boundaries ranging from jazz, through a PJ Harvey indie sound, to extreme metal with a touch of almost everything in between, then yes, this is the most prog album I have listened to for quite some time [...] with DarkMatters, each passage of music, each word, each note, does not feel out of place. What adds to this recording the most, is the honest way it has been presented. If you want to challenge yourself, then I can not recommend this release highly enough.“
Stefan Hennig for DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE (2019)
"OEuvre originale certaine, parfois déstabilisante, DARKMATTERS devient rapidement addictive, évoquant entre autres Tori Amos ou Renaissance (le piano et la basse)."
FEMALE PROG VOICES
"...'electrified darkness' - absolutely true!"
Richard Heath for THE ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO
"On each track Andromeda's vocal performance is out of this world, but on "Demons On The Wall" she truly exceeds herself. Think of "The Great Gig In The Sky" getting a Fiona Apple like rock treatment whilst being really pissed at the world and your nearly there. "Demons On The Wall" is so charged with emotion that you may need to sit down to listen to it (I know I did)."
PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS
"C'est plutôt du rock prog pas chiant. Je dis bravo!"
PIERRE JOURNEL, LA CHAîNE GUITARE
"And as if it wasn't enough, abrasive vocals of in at least three different registers and variants assail our ears. The style used reminds us very much of the avant-garde persuasion, channeling the dramatic tropes and structures of the genre."
Eden Kupermintz for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
AMPLIFY THE NOISE (2023)
"This groundbreaking concert combines three seemingly different genres into a unique and dynamic sound that will be sure to wow audiences. [...] The exciting performance of La Suspendida will be sure to leave its mark. If I had the chance I would have watched it again and there is so much to absorb."
Concert Review, GHOSTCULT MAGAZINE
"Ein packendes und starkes Debut der Sängerin Andromeda Anarchia, das antreibend und entschlossen wirkt, dann wieder mit inniger Eleganz durch die Lüfte schwebt. Eindrücklich ist ihre Widmung der EP an zwei gegensätzliche Personen des öffentlichen Lebens: an die Künstlerin und Feministin Doris Stauffer (1934-2017) einerseits, den italienischen Basejumper Uli Emanuele (1985-2016) andererseits. Anspieltipp: "Black Tantra".
VEIT STAUFFER for REC REC Record Store in Zürich
“Not content with being part of one of the year's finest, weirdest metal releases, Imperial Triumphant's Zachary Ezrin has also involved himself in one of 2020's most batshit black metal endeavours. Die Lederpredigt merges tradleaning BM with opera, and sees classically trained soprano – and occasional IT collaborator – Andromeda Anarchia stretched and contorted far beyond what she was so patiently coached to do. While conceptually crazy, the results are brilliantly coherent, with the shearing riffing complemented by a voice that’s by turns soaringly angelic, cruelly playful and pit-dwelling vile. High art, high drama and heavy metal collide brilliantly, making for a debut that’s both galaxybrain smart and knuckledraggingly immediate.”
ALEX DELLER for METAL HAMMER UK (2020)
"Not since Reed St. Mark joining Celtic Frost for their landmark LP To Mega Therion has such a formidable Swiss-American metal alliance emerged: Folterkammer, with their debut Die Lederpredigt, bring together Imperial Triumphant guitarist Zachary Ezrin and Swiss vocalist Andromeda Anarchia for black metal with operatic vocals. Ezrin and his band, rounded out by bassist Darren Hanson and drummer Brendan McGowan, play it relatively straight, which gives Anarchia the stage to really go off. She’s in control here, bringing the band to bewildering ecstasies blasting through “Die Elegie” and “Das Gebet,” and she can screech with the best of them too, as “Das Sinngedicht” cuts with a broadsword’s grandeur and a stiletto’s grace. Folterkammer invokes trance-like tremolos like any second wave progenitor, and Anarchia keeps in you awe through the stasis, bliss in suspended animation. Die Lederpredigt is so well-executed, it’s shocking a pairing as simple and natural as this hasn’t had greater precedent."
SPIN.COM
"Every song on Die Lederpredigt could be the backing track for a final boss fight. These songs are composed with perfection in mind, despite drawing from the messy rawness of traditional black metal. The jagged thunder of blast beats and the whirring wind of tremolo bring a sound of utter and complete destruction, but the controlled operatic vocals bring in a blood red drop of beauty to the songs."
MOSHPITNATION.COM (2020)
"Desde cuartetos de barbería, taikos, espléndidas secciones de instrumentos de viento metal, piano, coros y el regreso de Yoshiko Ohara (Bloody Panda) y Andromeda Anarchia, quienes prestan sus demenciales gritos para darle los toques finales a los pasajes más caóticos del álbum, especialmente la performance de Anarchia en el tema “Transmission To Mercury”, el cual sin dudas será el tema favorito de varios que escuchen este disco. Para terminar, cabe destacar la calidad de los covers de Voivod y The Residents, especialmente de este último, ya que captura magníficamente la bizarra esencia de uno de los proyectos más importantes e influenciales de la música experimental."
Ignacio De Vincenzi for RTMB MAGAZINE
"The Residents cover, however, really tops the cake. The Residents are weird as it is, and you can’t help but love their creepy and oddball appeal. Comparing the cover to the original song, Imperial Triumphant keeps the weirdness in “Happy Home,” with the crazy synths, varying vocal melodies, and sound effects, while they all use their heavier sounding instruments and screaming layers to make The Residents sound more brutal."
Stephanie Jensen for OUTBURN Online
"In my opinion Folterkammer are a very great sounding mixture of raw black metal and classical and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this band. Recommended tracks include "Die Hymne" and "Das Zeugnis".
OCCULT BLACK METALZINE
"Cierra “Das Zeugnis”, maravilloso desde la orquestación inicial, pasando por la mejor aria de esta ópera, la buena dosis de golpeo, lamento, rabia y desesperación. Andromeda alcanza su cota más alta en este temarraco de increíble ambientación, que cuando parece que va a cerrar en tono celestial, aparecen esos BURZUM como colofón. Durante la horita de aplausos he mantenido esa lucha interior contra el Golum que todo buen metalero llevamos dentro ante semejantes descubrimientos. Recomiendo encarecidamente esta maravilla de álbum. “Die Lederpredigt” hubiera sido la ópera perfecta en la que trabajar y disfrutar a la vez, en la que FOLTERKAMMER, con respeto al género, se pasa por el forro el protocolo y crea un discazo como una catedral (en llamas)."
NECROMANCE MAGAZINE
"Esta nueva agrupación tiene como fin construir una base musical del helado black metal de de los países altos con un extraño giro de tuerca en el elemento vocal, y es que aquí es donde la cosa se pone interesante pues este proyecto dirigido por el guitarrista Zachary Ezrin de Imperial Triumphant decidió darle vida con una voz que pudiese cantar tanto ópera como escandalosos alaridos del género negro, cortesía de la señorita Andromeda Anarchia que propone darle a la maldad encarnada una cara femenina en este, su debut titulado Die Lederpredigt. Folterkammer es la prueba de que no se necesita traer demasiados elementos a la mesa para poder entregar algo realmente único, dirigiendo una sencilla base de black metal con algunos sonidos externos y dando protagonismo a una polifacética voz para orquestar el sentimiento etéreo del disco demuestra que con los elementos correctos y una pizca de creatividad, se puede ennegrecer el alma, y es por eso que considero a Die Lederpredgit uno de los discos más inmersivos y extraños de a finales del año."
RETUMBA
"Luckily for us, we’re not really forced into a timeframe for making up our top 40, so that’s how “Die Lederpredigt,” the debut record from Swiss-American black metal band Folterkammer, managed to rank so highly. This isn’t a recency thing. We’ve had the music for this record (its title is translated to “The Leather Sermon”) for a few months, and from our first visit with this astonishing display, we were floored. [...] This band is here to scramble your brains and fight back against a power structure that has suffocated too many. The fact they do it in such a savagely gorgeous and spellbinding manner only ups the ante on this great record."
MEAT MEAD METAL
"A fare, però, la differenza è la voce della cantante, un vero e proprio portento, dotata di un insieme di registri totalmente folli e diversissimi tra loro. Nelle tracce di “Die Lederpredigt”, sentiremo ora Andromeda librarsi nell’aria fino a raggiungere tonalità acute e spettrali, per poi passare al registro lirico, prima di implodere in un ringhiare malvagio degno della più contorta strega maligna. L’effetto è strabiliante, soprattutto grazie alla scelta di melodie vocali totalmente folli, che talvolta si avventurano in un terreno molto vicino alla pura improvvisazione. [...] Non a caso, nel brano più lungo e curato a livello di arrangiamenti, “Das Zeugnis”, i Folterkammer trovano la loro dimensione ideale, lasciando sì spazio alle corde vocali impazzite di Andromeda, affiancandola però a partiture marziali, inesorabili ed ipnotiche, che ci mostrano il potenziale di una band su cui poter puntare senza riserve."
METALITALIA.COM
"Andromeda Anarchia came into prominence in the extreme metal scene with her guest appearance in Imperial Triumphant's Vile Luxury and then 2020's Alphaville. And while with her project Andromeda Anarchia's DARMATTERS she explores a progressive verging on an experimental rock sound, her other project Folterkammer follows a much more potent and brutal perspective. Joined by Imperial Triumphant's Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Coffin Sore's Brendan McGowan on drums, and bassist Darren Hanson, Folterkammer aim to re-establish the connection between classical and operatic music with black metal. There is a rich tradition that has seen this alchemical experiment, be it through the majestic landscapes of Dimmu Borgir, the vampiric nightmares of Cradle of Filth, or the early days of the mighty Therion. Still, Folterkammer distance themselves from all these recipes and instead start from scratch, connecting the pensive quality of opera in all its tragic exasperations with the bitter traditional black metal demeanor. The impressive ambiance of "Die Nanie" collapses on the Andromeda Anarchia's cutthroat vocals, while the repetitive riffage and continuing drum pummeling create a circular effect. From there on it is a true theatre of horror guided by Andromeda Anarchia's protean vocals, reaching soprano heights with "Die Hymne", particularly impressive within the pompous orchestrations of "Das Zeugnis'' or enacting a choral symmetry with "Das Gebet". It acts as a counterpoint from the darkness and grim essence of the instrumentation, standing fiercely as the only source of some light within the dim "Die Elegie". Yet, it does not turn the tide for Die Lederpredigt, making sure that the core of the record remains mean, oppressive, and torturous. An intriguing spin on the classical investigations of black metal, and an excellent introduction to Folterkammer."
POPMATTERS.COM (BEST OF METAL ALBUMS DECEMBER 2020)
"C'est un excellent premier album, très fort émotionnellement, très sombre, et très rafraichissant dans son approche. Vous ne pouvez pas y échapper. Quelque part, ça fait beaucoup de pression pour les prochains opus à venir, il faudra maintenir la barre aussi haute, mais en attendant, on peut se réjouir ici d'un vrai coup de génie."
BLASTPHEME WEBZINE.FR
"I’ve been a fan of Andromeda Anarchia’s music released under her DARKMATTERS moniker, so I was excited to hear her newer work with Folterkammer. I mean, the band name just exudes metal intensity and weirdness (the name is German for ‘torture chamber’). Die Lederpredigt features quite the concept: fairly approachable black metal but paired with alternating operatic vocals—and I mean actual opera-style singing, not just ‘angelic’ female vocals—and harsh vocals. Oh yeah, and the lyrics are all in German. And it’s something about a vengeful goddess and oppressive religious structures. And it’s pretty disturbing—y’know, in a good way.Opener “Die Nänie” throws some churchy organ washes out for mood, then right away we come to the album’s promise, whereby Andromeda Anarchia introduces her double-throated vocals. Real, honest-to-goodness (evilness?) opera juxtaposed with harsh vocals like wicked guttural imprecations. Think Maria Callas and Gollum, not your standard black metal apathetic unintelligibility. There’s soaring, spaghetti western-esque clean guitar lines, rattling train-car drums, and a sense that the walls are closing in. These building blocks remain across the album’s seven tracks, albeit with plenty of dynamics and subtle complexities. “Die Elegie” throws in some cathedral bells and a strolling, at times orthogonal guitar line. “Das Sinngedicht” employs intertwined organ and guitar to majestic effect even as Anarchia sounds like a demon literally in the process of destroying the world, then telling you all about it. Closing mini-epic “Das Zeugnis” incorporates elements of doom amidst an intense, theatrical vocal performance even more impressive than what’s come before. Claustrophobic, but intense, but creepy, but majestic, but fist-pumping, but conceptual—Folterkammer have turned in a slab of black metal featuring far more shades of black than come in your standard Crayola box. [...]"
RADIO ECLECTIC
"The term symphonic black metal is nothing new. Enhancing extreme genres with orchestral/symphonic/operatic elements has made for some exciting output in metal. But Folterkammer is some sort of new species. With Folterkammer, the operatic element is far more than added flavour. This is chaotic and confronting black metal, but it is also structured and written in such a way that emulates a classical opera just as much.The cornerstone of this curious mix is vocalist, Andromeda Anarchia. Andromeda’s vocal abilities betray belief. You need to hear it for yourself, and then you need to be shown irrefutable evidence this is all one woman – and even then you’d likely refuse to accept it. Passages are sung in beautiful, high flying operatic style – so much so you’d think they were sampled from an actual opera performance – before switching effortlessly to snarled and screeched vocals, the type you’d find coming from some Northern European black metal band. The added element of the songs being in German only adds to the air of exotic and artistic boundary pushing. Andromeda’s vocals really do have to be heard to be believed. This inconceivable clash of operatic and black vocals is more pure and perfect than the human mind could imagine. Zachary Ezrin of Imperial Triumphant is also heavily responsible for this bizarre yet enthralling odyssey. This certainly can be felt in the more frenzied musical moments, which further serve to highlight the jaw-dropping contrasts as the composition shifts between different showcases for Andromeda’s vocal ability. With a sole album released so far, Folterkammer effortlessly establish themselves as a truly unique presence in extreme metal. An unreplicatable perfect fusion of disparate styles of music, no other band will ever achieve this true black metal opera."
THE BAND MAN @DAILYBANDS.WORDPRESS.COM
"Absolutely cracking EP!"
Emma Roebuck for PROGZILLA RADIO
"Not only is it a delight to listen to in its own right, it provides a marvellous intro into Out of Kilter. This track is one of a couple to feature the vocals of Andromeda Anarchia, which are quite frankly disturbing and scary in equal measure. Definitely not to my usual taste, but they fit the music incredibly well and I come dangerously close to enjoying them! (...) Pitiless Garment follows and provides a sense of growing menace, which explodes into outright threat as Mover’s Acid begins. This is another track where Anarchia provides her deranged vocals – and once again they are perfect for the mood and the song. Screeches and wails that I doubt I could bare outside the confines of Kilter, but which somehow delight within."
Nick Hudson for THE PROGRESSIVE ASPECT
"Avantgarde-Meisterin Andromeda Anarchia taucht in "Out Of Kilter" mit einer furioser Vocal-Performance auf - die tiefen Growls fahren durch Mark und Bein..." / "The mistress of avant-garde Andromeda Anarchia appears in "Out Of Kilter" with a furious vocal performance - the deep growls drive through the bones..."
DEMONIC-NIGHTS.at
"This is maybe the most technically impressive black metal album of the year. Frontwoman Andromeda Anarchia leaves listeners in awe with her amazing voice capable of seemingly anything. When incorporated with some truly top-notch songwriting you have yourself a record that will last the ages. I actually went back into my list after I finished it and added this band in after because I was so impressed with their record when I went to review it. Die Lederpredigt is simply that good."
METAL INJECTION, Matt Bacon's Top 20 Albums of 2020, No. 10 FOLTERKAMMER: Die Lederpredigt
"WOW! I have never heard anything like it! I have found my record of the year!"
PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS
"Guest vocalist Andromeda Anarchia joins and wretches out words best reserved for a ritual involving human sacrifice. Her high-pitched screeches circle around the pumping horn and adventurous drums creating never before heard sonic combinations."
Dan Potter for ABSOLUTE UNDERGROUND
„[...] for anyone who considers testing musical boundaries ranging from jazz, through a PJ Harvey indie sound, to extreme metal with a touch of almost everything in between, then yes, this is the most prog album I have listened to for quite some time [...] with DarkMatters, each passage of music, each word, each note, does not feel out of place. What adds to this recording the most, is the honest way it has been presented. If you want to challenge yourself, then I can not recommend this release highly enough.“
Stefan Hennig for DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE (2019)
"OEuvre originale certaine, parfois déstabilisante, DARKMATTERS devient rapidement addictive, évoquant entre autres Tori Amos ou Renaissance (le piano et la basse)."
FEMALE PROG VOICES
"...'electrified darkness' - absolutely true!"
Richard Heath for THE ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO
"On each track Andromeda's vocal performance is out of this world, but on "Demons On The Wall" she truly exceeds herself. Think of "The Great Gig In The Sky" getting a Fiona Apple like rock treatment whilst being really pissed at the world and your nearly there. "Demons On The Wall" is so charged with emotion that you may need to sit down to listen to it (I know I did)."
PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS
"C'est plutôt du rock prog pas chiant. Je dis bravo!"
PIERRE JOURNEL, LA CHAîNE GUITARE
"And as if it wasn't enough, abrasive vocals of in at least three different registers and variants assail our ears. The style used reminds us very much of the avant-garde persuasion, channeling the dramatic tropes and structures of the genre."
Eden Kupermintz for HEAVY BLOG IS HEAVY
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