To those who are still completely oblivious to the musical genius known as Vinterriket, it is simply the brainchild of only one man: Christoph Ziegler. Christoph himself has been part of numerous other projects such as Nebelkorona, Nocternity, Atomtrakt, and at one time, Graven. Vinterriket is one of the few bands in the Dark Ambient/Black Metal hybrid genre that can actually hold its own on both sides of the field. However, as this release is completely ambient, I shall save the black metal explanation for another review.
"Lichtschleier" is a modest tribute to everything that is still beautiful in our surrounding natural world. It is an echo from those few places still unravaged by human hands. You can almost feel the ice on your breath as you imagine the dark norwegian woods, frozen antarctic landscapes, and the horizons beyond such places. Quite frankly, even the mighty Ulver does not really hold much ground against this band.
The album also features a 15-page booklet of some of the most beautiful photography of frozen landscapes and misty mountains that are to be seen in our world. The booklet also features what can only be described as poetry etched within the pictures in what appears to be German. There is actually one more bonus to this album: a video! Vinterriket has previously released only two videos in his career. Both can be found on his 2004 release, "Weisse Nächte des Schwarzen Schnees." The video here is for the title track, "Lichtschleier." Vinterriket is an entity that realizes that not only one form of art can possibly contain all of the expressions that it has provide for those who choose to listen and watch. As one watches, they are confronted with many emotions -- coldness, desolation, and maybe even the tiniest bit of fear.
To put it bluntly, this album is not just an offering for the black metal traditionalists. It is a piece of beauty that has been brought to life for many to experience.
