To categorize Dead Can Dance by any standard of popular music would be a complete exercise in futility. The interpretation of their heart-pounding drum beats and soaring lyrics should be completely left up to the individual listener. I can, however, give you some background information and historical facts, as well as explanations of what their music has meant to me personally. The band is called Dead Can Dance, and two of its members are multi-instrumentalist Brendan Perry and classically trained singer Lisa Gerrard. Along the way there have been other musicians assimilated from all over the world as the music has evolved and transcended itself, with influences ranging from ancient European to Central American. .
By far the most intriguing and notable feature of this group in my opinion is Lisa Gerrard, an ethereal and powerful vocalist who in comparison makes Enya sound like a squeaky door hinge. Born in Ireland, she met up with Brendan Perry in 1981 in Melbourne, Australia a year after his formation of Dead Can Dance. The group subsequently moved to London and began what has been a very successful collaboration, using instruments such as the hurdy gurdy, uillean pipes, and Chinese dulcimer, among others. .
The blend can only be described as "world music," though I think this description leaves something to be desired. DCD had a habit of touring and picking up musicians along the way who would add texture to the music, artists such as Paskaal Japhet. Paskaal was born in Madagascar and brought flavors of Senegal, Mali, and Africa to the mix with his unique percussion instruments, eventually adding several drum sets to each side of the stage. He collaborated with DCD on the 1996 album SpiritChaser, which I was fortunate enough to see live. SpiritChaser was a pulsating audio romp through South American with Paskaal as the drummer and Lisa Gerrard providing undulating waves of crystal clear vocal theatrics.