Neofolk music is at its best, a very powerful way of expressing emotions without saying too much.  Groups such as Nest, Trobar de Morte, and Sol Invictus are the best examples of this form of music.  Germany’s most notable neolfolk act has been Empyrium, who recently came out of retirement.  Another group that is seeking more recognition is Hekate, who despite having been around since the mid-90’s, hasn’t received the recognition of their fellow country folk.  Their latest album Die Welt der dunklen Gärten aims to change all of that.

Hekate, the neofolk act, should not be confused with the black metal band of the same name.  Die Welt der dunklen Gärten is actually the band’s fifth album and their first in almost seven years.  Their sound is more of a cross between Sol Invictus and the French neofolk group Dark Sanctuary, primarily due to its use of industrial elements in its sound mixed with haunting male and female vocals.  The music itself is less structured than on Sol Invictus’ The Cruellest Month, but it is no less atmospheric.  In fact, Die Welt der dunklen Gärten is relatively angelic in nature, thanks primarily to the female vocals of Susanne Grosche and the classically influenced folk elements that bring Trobar de Morte and Dark Sanctuary to mind, as evidenced by “The Present Day.”  Even with that, Hekate shows some range in their sound, with the male vocals of Axel Menz providing the dark element to balance things out.  It works out well when the two vocal styles are in the same song, as noted on “In My Garden.”  Like many neofolk acts, Hekate is best enjoyed when the atmosphere is right.  However, the one thing that Die Welt der dunklen Gärten suffers from is the bouncing back and forth from different styles.  That isn’t to say it doesn’t work, but an average listener can lose track of what is going on with the album.

Hekate is a unique act in the sense that they are primarily a traditional folk act with elements that push it into neofolk territory.  Despite the hybrid method, Hekate will appeal to some listeners because there is something for everyone with Die Welt der dunklen Gärten, with the atmosphere being front and center of it all.  It may take a while to get what is going on, as there is much to get with a running time of almost 70 minutes, but Hekate is worth the experience.

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*Comments:

1.  Byronic Hero
2.  Jardin d’Anaïs
3.  In My Garden
4.  Seelenreise
5.  Sanctus
6.  Die dunkle Wolke
7.  Per aspera ad astra
8.  Idilia Dubb
9.  Oh du Welt der dunklen Gärten
10.  Opportunity of Time
11.  The Present Day
12.  Die blaue Blume
13.  House of God

Total playing time:  68:46

Release Date: June 10, 2011
Label: Prophecy Productions

Hekate - Die Welt der dunklen Gärten

Reviewer: Peter

June 16, 2011