While their bio says they started out as a folk band and are now melodic death metal, Vinsta manage to retain their folk roots and blend them into the metal seamlessly using that sound for emphasis rather than as a detraction. Originally a solo project by multi-instrumentalist Christian Höll, he is now joined by Moni Hahn on violin and backing vocals and most recently by bassist Tobias Langthaler for this new album.
The album open to the sounds of wind chimes on the 30s intro “Ausklong” before the next ten minutes are completed by “Weisse Deckn” which begins with an almost yodelled vocal chant that morphs into death growls over the relatively mellow paced drums and guitars.
The acoustic guitars and piano give “Oafocha Loda” an even more laidback feel to the slow languid guitar lead and ultra-melodic vocal harmonies.
By contrast the heavier guitars and riffs of “Raunocht” have you expecting more death growls, and Höll does not disappoint with his long drawn out growls, but it’s the whimsical violins in the middle of the song that give it that little bit extra.
While the vocals may have started out as a harsh whisper they become a full blown roar once the guitars and drums are up to speed on “Fiachtn”, however Hahn’s accompanying female vocals take the harsh edge off with their melodious touch.
All the lyrics on the album are in an Austrian dialect, with the title track “Drei Deita” awash in the violins and guitars joined by the gentle twin vocals of Höll and Hahn.
Another track that’s just shy of ten minutes is “Tiafn”, as it works its way through various musical passages and interludes, from heavy to acoustic guitars and growls to melodic choral vocals, all above manic kick drum runs.
There’s even a bit more yodelling on “Einklong”, and the weirdest part is it doesn’t even sound out of place at this point.
I enjoyed all aspects of the album, primary the elegant way the songs shifted from brutal to serene without any pause or difficulty.
(8/10 Marco Gaminara)
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