WL//WH Review KÆRY ANN
photo by Davide Saleri
Following the excellent debut release “Songs of Grace and Ruin” LP (2023), Kæry Ann (IT) published their new awesomeness, the “Moonstone” LP through Subsound Records, on January 23.
Kæry Ann is the name of the character of the act led by Erika Azzini (vocals, guitar), Francesca Papi (bass, backing vocals), Davide Rosa (guitar) and Fabio Orticoni (drums), and the new album marks a shift towards greater collaboration within the band, with a more unified approach to songwriting and arrangements.
photo by Davide Saleri
I can confidently say that among these seven new songs, numerous moments leave me in awe. I am impressed by the performances, the orchestrations, the overall sound, and the way this band conveys the myth of reality (or the reality of the myth?) through their music. The whole work of the album reflects on loss, forces of nature, and existential struggle, while the music possesses depth, courage, and authenticity, applying all with a striking fable blend. The band clearly knows what they are doing and understands how to shape their sound. Additionally, the singer, who could easily exaggerate but chooses not to, is fully present throughout, sharing her incredible storiesin a unique way.
All these on doom – darkgaze rails, where I found some clear dark folk elements, as well as the darkwave being there but only as a discreet and quick caress at many points on the album. There are two official videos that beautifully and successfully ‘present’ the “Moonstone” LP, try first the “Hero and Leander”…..as “we were looking into the abyss, you held my hand and swore we’d dive…”
There is also “Todeslied” that takes a slightly different route, and…..“melting down we fade away to breath/ Death hear us.”
This impressive “Moonstone” LP features many other stunning songs, and the overall result suggests it functions like a concept album. In the minds of Kæry Ann, it’s likely one, as the flow of the tracks additively enhances the listening experience, and I’m sure the tracklisting was deliberately placed with great care rather than randomly. To my big surprise, I also discovered a great and very special cover on the album…of the classic epic metal song “Shores In Flames”, initially from Bathory.
It is a stunning, amazing release by Kæry Ann, and I recommend listening to it carefully (it will reward you). Here it is!!!
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Written by Mike D.
