ALBUM REVIEW: Panoptikum – Die Kreatur

Goth music has had an intrinsic history within music, as it has evolved from the early days of punk all the way to nowadays and spun off into many sub-genres across the world. Some of the old goth bands, like THE CURE and NINE INCH NAILS still continue, there are newcomers taking on the genre and making it their own. In come German band, DIE KREATUR, with their debut album, Panoptikum. How does this album compare to the other goth bands in the sub-genre?

Impressive in fact. Even if the listener isn’t a German speaker, the music is still very enjoyable to listen to in both the music side as well as the vocals. The vocals embody that dark tone the music goes for a lot of the time, and helps elevate each of the songs featured on the album.

Each of those songs embodies a different side of the goth sub-genre, from the rock edge to new wave, from the industrial side to the medieval rock style; the album embodies every corner that goth music has to offer but does so in a fresh and unique way that makes sure to not blend in with the other bands. It’s evident that a lot of work went into the album, as well as a lot of respect for their goth peers.

Durch Die Nacht features atmospheric guitars with ethereal synthesisers, whilst Schlafes Braut takes on the power goth metal side in a classic but brilliant way. Some may say that the album’s variety in tone and style seems “all over the place”, but here, it shows the talent and intrinsic diversity within the band. The band can be dark and gritty like in Gluck Auf!, but also taking a powerful and epic sound like in Was Mir Am Wichtigsten 1st. 

Overall, Panoptikum is a creative and experimental album worthy to stand up with other goth bands and albums. For a debut, this is really impressive work, and DIE KREATUR have done a great job with their music. Panoptikum is worth visiting and revisiting again, and fans of this album can look forward to amazing things from this band in the future.

Rating: 9/10

Panoptikum is set for release on May 22nd via Napalm Records.

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