What we have here is not a new release but actually a 2002 album given a second birth by German label Metal Mind Productions. This German quartet is made of multi-instrumentalist Marcel Va. Tr. (vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards; Matthias R. on drums, Torsten der Unhold on vocals and Steffen Emanon also handling vocals and keys. According to the bio/info available, Galgenfämmerung is regarded as a ground breaking album that has inspired many bands to come out of Germany.
I must confess being charmed quite a bit by the artsy/moody artwork of the digipack, with its cool cover art and glossy finish. Then, after many attempt to get into this album, it has still unfortunately failed to really sink in. This is perhaps due to the fact of having heard loads of black metal discs before that makes it difficult to really appreciate the full meaning of this earlier output. Nothing makes it sound or even feel older compared to what we regularly get to review. On this album, a top notch production was given, making it possible to differentiate the various instruments and voices clearly. We can also appreciate the musicianship and perceive their creative songwriting. Their take on the black metal arts is melodic, progressive and a bit orchestral/adventurous. This album is not the least over the top keyboard driven though. The pace is normally beating to a fast metronome, which didn't help me getting into it. Then, you also have more ambient moments found on "Der Sand des Späten Winters" and on the opening track, "Fruchtige Fäulnis", giving a bit of a break to the listener. Crunchier moderate tempos are also scattered here and there; always a plus point in music. "Wenn Nur Im Tod noch Frieden Liegt" is closing the album greatly being "la piece de resistance". Their fast tremolo picking leads and paces, crunchy guitars combine with ambient passages, musical breaks, clean guitar work and drama to create a crafty/epic piece of black metal. Given more compositions in the same vein, this disc would have definitely gotten under my skin easily.
Overall, a good German black metal release with a seductive packaging.
Track listing:
1. Fruchtige Fäulnis
2. Der Durst In Meinen Augen
3. Eins Mit Der Essenz Der Nacht
4. Nebel Über Den Urnenfeldern
5. Totgeburt
6. Der Sand Des Späten Winters
7. Galgendämmerung
8. Spiele Mir Ein Frühlingslied Am Friedhofstor
9. Wenn Nur Im Tod Noch Frieden Liegt - teil I & II
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