Grendel’s Sÿster is back with the gift of their first studio album, Katabasis Into The Abaton, a blend of folk metal, renaissance fair-styled music and ’70s rock!
Opening with Boar Tusk Helmet, the song builds suspense, playing up to the folktale elements of their influences with their slow, distorted guitars and lyrics centred around ancient messages and sacrificial offerings. The Plight Of A Sorcerer seamlessly leans into the 70s rock elements with a heavy emphasis on crashing cymbals and drum fills creating an upbeat toe-tapping energy whilst playing with different tempos. Rose Arbour experiments with different styles again with an almost galloping bassline that allows for a faster tempo that works really well with Caro’s storytelling vocals.
Night Owl’s Beak allows us to experience the full guitar power with a chugging power chord base combined with a climbing melodic solo that perfectly matches the soaring vocals, it feels like the first time we see traditional metal elements. Golden Key (Won’t Fit) is the first acoustic style track on the album, an interesting change of pace from the other songs with the addition of the mellotron creating a soothing atmosphere so unlike the rest. The Fire That Lights Itself is ominous and dark with drawn out rhythms and a lower, hypnotic change in vocals showcasing the range of not only Caro’s vocal styles but the band’s musicianship.
In Praise Of Mugwort sees a thudding bass line prominent at the start alongside the return of the distorted guitars and an interesting take on layered vocals that harmonises with the solos sprinkled throughout the track. Finally, Cosmogony takes the album back to that distinct 70s sound again with grittier vocals painting a picture of the cosmic price and an Iron Maiden-style rhythm solo complete with the galloping bass and drums closing the track with a flourish.
Overall, Katabasis Into The Abaton is an interesting fusion of metal, rock and folk with strong vocals that leave you guessing into which direction it will go next!
Tracklist:
- Boar’s Tusk Helmet
- The Plight of a Sorcerer
- Rose Arbor
- Night Owl’s Beak
- Golden Key (Won’t Fit)
- The Fire That Lights Itself
- In Praise of Mugwort
- Cosmogony
Grendel’s Sÿster: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: Cruz Del Sur Music
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Jodie Louise
