What makes Das Testament by E Nomine notable?

Das Testament was a commercial success, reaching high positions on German charts and contributing to the rise of the darkwave and gothic techno scenes in Europe. Its innovative sound garnered critical acclaim, making E Nomine influential in the development of electronic music that draws from historical and religious motifs. Released in 1999, Das Testament is E Nomine's second album, following their breakthrough debut, which established their unique blend of electronic music and religious themes. The album solidified their place in the German music scene, bridging genres while exploring deep cultural narratives.

How many songs are on Das Testament?

Das Testament has 14 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Das Testament

E Nomine · 1999

57 min · 14 tracks · electronic dance music

A fusion of Gregorian chants and techno beats creates an otherworldly atmosphere that blurs the lines between spirituality and dance music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Vater Unser — This track reinterprets the Lord's Prayer with a driving techno beat, showcasing E Nomine's signature blend of spirituality and dance culture. Its catchy hook resonates deeply within the club scene while remaining reverent to its source material.
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Die 10 Gebote — This track creatively narrates the Ten Commandments through a rhythmic and melodic lens, illustrating how E Nomine transforms biblical stories into engaging, contemporary soundscapes. The juxtaposition of sacred text with electronic elements makes it both thought-provoking and entertaining.
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Der Fürst der Finsternis — With its dark undertones and powerful vocals, this track explores themes of evil and temptation, reflecting a deeper philosophical inquiry within the album. The combination of dramatic delivery and pulsating beats exemplifies E Nomine's theatrical approach to music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Das Testament merges Gregorian chants with techno, creating a distinct sound that resonates within its genre.

What we noticed

Tracks often transition seamlessly into one another, with many ending in sustained notes that lead directly into the next piece.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements that recite biblical texts, enhancing the thematic depth without overshadowing the instrumental focus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Psalm 23

The track includes a moment where it shifts from serene descriptions of peace to stark imagery of darkness and fear.

This structural contrast not only emphasizes the duality of comfort and struggle but also mirrors the thematic tension present throughout the album.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Am Anfang war... Die Schöpfung 1:12
2 Vater Unser 3:30
3 E Nomine (Pontius Pilatus) 4:11
4 Die 10 Gebote 5:40
5 Das Abendmahl 3:35
6 Die Sintflut 4:22
7 Himmel & Hölle 3:40
8 Der Fürst der Finsternis 4:39
9 Bibelworte des Allmächtigen 4:37
10 Die Posaunen von Jericho 3:51
11 Ave Maria 3:50
12 Psalm 23 4:47
13 Hallelujah 3:52
14 Gott tanzte 6:02

What to play next

Listen next

Finsternis

2002

Full E Nomine discography Artists like E Nomine

techno trance

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata