Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Some people are immediately going to write Stahlsarg off because of their mid-tempo and what sounds like mediocre black metal. Those of you that will do that will be making a huge mistake. Stahlsarg doesn't bring out the speed and heaviness that some black metal fans prefer and that's ok. There is plenty of pace and gallop to their songs but the real strength lies within the song structures and the lyrics. The band crafts a story told through music and unconventional lyrics for black metal. Rather than focusing on blasphemous themes and your typical fare, Stahlsarg focuses on survival and individualism, elements equally relatable to the black metal world. I found myself thoroughly entranced with the musical arrangements as there is quite a bit to absorb. The guitars are equal parts aggressive and emotive, pushing and pulling you in different directions as each song unfolds. The drumming and bass work add elements of tensity and depth to the tracks that really pulls things together quite nicely. The vocals are a mix of classic black metal screams and ominous spoken word. The production is a bit more high end and more polished than what we come to expect from the black metal world. I have listened to this album several times through and keep finding things that I've missed before and rediscover new things on each listen. Go into this one with an open mind and I promise you will enjoy it.