Album Review: Kristallnacht 2013 by Elizabeth Veldon
Elizabeth Veldon’s Kristallnacht 2013 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2013 under her own self-released label, this UK-based electronic/drone project feels less like music and more like an atmospheric experience. It’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply haunting—exactly what you’d expect from someone crafting soundscapes without the polish of a big-name label.
The titular track, “Kristallnacht,” is unforgettable. It’s not just because of its weighty historical reference but how Veldon translates that into sound. The piece builds slowly, almost painfully, with layers of droning synths that feel like they’re pressing against your chest. There’s no clear melody to cling to, just waves of tension that rise and fall unpredictably. You don’t listen to it so much as endure it, which makes it oddly compelling. It sticks with you long after it ends, kind of like the echo of a storm you once weathered.
Another standout is the untitled second track (if we’re being real here, I’m not even sure if it has a proper name). This one’s shorter but packs a punch. It starts off quiet, almost meditative, before erupting into this chaotic swirl of distorted tones. It’s disorienting in the best way possible, like staring at a broken mirror where every shard reflects something different. If drone music can be considered confrontational, this track nails it.
What’s wild about Kristallnacht 2013 is how personal it feels. Veldon doesn’t seem interested in making music for mass appeal; instead, she’s crafting something deeply intimate, maybe even cathartic. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on someone else’s private ritual. And honestly? That’s what makes it special.
Final thought: This album isn’t for everyone. Hell, it might not even be for most people. But if you’re into music that challenges you, that sits heavy in your mind like an unanswered question, then give it a shot. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya—it’s intense stuff. Also, fun fact: listening to this while walking through an empty city at night? Incredible vibes. Try it.
