Operatic black metal band Folterkammer have shared an in-studio performance video for their brand-new song, “Algolagnia.” The song is taken from the band’s sophomore record Weibermacht due out April 19 via Century Media Records.
The live clip is an unearthly showcase of not just the strength and raw talent of Folterkammer live, but a glimpse of guitarist Zac Ezrin’s (Imperial Triumphant) go for the throat style of black metal riffing. “Algolagnia” might be the single best song Folterkammer has produced to date. The vocals are extraordinary; the band is on point.
Guitarist Zachary Ezrin comments:
“Algolagnia is a special song because it’s the first and only song that we wrote together in the studio. It’s a really raw and brutal piece that I’m very proud of.”
Bassist Laurent David adds:
“Finally, a black metal track that starts with a bassline!”
Vocalist Andromeda Anarchia further explains:
“Musically, I would say that despite all its rawness, this piece also has a somewhat modern character. It is very unusual. This contrasts with the more traditional, dramatic-romantic operatic singing that floats over the raw music at certain points. My main inspirations for interpreting Algolagnia as a singer were Rob Halford, Nina Hagen, Nova Twins, and Joan Sutherland.
When it comes to lyrics, one of the main inspirations for ‘Algolagnia’ was the opera ELEKTRA by Richard Strauss, which is one of my all-time favorite operas. It portrays strong women with strong voices, and that’s exactly what I want for our music. For Algolagnia, I paraphrase a passage of the aria: ‘Wie stark bist du!’ (‘How strong you are!’). (A personal note: This opera is so bloody and brutal, a must-see for all metal fans who want to venture into the world of opera. It’s heavy! You shouldn’t expect overly romantic melodies and sweet voices in this opera; it is written for women with strong voices from the so-called dramatic vocal fach. It’s incredibly demanding to sing! Badass!).
Algolagnia,’ from Greek /ælɡəˈlæɡniə/: ἄλγος, álgos, ‘pain,’ λαγνεία, lagneía, ‘pleasure.’ Lyrically, as the song title suggests, it is about the phenomenon of sexual pleasure and stimulation through physical pain. The woman depicted in the song is the source of pleasurable pain, described as a kind of sun, warming, life-giving and sustaining, but also dangerous, life-threatening hot if you get too close to her. The descriptions are based on the legend of Icarus and the sun.”
In addition, Folterkammer has recently announced their first ever U.S. tour with support from Witching.
03/22: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
03/23: Richmond, VA @ Another Round
03/24: Columbus, OH @ The Summit
03/25: Chattanooga, TN @ Dark Roast
03/26: Nashville, TN @ The End
03/27: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle
03/28: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge
03/29: Cleveland, OH @ No Class
03/30: Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland
Photo courtesy of Folterkammer
