Erbe Verpflichtet

Allvaters Zorn come to us as a keyboard laden ambient / folk metal band with black metal elements from Germany. The folk metal certainly stands out more than the black metal, as the vocals are usually clean / spoken / whispered, and there are tons of nature inducted sequences. But the nature sequences aren't the ones that make this release referred to partially as "ambient", as there are tons of keyboard sequences. The keyboard sequences aren't necessarily dark and evil sounding (as most keyboards in ambient sound thereof), but more atmospheric masterpieces. Nothing has brought up a greater picture in my mind of a solitary beach at dusk, with sunset and waves repeating over and over more than Allvaters Zorn have done.

The ambient pieces are actually somewhat rare within this release, as the main focus is really doomed-out folk metal. The riffs are very catchy and somewhat legato, very clean and sticked together without any interuptions between notes. This, I suppose; could bring up the mistake of calling this band a black metal band. There are only a few vague sequences where this band sounds even remotely close to black metal. The legato notes, chords, 50/50 harsh vocals, and melodic overceding parts could be mistaken for black metal. But once again; this relase is folk metal with ambient elements.

We also see some rather different instruments being used here. With some harpsichords, pianos, organs, etc. All are very well-concentrated into the music though; I must say. They are usually put in at the ambient parts, and occasionallu are mixed into the background riffs of the folk sequences. The drums are usually quite slow and decent, but can reach astounding speeds - for example on "Vom End der Welt", a song that begins with some slow ambient pieces, and just when you least expect it, leaps into amazingly fast and harsh, raw black metal. I'm not exactly sure, but I believe a drum machine is being used here.

This tape is one of the best demos I've heard from a German band in a very long time. I highly reccomend it to raw black metal fans who can also appreciate slow, ambient sequences - and especially fans of atmospheric folk metal. Outstanding work.

Artist: Allvaters Zorn
Album Title: Erbe Verpflichtet
Label: Regimental

This is a side band of Grabnebelfursten's vocalist, SeelenSchlachten. Allvaters Zorn is a mix of black metal and ambient sections.

This tape is basically one long black metal song with ambient breaks, flanked by a few folky ambient tracks, and finished off with one song that's a mix of the two. The metal parts here have a triumphant sound, with lots of catchy riffs and key progressions. The vocals are mostly in clear spoken style, with a few snarls here and there. The guitar and drums are very low in the mix, but quite audible, a choice that gives the keys and vocals center stage. The ambient parts are just that: some keys, some folk instruments, some nature sounds. It's surprising to hear some heavy guitar in the background, in places, especially since it isn't allowed to overwhelm the folky tone of these pieces.

This is a somewhat unique black metal album, in that it isn't afraid to be catchy, even melodic at times. This is especially interesting given the raw production - it's almost as if Allvaters Zorn is challenging the listener with the juxtaposition. Personally, I enjoyed the result. This is an album that sticks with you, mostly due to the great songwriting. The black metal goes from minimalist to decadent in an instant, and both modes are entirely convincing. Even the ambient parts have an edge of obscurity which sets them apart from the pack.

Much like Grabnebelfursten, and yet different from them as well, Allvaters Zorn has a truly unique sound. This tape is worth seeking out, if only to experience something different from anything else you've heard... and given the quality on display here, chances are you'll come back to this one.

Standout tracks: Erbe Verpflichtet, Vom Ende der Welt

Review by Vorfeed: http://www.vorfeed.net