The Germanic trio of hellfire known as Eisenkult (Cult Of Iron) return with their fourth release in as many years, The diverse yet equally extreme Vulgäre, Deutsche Hassmusik.
Eisenkult extols the virtues of pure second-wave black European black metal. It is a sound and style that is true and loyal to the cult whilst also extending their concept into the realms of dungeon synth that, along with excellent production, makes their sound recognizable yet also unique.
The always extreme vocals of Baptist are matched by the droning guitars that represent the darkness whilst the keys are light and add moments of pure melody. It is the juxtaposition of these styles that makes Vulgäre, Deutsche Hassmusik (‘’Let us remember the darkness”) distinct with its drama.
Opener ‘’Anrufung’’ complete with its choir esque grandeur,’’ Der Teufel Hat’s Gesandt’’ is a darker brooding affair that offers discordance with the chaos amid the almost folk-driven history of the melody. ‘’ Bizarr Und Erbärmlich’’ is a leaner more focused offering highlighting the rhythm section and vocals, whilst ‘’ Niederes Gewürm’’ is a cinematic image-inducing track that possibly contains one of the nicest keyboard melodies ever offered in the genre that is offset by the power of the distorted riffing.
Vulgäre, Deutsche Hassmusik makes no excuses for their openly melodic moments, yet the atmosphere that begins with the ambience of ‘’ Gnadenwille V’’ is a highlight, incorporating the baroque with the textures of the gothic combining classic structures with those from extreme darkness made famous in the nineties. They are able to refine the history of black metal yet still remain true to its identity whilst incorporating the synth to create their own identifiable visual journey. It is an album of opposites and contrasts, challenging with its passion and interpretation of shadows and wickedness.
Eisenkult: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Purity Through Fire
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Sparky
