Music Review: Strap On Halo - Ode to Krampus

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Strap On Halo are one of the newer goth rock bands that holds on to many of the sentiments of the genre's 80s and 90s founders (being a healthy blend of some of the musicality behind Christian Death, Xmal Deutschland, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and even a sprinkling of groups like Skeletal Family and March Violets). But, often, the alternative music scene, especially the darker gothy side, isn't one that evokes feelings of Christmas. Surely, when December comes rolling around, we must don our all-black drab and hang black tinsel on a black colored tree with a raven for the tree's demented star? Strap On Halo's upcoming release, Ode to Krampus, reveals just how goth rock can tackle the spirit of the giving season.

Strap On Halo's Ode to Krampus is finally coming to vinyl in 2015

"Ode to Krampus" was originally recorded in 2013 but is now receiving a physical vinyl release for the first time. The song opens with a melancholy piano part coupled to a driving drum beat and a sprinkling of guitar work from Sean Rial. Layla Reyna's haunting voice enters the mix, beginning the ode to Krampus. The chorus is introduced with a gorgeously held note, "Run...as fast as you can." Musically, the sound of mystery and allure is retained, complimented nicely by the work of Marc Jones on bass - subtle, yet every bit as important as the vocals and driving piano.

The song continues on in this fashion, ending mysteriously enough after three minutes and change of play. Strap On Halo maintain their traditional gothic sentiments on this one, painting an auditory picture of the darker side of Christmas. While not everyone's cup of tea, this is one to surely make the goth in your family a little happier this season.

Strap On Halo. Left to right: Layla Reyna, vocals/drums/keyboards/arrangements, Sean Rial, guitar, and Marc Jones, bass

Ode to Krampus will be released later this month and is strictly limited to 25 copies which include a 3.5" round sticker and a handwritten lyric sleeve with the clear 7" vinyl itself. Pre-orders are now live through the Strap On Halo bandcamp site. The group will also be releasing their newest album, Prayers for the Living, in January of next year with a mini tour of the United States in the works. They're a fun live group and delightful people to talk to, so catch them if they come to a city near you!