Review AGRYPNIE “Erg”

Agrypnie is a German metal band formed in 2004 in Groß-Gerau, Hesse. The band is the brainchild of Torsten H. and over time the outfit grew into one of the forces of German black metal. The band has released six full-length albums, with number seven lurking around the corner.

“Erg” is the title of Agrypnie’s latest effort, which features nine songs, of which “Blut” comes in two parts. This blackened metal adventure begins with a song called “Aus rauchlosem Feuer” and two things are immediately apparent. The band is still working with German lyrics and song titles. The other thing is the musical approach. Rooted in black metal, Agrypnie takes into account a wider range of sounds. The songs are quite long and it’s a majestic sound that comes out of the speakers. Together with a high density level, songs like the blazing “Hour of the Wolf” are blistering metal songs that live from a higher tempo, but also include atmospheric moments where melody lines are more in focus. It is this fusion that runs throughout the album.

One song you shouldn’t miss if you give this album a chance is “Meer ohne Wasser”. With a more moderate tempo, the song unfolds a certain depth with a captivating factor being embedded. Tempo changes and an aggressive sound structure add extra energy to the blackened soul of this song.

I already mentioned “Blut” which comes in two parts. The first one, “Blut – Teil 1”, is more of an intro. It’s a dramatic instrumental with an eerie atmosphere. The song opens the gates to “Blut – Teil 2”, which is the hellish outburst. Frantic blasts and a great sense for despair is what drives the song. With a guest contribution from P.G. of labelmates Groza, the songs comes with an additional element of power that makes “Blut” the epic centerpiece of this release.

“Erg” is a massive strike, an album that has its roots in black metal. At the same time, it is done in a way that goes beyond a one-dimensional approach. “Erg” combines various influences from progressive sounds to post-black metal moments, all adding to the aggressiveness and versatility of this release.