ASPHYXIUM ZINE

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Single Review: Erszebeth "Child in Time" (Independent) by Dave Wolff

Artist: Erszebeth
Country: France
Genre: Dark ambient ritual
Single: Child in Time (Deep Purple cover)
Label: Independent
Format: Streaming (Soundcloud)
Release date: April 2020
If you ever wondered how a Deep Purple classic might sound when covered by Diamanda Galas, Erszebeth’s cover of “Child in Time” may be the closest you get. I always thought Metal Church did the best job covering Deep Purple's “Highway Star” for their first album with enthusiasm and raw energy. But when I got wind of this vocalist (who I’ve never heard before) and this single of hers I thought I’d give it a chance just to see how she approached DP’s monument to progressive/classic rock. You would think this track can't be touched, but I have to attest that you’re seriously missing out if you pass on this.
Erszebeth is based in France and got started in 1993 singing for her self-titled dark ambient project. Releasing several demos before her project disbanded in 1998, she went on to collaborate in a series of musical projects. Erszebeth briefly reformed in 2010 to record “Inferno,” a concept album based on Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” Today she continues Erszebeth as a solo project, in addition to singing for Corona Barathri, Haiku Funeral and the ambient/neoclassical project Stupor Mentis. Considering her unique originality, determination and work ethic, it’s a wonder why she hasn’t been noticed yet.
The first thing I can say is the musicianship in this cover is reproduced perfectly. Of course having her own influence and sound will create subtle but noticeable differences. There is a slightly darker and more atmospheric feel, a sense of calamitous power swelling and growing as the song begins and slowly builds in intensity. This feeling grows the more the song progresses but this updated motif doesn't stray too much from the original vision Gillan and Blackmore had back in 1970.
The most noteworthy quality of the song is the different dimension Erszebeth carries it to by way of her haunting, operatic vocals. As she croons, howls and shrieks her way through, she almost literally becomes a demoness enticing you to the other side, to a realm filled with the souls of the damned. In not so simple terms you're taken to a dreadfully alive pagan universe so horrific and otherworldly it’s no longer human. The pain and longing she channels is equally enervating and profound.
This cover compelled me to listen to Erszebeth’s older releases and her more recent singles to see what I've been missing. If you like classic rock and dark ambience you'll want to hear this. –Dave Wolff

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