Classic horror. Legends of Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees and of course the iconic Leatherface. Some of the most terrifying figureheads of the horror genre. An essential criteria of horror, has always been the fear of the unstoppable. Often pitted against a person of fragility. Make no mistake, This Is No Fairytale is one of the darkest records you will hear this year. I shan’t spoil the story for those who’ve yet to hear, let’s just say it’s a tale of manipulation of innocence that takes turn for the worse…
Opener “Once Upon A Time…” enraptures the listener with its malevolently playful teasings followed by our dread filled introduction “There’s No Place Like Home” . From then on its a tumultuous tale, using the distorted guitars to serve as the abrasive examples along with the subtle strings to create a truly sinister edge. “When Crows Tick On Windows” for example demonstrates when the young boy finds his mother dead. Immediately the orchestra is brought to the foreground creating a real air of despair. Cuts like “Killed And Served To The Devil” and “Possessed By A Craft Of Witchery” as single songs are brilliant, but put into context of the story line, absolutely excel.
The clever use of strings create a sense of tension, whilst neatly tying the songs together, also create an air of pursuit. That this monster is always at your heels. With Seregor‘s revolutionary use of lyrics, specifically sounding as though you were being read a story. The cloak that can sometimes confuse the listener in a concept album is well and truly removed.
The daunting sound that Carach Angren have developed, is the sonic equivalent to the immovable supernatural force felt by horrors classic villains. Throughout the nine track album, the record moves in waves, working with the symphony to heighten specific catalyst moments. Most importantly though, like the classic story formula, the album has a beginning, a middle and an end. Having always had a safety net with previous pantomime like tales, Danny Elfman‘s style springs to mind. The playful mischievousness is dispelled , creating a lack of safety from the off. Making for a genuinely, unnerving and unsettling listen as we hear of the fate of two young children. Particularly for the first time.
Looking out for clues, musical or lyrical to the story aided by the fantastic production of the album, along with the well thought out structure of the songs creates a fantastic and most importantly interesting and engaging narrative. Many albums you can cherry pick particular tracks that might stand out, but in order to fully appreciate the work, This Is No Fairytale is a one click listen. Demanding your attention throughout, the album is an absolute tour de force, a real pantomime for the ears. Where so many bands’ vocals are often swallowed in the delivery Carach Angren‘s simply adorn the music fantastically.
The sense of utter terror when our antagonist is finally revealed, after all the anticipation and build up, of red herrings and dummy scares the final revelation that this unstoppable force, this immovable monster is revealed. The morbid curiosity that doesn’t let you tear away from the screen. Well now a new horror classic is born and you can add This Is No Fairytale to the long list of horror legends. Truly unique.
If you like what you read/heard, then you can pick up This Is No Fairytale here!
