Danse Macabre was found back in 1995 when Gunther Theys (Ancient Rites) started a band with some Greek friends from Septic Flesh and Rotting Christ. When Danse Macabre wanted to release some material the record company went broke and Danse Macabre was frozen for sometime until Gunther found new members Jan Yrlund (ex- Lacrimosa, Ancient Rites) and Ralf Corten (ex- Ancient Rites) to complete the material for their debut release. Together with Antoinette (Malochia) on (background) vocals they released “Totentanz” back in 1997 and Danse Macabre could count on great response from the dark, wave and gothic genre. Right now in 2001 Danse Macabre is back with “Eva”. Jan Yrlund was responsible for writing most of the songs and that certainly can be heard back. I know Danse Macabre is aiming at a different audience but some of the guitar parts and melodies could have been on one of the last two Ancient Rites releases.

Furthermore this has become a real good dark, wave release with gothic and folk influences. The songs are well composed and arranged and Gunthers vocals sound as exciting as they were on the past Ancient Rites releases. The two new Dutch members on drums and bass are doing a fine job and Antoinette was also present to do some more female vocal parts this time. Sometimes their music seemed to be influenced by the Sisters of Mercy on the other hand you might be listening to a more Rammstein a – like phrase with Barok influences. Fact is that there’s so much to hear and their interest in past times is clearly hearable in both lyrics and artwork. For fans of the gothic wave genre this certainly is worth checking out.