Lustmord’s “The Word as Power” is an appropriately potent album that departs musically from the drones that make up his previous albums. This album still has Lustmord’s signature drones and dark ambiance, but is accompanied by extremely rich vocal performances. The vocals are provided by an assortment of guest vocalists including Aina Skinnes Olsen, Jarboe (from Swans), Maynard James Keenan (from Tool) and Soriah.
The largest difference between “The Word as Power” and his previous catalog is in general tone. This album feels far more tethered to the human spirit, where as older albums often feel like soundtracks to natural phenomenon: the sounds a dying star or the cold mutterings of deep forgotten caverns. The inclusion of prominent human voices makes this feel like a solemn religious experience, a bit like a dark hymn in remembrance of a dead Medieval crusader. These sounds are a ritual.
Photo by s.alt.