Die Macht is the conceptual creation of Swiss mastermind JF, who released a CDr on French label Slaughter in Art, titled Instinct de Survie.

The EP caused quite a buzz and got many rave reviews. Yet it was just an appetizer for the real thing: Blut unter den Fahnen could be considered Die Macht’s real conceptual debut.

First side, “Mit unseren Fahnen ist der Sieg”, depicts the first stage of any conflict, when the war machinery conquers all and seems unstoppable. Side B “Blut unter den Fahnen” speaks of downfall, sacrifice and final despair.

This is darkest ambient / martial industrial music. In elegant neo-classical touch, in the same league as Toroidh, Arditi, Turbund Sturwerk or Les Joyaux de la Princesse.

Yet Die Macht has developped its own, very unique sound, huge, powerful, menacing, like an all-engulfing darkness. Hard as Krupps’ steel, heavy as lead, cold as the night.

The tracks build up slowly, from the distant echoes of church organs and bells, to heavy drums and full orchestral power,  complete with air sirens wailing. Music of fire and steel, of pride and honour, of death and nothingness. Music that arise from the blood-drenched European soil.

Last track is so apocaliptically noisy you’ll think your ears are damaged. One can see the bombers vomiting death upon the burning city of Dresden.

As Europe history is re-written again and again, a few do remember.