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Genres: Neofolk, Darkwave, Neoclassical
RIYL: Qntal, Estampie, Audra, Love is Colder Than Death

Inspired by a resplendent tapestry of apocalyptic folk, gothic, and neoclassical influences, Unto Ashes' first album in 4 years is an enigmatic excursion into existential terror; of bliss and tragedy; of love and beauty; of hope in the face of universal void. To quote Aeschylus (whose words appear in the first song), Orchids Grew Here is tantamount to an exploration into "the awful grace of God."

The twelve illuminated sound-paintings are both enchanted and enchanting; they venture into a future of non-existence from a garden of withered orchids to interstellar black holes.

The synergy of core members Michael Laird, Bret Helm, and Ericah Hagle is expressed in soft, at times unsettling vocals, wandering through panoramas of passion, darkness, and introspection. Lead vocalist Laird has a soft, redolent voice conjuring the spirit of Nick Drake. Helm's distinctive voice is reminiscent of Peter Murphy, and Hagle's complex, ethereal harmonies appear prominently as soloist on "Starfish."

Unto Ashes was founded in 1997 by multi-instrumentalist Laird. Through his work as an antiquarian bibliographer, he discovered many obscure texts that continue to inspire. This album offers passages from Aeschylus, the founder of tragedy (Greece, 525 BCE - 465 BCE), Christina Rossetti (England, 1830-1894), Edwin Arnold (England, 1832-1904), and Anna Akhmatova (Russia, 1889-1966).

A less obscure text is found on the indelible cover of Madonna's "Frozen," reimagined with waves of acoustic guitar, fervent vocals from Helm, and an Arabic-sounding cello duet.

With uncanny alchemy of sparse instrumentation ranging from the medieval (hurdy-gurdy, viola da gamba, dulcimers) to the modern (analog synthesizers, tape loops, etc.) and bewitching vocals, Unto Ashes delivers mystery, elegance, melancholy, and -- ultimately -- triumph.

• CD in 4-panel digipak
• Limited edition: 300

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