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Kreischen is German for “the shrieking,” but the screams are internal on this new project by a mainstay of its genre, Leper. This CD has everything except shrieks and screams in its dark grooves and echoing canyons. The first half of Kreischen is a little uneven, but generally okay, in a mechanical, industrial, post-punk way. Leper really warms up for the second half which is more lush, more darkly alive, and more what one hopes to hear from a gothic great like Leper. The production is outstanding throughout. Skot Shaw has changed partners since this, his last project with long-time collaborator Dan Feldstein, and one wonders if replacement Kenny Dail will be able to fill that black velvet cape. However, this project is very finally produced; a real killer, which is what one wants in goth. There are plenty of redeeming points to this darkness; Leper lives in a Christian community, after all, and a quick read of the handy lyric sheet finds a world view in line with orthodox Christianity, with a special emphasis on man's depravity and despair. If it takes blood and sacrifice to make things right, so be it. No one groans out an ode on the theme better than Leper.

Anthony E. and Linda J. LaFianza 4/27/2006