Track 5 Satyricon cover!!
Bands from Einheit Produktionen are known for offering fierce yet captivating and often emotional music, mainly within the boundaries of traditional black metal. In 2017 Münster/Germany based band Ferndal released their self-titled debut and got quite a bit of positive feedback. Combining classic black metal with classical music might not have been something completely new, but the assertiveness shown by this young band while doing so is impressive. Their second full length titled “Singularitäten” came with high expectations, and while some reviewers have spoken about a slight disappointment, I cannot agree. This album takes what made the debut so great and expanded on it, with some parts coming across more streamlined and focused, and other elements having been even further explored.
Presenting riff and melody-forward black metal with more than a touch of atmospheric lean, Ferndal have once again churned out more than solid content. In many ways this is an accomplished continuation of the established sound of the debut, but that is in no way intended as a slight. Ferndal have perfected their melodic black metal sound with neoclassical touch here, resulting in what may very well be their best and most mature material to date.
The instrumentation is superb, creating a seamless transition from mellow to heavy. Elements of melodic mystique are present in each of the songs, with aggressiveness and tremolo attacks running rife with emotions. Extended soloing sections are sprinkled over the whole album, and of course the famous Cello has once again got its share of time in the spotlight. The two guitarists Abarus and Sethras are not afraid of thinking just a little bit outside of the box, adding a few twists to the trademark chops of each track, while perfectly complementing the symphonic undertone and the theatrical Cello melodies by Lestaya.
The rhythm section works like a well-oiled unit building a solid backbone to the melodic elements and the driving main riffs. Most of the tracks stay in the mid-tempo area, but there are also some faster up-tempo parts. Despite all the epic impressions and ambient interludes Ferndal never forget that they are a metal band first and foremost. Bass player Sorathiel is also responsible for the vocals, and he does more than an adequate job, leading the line with his snarling black metal voice.
“Singularitäten” is the kind of album asking for a transparent and crisp production, and this is exactly what has been achieved. Some black metal aficionados might argue that this record sounds too polished or modern, but in my book the end product is flawless. The digipak looks beautiful, making this gem one of the genre’s finest additions of the past few years. Must-have!
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=HQ6B2W7jD9s&t=1002s
