I discovered this German Heavy/Folk Metal band during Covid times, this is the first full length release following a couple of EP issues. The romanticism of the swirling vocal really encapsulates the band’s sound and I suppose the folk element is those non-traditional metal influences that are included, but I feel if you are looking for something to compare, take the less heavy distorted sound and present energetic rock classics staged with symbolic atmosphere. Other names that would fit with this style would be Tanith, Night, Wytch Hazel, Freeways and Tarot (Aus). This album features about 9 tracks, with the additional tracks on offer being German language versions of the same songs. It’s amazing and proves the challenges of non-English speaking musicians, or at least not their first language. The native singing gives another take on the melodies and atmosphere delivered through the songs on offer.

‘Boar’s Tusk Helmet’ from its opening few notes, you could be fooled into a track coming from Attic or Mercyful Fate, then the vocals start. There is a certain charm in the tone and phrasing as a result. The dreamy guitar solo section is tranquil and remarkably comforting. From ‘The Plight of a Sorcerer‘ and ‘Cosmogony’, I get a sense of Lucifer’s Friend or Sir Lord Baltimore in the rhythm. A bouncy tempo that peppers your receptors, maybe if you remember Witchcraft’s first releases, this is the guitar sound I’m thinking of in addition. The vocals actually have an impact to me like some Janis Joplin’s songs, or those performed by Grace Slick, you can’t help but be focussed. ‘Night Owl’s Beak’ is faster, heavier and much more into the realm of classic heavy metal from Scandinavia. There is vocal harmonies that add both a melancholy trait, but also a sort of haunting sinister feel. ‘The Fire That Lights Itself’ brings out some epic doom influences, again the quality of the deviant chords and sounds are perfect executed with some deft arrangements that are magical, the more and more I get into this release, the more my score increases! ‘In Praise of Mugwort’ has some nice guitar harmonizing, it’s epic, but due to the tone and presentation, it sounds different. You hear everything, the backing vocals, focussing and presenting every little detail that the band have created. In keeping with a level of magic and mystery as I have said before, this is a different album, it’s full of character from start to finish.

With such little distortion, the musicians here are certainly precise. Distortion often masks some sloppy playing, this is certainly not the case with this band. ‘Rose Arbor’ starts like a good old drinking tune. There’s a nice mild distorted guitar gallop here too. ‘Golden Key (Won’t Fit)’ is where you can truly claim “folk”. This is a sweet tune that’s very relaxing.

Upon reflection, the album itself is full of charm and warmth and thus is a perfect autumn twilight accompaniment.

(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)

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https://grendelssyster.bandcamp.com/album/katabasis-into-the-abaton-abstieg-in-die-traumkammer