ALBUM REVIEW: Minenwerfer – Alpenpässe

With bands like 1914 storming the Black Metal scene with their harsh images of World War 1, MINENWERFER have brought in their brand new third opus of historically torturous Black Metal, set for release via Purity Through Fire on October 31st.

Drawing in on bleak guitars, the emotive soundscapes of the music do not waste time in becoming dark very quickly. The astonishingly haunting musicianship continues in a minimalist approach for some time using sampling to further the atmosphere in a manner uncomfortably pertinent to the horrors of history. When the barrage of blast beats and howling vocals kick in, there is still a piercing ambience that is destructively savage, delivering us to the hellish no man’s land in the form of a sonically gorgeous assault. The drums are driven and energetic, backing up a shell-shock guitar performance that is dense and melancholic but with plentiful bite and aggression in the mournful melodies. Vocally the album is sparse, with plenty of instrumental sections to build a hypnotic state but when the vocalist does chime in, it is done with precision and fantastic energy that is pained and cathartic. There is a stunning warmth to the bass work on this record that only adds more to the distinguished sound of sombre Black Metal that has so much to offer both musically and emotionally. Awe-striking experimental flourishes are what make this album so incredibly memorable to me, while all of the elements are done with strength, there is some jazz-like parts and so much melodic prowess that truly sets the record apart from similar bands in an astonishing manner. Aside from the experimental flourishes and plentiful bombastic strikes, there is additionally tons of unhinging dissonance and macabre ambience to keep the experience diverse and captivating for its hour-long duration. Furthermore the fifth track went completely out on a limb to give acoustic guitars and clean vocals a shot to further the macabre wartime feel of the record, beautifully so, this actually enhanced so many of the blackened elements for me, especially as the finale came in with its discordant hooks. Much like with 1914, whom they actually did a split with, this is a harrowing listen for those with an interest in history, one that really gets you thinking while providing a marvellous soundtrack for thought that is chillingly dark and ferociously good. If you are into history, Black Metal and in need of something new and very different from other bands in the scene singing about war, give Minenwerfer a listen as they truly make a remarkably unique experience. -8.5/10