Quintessenz "Back To The Kult Of The Tyrants" CD

CD in jewelcase with fold out 8-page booklet.

Blackened Heavy Metal from Germany!!

Do you like to know the greatest influence of the lone wolf Genözider, the only member of Quintessenz, as soon as possible? Then skip the first nine songs and start with the last one called "Iron Hammer Sacrifice". It begins more or less independently, before it transforms at 2:30 to the unofficial part two of Bathory's "Enter the Eternal Fire". A great second part, indeed, although Quorthon's classic tune remains unrivaled. But the riffs of "Iron Hammer Sacrifice" are catchy, the composition is not too simple and the hoarsely echoing vocals create a gloomy atmosphere. To be honest, this is the last in a series of killer tracks, no matter how much Bathory is included.
But Quintessenz do not wait until the last song to pay tribute to Bathory. The prominent riff of "Black Metal Holocaust" hits like a bombshell and it pleasantly reminds me of "Armageddon" of... oops... Bathory. So I am very glad to say that Genözider's and my favourite songs of Bathory seem to be the same. Nevertheless, from now on, I do not want to mention Bathory anymore but Quintessenz exclusively.
In general, the songs follow a similar pattern. They are based on strong riffs, powerful and mostly fast drumming while the voice sounds like a hunted animal. The songwriting is old-fashioned and fresh at the same time. In view of this fact, Quintessenz are able to maintain a high quality during throughout the album. Even the title track, in first place after the whispered intro, knows to fascinate. The harsh riff opens the door wide to a realm of sonic damnation - in its maximalist sense, of course. So you will be confronted with the memorable "Ancient Rites" for instance. Equipped with minimalistic lyrics, it almost feels like a black metal mantra. Once you have internalised this track, you will not forget it too soon. This also applies to the grim "Nekrowhore". Thanks to its sharp riff, it will stick in your brain for a long time. Although I must say that formidable riffs and leads are omnipresent - listen to "Wings of Blasphemy", it offers one of the best.
Even the slightly weaker tunes get to the point quickly and concisely. Thus, it is a great pleasure for me to recommend this full-length debut of Quintessenz to all fans who do not need technical tricks but 33 minutes of malevolant black thrash metal. The young Quorthon would have loved it, too.

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