Surrender to this delirious and dark debut mini-album.
Seileen, who describes their music as industrial, gothic and classical, started activities in 2005 but have only released their debut CD this year. There are only two members: Selia and DJ Sisen. Currently signed to Darkest Labyrinth Records, Japan's leading goth/industrial music label, they have performed with Tokyo decadence and have captivated the imagination of many. Not very much is known about Seileen as they are shrouded in mystery. The same can easily be applied to their music, which is the perfect example of minimalist and edgy music.
The introduction track Kaikan is without a doubt immensely disturbing and sinister. With an undertone of muttering and indistinguishable sound effects, it is enough to raise the hair on the back of anyone’s neck. Eden Without Even is like the hypnotic trance music you would expect to be played at underground clubs. Selia’s countertenor voice weaves an eerie melody around the backing, a typical feature of Seileen’s works. The song is constructed with taste and is refined; there is enough repetition, but not too much for it to be a bore. Many of the notes are sharp or flat, contributing to the distinct mesmerizing spell cast by Eden Without Even.
Beginning with a sinister pattern and backed by strong strings is Demento. The vocals here are softer and blend more into the background. Conspiring whispers and hums neatly add to the threatening atmosphere. The rhythm section is very prominent, giving Demento a creepy edge. The pace is quicker and more dramatic, and the piano imitating the harpsichord creates a very interesting texture.
Baku, track four, is even more trance-inducing. With an oriental tinge in the backing generated by atypical note intervals, the song is dangerously mesmerizing. Selia adds haunting vocals, and the song contains a pace that seems to relentlessly accelerate. The dissonant vocal harmonies, together with the slick and deranged laughter, easily propel the song into the top song of the album.
Carnival of Blood is truly a tantalizing song, with military style drumming, screeching violins and a cello melody that sounds like a snake charming tune. Altogether, it’s like a nightmare siren. In the verses, Selia’s voice is deep whilst in the choruses his voice is higher by an octave. A downside to Carnival of Blood is the screeching violins, as they are used far too much and become distracting after a while.
Track six, the title track, employs the use of ghostly chimes. The background arrangement is delectable, but the vocal melody line isn’t as good as the one on previous tracks, despite the eerie exhales and murmurs. Rensa is more alluring, but by this time you’ll be hard pressed to not find the song annoyingly similar to previous tracks.
Kinjirareta Asobi is one of those love it or hate it albums. If you are into gothic, ethereal music, this is the album for you; but if you are not so keen on this style, you would find the songs too repetitive - possibly even dull. If Seileen just cut out the last two songs, this album would be the perfect length and leave you wanting more.
