Skrol – Dances and marches for the orphan age

The first release for Dagaz from Portugal, which started as a webzine, is an interesting one. Skrol, from the Czech Republic, recorded this material in the period 1997-1999, but Vladimír Hirsch remixed and remastered everything in 2002. At first listen the music of Skrol reminds me of projects like Autopsia, Laibach and Actus. The project has a mixture of avantgarde classical and industrial elements, but also many Slavic influences. Mastermind Hirsch is active in a variety of projects and is also no stranger to the academic aspects of avantgarde music. His works often have multiple underlying spiritual or scientific themes.

The music of Skrol is certainly no easy listening, “Dances and Marches For The Orphan Age” is quite a dense and heavy structure. Religious organs and choirs are combined with percussive eruptions, industrial soundscapes and strange noises. In general the mood is threatening and apocalyptic, the sound often majestic and bombastic. An impressive album which will take a few listening turns to penetrate its core, but a worthwile experience.

artist: Skrol
label: Dagaz Music
details: 11 tracks, 50 min, 2005 [DM 001]