Aurum Nostrum / Sonne Hagal – Sinister Practices / In bright sunshine

Two fairly young German bands on a nice looking split LP, each contributing 4 songs. This is the second release of the Ring-Tor label, earlier they brought us the debut album ‘Whip of Mind’ from Aurum Nostrum. I must say that this band has grown, these new songs, that are a bit more tranquil, sound more mature than on their debut. Aurum Nostrum makes intimate folky music, with acoustic guitars, nice strings and with both male and female vocals. Especially the songs beyond the vast edge of sleep’ and ‘A lament for brothers’ are beautiful songs.
Sonne Hagal also offers us four new songs, that are rather slow and intimate, just like the Aurum Nostrum side. The main difference is the use of electronics and an almost opera-like female voice, that reminds me a bit of Stoa. A very nice atmosphere is created here by Sonne Hagal!