Artist: Costin Chioreanu & Sofia Sarri
Title: Afterlife Romance
Label: Dark Essence
Cat #: KAR181CD
Release Year: 2019
Duration: Album
Format: CD 
Packaging Type: Jewel Case

The debut of this project by Romanian avant-garde devotee Costin Chioreanu and unearthly Greek singer Sofia Sarri is a sheer instance of the unexpected. From the first listen, “Afterlife Romance” opens the mind to the nostalgia of a time which never actually happened. Seemingly mimicking a lo-fi rendition, this record takes the touchiness and the spookiness resembling horror soundtracks of the ’70s and ’80s, and places them in a newly created realm between a cult peculiarity and enchanted experiments.

The vision which led to the creation of “Afterlife Romance” came to life while Chioreanu was enjoying an evening in the sunset hues at the huge and impressive Central Cemetery in Vienna. He felt that certain tunes must be written, eerie pieces to tell the story of two ghosts falling in love while going out of their graves one night, together with all the other neighbouring dead. The narrative in this concept makes use of shivery sensations, creepy scenes, surrealist imagery and an intense pace, including a particular type of drums found mostly in the wildest kinds of jazz and blues.

Through his art, Chioreanu has explored various corners of the musical underground, ranging from melodic crust punk to black metal to avant-garde – and his solo projects have shown a marked leaning towards the magical, atmospheric side, interwoven with waves of light and darkness, which have led to collaborations with the likes of David Tibet and Attila Csihar.

Sofia Sarri has also shown a penchant for metal and avant-garde, but the breadth of her artistic vision and talent means that she has never had to remain wedded to any one particular style. She has ranged far and wide, recording with artists associated with free jazz, improvisation and polyphonic choirs before beginning a solo career with her 2017 album “Euphoria”.

Recommended if you like: Coil, Sigh, Ihsahn, Arcturus, Solefald, Akercocke, Blut Aus Nord, Enslaved, Absu, Morn, Sombrous, 

Track Listing:
1. The Gardenian Night Shift
2. Sulphur Promenade
3. Dance on the Clouds Floor
4. A Blooming Moonflower
5. Dreadwatch
6. Thanatoguards
7. The Glow Made Us Go
8. Classified at Dawn
9. Kermes (bonus track)