Fitting right into the Atmospheric Black Metal-heavy label that is AOP Records, Agrypnie are back with a nine-track effort, Erg. 

Not only is the rhythm section extremely complementary both to each other and to the vocals; the record also formidably balances tempos and paces throughout, which creates a dynamic listening experience.

“Aus rauchlosem Feuer” is an appropriate opener for the full-length. It begins cautiously morose until a pummeling bass drum disrupts the calm nature. Jumpscare screams later on set the world aflame, and the percussion continues to be smoothly sounding yet also furiously paced. There’s a section fit for drone footage overlooking nature, mountains, and grazing wildlife. 

From there, Agrypnie implement full-circle compositions (“Sturm”) and sharp, biting production tones (“Blut – Teil II”). The former track houses invigorating, untethered drumming, which is beyond the ordinary here.

“Geister” briefly provides a mellower, insightful respite, but there isn’t a whole lot of that to be found on Erg, and rightfully so.

Cries of doom and sorrow coupled with tumbling, active drumming (“Entitat”) is a rather emblematic piece, and the atmosphere on “Stunde des Wolfes” is searing and gaudy, aided by intrepid harsh shouts throughout.

All throughout, the band gives enough of each musical technique to be new and inviting yet also on-brand and form-fitting. “Meer Ohne Wasser” begins with a plodding pace and a glistening guitar melody as brief background chanting appears briefly before returning in the outro.

Agrypnie has a secure position amongst AOP roster mates (Ellende, especially), but without falling into a saturated crowd. They stand out for their resilience heard throughout Erg, and it’s a slab of Atmospheric Black Metal that both solidifies the musicians and reignites excitement as the band moves forward.

Buy the album here:
https://shop.aoprecords.de/

8 / 10
MATT COOK