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Libitina
Weltanschauung
~reviewed by Mike Ventarola

Libitina’s latest release, Weltanschauung, is a musical exercise in drama and passion. The title translated means “world view” and we are taken through every emotion associated with betrayal that is intrinsic in the human condition whether one is 8 or 80.  Despite the title, all the songs are delivered in English with a variety of hybrid sounds that seems to be the rage in Europe these days. 

Lyrically, this CD puts the heart on the cutting edge of a razor blade with dark poetry that is straightforward but not simplistic. In fact, just from reading the lyrics alone, one can understand why it may have taken a few years for this sophomore release to become available.  Each song is like a mini stage production where the listener is drawn into the role of voyeur in order to witness the unfolding of relational collapse on many levels from the personal to the religious. Because of this skillful writing, one can almost envision any artist taking a track and recreating it to fit in any genre because of its collective and poignant message. 

This bold work does not care to play it safe. It is meant to purge us from the same demons that bear witness of our own tortured souls. This is further demonstrated when the songs take a turn from a narrative style delivery to an outright primal shout that puts us in the front row seat of interaction. 

Vocally, the band asserts and resonates with the tempestuous fervor that was evident during the heyday of the punk rock era, making it raw to some extent, but still keeping the feeling authentic. This style may remind some of a harder version of Sopor Aeterunus at times. 

Musically, however, the band shifts between neo-classical, gothic, industrial and synthpop in an effortless fashion, making sure to broaden their appeal while maintaining the goth roots from whence they sprang. 

"Dreams No More" is an homage to anyone who has ever carefully sat back to assess their dreams in life, only to find that things just aren’t going according to plan. 

"Betrayal" is delivered as if it is purging some major trial that one has had to endure and is resorting to anger rather than wallow in the depths of sorrow over the loss of someone that one has trusted.

"Samskara" has the dramatic elements that would actually play well as a video or as a soundtrack inclusion.

"Via Dolorosa" combines elements of EBM/Industrial and classical in order to convey a street of sorrow where one realizes that all that has been gained has been at a significant cost. 

"Pariah: delves into the hidden prejudices that lurk beneath the smiles of corporate autocrats.

"Farewell My Love" painfully asserts the need to leave someone without being able to give a satisfactory explanation, despite the fact that things were going good up to that point.

"Polemic" is a timely political attack against the bureaucracy that slants opinions and sanitizes information in an effort of uniformly asserting control. 

"Virgins" relates to the angst against organized religion and the inbred hypocrisy of its many leaders.

"Voluptuary" bristles with the inner questions between right and wrong and taking the road in life that is the least traveled while dealing with the guilt associated with these choices.

"Warpaint" castigates those who hide their inner malevolence behind the veil of what appears to the outside world as uniform and acceptable greed and ambition. 

"Thalatta Thalatta" refuses to be victimized in a world overrun with oppression.

"Something Of A Love Song" mournfully raises the issue about missed opportunities with relational communication.  This is pondered because it hopes to avoid the never answered questions that come after the relationship is over.

For those who like their music to have a bit edge along with lyrical substance, you can’t go wrong with Libitina. The songs are not gender specific, so they can easily cross between the boundaries and the sexes while still maintaining pensive thought from a first person perspective. 

Band Members:
Jamie: bass guitar, programming, vocals
Peter:  Main vocals, guitar and programming
Darren: Guitar
Additional voices on Voluptuary performed by Stephen Singleton

Tracks:
1. Dreams No More
2. Betrayal 
3. Samskara
4. Via Dolorosa
5. Pariah
6. Farewell My Love
7. Polemic
8. Virgins
9. Voluptuary
10. Warpaint
11. Thalatta Thalatta
12. Something of a Love Song

Email: Libitina@libitina.demon.co.uk
Website: www.libitina.demon.co.uk