The Vienna-based band TMLHBaC (there's a story behind that name) is the former project of Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch, also involved in Death in June) and his "eternal flame" Elisabeth. Basically what we have here is a combination of minimalist soundscapes, demonic chants, orchestral pieces, militaristic industrial segments, and looped clips - for those who have heard Der Blutharsch you probably have a good idea what I'm talking about, and for those who haven't, imagine a rather neo-Folkish/ambient setting with the frequent incorporation of the aforementioned elements into one fiercely hypnotic and enchanting atmosphere. Supernatural rituals and the Middle Ages seem to be much of the ambition behind this music which advocates concepts of spiritual genocide and portrays dramatic allegories and ancient ritualistic beliefs, more or less encouraging the listener to interpret and explore the music of his or her own accord; in it's entirety the band is meant to be rather mysterious and surreal, as any information about the members themselves, the concepts of the songs, or even desire to label the 23 tracks with names has been discarded. The foremost interest here is to create a style which inspires and manifests of its own accord.

Overall this is sheer emotional brilliance really, and the album flows harmoniously as a concept. I can't recommend it to everyone, but it is difficult to see how one could not get at least "something" out of it - this probably isn't going to fill you with a hatred that makes you go kick your neighbors' cat across the street, but Death in June fans to admirers of the Polish black metal scene alike (one can definitely see some similarities between this and the more folkish sides of Grom, North, Veles, etc.) will undoubtedly have a measure of respect for it in its larger than life setting. Pulsating, energetic, and cold.

A truly monumental recording. This scarcely left my cd player for a week..

© 2001 hando