Dies Irae
Dogma
~reviewed by Blu

Out of the Minneapolis, a band called Dies Irae has been slithering its way into black-clad hearts for a few years now. I'm not even sure how I came upon this CD to tell you the truth (its copyrighted in 1998) but its grown on me so much that I feel obligated to let everyone else in on the secret. Smart lyrics, genius musical progression, and velvety smooth vocals dipped in just the right amount of sexual tension make this CD a contender with the big names in dark gothic music. Upon visiting their website - I found the bands members much younger than I expected from their disarming experienced sound. If this is their beginning, I cannot wait to see where they go with it.

From track one, "Reverence," I was hooked. Opening with splendid keyboards, it rocks into a heavy beat with guitars that sing a counter melody to the sultry vocals of Civitas Hall. Suddenly it changes tempo with a funky bass line and then dives into a seductive chorus. The musicianship is incredible - from the vocal work, to the instruments and how their separate "voices" interrelate and come together to form this piece.

"Ashede" is another track I'm particularly fond of with its mysterious, almost East Orient tinged sound set to another funky beat and adorned by the commanding voice of Civitas.Through in some pretty evil laugher and you've won my soul. This is pure Peter Murphy genius - old school that is. Think back to the days when "Bella" was on all the black-lined lips and you'll begin to grasp what this sound "feels" like. Its dangerous and sexy and completely addictive.

The spooky but playful keyboard line (a la something out the Munsters) and bass make "Sealife" one of the lighter and fun songs to listen to. Its infectious and generally has me doing this silly head bobbing dance thing that I don't claim any responsibility for.

And although I'd like to rave about every track on this CD (cause they're *all* wonderful), I'll spare you the long dramatic paragraphs and skip to the song "Flatlined" which is again, another piece of musical mastery. From its tempo changes, sampling, complex bass work, dramatic vocals, and perfect keyboard and guitar accents, this song is something I'd expect from an experienced and time -tested band. To hear this sound coming from a fairly new band gives me goosebumps.

Seek this CD out if you've longed for the days when Goth was new - when Bauhaus and Christian Death brought something unexplainable, raw and succulent to the table. Dies Irae is a new sound for a new generation of goths - but the old feeling is there and it feels as divine as black satin and a windy autumn night.

*Editor's note: since giving birth to this CD, Civitas Hall and JJ Kidder have moved on to follow other pursuits. Benjamin Bacon and Jonathon Ford are back in the studio working on new material. We wish them all the best and continued success and hope to hear from them soon.

Tracks
-reverence
-postal
-unbelievers
-metamophosis
-asheade
-absence
-x-mas present
-sealife
-deforestation
-whisper
-flatlined
-unbelievers (peleth mix)
-x-mas (magi mix)
-absence version II

Dies Irae on this recording was:
Civitas Hall - vocals
Jonathan Ford - guitars, programming
Benjamin Bacon - bass, samples
JJ Kidder - keyboards, programming

website: http://www.dogma.org/diesirae
email: diesirae@dogma.org
Civitas Hall: civitas@2z.net

5/20/00