HELFAHRT „Wiedergang”

Music: Pagan/Black Experimental Metal
Website: http://www.helfahrt.com
Country: Germany
Cool songs: Nu Distel Nu Dorn, Wiedergänger, Herbst

Never heard of HELFAHRT? No needs to worry, neither have I. But when I had the opportunity to listen to pagan metal, according to them, I decided to take a look and give it a try. Nothing to lose, apart from hearing. Although that is a very little price. The band is not as young as it may look at first sight. They were born in 1999, so still in the twentieth century, although the members claim to achieve the ‘full-band’ status in 2005, when the line up finally consolidated. To understand this German pagan machine we should take a deep breath and dive into the Nordic mythology, dominated by runes, nature and wilderness… are you ready to begin the adventure?

I have to admit, that I did not expect much from them. Yet another pagan like band, playing the same old tune, spitting with boredom and monotony. I could have never made a greater mistake. Never judge an artist by his appearance. First of all I was crushed by the quite interesting intro, which brings to mind the vast landscapes of Germanic or Nordic lands. Huge meadows, leaning grass, narrow paths… everything at one place, so fragile, so futile… and suddenly, a contrast appears. As if thousands of pagan warriors trod those paths, crushing the grass and smiting everything on their way. Vicious and extremely raw riffs, equipped in blast beats and (sometimes a bit boring) tremolos rip the bones out of your body and throw your dog a nice piece of meat. This is the best thing about this music, its authentic and raw energy. Of course, there is a possibility to compare it with any black metal band, but the climate created by HELFAHRT is far beyond the spectre of black metal. Yes, there are that nasty riffs, harsh and brutal, almost satanic vocals, poisonous drums and that sick atmosphere of devastated mind. But there is also a slight tune of folklore, which is absolutely adorable. The openers simply kick ass, and to be frank, ‘Wiedergänger’ is the best composition on this album. Full of passion and aggression, but everything measured perfectly. Fast and furious pace can really involve and definitely will kick every single ass met on its way. Brutal and rusted guitars sound so sweet (sic!) that it is almost impossible to describe it. You have got to listen to it! Of course there is no place for sophisticated melodies and spaced out solos, that is not the point. This music is supposed to awake the primordial instinct in man, his basic thrive for killing and worshipping symbols, nature and wilderness. To awake the fear of demons and witchcraft. And find a way to overcome them, because every single track brings hope… the everlasting struggle of man and his demons is bound to end, and humans are the ones, who will win.

So, if you are a black metal fan, but willing for some innovation, maybe experiment even, take a look and you will not regret. This music is not the discovery of America, you’ve probably heard dozens of ‘better’ beats, but mark my words… it is an adventure, not a simple listen-and-let-go audition. Here, only the eagles dare. Perhaps it is a kind of metaphysical journey to the centre of our fears, but still it shows, that man can conquer everything.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. Halja
2. Nu Distel Nu Dorn
3. Irrlicht
4. Altsommer
5. Die Erde birgt den Tod
6. Wiedergänger
7. Perchta
8. Auf Nagelfars Deck
9. Herbst
10. Winter

Total playing time 49:02

Line-up

Max Marquardt – vocals, jew's harp, flutes
Sebastian Ludwig – guitar, vocals
Markus Klüpfel – guitar
Tobias Ludwig – bass, jew's harp
Andreas Mecker – drums