Exactly on this day, March 23rd, 40 years ago, in 1985, the Italian-Swiss Goth/Post-Punk/Deathrock band The Dead Relatives recorded a live session that would be self-produced on cassette: Commentarius In Apocalipsin.
The existence of The Dead Relatives is one of those well-kept secrets that endure for many years and that many people ignore, but sooner or later come to light. It’s unknown exactly how many copies were made, but it’s clear that this tape is a valuable rarity.
The DIY tape Commentarius in Apocalipsin 1985 (Taken from The Dead Relatives FB)
The Dead Relatives formed in 1984 and consisted of Italian and Swiss band members. They moved between Lombardy and Ticino and played in venues such as Leoncavallo in Milan and Casa Bacilieri in Locarno. Almost all of their productions were released in the second half of the 80’s, except for a compilation CD released though the label L’Alternative Dramatique in 1995. The line-up was as follows:
Derek from the Fog – Voice (mid 80’s)
Walter Albini – Voice (late 80’s – 00’s)
Alexis – Guitar
Ah Pook – Bass
Jokanaan – Keyboard
(Oberheim DX – Drum Machine)
Live at Leoncavallo in Milan 1985 (Taken from The Dead Relatives FB)
Commentarius in Apocalipsin sounds distinctly gothic and post-punk, but also incorporates elements of deathrock and krautrock. The influence of contemporary bands like Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Cure, PIL, (Joy Division), Sisters of Mercy, Virgin Prunes or Christian Death is noticeable. But at the same time, The Dead Relatives present their own musical approach – a dark psycho sound that initially draws you into a triggered/distressed atmosphere, and then it takes you on a trip through desolate soundscapes (as depressing as it is pleasurable).
Live in Locarno (Taken from The Dead Relatives FB)
On Side A the songs are almost always led by a ostinato pounding drum beat, accompanied by a nervous/anxious guitar sound that gives it that dead touch. The song structures are malevolently monotonous and undefined, getting you exasperatingly addicted.
“Oracles” is a progressive opener that builds in intensity as a guitar with a PIL tuning (1978) appears. The vocals and the religious lament are reminiscent of “Amore, Fede, Speranza” by Madre del Vizio (released five years later). “Abelard” unleashes the driving punchy drum grooves challenging the bass to enter the dynamic. This solid concept is constant until the fifth track “Hymn”. “Lilies” and “Satariel, Uriel, Thaumiel” share a constant, galloping drum set (à la Cure’s Hanging Garden) with guitars like lost souls riding the beat.
On side B a clear contrast becomes evident. The songs are slower, more meticulous and emphasizing the moment, which becomes more hypnotizing, as if it were the soundtrack to a tortuous occult ritual. Consequently, the vocals are also more subdued and their wails more pronounced. The bass bites more slowly but persists in that splendid dynamic with the drums, while the ethereal synthesizer fill the gloomy space.
“Prayer’s Purple” begins with the slowest passage on the entire recording. The drum-bass concept gives way to the guitar and the synthesizer levitating in the void. And now the singing is more of an esoteric invocation to the oltretomba. Here you can also appreciate (one year before Pixies and a couple of years before Nirvana) a gothic version of the dynamic “soft verse, loud chorus”. “The Pact” is reminiscent of Joy Division but played with a LA-style American deathrock touch. “Lilith” is a hybrid right between punk and post-punk – allegro ma non troppo ma fantastico! (this one is dedicated to our photographer, Lilith). In “Nephtali” the Yamaha DX7 flows into the ambience without stopping for a single instant. Meanwhile, a very interesting counterpoint of voices, drums, bass and guitar in the choruses. Finally, to end the psychological damage, in “Hecate” the guitar is as repetitive and claustrophobic as the ground bass is minimalist. This is the only song on the tape that was not recorded live.
So now press play, let your mind flow and enjoy your own ritual ceremony with this gem, which returns to the scene after 40 long years.
If you want to discover more about The Dead Relatives, visit their facebook page.
