L'oltrenotte

Sterbenzeit is a black metal band which was formed in 2006 in Italy. The band was originally started as the solo project of Necromorg but in late 2009 became a trio with Mistyr (drums) and Marfik (bass) joining as full time members. Sterbenzeit joined Self Mutilation Services to release a split album in 2009 and a full length album in 2010. These early releases were more DSBM in sound and style though with the band’s newest release L’Oltrenotte the sound has evolved into more traditional black metal. L’Oltrenotte was released by Immortal Frost Productions in March 2013 who once again was kind enough to send us the actual CD for review.

Although Sterbenzeit began as a DSBM project the band has decided to change their sound and style for their newest offering L’Oltrenotte. In fact the band states in their official biography that it was their intention to distance themselves from the DSBM label with the new material as they view DSBM as a sort of trend. So with all of this in mind I can say that they have been successful in forging their new path. I haven’t heard their previous releases but L’Oltrenotte certainly takes on a traditional black metal sound. It’s sort of a mix of early Dimmu Borgir (For all Tid/Stormblast era), Darkthrone, Satryricon and another great Italian band Blaze of Sorrow. There’s a rawness in the sound that is very similar to early versions of each of the bands I’ve just mentioned. It’s a very natural and honest kind of sound.

There are no keyboards or other “atmospheric” elements to the music. As I previously mentioned, Sterbenzeit was going for a more traditional black metal sound. For the most part the music plods along at a mid tempo pace with some slower parts and blast beats mixed in to keep things interesting. The drums are a bit muddy, especially the kick, while the echoed crack of the snare really stands out. The volume levels vary with the toms and cymbals but for the most part maintain a very honest feel. There are a few fast blast beats where the snare seems to die off and then come back strong. Kind of like what the snare does on the classic Darkthrone album “Soulside Journey”.

The guitars have a nice mixture of dirty distortion and clear crispness to them. So everything is easily heard while still sounding dark and evil. Almost all the guitars on the album make use of mid tempo tremolo picked melodies. The bass blends in a lot behind the guitars but it can be heard well enough. The bass lines tend to follow the guitars for the most part with some slight variations to create subtle harmonies. The vocals are pretty standard mid range black metal growls with some depressive screams used very sparingly to accent various lyrics… Usually towards the end of the vocal line. The lyrics are in Italian with the overall idea of nature being held above man.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is the second song “Nel Tremonto Discese Lo Sguardo”. Its a mid tempo song with a very cool steady, rhythmic, melodic vibe to it. The third track “La Via Degli Sfavillii” is another cool track. It’s similar in nature to the second track though it has more pace variations giving it a feel of its own. In contrast to these two tracks the fourth song “Sogiva” begins with a blast beat that leads into a very catchy Satyricon style riff complete with string bends and varied drum tempos. It’s definitely the grooviest track on the album.

The more I listen to this album the more I like it. It brings me back to the days of early black metal bands from the 90′s. A time before black metal was sugar coated and consumed by countless sub genres. A time when I was much younger. Though I haven’t heard Sterbenzeit’s earlier releases I’m quite content with L’Oltrenotte and I almost don’t want to ruin my impression of the music by listening to the earlier DSBM stuff. Especially since the band themselves are trying to distance themselves from it. Musically L’Oltrenotte doesn’t forge new paths but it is a strong black metal release without all of the bells and whistles. The album has many good melodies and a natural, real sound to it that will appeal to fans of early Dimmu Borgir, Satryricon and Blaze of Sorrow. Overall a great effort and a good indication that Sterbenzeit have the ability to do some interesting things in the future if they keep on the current path.

- Review by Midwinter Fires Webzine