Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new day is beginning, and time is trickling away..., July 16, 2003
Lacrimosa's 2001 album "Fassade" is a magnificent German rock opus centering around a tragic love that develops in the midst of a mindless, mechanical society where conformity is the absolute norm. Musically supported by grand operatic choirs and a full-piece orchestra (particularly the string & woodwind sections), this record is a flowing array of Gothic theatrical bravuras. Upon hearing the very first notes, savvy listerners can immediately picture in their minds the rising of the red curtain, along with a singular spotlight lurking up, down and across the ornamented procenium. And of course standing center stage is the enigmatic star Tilo Wolff, and high above him on an unreachable pedistal is his equal, the angelic soprano Anne Nurmi.
What is apparant to me from the beginning is that "Fassade" is heavily inspired by creepy, erotic tales of vampires. Wolff himself, as both an actor AND a pop baritone, possesses the same enticing traits found on any modern-day bloodsucker: seductive, cursed, and alone in the world; a freak of nature. Nurmi has been graciously given the role of his virginal love; the lyrics repeatedly describe her as being like a shimmering beacon of light: beautiful to look at, but destructive to the touch. Meanwhile Wolff, stranded on the opposite end of the spectrum, has the allure of darkness. As a result of this unfortunate predicament, both singers lust for one another, yet are aware that exchanging vows is strongly forbidden. If I could possibly pinpoint ANY highlight in this CD, it would probably be "Warum so tief," (Why so Deep), a song in which Tilo's desires gradually drive him to the brink of madness; his emotional bloodline (Mother Fear & Father Pain) keep preventing him from having Nurmi as his bride. However, in Act II of "Fassade," Wolff and Nurmi do spend a night together, as indicated by the simplified heavy metal guitar riffs of "Liebesspiel;" not only is this song the ONLY DUO between the two partners, but the rhythyms here exude the album's climax; erotic, sleazy and combustable. The only thing I have left to say about "Fassade" is that it's THE most captivating record I've ever heard; although a majority of the songs are written in the German language, one does not need to have them translated in English, for the album's melodramatic atmosphere alone is enough to draw listeners in. DON'T EVER categorize Lacrimosa as being a "rock" duo; doing so would be downright insulting. I urge everyone young and old to purchase "Fassade," along with "Echos" which continues on with Tilo & Anne's star-crossed love affair.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genius!, February 27, 2005
One thing that you should know about Lacrimosa is that they've been around longer than most gothic/metal bands of our time. They have a crapload of albums, and manage to refine their sound just a little bit on each one so it sounds distinctive but still continues where the previous one left off. Fassade happens to fall into the Chapter 2 slot of a three-part trilogy (which began with 1999's Elodia and ended with 2003's Echos). Tilo Wolff (vocals/piano, etc.) is the main songwriter of the music - combining and intertwining romantic classical with gothic-tinged rock. His counterpart, as many often say, is the gorgeous Anne Nurmi, who occasionally contributes to the vocal sections, but is primarily used for her keyboard talents. Together, the two are an unstoppable force - and Fassade, if anything, shows just that.
Elodia offered a timeless story of a love that was doomed to failure. Fassade continues this story - but offers a different setting. It seems the couple (played by Tilo & Anne, respectively) has relocated to a new environment, one dominated by conformity and uniformity - where everyone is programmed to think and live in a certain way. This new factor acts as our starstruck couple's latest obstacle - but isn't necessarily the bulk of the story. We also see the lovers' internal struggles, which will actually come to separate the two - which will lead to yet another exciting storyline with Echos. It's quite interesting to read the lyrics (translated from German to English in the booklet) when listening, even if it's hard to follow along, just for storyline enhancement.
Musically, Fassade differs much from the albums that surrounded it. I would consider it a bit heavier from the select songs I've heard of Elodia, and definitely more appealing to the metal crowd than Echos, even if not at all. Although I consider Echos to have eclipsed this effort somewhat, there are timeless classics such as the eerie "Senses", the driving "Liebesspiel", and the dramatic "Stumme Worte" that cannot be overlooked. Both Tilo and Anne are at their best vocally, and the lyrics are much better translated than on any other album I think. "Der Morgen Danach" was chosen as the album's single, and though I wouldn't rank it quite with "Alleine Zu Zweit" or "Durch Nacht und Flut", it offers a good taste of the band's harder energetic edge. There aren't really any weak points to this album, but it might take you multiple listens to really comprehend the genius behind the music (that really isn't saying much if you've ever heard this band).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this. While not as good as Echos, I'll say this kicks the crap out of both Nightwish's Wishmaster and Lacuna Coil's Comalies (two albums that came out around the same time but received much more attention from the media). Thanks again, Tilo & Anne!
10/10
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
simply amazing, March 19, 2002
When I heard the album for the first time I was just speechless. This is a trip trough music. This is a trip trough your own life! This album is great. This is metal combined with classical music and with operatic pieces. The music is so emotional, so melodramatic. I have also never heard a voice like the voice of the male-singer. It's haunting, it's complete. This album will make you think, this album will make you cry, this album will tear you apart.
And do not fear if you are not a gothic-metal lover! I am also just getting in this scene! It is no hardcore metal!! This is faboulous A+ quality music combined with great metal pieces! This album can make you cry. Listen to 'Stumme Worte'. It's just stunning. If I could I would rate this cd 10 stars.
This is for every open minded music lover (like me) a MUST-HAVE!!
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