Band: Ahasverus

Album: The Destiny of Fabian Kazmierski

Album Year: 2006

Label: Protoplazma

Genre(s):  Dark Ambient / Neoclassical

Band Website: http://www.ahasverus.se

Download From: http://www.protoplazma.com/releases/006/net.p006.html

Review Date: 11-06

Rating: 9/10

tracklist:

1. Overture

2. Tree shadows

3. River bank

4. Resting - hiding

5. Moving in searchlight

6. Hide and seek

7. Tunnel

8. Epilogue

            Ahasverus brings us quite an engaging work of incredible adventure and experimentation with “The Destiny of Kazmierski.” Playing like a musical narrative to a soundtrack from an Ingmar Bergman film, this album transcends the conventions traditional dark ambient. An elegant story is told through the use of simple yet engaging sounds.

            Fabian Kazmierski was an enigmatic Polish farmer whose very existence is in question. Musically, the album successfully tells the tale of his fearful flee from military forces in World War I. This album is his voyage.

            The opening track “Overture” begins with the faint sounds of whispers, as if they were planting the seed of Kazmierski’s paranoia. And soon the sounds of strings creep in, thus beginning the journey. The album continues to unravel symphonically and somewhat minimally. Ahasverus masterfully composes the string section to some lost orchestra. A fair balance between the bowed instruments and truly harrowing ambient moments provide for a nearly perfect juxtaposition of tone.

            The production quality is top notch. My only complaint is that the strings occasionally sound a bit too synthetic for my tastes, but this is a rare occurrence. The majority of the orchestral sounds are actually quite organic, especially in composition.

            In a genre plagued by overpopulation and pedestrianism, it is quite refreshing to find a piece of work willing to break out of the status quo and go for something as original as “The Destiny of Fabian Kazmierski.” Actually I’d say this album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Ahasverus’ sounds are quite cinematic and speak clearly to the created narrative. With every orchestral sample, with every resonant ambience, I can feel the tale of Fabian Kazmierski. From his fear to his tranquility, to even the mysteriousness of his very existence, it is all there. This, ladies and gentlemen is a true work of art.