Amanda Kauffman
FANTASTIC German atmospheric black metal with violins. Excellent songwriting, one of the best albums of 2018.
Favorite track: Nacht Verweil.
WolfGolem
Infectious, artfully constructed songs with incredible attention to detail. Feels like an epic adventure that ends to soon, forcing me to put the last 40 minutes of my life on continuous repeat.
Firtan are one of Germany's most uprising extreme metal acts, delivering their very own mixture of styles to fans all over Europe since 2010. Having supported Rotting Christ, Imperium Dekadenz, and Der Weg einer Freiheit and played festivals like Summer Breeze and Metaldays, their sound originates from black metal involving atmospheric and progressive elements alongside intense vocal performances and accentuating ambient sounds. Firtan known for their intensive live shows, which, to date, they have delivered to ten European countries.
Now, after two EPs and one full-length, Firtan hereby present their strongest work, Okeanos. Inspired by avant-garde intellectuals like Nietzsche and Lovecraft, Okeanos is a dazzling display of epic black metal grandeur, suffused with autumnal atmosphere and winding-yet-captivating compositions. But, although deeply rooted in black metal, the overt muscle Firtan display here - not to mention the panoramic approach to songwriting, daring and boundless - helps Okeanos elude easy categorization. It's an immediately captivating experience, expanding the listener's consciousness whilst whisking the listener away to worlds yet unexplored. And its soundfield is as robust as it is majestic, which is no surprise considering it was recorded at the esteemed studio Klangschmiede E with Markus Stock of The Vision Bleak/Empyrium. At six songs in 40 breathtaking minutes, Okeanos is the album by which Firtan enter into the elite.
credits
released July 13, 2018
All music except violins and choirs composed and arranged by Phillip Thienger & Firtan.
Drums & vocals recorded during winter 2017 at Klangschmiede Studio E with Markus Stock. Guitars recorded by Florian Hein, bass & violin recorded by Oliver König and choirs recorded by André Groschopp.
Mix & Master: Markus Stock
Samples: Markus Stock, Mario Hann & Firtan
Cover artwork: Denis Forkas
Layout & design: Oliver König & David Kempf
Guests contributions:
Klara Bachmair: Violins on 'Nacht verweil' & 'Purpur'
André 'Agordas' Groschopp: Choir voice on 'Seegang', 'Uferlos' & 'Siebente letzte Einsamkeit'
2nd Guitar played by Marius Zeinhofer
Gaerea's first release of "Unsettling Whispers" was in 2018, and since, they dared define a "black metal" niche of their own, they dared to walk a new path and stir shit up a bit in the realm of BM, this album is a masterpiece and a milestone proving that it can be done, provided the band can pull it off, and they did, oh they did! Gloomy, dark, post-BM sludgy whatever, it's Gaerea, and this one belongs in my BC collection, the end. sachavonkarl74
I'd say Havukruunu is the rightful holder of the Crown and the mantle of Quorthon. Epic choirs, vikingesque themes and tales from the other times, of the Finnish paganism back in the days before our ancestors were brought to the cross and forced to kneel while feeling the bloody sword of saviour on their throats made to kiss the hand of murderers who burnt thousands, tore down our holy places and took our holy days. Eyes teary I listen to these songs, never forgiving the crimes of the cross! Peikonmieli
The "Cult..." is UADA's sophomore album, and among all, the one I largely prefer. The Vocal performance, to start with, is truly outstanding, and while I really liked their debut album, this one is more varied, and overall is technically superior to anything else I've heard from UADA. Fast, aggressive, but with enchanting melodies to break in between, à la Dissection. Highly recommended! sachavonkarl74
Crushing blackened doom from this German band that counterbalances blinding fury with moments of surprising, melancholy melody. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 8, 2023
The eight tracks on the latest from German black metal band pummel and hiss, working occasional atmospheric moments into the din. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 12, 2022
With their deviant kind of Black Metal, White Ward are far away from mediocre. If you’re looking for something different and sophisticated try these guys! You won‘t be disappointed! Sælzer Bub