(04.02.07) Ah Cama-Sotz is the long-term project of Belgian musician Herman Klapholz, one time member of Hybryds and also partly responsible for Wai Pi Wai and Pow[d]er Pussy amongst others. Recording since the 80’s and as Ah Cama-Sotz since 1995, Klapholz has worked in a number of experimental, ambient and noise related styles, all of them critically acclaimed. Ghost In The Shadow is a live recording from a “Seats ‘n’ Beats” session at CC Luchtbal, Schouwburg in Antwerp, Belgium on November 1st 2003 and is released through Belgian label Spectre.
Ghost In The Shadow takes selected back catalogue tracks from releases on the Spectre, Hands, Ant-Zen, Klanggalerie and Klapholz’s own Bats and Cats label and reworks them specifically for the live environment. Focus is on atmosphere and the ritualistic, religious and mythological themes Klapholz often includes in his recordings. The whole album is heavy on swirling texture, slow mechanical grinds and low drones mixed with carefully selected samples to highlight the dark subject matter at hand. Each piece is in a constant state of flux, rarely becoming repetitive and carefully focused on creating complex soundscapes that draw detailed, often disturbing imagery and evoke intense emotions. “Yog-Sothoth” for example has soaring ghostly howls, clanging metal and an evil sounding narrative that gives way to heavy distorted drones and tortured screams. Somewhat less intense but relevant to Kalpholz’s fixation with mythology is “The Howl of the Werewolf” which bears a tense air of evil, the pained sounds of a howling man and a repeated warning of what will happen on the full moon. Slightly lighter in mood but heavier on cinematic tension is “1348” which gives the impression of impending danger. Klapholz takes the listener on a journey through all things dark, ritualistic and mythological; from the monk-like chants of the opening “Prologue” and “Sakrahl” through the atmospheric “The Gathering” and “Yog-Sothoth” and on to the choral finale of “Lix Tetrax.” Often utilising samples with mythological and demonic references, Ghost in the Shadow begins fairly gently, almost as a warning of the dark mysteries to come and, once they have been revealed, brings the mood down again to a happier, safer and more restful place.
With an extensive background in dark ambient music of this type, Klapholz has mastered the art and delivers an excellent album that tells its own stories with a defined beginning, middle and end. He lets the tale slowly unfold before the listener and invoke a torrent of images and feelings. Ghost In The Shadow works well as an album and was undoubtedly intense and memorable to witness in person.
Ghost In The Shadow is out now on Spectre.
