Naturgesetz statt Menschenrecht

This EP is a bit of an experiment for the band. It's not a drastic change but it's a little different, and still worth hearing.

One thing I noticed right away is that the guitars are tuned higher than normally. The drums are "tinnier" and the production overall gives a lighter sound. The drums are much more prominent and the snare sounds like sheet metal - it'll pound into your brain. It's very clean production, no fuzz, no compression, no distortion - it all sounds clear and delicious.

The riffs here are really melodic. Fast tremolos make a soothing melody along the lines of Gorgoroth or Satanic Warmaster.. but the loud, cranked snare drum kind of detracts from the 'peacefulness' of those songs.

"Freier Geist" is a standout because it's the only song with the kind of Oi inspired NSBM riff I usually like from this band. Unusually, it's in minor key so it's kind of nostalgic and sad sounding - at the same time as having some bouncy energy to it, which is a really unique juxtaposition. "Tot uber Allem" is another favorite of mine and absolutely the most bestial song they've ever written. Not even two minutes long, it's aggressive almost grindy riffs and manic pounding of the drums that's just crazy and fun.

This EP has the same problem as their first album Nachtblud - the mastering is uneven and the volume drastically jumps 3-4 decibels from song to song so you have to keep your finger on the volume at all times. That's pretty annoying. Like some other releases by this band, it ends with a ballad, acoustic, English language... "Fatherland" is actually kind of haunting. "My life is here, and it is here I wish to die."

Overall this is a recommended EP for me. It's got a unique sound for the band, both in tuning and melody, some real stand out songs and great production. Mastering issues and a distracting snare keep it from a better score but it's not unlistenable.