Gradwanderer

On the album Gradwanderer, Enid do much to prove themselves as magnificent composers of a unique hybrid of thrash, opera and classical music, bringing to life a bold new sound that is heavier more reliant on traditional metal themes than Apocalyptica, yet no less adventurous and enlightening.

Martin Wiese has some excellent vocal skills, running through scales with his voice that show he is a singer who has undergone some intensive training. “Chimera” ignites this record with eerie melodies and tuneful piano movements. On “An Ode To The Forlorn”, Enid takes cues from thrash while using atmospheric song parts that manifest a diverse dynamic that shows the group to be composers who have thought this music through very well. The percussive elements during this songs lengthy break are abstract and leave the listener wondering as to what may happen next.

Wiese has a distinct vocal tone that is engaging, yet an acquired taste. Once the listener warms to his style, however, a new light is cast upon his creation that reflects the depth of his musical ability and the proficient nature of his art. The title track is a grand score which includes trumpets, melodious keys and amazingly, blasting rhythms courtesy of Jens „Southie“ Basfeld, who provides more than capable bass guitars and Boltthorn, who attacks his parts with the ferocity of Hellhammer. A truly moody piece, “Gradwanderer runs the gamut of emotive substance, resulting in an engaging, if challenging listen. Guitarist Patrick Damiani injects Bodom-like scales as Wiese sings in his native tongue over the groups crunching rhythm break.

“When The Last Glow Flies” is eclectic and provoking and “The Burning Of The Sea” features some excellent scat and four part harmonies before lapsing 12 bar blues of the type that you might hear in a demented Amsterdam cabaret. But certainly the most interesting piece on the entire record is the nearly sixteen minute “Die Seelensteine” which once again, provides the listener with a variety of aural textures ranging from angelic piano movements to bold acoustic passages. This track is the least metal of all songs on the record, but also the most artistic, reminiscent of a mini German opera and displays a large amount of creative ability.

In the final analysis, Enid is only for the most adventurous of listeners. “Gradwanderer” is certainly not for everyone, but if you enjoy music with a wide range of texture and dramatic instrumentation, this effort is worthy of your attention.