#131 Flork Reviews: Kragrowargkomn & Jori Josiphson - Körkarlen Suite (2024)

 

Kragrowargkomn & Jori Josiphson - Körkarlen Suite (2024)

by Flork 

Ever since its release in 1921, the haunting allure of Victor Sjöström’s Körkarlen (The Phantom Carriage) has captivated audiences, and now, over a century later, the film finds new life through the chilling soundscape of Körkarlen Suite, an alternative soundtrack crafted by experimental artists Kragrowargkomn and Jori Josiphson. If you are unfamiliar with this epic silent film, it may give you some context by first giving the movie a watch before listening to the album. The story revolves around David Holm, a man whose life is marred by alcoholism and cruelty. According to legend, the last person to die before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve is cursed to drive the Phantom Carriage, a ghostly vehicle that collects the souls of the dead, for the next year. And with this imagery in mind, Kragrowargkomn and Josiphson pay an audacious homage to the silent era, blending drone, dark ambient, and funeral doom into a work as eerie and timeless as the film it accompanies.

Körkarlen Suite begins with Prolog, a near ten-minute immersion into the void, where Kragrowargkomn's under-tuned six-string bass guitar reverberates through a thick fog of distortion. The rumbling drones, reminiscent of the legendary sounds of the doom/drone metal group Sunn O))), lay a foundation that is both oppressive and captivating, setting the tone for the journey ahead. This sonic landscape is further enriched by Josiphson’s use of acoustic instruments, particularly the Indian harmonium and Tibetan singing bowls, which add layers of ethereal beauty to the album's otherwise desolate atmosphere.

 

One of the most striking aspects of this project is how it respects the pacing and structure of Sjöström’s film. The soundtrack doesn’t just accompany the visuals; it interacts with them, enhancing the horror and emotional weight of the narrative. Tracks like Smrt Prichadza (Death Approaches) and Tyran David (David the Tyrant) are particularly effective in this regard, as they underscore the film’s non-linear exploration of a man’s spiral into madness and his subsequent reckoning with Death. The use of live drums provided by El Muflono on Tyran David and Epilog adds a visceral element to these moments, grounding the ethereal soundscape in a primal, human intensity.

In addition, Jori Josiphson’s contributions are especially noteworthy for their ability to bridge the gap between the electronic and the organic. His vocals, though sparse, are haunting, blending seamlessly with the harmonium’s droning chords and the metallic resonance of the Tibetan singing bowls. These elements combine to create a chemistry that feels both ancient and avant-garde, which is a fitting tribute to the film’s portrayal of a spirit world caught between heaven and earth.

The album also succeeds as a standalone piece of art. As I noted above that watching the film should add clarity and added value to the listening experience, even without the visual accompaniment, Körkarlen Suite offers a compelling journey through darkness and redemption. Tracks like Zimna Noc (Cold Night) and Spomienky (Memories) are immersive and evocative experiences, drawing the listener into a world of introspection and haunting beauty. The balance achieved between the relentless drone and the more melodic, acoustic passages showcases the duo’s deep understanding of dynamics and mood.

 

Körkarlen Suite was first performed live at the SCANDI 2022 festival in Bratislava, where it was met with acclaim from both film and music communities. The album’s release in July of 2024, under the Sky Burial label, has only cemented its status as a ground-breaking work in the realm of experimental music. The limited-edition cassette release, along with digital options, reflects the project’s roots in a tight-knit merch community that values physical media and the intimate connection it fosters between artist and audience.

And the Florkman’s prognosis? I have to admit that Körkarlen Suite is not just an alternative soundtrack, but a masterful reimagining of a cinematic classic through sound. And although there have been other soundtracks created for the film by various artists over the years, Kragrowargkomn and Jori Josiphson have crafted a unique gem that is as timeless as the film it pays homage to. I would say that Körkarlen Suite is essential listening for fans of drone, dark ambient, and experimental music. It’s a project that not only pays homage to its source material, but also stands as a powerful work in its own right, capable of evoking the same existential dread and beauty that made The Phantom Carriage a lasting work of art.