Schwarzer Engel are the solo-outfit of Ger-man Dave Jason. Via Trisol Music, he released the debut Apokalypse in 2010, followed later that year by the EP Geister Und Dämonen (‘ghost and demons’), and a second full length, Träume Einer Nacht (‘dream of a night’), in 2011. In mean time, Schwarzer Engel (Dave works with a permanent live crew) hit the road in our countries with e.g. Ahab and The Vision Bleak, and the past years they performed on notorious Goth festivals as well, like Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Dark Storm and Hexentanz.
A couple of months ago, the project inked a deal with major Massacre Records, and as appetizer for the new full length In Brennenden Himmeln (‘in burning skies’), both label and solo-project release the surprising mini-recording Schwarze Sonne (‘black sun’). All this material was conceived again at Dreamsound Studio in Munich, Germany, with producer Jan Vacik (Emergency Gate, Visions Of Atlantis, Eternal Torture, Serenity, Graveworm). The full length features guest appearances by e.g. E Nomine’s Johanna von Orleans, El Friede (Oomph!) and Stefan Dittrich (Illuminate, Arrayan Path, Mystic Prophecy).
The catchy Dark / Gothic Metal of Schwarzer Engel is filled with electronic sounds, heavy guitar work, classical and symphonic elements, and a subtle link with the most melodic side of Death and Black Metal. Every detail, whether it has to do with the sound / production, song writing, performance or lyrics (in German, dealing with the weakness called humanity, as well as myths, natural aspects and Life / Death in general), has been worked out very detailed again. Therefor this stuff is, without any doubt, one of the best recordings in its genre since the beginning of this century. Impressive and highly recommended for fans of obscure and severe Goth / Dark Metal! Besides, there is a huge dose of variety, and the whole catches the listener without falling into boredom.
Beware, because this stuff dwells within the specific regions of the scene, with all predictable evidences included. Schwarzer Engel come with a specific approach, but it does not renew the scene. But it does not matter if you do appreciate this kind of Dark Music, because In Brennenden Himmeln is, in its genre, a masterpiece!