I’ve been a fan of Wederganger since I saw them at Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2016, and I have heard a lot of good things about Urfaust and have been keen to check them out, but somehow, I have never got around to it. So, when the opportunity came up to review the split with both bands on, it was too good an opportunity to pass up
Both bands get equal airtime, with 2 tracks each and Wederganger are first up, and they don’t disappoint.
Wederganger strip it back completely and deliver a massive dose of raw black metal with the vocal duties being split between Alfschijn, on the clean and Botmuyl on the screams. Although they only get 2 songs to make their mark, they do this with massive intent and leave the listener pummelled from start to finish. There are true harrowing screams alongside some very special clean vocals, which seem to sit side by side with exceptional ease. The pounding bass and intricate guitar work shows the band at their best, my only criticism would be that they deserve longer.
The release then switches to the turn of Urfaust. From the outset, Urfaust lean towards the doomier end of the black metal spectrum. They slow the pace right down and deliver with a haunting, atmospheric vocal display. They chug along and make the second half of this release into a true marauding beast with which picks the listener up, beats them to within an inch of their life, and then smashes them back down to earth with a gargantuan thud
This split is truly divided down the middle in regard to the styles that are delivered, and I’m not entirely sure they sit together comfortably. It may be worth you waiting for full length releases from each band if you lean towards one of the styles, more than the other, but if you have an open mind, and want a peek into both worlds, this may just be for you.
(6/10 Phil Pountney)
https://www.facebook.com/Wederganger
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