Review ELLENDE “Zerfall”

Graz, Austria, is a vibrant city, but it has a dark side, too. It is the hometown of L.G., who started Ellende, a one-man project, in 2011. It was the self-titled longplayer that paved the way for Ellende, serving as a springboard for the band to sign a deal with AOP Records, together with “Todbringer”.

The latest studio effort from Ellende, “Zerfall, will hit the shelves in early 2026, continuing the impressive work of L.G. and his project. Despair, rage, and pain are dominant emotions carried by the band’s new album, which starts with “Nur.” “Nur” is defined by the atmospheric aspect of Ellende, which sets the stage for almost an hour of atmospheric metal with a pitch-black mood.

Next on the agenda are the two parts of “Wahrheit,” both of which are fueled by a sense of despair. In particular, “Wahrheit Teil II” features atmospheric soundscapes and hoarse vocals, which are key elements in defining the musical identity of a project that does not shy away from piano parts.

“Zerfall” begins calmly and introspectively and maintains a gloomy spirit from start to finish. The album also includes a song, “Ode ans Licht,” that, except for the vocals, is rather lighter in tone. It isn’t an upbeat track, but it adds a different vibe to the album, which also includes the two-track offering “Zeitenwende.” Both parts of “Zeitenwende” reflect Ellende’s musical approach well. Calm and atmospheric as well as harsh and furious, these songs clearly define Ellende and “Zerfall”.

L.G. and Ellende continue their journey through the darkness of the human soul. The album is a well-forged release with a dense and versatile momentum that addresses the state of being shattered to fragments and the painful way back. “Zerfall” is not easily distinguished from the work of other bands that are exploring a similar musical expression. Yet, “Zerfall” is a remarkably robust album that seamlessly integrates into the band’s discography, satisfying the expectations of their fans.