Nice to receive an album sung by a vocalist in their own language – in this case German – and full credit to Samsas Traum’s management for getting ‘Heiliges Herz’ to Hardrockhouse in the first place where it will at least get a fair hearing. 

Lyrical difficulties aside (as with Rammstein etc. you can research this stuff on the internet giving an interesting insight into foreign singing bands) this is Goth Metal on an epic scale. Think of a Teutonic Cradle of Filth and you are almost there. Add elements of Nightwish and a smattering of the mighty Rams and musically this is a potent mix. 

Sadly Samsas Traum’s leading light, vocalist Alexander Kaschte, is a bit barking mad. Vocally he never matches up to the majesty of the music and when I tell you that the opening number is catchingly entitled ‘5+6=218’ you probably get the picture. His vocal performance varies from patchy to insane, with all points in-between, and obviously he comes from a very dark place indeed.  

I actually like his warped approach but it doesn’t marry up with the music. Only on the track ‘Heiliges Herz’ itself where Diana Lueger gets to exercise some operatic tonsils does the album start to make any sense. In my opinion she should have been used throughout as a sort of lightness to Kaschte’s darker moments. Her vocals match the sheer Wagnerian scale of the album perfectly. In truth after several listens no tracks really stand out apart from ‘Heiliges Herz’. 

Produced in part by Fred Nordstrom (Arch Enemy, In Flames) this album will appeal to all who like their Goth Metal unhinged and warped and might just find an audience with ‘Cradle’ fans. However do be warned: Alexander Kaschte is an acquired taste.

Let us know your views on Heiliges Herz

 Track Listing

5+6=218
Das Zeitatler Der Baume
Auf Den Spiralnebeln
Durch Springende Lippen
Schlaf In Den Flammen
Liebeslied
Der Tag Stummer Rache
Hirte Der Meere
Im Auge Des Sturms
Heiliges Herz
Das Schwert Deiner Sonne

Line Up

Alexander Kaschte - Guitars/Vocals
Adrian Erlandsson - Drums
Stephan Hinz - Bass
Alexander Machat - Bass
Diana Lueger - Vocals
Michael Puchala - Guitars
Daniel Schröder - Clarinet