With the upcoming EP The Cult of Kariba, CARACH ANGREN return to the story that first defined their identity. Drawing from historical legends and obscure regional folklore, the band revisits the myth of the White Lady from Schinveld, this time expanding it with a new, sinister figure: Kariba. Inspired by real poems, forgotten theatre plays, and occult symbolism, this EP introduces a hidden cult intent on resurrecting Kariba—a poisoner and alleged witch whose spirit carries a legacy of vengeance. The Cult of Kariba explores this narrative with a blend of haunting atmosphere, cinematic scope, and blackened aggression.
Formed in 2003 in the southern province of Limburg in the Netherlands, Carach Angren began as a collaboration between keyboardist Clemens “Ardek” Wijers and vocalist/guitarist Dennis “Seregor” Droomers, both of whom played together previously in the band Vaultage. Inspired by the power of narrative in metal and the theatricality of classical music and film scores, the duo decided to forge their own path, infusing black metal with symphonic arrangements and elaborate storytelling. The name “Carach Angren,” drawn from Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, reflects their fascination with language, lore, and dark fantasy.
Their 2008 debut Lammendam introduced the band’s signature narrative style and conceptual depth. Based on a regional ghost story, the album tells of a woman whose tragic death in a burning castle gave rise to a haunting figure (the White Lady) seen roaming the forests of Schinveld. This story became the thematic foundation for the band’s identity. It was followed by Death Came Through a Phantom Ship (2010), inspired by maritime legends and ghost vessels, and Where the Corpses Sink Forever (2012), which addressed the horrors of war and its psychological aftermath.
By 2015, Carach Angren further pushed their boundaries with This Is No Fairytale, offering a raw, unfiltered look into domestic abuse and trauma through the lens of twisted fairy tale tropes. In 2017, Dance and Laugh Amongst the Rotten centered around a haunted girl and her cursed music box, with each track unraveling the lives of characters who meet tragic ends. Their sixth album, Franckensteina Strataemontanus (2020), drew from the life of controversial alchemist Johann Conrad Dippel, blending science, superstition, and historical horror into one of their most layered works to date.
Now, with The Cult of Kariba, Carach Angren reconnect with their original concept while expanding its narrative universe. The EP draws inspiration from archival poems and lesser-known local legends, particularly the figure of Kariba: a mysterious woman remembered as both a poisoner and a sorceress. The songs unfold as a sequence of events involving an underground cult in Schinveld, beginning with “A Malevolent Force Stirs,” where villagers secretly gather for ritual. “Draw Blood” follows the first act of violence, revealing the cult’s sacrifice. “The Resurrection of Kariba” explores both the ceremony to awaken her and the backstory of her grief and execution. With “Ik Kom Uit Het Graf,” the victim of her past betrayal returns from the grave in a violent act of revenge. The EP concludes with “Venomous 1666,” where Kariba’s spirit is fully reborn, consuming the living and sealing the fate of those who called her back.
Produced with precision and narrative cohesion, The Cult of Kariba ties together myth, horror, and folklore in a tightly crafted five-part journey. Rather than simply revisiting the setting of Lammendam, Carach Angren expand the story with additional historical context, new characters, and an even darker tone.
Production Credits:
Main compositions by Ardek.
Pre-production, orchestral arrangements and keyboards by Ardek.
Vocals by Seregor, recorded at Tidal Wave Studio, Germany.
Backing vocals by Ardek.
Drums performed by Gabe Seeber, recorded at Mayhemeness Recording Studio.
Bass guitar, drums written by Ardek.
Guitars tracks 2,3 written by Seregor.
Guitars tracks 4,5 written by Ardek.
Lyrics tracks 1, 2, 5 by Ardek.
Lyrics track 3 by Ardek & Seregor.
Lyrics track 4 by Seregor.
All guitars and bass guitar performed and recorded by Patrick Damiani at Tidal Wave Studio, Germany.
Mixed & Mastered by Patrick Damiani at Tidal Wave Studio, Germany.
Vinyl Mastered by Robert Schmidt, 24-96 Mastering, Germany.
Guest Musicians:
Solo violin tracks 2, 5 performed and recorded by Nikos Mavridis.
Voice overs done by Tim Wells.
Wolf howl track 3 by Frodo Wijers.
Lyrics proofreading done by Sylvy Notermans.
Model:
Lara Mauve
Photography:
Stefan Heilemann (http://www.heilemania.de)
Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/carachangrenthecultofkariba
Follow Carach Angren:
Website: https://www.carach-angren.nl/
Bandcamp: https://carachangren.bandcamp.com/music
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/carachangrennl/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carachangren
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/carachangren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carachangrenofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7sJC2WkTzn7gqUhVfP9sOm
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/257491
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/4568274
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/carach-angren/279550516
Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12” Vinyl Gatefold w/ UV Print
