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 VALEFOR
The Graves Of Andras
2001
CD
Memento Mori MORI 13
Dark Vinyl Records
Valefor was Michael Ford's band before he
went on to form Psychonaut amongst various other projects. I first heard
Valefor on their Death Magick CD which was mainly apocalyptic rumbles
of total noise. Although this is more audible, it's just as unnerving. On this
CD, mostly recorded in October 2000, Michael who goes under the name Nachttoter
provides all music and some vocals and he's joined by Davcina who provides
witchcraft and vocals. The sleeve notes describe the CD as being based on four
spirits/demons and the sonic use of black magic. It's a gateway to the demonic
realms and could be perceived as the dark sibling to Psychonaut's Stealing
Fire From Heaven .
It begins with 'Succubus Magick, Pt, One', which instantly sets the mood as
its dark electronic sounds are unleashed. Davcina's echoing witch-like vocals
blend in. 'Angel Serpent' has Michael reciting some Satanic ritual whilst what
sounds like a tortured animal wails over the top, and this is mixed with a fair
bit of electronic screeching. 'Innovation and Descent' sees Michael in character
as the spirit Astaroth . He growls menacingly as he speaks to a background of
dark rumbling ambience. It has a thundering storm-like effect. 'Morning Star
Rising' has a thumping beat over dark music over which Davcina speaks. Michael
later joins in in a dark whispery style. 'Lilith - Samuel' is more dark atmospheric
noise to which Davcina's vocals are added. 'Succubus Magick, Pt, Two' is in
similar vein to part one although this time Davcina's vocals are sung in similar
style to Lisa Gerrard. 'Tzelmoth - The Shadow Of Death' is again dark and atmospheric:
it's quite minimal and features some brief vocals. 'Blood Spilt in the Circle
of Andrus' has a gushing wind sound to which Davcina's spoken voice again echoes
over the top. 'We are Descording' is the final track. It's a three-minute instrumental.
More wind like sounds blend into a hypnotic classical style loop. Quickly it
fades and the silence of the room is then restored after a journey into the
dark world of Michael Ford.
JOHN MARSHALL - 26 November 2002
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