QNTAL (Early Works)

Word music · Elektronics · Avantgarde

The sound style of Qntal (pronounce: “Kuntul”) can be seen as two periods, the early Qntal with the albums “Qntal 1” and “Qntal 2” (with Ernst Horn, Deine Lakaien) and the times after the split of the band in 1999 (without Ernst Horn).

In an unconventional compositional and acoustic way Qntal combine medieval poetry and modern electronics; the gap between “classical” and “pop” music becomes transparent. Either harmonic or commentating, innovative soundscapes and arrangements fit in medieval poetry. The main themes of the 12th and 13th century texts are politics, religion and death and in an almost archetypical way seem to reflect emotions and realities of our postmodern society. The emotional component as well as the contemplative effect of the music opens a whole new world of magic and poetry to the listener. The emotional component as well as the contemplative effect of the music offer a whole new world of magic and poetry to the listener.

Qntal - The early work (“Qntal I” and “Qntal II”)

Qntal is founded in 1991 by Ernst Horn (Deine Lakaien), together with Michael Popp (Estampie) and vocalist Sigrid Hausen (Estampie).

They release two albums, “Qntal I” (1992) and “Qntal II” (1995), followed by a legendary tour together with Deine Lakaien.

Split and Continuation 1999

Qntal split in 1999: Ernst Horn (Deine Lakaien) leaves Qntal. After one and a half years, Ernst Horn finishes a new middle-ages/electonic project with five singers, still in the style of the former “Qntal”, but more avant-garde and experimental: “Helium Vola”.

Syrah and Michael Popp continue their vision of the project at another label (under the name of “Qntal”), with a style moving closer to Estampie and trendy medieval fantasy art.