![schrecken / erzfeynd – schrecken / erzfeynd [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Schrecken-Erzfeynd-–-Schrecken-Erzfeynd-Split.webp "Schrecken / Erzfeynd – Schrecken / Erzfeynd [Split]")
This split between two German Black Metal bands was actually already released digitally by both bands on their respective Bandcamp pages in November 2023 and it took a bit more time to materialize it onto a physical sound carrier. But, Urtod Void, one of the more interesting labels in today’s Black Metal scene, signed up for its release on vinyl, which saw the light of day earlier this year. So, all in all, this material might not quite be new for modern standards, but still fresh and especially good enough to subject to analysis.
First up is Schrecken, the one-man vessel of Matthias “Irrwycht” Jahn, mostly known for his founding work in Grabunhold as well as being part of the recent line-ups of Runespell and Baxaxaxa. In 2021 he already released a 2-track demo that was released on both cassette tape and CDR, but has only be circulated in limited quantities, so this split LP is basically the first time that Schrecken is presented to a bit wider audience. Despite Irrwycht’s other musical endeavours, Schrecken sounds distinctly different from anything else he’s involved in. In three tracks, with the first two being rather lengthy, we are served with atmospheric Black Metal that purveys a nocturnal and wintery mood. With its repetitive riffs and especially the heavy use of synths Schrecken sounds pretty close to the last few Evilfeast records. That is further underscored by the diverse use of different vocal styles, from the typical Black Metal rasp to whispering and some sort of sacral chanting. It may not be wonderfully original, but it is executed pretty much flawlessly and it definitely tastes like more, so hopefully the good fellow will find some time between all his other bands for this project and we won’t have to wait another few years for new material.
With a few splits and three full-length albums, Erzfeynd, on the flipside of the vinyl, has a bit of a more extensive discography, of which the 2022 ‘Muspilli’-album in particular impressed me. The three tracks on this split LP is basically a continuation of the Erzfeynd-formula that we heard on the preceding recordings, but while the surprise effect is now more or less faded away, it is been replaced by an increasingly perfected musical concept. So musically Erzfeynd is still based on the fundamentals of German Black Metal from the turn of the millennium and is further enhanced by its strikingly creative use of keyboards. Even though the band is built upon traditional (German) Black Metal, its quirky use of melodies, up-beat tempos and vocals, all entwined in a schizophrenic whirlwind of songs, makes Erzfeynd one of the most unique bands from the current German Black Metal scene. Definitely recommended for those who are in for an adventurous ride.
Urtod Void
- Country: Germany
- Style: Black Metal, Doom Metal
- Links: Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
