Gregor Samsa wakes up to find that he has been transformed into a giant insect-like creature. This is the starting point of the novella “The Metamorphosis” (Die Verwandlung) by Franz Kafka which inspired Alexander Kaschte to use “Samsa’s Dream” as name for his project. Formed in 1996, after Alexander performed as vocalist and guitarist in several Black, Death, Doom and Melodic Metal bands before, he decided to step forward into the wider fields of darker electronic and neoclassical music, including both elements of elements of Neue Deutsche Härte and cantastoria.
Three years after the release of the first solo tape, the project became a group of three, and their official debut “Die Liebe Gottes – Eine märchenhafte black metal Operette” (“The Love of God – a black metal fairytale-like Operetta”) divided the scene: some people considered that Samsas Traum was the best newcomer band of the year, others started hate them, mainly because of some provocative statements of Alexander Kaschte. The band relocate from Germany to Austria.
If I count correctly, “Anleitung zum Totsein” is the 17th album by Samsas Traum.
“Anleitung zum Totsein” returns to the band’s roots and skilfully combines all of the Samsas Traum arsenal into an intense hour of music. This is Dark Metal with roots back to Black Metal rawness, incorporates cutting edge riffs and electronica of the Neue Deutsche Härte, Gothic atmosphere, and classic, both symphonic and melodious Heavy Metal elements.
Tenderness and brutality collides and become one in Kaschte’s music. “Anleitung zum Totsein” can be considered a concept album about death, and the lyrics are once again sensitive and twisted, due to the authentic German lyricism and poignant poetry. Luca Princiotta of Doro and Stephan “Gudze” Hinz of H-Blockx were once again there to support Kaschte musical efforts.
