Artist: Verena von Horsten
Album: Alien Angel Super Death
Production: Performed, recorded and produced by Verena von Horsten in New York and Zurich
Contemplating why a seemingly strong person decides to surround themselves with a wall of silence, instead of seeking comfort in the things that empower them, is not only essential for their own survival, but also the people who care about them. Captivating Swiss singer-songwriter, Verena von Horsten, sets out to deconstruct that wall of silence with her stunning new second solo album, ‘Alien Angel Super Death.’
The record is a moving and sentimental tribute to von Horsten’s late brother, Hakon, who committed suicide four years ago. The musician wrote and produced the songs she sang on the album, which explore the haunting journey of despair she embarked on as she struggled to understand why her brother felt like the only option he had left was to end his own life. The singer powerfully uses her music to make society a bit more humane, and offer a voice to the emotionally wounded.
‘Alien Angel Super Death’ begins with the alluring entry, ‘The Hymn,’ which features a stunningly dark synth pop beat that highlights von Horsten’s distinct operatic vocal range. Propelled by a powerful synth line, drum beat and keyboard lines, the musician confidentially declares that she’s ready to her to improve her life, even though she’ll always cherish her brother’s memory.
‘The Hymn’ leads into the record’s sophomore song, ‘All About,’ which is much more subdued in tone than its predecessor, but equally compelling. The musician’s vocals are highlighted by a throbbing bass line, industrial drum beat and keyboard lines that steadily crescendo, as she begins to accept her painful loss. von Horsten emotionally sings that she realizes that she needs to bring about a change in her life, in an effort to overcome her sadness, loneliness and hopelessness of her brother’s death.
The third track on the captivating ‘Alien Angel Super Death’ is ‘Sweet Lullabye,’ which proves to be one of the best tunes on the album. von Horsten’s vocals are interestingly mixed in many layers, and are set against an intriguing jagged rhythm. Backed by a powerful drum beat, the singer admits that she’s hunted by aspects of life that she can’t figure out. Her struggle to overcome her brother’s death is clearly noted in her voice, and she isn’t afraid to share her pain through her vocals.
The musician’s latest record then transitions into the emotionally abundant entry, ‘Sakrament der Büffelherde,’ whose powerful verses and choruses are driven by a pulsating bass line and an electronic drum beat. von Horsten’s stunning vocals are also emphasized by ‘Alien Angel Super Death’s next song, ‘The Monster.’ Supported by a compelling keyboard line, the musician’s stripped down vocals once again highlight her struggle to overcome her past traumas, and determination to appreciate the new prospects in her life.
The next track, ‘Fire,’ rightfully serves as the record’s first single, as it highlights von Horsten’s vulnerable admission that her hope and healing are coming full circle. While there’s an evident uplifting in the tone of the singer’s vocals and instrumentals, she powerfully admits that she still has some healing to go through before she becomes fully healthy again. She vulnerably reveals that she’s relying on her faith to help guide her to find the peace she needs in her spiritual healing.
The musician’s emotional and spiritual journey powerfully ends with some of its most engaging and heartfelt songs on ‘Alien Angel Super Death,’ including ‘The Love We Have Forever’ and ‘The Believer.’ The singer reinforces her struggle of overcoming her brother’s loss by remembering the love she had for him, and that nothing can ever break their bond, no matter how much she evolves moving forward. Her memorable vocals are driven by a exhilarating and pulsating drum beat, keyboard line and strings, which culminate in a triumphant closing that reminds her listeners of her strength and determination.
von Horsten’s enthralling and inspirational second album, ‘Alien Angel Super Death,’ offers haunting musical insight into the complex emotional process she endured after her brother Hakon died. Her heavy synth-rock songs, which are powerfully driven by her ubiquitous voice, demand the listener’s full attention and contemplation of how they can truly help their loved ones, who no longer have the drive to fight for their own survival.
Through the musician’s instrumentation and lyrics, the record is a passionate reflection on how society deals with suicide and the causes leading to it, as well as the way culture has made the topics taboo. von Horsten’s gripping words remind people that through encouragement and support, people can often help and empower their family and friends to overcome despair.
For more information on von Horsten, visit her official website, as well as her Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Buy ‘Alien Angel Super Death’ on iTunes, and listen to several of the singer-songwriter’s new songs, including ‘The Hymn,’ ‘Fire’ and ‘The Believer,’ below.
