Austrian black metal wizards Ellende are back with Zerfall (AOP Records), this time even more atmospheric but with stunning guitar work and a haze of melancholy, embossing their waves of scathing picking. The wrathful vocals are more scornful this time around. Halfway through “Wahrheit,” a melodic swathe of clean guitar with Folk elements emerges. It works from the melodic themes established in the song. If you are already a fan, the first song makes it clear you are getting what you want from them. 

The second part of “Wahrheit Teil” starts off as a more melancholic continuation of what they established in the first part, though they are gaining momentum with the more aggressive build. That is not just a barrage of blast beats assaulting your ears. The title track finds them jamming a slow-burning progressive-minded groove into the version of melodic Black Metal they have clearly mastered. Twin guitar melodies complement their melodic side, going into “Ubertritt.”

“Zeiten Wende Teil” is another two-parter, the first part being the kind of sweeping guitar melodies you expect from most black metal that is not singularly focused on blast beats. There is also a sorrowful atmosphere haunting the backdrop. They pick up the attack with a more metallic intensity to the tremolo-picked guitar on the second part. Some pretty cool riffs unfold as they take you deeper into their world of solemn sonic splendor. The guitar solos continue to be on point with what any metalhead might need from that kind of grandiose window dressing. It still serves the song rather than being obligatory shredding, which is not a hallmark of the genre, more of a thing when it comes to Death Metal.  

The last song sets the stage with a sample of a phone message that leads into things with a gradual build. This willingness to experiment is one of the things that makes this one of their best releases so far. A chorus of sung vocals breaks things up as they double down on their commitment to melody and great guitar playing. With each listen, more of the nuances of this album stand out.

These guys are setting the bar pretty high for black metal albums to come, as they prove there is no excuse for not bringing the songwriting chops as hard as you’re upbringing the blast beats. Just think we made it through an entire review without these guys drawing comparisons to anyone, which is a rarity since most bands are invested in their influences these days.  If you are looking for a black metal band that takes you into its own ethereal realm of morose guitar melodies, amid its angry scowl, then this is the band for you. 

Buy the album here:
https://ellende.bandcamp.com/album/zerfall

9 / 10
WILL CIFER
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