Ahnstern
Moon Far Away : Minnesang (RU,2010)***
This is the first Western-European release of this band from North East Siberia. Lots of minor key inspirations, gothic and neo-medieval keyboard while not having a full classical band at their disposal and some marching bass drum are elements that are heard in other neo-folk and gothic folk bands. Each track has been worked out with these keyboards differently, imitating classical instruments like church organ, harp, zither, timpani, harpischord or medieval horns, or making a backing soundtrack theme. What is different to the western bands are the more typical Russian contemporary folk-rock elements, like some heavenly vocals, with a female lead vocalist that is able to range her voice from virginal lead vocals to operatic heavens, combined with a more doom bass male voice or spoken word lead vocalists, and also, some interesting elements of folklore in a couple of tracks near the end of the album (vocal arrangements and folklore themes).
