Schatten Muse is a Greek/German Darkwave act. Born to create a band-project continuing the tradition of New German Death Art / Neue Deutsche Todeskunst, what was rising at the end of the 1980s – beginning of 1990s. On the 12th December 2024, Schatten Muse released their second full-length album, entitled “Schicksalsweg,” and released through The Circle Music.
Schatten Muse Social Links
Schatten Muse, Schicksalsweg Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Schicksalsweg
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Schatten Muse and their album, Schicksalsweg
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Feature atmospheric and haunting synths that create a dark and melancholic soundscape, also adding a sense of mystery and depth to the tracks. The synths often provide a backdrop of ambient, eerie sounds that enhance the emotional intensity of the music. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Characterized by their poetic and dramatized delivery, the vocals convey a sense of melancholy and introspection, reflecting the dark themes of the album. Haunting and emotive, they add a personal and intimate touch to the music. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Involve in powerful and driving drum work, adding a rhythmic foundation to the atmospheric synths. The drumming features a mix of traditional percussion and electronic beats.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
Haunting, mysterious, melancholic, spiritual and powerful. Feel the vastness and freedom in the sound of “Schicksalsweg!”
Before delving further into the music, f it is important to understand both the music and the band. “At the beginning of 2020 the idea was born to create a band-project continuing the tradition of New German Death Art / Neue Deutsche Todeskunst, which rose at the end of the 1980s – beginning of 1990s, especially in southern Germany.” [Schatten Muse]
The moment the listener hits the play button, they are enveloped by the haunting tones of Angst, which opens with a brooding piano melody. This dark ambiance is soon accompanied by poetic vocals and eerie synths that set the stage for an immersive experience. As the journey unfolds with the second track, Illusion, and the subsequent eight pieces, the listener is drawn into a profound musical and lyrical concept. The concept is about darkness, melancholy, isolation, philosophy of life and death, solitude, madness, depression, desperation, surrealism, expressionism, existential philosophy with dramatized and theatrical narration!
Schatten Muse presents their album, Schicksalsweg, a captivating experience that unfolds over forty-five minutes and features ten tracks—though technically, there are eight original songs, as the sixth and final pieces are covers. Schicksalsweg, invites the listener to disconnect from the chaos of modern life; dim the lights, settle into a comfortable space, and allow the haunting melodies to guide them on an introspective journey, encouraging deep exploration of their emotional landscapes.
Schicksalsweg emerges as a haunting tapestry woven from threads of darkness and melancholy, infused with a sense of wistful longing and desire. This artistic creation blends the chilling essence of new German death art with the atmospheric depths of Gothic rock, alongside the pulsating rhythms of dark wave, electronic music, and neoclassical influences. It is a sound that is both unique and captivating.
Each track offers a distinct experience, showcasing various compositions and arrangements that play with different tones and tempos, enveloping the listener in rich, dark soundscapes. The instrumentation is a fruit of art, a blend of synths, poetic lyrics, and sombre piano interludes, complemented by subtle electronic textures and dramatic, theatrical narration, occasionally enhanced by electronic drum setup?
Simultaneously, Schicksalsweg immerses the listener in a rich tapestry of sound, featuring a blend of piano and vocal harmonies alongside tracks infused with diverse synths, intricate drum patterns, and compelling vocal arrangements. This artistic endeavour, born from a unique vision, showcases the seamless interplay between music and lyrics. The enchanting vocals of Sylvia “Muse” Fürst breathe life into the poetic verses, while Simon “Schatten” Shelmerdine’s skilful compositions and instrumental arrangements create a robust foundation that elevates the lyrical experience.
The album Schicksalsweg by Schatten Muse stands as a remarkable artistic achievement, evoking a nostalgic essence reminiscent of the 1980s rather than contemporary sounds. Its music resonates with a dark, dramatic beauty that is both haunting and captivating, all encapsulated within a production quality that is nothing short of exquisite. Each track unfolds like a shadowy tale, drawing listeners into a world where every note and lyric intertwines to create an unforgettable auditory experience.
In the stillness, the fleeting beauty of existence reveals itself, giving way to a transcendent soundscape that beckons exploration. The second album from Schatten Muse is a haunting journey, steeped in mystery and melancholy, yet imbued with a spiritual power that resonates deeply. As you immerse yourself in the expansive sound of Schicksalsweg, you can feel the liberation and vastness that the music offers, inviting you to lose yourself in its ethereal embrace.
The album culminates with an exhilarating finale, a vibrant cover of de Mussolini by DAF, which injects a lively energy into the closing moments. This upbeat track offers a refreshing breath of air, allowing listeners to emerge from the depths of the preceding darkness and embrace a sense of liberation. We want to give a shoutout to Schatten Muse for letting us review their album Schicksalsweg. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of Schatten Muse and their album, Schicksalsweg
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
Schatten Muse and their album Schicksalsweg have rekindled the essence of 80s darkwave and gothic music, capturing that nostalgic sound without veering into contemporary trends, as if they emerged straight from that vibrant era. As a devoted Metalhead, I find immense joy in the rich textures of Gothic rock and darkwave. Schatten Muse has successfully woven together elements of darkness, haunting melodies, and beauty, creating a poetic experience that breathes life into both the music and its lyrics. I would proudly showcase “Schatten Muse” alongside iconic bands like BlutEngel, Sopor Aeternus, Diary of Dreams, Nox Arcana, and Midnight Syndicate on my shelf.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The artwork captures the heart and soul of the music and lyrics, while also embodying the essence of Gothic and Neoclassical art.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
There is nothing to dislike in the musical offerings of Schatten Muse and their album, Schicksalsweg. Thus, we conclude our review of Schatten Muse and their album, Schicksalsweg. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your time in reading this article, and I encourage you to explore the work of Schatten Muse.
Members
Sylvia “Muse” Fürst: all vocals, lyrics
Simon “Schatten” Shelmerdine: all music
Track-Listing
01. Angst
02. Illusion
03. Transzendenz
04. Vergangen
05. Fluss Des Lebens
06. Charlotte Manchmal (The Cure cover)
07. Es Stirbt Ein Teil Von Mir
08. Verlorene Seelen
09. Zerrissenheit
10. De Mussolini (DAF cover)
