Operatic black metal rising stars FOLTERKAMMER are now unveiling an in-studio performance video for their brand new song, “Algolagnia!” The clip showcases the searing and remarkable talents of each member, while also giving a glimpse of guitarist Zac Ezrin’s (IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT) versatility as a guitarist as he displays his chops with some straight-forward black metal riffing! The clip was once again created by Folterkammer drummer Brendan McGowan and can be found at THIS LOCATION.
The song is taken from the band’s sophomore full-length, ‘Weibermacht,’ which is due on April 19, 2024 via Century Media Records!
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!)
“In addition, I also paraphrase a passage from a spicy comic-mythological operetta called ‘DIE SCHÖNE GALATHEE’ (‘The Beautiful Galatea’) by the Austrian composer Franz von Suppé. The operetta is about the beautiful nymph Galathee, who, to Pygmalion’s dismay, turns out to be a very capricious lady. This theme also plays wonderfully into our hands when it comes to the concept of ‘Weibermacht’ (the term that refers to an art and cultural-historical motif that describes the triumph of erotic, cunning and/or brutal women over powerful, strong, and wise men).
“‘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.”
‘Weibermacht’ serves as a counterpart to the band’s 2020 debut, ‘Die Lederpredigt.’ The new record is another searing blend of modern black metal and classical music elements, lending to its Avant Garde sound. The music itself is elevated by frontwoman and vocalist Andromeda Anarchia’s dynamic vocal work as she juxtaposes her classical training as an opera singer with her hellfire screams, summoning a maelstrom of ethereal chaos. Pre-orders are now live HERE.
In addition, FOLTERKAMMER has recently announced their first ever U.S. tour! The rising powerhouse will be embarking on an East Coast headliner with support from WITCHING, which kicks off on March 22 in Baltimore and will circle back to the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY on March 30. The full itinerary can be found below!
The album artwork for ‘Weibermacht’ was created by Eliran Kantor.
‘Weibermacht’ Tracklist:
- Anno Domina [WATCH]
- Leck Mich [WATCH]
- Die Unterwerfung
- Kuess mir die Fuesse
- Algolagnia [WATCH]
- Herrin der Schwerter
- Das Peitschengedicht [WATCH]
- Venus In Furs (Cover Version)
FOLTERKAMMER U.S. TOUR DATES (w/ 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
Founded in New York around 2018/2019, Folterkammer, or “Torture Chamber,” is the operatic black metal outfit that is redefining modern music. This ingenious band seamlessly fuses beauty with brutality. A combination of raw passion and technique contributes to the epic nature of Folterkammer’s dark art. Their work is both nostalgic and remarkably fresh. Yes, Folterkammer fuses various musical traditions and genres to craft an unparalleled experience.
Folterkammer is composed of Andromeda Anarchia on vocals, Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Darren Hanson on guitars, Laurent David on bass, and Brendan McGowan on drums. Both Anarchia, who hails from Switzerland, and David, who was born in Paris, divide their time between Europe and Brooklyn. Thus, even though the group can be described as international, Anarchia states: “It took New York to create Folterkammer.” Her project Andromeda Anarchia’s DARKMATTERS acted as the catalyst that brought her to the Big Apple, where she met Ezrin. Many metalheads already know that Anarchia has appeared as a guest on the three most recent albums by Ezrin’s brainchild Imperial Triumphant — a leading avant-garde band that marries extreme metal, jazz, classical components, etc. McGowan has also provided guest vocals for Imperial Triumphant, and Hanson lent his songwriting excellence to their 2012 instrumental track “Scaphism.”
Ezrin, McGowan, and Hanson have a wealth of shared history. These friends attended college together in California, where Hanson and Ezrin studied classical composition. Thus, much of Folterkammer’s orchestration is classically based. Hanson harbors a special love of Baroque music and knows precisely how to expertly wed it with his passion for black metal. Folterkammer was actually conceived when Ezrin proposed that Anarchia collaborate with him on some of Hanson’s material. Ezrin writes killer riffs and more for the band. McGowan was invited to join Folterkammer on Hanson’s wise suggestion. His drums are perhaps the heaviest element keeping one of Folterkammer’s limbs firmly anchored in traditional black metal. McGowan mines inspiration from different generations of acts: He names 1349 and old-school heroes like Blasphemy and Marduk. That said, black metal fans will also be pleased to hear the spirit of the second wave in the aggression of Folterkammer’s tremolo picking, for example.
The exceptionally skilled David, Folterkammer’s newest weapon, truly perfects the group with his golden touch on bass. Whereas the bass is not always as prominent as it could be in the content of many black metal groups, Folterkammer purposely allows David’s bass to shine through. Like his bandmates, David is an avid consumer of several forms of music, and thus creates delightfully eclectic art. He has received both classical and jazz training. This major talent has toured worldwide alongside musicians and bands such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic, Yael Naim, and Shijin. David has done so both as a side man and as a band leader/producer. Anarchia and Ezrin already knew David before asking him to join Folterkammer. After all, David founded the “avant metal-jazz trio” Kilter of which Imperial Triumphant’s Kenny Grohowski is an essential part.
Lineup:
Andromeda Anarchia – Vocals
Zachary Ezrin – Guitars
Brendan McGowan – Drums
Darren Hanson – Guitars
Laurent David – Bass
Guest Harpsichord: Steve Blanco on “Anno Domina”
Album Credits:
Producer: Zachary Ezrin
Recording: Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios in NJ
Additional Recording: Laurent David and Antoine Delecroix
Mixing: Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, in NY
Mastering: Fred Kevorkian
Cover Art: Eliran Kantor
Album Layout: Brendan McGowan
Photography: Alex Krauss
Logo Design: Mister Kams
Bio: Jillian Drachman
Click image to watch the video
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