Todesstoss

Hirngemeer

BY Addison Herron-WheelerPublished Sep 25, 2015

8
Black metal that flirts with the void and embraces the idea of bending all the rules is always fun to listen to if you are okay with aural assault, and Todesstoss are no exception to this rule. The leader of this German group is also a poet and artist, so there's a lot of depth and strangeness to their sound. Their seventh studio album definitely builds on the intense and brooding sound they have already cultivated, in a way that covers almost all the musical bases.
 
While some bands stumble and falter trying to balance electronic and rock-heavy elements with brutal black metal and shrieking ambiance, Todesstoss, as usual, do a great job of striking this coveted balance. The record is only three tracks long, and each one is multi-layered and contains several electronic interludes, solos, dips and soars of blasting percussion and tempo changes. The most memorable moments are in the last song, "Strom der Augenblicke," which has some melodic and lilting moments, although it is difficult to choose between songs on an album this good, and this fluid. 
 
As usual with a record of this type, this is going to be an acquired taste that only really appeals to those who like weird and experimental black metal. However, if you do fall into that category, this is a release you should definitely explore.
(I, Voidhanger Records)

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