Interlude Man Amouage 2012

Why are we often strongly attracted to morbid themes? They contradict everything that life could sweeten for us and offer in terms of beauty. Right now, around Halloween, many people are inspired by the fantastic creatures of the night (whether legend or pure fiction) and confront the supposed horror.

From a psychological perspective, this is a game with fear, which makes us all the more aware in confrontation of how beautiful it is to enjoy the comfort and security of our enlightened world every day.

The course of human history holds secrets that stem from the imprint of several cultures or eras. The origin of our current spooky fun "Halloween" goes back to the Irish "All Hallows' Eve."

On the night of October 31st to November 1st, Celtic customs unite with Christian beliefs in "All Hallows' Eve." Exact distinctions and derivations are hardly possible, but in everything, the primal fear of our own transience and the inevitable end of life resonates.

Scents can also consciously or unconsciously take up this theme. Amouage Interlude is such a perfume - one that creates more effect than one might have originally planned. Certainly, an oriental perfume was to be composed again, in which Opoponax was to play the main role. But imprints and associations create their own effect:

Freshly sprayed, the citrus top note flashes briefly, which can only momentarily prevent the plunge into the olfactory abyss. Quickly, a herbal note combines with the immediately showcased Opoponax.

Anyone who has ever had the scent of a corpse in their nose can confirm that it possesses an unbearably piercing, putrid, and moldy penetrance, which is, however, introduced by a sweet note that is hard to convey. The tree resin Opoponax has this sweet component of the corpse scent at its core. Only the subsequent feeling of disgust does not (thankfully) set in.

As is customary with Amouage, the main theme is artfully played around in the development of the scent. Frankincense, patchouli, and sandalwood shape the interplay of smoke, spice, and heavy sweetness.

Nevertheless, Interlude can never quite shed its morbid effect even in the base - where the woody patchouli and the sweet sandalwood dominate. The image of a wilting rose, which illustrates transience, fits very well here.

While such associations in everyday life are usually not well received (or even seem strange) by those around us, the heavy soul of the fragrance enchants the wearer in quiet moments and can indeed evoke a very strong fascination.

Despite or precisely because of its olfactory abysses, Interlude rightfully has a large fan base (which I count myself among). This may be due to the reasons described at the beginning, being able to encounter an olfactory "All Hallows' Eve" whenever a morbid contrast can once again clarify what life - in its unavoidable transience - offers us every day.

In this context, the name "Interlude" fits very well.

I would like to add a few final words about the excessive sillage and longevity. These do not fit the presented theme and jump out at everyone in the immediate vicinity. One should keep this in mind when making a purchase. One to a maximum of two sprays can last up to two days (if accidentally getting on clothing, even significantly longer). Whoever possesses 100 ml has enough for a lifetime. ;-)