Death in June have been an important group of the British Neofolk scene for the last 4 decades, anchored by Douglas Pearce and a rotating cast of other artists. This record marks a pivotal phase in their discography, transitioning from their Post-Punk roots to something closer to Neofolk. At around 70 minutes, it's spread across four sides - each containing a phrase etched into the vinyl.
"One is the number...."
Blood of Winter is a dramatic mood-setter, with Pearce's almost falsetto delivery giving it an uneasy atmosphere. The cold drum machine marching on as the guitar and trumpets seep in. As their music often is, it's theatrical yet subdued.
Hidden Among the Leaves is a slowly building one, centered around a sample of a Japanese woman speaking. Unfortunately there isn't a transcript available of her but it's often thought to be something relating to Yukio Mishima. The choir and bells give a serene feel, something like a funeral.
Torture by Roses is more direct, Douglas brooding over again martial, ethereal production. The songwriting on this album is really something, beautiful in a vaguely war-torn way.
Come Before Christ and Murder Love is more of the same with some Pagan-like lyrics, reminding me of this statement from Pearce from a 1998 interview:
"Yes, obviously. I feel it is part of my duty to be part of the process of resurrection for want of a better word of my indigenous religion. The Christ-time is nearly over and it’s important to awaken the old Gods."
Love Murder is one of the eeriest tracks present, the drum machine and synths shuffling along according to Douglas' vocals.
"Anonymous in glory...."
Rule Again is a triumphant intro to this side, again filled with the distant drums of previous tracks. This side in general is more straightforward vocally but experiments more with drum machines, synths and the atmosphere in general. Definitely some highlights on it even if it's a bit weaker than the previous one.
"In this earth, in this town
In this land, in this hour
In this time, for this age
In this flesh, in this joining
Break the black ice
In this spasm, in this jerk
In this cry, a little death
For this boy, little screams
A little blood, a tattooed rune
Break the black ice..."
-Break the Black Ice-
"Love is now empty..."
Only composed of the 15-minute composition Death of a Man, the third side is easily the most nightmarish part of this album. It's a Sound Collage piece that combines a British documentary about Yukio Mishima with spoken material by French writer Jean Genet overlayed. I'm not too familiar with either of them outside of knowing they exist but Douglas has cited them as influences before. The track is unnerving, a massive change of pace from the preceding album. Though it could've worked well as an outro, there's still one more side left.
"And incomplete! For BC, Y.M. & J.G."
The shortest side of the album, only 3 reprise tracks. They're simpler than the rest of the release, only making up about 15 minutes. The songs are pleasant, but there wasn't much of a point to them being on the album. Should've just ended with the previous side.
The Wörld Thät Sümmer is sadly often undermentioned in talks of DiJ's discography. It's a very layered record, consistent in atmosphere but brimming with ideas. I don't yet have much exposure to Neofolk outside of a few artists however I'm sure this will stay one of my favorites in the genre.
9/10
See also: Current 93, Boyd Rice, Rome
- kreyzi
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