The sounds of the last regular studio album from MANTUS have barely faded away yet Martin Schindler is already releasing another ambitious project which could cause quite a stir for some. "Die Hochzeit von Himmel und Hölle" is an ambitious collage of typically catchy MANTUS songs, instrumental pieces and elements in the style of a play, all based on William Blake's book "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell". Blake's painting "The Great Red Dragon" should be known to many from the similarly-named "Hannibal Lecter" film and from the book by Thomas Harris. Blake's paintings and poems, full of powerfully eloquent poetry, dark strength and fascinating reflections on the world have lost none of their relevance and appeal even up to the present day. By using the framework of Blake's poetry, MANTUS succeed in creating an album which, predominantly through the spoken lyrics, stands out clearly from MANTUS' own works and yet offers the same inspirational elements that their fans are fond of. Powerful song structures, the mixture of hard guitars and driving percussion, the extravagant classical arrangements and the subtle use of acoustic instruments such as guitars and harpsichord mixed with electronic set pieces. The combination of catchy hooklines, imaginative soundtrack structures and the expressive choral speaking of Thalia and Martin Schindler, based on Blake's texts, creates a total work of art which easily masters the balancing act between high quality musical art and catchy gothic music.
With "Die Hochzeit von Himmel und Hölle", MANTUS have succeeded in pulling off a brilliantly-executed piece of dark, catchy musical art and sophisticated lyricism.
This luxurious first edition of the album comes in A5 format, containing a special booklet with astonishing illustrations and a precious art print. Strictly limited to 1999 copies worldwide.
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