Lacrimas Profundere Thrives with ‘Obscurity’ and Upcoming Tour Dates

The latest stand-alone single from Lacrimas Profundere, ‘Obscurity,’ illustrates the band’s dedication to the thematic and stylistic themes established in their last release, ‘How To Shroud Yourself With Night’ (2022). Originating from the same studio sessions, the track represents a continuity of the band’s artistic vision, although it was not completed in time for the album’s initial release. In the ensuing period, specifically in the summer of 2021, vocalist Julian Larre and guitarist Oliver Nikolas Schmid reconvened to finalize the song, thereby maintaining the creative momentum generated during the album’s production.

Lacrimas Profundere, a seminal entity in the gothic rock and metal panorama, originated in Waging am See, Bavaria, Germany, in 1993. Founded by Oliver Nikolas Schmid and his brother Christopher Schmid, the ensemble’s name, loosely translated from Latin, means “to shed tears,” aptly reflecting the melancholic ethos permeating their music. The band’s early work was steeply rooted in death-doom, a subgenre combining the weight of doom metal with the aggression of death metal, distinguished by its slow tempos and morose atmospherics.

The progression of Lacrimas Profundere’s sound, marked by a shift from death-doom to a more accessible gothic rock style, reflects broader shifts within the genre, in which bands increasingly tried to combine metal’s ferocity with gothic rock’s emotional and melodic nuances. This shift became evident with the release of their album ‘Burning: A Wish’ in 2001. This album marked a significant departure from their heavier early material towards a more melodic and gothic-oriented approach. This album’s use of cleaner voices, crisper guitar tones, and a more atmospheric feel aided in broadening its appeal and attracting a larger audience.

Central to the band’s aesthetic is the use of lyrical themes that explore loss, melancholy, and existential despair, often conveyed through metaphor and richly poetic language. These themes are consistently matched by the sonic elements of their music, which employ a mix of somber guitar melodies, deep bass lines, and introspective lyrics, often delivered with a distinctive baritone by the lead vocalist.

Lacrimas Profundere’s relevance extends beyond their record, influencing the gothic genre by expanding its musical scope and emotional depth. Their music resonates with a sense of authentic sorrow and beauty, capturing the quintessential gothic dichotomy between darkness and light, despair and solace. The band’s growing sound reflects not only its members’ unique artistic journeys, but also the changing dynamics of the gothic and metal musical environments.

Moreover, the band’s visual presentation in album covers and live performances, which often features gothic imagery such as cemeteries, winter landscapes, and desolate ruins, reinforces the thematic content of their music. This visual alignment, together with their auditory representation, results in a cohesive art form that immerses the audience in a full gothic experience.

German Goth rock, a subgenre of the broader Goth subculture, epitomizes a unique blend of music, aesthetics, and cultural identity that emerged prominently during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This musical movement, while rooted deeply in the punk rock scene, distinguishes itself through its embrace of darker, more somber aesthetic and thematic elements. The cultural implications of this genre extend far beyond its musical boundaries, influencing fashion, visual arts, and societal attitudes towards themes of melancholy, existential dread, and romanticism.

The genesis of Goth rock in Germany can be traced back to the post-punk era, where disillusionment with societal norms and political unrest provided fertile ground for the development of a darker, introspective sound. Bands like Xmal Deutschland, Clan of Xymox, and Peter Heppner’s Wolfsheim contributed significantly to the texture of this scene, weaving Germanic musical traditions with the broader, more international sounds of Goth. The lyrics often delve into German literature and philosophy, with references to Goethe and Nietzsche not uncommon, reflecting a profound engagement with existential and nihilistic themes.

From a musical standpoint, German Goth rock is distinguished by the use of melancholy melodies, synthesizers, and deep, resonant vocals. The use of electronic music elements deviates from the British Goth sound, favoring a more dramatic and synthetic approach. This fusion not only widened the genre’s sonic landscape, but also helped it stand out within the Goth subculture, providing a variety that was both more approachable and introspectively sophisticated.

The visual representation associated with German Goth rock also plays a critical role in its cultural significance. The aesthetic is heavily influenced by historical Germanic and Eastern European styles, incorporating elements such as stark black clothing, intricate lace, and leather, often accompanied by pale makeup and dark eyeliner. This style is not merely a fashion statement but a form of personal expression and cultural identity that communicates the internal states of alienation and melancholia that are central to Goth philosophy.

The impact of German Goth rock extends into the realms of social and cultural discourse, challenging conventional norms and providing a space for the exploration of alternative lifestyles and philosophies. It offers a sanctuary for those who feel marginalized by mainstream culture, creating a community that values introspection, sensitivity, and the transcendence of traditional gender norms. The genre’s emphasis on individualism and self-exploration fosters a culturally rich environment where art, music, and personal identity intersect.

Moreover, German Goth rock’s effect on the global Goth scene should not be overlooked. It has inspired a multitude of musicians and bands around the world, helping to shape a dynamic and ever-changing musical genre. Through festivals and collaborative projects, it maintains a lively contact with different music scenes, guaranteeing its relevance and adaptation to shifting cultural environments.

Transitioning from their previous album, which leaned heavily into a melodic and somewhat commercial gothic rock style, Lacrimas Profundere’s subsequent release, ‘How to Shroud Yourself With Night,’ marks a deliberate return to the band’s darker, more introspective roots.

This album, released on August 26th, 2022 under the SPV/Steamhammer Records, is a significant step forward in the band’s musical journey, combining their signature gothic aspects with a fresh, inventive approach to songwriting and composition. The songs delicately combine melancholy with aggressiveness, expressing a lyrical depth that investigates the complexities of darkness and light in human experiences.

The integration of somber guitar riffs with hauntingly ethereal keyboard arrangements provides a lush, immersive soundscape that is quintessentially gothic yet distinctly modern. Lyrically, the album ventures into the realms of personal introspection and existential reflection, maintaining a lyrical continuity that is both poetic and profoundly evocative. This shift not only signifies a maturation of the band’s artistic expression but also reaffirms their pivotal role in the evolution of the German goth rock scene, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with both long-time followers and new listeners.

The production of ‘Obscurity’ was overseen by Kristian Kohle’ Kohlmannslehner at Kohlekeller Studios in Seeheim, with mastering expertly handled by Tom Porcell at Limetree Studios. This single not only resonates with the lyrical and musical themes of its preceding album but also subtly incorporates musical homages to the band Sentenced, which disbanded in 2005, thereby weaving historical influences into its contemporary fabric.

Currently, Lacrimas Profundere’s trajectory is marked by a significant uptick in their popularity, as evidenced by a quadrupling of their monthly listeners on Spotify to 80,000. This surge in audience engagement has led to consistently packed venues at their live performances. Furthermore, the inclusion of ‘Obscurity’ enriches a setlist that spans three decades of the band’s history, highlighting their enduring relevance in the music scene.

The announcement of the single coincides with an extensive touring schedule, which includes more than 16 festival dates across Europe and several headline shows in select cities starting in April 2024. These live performances celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary while also demonstrating their dynamic presence in the music industry.

Complementing their current achievements, Lacrimas Profundere has also introduced ‘Breathing Souls,’ a track focused on climate change and exploitation, in collaboration with Chris Harms and Tobias Schönemann. This piece, initially shelved due to a mismatch between its musical composition and the band’s envisioned lyrical direction, was revitalized through the collaborative efforts of Harms and Schönemann, who were invited to reinterpret the song with fresh perspectives. The reinvigorated track, according to producer Kohlmannslehner, features “probably the saddest melody I have ever heard,” encapsulating the profound emotional depth characteristic of Lacrimas Profundere’s music.

Engaging actively in international tours and festivals, Lacrimas Profundere has solidified its presence on the global stage, contributing to the dissemination of gothic culture. Their performances are noted for their emotional intensity and the ability to connect deeply with live audiences, further cementing their status within the genre.

Lacrimas Profundere’s contributions to music demonstrate a dynamic interaction of genre innovation and thematic depth. Through their continual evolution, they continue to play a vital role in molding the shapes of gothic rock and metal, emphasizing their importance as a band that not only adapts to changing musical tides but also significantly influences them.