Spirit Tomb – Spiritus Lacrimarum – Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere (Apollon Records / Gymnocal Industries, 2023)
In August 2023, Norwegian artist Leon Kristoffer unveiled the second album by Spirit Tomb, titled Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere, through Apollon Records’ sublabel, Gymnocal Industries. This album, deeply immersed in sorrow, sees Leon Kristoffer reimagining the literary works of Edgar Allan Poe. Spirit Tomb uses nuanced vocals, sometimes loud, intense and dramatic, other times in ghostly, whispered form, accompanied by hauntingly beautiful romantic piano and exquisite cello.
Spirit Tomb had previously released the EP The Lotus of Dahlia, the inaugural chapter of the “Aandegrav Trilogy,” which premiered on April 14. Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere paves the way for the trilogy’s ultimate installment, “The Haunted Palace,” along with its ambitious aspirations. Leon Kristoffer frequently collaborates with the outstanding photographer Nicolai Karlsen, and their unique imprints are evident in Spirit Tomb’s visual aesthetics. They have already unveiled a breathtaking video for The Lotus of Dahlia and have plans to craft full-length films for both Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere and “The Haunted Palace.”
Conceived in the year 2020, Spirit Tomb represents the brilliant solo endeavor of the visionary Norwegian artist, Leon Kristoffer. Spirit Tomb combines a darkly romantic fusion of piano, cello, and vocals. Leon Kristoffer’s masterful songwriting seamlessly melds with his extraordinary dramatic talents, fashioning a sonic elixir of overwhelming intensity, akin to the throes of delirium tremens. Spirit Tomb guides its listeners through gilded, yet desolate, corridors of eras past intertwined with phantasmagorical dreamscapes. This vertiginous journey awakens memories that disconcert, beguile, and haunt with profound effect.
Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere features a remarkable cover and gatefold designed by Mitchell Nolte, accompanied by striking photographs by Joacim Jørgensen.
Leon Kristoffer said about the project: “The realm of Spirit Tomb is where old ghosts are conjured. Flesh and spectral limbs entwine in a dance that ultimately escorts the dead to their final destination in eternal solace. It started with grief on The Lotus of Dahlia. It continues with loss on Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere and culminates in catharsis within the walls of The Haunted Palace.”