Black Metal has always showed both a fascination and an intrinsic link with forest and woodland scenery, perhaps more so than the alternate subject matters it is often notable for. From band shots set amongst wooded areas in frigid winter to a deeper core love, worship or interest in such that manifests in the music itself; as seen with plentiful European acts and with American counterparts such as Panopticon and Twilight Fauna.
Despite their Germanic roots, it is the former of the pair that Waldgeflüster hold the strongest ties with, both due to sonic dynamics as well as having previously released a spilt release with Panopticon some years ago. Through a sound that balances Folk with Atmospheric Black Metal Waldgeflüster muster an aura that is perfectly suited for long rambles in thick forest scenery, and latest album Mondscheinsonaten (Nordvis) encapsulates this so vividly. Album opener ‘Einleitung’ sets the scene from the offset as piercing wind veers into a stripped down acoustic excerpt which intensifies with choral chanting and further building, before the grand ‘Der Steppenwolf’ enters the fray, balancing ice like intensity with a serenity in its melody.
This balance between polar elements and the way they are melded so fluidly is more or less how the album continues on, able to seamlessly move between pace without proving inaccessible and through stripping back periodically, offering reprieve and time to collect thoughts through lengthier, expansive song structuring. Pinpointing highlights almost feels a redundant exercise, not because of a lack of quality throughout, but because in its nature it works experienced as a whole. The tones and imagery this album invokes throughout its duration is equally as varied, through peaceful serenity to harsher climes and terrain, but all with matched beauty and richness.
Atmospheric Black Metal has shown a particular worship and deep-seated respect for the natural world and has often balanced dynamics and extremes with its sound, and thus Waldgeflüster, through a dogged and rewarding output haven’t necessarily provided much in innovation, but have proven to be masters in atmosphere and imagery, and Mondsheinsonaten is a perfect example of this – an album that whilst layered and deep, works just as well as an album to put on and get lost to during outdoor exploration, taking in the majesty of the world.
7 / 10
CHRIS TIPPELL