The Rise and Rise of a Dutch Master

Studiously avoiding the outmoded tag of 'goth', they are most commonly bracketed with Black Metal, though they are not truly a part of this genre either. They are in some ways extreme - insofar as they push musical boundries and explore new territory - yet they have never advocated Satanism, church-burning or other riotous acts of non-conformity: in fact they have recently been quoted denouncing this oft-found trait of many Black Metal bands.

Deinonychus' power lies not in their aggression, violence or venom, but in their sensitivity to and understanding of the trials of life, both mortal and immortal. Deinonychus' music is about conveying an ideology, a life concept, rather than slapping the listener around the face with constant raw hatred and power. And therein lies the true magick of this Dutch master.

The recently released demo CD 'After the rain falls an empty sky remains' marks the beginning of Deinonychus' explorations into both extreme metal and orchestral majesty. It is diverse in style, but overall very powerful. The first album 'the Silence of December' develops the raw elements, whilst still retaining a deep sense of emotional meaning and lyrical content. But it is with 'the Weeping of a Thousand Years' that the full vampiric supremacy of Deinonychus comes into a life of it's own. Comparable in style to no-one I can think of, this conceptual album tells the fairly derigeur story of an immortal mourning the loss of his mortal love. The desperation and misery of a life that cannot end are emotively explored, and both the music and the vocal dexterity give this idea expression. The power and impact of an album of this magnitude is profound to anyone with an ounce of feeling in them. To the vampirically devoted it is a cautionary tale that eternal life is not always a blessing, but often a curse. Think of the experience of Louis in Anne Rice's 'interview with a Vampire' and you have some idea of the devastating loss portrayed in the vocals on this album.

To those of you who think that Goth is the last word in suffering and anguish, think again. Deinonychus taps a vein never before touched, a depth of feeling that transcends anything that has come before. And if all this were not reason enough to be admirer, Marco Kehren - the voice and the maestro behind Deinonychus - comes across as a completely genuine enthusiast for his work and of vampire culture. He is intelligent, honest, and sensitive to the contentious issues he is not afraid to approach. His music is far more than a means of making money - it is a way of life.

Vampirism is more than a fashion deep for Marco, and although he dresses the part it is obvious even from a brief conversation with him that his belief in and passion for the vampiric existence is even more important. He speaks of his music as being an expression of his soul, an out-pouring of his darkest dreams.

There is no artful deception with Deinonychus as there is with so much Black Metal and Goth. They do not burn churches or sacrifice goats to Satan or slaughter virgins - they are just happy to show their true selves to the world. I think if more bands stopped posturing and started performing music from the soul and heart, there would be a great deal more music worth listening to than there currently is...