Here we have two interesting cdr’s from a Russian project. According to their website, the band consists of Blackdeath members Abysslooker and Para Bellum, with help of some other persons. The first cdr, entitled “Ph’nglui Mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’Lyeh Wgah’nagl Fhtagn” (try saying it quickly three times) was recorded back in 1996. The project then was called only Cthulhu, later the name was expanded to Cthulhu Biomechanical. Read “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft if you want to know more about the cultus around this deity.
The first cdr contains 4 long experimental ambient tracks, with a very dark and somewhat occult atmosphere. The music is certainly not pleasant background music, it gives you a somewhat uneasy feeling. Although the sound is rather simple, it is effective at times, especially in the second piece ‘Dream of Cthulhu’, which is a minimal and solemn ritual track. I also like the 4th track ‘Cosmic Streams’, a soundscape with a lot of tension.
The second release was recorded this year, and not only the bandname has changed, also the sound is quite different. Dark ambient is not a good label anymore, the music, though still dominantly electronic, is more diverse and less tranquil. Also the sound is much clearer and better produced. Again the cd deals with occult matters, this time the subject is one Friedrich Wilhelm von Junzt. I must confess that this name didn’t directly ring a bell. But with some help of Google I learned that he was a German scientist in the 19th century, known for his esoteric and occult writings, like the Necronomicon and Von Unaussprechlichen Kulten, which is also the undertitle of this cd. The texts which are spoken and sung on this album also come partly from his work.
The music on this release is rather varied. At times rather threatening and sounding like militant orchestral, in the way of Von Thronstahl. But also electro, darkwave and classical elements can be heard, brough together in an experimental manner. Powerful drumming and distorted voices add to the atmospere. The compositions are not very straightforward, but have surprising turns. At times I have to think a bit about Actus, Laibach or Autopsia. But Cthulhu Biomechanical certainly has created an original style. Quite a special release, with an interesting sound and a dark, occult atmosphere…
