Limited edition of 500 pieces.
Other releases by the band: This is their second full-length album, in addition to three EPs, two demos, and one compilation, one single, and one split release.
How I discovered the band: Apparently, after my review of the Schundmären demo, I checked what the other half of the duo had released and stumbled upon this CD on Bandcamp. It seems I bought it and was very surprised when it arrived in my mailbox last week. Basically, I gave myself a surprise birthday present. So, let's have a listen and see if and how pleased I was:
My opinion of the album: I'm quite surprised by how much I like it, since normally all that pagan/folk/viking stuff isn't really my thing, with a few exceptions. The album constantly shifts between black metal songs with varying degrees of folk support and acoustic singer-songwriter passages/songs. The vocals also fluctuate between clean tones and harsh, raspy growls.
My favorite track is "Ein Narrisches Blutbad" (A Foolish Blood Bath). It begins epically, with expansive drums and a synth that sets the perfect mood, before acoustic guitars lead into the main song. These disappear with a raspy count-in, after which the metal takes over and never relinquishes its conquered territory. Driving, harsh, yet somehow melodic, it then proceeds with brief forays into clean vocals, without ever reverting to the raw, edgy sound.
In conclusion: If you're looking for a blend of medieval rock and black metal, you'll definitely find what you're looking for here. So give it a listen, and maybe you'll even pick up the CD.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=hCxU575_oZ4
