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*Comments:

1.  Habgier und Tod
2.  Hochzeitstanz
3.  Ode an die Feindschaft
4.  Eulenspiegel
5.  Sündenfall
6.  Nachtigall und Rose
7.  Gott würfelt nicht
8.  Nacht Jahr und Tag
9.  Orpheus
10.  Spiel mit dem Feuer
11.  Fiat Lux
12.  Der letzte Spielmann
13.  Wieder unterwegs
14.  Wer nicht kämpft

Total playing time:  54:26

Release Date:  September 2, 2011
Label: Napalm Records

Saltatio Mortis - Sturm Aufs Paradies

Reviewer: Peter

December 12, 2011

Saltatio Mortis has been a steady force in the folk metal scene despite not getting the recognition of some of their counterparts.  Having been a band for just over a decade now, they had recently released a live album in 10 Jahre wild und frei.  So, what how do they begin their second decade of existence?  The results can be found on their latest album Sturm Aufs Paradis.

Since the 2007 release Aus der Asche, Saltatio Mortis seems to have settled into a more rock-oriented style of medieval folk.  Yes, the basic music plan is there, as are the vocals, but there is one thing that seems to be lacking when it comes to Sturm Aufs Paradis: a major hook to reel in the listener.  Most of the album sounds like Saltatio Mortis going through the motions and trying to go with one set of ideas instead of just relaxing and playing, as evidenced by “Hochzeitstanz.”  That isn’t to say there aren’t moments such as “Eulenspiegel” where the band is at their best when they don’t try too hard and just let their natural abilities take over.  However, those moments just aren’t there enough, as the album just doesn’t flow as naturally as one would expect a Saltatio Mortis album.   A special edition version of the album features a second disc that consists of piano versions of seven songs off the album, which will at least, provide some interesting extras if you get it.

Admittedly, it took forever for me to review Sturm Aufs Paradis, as it took a while to figure out what would be the album’s sticking points.  As someone who likes Saltatio Mortis, Sturm Aufs Paradis is one of the more disappointing releases from the band.  So much was expected, yet there was a feeling that they chose the safe route instead of trying to branch out a little more.  Not a truly bad album, but also not a great album, either.